UP PRIDE 2022: Itutuloy, Itatagumpay

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



About UP PRIDE

UP Pride is the annual Pride celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in the University of the Philippines System. It was first held in 2008 in UP Diliman as an avenue to elevate the voices and concerns of the LGBTQI people within and beyond the university and was eventually institutionalized as an official UP Diliman event in 2016. Pursuing inclusivity even further, UP Pride commenced as a system-wide event in its historic first last 2021. Now, all constituent universities and campuses within the UP System partake in the celebration of one united UP Pride.

UP PRIDE 2022

This year’s UP Pride will be held from October 3 to 28, 2022 with the theme “Itutuloy, Itatagumpay” to encapsulate pride's role in our movement. It signifies our commitment to our fight, struggle, and journey no matter how heightened the challenges are. It also aims to effect victory in all forms such as the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill and dismantle exclusionary and discriminatory systems that breed hate crimes and oppression against the LGBTQIA+ community.



Read our Concept Note Here:

https://www.facebook.com/uppride/photos/a.375416259543278/1531659237252302/



Our Events:
UP Pride Opening and Exhibit



a. UP Pride Opening:

UP Pride Opening brought the movement into a louder and more progressive action as it highlighted speakers from the LGBTQI community and allies who have contributed to forwarding human rights and equality in our society. The speakers talked about their efforts and support in lobbying for LGBTQI rights, the successes of their efforts, and the importance of institutional protection of a national anti-discrimination bill in line with this year’s theme “Itutuloy, Itatagumpay”. UP Pride Opening happened on October 3, 2022 9:45AM in Quezon Hall together with the opening of the University for Equality: Photo Exhibit.



Lists of Speakers: https://www.facebook.com/uppride/posts/pfbid02apYuMc8JS3CyiwicAJWabtecd2d2wRKdi6U7EEY4tTfz4nXvf5qAUWTiMyXNYBncl

Live Broadcast of Opening:

https://www.facebook.com/uppride/videos/669571324528533



b. University for Equality: Photo Exhibit

Part of the roster of events for UP Pride 2022 is an exhibit entitled "University for Equality: Photo Exhibit." The exhibit aims to feature students, personnel and staff from the whole UP System. The exhibit aims to promote the ideal university we want to champion and to proactively campaign for the urgent passage and implementation of a systemwide UP SOGIESC Policy. The exhibit will be month-long, located at the Quezon Hall, UP Diliman from October 3 to 28.

18 persons from different campuses of University of the Philippines answered these prompts:

1. What for you is an inclusive and safe university?

2. As a member of the community, what actions do you think educational institutions should take in order to build a safer and more inclusive community?

3. As an Isko/personnel, I believe that UP should be a champion of _____, and I believe this can be achieved through _________



Photos:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-425K7pq1n0Tm4ADY3s1_4j2fxGyBsIl

Photo Credits: October 3, 2022 Photo by: UP BroadGuild, Official Documentation Partner of UP PRIDE.


Equality Talk Workshop Series

In celebrating UP Pride, we always go back to the lived experiences of the community and how we can further champion our fight for equality in this three-part webinar series. Giving importance to the members of the community and their struggles pave the way for younger generations to learn, reflect, and take steps from these stories. As the queer community continues to break ceiling glasses and take up spaces in various fields, we envision to empower them with skills and knowledge in being prepared to conquer spaces uncommonly open to queer people. This will be done in partnership with Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP.)



The UP Pride Team will conduct three hybrid seminars that will discuss the lived experiences of queer members, how to conduct one’s self in workplaces, and championing in lobbying pieces of legislation. This will happen from October 12-21, 2022.



a. Equality Talk Series 1:

Concept Note: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ux7bgCzdIFKODaDCdPB45Aq1MZ5hMv7XQinKzSy2CpI/edit

b. Equality Talk Series 2 together with PFIP: (To Be Updated)

c. Equality Talk Series 3: (To be updated)




UP Pride Film Festival



UPFF aims to provide an avenue for filmmakers who wish to express and explore themes about gender and sexuality. UPPFF aims to become a quintessential affair for young artists especially those from the UP System as we hope to support filmmakers who are either members or allies of the LGBTQI+ community, as they bear tales worthy of being seen and heard



The UP Pride Film Festival 2022 (UPFF) will be available both online and on-ground. The films that will be featured will be selected from a pool of films submitted through a public call for entries for LGBT films. UP Pride Film Fest will happen on October 17-26, 2022.

