Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr., House appropriations committee vice chairperson, has pressed for the early release of the government’s P2.5 billion fuel cash subsidy to public transport drivers following a series of increases in the pump prices of gasoline and diesel.
“Assuming the conditions that will trigger the grant of the subsidy have already been met, then we see no reason for any holdups in the distribution of the cash aid,” Campos said in a statement on Sunday.
Upon President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative, Campos said Congress had shortened the trigger period for the award of the subsidy “precisely to give immediate economic relief topublic utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, including taxi, tricycle, full-time ride-hailing and delivery service drivers.”
“The 2024 General Appropriations Law clearly provides that the subsidy may be given as soon as the price of Dubai crude oil reaches $80 per barrel for 30 days,” Campos pointed out.
“In previous budget laws, the price of Dubai crude oil had to stay at or above $80 per barrel for 90 days before the subsidy would be granted,” Campos said.
The Department of Budget and Management earlier said the P2.5 billion for the Subsidy to Transport Sector Affected by Rising Fuel Prices Program had already been released to the Department of Transportation.
Based on previous distributions under program, modern jeepney and UV Express drivers received P10,000 in cash assistance.
Drivers of buses, minibuses, school buses, taxis, traditional jeepneys, and ride-hailing services received P6,500 in cash aid.
Delivery riders and tricycle drivers received P1,200 and P1,000, respectively.
Year-to-date, the per liter pump prices of gasoline and diesel have increased by P9.30 and P6.05, respectively.
As the lights dimmed at Cinema Exmundo in UP Visayas Cinematheque this Friday, April 19, anticipation coursed through the audience at the Leoncio P. Deriada Conference on Literature and Cultural Work. The spotlight was on Kevin Piamonte’s “Dog Eaters,” a film that transcends mere adaptation to powerfully reimagine Leoncio Deriada’s renowned short story, delving deep into themes of societal decay and the indomitable human spirit.
My acquaintance with Deriada’s works dates back to my tenure at Ateneo de Iloilo, where his profound stories, particularly “Dog Eaters,” were integral to our Ripples campus journalists’ creative writing workshops. Over the years, Teatro Ateneo staged several plays based on this narrative. Each presentation unfolded new layers of the narrative, much like revisiting the classic pages of Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels,” showcasing its timeless allure and depth.
Directed by Piamonte, this film encapsulates Deriada’s narrative mastery, weaving significant social commentary within the confines of Artiaga Street, filmed in Brgy. Pison, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The locale itself, with the contrasting sight of towering condos as the background for the low-lying slums, transforms into a pulsating character, framing the lives it envelops with its grim and constraining atmosphere.
From the outset, “Dog Eaters” captivates with its visceral portrayal of Mariana, a role imbued with resilience and nuanced despair by Sunshine Teodoro. She is a woman trapped by the monstrous masculinity of her husband, Victor, chillingly portrayed by Nathan J. Sotto. Victor’s reign, fueled by his “tambay” barkadas in Tanduay (tuba in the original verse) and “dog meat” adobo, epitomizes the toxic patriarchy that suffocates Mariana, painting a raw picture of oppression and control.
Piamonte’s direction fearlessly confronts the discomforting themes of power and submission, enriched by the authentic use of Hiligaynon invectives that lend a robust texture to the narrative. The escalating conflict between Mariana and Victor poignantly illustrates a fierce battle between subjugation and defiance, culminating in Mariana’s radical claim over her own body and future—a defiant rejection of the patriarchal chains that bind her.
This cinematic trip is a powerful combination of internal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and political commentary. It questions the institutionalization of oppression through the normality of brutality and exploitation. The expert use of cinematography and sound design achieves an immersive experience that hits audiences on numerous levels, heightening the film’s eerie mood and underscoring its emotional complexity.
In a particularly poignant ending, as Mariana rides away in a pedicab, she imagines a line of women from diverse backgrounds applauding her audacity. This artistic depiction highlights her journey toward emancipation and is a powerful metaphor for women solidarity and resistance against oppression.
