#upy 2018 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

upismediacenter · 3 days ago

Text

The treat is a trick: ang panganib ng pagsusumikap para sa “ideyal” na katawan

Babala: ang artikulong ito ay tumatalakay sa body image at body dysmorphia.

Likha ni: Michi Sugawara ng UPIS Media Center 2025

“Ang laki-laki mo na, ah! ‘Yung dating suot mo, ‘di na kasya ngayon.”

Karaniwang bati sa mga pamangkin, apo, at inaanak ang komento tungkol sa katawan. Anuman ang dahilan ng pagtitipon—kaarawan, kasal, lamay—may makakapansin talaga sa itsura mo at kung paano ito nag-iba mula nang huli kayong nagkita. Kadalasan, ang intensyon nito ay positibo. Lumaki ka. Tumangkad ka. Dati, ang payat mo. Dati, ang taba mo. Ngunit para sa isang bata, maaaring ang dating nito ay, “Ay, may mali pala sa akin?” Noong bata ako, ang maliliit na opinyong ito ay dinaramdam ko nang todo-todo. May panahon kung saan underweight ako, at ang palagi kong naririnig ay, “Kain! Kain ka pa!” Ngunit noong nadagdagan na ang timbang ko, dala ng gana para kumain na hindi ko malaman kung saan nanggaling (spoiler: puberty), may kamag-anak akong nagbanggit na tumataba ako. Hindi ako natuwa. Hindi tungkol sa nutrisyon ang mga komento, napansin ko, kundi tungkol talaga sa itsura ko. Parang lahat na lang ng gawin ko sa katawan ko, mali. Pero saan nanggaling ang ganitong pagtingin? Saan ko natutuhan na may tama—na may ideyal palang itsura o hugis?

Ang ganitong bigat ay dinala ko hanggang sa pagtungtong ko ng hayskul (Grado 7) noong 2019. Sa puntong iyon, hindi na sa pamilya nanggaling ang mga nangingibabaw na mensahe, kundi sa midya—kabilang dito ang mga napapanood na sine at serye at nababasang literatura at aklat-aralin. Matingkad ang mensahe na may “perpektong” hubog ng katawan—trapezoid para sa kalalakihan, at hugis-bote o hourglass naman para sa kababaihan. Ang isang paliwanag kung bakit pinapaboran ang hourglass ay ang malalaking balakang ay nagpapakita ng dagdag na kakayahang makapag-reprodyus (fertility) ng isang babae, habang ang maliit na baywang at pagiging payat naman ay nagpapakita ng kalusugan. Pantay ang distribusyon ng taba sa katawan, at nakakaakit ang simetriyang ito (Sim, 2013). Ngunit kung abilidad na manganak ang basehan ng magandang katawan para sa babae, sinasabi ni Viren Swami (2016), propesor ng Social Psychology, na noong sinaunang panahon, marka ng kalusugan at fertility ang pagkakaroon ng mas mataas na body mass at hugis na mas buo at bilugan, isang mala-Venus (diyosa ng kagandahan ng mga Griyego at Romano) na itsura.

Fresco with a seated Venus, restored as a personification of Rome in the so-called "Dea Barberini" ("Barberini goddess"); Roman artwork, dated first half of the 4th century AD, from a room near the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Laterano (Public Domain)

Ayon sa pananaliksik ni Leafloor (2018) tungkol sa kasaysayan ng ideyal na katawan para sa kababaihan, noong 1800s-1900s, naging paraan ang mga corset upang piliting ipalabas ang mga kurba ng katawan: “These attempts to shape the body were an exaggerated, and now we know unhealthy, artificial way to mimic the ‘natural’ body of a Venus ideal. While corsets were used to achieve that extreme curve, publications in the 1890s (some bluntly entitled “Fashion in Deformity” and “Death From Tight Lacing”!) listed the dangers of binding the waist, including constricting the internal organs and restricting the lungs, resulting in poor digestion and an inability to breathe.”

Makikita mula sa mga obserbasyon ng mga historyador at mangguguhit na hindi nakataga sa bato ang ideyal na hugis ng katawan, ngunit para sa ordinaryong tao sa anumang punto ng kasaysayan, nananatili ang pagkakaroon ng dismaya sa kahirapan na makamit ito.

Bagama’t nakararanas ng hamon sa ideyal na katawan ang lahat ng kasarian, nais kong linawin na mas magpopokus ako sa mga pamantayan para sa kababaihan kaysa ang para sa kalalakihan—una, dahil nanggagaling ako sa mga sariling karanasan bilang babae, at ikalawa, ang mga pamantayang ito ay mas laganap at mas nakatuon sa kasariang ito. Ayon sa tesis ni Carlee Taga (2012) na pinamagatang “Maybe She's Born With It: Analyzing Theories of Beauty from Biology, Society and the Media”, “Male beauty standards surround us every day: masculine features, like a strong jaw line, dark eyebrows, and broad shoulders are included in the male beauty ideal (Etcoff, 1999). However, it is difficult to argue that males are the target audience – simply turn on the television and watch commercials or flip through the latest issue of People – it’s clear that women are the focus of ‘beauty culture’.”

Kailangan ng masinsin na pag-iingat sa pagtatalakay ng mga patakaran at perspektibo tungkol sa pangangalaga ng katawan at pananamit sa anumang edad. Higit pa na pag-iingat ang kinakailangan para sa mga nasa mas batang dulo ng hayskul—mga estudyanteng nasa early adolescence, o edad 10-14 (Blum et al., 2014)—sapagkat sa ganitong mga taon, mabilis ang pag-debelop ng katawan dala ng puberty. Apatnapung porsyento ng pinal na timbang ng taong nasa hustong gulang ay nadaragdag sa mga taon ng adolescence (Jacob & Nair, 2012), isang pagbabago na maaaring magdulot ng pagkagitla ngunit hindi ito magpapatuloy kung ipoproseso bilang normal na bahagi ng paglaki.

Ang wika na ginagamit ng mga magulang at kapatid, ang pagpuri at pagpuna ng mga kaibigan, ang itinuturo sa paaralan, at ang pinapahalagahan ng lipunan sa ispesipikong panahon—napakaraming salik ang bumubuo sa pagtingin ng isang bata sa kanyang katawan. Sa fashion industry, laganap ang klasipikasyon ng hubog ng katawan ayon sa literal na hugis na kawangis nito. Ang isang klasipikasyon na kinikilala sa industriya ay ang Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) na itinaguyod sa Estados Unidos noong 2004. Ang sistemang ito ay kumukuha ng three-dimensional (3-D) body scans, tinitingnan ang sukat ng mga bahagi ng katawan, at inilalapat sa mga matematikal na formula (Sokolowksi at Bettencourt, 2020). Ayon sa FFIT, ang mga hubog ng katawan ng isang babae ay isa sa mga sumusunod: hourglass, bottom hourglass, top hourglass, spoon, rectangle, diamond, oval, triangle, o inverted triangle. Ngunit ayon kina Parker et al. (2021), mga mananaliksik sa ergonomya sa United Kingdom, maaaring inconsistent ang “gold standard” na klasipikasyong ito dahil sa mga terminong ginagamit sa panunukat (bust, waist, hip, high-hip, stomach, at abdomen) na, kung hindi eksakto ang interpretasyon nito ng mga manunukat, maaaring higit sa isa o mali ang hugis na maitatalaga sa isang indibidwal. Mula sa pananaliksik nina Parker, ang depinisyon ng FFIT sa “hip” at “waist” ay hindi konsistent sa iba pang body scanning surveys kagaya ng Size UK, kaya maaaring mula sa ibang pwesto magsimula ang mga mananahi o siyentista (para sa pananaliksik) kapag sinusukat ang mga ito at magkaroon ng pagkakamali sa resulta. Mula naman sa pananaliksik nina Sokolowksi at Bettencourt (2020), kung saan ikinumpara naman ang 2004 na FFIT sa 2007 update ng mga Koreanong mananaliksik na ginawan ng bersyon para sa sariling bansa, “Many scans were classified as Rectangles or Inverted Triangles based on the mathematical formulas, but visual inspection indicated that these categories were not accurate, often because the waist circumferences were larger than either bust or hip. In addition, some scans did not fit into any of the shape definitions. In all, it was found that the existing 2007 FFIT formulas had an underlying assumption that the waist was smaller than the bust and hip.” Narito ang ating paradox—maaaring hindi istrikto ang klasipikasyon upang mapagbigyan ang iba't ibang klase ng katawan, ngunit laging mayroon pa ring maiiwan dahil hindi sila pasok sa inherent na bias ng gumawa ng sistema, kahit na hindi nila intensyon ito. Iminungkahi nina Sokolowksi at Bettencourt ang bago na namang formulae na mas inklusibo para sa mga may plus-sized na katawan.

