Author: user user

BFAR distributes 100,000 tilapia fry in Ilocos

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Ilocos distributed 100,000 tilapia fry to fisherfolk across the region during the 70th Fishery Industry Forum held Wednesday (Sept. 16) at the Dingras Civic Center in Dingras, Ilocos Norte.

The distribution was part of the forum’s efforts to boost fish production and provide fisherfolk with support to improve their livelihoods.

The forum, themed ‘Masaganang Pangisdaan, Tungo sa Maunlad na Ekonomiya,’ brought together fisherfolk, fishery stakeholders, aquapreneurs and representatives from various local governments.

Henry Canlas Jr., BFAR Ilocos OIC-chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division, led the forum in partnership with Dingras Mayor Joemelle Ernesti Saguid-Go Sy.

Discussions covered market linkages, access to credit institutions, aquaculture farm registration, new technologies and innovations, and regulatory standards in the fisheries sector.

A one-stop shop was also held, featuring services and information from Kadiwa, the Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology.

The activity aimed to strengthen sustainable fisheries production by expanding access to opportunities, government services, technology, knowledge and other support for fisherfolk and aquapreneurs

China’s development philosophy resonates across Global South at BRICS Summit

People’s Daily: The 2026 BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi from Saturday to Sunday, bringing together leaders of major emerging economies to promote inclusive global governance, strengthen multilateralism and foster sustainable global economic growth.

When addressing the Session I of the 18th BRICS Summit on Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. It has been 20 years of self-reliance and self-strengthening, and BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to their own national conditions, setting an example of self-strengthening through unity among emerging markets and developing countries, Xi said.

On the sidelines of the summit, the People’s Daily released a video titled ‘Through Xi’s Eyes: Finding the answer to the ‘warmth of BRICS,” featuring the warmth of multilateral cooperation and how China’s development philosophy resonates across the Global South.

In the video, Busi Mabuza, South African chairperson of the BRICS Business Council, emphasized that emerging nations share a common bond: ‘Because most of the Global South countries are recently emerging from developing nation status, they understand the importance of not leaving anybody behind.’

‘It [BRICS] has opened up relationships in markets that are not just large, but that believe in multilateralism, that believe in supporting BRICS partners through sharing of technology, through sharing of skills,’ the chairperson said.

R. Deepak, professor of Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University who brought stacks of President Xi’s works back from China, observed that Xi’s early years laid the foundation for his people-centred approach and poverty alleviation strategies. Such grassroots governance, Deepak noted, deeply resonates with nations of the Global South that share similar developmental journeys and strive to build a better life for their people.

As the video reflects, for people across Asia, Africa and Latin America, development is not an abstract concept but concrete improvements, from a paved road to a new job. As nations come together for this common goal, the paths to development and modernisation open up to more possibilities.

BuCor says no South Korean drug lord escaped via drone

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has ruled out the possibility of inmates escaping from penal facilities using unmanned aerial vehicles.

In a statement on Thursday, Sept. 17, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. addressed media inquiries regarding the alleged drone escapes, following reports from South Korean media alleging that an incarcerated South Korean drug lord, convicted killer Park Wang-yeol, had plotted to fly over prison walls suspended from a heavy-duty drone.

Catapang stressed that correctional facilities under the bureau are strictly designated as no-fly zones.

“All our Operating Prison and Penal Farms are no fly zones, and we have watch towers manned 24/7 which immediately alert our guards if there will be attempts to scape through drones aside from maingay ang drone at equipped naman ang ating facilities ng mga CCTV, so we can detect it at once,” Catapang said.

(All of our Operating Prison and Penal Farms are no-fly zones, and we have watchtowers manned 24/7 that immediately alert our guards to any drone-assisted escape attempts. Besides, drones are noisy and our facilities are equipped with CCTVs, so we can detect them at once.)

Catapang emphasized that the audible hum of drone motors, particularly at low altitudes necessary to pick up a payload or passenger, would instantly alert personnel stationed at watchtowers and security perimeters.

In addition, extensive CCTV coverage across prison grounds, buildings, and outer perimeters allows command centers to track and intercept suspicious aerial activity in real time.

While acknowledging growing global concerns over commercially available drones being used to drop contraband or conduct unauthorized surveillance near detention facilities, Catapang maintained that using a drone to execute a physical escape has no chance of success.