The post-screening talkback session with Piamonte provided further affirmation and insight into his creative ethos and the film’s thematic intricacies. His approach was respectful and pioneering, striving to honor Deriada’s original work while expanding its relevance to contemporary societal issues.
Reflecting on “Dog Eaters,” it becomes evident that the film is more than a narrative about individual struggles; it is a profound commentary on the pervasive malaises that afflict our society. It compels us to reevaluate our roles in perpetuating or challenging these injustices.
As the conference drew to a close, the robust discussions among writers, artists, and educators, underscored the enduring impact of Deriada’s literary legacy and Piamonte’s visionary interpretation. “Dog Eaters” is a golden standard of artistic integrity and critical engagement, challenging us to confront and reflect on the intersections of culture, gender, and power. This exemplary film not only captures the essence of Deriada’s literary pursuits but also propels them into contemporary discourse, reminding us of the transformative power of cinema and literature in shaping public consciousness and fostering a more reflective and just society.
***
Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
THE Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas (DA WV) have reaffirmed their commitment to expand their collaborative efforts in agricultural research, extension, instruction, and production. This commitment was showcased during the turnover and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program’s “Building Resilience in Developing Goat Multiplier Enterprise (BRIDGE)” project on Thursday, April 18, at the ISUFST Dingle Campus Agri Ecotourism Farm in Barangay Bongloy, Dingle, Iloilo.
Funded by a Php 2.5 million grant from the Department of Agriculture, the project aims to bolster local goat production and consumption. The Goat Multiplier Farm Project is specifically designed to improve the local community’s socio-economic conditions by promoting goat milk and meat. Key project activities include developing infrastructure like pastures and housing, acquiring livestock, and supplying necessary tools, equipment, and resources such as feeds, veterinary drugs, and biologics.
Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., President of ISUFST, expressed the university’s readiness to intensify collaborations with the DA. “Rest assured, ISUFST is ready to share income or expenses with more DA-collab projects,” he stated. Dr. Siason also mentioned a corresponding equity of PhP 1.8 million for the Goat Multiplier Project and his commitment to dedicate his remaining years as president to improving the university’s agriculture program offered in the Dingle and San Enrique campuses. “That’s how we define collaboration and partnership,” he said.
Corollary to this, Dr. Siason also emphasized his plan to hire more faculty further and improve the program’s facilities. He also encouraged the community to campaign for goat’s meat and milk as consumption alternatives, including schools.
Meanwhile, Mr. Glenn L. Mariano, Assistant Division Chief of the Field Operations Division of DA WV, praised ISUFST’s efficiency in project implementation. “ISUFST is one of the benchmarks in the way they work with the Department of Agriculture,” Mariano remarked, adding, “That is why we encourage the school to look for more areas where we can collaborate for the development of our agriculture industry in the region.
Mariano further noted, “We are fourth in goat production in the Philippines, but consumption is low, so most of the production is exported to other regions. We need to promote goat consumption for meat and milk.” As of 2023, the consumption per capita (the amount each person, on average, consumes over a year) is half a kilo for goats, while it is 15 kilos and 14 kilos for pork and poultry, respectively.
“Soon, our central office will monitor and evaluate the project. This will be the marker for future availment of more projects with DA,” Mariano stated, expressing hope for the project’s impact on the community and potential platform for more DA-ISUFST partnerships. He represented DA on behalf of Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano and DA WV Regional Executive Director Dr. Dennis Arpa, due to prior appointments.
The ceremony also included a project overview by DA WV Livestock Program Report Officer Ms. Fernie Rose Dato-on, who highlighted the project’s dual focus on boosting local goat populations and improving community livelihoods.