Dagdag dito, nakapagtataka na ang mga mensahe ay nakapokus sa ugnayan ng hubog ng katawan at presentasyon nito sa publiko sa halip na ang implikasyon nito sa pisikal na kalusugan. Bukod sa lifestyle choices, ang ilang tao ay mas genetically predisposed na mag-imbak ng taba sa mga parte ng katawan katulad ng tiyan (pabilog na katawan) o balakang at hita (patatsulok na katawan). Ang mataas na waist-to-hip ratio ay hindi dapat bantayan upang tularan ang hugis-boteng katawan, kundi dahil mas mataas ang panganib nito para sa mga sakit kagaya ng type 2 diabetes at coronary heart disease (Emdin, Khera, & Natarajan, 2017).

Hiwalay pa sa hugis ng katawan ang hugis ng mukha. Parehong wika ang ginagamit: oval, round, rectangular, heart-shaped, triangular, diamond-shaped, at square-shaped ang maaaring hugis. May pagkukulang ang bawat isa, ngunit maaari pa ring itago sa pamamagitan ng pagbago sa gupit ng buhok, paghahanap ng “tamang anggulo” para sa mga litrato, o pag-edit nito sa digital man o pisikal na paraan. Sa pagiging laganap ng photo filters at editing features (na nakapokus sa kagandahan) sa mga digital na kamera at social networking sites, nagiging mas madali ang pagbubuo ng ilusyon ng pagiging “perpekto” o “ideyal,” na nakadaragdag ng pamumuwersa sa konsyumer ng edited na litrato na gumaya sa ganitong praktis. Ayon kay Camille Paglia sa kaniyang 2004 na artikulong “The Cruel Mirror: Body Type and Body Image as Reflected in Art,” ang mga pag-unlad sa pagtanggap sa natural na katawan (hal. ang pag-mainstream ni Jennifer Lopez sa mas malaking pigi ng mga black at Latinx) ay natabunan ng paggamit ng Photoshop upang i-edit ang mga litrato para gawing mas payat ang katawan ng mga kababaihan, lalo na sa mga magasin. Maaaring manghikayat din ito ng kagustuhang gayahin ang imaheng nakakamit lamang sa online sa pamamagitan ng plastic surgery (American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2014). Mula naman sa pag-aaral nina Kanavakis et al. (2021) tungkol sa ugnayan ng hubog ng mukha at self-perceived attractiveness, “Self-assessments of body image and attractiveness are largely performed under the scope of psychosocial evaluations.” Kaya, ang panghuhusga sa sariling katawan ay may kinikilingang “manonood”—magpaganda, o mapabuti ng katawan dahil pinapanood ito.

Ang mga epekto ng pagkahumaling sa mga ganitong pamantayan ay mapanganib hindi lamang sa mga adolescents at tinedyer kundi pati sa nasa hustong gulang na. Ayon muli kay Paglia (2004), “Thus, for the past decade a strange and perhaps impossible amalgam has emerged: the thin, sleek, toned female figure with a flat, exposed midriff but startlingly large breasts. This silhouette is difficult enough to maintain during the hormonal teenaged years, but its imposition on older women requires a manic regime of exercise and dieting as well as a costly maintenance program of plastic surgery and liposuction.”

Siyempre, may mga rason sa likod ng “pag-edit” ng mukha, katawan, o larawan nito na hindi nakaangkla sa pakikiayon sa mga ideyal ng lipunan na nakaaapekto sa negatibong paraan. Para sa ilan, ang paglalagay ng makeup ay ginagawa sa ngalan ng personal na ekspresyon at/o sining. Ginagawa nilang kanbas ang mukha para sa sariling kaligayahan o upang hasain ang kakayahan sa pagpipinta at pagdidisenyo. Ang plastic surgery at liposuction naman ay maaaring gawin para sa mga kadahilanang pangkalusugan. Mainam na ang mga ganitong desisyon ay magmula sa pagpapasya para sa sariling katawan, hindi upang sumunod sa dinidikta ng lipunan.

Ang problema sa pangangailangan na gumawa ng ilusyon dahil sa pamumuwersa ng mga pamantayang hindi naman aplikable sa lahat ng katawan, ay ang katotohanan na tuwing matatapos ang araw—pagkatanggal ng mga palamuti, pagkahubad ng damit, at pagkapatay ng cellphone—pagkadismaya ang babati sa hugis na nasa salamin. Imposible ang pagdadala ng ilusyon sa kabuuan ng araw, at kung matagumpay man ito sa kahit gaano kaikling panahon ay mauuwi sa lungkot ang pagkakita sa tunay na kalagayan ng katawan na pinaniwalaang hindi sapat.

Hindi ganap ang kontrol natin sa kung ano ang hugis ng katawan natin. Ngunit maaaring piliin ang mga mensahe na ipapamahagi at isasapuso natin tungkol dito.

Saksi ako sa unti-unting pagwawasak sa mapanakit na pananaw tungkol sa pangangatawan. Nagpapakita ito sa diskusyon mismo—sa interes sa pananaliksik tungkol sa relasyon ng body image at hiya, sa mga artikulong tumatalakay dito sa dyaryo at journal ng mga paaralan, at sa pagbabago ng bokabularyo na ginagamit para sa mas body-positive na mga ugnayan.

Ang mga institusyong kinabibilangan natin ay, kung tutuusin, kayang basagin. Batay sa ating naobserbahan mula sa kasaysayan, hindi permanente ang ating mga pamantayan sa kung ano ang maganda, tama, o perpekto. Ang mga kinagawiang pananalita ay hindi palaging tama dahil lamang dito tayo nasanay. Mula sa pananaliksik at pag-iisip nang kritikal, maaari tayong magdalawang-isip bago tanggapin ang mga naririnig nating mensahe (at pag-isipan kung mula pa sa simula ay hindi na sila akma). Sa pagpapalawak ng isipan ay posibleng mapagkalakhan natin ang pagkakaroon ng ideyal na itsura at ang kagustuhang tularan ito. Maaari rin nating tingnan ang pag-unlad ng mga ganitong pananaw at ikatuwa ang mga positibong pagbabago. Dito, natututuhan nating protektahan ang panghinaharap, patawarin ang nakaraan, at tumingin sa salamin at sabihing, “Tinatanggap kita nang buong-buo.”

Kung ikaw o ang iyong kakilala ay may pinagdaraanan ukol sa eating disorder/s, maaaring tawagan ang NCMH Crisis Hotline upang makakuha ng tulong:

📞: 1553

SMART: +63 919-057-1553

GLOBE: +63 966-351-4518

Ikaw ay sapat.

//ni Aila Orillaza

Mga Sanggunian

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. (2014, Marso 11). Annual AAFPRS Survey finds 'selfie' trend increases demand for facial plastic surgery. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/annual-aafprs-survey-finds-selfie-trend-increases-demand-for-facial-plastic-surgery-249409811.html

Blum, R. W., Astone, N. M., Decker, M. R., & Mouli, V. C. (2014). A conceptual framework for early adolescence: a platform for research. International journal of adolescent medicine and health, 26(3), 321–331. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2013-0327

Cagas, J. & Brebante, Z.R. (2015). Body image, body mass index and the experience of Hiya in physical education among Filipino female university students. Asia Life Sciences, 24(2), 647-659. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281248156_Body_image_body_mass_index_and_the_experience_of_Hiya_in_physical_education_among_Filipino_female_university_students

Chae, J. (2016). Virtual makeover: Selfie-taking and social media use increase selfie-editing frequency through social comparison. Computers in Human Behavior 66(2017), 370-376. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.10.007

Emdin, C.A., Khera, A. V., Natarajan, P., et al. (2017). Genetic Association of Waist-to-Hip Ratio With Cardiometabolic Traits, Type 2 Diabetes, and Coronary Heart Disease. JAMA 317(6), 626-634. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2601502

Etcoff, N. L. (1999). Survival of the prettiest. New York: Random House.

