NEWS
Japan, UNICEF provide educational tablets to Region VIII learners
July 29, 2022 3:37 p.m.
The Government of Japan and UNICEF Philippines turned over 400 educational tablets containing digital learning materials in select mother tongues of Eastern Visayas to support at least 800 Samar and Norther Samar learners classified as non-readers and struggling readers.
As young children learn most effectively in their mother tongue, the tablets will be provided to Grades 1 to 3 learners of 30 schools to support the development of their foundational skills in early literacy.
This is part of the UNICEF-supported Learning Recovery Programme being rolled out by the Department of Education (DepEd) Region VIII, which aims to mitigate learning loss caused by school closures during the lockdowns in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aside from the digital learning materials, Japan and UNICEF are also supporting the development of the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment in Mother Tongue and the training needed to effectively utilize the tool.
This is a crucial intervention, as results from the administered assessments will determine learner profiles and necessary interventions needed for each student.
“Today’s event is a testament to our commitment to helping every child learn despite the most difficult circumstances. We have always believed in meeting children where they are. Providing them with resources in the language they know best, through digital learning, will give them the confidence and skills needed to become lifelong learners,” said UNICEF Philippines Chief of Education Isy Faingold.
To further make instruction more conducive for learners, UNICEF will also roll out a professional development programme to capacitate teachers and school heads on effective early literacy strategies.
The Government of Japan’s support is part of its US$ 2.5 million donation to UNICEF Philippines through its Humanitarian Assistance for Asia Pacific.
Since the start of the pandemic, Japan has donated $5.87 million (approximately PHP 331 million) of COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines through UNICEF.
“I am hopeful that this intervention will be effective in mitigating learning loss on children that is aggravated by the pandemic. As a long-standing partner of the UNICEF, the Government of Japan is grateful to add this programme to our roster of development cooperation with the UNICEF Philippines,” said First Secretary KANNO Chihiro from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
All schools in the Philippines were closed between March 2020 and October 2021 due to the pandemic and Filipino children mostly experienced distance learning as way to continue education. This has aggravated a serious learning crisis in the country, leaving the most marginalized children further behind. However, with DepEd expressing plans to re-open in-person classes in all schools in late 2022, efforts are now focused on learning recovery. The Government of Japan and UNICEF Philippines remain committed to working with DepEd in ensuring that every Filipino child regains all learning lost during the pandemic.
NEWS
Agoda: Cebu is tourist favorite to welcome ‘The Year of the Snake’
10:30 a.m. January 13, 2025
As the Lunar New Year approaches, digital travel platform Agoda unveils Cebu to be the most sought-after destination for international visitors celebrating the start of ‘The Year of the Snake’ in the Philippines. Agoda further reports that, based on accommodation searches made on the platform, Manila is the top-searched domestic destination, with Hong Kong being the most popular among Filipino travelers looking to spend the Lunar New Year holiday abroad.
International travelers are increasingly looking to the Philippines as a Lunar New Year destination, with accommodation searches growing 19% compared to the previous year. The archipelago draws the most visitors from South Korea, United States and mainland China. Cebu, with its world-renowned beaches, marine life, and cultural heritage continues to charm as the top destination for international travelers during the holiday period, with accommodation searches rising 15% from last year.
Domestic travel during the Lunar New Year holiday is also increasingly popular in the Philippines as witnessed by a 52% rise in accommodation searches on Agoda. The most popular destination for domestic travel is Manila, with a nearly 50% increase in searches compared to last year. The capital is a favorite among Filipinos looking to usher in the Lunar New Year in what is said to be one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, featuring traditional dances, lantern-lined streets and festive fare.
For Filipinos looking to celebrate ‘The Year of the Snake’ abroad, Hong Kong slithers into the lead with a 120% growth in accommodation searches compared to the previous year, overtaking Tokyo. With its impressive skylines and melting pot of cultures, Hong Kong offers an exciting array of festivities including fireworks, parades and performances to usher in a prosperous new year. Overall, outbound accommodation searches increased by 67%, indicating Filipino travelers’ growing desire to spend the holiday period abroad.
Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda said, “The Lunar New Year holiday is one of Asia’s most popular travel periods and it’s great to see growing interest in the Philippines from international and domestic travelers alike. Cities like Cebu and Manila showcase the wonderful diversity of experiences in the Philippines, from stunning island escapes to cultural festivities in the heart of the capital city. Whether celebrating the new year from the Philippines or traveling abroad, Agoda offers travelers great deals on flights, accommodations and activities to usher in the Year of the Snake.”