The event was likewise attended by Dr. Noli Gerona, Dean of the College of Agriculture, who linked the project to the broader goals of the university in academics, extension, and research, enhancing the university’s overarching La Guerta Project’s scope beyond production.Also present were ISUFST’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga, Dingle Campus Administrator Dingras Balbona, San Enrique Campus Administrator Rex Diaz, Goat Multiplier Project Leader Dr. Rodelyn Caro, Resource Generation and Enterprise Development Chairperson Dr. Aurelio D. Esmediana, Jr., Animal Ville Coordinator Dr. Leo Dragido, faculty, students, and agriculturists, livestock technicians, and farmer representatives and local government unit representatives from several communities, including Dingle, Pototan, Banate, Zarraga, and Iloilo City. (Dr. Herman Lagon/PAMCO
Alitagtag Senior High School (SHS) and San Felipe Elementary School (ES) were among the beneficiaries of the partnership project between the DOST and BPI Foundation, Inc., which aimed to donate Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS) to remote schools in the country.
The 2.1 million peso project benefits 30 schools in the country and aims to provide students and teachers in remote areas access to digital science and technology resources. A turnover ceremony of the STARBOOKS units for the two school beneficiaries in Batangas province was conducted at the Alitagtag SHS, Poblacion East, Alitagtag, Batangas, on April 11, 2024.
The STARBOOKS, developed by the Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), contains thousands of digitized science and technology resources that can supplement classroom learning and enhance research capabilities. It allows access to information even in the absence of an internet connection.
An orientation training was also provided to the teachers and students of the two schools on how to maximize the use of STARBOOKS for their academic and research needs. This covered the features and contents of STARBOOKS and how they can be utilized to supplement learning materials in STEM education. The training aimed to equip the participants with the necessary skills to navigate and utilize the resources available on STARBOOKS.
A site admin training was also conducted to ensure efficient management and maintenance of the STARBOOKS system in the schools. This training focused on registering data, navigating countless articles, and exploring interactive math and science games. Teachers and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) coordinators were also briefed on the admin module, which consists of user assistance, submission of transmittal files, reviewing user feedback and comments, updating STARBOOKS contents, and kiosk management.
The turnover ceremony followed the training, where the STARBOOKS units were officially handed over to the school beneficiaries. Present during this ceremony were Dr. Richard P. Burgos, DOST-STII Director, Ms. Juvilyn S. Renivera, Associate Director of BPI Foundation Inc., Mr. Allan C. Taule, Chief of Information Resources and Analysis Division of DOST-STII, Ms. Renalee Leyesa, Science Research Specialist II and Mr. Cedric L. Rodriguez, Project Technical Assistant I of DOST-Batangas, Ms. Erlene M. Martinez, Principal of Alitagtag SHS, Ms. Shien Orlanda, ICT Coordinator of San Felipe ES, Ms. Jennifer Montenegro, Admin Officer of San Felipe ES, Ms. Alma M. Brin, YES-O Coordinator of San Felipe ES, and Ms. Veneranda Del Mundo, Admin Assistant of Alitagtag SHS.
Beneficiaries thanked DOST and BPI Foundation, Inc. for their support in providing training and resources for the development of science and technology programs in their respective schools. They promised to maximize the use of the units to further enhance their students’ learning experiences and interest in STEM fields.| – John Maico M. Hernandez
BIGGEST CATCH. Abala ang mga tauhan ng Philippine National Police sa pag-imbentaryo ng mga nasabat na hinihinalang shabu sa ikinasang checkpoint sa Brgy. Pinagkurusan, Alitagtag, Batangas, Abril 15, 2024.|Photo from PNP
ALITAGTAG, Batangas – NAKAKULONG ngayon sa custodial facility ng Batangas Provincial Police Office (BPPO) ang drayber ng isang commuter van na nasabat ng pulisya sa isang checkpoint sa Barangay Pinagkurusan sa bayang ito, Lunes ng umaga, samantalang naisampa na rin sa piskalya ang kasong paglabag sa Republic Act 9165 o Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act. Kargado ang naturang Foton Van ng tinatayang dalawang toneladang hinihinalang shabu na may market value na P13.3 bilyon.