Jacob, J. A., & Nair, M. K. (2012). Protein and micronutrient supplementation in complementing pubertal growth. Indian journal of pediatrics, 79 Suppl 1, S84–S91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-011-0430-0

Kanavakis, G., Halazonetis, D., Katsaros, C., & Gkantidis (2021). Facial shape affects self-perceived facial attractiveness. PLoS ONE, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245557

Leaflor, L. (updated 2018, Hunyo 11). The ideal woman’s body – a gift of the gods? Ancient Origins. https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/ideal-woman-body-gift-gods-0010190

Lee, G. (2017, Hulyo 3). The word of the body: Depictions of positive body image In Philippine Young Adult literature. Philippine Humanities Review, 18(1), 59-75. https://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/phr/article/view/5678/5091

Lim, M. & Manlapig, R. (2024, Marso 26). Treatise: Body image and the digital mirror. The LaSallian. https://thelasallian.com/2024/03/26/treatise-body-image-and-the-digital-mirror/

Management of eating disorders for people with higher weight: clinical practice guideline. (n.d.). National Eating Disorders Collaboration. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gi0_DLj9_5V1rAAiTc4Y_6gJo39l5TLG/view?usp=drivesdk

Larawan ni Ngyuen, M-L. (2006). Dea Barberini Massimo [Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dea_Barberini_Massimo.jpg#file

Paglia, C. (2004). The cruel mirror: Body type and body image as reflected in art. Art Documentation: Journal of the Art Libraries Society of North America, 23(2) (Fall 2004), 4-7. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27949310

Parker, C.J., Hayes, S.G., Brownbridge, K., & Gill, S. (2021—accepted manuscript). Assessing the Female Figure Identification Technique’s reliability as a body shape classification system. Ergonomics, 64(8). Kinuha mula sa Loughborough’s Research Repository. https://hdl.handle.net/2134/14170421.v1

Sim, K. (2013). The relationship between sex-typical body shape and quality indicators. Journal of Social, Evolutionary, and Cultural Psychology, 7(2), 97–120. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0099207

Sokolowski, S.L. & Bettencourt, C. (2020). Modification of the Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) formulas to include plus size bodies. Proceedings of 3DBODY.TECH 2020 11th Int. Conference and Exhibition on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies, 17-18 Nov. 2020, Online/Virtual. https://doi.org/10.15221/20.22

Swami, V. (2016, Setyembre 13). Women’s idealised bodies have changed dramatically over time – but are standards becoming more unattainable? The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/womens-idealised-bodies-have-changed-dramatically-over-time-but-are-standards-becoming-more-unattainable-64936

Taga, C. (2012). Maybe she's born with it: Analyzing theories of beauty from biology, society and the media [Honors thesis, Regis University]. Regis University Student Publications. https://epublications.regis.edu/theses/579

Zusi-Tran, K. (2017, Pebrero 16). Moving from correlation to causation: Genetics suggest that excess abdominal fat drives risk of heart disease and diabetes. Broad Institute. https://www.broadinstitute.org/blog/moving-correlation-causation-genetics-suggest-excess-abdominal-fat-drives-risk-heart-disease

#MC2025 #Opinion #Filipino #Aila Orillaza

6 notes · View notes

peryodismo2425 · 5 days ago

Text

Salamin, Salamin, Kanyang Mga Pangarap Alamin

Ni CJ Magdaong | Nobyebre 9, 2024

Guro sa agham, tagapagpayo ng homeroom at science club, at estudyante sa Master’s Degree—iyan lang naman ang mga ginampanan ng isa sa ating mga guro na si Teacher Joyce Cocamas sa kauna-unahan niyang taon sa UPIS.

Madalas natin siyang makita sa pasilyo ng elem o hayskul building na may suot na salamin sa mata at bitbit na mga libro. Kapag nakakasalubong natin siya at bumabati tayo, lagi siyang nagbibigay ng kaway at ngiti. Isang ganap na guro si Teacher Mary Joyce B. Cocamas ng UPIS simula noong 2019. Katulad ng lahat, mayroon siyang mga pagsubok na hinaharap ngunit mayroon ding mga pinapangarap, hindi lamang para sa kanyang sarili, kundi para sa mga estudyante, guro, at mga kawani.

Nagsimula siya bilang isang student teacher sa UPIS noong 2018 kung saan naging tagapagpanuto niya sina Ma’am Zenaida Bojo at Ma’am E.J. Angeles, na mga guro din ng Agham sa UPIS. Nang makapagtapos dito si Teacher Joyce, gusto niyang maranasan kung paano magturo sa labas kaya sinubukan niya ito sa isang pribadong paaralan sa Greenhills, San Juan. Nang bumalik siya sa UPIS upang makipagkita kina Ma’am Bojo, nabalitaan niya na may opening para sa pagiging guro dito, kaya naman kinuha niya ang oportunidad na ito.

Sinlinaw ng salamin sa mata ang kagustuhan niyang magturo sa UPIS. Kapag tinanong kung bakit, dahil ito sa kalapitan sa kanyang tirahan, kalayaan sa pagtuturo, at kultura ng UPIS. Sa kanyang palagay, naiiba ang UPIS sa ibang mga paaralan. Ani ni Teacher Joyce, mas nararanasan niya ang kalayaan sa pagtuturo dito kumpara sa ibang paaralan dahil pinahihintulutan siyang gumawa ng sariling mga gawain para sa mga estudyante. Samantalang sa pribadong paaralan na kanyang pinasukan, gawa na ang mga aktibidad at pagsusulit kaya mistulang pagbibigay na lamang nito ang kanyang naging trabaho, at hindi pagtuturo ng mas detalyado.

Ulap sa Paningin

Hindi naman maiiwasang magkaroon ng mga hamon ang isang guro na katulad ni Teacher Joyce. Ayon sa kanyang mga karanasan, ang pag-aadjust dito sa UPIS ang una niyang hinarap. Pinagsabay-sabay niya ang iba’t ibang mga tungkulin at gawain tulad ng pagiging guro ng mahigit sa pitumpung estudyante habang nag-aaral para sa Master’s Degree, sapagkat kinakailangan ito para maging permanente sa pagtuturo.

Kulang-kulang at sobrang luma na rin ng mga kagamitan sa paaralan kaya nais ni Teacher Joyce at ng iba pang mga guro sa Departamento ng Agham at Matematika, na maranasan ng bawat estudyante ang paggamit ng mga instrumento sa loob ng laboratoryo. Ngunit dahil nga sa kalagayan na ito, naghahati-hati ang mga grupo sa isa-isang kagamitan, na naglalaan na lamang ng kakaunting oras para sa paggamit. “Gusto namin na lahat tayo magkakaroon ng hands on experience–matutong gumamit, humawak talaga ng microscope sa field. Kaso lang, since kulang ‘yung resources natin, kailangan by group, kulang ‘yung oras natin, hindi lahat talaga nakaka-hands on experience. So, isa ‘yon sa mga struggle namin,” ani ni Teacher Joyce.

Hindi naging madali para kay Teacher Joyce ang lahat ng pagsubok na ito. Ngunit dahil hindi maaaring sumuko; naging determinado siyang isaayos ang mga bagay na kaya niyang kontrolin sa buhay. Para magawa ito, mahalagang nagkaroon siya ng support system mula sa mga nakapaligid sa kanya. Nagbibigay suporta ang kanyang mga kasama sa pagtuturo, lalo na ang mga naging ka-batch niya sa pagpasok sa UPIS. Tumatayong gabay naman ang kaniyang departamento tuwing nahaharap siya sa mga problema sa pagtuturo. Tulad ng pagsusuot niya ng salamin sa mata, nakatulong ang mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya upang maging malinaw ang kaniyang mga tungkulin.

Maliban sa suporta, mahalaga rin ang pag-aalaga sa sarili. Ayon sa kanya, kapag hindi siya nakakatulog nang maayos, bumabagal ang kanyang kilos, mas malabo ang pagdedesisyon, o nagkakasakit. Bilang mga guro, ginagawa nila ang kanilang buong makakaya para masuportahan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga estudyante, kaya nais paalalahanan ni Teacher Joyce ang mga kapwa-guro na alagaan ang kanilang mga sarili.

Sinag ng Araw

Sa anim na taong pagtuturo rito ni Teacher Joyce, malinaw ang kanyang mga pangarap para sa UPIS. Inaasahan niya maging maayos ang pasilidad nito at hindi masayang ang mga maaari pa nitong pakinabang sa atin. Nais niya ring magkaroon ng mas maraming kagamitan sa loob ng mga silid, lalo na sa mga laboratoryo ng paaralan upang mas maranasan ng mga estudyante ang paggamit ng mga ito.

Maliban sa mga guro, mayroon din siyang mga pangarap para sa ibang mga kasapi ng paaralan. Para sa mga estudyante, nais ni Teacher Joyce na magkaroon sila ng mas masustansyang pagpipilian at abot-kayang pagkain sa canteen ng elementarya at high school. Para naman sa mga guro, kanyang pinapangarap na magkaroon ng mas malaking espasyo sa faculty room at mabigyan sila ng sapat na suporta para matustusan ang mga gastusin sa pagtuturo. Sa mga kawani naman, nais niya ng mas malawak na espasyo para sa kanilang pagpapahinga, sapat na suporta, at benepisyo para matustusan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan.