(Other details to be updated)
Pride March and Queen of Pride

As we celebrate UP Pride 2022, we must also celebrate our identities through pageantry. Showcasing a pageant like this will highlight the importance of being involved in the community and in advocacy. The pageant will not only promote empowerment but it will also urge people to bring social change as they will be given the chance to speak and promote equality, inclusivity, and acceptance— a great way to cap off the celebration of UP Pride. The Queen of Pride is open to all UP students from all campuses, and all identities and expressions. This coronation night will happen after the Pride March on October 28, 2022.

(Other details to be updated)

Call for Candidates: https://www.facebook.com/uppride/posts/pfbid02S3QxA1C6DMVx95oiFn8Q1szirChBcdYsSXjdh5oYRbPfEqsTseJin8Bta1TQuSZal



Our Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uppride

Twitter: https://twitter.com/upprideofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upprideofficial/?hl=en



For inquiries and interviews please reach out to:

- Keiko Carasig, UP PRIDE 2022 Co-Convener at krcarasig@up.edu.ph 09050466826

- Julia Labao, UP PRIDE 2022 Co-Convener at upprideofficial@gmail.com

- Christian Jim de Jesus, UP PRIDE 2022 Marketing Head at uppridemarketing@gmail.com

MNL Beer Fest – October Beer Festival Celebration

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The MNL Beer Fest is a three-day event that features over 100 different imported, local, and craft beers from October 14 to October 16 at the Greenfield District Mayflower Parking in Mandaluyong. Being the only event in the Philippines that consistently brings beer enthusiasts from across the region together since 2018, this event proves that Filipino beer is truly world-class and worth celebrating. With artisanal beer culture slowly gaining traction in terms of popularity in the Philippines, the MNL Beer Fest hopes to bring in both patrons and newcomers alike.

Guests attending this event would surely have a unique experience because not only that they will be able to try as many beers as they want, they can personally have a chat with the respective brewmasters & beer ambassadors. According to Event Director, Cherry Genato, one of the primary goals of this year’s MNL Beer Fest is to educate first-timers about the locally produced craft beers. In this event, guests will get basic information that allows them to distinguish beers based on their unique beer styles, production method, and flavor profiles.

For a minimal admission fee of Php 250, you get one (1) beer serving and bonus to get FREE TASTE from some of the local brewers! One can get very overwhelmed with that alone.

Asia Brewery Inc. will be participating with their Brew Kettle Beer & Asahi Beer.
Watch out for the recently launched Heineken Silver at the event and a wide array of Imported beers from Booze Online.

Participating Local Craft Beer breweries at the MNL BEER FEST are : (Alphabetical Order)

Beer Bunny, Bulul, Crows Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., Drink It now Pare, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, Gypsy Brewing Guild, Jade’s Temple Microbrewery, Katipunan Craft Ales/PCK, Manila Mashers Homebrew Club, Mitchell’s Backyard Brewery, Nipa Brew, Nitro, Oros Brew Shop, Palm Tree Abbey, Sagada Craft Brewery, Brewed Statement, Bellas Brujas Rak ‘en Roll, The Marc’s & Tony Brewing Co. Three Bulls Craft Beer and Brewery, Tipsy Cream Manila, Treeline Ales and Weekend Craft Ales.

This event is open for all and is located at the Outdoor Setup in the Mayflower Parking of Greenfield District in Mandaluyong from October 14 to 16, 2022, from 4pm to 12midnight.

For More details on the Philippine Craft Beer Festival visit :

https://www.facebook.com/MNLcraftbeerfestival

https://www.facebook.com/craftbeer.ph

https://www.facebook.com/mnlbeerfest




(Participating Local Brewers. Picture taken last June 2022 - Craft Beer Festival at Greenfield District)

President Marcos commends SSS’ new and upcoming programs and its 2022 Balikat ng Bayan Awardees

Wazzup Pilipinas!


