
ITGR Stock Soars to All-Time High, Reaching $141.01NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani wins his third MVP and first in the NL following a historic offensive season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The announcement by Science Minister Judith Collins this week that half of New Zealand’s sole fund for fundamental science will now go to research with economic benefits – with social sciences and the humanities no longer supported – came as a shock to many. Perhaps it shouldn’t have. The signs have been there for a while. In August, Collins spoke at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Marsden Fund . Her insistence on economic impact worried many in the room because this fund was meant to support pure – not applied – research. Her statement that “we must endeavour to invest our money in areas that we believe have the best chance of showing a return on investment” may not seem extraordinary. Indeed, for most government research funding – including through the Endeavour Programmes , Smart Ideas funding, the Crown Research Institutes or the Health Research Council – the purpose of research is important. But this is explicitly not what the Marsden Fund was set up to do. Former National Party minister Simon Upton quoted his own words from 30 years ago at the anniversary event: For the first time, the government has made funding available for research, not on the basis that the research will be useful, though it may be, or that it will solve an urgent problem, although it could do, but on the basis of its ingenuity and the likelihood of generating some first-class science. A bipartisan history The Marsden Fund was set up to underpin the generation of knowledge in our university and science systems. In its latest allocation last month, the fund invested NZ$$75.82 million to support 113 projects . But the funded projects represent only 10% of the applications received (12% for the shorter fast-start grants). These low success rates mean many good ideas miss out. The proposed change is massive: the issues with expecting research to deliver predetermined outcomes – referred to in science policy terms as “picking winners” – have been discussed for a long time. If we could know the outcomes of a research project in advance, we could undoubtedly be more efficient in allocating funding. But if we knew the outcomes, it wouldn’t be research, and any knowledge produced would not be new. More targeted research is, of course, useful and is therefore funded by the different mechanisms mentioned above. But the ideas that underpin real value in commercially viable science are often first prompted by discoveries in fundamental science. If it were something everyone already knew, it wouldn’t be intellectual property. Cather Simpson, a physicist at the University of Auckland, founder of three deep-tech start-ups, and a winner of the Kiwinet Commercialisation Icon award puts it this way: Fundamental research is essential for long-term economic success. It’s how we generate new ideas and clever people for the future. We’ve been eating our “seed corn” with our overemphasis on short-term economic impact for a wee while; this change means we’ll be scoffing it down. Science minister Judith Collins wants the Marsden Fund to focus on funding research in physics, chemistry, maths, engineering and biomedical sciences. Getty Images Where to from here? In her announcement, Judith Collins said she wants the Marsden Fund to focus on “core science”. In her definition, this means physics, chemistry, maths, engineering and biomedical sciences. Some argue these cost more, because of equipment or laboratory costs, than the humanities and social sciences, which are now excluded from the fund. This is true in part. But New Zealand already has all the other funding mechanisms to support applied research with economic impact. The humanities and social sciences have no other major source of baseline research funding. When the ACT Party shares figures amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars for research that sometimes looks like it produces no more than reports and books, their concerns about the value of this expenditure may seem valid. But it is important to understand where the money allocated by the Marsden Fund actually goes. New Zealand has had a fully-costed research system for a long time. This means that for every dollar the grant pays for researchers’ salaries, the university (or other employing institution) is paid 115% in addition. The money paid to institutions is called “overheads”. It is essentially direct funding for universities for office space and administrative support and it may pay for student scholarships, software licenses or travel – the basic costs of getting the research done. But it is not a nice-to-have: in many other countries, the proportion of direct funding for universities is higher, because they do not have this fully-costed research funding model. Reducing the overhead rate paid on research grants has been discussed as one way to make research funding go further. But we must be realistic: direct funding for universities would need to increase significantly to make up the difference. This might be one way of enabling institutions to support the humanities and social sciences through internally allocated research funds. Preempting the science sector review New Zealand is currently in the middle of reviews of the university system and the science sector . Advisory groups have reported back to the government with their recommendations, but the government has delayed making these public . The changes to the Marsden Fund have been announced before the overdue science review, preempting whatever recommendations the review will bring. The science system is a complex entity and unilateral changes to any single part of it will have unintended consequences. In the absence of direct research funding for humanities and social sciences, one such consequence is that the existence of many of these areas of scholarship will be even more threatened than we’ve seen already, as many universities have shed staff and cut entire departments. The alternative is that we accept major cuts to our tertiary education system. That would be a loss for everyone. Not only would we lose the return on investment associated with university education, or see a diminished economic impact from science. We would also risk eroding the “critic and conscience” work done by academics in the humanities and social sciences that plays an essential role in a free society. Nicola Gaston receives funding as Co-Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, via the Tertiary Education Commission. She also receives funding from the Marsden Fund, for research projects.