Bukod sa masustansyang pagkain para sa mga bata, inaasam niya rin na magkaroon sila ng mas komportableng pag-aaral kung saan hindi nila kinakailangan mag-alala sa pinansyal na mga usapin, at malubos ang limitadong panahon sa eskwelahan sapagkat hindi panghabambuhay ang ligaya na makukuha natin dito. Kaya isa rin sa mga inaasahan niya para sa mga estudyante ang maging sapat ang kanilang mga natutuhan dito sa UPIS para matupad ang kanilang mga sariling pangarap. Hiling ni Teacher Joyce na makapagtapos sila nang pinagmamalaki ng paaralan—may talino, kahusayan, at mabuting gawi. Malinaw ang mga pangarap ni Teacher Joyce para sa paaralan kahit minsan nasisilawan ang mga salamin niya sa mata, dahil nakikita niya mismo ang mga pagsubok na dinadanas ng bawat miyembro dito.

Para naman sa kanyang sarili, inaasahan ni Teacher Joyce na mas mapabuti pa ang pagtuturo at madagdagan ang mga itinuturong paksa bukod sa Biology at Earth Science, nais niyang maturo ang Chemistry, sapagkat interesado rin siya dito. Nais niyang makatulong sa pagsasaayos ng pasilidad sa pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng suporta o donors mula sa labas ng paaralan. Ngunit sa kanyang mga pangarap, isa sa mga pinakatumatak ang masuportahan ang mga estudyante, hindi lamang sa aspeto ng pag-aaral, kundi sa personal na mga problema rin nila.

“Kahit na pakikinig lang ang kaya kong ibigay, alam nila na hindi sila nag-iisa sa mga hinaing nila.” ani ni Teacher Joyce.

Bilang estudyante, ang mga guro na tulad ni Teacher Joyce ang nagbibigay sa atin ng sinag ng araw sa tuwing makulimlim ang mga ulap. Sila ang nagbibigay gabay at nagpapalinaw ng mga malalabong paksa. Isa sila sa mga pinakamahalagang bahagi ng ating komunidad sapagkat kahit na hindi sa aspeto ng pag-aaral, nagagamit din natin ang kanilang mga turo sa mga personal nating buhay. Sana lamang sa hinaharap, kapag tayong mga estudyante na ang nakapagtapos at natupad ang ating mga pangarap, magbibigay tayo ng pasasalamat sa mga guro na nagpalinaw ng ating mga tinahak na pagsubok at hindi malimutan ang kanilang mga iniwang aral, hindi lamang sa ating isip kundi pati na rin sa ating pagkatao.

#CJ Magdaong #Guro

2 notes · View notes

turatula · 2 years ago

Photo

Talkshow dan Film Screening mengusung tema “Dunia Geologi di Ujung Lensa Sineas” bersama ketiga narasumber yaitu Vania Qanita Damayanti (Sutradara&Mahasiswa Prodi Film dan TV UPI), Dr. Ir. Dicky Muslim, M.Sc (Dosen Fakultas Teknik Geologi UNPAD), dan Dr. Eng. Mirzam Abdurrachman, S.T., M.T. (Ketua Program Studi Magister dan Doktor Teknik Geologi ITB) Dalam diskusi tersebut membahas Film Living on the Fault karya mahasiswa Prodi Film dan TV UPI, dan Manakarra yang Mendunia karya tim Museum Geologi. Dalam film tersebut berfokus pada dua sesar di Indonesia; Sesar Palu-Koro dan Sesar Lembang. Sutrada sekaligus penyintas dari gempa Palu pada tahun 2018 merasakan betul bagaimana sebuah kota tapi masyarakat dan pemerintah tidak siap sama sekali mengenai pengetahuan kebencanaan dan mitigasi bencana yang menjadi latar belakang pembuatan film tersebut. Tujuannya yaitu memberikan awarness dan edukasi kepada masyarakat. Pemilihan dua kota (Palu dan Bandung) karena Palu kota asal sutrada, sedangkan Bandung kota dimana ia berpijak saat ini. Menurut geologist Pak Dicky dan Pak Nirzam, masyarakat yang tinggal di sekitar sesar mengetahui bahwa mereka tinggal di zona rawan bencana karena sudah ada sejarahnya. Beliau memberikan apresiasi terhadap film tersebut karena meneropong masyarakat dan penyintas. Kearifan lokal dalam mitigasi gempa dan bagaimana sejarah suatu daerah harus digali dan dipertahankan. Dari sisi senimatografi sendiri, sutradara ingin menonjolkan kota yang memiliki sesar aktif, tetapi bukan cuma perihal sesarnya saja tapi bagimana manusia hidup disana, dan pengetahuan lokal yang ada disana. Sedangkan mengengai Batu Manakarra yang merupakan warisan sumber daya geologi asal Sulawesi Barat. Batu Manakarra sering disebut Grape Stone karena mirip dengan anggur. Penamaan batu tersebut sebagai salah satu bentuk penghargaan dari Mamuju. Batuan Manakarra hanya dijumpai di Mamuju yang dapat menjadi ikon yang langsung sasarannya UMKM masyarakat kecil. Batu Manakarra menembus pasar mancanegara dengan harga yang fantastis. (at Museum Geologi Bandung) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoFbkVLPmUm3E90DNcFnum75_6yO2SOxRUr7Dg0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

12 notes · View notes

jemappellekant · 9 days ago

Text

Fundraiser for Podcast:

The first quarter of the twenty-first century has passed. The art practices have changed a lot through this time. Art has started hosting almost all the subjects around the globe. In such an environment , art criticism has to take now forms as well and assign new mediums for it. In such times, podcasts on art have become a medium that can provide the art news faster and globally. The print media has its own place to fill the gaps in the whole ecosystem of art news.

In 2018, I envisioned a platform for art journalism ‘The Independent Art Journal’ (TIAJ). In 2021, I started to explore the blockchain technology as an artist to understand the possibility of it with art. In 2022, I came up with the idea of making a series of interviews of creative individuals from art field with the Twitter spaces titled ‘Dialogue’ under The Independent Art Journal (TIAJ). It has finished its first 10 issues. Later it became a podcast and is archived on Spotify. Recently I decided to expand the subjects for the podcast by including conversations and reportage apart from interviews with the vision of documentation and archiving of contemporary art-practices, curatorial practices, writing practices and more.

For this purpose, TIAJ is raising funds for the podcast Dialogue through crowdfunding. These funds are to focus mainly on reportage from New Delhi from Dec. 24 to Feb. 25. Also, to secure gadgets for good sound quality and better reach as well by streaming it on other platforms.

The aim is to raise 1,75,000 INR.

Raised funds will be used towards buying gadgets, travels, visits, field notes, sound recordings, sound editing, designing and honorariums.

Funds can be sent through UPI, NEFT, PayPal, and as cryptocurrency.

UPI number: 874743731 (within India)

NEFT: Account- 0379101040801, Bank- Canara Bank , IFCS- CNRB0000379

Paypal:

https://www.paypal.me/mohitkantmishra

Crypto wallet addresses:

Ethereum:

0x51bD6C12DA0189BC301E445A22a53ade82D520BA

Solana:

7tFaZaGFQ61Q4p73bhcUSe2X8rHi7m5Q832ykYHYA6nK

Tezos:

Tz1W2ZTQrkduUfp86KJxw6xyyucR4cZhwwSY

Link to podcast:

https://linktr.ee/tiajindependent/

0 notes

news365timesindia · 11 days ago

Text

[ad_1] Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit on the final leg of his three-nation tour. In a post on X, PM Modi said that they talked about to diversify trade linkages between both the nations. PM Modi also commended PM Rowley for adopting UPI platforms and welcomed the signing of MoU relating to agro and food processing. Had a very fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad & Tobago. We talked about how to diversify trade linkages between our nations. Areas like science, healthcare, education, renewable energy and agriculture offer great potential for cooperation. It is a… pic.twitter.com/zuF6jQAuUL — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2024 “Had a very fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago. We talked about how to diversify trade linkages between our nations. Areas like science, healthcare, education, renewable energy and agriculture offer great potential for cooperation. It is a matter of immense joy that Trinidad and Tobago has adopted UPI. The signing of an MoU relating to agro and food processing is also a welcome step,” PM Modi said. Sharing details of the talks, MEA in a post on X, said that the leaders discussed ways to strengthen relations of both nations in areas of digital transformation, health, defence and maritime security, transportation and cultural exchanges. PM @narendramodi met PM @DrKeithRowley of Trinidad & Tobago on the sidelines of 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana. PM congratulated PM Dr. Rowley for adopting ’s flagship UPI platform. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen - relations in areas of digital… pic.twitter.com/IPyOaE7wu4 — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 20, 2024 “PM congratulated PM Rowley for adopting ‘s flagship UPI platform. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen India-Trinidad and Tobago relations in areas of digital transformation, health, defence and maritime security, transportation and cultural exchanges. The Prime Ministers witnessed exchange of an MoU on setting up of Integrated Automatic Fruit and Vegetable Primary Processing Activities in Trinidad and Tobago,” the post mentioned. The relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago has deep roots, dating back to May 30, 1845, when the first ship, Fatel Razack, brought 225 Indian indentured workers to Trinidad, then a British colony. Their descendants, now the largest ethnic group in the country, account for nearly 42 per cent of the population, contributing significantly to the nation’s political, economic, and social fabric. This sizable Indian-origin population has helped foster close bilateral relations, reinforcing ties that span over 170 years. Bilateral exchanges between the two countries have been significant, marked by visits from leaders such as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who attended the CHOGM Summit in Trinidad and Tobago in November 2009, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s state visit to India in January 2012. These visits led to the signing of numerous agreements, further solidifying the bond. In recent years, PM Modi and PM Rowley met in 2018 during the CHOGM Summit in London, where they discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Additionally, the first-ever India-CARICOM Summit in September 2019 in New York resulted in a USD 150 million Line of Credit for renewable energy and climate change projects, and the creation of a joint task force to advance trade and regional development. PM Modi’s current visit is also part of the broader CARICOM engagement, which aims to further deepen cooperation with the Caribbean community. The Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, numbering around 600 families, continues to play a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between the two nations. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago recently waived visa requirements for Indian nationals visiting for tourism and business purposes, further promoting bilateral ties.