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended the Social Security System’s (SSS’) new and upcoming programs during its 2022 Balikat ng Bayan (BnB) awarding ceremony held at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall of the SSS Building in Diliman, Quezon City on September 30, 2022.

“With programs like these, which are timely, which are sensitive, which are aware of the condition of our employees, that is then the SSS has much reason to celebrate its 65th birthday because the job that you have been doing continues to be of great value to our people. The job that you are doing is exactly the job that we have asked you to do --- to provide the safety nets, to provide guarantees for our people, when tragedies come, when crisis strikes, and when people are just going about their daily business,” he said.

President Marcos was referring to the SSS' recently implemented Contribution Penalty Condonation Programs for Business and Household Employers, and Consolidated Loan Program with Condonation of Penalty for members; and its upcoming Contribution Subsidy Provider Program, and Flexible Payment Scheme Schedule for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and other Self-Employed Individuals in the Informal Economy.

He then encouraged the SSS to always embody excellence in all that it does and put the best interest of the Filipino people above everything else in its endeavors.

In response, SSS President and CEO Michael G. Regino reaffirmed the SSS’ commitment to serve its stakeholders with utmost dedication, competence, and integrity, continuously building on its path of growth and pursuing its overall improvement for its current and future members and their beneficiaries.

President Marcos also lauded the SSS' 2022 BnB Awardees for the strong partnership they have formed with the SSS, helping the institution to carry out its mandate efficiently and smoothly.

“May this recognition inspire you and others to work more, to work even harder with the government in order to uplift the lives of our citizens,” he added.

The SSS conferred a total of 14 awards under the Top Employer, Best Collection Partner, Best Disbursement Partner, Best Media Partner, and Special Citations categories.

For Top Employer, the SSS selected BDO Unibank, Inc. for Large Accounts, and the Tahche Outsourcing Services, Inc. for Branch Accounts.

The Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company received the Best Collection Partner Award for Banks.

For Best Disbursement Partner, the SSS awarded the Philippine National Bank for Commercial Banks, and First Consolidated Bank for Thrift/Rural Bank/Electronic Money Issuers.

For Best Media Partner, the awardees are the Business Mirror for Print, DYBG 97.1 Ben FM for Broadcast, and Dr. Hilda C. Ong for Media Personality.

Meanwhile, Special Citations awardees are the Union Bank of the Philippines for Best Collection Partner - Bank; CIS Bayad Center, Inc. for Best Collection Partner - Non-Bank; Development Bank of the Philippines for Special Disbursement Partner - Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PESONet) Sending Financial Institution; and Daily Guardian for Media Partner for Print.

Regino likewise thanked the SSS’ partners for their significant contributions to the institution.

“On behalf of the SSS, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all our partners, especially to the awardees, for their unwavering support that helps us continuously fulfill our mandate of providing meaningful social security protection to our members and their beneficiaries and deliver faster and more convenient services to them,” he said.

The 2022 BnB Awards is the culminating activity of the SSS’ month-long celebration of its 65th anniversary with the theme – “SSS@65: Kontribusyong Pinag-ipunan, Proteksyong Maaasahan.”

Fantastic Opportunities for Silver Investors During Economic Uncertainty

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



When everyone panics during economic uncertainty, silver begins to look like an even better investment. People have been buying silver for thousands and with good reason.

Silver is abundant enough to be used in various industries, but it's still rare enough to be considered a valuable commodity. And, unlike other commodities, silver doesn't require a lot of processing before it can be used. In other words, it's a highly liquid asset.

Silver is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, making it valuable in the electrical and electronics industries.

With all that in mind, let's talk about why silver is such a good investment during periods of economic uncertainty.

People lose faith in paper currency during economic downturns

Paper currency is indeed fiat money, which means it's not backed by a physical commodity like gold or silver. But that doesn't mean people don't have faith in it.

However, during times of economic uncertainty, that faith can be shaken. And when people lose faith in paper currency, they start looking for assets that will hold their value.

That's where silver comes in. Silver has been used as a currency for centuries and is still considered a valuable commodity.

Moreover, silver is much more abundant than gold, making it a more practical choice for use as currency.