Noon ding Lunes ng umaga, iniharap ni Interior and Local Government secretary Benhur Abalos ang suspek, at ang saku-sakong kontrabando. Kasama ni Abalos sa naturang media briefing sina PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency deputy director general Renato Gumban, PNP regional director Paul Kenneth Lucas at Batangas governor Hermilando I. Mandanas.
Hindi man inihayag ni Abalos ang pagkakakilanlan ng nasakoteng drayber ng van, kinilala naman ito ng mga imbestigador na si Ajalon Michael Zarate, 47, ng Barangay Masagana, Quezon City.
Nabatid pa na galing sa direksyon ng bayan ng Sta. Teresita ang naturang van at patungo naman sa direksyon ng Lipa City nang ito ay parahin sa checkpoint.
Nang hingin ng mga pulis ang driver’s license ni Zarate, napansin kaagad umano ng mga alagad ng batas na hindi na mapakali ang drayber, dahilan upang magduda ang pulisya sa mga kargamento ng van na natatabunan ng mga sako. Nang alisin umano ang mga takip na sako, dito na tumambad ang malaking bulto ng mga kontrabando na nakasilid sa mga sako at malalaking supot na plastic.
Nang isailalim sa pagsusuri ng mga forensic experts, nakumpirmang mga shabu ang naturang kargamento.
Sa naturang media briefing, binigyan ni Abalos ng spot promotion si Alitagtag police chief Capt. Luis de Luna bilang pagkilala umano sa kaniyang kagitingan at katapatan sa pagtupad sa tungkulin na mahuli ang suspek, na hindi nasilaw sa salapi at napanatiling buo ang mga narekober na kontrabando. Kinilala rin ni Abalos ang buong team na nagsagawa ng naturang operasyon.
Martes ng umaga, personal na tumungo sa bayan ng Alitagtag si Pangulong Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. kung saan ay tiniyak naman ni Abalos na ‘intact’ ang chain of custody ng mga narekober na kontrabando. Matapos ang masusing pag-imbentaryo, sinabi ng pulisya na ang nasabat na shabu ay may kabuuang timbang na 1,424.253 kilo at tinatayang halaga na P9,684,920,400.
Itinuturing ng pulisya na ito pa rin ang pinakamalaking huling shabu sa lahat ng anti-illegal drug operations sa kasaysayan ng pambansang pulisya, na ngayon naman ay nai-turn-over na sa kustodiya ng PDEA.| – Joenald Medina Rayos
THE implementation of the Tuy-Dasmarinas 500-kiloVolt (kV) Transmission Line Project hit a major legal roadblock that may hamper the entry of new generation developments to the transmission system if not immediately resolved.
NGCP filed expropriation cases against E. M. Ramos and Sons, Inc. and several other defendants who claim interest over the properties affected by 16 of the 135 towers to be constructed for the project. NGCP, however, said the project might be delayed due to the recall of the Writ of Possession (WOP) in one of the expropriation cases.
The expropriation court already issued a WOP for three properties covering six tower sites as early as 2020. However, on 10 November 2023, the Court issued an order recalling the WOP and directing the relocation of one of the towers. NGCP immediately filed a motion for reconsideration, arguing that ordering the relocation of public infrastructure for which an expropriation case has been filed is beyond the powers of an expropriation court absent a finding of fraud, bad faith, or abuse of discretion.
St. Francis Square Realty Corporation, another one of the respondents in the expropriation case, also filed a Motion for Partial Reconsideration requesting the relocation of yet another tower. Both issues remain pending resolution by the expropriation court 5 months after.
“These setbacks encountered will most likely delay the completion of the Tuy-Dasmarinas project and will have an effect on transmission services. We are not only talking about the provinces of Cavite and Batangas, but the entire Luzon grid and the interconnected Visayas and Mindanao grids. More importantly, the project will enable the entry of big power generation from Batangas.
Any delay in the project’s implementation will also impede the entry of additional power supply from new power plants,” NGCP said.
Presently, NGCP’s Calaca substation is the only substation in the western part of Batangas through which over 2,000MW of power from the generating plants in the area are transmitted. This power is delivered to consumers primarily in South Luzon and Metro Manila through existing transmission facilities.