0 notes

news365times · 11 days ago

Text

0 notes

xtruss · 3 months ago

Text

Russia, Trade Partners Build Alternative Payments Systems Circumventing US Dollar

New Currencies And Financial Systems Are being Built To Circumvent Western Economic Pressure on Moscow.

Russia and various trade partners are working to strengthen alternative currencies and payments systems, reducing global reliance on the US dollar and Western-based financial networks.

“Moscow keeps finding ways to keep the country's economy going,” writes business reporter Huileng Tan, describing Russia’s response to Western sanctions imposed after the launch of its special military operation against Ukraine in 2022. “Russia's trade partners, too, are looking for ways to continue doing business with the country via alternative systems to rival the Western-led, US dollar-dominated global financial order.”

Moscow has been adapting to Western financial pressure since 2014 when trade restrictions were imposed after Russia's reunification with Crimea.

“There are risks in using the global financial networks,” said Russian central bank governor Elvira Nabiullina in 2018. “Therefore, since back in 2014 we have been developing our own systems.”

Western economic aggression intensified in 2022, causing Moscow to increasingly make use of its System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS). The financial messaging system is used in place of SWIFT, the Western system that has traditionally served as the de-facto global standard. SPFS is reportedly used by 556 organizations in 20 countries, with foreign organizations’ use of the system more than doubling after 2022.

Euro's Share in SWIFT Transactions Hits Historic Low in March! The share of the euro in international payments via SWIFT in March dropped to an all-time low of 21.93%, according to the global payment system's data. Photo: © iStock/Gaffera

The proportion of global transactions involving Europe's common currency fell by 1.32 percentage points month-on-month.

Meanwhile, the US dollar strengthened its position last month, gaining 0.81 percentage points from February to reach 47.37%, which is its highest level since December 2023, the data showed.

Russia has also made efforts to integrate its financial system with that of Iran, with Moscow’s Mir card payment platform now working with Tehran’s Shetab system.

Meanwhile, banking and messaging systems developed by China and India, two major global economic powers in their own right, have seen increasing use in financial transactions involving Russian entities. China's Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) processed more than 6.6 million transactions last year amounting to $17.3 trillion. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has also expanded rapidly, threatening to pose a significant challenge to SWIFT’s dominance.

“It is significant that UPI can also be used to bypass the SWIFT banking system, enabling payments with sanctioned countries such as Russia, thereby weakening US financial hegemony,” wrote international relations analyst Evan Freidin earlier this year.

Central bank currencies and cryptocurrencies round out the selection of financial innovations utilized by Russia to maintain its robust and growing economy, with both technologies threatening to further undermine the US dollar’s global reserve currency status.

One last strategy can be revived from the Soviet era as Russia looks into economic barter with China and other countries. The direct exchange of quantities of one commodity for another cuts out the need for a currency entirely, harkening back to the days of the socialist-aligned Comecon economic organization. The tactic has been employed by various countries subjected to Western sanctions such as Cuba and Venezuela, which engage in barter with several Latin American neighbors via the ALBA–TCP bloc.

Iran's Proposal to Set Up SWIFT Analogue Added to BRICS Agenda! The BRICS leadership has put on the agenda the Iranian central bank's proposal to set up the group's own equivalent to the SWIFT payment system and create an organization to fight money laundering and terrorist financing that would be similar to the intergovernmental Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Photo: © Sputnik/Mikhail Kutusov/Go to the Mediabank

"The proposals of the Iranian central bank on the creation of a system for exchanging financial messages between members of the organization [similar to SWIFT], combating money laundering and financing of terrorism [similar to FATF] and international credit rating institutions for BRICS members were accepted by the organization on the agenda," Deputy Head of Iranian Central Bank Mohsen Karimi was quoted as saying by the IRNA news agency.

1 note · View note

johnthejacobs · 5 months ago

Text

BharatPe Share Price Riding High on the Terrain

Introduction BharatPe, a rapidly growing fintech company in India, has been making waves in the financial market. Known for its innovative solutions and robust business model, BharatPe has significantly impacted the digital payments landscape in India. This article explores the factors contributing to the upward trajectory of BharatPe Share Price, the company's historical context, technological advancements, expansion strategies, regulatory impacts, and future prospects.

Historical Context and Establishment Founded in 2018 by Ashneer Grover and Shashvat Nakrani, BharatPe aimed to simplify digital payments for merchants in India. The company introduced a unique QR code-based payment solution that allowed merchants to accept payments from multiple UPI apps through a single interface. This innovative approach quickly gained traction among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), establishing BharatPe as a key player in the digital payments ecosystem.

The Rise of BharatPe: Revolutionizing Digital Payments BharatPe's rise to prominence can be attributed to its focus on providing seamless and efficient payment solutions to merchants. By addressing the pain points of traditional payment systems, BharatPe offered a hassle-free and cost-effective alternative. The company's commitment to transparency, low transaction fees, and excellent customer support helped it gain the trust of thousands of merchants across India. This early success laid the foundation for the rise in BharatPe Share Price.

Technological Innovations and Product Offerings One of the key drivers of BharatPe's success has been its continuous focus on technological innovations. The company has consistently upgraded its platform and introduced new products and services to meet the evolving needs of its clients. BharatPe's flagship product, the BharatPe QR code, allows merchants to accept payments from any UPI app, thereby enhancing the payment experience for both merchants and customers. Additionally, BharatPe has expanded its product portfolio to include lending services, POS machines, and investment products. These technological advancements have been instrumental in driving the rise in BharatPe Share Price.

Expansion into New Markets and Services BharatPe has strategically expanded its offerings to cater to a broader range of customers. The company now provides lending services to merchants, allowing them to access working capital loans with minimal documentation and quick disbursal. BharatPe's entry into the lending space has been particularly successful, with its innovative approach to underwriting and credit assessment. This diversification strategy has enabled BharatPe to tap into new revenue streams and reduce its dependency on payment processing services, contributing to the rise in its share price.

Regulatory Reforms and Market Environment The regulatory reforms and favorable market environment have also played a significant role in the upward trajectory of BharatPe. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented several measures to enhance market transparency and protect investor interests. These reforms have created a conducive environment for fintech companies like BharatPe to thrive. Furthermore, the overall growth of the Indian digital payments market and increasing adoption of UPI have positively impacted BharatPe's business, leading to a rise in its share price.

Financial Performance and Profitability BharatPe's strong financial performance and profitability have been significant factors in the upward movement of its share price. The company's low-cost business model and focus on operational efficiency have resulted in healthy profit margins. BharatPe has consistently reported robust financial results, with steady growth in revenues and profits. This strong financial performance has instilled confidence among investors and contributed to the rise in BharatPe Share Price.

Competitive Advantages and Market Position BharatPe's competitive advantages and market position have also played a crucial role in driving its share price upwards. The company's innovative business model, technological prowess, and customer-centric approach have set it apart from its competitors. BharatPe's ability to attract and retain a large customer base has solidified its position as a market leader in the fintech industry. This strong market position has been a key factor in the rising share price of BharatPe.

BharatPe IPO and Pre-IPO Shares The anticipation of a BharatPe IPO has been a significant factor in the market, contributing to the excitement and speculation surrounding the company's future. The BharatPe Pre-IPO shares have garnered considerable interest among investors looking to capitalize on the company's growth potential before the official public offering. The interest in BharatPe Unlisted Shares reflects the confidence investors have in the company's continued success and the potential impact of the BharatPe Upcoming IPO.