Silver is a good hedge against inflation

When the economy is doing well, prices tend to go up. This is due to inflation when the money supply increases and each currency unit is worth less.

In other words, inflation is when your money doesn't go as far as it used to.

During periods of inflation, people tend to buy assets that will hold their value. And silver is a good choice for this since it's a valuable commodity that's not subject to the same fluctuations as paper currency.


Silver is also a good hedge against deflation

While inflation can be bad for your purchasing power, deflation can be even worse. Deflation is when prices decrease, which can be caused by various factors, such as a decrease in the money supply.

During deflationary periods, people tend to hoard cash since it will be worth more in the future.

However, this can lead to decreased economic activity since people are less likely to spend money when they know it will be worth more in the future.

Silver is a good investment during deflationary periods because it's a valuable commodity that's not subject to the same fluctuations as paper currency.



Are you convinced that silver is a good investment?

If not, you should be! Silver is a valuable commodity not subject to the same fluctuations as paper currency, making it a good investment during economic uncertainty. And Jrotbart and others make it easy to purchase silver online.

Silver isn't going away any time soon, and it's only going to increase in value as time goes on. So it's wise to invest in silver now, while the prices are still relatively low. People are now beginning to understand the value of silver and are investing in it for the long haul.

Pinoy Olympiads recall journey to winning on international stage

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

Dedication, hard work and perseverance were keys to victory for the Philippine teams in international science and math competitions. 

  

After a series of wins on the international stage, students and coaches who represented the country shared their stories of competing and winning medals during the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Media Conference presenting the 2022 Philippine Teams to International STEM Olympiads held recently at  the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

 

Present during the event are representatives from the national organizers for the Philippine participation in six (6) prestigious STEM Olympiads held this year, namely:  1) the 63^rd International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) held in Oslo, Norway; 2) 33^rd International Biology Olympiad held in Yereven, Armenia; 3) 54^th International Chemistry Olympiad held in Tianjin, China;  4)  52^nd  International Physics Olympiad held in Switzerland; 5)  34^th International Olympiad in Informatics held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. 

 

This year, the Philippine teams bagged ten (10) bronze medals, eight (8) honorable mentions and a merit citation. 

 

Dr. Ronald Cruz, team leader to the 33^rd IBO narrated how the Philippine team’s medal haul this year is its largest since joining in 2018. Dr. Cruz also mentioned that they are planning to host the 36^th IBO in 2025.  Dr. Faith Marie G. Lagua, coach of the PH team to the 54^th IChO explained how this year’s competition was conducted. She thanked all the organizations, including DOST-SEI, for the support to the national  team.  

 

Since their first medal haul in 1999, the award streak continues for the Philippine Team to the 52^nd IPhO according to Dr. Perico Esguerra,  who also talked about the importance of finding talented students outside the usual line up of schools.  

 

Dr. Christian Paul Chan Shio, team leader of the PH Team to the 63^rd IMO and Mr. Gerard Francis Ortega, team leader to the 34^th IOI highlighted how the support of the Institute has helped them increase their reach throughout the year.  

 

All team leaders are hopeful that the participation of the Philippine Teams to the international Olympiads will be even more successful as they prepare for full in-person competitions in the years to come.  

  

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, through a video message, congratulated and encouraged the students to continue aiming for excellence while honing their skills and core values as they become inspiration for other students to take interest in the breeder sciences of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.  

  

“The medals that you have won are fruits of your perseverance, and proof of your world-class talents. Wear it proud, fly high but keep your feet on the ground. Reach for greater heights but do not forget that your countrymen need thinkers and doers like you to become bearers of hope for your country.” 