With the growing demand in Metro Manila and the development of Southern Luzon, Batangas has emerged as one of the generation hubs for large renewable energy plants such as solar and wind plants. As of November 2023, the DOE has estimated a total of 5,215.55MW in proposed generation capacity near Calaca. Some of these generation plants are already being constructed, while the others are still in the “indicative” stage and targeted for commissioning within the next 6 years.
“The expropriation cases were filed as early as 2019. The issuance of WOPs are both ministerial and summary in nature. It ought not to be the cause of delay for the implementation of a vital national infrastructure projects such as a transmission project,” NGCP said.
“The development of new substations and transmission facilities are essential to support the continuous power requirement of our fast growing economy. We have to remain ahead of the requirement of the system. Otherwise, we may face power interruptions to customers in parts of Metro Manila, North, and South Luzon. We hope for the expeditious settlement of these concerns lodged with the expropriation court so that we may complete the project soonest, and ensure the continued improvement of the country’s transmission system,” NGCP said.|
UNITY COMMANDS PROGRESS. Pinangunahan ni former Taysan Mayor Dondon Portugal, president ng Hevicon Const. and Equipment Rentals, ang ribbon cutting ceremony sa inagurasyon ng Mabini Batangas Premier Terminal, at blessing ng LCT Hevicon, April 17. Ito rin ang kauna-unahang public appearance nina Portugal at Batangas’ 4th District Congresswoman Lianda Bolilia na magkasama sa isang okasyon matapos ang kanilang tapatan noong 2022 elections. Pinatunayan ng dalawang political leaders na sa pagkakaisa, may higit pang pag-asa at progreso para sa Lalawigan ng Batangas.| Larawang kuha ni Jayson D. Aguilon
MABINI, Batangas — MAS maraming trabaho para sa mga Batangueno at pag-unlad ng mga negosyo at ng bayan ang tiyak na magiging benepisyo ng operasyon ng Port of Mabini sa Brgy. San Juan sa bayang ito na ngayon ay nasa pamamahala ng Mabini Batangas Premier Terminal Inc.
Ito ang tiniyak ni former Taysan Mayor Dondon Portugal, presidente rin ng Hevicon Construction and Equipment Rentals, sa inagurasyon ng terminal kaalinsabay ng pagdiriwang ng 20th Anniversary ng Maptan Group of Companies.
Ang Port of Mabini ay isang commercial port na handang mag-cater sa anumang local and international shipping services.
Gamit ang makabagong teknolohiya at ang bagong barge na LCT Hevicon, tinitiyak ni Portugal na ang operasyon ng daungan ay magiging kapaki-pakinabang hindi lamang sa kumpanya kundi sa sambayanang Batangueno.
Maraming trabaho ang lilikhain ng operasyon ng daungan at ito’y mangangahuluhan ng progreso para sa bayan. Prayoridad, ani Portugal, ang mga taga-Mabini sa pag-eempleyo ngunit kung hindi sapat ang local manpower, mangangailangan at tatanggap din ng mga trabahador mula sa ibang bayan sa lalawigan.
Sinabi rin ni Portugal na nakipag-partner ang Maptan Group of Companies sa iba pang business groups gaya ng isang Chinese group na magtatayo ng tiles factory sa bayan ng San Pascual. Kapag nagsimula aniya ito, tiyak na mas mangangailangan pa ng mas maraming trabahador kaya mismong ang Maptan Group ang bubukas ng isang manning agency para rito.
Samantala, dumalo rin at nagpakita ng suporta si Congresswoman Lianda Bolilia ng 4th District of Batangas. Ito ang kauna-unahang public appearance ng dalawang lider matapos ang kanilang paghaharap o tapatan noong 2022 elections, na lubos namang ikinatuwa ng kanilang mga taga- suporta. Naniniwala silang toto ang kasabihang ‘Unity commands Progress’. | — Joenald Medina Rayos
BATANGAS City — Pormal nang binuksan sa publiko ang international floating book fair na MV Doulos Hope noongMartes, April 16.