“Any drone spotted within or near a facility could be recorded and tracked, enabling authorities to respond quickly,” Catapang said.

Meanwhile, in a press conference on Thursday, Department of Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato said the Korean national had already been turned over to South Korean authorities last March.

“Based on the statement from Director General Catapang, no such attempt has been discovered or made while the said Korean national was in its custody. There has never been any attempt, known attempt or any discovered attempt,” Dato said.

“We really do not know where that information is coming from,” he added.

According to local and international media reports, Park, 47, a notorious South Korean drug lord convicted of murdering three Koreans in the Philippines, did not actually escape.

Instead, he plotted an audacious drone-assisted prison break from a Philippine detention facility in early 2026, but the plan was foiled when test footage surfaced in local media.

What does Qobustan Solar Power Plant bring to Azerbaijan?

Increasing the share of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan’s electricity system has become one of the main directions of the country’s energy policy in recent years. Thus, the commissioning of the 100 MW Qobustan Solar Power Plant in the Garadagh district is another stage in this process. The plant, which was inaugurated on September 16 in the presence of President Ilham Aliyev, will generate approximately 200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

One of the main economic benefits of the project for Azerbaijan is a certain reduction in the use of natural gas for electricity generation. No fuel is required to generate electricity at a solar power plant. Therefore, the electricity produced by Qobustan can potentially replace part of the electricity generated using gas at thermal power plants.

According to official calculations, the operation of the plant will save approximately 45 million cubic meters of natural gas annually. This figure may not appear large for Azerbaijan’s energy system. However, although this concerns only one project, the overall volume of savings could increase as renewable energy capacity expands.

There is another aspect to the issue. Azerbaijan is a producer and exporter of natural gas. Replacing part of the gas required for electricity generation with solar energy creates an opportunity to use that gas for other purposes. This can provide additional flexibility in supplying gas to industry and, under suitable conditions, expand export opportunities.

The Qobustan plant’s annual output of 200 million kilowatt-hours also demonstrates the scale of the project. Although the plant has an installed capacity of 100 MW, solar energy is not a continuous source, meaning it cannot operate at maximum capacity for 24 hours a day throughout the year. Therefore, the plant’s actual annual output is lower than its nominal capacity. This is one of the main characteristics of solar power plants.

Another result of the project is a reduction in carbon emissions into the atmosphere. According to official information, the Qobustan Solar Power Plant will prevent approximately 97,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. This figure does not represent direct financial income, but it is significant in terms of Azerbaijan’s transition toward a lower-carbon energy system.

One of the features that distinguishes the Qobustan project is that it was implemented through an auction mechanism. In 2023, a 300.77-hectare plot of land in the Pirshaat settlement of the Garadagh district was designated as a renewable energy area for the construction of a solar power plant. The site was subsequently put up for auction, and in 2024, China’s Universal International Holdings Limited won the auction.

This model is particularly important for Azerbaijan. The state creates the land and legal framework for renewable energy projects, while the investor participates in financing and implementing the project. The Qobustan plant is presented as the first renewable energy project in Azerbaijan implemented through an auction.

President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized the special attention being paid to expanding renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan’s energy policy. The projects currently being implemented represent one of the practical results of this policy. With the commissioning of Qobustan, the total installed capacity of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan is expected to reach 2.17 GW.

Hydropower plants account for the largest share of this capacity. The combined capacity of the country’s 65 hydropower plants is 1,443.5 MW. Wind power plants have a capacity of 306.5 MW, while solar power plants will have a capacity of 278.2 MW. In addition, hybrid and bioenergy projects are also included in the overall figure. As a result, the share of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan’s total energy capacity rises to approximately 20.8 percent.

Azerbaijan’s renewable energy potential, however, is considerably larger than its existing capacity. The country’s economically viable renewable energy potential is estimated at 27 GW. Of this, 23 GW comes from solar energy and 3 GW from wind energy. These figures indicate that there is significant potential for new projects in the coming years.

The implementation of approximately 1.5 GW of new renewable energy projects is planned by the end of 2027. As these projects are implemented, the role of solar and wind energy in electricity generation could increase further.

As a result, the significance of the Qobustan Solar Power Plant is not limited to the creation of 100 MW of new generation capacity. The project makes a concrete contribution to Azerbaijan’s energy balance by generating 200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, saving 45 million cubic meters of gas, and reducing emissions by 97,000 tons. From a broader perspective, the expansion of such projects increases the country’s opportunities to use its natural gas resources in areas other than electricity generation and creates conditions for greater diversification of energy sources within the energy system.