Future Prospects and Growth Opportunities Looking ahead, the future prospects for BharatPe's share price remain positive, with several growth opportunities on the horizon. The increasing digitization of financial services and the growing popularity of digital payment platforms present significant growth potential for BharatPe. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and expand its market share further. Additionally, BharatPe's focus on innovation and customer-centric approach will continue to drive its growth and enhance its share price.

Challenges and Risks While the future looks promising for BharatPe, there are certain challenges and risks that could impact its share price. The fintech industry is highly competitive, with new players entering the market regularly. BharatPe will need to continue innovating and differentiating itself to maintain its competitive edge. Regulatory changes and market volatility could also pose risks to BharatPe's business. However, the company's strong fundamentals and strategic initiatives should help mitigate these challenges and sustain its upward trajectory.

Conclusion The rise in BharatPe's share price is a testament to the company's innovative business model, technological advancements, and customer-centric approach. BharatPe has successfully disrupted the traditional payment systems and established itself as a market leader. The company's strong financial performance, competitive advantages, and favorable market environment have all contributed to the upward movement of its share price. As BharatPe continues to expand its offerings and capitalize on growth opportunities, the future looks bright for the company and its investors. The journey of BharatPe's share price advancing upwards is a compelling story of innovation, growth, and success in the Indian fintech sector. The potential for a BharatPe IPO, along with the interest in BharatPe Pre-IPO shares and BharatPe Unlisted Shares, underscores the confidence in the company's future. The anticipation surrounding the BharatPe Upcoming IPO is expected to further fuel interest and investment in the company.

#BharatPe Share Price #BharatPe IPO #BharatPe Pre IPO #BharatPe Unlisted Shares #BharatPe Upcoming IPO

0 notes

cxolanes · 5 months ago

Link

#Aadhaar #DefenceSecretary #Dr.AjayKumar #SifyTechnologies #UPI

0 notes

beardedmrbean · 5 months ago

Text

July 16 (UPI) -- In a continued crackdown on Mexico's drug cartels, the Treasury Department announced Tuesday it placed sanctions on four Mexican companies and three Mexican nationals allegedly tied to fraudulent timeshare activity used against American citizens and linked to the notorious Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion.

"Cartel fraudsters run sophisticated teams of professionals who seem perfectly normal on paper or on the phone -- but in reality, they're money launderers expertly trained in scamming U.S. citizens," Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said Tuesday in a news release.

The department's office of Foreign Assets Control alleges the four Mexican companies and three Mexican civilian accountants were directly or indirectly tied to timeshare fraud lead by the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, or styled in English as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The criminal organization operates call centers in Mexico with scammers impersonating U.S.-based third-party timeshare brokers, attorneys or sales representatives, the U.S. government contends.

And about 6,000 U.S. citizens reported losing nearly $300 million from 2019 to 2023 via Mexican timeshare fraud crimes by targeting American timeshare owners often in various or complex ways in years-long schemes, according to the FBI, adding that totals what they can track legally as unreported crimes keep on.

Treasury points at four companies in Mexico: Constructora Sandgris, Pacific Axis Real Estate, Realty & Maintenance BJ and Bona Fide Consultores, which the department claims were the front companies doing business on behalf of those linked to Mexican drug cartel.

Nelson says unsolicited calls and emails may look legitimate but actually are made by cartel-backed criminals.

The Treasury claims the thee Puerto Vallarta-based accountants -- Griselda Margarita Arredondo, Xeyda Del Refugio Foubert and Emiliano Sanchez -- had family ties to individuals already cartel-linked and had allegedly aided in fraudulent activities to steal from U.S. citizens.

"If something seems too good to be true, it probably is," Nelson said.

The scam begins when a timeshare owner receives an offer to purchase their property, according to an attorney.

"They call you up and tell you that they have a buyer for your timeshare," Michael Finn of Florida's Finn Law Group, told ABC News. "They will send you documents that look real and tell you that you need to pay taxes before you can get your payment."

The Treasury Department and its partners are taking steps to deploy all available tools "to disrupt this nefarious activity, which funds things like deadly drug trafficking and human smuggling," said Nelson.

Five years ago in 2018 Treasury sanctioned two men it claimed laundered money and ran an international prostitution ring for the cartel.

The transnational CJNG, a violent Jalisco, Mexico-based organized crime syndicate, is known to traffic the large part of illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs which typically enter via the southern U.S. border, having gone so far as to threaten Mexican journalists it views as giving the CJNG "unfair" news coverage.

And it uses illegal proceeds, like from its timeshare fraud schemes, to diversify its already-illicit revenue streams in order to keep financing other criminal activities, including the manufacturing and trafficking of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, according to the federal government's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Police seizure of illicit fentanyl pills have skyrocketed in recent years, a new study found. And pills represented 49% of illicit fentanyl seizures in 2023, compared to 10% in 2017.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection in April launched "Operation Plaza Strike" as an offensive targeting Mexican drug cartels to disrupt the flow of fentanyl and ingredients used to make the synthetic opioid that has become a leading death of young Americans.

However, this is not the first time the CJNG has been accused by the U.S. of similar crimes. Last year in March, the Biden Treasury placed similar sanction on eight other Mexican companies it alleged had took part in a similar timeshare fraud scheme on behalf of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generation.

Even at the time a Treasury official pointed to how in select Mexican tourist destinations the CJNG had already become by that point "heavily engaged" in timeshare fraud in places like Puerto Vallarta where it had gained a strategic foothold.

Last year, the U.S. claimed the accused cartel-backed companies had extracted money from victims by making unsolicited offers to buy their timeshares, and when victims accepted offers, Mexican scammers requested fictitious fees and taxes under the pretense they would facilitate the sale and give reimbursed money after closing.

#nunyas news

4 notes · View notes

upismediacenter · 8 months ago

Text

OPINION: DiliMall: Not a Mall for All

Photo credit: Lauren Nina Andres

For decades, the UP Shopping Center (SC) was a staple for the UP community. Filled with various stores from computer shops, school supplies stores, photocopying and bookbinding services, to food stalls, and beauty parlors, among others, the SC catered well to the needs of students, faculty, staff, and even residents of the campus. However, in 2018, the well-loved SC burned down, causing vendors to be displaced and its once affordable items and reliable services to no longer be easily accessible.

After the fire, the tenants experienced difficulties with relocating and rebuilding their establishments. According to an article by ABS-CBN, the University’s Business Concession Office drew lots for the affected business owners. Those that were picked were allowed to reopen in other locations on campus, such as Vinzon’s Hall, the Food Hub next to the Fine Arts Building, the Centennial Building, and the Acacia Building, among others. Some tenants were able to rebuild at the old tennis court nearby, provided by the administration as a temporary space, and others opted to reopen in Area 2. A month later, during the 1334th Board of Regents meeting held in April 2018, former UP President Danilo Concepcion announced plans for the rehabilitation of the SC into a more modern structure. And thus, “DiliMall” was born.

The move to rebuild and rebrand the SC as DiliMall was criticized by community stakeholders because the administration’s priorities seem to be misplaced as revealed in the proposed floor plan of the structure posted by the UP Diliman University Student Council (USC) last November 24, 2023. Robinsons Easymart and other known restaurants such as Mary Grace, Pancake House, and Army Navy take up the first floor, while the space given to UP vendors is found on the third floor. Not to mention, the vendors in the tennis court are at risk of being displaced once again since the space will be converted into a parking lot.

This begs the question of whether these “development plans” are truly for the benefit of the community or are merely ways for developers and businesses to capitalize on the university.

In light of this, last March 12, the “UP Not For Sale Network” was launched, consisting of various organizations namely, the USC, Shopping Center Association, UP Academic Workers Union, UP Workers Alliance, Movement for Democratic Governance, and Local College Councils. The network calls against the commercialization of DiliMall and pushes for the prioritizing of the UP Community.

DiliMall is not just the issue

DiliMall is not the first time the UP community has faced commercialization on campus. In an article by the Philippine Collegian, USC Councilor and Community Rights and Welfare Head Kristian Mendoza claimed that DiliMall is part of the implementation of the UP Master Development Plan (MDP), a land use policy approved by the Board of Regents in 2014 aiming to “proactively and systematically” develop UP’s land assets.

Before this, the UP Administration had already begun developing idle lands of the university, approving Ayala Land’s bid to convert 37.5 hectares of land into an information and technology hub in 2006—the UP Ayala Technohub.

The UP Integrated School (UPIS) community is familiar with this issue, as the old Grades 7-10 Building was replaced with the UP Town Center in 2013 by the same developer. From our 8-hectare land along Katipunan Avenue, we were moved to a building built and donated by the Ayala Corporation, a 5-structure facility with a main 4-story building, where the Narra Residence Hall once stood. The new 7-10 Building was budgeted at P180-million, from which P40-million was allotted for upgrades to the Grades 3-6 Building.