  

Dr. Solidum also honored and recognized the efforts of the following organizers in constantly developing a rich pool of talents in STEM: 

  

  

Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP) 

1. Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies, Inc. (PFCS) 
2. Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas, Inc. (KKP) 
3. Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers, Inc. (PACT) 
4. Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) 

5. Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas (SPP) 
   

6. Samahang Pisika ng Visayas and Mindanao (SPVM) 
7. Philippine Physics Olympiad (PPO) 
8. Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) - Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, 
9. Ateneo Biological Organization (BOx) 
10. National Olympiad in Informatics Philippines (NOI.PH) 

  

On the same occasion, the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) award was conferred to selected students who won in international STEM Olympiads in 2021. The awarding was led by DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Deputy Director Engr. Albert G. Mariño and Dr. Ruby R. Cristobal, Chief of the Science and Technology Manpower Education, Research and Promotions Division of DOST-SEI. The YES medal signifies DOST’s high regard for excellence and competitiveness and is part of the Institute’s thrust to develop a culture of science in the country. The YES medals are annually awarded by the DOST secretary to young Filipinos who had significant achievements in international science and math competitions at the primary and secondary education level. 

  

Dr. Biyo also thanked the media for giving prestige and importance to the achievement of young people in STEM. She congratulated the Philippine Teams and the national organizers for an outstanding feat and highlighted the importance of recognizing and honoring STEM excellence. This is part of DOST-SEI’s mission to inspire more students to join the field. 

  

“The fact that we are excelling in these fields on the global stage says that we should increase our support in nurturing the talents of our students and to continuously recognize the significant contributions of these organizations as DOST-SEI’s partner in promoting the value of pursuing excellence in STEM.”

Beyond Running: Marriott Road to Give Reinvents Virtual Race

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Marriott International’s Run to Give returns under the new name of Road to Give, offering more inclusivity for all types of movement such as running, biking, walking, or dancing. Road to Give (RTG) is a Marriott International-initiated charity running event that is simultaneously conducted in Asia Pacific as part of its Take Care programs.

In the Philippines, the Road to Give event is organized by the Marriott Worldwide Business Councils (MWBC) Philippines in coordination with all Marriott properties in the country such as Manila Marriott Hotel, Clark Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Manila Bay, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, and The Westin Manila Sonata Place. The virtual race aims to raise funds for the Marriott Associate Welfare Fund and its partner beneficiary, Save the Children Philippines.

The Road to Give virtual race allows runners to have the flexibility and freedom to achieve fitness goals at their own pace, route, and schedule from October 17 to November 15, 2022.

Runners may choose a distance goal of 100km, 200km, or 300km. Registration fee starts at Php 500 for Standard category inclusive of e-certificate, Php 950 for Deluxe category inclusive of Marriott Road To Give Dri-Fit Shirt, Printable Race Bib, and e-Certificate, and Php 1,250 for Premium category inclusive of Finisher’s Medal, Marriott Road To Give Dri-Fit Shirt, RTG Race Bib, and e-certificate. Proceeds from Road to Give goes to Marriott Associate Welfare Fund and Save The Children Philippines.

To register visit https://marriottroadtogive.raisely.com

SSS offers a new loan penalty condonation program to members with unpaid loans

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The Social Security System (SSS) launched on October 4, 2022 a new penalty condonation program that aims to aid its members in paying their past-due loans.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Michael G. Regino urged members with unpaid short-term member loans to take advantage of the Consolidation of Past Due Short-Term Member Loans with Condonation of Penalty.

Members qualified to avail of the program are those with outstanding Salary Loans including Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP), Calamity, Emergency Loan, and Restructured Loan.

“We continuously offer loan penalty condonation programs to help our members settle their loan balances without penalties and regain their good standing with the SSS,” Regino said.

Under the program, SSS shall combine the principal and interest of a member’s past-due short-term member loans into one consolidated loan while all unpaid penalties shall be consolidated and condoned upon full payment of the consolidated loan.

Interested members must meet the following requirements to qualify for the program:
have a past-due short-term member loan at the time of their application;
have not been granted any final benefit such as permanent total disability or retirement;
have not been disqualified due to fraud committed against the SSS; and
have an active My.SSS account.
Regino said members may pay their consolidated loan through a one-time payment within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the approval notice or they may also opt to pay through installment.

For the installment scheme, members must pay a down payment equivalent to at least 10% of the consolidated loan within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the approval notice. Meanwhile, they can pay the remaining balance for up to 60 months, depending on the amount.

He said that if the member fails to meet the payment terms based on the consolidated loan agreement, SSS will deduct the outstanding balance of the consolidated loan from the short-term benefits (sickness, maternity, or partial disability benefit claims) and final benefits (permanent total disability, death, retirement), as authorized by the Social Security Commission (SSC).

