Author: ASEAN News Gazette

ALOR SETAR, The demanding nature of the media profession, which constantly subjects its practitioners to various forms of pressure, can weaken their mental health and negatively impact their overall well-being.

Long working hours, shifts that span day and night including public holidays, and often challenging conditions under harsh weather, demand that media personnel possess a resilient spirit and the wisdom to manage their emotions well.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Coordinator of Journalism and Publishing Courses, Khairun Nizam Mohammad Yusuff, emphasised that although media personnel appear resilient, they need emotional literacy, through regular courses, workshops, or briefings to learn effective conflict resolution.

“Studies have shown that poor mental health among media personnel affects not only the quality of work but also physical health. They struggle to maintain objectivity in reporting, often completing tasks, merely for the sake of it, resulting in uninspired writing.

“In the United St
ates, 90 percent of media personnel covering traumatic events such as natural disasters and involving violence suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” he told Bernama.

Khairun Nizam revealed that a study in Serbia revealed that a significant number of journalists suffer from emotional exhaustion at work, with many believing that the stress significantly contributes to other physical illnesses.

He proposed that in addition to addressing the challenges posed by the evolving media landscape in the era of globalisation, the mental health of media professionals should also be a crucial topic during the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2024 celebration, scheduled to be held in Kuching, Sarawak, from May 25 to 27.

TV3 broadcast journalist R. Kumaran agreed, stressing the importance of prioritising mental health, as any challenges faced by media personnel would also impact their family lives.

‘This career is particularly demanding due to time constraints and irregular working hours. Support from par
tners and families is essential. If their mental health suffers, it can destabilise family relationships.

‘Working around the clock also leads many media professionals to neglect their diet, eating just enough to stave off hunger and often at irregular times, resulting in declining health, which in turn affects their emotional well-being,’ he explained.

Sinar Harian journalist Roshila Murni Rosli, who has reported on natural disasters, has been diagnosed with PTSD.

‘I once covered a water surge disaster at Taman Rekreasi Titi Hayun in Yan, which resulted in fatalities a few years ago. Since then, I have never allowed my family to visit any waterfalls due to the persistent worry and trauma.

‘I have also experienced feelings of anxiety, excessive worry, and overthinking, which led to a diagnosis of anxiety disorder in 2021. I hope the relevant authorities will pay more attention to the emotional well-being of media personnel,’ she said.

HAWANA 2024, themed “Etika Teras Kewartawanan Mapan”, is the largest g
athering of Malaysian journalists, and the highlight of the celebration will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 27.

It is organised by the Ministry of Communications in collaboration with the Sarawak state government, with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency.

Various programmes have been planned, including the Sarawak Media Conference 2024 and the “Jelajah HAWANA 2024 Bersama Siswa”, covering Sabah, Sarawak, and the Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Central zones, to be launched on May 24 by the Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil.

May 29 has been designated as National Journalists’ Day to commemorate the first publication of the Utusan Melayu newspaper on that day in 1939. The celebration aims to recognise the contributions of media practitioners in shaping an informed society, fostering cooperation, and driving positive changes in the industry.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

BAGUIO CITY: The ‘Bagong Sinag’ Class of 2024 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) entered the institution at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

On Saturday, out of the initial 350 original cadets from the 1,629 who passed the entrance examinations, a total of 278 earned their Bachelor of Science in National Security Management degrees.

Among the 278 are 224 males and 54 females.

The class valedictorian, 24-year-old 1CL Jeneth Elumba of Surigao del Norte, is one of seven females in the top 10.

Maj. Maria Charito Dulay, chief of the PMA Civil Military Operations, said they placed the fourth-class cadets in a ‘barrio’ (village), separate from the upper-class cadets.

The so-called barrio is near the athletics complex where cadet barracks are also located. It was converted into a ‘bubble’ area when plebes entered the academy for safety measures.

Dulay said they also wanted the rookies to get accustomed faster to the next four years of their lives in the academy.

‘Ginawa natin ‘to help the fou
rth-class cadets to focus on their training, ma-accustom sila sa rigors ng life sa PMA (We did it to help the fourth-class cadets focus on their training and to accustom them to the rigors of life in PMA), without interference from the upperclassmen,’ she said in an interview.

She said that as civilians entering the academy, they should be provided full opportunity to adjust and spend the whole year on their own.

They merged with the upper-class cadets the following year.

‘Once recognized, meaning they have imbibed the traditions, the values, the character of being a cadet, saka sila inincorporate sa (that is when they were incorporated into the) central barracks,’ she said.

The then-incoming cadets underwent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test. If negative for the coronavirus, they observed the required number of days for quarantine.

A final medical clearance was required before they were taken in by the PMA.

