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NCR United Authority
Friday 10 May 2024
Introducing the Green Manila Initiative 2054 – a transformative vision for the future of our beloved city. This comprehensive 30-year plan encompasses three key modules aimed at revitalizing Manila into a sustainable, globally competitive metropolis. Module One focuses on enhancing transportation and housing infrastructure. Module Two addresses the relocation of informal settlements to promote urban development. Module Three aims to boost Manila's appeal as a world-class global destination through strategic initiatives.
- Module 1
Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Manila with the launch of the Green Manila Initiative 2054. This ambitious 30-year plan, with an investment of $300 billion, aims to address the pressing issues faced by our beloved city through comprehensive infrastructural development and sustainable urban planning.
The first module of this initiative will focus on the strategic enhancement of our transportation system, extending from Lucena in Quezon to Dagupan in Pangasinan. This expansion will facilitate seamless connectivity, easing congestion and reducing travel times across the greater Manila region. Additionally, the construction of affordable state housing in neighbouring States will provide modern, comfortable living spaces for our citizens.
Module 2
The next pivotal module of the Green Manila Initiative 2054, aimed at fostering sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for all residents of our great city. Starting in 2027, this module will focus on the relocation of informal settlement communities, marking a significant step towards revitalizing our urban landscape.
This large-scale endeavor will help repurpose spaces, paving the way for future green spaces, infrastructure development, and community-enhancing projects. This module emphasises our dedication to inclusive urban planning and social equity. It is an essential component of our comprehensive strategy to address urban challenges and promote sustainable growth. Throughout the process, we will prioritize community engagement, ensuring that affected residents are supported and empowered during this transition.
Module 3
Module 3 of the Green Manila Initiative 2054 – our bold vision to elevate Manila into a world-class global destination. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards enhancing our city's competitiveness and appeal on the global stage.
Infrastructure Development: We're committed to revolutionizing Manila's infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity and convenience for all. As part of this effort, we'll be investing in Innovative transportation systems, modernizing airports, and upgrading public amenities. These enhancements will not only benefit our residents but also enhance the experience for international travelers visiting our vibrant city.
Tourism Promotion: Manila is a city brimming with cultural heritage, diverse attractions, and a vibrant lifestyle. Through targeted tourism promotion campaigns, we'll showcase the best of Manila to the world. From historical landmarks to culinary delights, from festivals celebrating our rich traditions to our bustling urban scene – Manila has something for everyone.
Business and Investment Support: To boost our city's economic prowess, we'll create a conducive environment for businesses and investors. This includes streamlining regulations, offering incentives, and developing cutting-edge infrastructure to attract foreign direct investment. Manila will become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sustainable Urban Planning: We are committed to sustainable urban development that preserves our environment while enhancing quality of life. Our plan includes creating more green spaces, implementing eco-friendly initiatives, and preserving our historical landmarks. Manila will lead by example in sustainable practices, attracting environmentally conscious travelers and residents.
Cultural Preservation and Promotion: Manila's unique cultural identity is one of our greatest assets. We will prioritize the preservation and promotion of our diverse heritage through cultural festivals, arts programs, and heritage initiatives. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Manila's rich traditions and experience the warmth of our community.
Education and Innovation: To drive progress and innovation, we'll invest in education, research, and technology. Our goal is to nurture a skilled workforce and foster a culture of innovation that attracts talent from around the globe. Manila will be a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge advancements.
Safety and Security: Ensuring a safe and secure environment is paramount. We are committed to strengthening law enforcement and implementing effective public safety measures. This will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also instill confidence in visitors exploring our beautiful city.
Collaborative Partnerships: By forging collaborative partnerships with international organizations, businesses, and governments, we'll exchange knowledge, resources, and best practices. Together, we will propel Manila onto the world stage as a premier global destination.