The SSS chief added that the outstanding balance of the consolidated loan can also be deducted from the death benefit of the members’ beneficiaries or deduct it from the actual final benefit claims.

“We want to collect the past-due loans from our members. However, we also recognize that the pandemic has greatly affected the livelihood of many of them. At this point, they might already be able to pay their loan obligations. Hence, we designed this consolidated program to help them settle their loan obligations by condoning the penalties and offering flexible payment terms,” Regino concluded.

Members may submit their application for the consolidated loan program online through their My.SSS account.

Vietnam’s Claims and How it is a Threat to the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Vietnam might just become the next China.

That is, when it comes to territorial disputes and claims in the West Philippine Sea. This hotspot is a heavily contested region that features heavy trade traffic between shipping and logistical lanes. Furthermore, there is some speculation that the continental shelf beneath the sea contains huge amounts of crude oil, which can bolster the economy of the nation-state that taps into them first. It is, without a doubt, a ticking time bomb that constitutes some of the ingredients for boiled territorial disputes.

The West Philippine Sea Dilemma

Indeed, border and delimitation disputes are a thing in the West Philippine Sea. The Spratly Islands itself consist of at least 56 major islands/islets. Brunei claims one, Taiwan claims two, Malaysia claims six, China claims seven, the Philippines claims 11, and Vietnam claims a staggering 29 of these features. The Spratlys are only one of the island groups in the region that’s disputed; there are also the Natunas and Paracels.

Another complication about these claims is that they’re not entirely collected in one area. These claims are randomly scattered across the West Philippine Sea, overlapping with other countries’ claims. 

Therefore, it is a chaotic “bundle of mess” that doesn’t have defined boundaries that are causing the decades-long dispute in the region.

Delimitation between ASEAN States and Vietnam’s Greed

In light of this, border delimitation talks between ASEAN countries have been ongoing to “organize” and sort out the confusion brought about by these disputes. Vietnam and Indonesia have been doing this for a long time, as well as Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and the Philippines.

The Exclusive Economic Zone delimitation talks between Indonesia and Vietnam started in the early 2000s. This series of talks followed agreement after agreement on whose feature is whose. However, it is worth noting that the recent EEZ delimitation talks between the Republic of Indonesia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam last July 14 to 16, 2022 put the former at a disadvantage. 

According to Indonesia’s DPW-KPS (Regional Executive Board of the Prosperous Justice Party), Vietnam will take at least 65% more territorial waters than Indonesia following the deal.

This is despite Vietnam having the most claimed features in the West Philippine Sea among ASEAN states.

PH Delimitation Strategy with Indonesia Key to Resolving Disputes?

Recently, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. said its delimitation strategy with Indonesia may be the best template for establishing the regional border disputes among

ASEAN nations. While the entire strategy itself isn’t revealed to the public due to matters of national security, President Marcos said that it is “worthwhile to explore at the very least” since it was one instance where both countries came to both conclusion and resolution.

This type of delimitation strategy, President Marcos says, can be used when dealing with border disputes with other countries such as Vietnam and China.

Backgrounder: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

To further understand the factors at play, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes a legal framework for maritime laws of all nation states and parties concerned.

According to the convention, a country’s territorial sea should stretch 12 nautical miles from the baseline of its coast. After that, the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) should stretch 200 nautical miles from the edge of its territorial sea.

Both the Philippines and China are signatories of the said treaty, to which they have exclusive economic rights 200 nautical miles from the said 12-nautical-mile territorial sea. The latter currently claims around 80% of the West Philippine Sea due to its “historical” nine-dash line.

However, neighboring countries have rejected this claim. The culmination of this rejection came with the legal victory of the Philippines against China, stating that the latter is obliged to follow the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) rather than its historical claims.

Importance of Delimitation Treaties

To make territories more defined when EEZs overlap with one another, delimitation treaties are created to superimpose a proper border between two countries.

This reflects the importance of delimitation agreements and/or treaties, but that is not merely the point. Vietnam’s claims in the Spratly Island Group are far from the 200-kilometer EEZ of the said country.