Only 10 years later, the Grades 7-12 Building is in a state of downfall, proving to be a great inconvenience and safety hazard to the UPIS community. During the Academic Year (A.Y.) 2022-2023, grades 3-12 students had to share the 3-6 Building since the structural integrity of the 7-12 Building was still being assessed. In A.Y. 2023-2024, although the 7-12 Building was cleared for use, parts of the building have been barricaded due to the degraded structure resulting in longer detours when moving from classroom to classroom and restricted movement among students, teachers, and staff.

The new Gyud Food Hub, which opened in December 2022, posed similar concerns as the development of DiliMall with failing to prioritize UP vendors that have long served the community. In this case, vendors displaced from the Main Library received a handwritten note from President Concepcion assuring them slots in the new facility. However, contrary to the administration’s promise, these vendors were not granted a space in the hub.

Moreover, the implementation of these establishments serves to exacerbate class disparity in the university by focusing on businesses catering to higher-income consumers that exclude students and lower-income community members. Again, the firms affected by the 2018 fire incident in the Shopping Center are still grappling with getting proper spaces allocated among them where established businesses have taken precedence over them.

Additionally, vendors and business owners are not the only ones being displaced by UP’s development plans, but as well as its residents. Homes and residences were demolished and claimed in accordance with the UP MDP. Some of the affected communities were Pook Village C, residents located at the UP Arboretum in 2020, and farmers from Pook Aguinaldo in 2021. These communities and families have been residing in the said areas for decades without any issues, only for them to be evicted from their homes; their livelihoods taken away to give space for “sustainable�� infrastructure projects, without proper plans for relocation.

This further demonstrates how commercialization discriminates against marginalized individuals within the UP Community and society.

Additionally, the commercialization in UP Diliman may lead to the phase-out of small local businesses and vendors that have long been an integral part of the community. This greatly affects not only their livelihood but also the culture and diversity of the university’s environment.

Concerns and detractors from the UP community continue to rise towards this issue as stakeholders of the community are negatively affected and neglected by the university. Examples of affected sectors are dormitories, classrooms, and faculty buildings, all of which are experiencing problems with their space, functionality, and facilities.

It is important to maintain and improve the academic environments of UP as this will keep the university’s name, provide equal learning opportunities, liaise with the communities, and secure student wellbeing. These areas are fundamental in the institution for they facilitate learning and contribute towards its success as a top-ranked higher learning institution. To uphold the eminence that characterizes UP, we need to give priority to the conservation and upgrading of academic spaces.

Commercialization for who?

The university insists that converging with the private sector is beneficial as income generated from these rented spaces can be directed to academic and community needs. However, based on the 2016 audit report by the Commission of Audit, it is revealed that Ayala Land Inc. has 209.2-million pesos worth of unpaid obligations to UP. The amount comprises underpayments in rent income and late interest payments for the spaces at UP Technohub and UP Town Center. This raises the question as to why the university continues to commercialize its land when the previous corporation failed to keep up with its lease agreements.

Nevertheless, the university is still in dire need of other means of income. Government funding shortages can be pointed as to why the university insists on commercializing its land assets. Despite the fact that UP’s 2024 budget increased by P508-million, amounting to P24.771-billion this year, 80% of the funds were allocated for the university’s infrastructure projects. Sectors such as utility and maintenance incurred a P1.3-billion cut, and the budget for university operations was reduced for the new budgetary focus. According to an article by the Philippine Collegian, even if the funds for infrastructure were excluded, UP still suffered a P873-million cut. Additionally, P943-million will be cut for the provision of higher education services—which may result in fewer resources allocated to quality education for students. Taking all of this into account, it can be understood why commercialization may appeal to UP—as the university is getting increasingly pressured by almost all sides of its community to take action for its funding shortfalls.

Even so, our integrity as a public education and service institution must come first. It must be emphasized that UP serves as the nation’s model for quality education, and when we allow commercialization and privatization to be fostered within our institution, it may invite other educational institutions in the country to also be dependent on for-profit provisions. Reinforcing this notion, the presence of privatized businesses as stakeholders in the university may greatly influence university decisions, academic programs, and student policies.

In the end, UP must decide between prioritizing the community's interests or pursuing commercialization at the expense of its constituents. However, we’ve experienced the effects of this firsthand: the building we’ve sacrificed for profit forced us to settle for our current building–one that is deteriorating, crumbling piece by piece. We must ask ourselves: are we going to let this happen again? If the university chooses to commercialize its spaces for funding, attention, and care for its students and community must still be sustained.

Therefore, we need to oppose the commercialization of spaces and services in our university, assert our right to quality basic academic spaces and student facilities, stand with the vendors, employees, and families affected, and call on the administration to negotiate better terms with business partners—terms that put the benefit and interest of the UP community first. Furthermore, it is important to stress the need for more funding from the government to be able to run UP’s essential activities and programs successfully. We should come together to protect the good name of our institution and meet its responsibility to the UP community and the Filipino people.

// by Kela Alcantara, Grace Gaerlan, Xia Mentes

Sources:

Abello, L. T. (2024, February 6). UP students protest increasing commercialization of campus spaces. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/07/2331536/students-protest-increasing-commercialization-campus-spaces

Abello, L. T. (2024, March 12). UP community on ‘DiliMall’ opening: ‘Do not commercialize the services to the people’. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/12/up-community-on-dili-mall-opening-do-not-commercialize-the-services-to-the-people-1

Chua, C. (2022, July 6). UP’s Proposed 2023 Budget Set to Fund DaniCon’s Infra Splurge in His Last Year in Office. Philippine Collegian. https://phkule.org/article/586/ups-proposed-2023-budget-set-to-fund-danicons-infra-splurge-in-his-last-year-in-office

Daduya, J. (2023, January 28). “Nabudol kami!”: UP’s small-time vendors cry foul over Danicon’s unfulfilled promises.https://csspsinag.wordpress.com/2023/01/28/nabudol-kami-ups- small-time-vendors-cry-foul-over-danicons-unfulfilled-promises/

Gavilan, J. (2018, March 8). From photocopying services to Rodic’s: What’s inside UP Shopping Center. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/197714-things-to-know-up-diliman-shopping-center/

Gonzales, I. (2016, February 25). Ali reviews COA findings on unpaid obligations to UP. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/business/2016/02/02/1549017/ali-reviews-coa-findings-unpaid-obligations-up?fbclid=IwAR2xWm74RVI8zYPn3EHJ9eUw0jaLyj3TMVziHv6i9RFSKZuwoHnDfz-zZsU

Lara, R. (2018). Decisions of the Board of Regents 1334th Meeting, 6 April 2018. The University of the Philippines Gazette, 49(3), 23-24. https://osu.up.edu.ph/2018/04/1334/

Lirio, A. (2023, December 24). An increase with setbacks: A look into the UP System’s 2024 budget. Tinig ng Plaridel.

#MC2024 #MC2025 #Opinion #English #Kela Alcantara #Grace Gaerlan #Xia Mentes

7 notes · View notes

indiaepost · 6 months ago

Text

India’s non-cash payment on e-com platforms rose over 58 pc in 2023: Report

India has witnessed the fastest jump in alternative remittance share for e-commerce payments in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, from 20.4 per cent in 2018 to 58.1 per cent in 2023, a new report has said. According to the data and analytics company GlobalData, this jump can be attributed to the widespread usage of mobile wallets, largely driven by UPI (Unified Payments Interface), which enables…

View On WordPress

0 notes

theodore-micah · 7 months ago

Text

Upgrade Your Arsenal: Where to Find Cheap Free Fire Diamonds

As one of the battle royale genre's most popular titles, Free Fire offers intense and exciting gameplay for mobile gamers. However, to truly excel in Free Fire, players need more than just skill - having the right weapons and character upgrades is key. This is where Free Fire diamonds come in. Diamonds are the premium in-game currency which give you access to exclusive cosmetic items, weapons, pets and more. But diamonds can be expensive to purchase in-game. Luckily, there are reliable third-party sellers offering diamonds at discounted prices. In this article, we'll look at the best places to score cheap Free Fire diamonds.

What Are Free Fire Diamonds?

Free Fire diamonds are the premium virtual currency used in Garena's hit mobile battle royale game. They can be used to purchase a variety of exclusive in-game cosmetics like outfits, weapon skins, emotes, and more. Diamonds can also unlock elite passes which give rewards and help players progress faster.

Diamonds can be purchased directly from the in-game store using real money. However, this can become costly over time. This is where third-party sellers come in - offering discounted diamonds while guaranteeing secure transactions.

Why Buy from Third-Party Sellers?

Here are some of the benefits of purchasing Free Fire diamonds from third-party marketplaces:

Cheaper prices compared to in-game purchases

Regular sales, coupons and promotions to save more

Secure payment and delivery methods to prevent fraud

Excellent customer service and support systems

As long as you choose a reputable seller, buying diamonds this way is safe, affordable, and convenient. Now let's look at the best third-party diamond sellers for Free Fire.