DE TELEGRAAF
May 11, 2024
Labor unions demand restrictions on labor migrants entering the Netherlands to fend off "miserable work and living conditions"
(THE HAGUE) -- A coalition of eleven Dutch labor unions, led by CNV, have issued a joint memorandum urging the coalition government led by the NSC to enact regulatory restrictions on the number of labor migrants allowed to enter the country, as the labor unions cite growing concerns over reporters of workers sleeping on the streets amid an influx of migrant workers. Piet Fortuin, CNV boss, spoke before the Tweede Kamer during a public hearing on the issue this Wednesday convened by the progressive GL/PvdA party of Frans Timmermans and urged the coalition government of Prime Minister Pieter Omtzigt to consider the possibility of restricting or temporarily issuing a moratorium on labor-based migration to the Netherlands.
"The situation is a major disgrace for this country," Fortuin said. "We have workers sleeping on the streets because of a rapid decline in work and living conditions. Wages are also declining. Something must be done."
Citing increasing cost of living in the Netherlands, Fortuin and other Dutch labor unions expressed concerns that migrant workers would only move to the Netherlands and be forced into government-funded shelters thanks to the current unaffordability of goods and homes. Fortuin also spoke at the public hearing at length on the matter of recent economic volatility in the European Union amid continued internal tensions over questions regarding Turkiye and Russia.
The government of Pieter Omtzigt has pledged to enact legislation to protect Dutch workers while allowing highly-skilled migrants to more easily and simply move to the Netherlands to bolster economic output. Of note, the GL/PvdA and other left-wing parties in government have been aggressively pushing for a measure to protect migrant workers from exploitation, a bill that the labor unions are currently backing.
The government of Omtzigt is reportedly preparing a bill strengthening the Labor Inspectorate, the government agency chiefly responsible for managing migrant workers and their status within the country. The bill is also expected to increase requirements for migrant workers to prevent oversaturation of the labor market, as well as impose new sanctions and fines on companies that fail to adequately protect migrant workers of all kinds in line with international law.
Opposition parties, including the center-right VVD and the far-right PVV, have criticized the government for not going far enough. "We are only restricting when we should be completely prohibiting. There is a crisis brewing, and the government is too cowardly to provide decisive action," Geert Wilders, the far-right leader of the PVV, told Dutch broadcaster NOS. Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, leader of the liberal-conservative VVD, spoke on Dutch media in favor of migrant restrictions, but urged for "national security implications" to be integrated into a possible bill as well.
|| The Patagonian ||
May 12, 2024
First 'extreme' solar storm in 20 years brings spectacular auroras to Ushuaia
The most powerful solar storm in more than two decades struck Earth on Friday (10/5), triggering spectacular celestial light shows from Tasmania to Argentina, and threatening possible disruptions to satellites and power grids as it persists into the weekend. The first of several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) – expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun – came just after 1600 GMT, according to the National Meteorological Service (SMN). It was later upgraded to an "extreme" geomagnetic storm – the first since the "Halloween Storms" of October 2003 caused blackouts in Sweden and damaged power infrastructure in South Africa. More CMEs are expected to pummel the planet in the coming days.
Social media lit up with people posting pictures of auroras from Northern Europe, Australasia, and Patagonia. The residents of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego witnessed magical scenes as the southern skies turned deep red colour, creating stunning images that were immediately shared online by locals.
SMN also said that the phenomenon was replicated near the Marambio scientific base, near Antarctica, but there the sky showed other shades, featuring greenish and orange tones. It is worth mentioning that this phenomenon is known all over the world as "aurora borealis" normally, but in this case, because it occurred in the south of Argentina, it should be called "aurora australis."
Authorities notified satellite operators, airlines and the power grid to take precautionary steps for potential disruptions caused by changes to Earth's magnetic field. Unlike solar flares, which travel at the speed of light and reach Earth in around eight minutes, CMEs travel at a more sedate pace, with officials putting the current average at 800 kilometres (500 miles) per second. The CMEs emanated from a massive sunspot cluster that is 17 times wider than our planet. The Sun is approaching the peak of an 11-year cycle that brings heightened activity.
Fluctuating magnetic fields associated with geomagnetic storms induce currents in long wires, including power lines, which can potentially lead to blackouts. Long pipelines can also become electrified, leading to engineering problems. Spacecraft are also at risk from high doses of radiation, although the atmosphere prevents this from reaching Earth.
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