Therefore, they technically don’t have the backing of the United Nations with their claims in the disputed islands. Vietnam is roughly 1,400 kilometers away from the Philippines, with their claimed islands somewhere in the middle at 700 to 1,000 kilometers away from their mainland.

Vietnam’s “Historical” Claims

Since Vietnam and the Philippines are both signatories of the UNCLOS, both countries should follow the “law of the sea” rather than historical claims. Vietnam asserts its claims in both the Paracel and Spratly Islands because of historical records that prove the country’s occupation of the islands that stretch to the 17th century.

However, the Law on the Convention of the Sea states that historical claims should not be the basis anymore for formal border delimitation implementation. This is the same reason that China is trying to impose to no lawful avail.

It would seem that the dispute between Vietnam and Indonesia was not as fair as it was between the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia.

To add to this case, Vietnam has a long history of aggressive expansion, going as far as occupying parts of Laos and Cambodia during and after the Vietnam War, and clashing with China when things didn’t go their way despite being friends from the start.

The Threat of Vietnam against the Philippines

And so, this highlights another threat over the horizon: will the Philippines be at odds with Vietnam? As mentioned earlier, Vietnam is currently claiming 29 features in the Spratly Group of Islands, while the Philippines only lays claim to 11 of these islands and islets. The claimed territories of Vietnam often overlap with the Philippine claims. In a nutshell, some of their claimed islands are too close for comfort to Filipino-claimed islands.

If ever there are border delimitation talks, will Vietnam play fair and square? How is there an assurance that they won’t do to the Philippines what they did with Indonesia?

The answer is UNCLOS.

However, this raises another issue: the incapacity and incapability of the United Nations to police this convention on the law of the sea. If it was properly policed, then there would be no disputes in this region. China would go back to their rightful territories and everything would be organized in neat, old-fashioned borders that are 200 nautical miles from the edge of each country’s territorial waters.

Of course, we know that’s not happening. Logically speaking, they have legitimate claims in the Paracel Islands, but not in the Spratlys.

Now, we go back to the beginning of this article; can Vietnam become the next China when itcomes to island and land grabbing in the West Philippine Sea? Possibly. However, certain factors such as the UNCLOS and the face of a greater threat in the personification of China may just unite these two ASEAN countries against a common threat, arriving at a peaceful resolution to the dispute in these islands.

Vietnam’s aggressive claims in the Spratly Islands need to stop. They claimed far too many islets outside of their Exclusive Economic Zone. Their government should give back these islets to their rightful owners according to the UNCLOS so that they may not be sanctioned and frowned upon by the international community.

Vietnam should follow the law and not become like China in terms of aggressiveness in the Spratly Group of Islands. If they do, they might just find themselves in the crosshairs of multiple ASEAN states. Indonesia’s doing enough to combat intruders into their Natuna Group of Islands, whether these are Vietnamese or Chinese boats. Perhaps a similar engagement may happen in the Spratlys, but tensions in the area may just put everyone on the brink of war, so probably not.

In the end, we can’t tell how big of a threat everyone is to each other. That’s just how geopolitics work.

As for the question if Vietnam is a threat to the Philippines: lawfully, no, but if they follow the footsteps of China, they may just find themselves toe-to-toe with stationed Filipino Marines in the Kalayaan Group of Islands. After all, the Philippines has the backing of the United Nations following its ruling against China last 2016.

PH Post Office releases National Teachers’ Month 2022 commemorative stamps

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) issues stamps and official first day covers for National Teachers’ Month (NTM) 2022 on October 5, 2022, with the theme, “Gurong Pilipino: Dangal ng Sambayanang Pilipino”.

“In coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., the Post Office attractively design stamps to honor the hard work, sacrifices and dedication of our Teachers in molding the society”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

Every fifth day of October is designated as National Teachers’ Day pursuant to Republic Act No. 10743. This is also the culminating activity for National Teachers’ Month, when all teachers are praised and celebrated.

The stamp design focuses on Filipino teachers, who in the illustration symbolizes the nurturing figure towards her student in protective embrace and guidance. The teacher’s face represents the sun in the Philippine flag, which illuminates the path towards a bright future.