Castro: Sara Duterte camp’s inattention leaves VP ‘clueless’

Palace press officer Claire Castro on Thursday said the lack of attention from Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp may explain why the vice president appears ‘clueless’ about the administration’s programs.

The remarks came after Duterte’s new spokesperson, Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., said Castro was not a factor in his appointment and that he had no intention of going head-to-head with her over every statement, as he only needed to address serious criticisms. Panelo also described Castro as someone who is ‘hard to take seriously.’

For Castro, however, Panelo’s remarks were an ‘admission’ that the Duterte camp was not listening to what she was saying.

The Palace official stressed that the press briefings held almost every day with reporters not only answer their questions but also discuss government initiatives for the public.

‘Ngayon natin nakitang may pag-amin na hindi sila nakikinig sa ating sinasabi kaya marahil ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang Bise Presidente ay nagmumukhang clueless, walang alam sa anong ginagawa ng administrasyon para sa ating mga kababayan,’ Castro said.

(We now see an admission that they are not listening to what we are saying, which may be the reason why the Vice President appears clueless and unaware of what the administration is doing for our fellow Filipinos.)

The Palace official said it was the Duterte camp’s loss if they chose not to listen to her. Castro also said the camp regularly claims that the government is doing nothing, adding that she now knows why.

‘Walang panahon na makinig, walang panahon na manood at walang panahong pakinggan nang seryoso ang mga sinasabi especially dito sa briefing-malaking kawalan iyon; kawalan nila iyon, hindi natin kawalan iyon,’ she said.

(They have no time to listen, no time to watch, and no time to seriously consider what is being said, especially here in the briefing-that is a great loss for them; it is their loss, not ours.)

‘At ang mensaheng ito ay hindi para sa mga taong ayaw makinig at ayaw seryosohin ang mga programa ng Pangulo. At aasahan natin ngayon mula sa Bise Presidente at sa kaniyang mga alagad na hindi nila babanggitin ang aking anumang sinasabi kahit na ang aking pangalan o ang aking posisyon aasahan nating hindi na nila babanggitin; pati sa kanilang isipan ay hindi nila iisipin ang aking pangalan, ang posisyon at ang aking lahat ng sinasabi,’ she also said.

(And this message is not for people who refuse to listen and refuse to take the President’s programs seriously. We can now expect the Vice President and her allies not to mention anything I say, including my name or my position. We expect them not to mention me anymore-not even to think about my name, my position, or anything I say.)

When asked to comment on Panelo’s observation that he found it difficult to take her seriously, Castro left it to the public to judge what the spokesperson meant by the comments.

‘Kayo mag-isip, may paggalang ba o walang paggalang? Nasa attitude, nasa character. Magandang salita pero sa kaila-ilaliman niyan mababasa ninyo kung ano ang nilalaman,’ she said.

(You be the judge-was there respect or disrespect? It comes down to attitude and character. The words may sound good, but if you look beneath the surface, you can read what is really behind them.)

Is this serious?

Castro also dismissed Panelo’s remark that Duterte is ready to replace President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should the latter resign.

‘Normal at natural ito sa mga kaalyado at alagad ng Bise Presidente, pero kung kakayanin niya sa ngayon na pumalit kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., seryoso ba ito?’ she further inquired.

(This may be normal and natural for the Vice President’s allies and followers, but if she were to take over from President Marcos Jr. now, would she really be serious about it?)

Castro just reiterated her Wednesday’s response to calls for Marcos to resign: ‘Kahapon ko pa po sinabi, iti s absolutely delusional.’

Trump to meet Gulf leaders to discuss next phase of Iran War

US President Donald Trump is expected to meet with leaders and foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) next Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss the next phase of the war with Iran, Axios reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

The meeting is expected to focus on US proposals for a postwar strategy as the Trump administration works on a plan for the period following the conflict. According to the sources, the administration is expected to finalize its broader ‘day-after’ strategy after the US midterm elections.

Representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman are expected to participate in the talks. The US State Department sent initial invitations on Wednesday, while the meeting could potentially be expanded to include other Arab and Muslim leaders.