That year’s graduating batch, the 196-strong Masidlawin Class of 2020, had it
s commencement exercises without parents and guests due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Continuing improvements

Dulay said PMA facilities are also being improved, like classrooms that are modernized to fit the needs of the cadets.

Lt. Gen. Rowen Tolentino, PMA superintendent, said they will review the curriculum as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

He said starting in 2025, the graduates will earn the degree Bachelor of Science in Management major in Security Studies.

There are also several changes with specializations to allow the cadets to receive specific training on skills and knowledge related to the Navy, Army or Air Force.

‘Unlike before, they get the cadets to choose their field of service weeks before they graduate. Now, they have to decide when they enter the third year as specific training is provided starting that year level,’ Tolentino explained.

In his speech, President Marcos said attempts to divert the Filipinos’ attention and dissipate their vigilance should not draw the new mili
tary officers away from the threats the nation is facing.

The tasks include keeping the Filipino people safe in their homes, Philippine territories secured, defenses against threats strong, and the democracy vibrant and stable.

To carry out those goals, the President said the cadets should be ready, prompting him to order the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to review the curriculum of the PMA.

‘These are intruders who have been disrespecting our territorial integrity. We will vigorously defend what is ours. But our conduct must always be guided by law and [by] our responsibility as a rules-abiding member of the community of nations,’ President Marcos said.

Source: Philippines News Agency

SEMPORNA, The Free-Space Optical Communication (FSO) technology used by Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) to provide high-speed internet coverage to residents on Pulau Bum Bum here has the potential to be deployed in other parts of the country, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said that based on his observations of the FSO technology on Pulau Bum Bum today, it could be utilised as a solution to provide access in challenging areas, particularly those where building telecommunications towers is difficult.

He said about three per cent of populated areas in the country still lack internet access, involving approximately 2,800 communities, and according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), only 15 per cent of these communities are suitable for internet access through telecommunications towers.

‘The remaining 85 per cent of these communities may require a hybrid solution; some may need satellite or VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), and some may need new technologies (such as
FSO). I have asked for the process to be expedited.

‘I have requested the Communications Ministry secretary-general (Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa) and MCMC to look into this matter,’ he told reporters after visiting the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in Kampung Terusan Tengah, Pulau Bum Bum, today.

TM One executive vice-president Shazurawati Abd Karim said the FSO technology uses light transmitted through free space for telecommunications purposes and wirelessly transmits data over a distance of up to three kilometres.

“FSO enables high-speed gigabit broadband internet similar to other cities in Malaysia. Pulau Bum Bum is among four locations where we have successfully implemented this technology since 2022, with the others being Pulau Aman in Penang, and Maludam and Beladin in Sarawak,” she said.

Commenting on NADI, Fahmi said that 186 such centres are being developed nationwide, allowing more people to benefit from the facilities provided, including high-speed internet access.

‘In some
areas, there is a demand to increase the number of these centres, and we are looking into that. One thing we noticed from surveys is that those living within two to three kilometres of a NADI benefit greatly,” he said.

With this expansion effort, the number of NADI in Sabah will increase to 132 centres from 118 previously, with the NADI on Pulau Bum Bum serving more than 3,000 surrounding community members and 2,200 community members participating in programmes conducted at the centre.

Earlier, when attending the Jiwa MADANI Programme in Kampung Terusan Tengah on the island, Fahmi said village chiefs could apply for funding of up to RM100,000 through the Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI (SejaTi MADANI) Programme provided by the government to stimulate economic activities at the community level.

“This programme can be applied for, for instance, agriculture, enhancing the local economy such as specific products from the area. In some places in Sabah, they make sambal Tuhau, which I’ve tried; it’s delicious and now
it’s a product that can be sold on Shopee.

“Identify what products can be developed and apply for this programme’s funding, but the funds should be used to benefit the community’s economic development, not for travel,” he said, adding that the programme could generate higher income for the local population.

Additionally, Fahmi said Pulau Bum Bum has a high potential to attract more tourists, thus it needs to be equipped with upgraded facilities, including internet access, by 2026, which is Visit Malaysia Year.

“We want more tourists to come to Malaysia to boost relations and economic growth. If they come here, they will certainly upload pictures. I see the capability and potential of Pulau Bum Bum as very high, with beautiful water and delicious food,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

CEBU CITY: Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Friday declared the entire Cebu province under a state of calamity as 32 of its 50 local governments reported PHP176.8 million in damage to crops and livestock amid the onslaught of El Nin~o.

Garcia pledged to focus on assisting the agricultural sector. She, however, clarified that the declaration does not intend to give ‘dole outs’ to the residents but is a recognition of the damage being beyond normal.

‘The culture we wish to nurture in the entire province of Cebu (is) not a culture of mendicancy,’ she said.