The Lunar New Year holiday marks new beginnings and the arrival of Spring, making it a significant travel period as people look to reunite with family and friends. ‘The Year of the Snake’ symbolizes rebirth and transformation and is said to present an auspicious opportunity for embracing self-discovery and exploring new horizons. Known for their association with good fortune, snakes inspire travelers to shed the old and welcome the new — whether by rediscovering familiar places or venturing abroad during this festive season.
Looking at the combined preferences for Asian travelers, Japanese cities in particular emerged as favorites for the Lunar New Year holiday, with Tokyo taking the crown followed by Bangkok (Thailand), Osaka (Japan), Fukuoka (Japan), and Seoul (South Korea).
As travelers prepare to shed the old and embrace the new, Agoda offers exceptional deals for their Lunar New Year holiday on over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform. The latest deals are available in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.
NEWS
PAL Interclub’s return to Bacolod celebrates triumph of human spirit
4:22 p.m. January 10, 2025
When the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub returns to Bacolod next month, the triumph of the human spirit will be at the back of most players’ minds as the last time the event was held there, action at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club and Bacolod Golf and Country Club was one of the last events held before COVID-19 ground all of sports in the world to a halt within the next few days.
Less than a week after Manila Southwoods and Canlubang won the Men’s Regular and Seniors divisions titles, respectively, that lockdowns were ordered worldwide because of the pandemic that would drag for more than two years.
And from Feb. 7 to 21, the courses formerly known as Marapara and Binitin will again be the venues for the event’s 76th playing where Southwoods shoots for a fourth straight crown and Del Monte a repeat of the upset it posted on home turf last year in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.
“Bacolod has been the site of many memorable Interclub championships and we are sure of having the same keen competition this year,” PAL president Stanley K. Ng said. “As we return to the City of Smiles, let’s also celebrate the triumph of the human spirit through the sport we love as we wish every team the best out there next month.”
Known as the country’s unofficial team golf championship, the Interclub was forced to take a two-year leave because of the pandemic and resumed in 2023 in Cebu where Southwoods again ruled regular play and Luisita dislodged Canlubang.
Seniors action gets going first on Feb. 10, with the men starting their 72-hole championship eight days later.
Competition in the 55-and-over division is deemed to be a wide-open race this year with some of the talents that have beefed up Cangolf and Luisita either begging off or playing for other squads.
Canlubang and Luisita have combined to win a total of 29 titles, with the Sugar Barons holding an 11-5 edge since 2006 after snapping the Luisitans’ six-year reign that started in 2006.
In 24 years, only Del Monte was able to break that dual stranglehold of Senior play, and the Bukidnon-based bets will come to Bacolod with basically the same lineup that posted that upset last year.
NEWS
TCL to Inspire Greatness at CES 2025 with latest products, innovations
4:39 p.m. January 7, 2025
TCL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand and the world’s top two TV brands, today announced its attendance at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 which takes place in January.
TCL has participated in CES for 31 years, during which the brand has consistently showcased its latest innovative display technologies and a full range of smart home products to global visitors.
As a highlight of this year’s showcase, TCL will reveal its innovative QD-Mini LED technologies and products that deliver an unparalleled visual experience.
The display innovations TCL is bringing to CES 2025 are sure to excite both professionals and home entertainment enthusiasts alike. They cover almost every form factor, from professional monitors to in-car displays, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, smart projectors, and RayNeo AR glasses. TCL will also display its award-winning NXTPAPER technology and officially unveil its revolutionary NXTPAPER 4.0 at CES 2025.
Underscoring its innovations in the AI field, TCL is bringing its latest AI advancements in new product categories as well as partnerships with world-renowned technology brands.
Additionally, TCL will unveil the integration of its smart home ecosystem with intelligent solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency and enrich the user experience, which includes air conditioners, built-in refrigerators, washing machines, smart locks, and mobile routers.
Leading up to Super Bowl LIX, TCL’s partnerships with renowned global partners, including its role as the Official TV Partner of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States, will also be a major highlight of the exhibition.
Through these partnerships, TCL is developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance viewer experiences and engage fans across a range of interactive on-site activities and online campaigns that aim to build global connections and inspire greatness in everyday life.
For more details, please see below:
TCL CES 2025 Press Conference:
● Date & Time: 11:00 – 11:45 AM (PST), January 6, 2025
● Location: Mandalay Bay, South Convention Center, Ballroom E (Level 2)
TCL CES 2025 Booth:
● Date: January 7-10, 2025
● Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth #17704
Agoda: Cebu is tourist favorite to welcome ‘The Year of the Snake’
PAL Interclub’s return to Bacolod celebrates triumph of human spirit
TCL to Inspire Greatness at CES 2025 with latest products, innovations