Teachers not only educate in the academic sense – they are also dignified beacons of imitable, good morals. The serene image of the teacher in the design also represents the common attribute of teachers being a source of refuge for students. The National Teachers’ Month logo appears prominently on the stamp design.

Post Office In-house stamp designer Agnes C. Rarangol did the layout of the stamps.



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Pinay pioneers in biomedical and marine research win TOWNS 2022 Award

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

From the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic to the forefront of ocean research, Filipina scientists from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) are leading the country and the world in life sciences.

Two of the 11 winners of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) 2022 are both experts in life sciences from the UPD-CS. As Director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), Dr. Pia D. Bagamasbad has been a key player in the country’s pandemic response, while the Marine Science Institute’s (MSI’s) Dr. Aletta T. Yñiguez has continually been helping to improve the lives of fisherfolk and uplift the country’s fisheries sector through her work in marine ecology.


Spearheading Philippine COVID-19 response

With her years of extensive experience in using RT-PCR for various biomedical applications and assays, Dr. Bagamasbad quickly rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early on, she was able to train over a hundred medical technologists from dozens of testing laboratories and hospitals across the country in the use of RT-PCR testing. She is also deeply involved in research towards better understanding the molecular basis of hormone action and hormone-dependent cancers. As a researcher, she continually advocates government support for STEM practitioners, especially women scientists.

“My vision is for our country to get to a point where we have eliminated most, if not all, barriers to scientific progress, and prioritized the development of STEM professionals to give them enough motivation to stay,” Dr. Bagamasbad says.


ARAICoBeH, HABHub help empower fisherfolk

Meanwhile, Dr. Yñiguez is a well-known advocate of sustainable fishing practices and a staunch defender of marine ecology and biodiversity. Her marine research is focused on developing technologies and practices that can help oversee and protect coastal ecosystems, including an early-warning system for harmful algal blooms called HABHub. She and her team also developed a coastal monitoring system, officially called “A Rapid Assessment Instrument for Coastal Benthic Habitats”—but affectionately referred to by its tongue-in-cheek acronym, ARAICoBeH—that provides a low-cost way to take underwater photos of endangered areas such as coral reefs. Ultimately, Dr. Yñiguez is working towards forging close partnerships between coastal communities and public and private entities so that the science can be mainstreamed.

“It's understandable that we want to have more and better production for a growing population and for economic growth, but the science and technologies to ensure sustainability and thus the health of the ecosystems for marine resources should also go hand-in-hand with these,” Dr. Yñiguez explains.

Inspiring future Filipina scientists

As professors at the UP Diliman College of Science, Drs. Bagamasbad and Yñiguez both continually inspire young students to become the country’s next generation of scientists. Their TOWNS win is a testament to the country and to the world of what Filipinas can aspire to and achieve.


Since 1974, the TOWNS Awards have been bestowed on outstanding Filipino women between the ages 21 to 50 years old who have contributed invaluably to the country’s economic, social, and cultural development, as well as to national security and unity. The Awards are given every three years by the TOWNS Foundation, a non-profit organization whose members are committed to using their experience, skills, and resources to improve quality of life and to serve as catalysts for national development.

PDB PHOTO.jpg - National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Director Dr. Pia D. Bagamasbad was at the forefront of the Philippines’ COVID-19 pandemic response, training hundreds of frontliners in the use of RT-PCR testing methods. (PHOTO CREDIT: Dr. Pia Bagamasbad)

ATY PHOTO.jpg - Marine Science Institute professor Dr. Aletta T. Yñiguez is seen here exploring Benham Rise in 2019. Her marine research is geared towards empowering fisherfolk and conserving marine ecosystems. (PHOTO CREDIT: Jean Utzurrum)

In celebration of UPD’s Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Month, Dr. Bagamasbad and Dr. Yñiguez will be speaking at the online event, “A Woman’s Place is Everywhere: A forum on the multidisciplinary works of UPD-CS’ TOWNS 2022 Awardees.” Free and open to the public, the forum is hosted by the UPD College of Science and is scheduled for October 20, 2022 at 2:30-4pm. Those who are interested to attend may register via https://bit.ly/STSMonth.