Best Sites to Buy Cheap Diamonds

1. LootBar

LootBar is one of the most trusted platforms for buying discounted Free Fire diamonds and other game currencies. They have served over 250,000 satisfied customers with instant delivery, great prices and excellent support. Some key features include:

Diamonds up to 35% cheaper than in-game store

Instant delivery, usually within 5 minutes

Wide variety of secure payment options

Round-the-clock support via Live Chat, Email, etc.

Full refund guarantee in case of issues

LootBar provides a safe and convenient way to upgrade your Free Fire arsenal on a budget.

2. GamesKharido

GamesKharido has been providing discounted in-game currencies and items to Indian gamers since 2018. For Free Fire players, they offer:

Diamond packages starting just ₹35

Instant delivery via Guest ID

Multiple payment options - Paytm, UPI, bank transfer, etc.

Lucrative referral program

GamesKharido runs regular Free Fire coupons and sales, allowing you to save even more. Their convenient payment and delivery process makes diamond shopping effortless.

3. Codashop

Codashop Philippines is a popular destination for Filipino gamers looking for the best deals on in-game currencies and items. For Free Fire, Codashop offers:

Diamond packages starting at ₱35

Instant delivery via transaction ID

Various payment methods - GCash, debit/credit card, etc.

Frequent sales and promotions

Codashop makes it simple for Filipino Free Fire players to get diamonds safely and cheaply. Their website and payment processes are easy to navigate as well.

Safety Tips When Buying Free Fire Diamonds

While most third-party sellers are reliable, you should still exercise caution. Here are some tips to stay safe:

Only buy from reputable sellers with good reviews and feedback.

Check their security policies related to payments and delivery.

Avoid sellers offering prices that look unrealistic or "too good to be true".

Pick sellers with responsive customer support.

Use secure payment options and don't store sensitive information on seller sites.

As long as you follow basic precautions, purchasing diamonds from third-parties is perfectly safe and the best way to save money.

Enhance Your Free Fire Experience

Free Fire diamonds open up a world of customization and upgrades to amplify your success. While buying diamonds directly from developers is simpler, third-party sellers give you way more value for money. We recommend trusted platforms like LootBar that offer big discounts without compromising security.

So unlock elite weapon skins, flashy character outfits and battle passes for a fraction of the cost today with cheap Free Fire diamond deals!

"Free Fire diamonds are absolutely worth purchasing from reliable sellers. The discounts allow me to get so much more for my money compared to in-game purchases!"

- Sarah, Free Fire player

0 notes

savefilescomng12 · 7 months ago

Text

On This Day, April 26: 16 killed in German school shooting

1 of 5 | On April 26, 2002, a German youth who had been expelled from the Gutenberg school in Erfurt, Germany, returned to the school and shot 16 people to death. File Photo by ASK/Wikimedia April 26 (UPI) -- On this day in history: In 1607, the first British colonists to establish a permanent settlement in America landed at Cape Henry, Va. In 1933, Nazi Germany's secret police, better known as the Gestapo, is formed by Hermann Goering. The Allies declared the Gestapo a criminal organization during the Nuremberg trials and sentenced Goering to die. In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, German-made planes destroyed the Basque town of Guernica, Spain. In 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged, forming the country of Tanzania. In 1982, Argentina surrendered to British forces on South Georgia Island amid a dispute over the Falkland Islands. In 1986, a fire and explosion at the Soviet Union's Chernobyl nuclear reactor north of Kiev, Ukraine, resulted in the world's worst civilian nuclear disaster. About 30 deaths were reported in the days following the accident. It is believed that hundreds of people eventually died from high doses of radiation from the plant and that thousands of cases of cancer could be linked to the crisis.

File Photo by Sergey Starostenko/UPI In 1993, Indian Airlines Flight 491 slammed into a parked truck during takeoff and crashed minutes later near the western Indian city of Aurangabad, killing 56 people. In 1994, South Africans began going to the polls in the country's first election that was open to all. Four days of voting would elect Nelson Mandela president. In 2002, a German youth who had been expelled from the Gutenberg school in Erfurt, Germany, returned to the school and shot 16 people to death. In 2005, the last of Syria's troops left Lebanon, ending a 29-year military presence. In 2010, longtime Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir, sought by the International Criminal Court in connection with reputed crimes against humanity in the Darfur section of western Sudan, was re-elected president in a controversial vote.

File Photo by Abderaouf Ubgadar/UPI In 2012, a U.N.-backed court convicted former Liberian President Charles Taylor of war crimes, including murder, acts of terrorism, rape, sexual slavery and use of child soldiers, for aiding rebels in neighboring Sierra Leone. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison. In 2018, a Pennsylvania jury found actor Bill Cosby guilty on charges he drugged and sexually assaulted Andrea Constand in 2004. He was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison. In 2020, the 23rd victim of the Aug. 3, 2019, shooting at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart died from his injuries. In 2021, Kanye West's Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototype shoes sold for a record-breaking $1.8 million through a private sale facilitated by Sotheby's. It was the first recorded sneaker sale for more than $1 million.

File Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI Source link Read the full article

0 notes

david843346 · 7 months ago

Text

Thermal Transfer Ribbon Market: Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2035

Research Nester’s recent market research analysis on “Thermal Transfer Ribbon Market: Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2035” delivers a detailed competitors analysis and a detailed overview of the global thermal transfer ribbon market in terms of market segmentation by head type, product type, application, end-user industry, and by region.

Request Report Sample@

Growing Concern for the Prevalence of Chronic Diseases to Promote Global Market Share of Thermal Transfer Ribbon

The global thermal transfer ribbon market is estimated to grow majorly on account of the increasing practice of cashless payment using barcode scanning. Nowadays people are more and more inclined to use the QR code to complete the transaction. In 2021, Asia-Pacific processed USD 440 billion in cashless transactions, mostly UPI and QR or barcode payments. Thermal printers carefully print these codes containing banking information to provide clearer images, which is expected to drive market growth. QR code reach increased by almost 96% between 2018 and 2020.

Moreover, the increasing number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and other chronic diseases are among the factors that are expected to boost the market growth of thermal transfer ribbons. The overall hospitalization rate for COVID-19 in the UK continued to rise slightly, reaching 10.62 per 100,000 in March 2023. Thermal printers are primarily used in the medical field to record real-time rhythm strips on heart monitors in hospitals and to print patient IDs. Thermal printheads are used in making patient wristbands, labels, freezer storage, identification, and others. Moreover, the number of hospitals is also increasing, which drives the growth of the market.

Some of the major growth factors and challenges that are associated with the growth of the global thermal transfer ribbon market are:

Growth Drivers:

A Surge in the Integration of IoT in Printing

New Innovation in Thermal Printing Technology

Challenges:

Poly-based materials are used in the manufacture of thermal transfer ribbons. The substance is derived from crude oil products and could lead to increased mining, ultimately impacting market growth. Moreover, the production of this poly-blade material generates a large amount of waste, which is also expected to contribute to environmental pollution and hinder market growth. Additionally, the availability of various substitutes in the market is anticipated to limit the growth of the sector in the projected period. These are some of the major factors anticipated to hamper the global market size of thermal transfer ribbons.

By Product Types, the global thermal transfer ribbon market is segmented into wax-resin material, resin material, and wax material. The wax resin segment is to garner the highest revenue by the end of 2035 by growing at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. Ribbons made from a combination of wax and bands are extremely durable. The most important driving force of the wax-resin material segment is the strength it imparts to the belt. Additionally, this material also extends the life of printouts from your printer. In addition, it is immune to changing climatic conditions and fluctuations in temperature. It is therefore also suitable for products exposed to constantly changing temperatures.

By region, the North American thermal transfer ribbon market is to generate the highest revenue by the end of 2035. This growth is anticipated to the increasing cases of chronic diseases leading to increased hospitalizations. Additionally, hospital bills, patient information, and medical rhythms are increasingly being printed using thermal printers. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers from a heart attack. About 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack each year. Of these, 605,000 experience their first heart attack. On the other hand, the market size is expected to grow due to the frequent use of barcodes for transactions in this region. The United States leads the world in QR code usage, with a total of 2,880,960 scans. A 2022 report found that 58% of adults surveyed said they were more likely to access the QR code on a menu on their mobile phones.

Access our detailed report at:

Research Nester is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates, and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion, investment, etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided the right guidance at the right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decisions to avoid future uncertainties.

Contact for more Info:

AJ Daniel

Email: [email protected]

U.S. Phone: +1 646 586 9123

U.K. Phone: +44 203 608 5919

#Thermal Transfer Ribbon Market

0 notes