Ang MV Doulos Hope ay isang international ship na pinamamahalaan ng GBA Ships e.V. na isang non-profit, charity organization na nakarehistro sa Germany at bumibisita sa iba’t ibang bansa.
Magugunita na unang bumisita sa Pilipinas ang sister ship nito noong 1991 at nagdry dock noong 2008.
Ang naturang floating library ay may 120 crew at staff mula sa 30 bansa kung saan 22 dito ay mga Pilipino.
Ito ay nakadaong sa Batangas International Port sa barangay Sta. Clara, lulan ang mahigit sa 2,000 iba’t ibang uri ng aklat.
Kabilang dito ang children’s books, cookery , classics, novels, books on family and parenting, bibles at iba pa na mabibili sa murang halaga.
Bukas ang MV Doulos mulang April 16 hanggang April 28 tuwing ika-2:00 ng hapon hanggang ika-8:00 ng gabi.
May entrance fee na P6.00 para sa Port habang P50.00 naman sa MV Doulos.
Naging panauhing pandangal sa official opening program si Board Member Claudette Ambida, bilang kinatawan ni Governor Hermilando Mandanas.|PIO-BC
In a world often dazzled by surface beauty, Jade Lyn Buenavides stands as a living symbol of profound growth and resilience. She weaves together her academic pursuits with the sparkle of pageantry. Her journey transcends the traditional path of a beauty queen, showcasing a compelling blend of intellectual rigor and poised elegance that challenges the often narrow perceptions of beauty contests.
Jade’s rise to Ms. RASUC VI 2024 First Runner-Up and Ms. ISUFST 2024 is not merely about donning crowns; it’s about smashing stereotypes. Far from mere spectacles of beauty, her participation in pageants has paralleled a rigorous academic career, disproving the notion that these platforms solely focus on external appearances. At the heart of her story is a powerful message: pageants can be platforms for empowerment, where intellect and advocacy resonate as much as aesthetics.
Amidst her achievements in the dazzling world of pageantry, Jade’s academic journey at ISUFST has been equally stellar. As a cum laude candidate and the first in her family to graduate from college, her educational pursuits have not only set a new precedent within her family but also spotlight her role as a trailblazer for community and academic aspirations. Her success is a testament to the power of education to elevate individuals beyond their circumstances.
The daughter of a single mother, Jade’s narrative is deeply personal and universally inspiring. Her mother’s unwavering support mirrors the collective aspirations of many families who see education as the ultimate equalizer. This backdrop makes her achievements in academics and pageantry a dual narrative of breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence.
As a student leader at ISUFST, 21-year-old Jade has used her platform to champion the causes of resilience and perseverance. She showcases how leadership can extend beyond conventional arenas into transformative community engagement by mentoring her peers and advocating for educational and personal development.
This empowerment narrative is enriched by the discussions surrounding the purpose and impact of beauty pageants. While critics argue that pageants may perpetuate outdated standards of beauty and diminish women to mere objects of adornment, Jade’s experience tells a different story. Her journey underscores that beauty pageants, aligned with personal and intellectual growth, can serve as influential venues for advocating change, challenging stereotypes, and promoting a broader definition of beauty, including intelligence, leadership, and community service.
Moreover, the global perspective on pageantry is evolving. As pageant enthusiasts and participants articulated, the modern beauty pageant is about much more than physical beauty. It’s about poise, intelligence, and the ability to inspire and influence. It’s a platform where women are celebrated for how they look and their thoughts, words, and ability to make a difference.
In her preparations to graduate, Jade looks beyond her success to how she can impact the world around her. She aspires not only to achieve personal goals but also to inspire and empower others. Her vision for the future is inclusive, aiming to forge paths others can follow toward their success.
It’s clear that Jade’s legacy at ISUFST and beyond will be measured partly in the titles she’s won and the lives she’s influenced. Her story redefines beauty and success in a way that intertwines grace with academia, leadership with charm, and personal achievement with communal advancement.
