Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Sunday, July 30, 2023.
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P1B damage to crops, infra in 13 regions
SUPER Typhoon "Egay" (international name: Doksuri) has exited but left behind a trail of death and destruction in at least 13 regions in the Philippines. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Saturday that damage to agriculture has been estimated at 833,889,970 pesos and 38 centavos and infrastructure at 1,191,137,926 pesos and 36 centavos. At least 155 roads, bridges, schools and government facilities were reported to have been damaged at the height of the typhoon. The fatalities have risen to 14, six of whom have been confirmed, while eight are being validated. At least 13 people were reported injured, and 20 remain missing as of press time, the N.D.R.R.M.C. said. Egay caused the most damage in Northern Luzon, mostly in Cagayan Valley.
Marcos vows quick recovery of 'Egay-hit' areas
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday assured the public that the government was doing its best to restore normalcy to the areas affected by Super Typhoon "Egay" (international name: Doksuri) as soon as possible. During the distribution of various government assistance to affected residents in Bangued, Abra, the President said that everything they need had been prepared by the government. Marcos believed that the national government and local government units worked well together in responding to the typhoon, saying they have "good communication" and expressing confidence that basic services can be restored "immediately."
Ipo Dam passes normal water level; 3 others up
The Ipo Dam water level has reached the 101.06-meter mark, slightly exceeding the reservoir's normal high of 101.00 meters, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Saturday. The water reservoir is one of the three dams situated in Bulacan province, where several low-lying areas are flooded due to Typhoon "Egay's" continuous heavy rains.
'Falcon' decelerates over Philippine Sea
Meanwhile, another tropical storm, "Falcon", has slowed down as it moves westward over the Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Saturday. As of 10 a.m., the center of Falcon was estimated at 1,315 kilometers east of Central Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
PH, US generals talk Indo-Pacific defense
ARMED Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner has met with United States military officials to discuss the country's role in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region. A.F.P. Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said on Saturday that the meeting transpired Friday during the courtesy call involving Brawner and 19 delegates of the U.S. Capstone Pacific 23-4 program. Capstone is a five-week doctrinal course for new generals and flag officers.
Filipinas eye crucial win vs Norway
THE Philippine women's national football team had already made history when it pulled off a 1-0 upset against co-host New Zealand on July 25, giving the country its first-ever World Cup football goal and win. Now, the Filipinas look to achieve another milestone as they gun for a maiden appearance in the FIFA Women's World Cup knockout stage. It's no easy task for the world No. 46 Filipino World Cup debutants, though, as they need to take down no less than world No. 12 Norway, a team equally desperate to advance to the next phase. The match takes place at the Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday, July 30 at 3 p.m. (Manila time) as the group phase action comes to a close. Dubbed Group A underdogs, the Filipinas turned heads and surprisingly kept themselves in contention for a top-two finish in the group, which merits a spot in the round of 16.
Creamline, Kurashiki clash for PVL crown
Meanwhile, Japan's Kurashiki and defending champ Creamline dispute the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference championship in a knockout final game at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, July 30. The Ablaze and the Cool Smashers collide at 6:30 p.m., succeeding the also knockout battle for third match between the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and the Cignal H.D. Spikers at 4 p.m. Kurashiki and Creamline finished as top two in the round-robin semifinals and thus advanced to the final.
6.1% PH economic growth forecast in 2023
Over to business, the Philippine economy is projected to grow by over 6 percent this year, driven by the continued growth in consumer spending and the services sector, an economist said. During the virtual post-State of the Nation Address briefing on Friday, University of Asia and the Pacific economist Victor Abola said the economy will likely grow by 6.1 percent this year. Abola's forecast settles within the government's 6- to 7-percent economic growth target for this year. He said domestic demand will continue boosting the growth of the economy. Abola added that despite the increase in commodity prices, consumer spending will likely continue to grow amid high employment and the cut in personal income tax.
Marlen Ronquillo is today's front page columnist, as he asks whatever happened to the Freedom of Information Act.
Today's editorial calls on former president Rodrigo Duterte to disclose details of his recent visit to China. Read the full version in the paper's opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
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