Capitol records showed that as of May 16, El Nin~o has affected 12,312 farmers and fisherfolk tilling a total area of 3,179.32 hectares.

Garcia said she would issue an executive order to lay down the parameters for providing assistance to farmers.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Board is set to pass a resolution on May 20 supporting the governor’s declaration.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has transferred the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

According to a news release from the Presidential Communications Office on Saturday, Marcos issued Executive Order (EO) 60 dated May 13, placing the PCIC under the DA’s control to make it more responsive to the needs of small farmers, fisherfolk, and other agricultural stakeholders.

‘A strong organizational link between the PCIC and DA is necessary to enhance agricultural insurance protection program highly responsive to the needs of small farmers and fisherfolk and other agricultural stakeholders, with policies and programs aimed at ensuring food security and modernization of the agricultural sector,’ he said in the executive order.

The PCIC is a government-owned or -controlled corporation (GOCC) tasked to provide insurance protection to farmers against losses arising from natural disasters, plant diseases, and pest infestation.

EO 60 reorganizes the PCIC Board to in
clude the respective presidents of the Land Bank of the Philippines and PCIC; the executive director of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council; and a representative of the private insurance industry appointed by the President upon nomination by the Secretary of Finance.

The board shall also include three representatives of the subsistence farmers’ sector, preferably representing agrarian reform beneficiaries, cooperatives or associations from Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, appointed by the President upon their nomination by different farmer organizations and/or cooperatives.

The appointment or designation of the chairperson, vice chairperson, and other officers of the board of directors shall be in accordance with Republic Act 10149, or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011.

The Administrative Code of 1987 mandates the DA to promote the country’s agricultural development by providing policy framework, public investments, and support services necessary for the advancement of the agricultural sector.

Source:
Philippines News Agency

ISTANBUL: Brazil will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the 10th edition of the football event, FIFA Congress announced in Thailand on Friday.

“At the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, Brazil was announced as the host nation of the 10th FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in 2027, becoming the first South American nation to host the tournament,” FIFA said in a statement.

Brazil garnered 119 votes during the bidding, followed by Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany.

Since the inaugural tournament in China in 1991, at least one edition has been hosted by Sweden, the US, Germany, Canada, France, Australia, and New Zealand.

Source: Philippines News Agency

LUMAJANG: Mount Semeru in East Java erupted five times on Friday, with the volcano spewing ash as high as 900 meters above its peak.

Mount Semeru Observation Post Officer Liswanto said in a written statement on Friday that the ash column looked white to gray in color and was moving with moderate intensity toward the southwest.

The volcano is still on alert Level III.

The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) has appealed to residents to refrain from carrying out activities in the southeastern part of the volcano along the Besuk Kobokan River up to a distance of 13 kilometers from its peak.

They have also been asked not to carry out activities within a 500-meter radius of the river bank along Besuk Kobokan.

Residents have also been prohibited from carrying out activities within a 5-kilometer radius of the crater or peak of Mount Semeru because of the risk of injury from stones ejected by the volcano.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) is advancing its commitment to environmental sustainability by expanding its solar panel installations across campus, effectively reducing its carbon footprint.

The solar panel arrays — a total of 10,000 square meters — will be laid out on 11 academic and administrative buildings, allowing the country’s premier health sciences university to produce 1,600 megawatt hour (MWh) renewable power leading to PHP17 million annual electricity savings.

‘Inspired by the Energy Efficiency Excellence (EEE) award that we received from the Department of Energy, we have come up with a plan that would lessen our campus’ carbon footprint by 1,000 tons annually which is equivalent to the planting of 177,000 trees in our campus,’ UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee said in a news release on Saturday.

In December 2023, UPM was one of the 27 government institutions honored with the prestigious EEE award in recognition of its outstanding dedication to implementing and embracin
g energy efficiency and conservation programs, innovations, and practices.

Carbon footprint refers to the cumulative volume of greenhouse gases, encompassing emissions like carbon dioxide and methane, produced by an activity, product, company or nation.

Typically measured in metric tons of emissions per specific unit of comparison, carbon footprints offer crucial insights into environmental impact and efforts toward sustainability.

‘We are on track to become the nation’s biggest and independent campus power producer of renewable energy. The heat index is the language of the sun speaking to us about the need to respond to climate concern,’ Tee said.

UPM started its renewable energy project in November 2022 when it installed 48.6 kilowatts peak solar panels (also known as photovoltaic panels) at the Henry Sy Sr. Medical Sciences Building, covering a total of 554 square meters roof area and generating an annual savings of P650,000 in electricity charges.

It translates to the planting of 6,558 trees around t
he campus.

Source: Philippines News Agency