The planned discussions come as Washington signals that it is seeking a path toward ending the conflict. Trump said Wednesday that he hoped the war was nearing its end and again claimed that Iran had communicated directly with the United States about reaching a deal.

The Gulf states have a direct interest in the outcome of the war. They host US military bases and have faced Iranian attacks and economic disruptions during the conflict, including interruptions to oil and natural gas exports.

For Washington, the meeting could provide an opportunity to coordinate with key regional partners on security and economic issues before a postwar framework is finalized. Energy infrastructure, shipping routes and the stability of regional oil and gas markets are expected to remain important concerns.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also wants to meet Trump in New York, although no meeting has been scheduled, according to an Israeli source cited by Axios.

The upcoming talks would continue Trump’s efforts to engage Gulf and other Arab and Muslim governments directly on major regional conflicts. The administration’s approach suggests that Washington is increasingly focusing on the political and security arrangements that could follow the current conflict, although the timing and terms of any potential settlement with Iran remain uncertain.

Zakharova warns of ‘eternal curse’ for those persecuting Armenian Church

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has warned that politicians involved in what she described as the persecution of the Armenian Church would face an ‘eternal curse.’

‘Those who participate in the persecution of the church in Armenia will be cursed. Pass that on. There are terrible crimes, but fighting against God, when genuine persecution is carried out using the entire arsenal of means, is a centuries-old curse,’ Zakharova said, according to Lenta.ru.

Zakharova had previously accused Armenian authorities of violating procedures during parliamentary elections held this summer and claimed that representatives of the Church had been ‘steamrolled’ by the authorities.

Tensions between the Armenian Apostolic Church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government have escalated in recent months.

A criminal case against Catholicos Karekin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and six senior clerics was launched earlier in 2026 amid the continuing dispute between the Church and the Armenian authorities.

The Armenian government has rejected accusations that it is conducting a campaign against the Church, while the dispute has become a source of political tension inside the country.

Super easy Chili Shrimps

Red, luscious and bursting with flavor with just enough heat to spice up your freshly cooked rice that has been smothered with its gravy. It is freshness personified as you effortlessly peel off its shell. Sometimes, the best-tasting dishes are the ones that are easiest to cook.

Take these Chili Shrimps by the mother-and-son team of Chefs Sylvia Reynoso Gala and Ernest Reynoso Gala. They easily fit into the menu of any celebration and are so easy to prepare, as this recipe proves. Just follow a few simple steps and you’ve got a great dish that you can also enjoy even for a regular lunch or dinner.

Chili Shrimps

Ingredients:

1/2 kg. shrimps or prawns, with head and shell intact

1/4 cup oil

1/4 cup onion

1 stalk lemongrass, white portion finely chopped

1 tbsp. chili powder

1 cup tomato sauce

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/4 cup dayap (lime) juice

Procedure:

1. Heat oil in a wok. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes.

2. Add lemongrass and chili powder. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and lime juice. Let boil.

4. Add shrimps or prawns. Cook for 2 minutes more.

5. Transfer to a plate complete with sauce.

6. Serve with freshly cooked rice.

New era of PH volleyball seeks growth spurt via Asian Games stint

It was far from the start Alas Pilipinas wanted for its women’s team in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games-but neither was it unexpected.

So the nation’s brightest volleyball stars are milking the result for whatever they can get from it.

‘[W]e came into this tournament very excited, very ready to learn, and very ready to be put out of our comfort zone,’ said team captain Jia De Guzman in an interview with local Games broadcaster One Sports after absorbing a 25-18, 25-22, 25-8 defeat at the hands of nine-time Asiad champion China on Wednesday.

For the Alas women, the Asian Games stint provides a perfect competitive laboratory to begin building the future of the national volleyball program.

‘All of the things that happened the past year have really led to us coming into this moment,’ added De Guzman. ‘And it doesn’t stop here. We’re really trying to absorb all of the experience that we can because this is a stepping stone for all the plans in the future for the Philippine national volleyball team.’

There’s little consolation in a defeat, but the silver lining shone brightly. The Filipino women gave a good account of themselves against a team that is aiming for a third straight Asiad crown.

The Philippines stayed in step with China for two sets, much to the delight of the crowd at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Gymnasium, which turned 25 years old this month and is located in the castle town of Okazaki in Aichi Prefecture, some 43 kilometers southeast of Nagoya.

The nationals even tied the count at 20 in the second set, before China rallied through and then cruised in the third.