Jade Lyn Buenavides is not merely a participant in her own story but a creator of opportunities for others. She proves that beauty, paired with purpose and intellect, can transcend traditional boundaries and redefine norms. Her journey from the classrooms of ISUFST to the stages of beauty pageants is a vivid illustration of how conventional views on beauty and intellect are outdated and ripe for redefinition.
Through Jade’s story, it becomes evident that beauty pageants can be more than superficial showcases. They are arenas where women like Jade can demonstrate that beauty and brains are not mutually exclusive. Still, they are instead powerful complements that, when combined, can drive significant social and personal change. In this light, pageants emerge not as mere competitions of aesthetics but as platforms for empowerment, leadership, and societal impact, aligning perfectly with the modern aspirations of women worldwide.
βωα
Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
Filipino and U.S. service members turn over televisions, laptops, and other equipment to local government officials, religious leaders, and the school community to improve the learning environment at the San Agustin Elementary School in San Fernando, La Union on April 13.
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military will conduct the 39th iteration of Balikatan, the largest annual bilateral training exercise between the two Allies, from April 22 to May 10. The exercise directly supports the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty by enhancing military cooperation and readiness between the two militaries.
More than 16,000 members of the AFP and U.S. military will train together this year. Contingents from the Australian Defence Force and, for the first time in Balikatan’s history, the French Navy will also join the exercise as participants. Meanwhile, 14 nations will participate as part of the AFP-hosted international observer program: Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
During Balikatan 2024, participants will execute a range of complex missions across domains, including maritime security, sensing and targeting, air and missile defense, dynamic missile strikes, cyber defense, and information operations. The Philippine Navy, U.S. Navy, and the French Navy will also conduct a Multilateral Maritime Exercise in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“This year’s Balikatan Exercise underscores our steadfast dedication to amplify interoperability and readiness by collaborating with our friends, partners, and ally,” said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. “Together, we speed up our march towards enhancing our military capabilities for maritime security alongside honing other competencies in order to effectively address the dynamic challenges across all domains.”
“Each year, we work closely with AFP senior leaders to make Balikatan more challenging. This year, we’ve increased the scope, scale, and complexity across all domains,” said Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and the U.S. military officer responsible for designing, planning and conducting the exercise. “We’re building military readiness across the full range of combined and joint operations. It’s our most expansive Balikatan yet.”
Balikatan 2024 is organized into three main exercises. The field training exercise features four combined joint all-domain operations. This includes exercises in protecting key terrain in Luzon and Palawan in support of territorial defense; rapidly moving long range, precision strike capabilities and using them in targeting simulated threats; tracking simulated air threats and targeting them with multiple air and missile defense systems; and integrating multilateral air and land platforms to increase awareness of the maritime security situation. Exercise forces will conclude by targeting simulated enemy forces and sinking an “enemy” ship.
The command-and-control exercise includes a cyber defense exercise to strengthen bilateral defense capabilities that protect critical military and civilian information infrastructure; a staff planning exercise to increase bilateral planning proficiency by developing the plan for next year’s iteration of Balikatan; and the inaugural information warfare exercise where Philippine and U.S. forces engaged in a week-long wargame on April 1 to synchronize capabilities and advance both nations’ information operations skills.
Lastly, the AFP and the U.S. civil-military operations task force have been conducting humanitarian civic assistance activities at five locations in the western and northern Philippines since late March, with projects expected to be completed by the end of Balikatan 2024. Together, military personnel are building and improving local infrastructure; sharing lifesaving medical skills; and strengthening military ties with local communities.
“Balikatan” is a Tagalog phrase that means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” describing the spirit of the annual exercise and the close friendship between the Philippines and the United States.
“Balikatan is more than an exercise; it’s a tangible demonstration of our shared commitment to each other. It matters for regional peace, it matters for regional stability,” Lt. Gen. Jurney said. “When we increase our mutual response and defense capabilities, we strengthen our ability to promote regional security and protect our shared interests.”|