‘I think it just shows what kind of potential this team has that when we really believe in ourselves, whoever we face, we will fight until the end,’ said De Guzman, the long-time national team setter.

Xin Tang led China with 19 points, all from attacks, while Yushan Zhuang chipped in 17 from 15 kills and two blocks.

Top performers

The Philippines’ young stars contributed heavily for the country’s cause, with La Salle’s Angel Canino making her Asiad debut with 14 points off 13 kills and former University of Santo Tomas star Eya Laure chipping in 10. Alyssa Solomon, the ex-National U standout who has played internationally as an import, added nine points.

‘There’s no better way to learn or to know our current level, except to put everything on the court, whether it’s a win or a loss, as long as we leave everything on the floor,’ said De Guzman, who leads the young Alas crew now after being one of the young standouts in the 2018 Asiad squad that featured Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago-Minowa, Aby Maraño, Mylene Paat and Majoy Baron.

‘And I think we really had fun in this game because we were challenged, but at the same time we were pushed to our limits. And it will help in our game tomorrow,’ she added.

The Philippines battles Kazakhstan on Thursday and National coach Taka Minowa said the game against China provided a ‘good warmup’ to the crucial duel that could book a quarterfinal berth for the country.

137,487 PLWDs to participate in 2027 elections

No fewer than 137,487 Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDS) are captured in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) database as prospective voters in next year’s general election..

The figure comprises 13,080 visually impaired persons, 9,299 with hearing impairment, 30,561 with albinism, 19,430 with physical impairment, and 54,941 in other categories of disability.

INEC’s Acting Chairman, Prof. Rhoda’s Gumus. Revealed the number at a National Strategy Engagement with executive members of the Joint National Association of Persons Living With Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Organisations of Persons Living With Disabilities (OPDs) in Abuja yesterday.

Gumus said the figure ‘ demonstrates the need for sustained and targeted engagement to ensure that Persons Living With Disabilities are adequately informed, mobilised and supported to participate throughout the electoral process.’

She explained that the participation of PLWDs in the electoral process is anchored on Section 54 of the Electoral Act, 2026 (as amended), the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process.

The Acting Chairman stressed INEC’s ‘ commitment to advancing the participation and inclusion of Persons Living With Disabilities in Nigeria’s democratic process.’

She added that the meeting reflected the commission’s commitment to an electoral process that is ‘inclusive, accessible, participatory and responsive to the needs of all eligible citizens, including Persons Living With Disabilities.’

Gamus maintained that as INEC prepares for the general election, it was important for it to ‘strengthen our collaboration with JONAPWD, OPDs and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that no eligible voter is left behind.’

She called on JONAPWD and the various OPDs to take ownership of the sensitisation process within their respective clusters.

Director, Gender and Inclusivity Department of the commission, Mrs Lakunuya Bello, said INEC recognises PLWDs as ‘an important constituency whose voices, choices and participation are essential to the credibility and inclusiveness of our democracy.’

She listed persisting challenges to include access to voter information, voter education, mobilisation and accessibility of electoral facilities, and urged stakeholders to develop sensitisation strategies that are ‘broad in reach but also targeted, accessible and responsive.’

In his address, Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Grace Jerry, called for a mobilisation model built around mapping PLWD networks and priority gaps, reaching communities through OPD and accessible media channels, delivering practical voter education in multiple accessible formats, supporting registration and referrals, monitoring and documenting barriers for escalation to INEC and JONAPWD, and sustaining follow-up engagement throughout election days.

National President of JONAPWD, Abdullahi Usman, commended INEC for owning a policy on disability inclusion that is itself shaped by PLWDs.

He, however, called for frequent strategic engagements, noting that ‘one national strategic engagement will not be enough for persons with disabilities in Nigeria to participate fully in the 2027 general election.’

Also, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Ayuba Burki, decried the barriers of mobility, assistive devices and restricted movement during elections that continue to limit the participation of PWDs.

‘If we are fully engaged, if we can mobilise 35 million people to an election, then we will determine where the votes will swing,’ he said.

Founder/CEO of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, commended INEC’s performance on priority voting for PWDs but called for improved accessibility of polling units and deeper grassroots mobilisation through OPD cluster heads across the 36 states and the FCT. He declared, ‘Any election that fails to count the voices of persons with disabilities is not a democracy; it is an exercise in exclusion.’