Expert reveals the one thing to avoid saying during the festive season - and why you should consider 'presence' instead of 'presents' Christmas DayIn the rapidly evolving world of technology, Tesla’s stock price—often a hot topic in financial circles—is now making waves in the gaming industry. While Tesla Inc. is primarily associated with revolutionary advancements in electric vehicles and sustainable energy, its foray into the gaming sector is stirring up a buzz among investors and game developers alike. Tesla’s Arcade—A Technological Crossover: Tesla’s cars, equipped with interactive touchscreen displays, have already introduced in-car entertainment systems capable of running video games. This integration of gaming technology into vehicles marks a unique convergence, where the gaming industry sees an opportunity for expansion. As autonomous driving technology inches closer to reality, the potential for enhanced in-car entertainment grows exponentially, translating into new revenue streams. As a result, Tesla’s stock price reflects growing investor anticipation around this fusion of automotive and gaming technologies. New Horizons in Mobile Gaming: Observations suggest that Tesla’s innovative approach paves the way for a futuristic vision of gaming on the go. The evolution of mobile gaming is expected to take a significant leap forward as companies explore further connectivity options between vehicles and digital ecosystems. With Tesla consistently being at the forefront of technological advancements, its ventures could initiate a paradigm shift, influencing both automotive and gaming platforms. Consequently, the implications of this interaction are beginning to captivate the gaming community alongside seasoned Tesla investors. In this climate of intertwined industries, Tesla’s stock continues to hold the attention of those eager to see what the future of interactive entertainment might look like. How Tesla is Revolutionizing Gaming with In-Car Technology In an era where technological boundaries are constantly being pushed, Tesla has emerged as a leader not only in electric vehicles but also in innovative entertainment solutions. While the company’s impact on the automotive and sustainable energy sectors is well-established, its expansion into the gaming industry is sparking excitement among both investors and game developers. Tesla’s Arcade: Merging Automotive and Gaming Industries Tesla’s integration of gaming within its vehicles through its interactive touchscreen displays has given rise to what is now known as “Tesla’s Arcade.” This technological crossover represents a unique opportunity for the gaming industry to explore new frontiers. With the advent of autonomous driving, Tesla’s innovative systems could lead to a future where passengers engage in gaming while on the move, creating new revenue pathways. The Impact on Mobile Gaming Trends Tesla’s foresight in incorporating gaming experiences into their vehicles could signal a groundbreaking shift for mobile gaming. As technology progresses, the possibility of seamless connectivity between cars and digital ecosystems could change the way games are played and developed. This potential development places Tesla at the cutting edge of both automotive and gaming platforms and has the potential to influence market trends significantly. Innovations in Tesla’s Gaming Ecosystem Tesla’s approach to gaming transcends traditional boundaries, providing opportunities for technological innovations. The company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements suggests its gaming offerings might expand to include augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences in the future. As these technologies mature, their incorporation into Tesla’s in-car gaming could present a whole new level of immersion for users. The Sustainability Angle Tesla’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in its choice to expand into the gaming industry. By utilizing clean energy solutions within their vehicles for powering gaming systems, Tesla aligns with a broader vision of sustainability without compromising on entertainment quality. This model presents a sustainable approach to the future of mobile entertainment, setting a benchmark for other industry players. Market Predictions and Industry Insights Analysts are watching closely as Tesla’s move into gaming could spur similar innovations across the automotive sector. The development of in-car gaming systems is poised to become a significant trend, potentially reshaping consumer expectations and opening new market opportunities. Additionally, this technological intersection could lead to collaborations between Tesla and prominent gaming companies, further expanding the scope of interactive entertainment in vehicles. Conclusion: Tesla’s Future in Gaming and Beyond As Tesla continues to captivate the attention of the gaming and automotive sectors, its stock price acts as a barometer for investor confidence in this new venture. The company’s ability to innovate and integrate advanced gaming technologies into its vehicles underlines its role as a pioneer in both industries. For more information about Tesla’s latest developments, visit the official Tesla website . 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ORCHARD PARK — Matt Milano has lived in uncertainty for over a year. The structure and camaraderie of football was taken away and replaced by grueling rehabilitation. Just as Milano thought he was finished with months of work to return to the field, it was whisked away again during a drill performed countless times in practice throughout his football career. Back into the abyss he went. Unlike the leg fracture he suffered in Week 5 last season, the Buffalo Bills maintained their All-Pro linebacker would return at some point this season. and now it appears Milano is primed for a return as early as against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday. The Bills have not announced whether Milano will play against the 49ers and they have some time. Milano does not have to be added to the active roster until after Sunday’s game, and even if they bring him back to avoid losing him for the rest of the season, he still doesn’t have to play right away, like cornerback Tre’Davious White, who was activated on Nov. 1, 2022, but didn’t play for another three weeks. But for the first time since training camp, Milano was a full participant in practice Wednesday. He also shed the red non-contact jersey sported during his first week back with the team. “It feels good just to be out there with the guys, man,” Milano said. “Be competing again and playing ball.” The #Bills need to keep the pedal down coming out of the bye and @billhoppe.bsky.social and I discuss why. We also weigh Josh Allen's MVP odds and the #Sabres finally stringing together wins. fireside.fm/episode/sMvb... Whenever Milano does return to the lineup, it’s fair to wonder how much a 30-year-old who hasn’t played a game in almost 14 months can contribute immediately. Milano did not participate heavily in OTAs, and when he returned to training camp, . The leg fracture, 14 months removed, may still be the bigger concern for Milano than his repaired biceps. It is unknown how severe it was, as the Bills played coy on the injury for a while and didn’t acknowledge Milano wasn’t likely to return until more than a month after surgery. A severe fracture can take 3 to 6 months for the average person to recover, while a broken femur can take up to a year, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A completely torn biceps, though, can take 3 to 6 months. Upon returning, Milano is likely to wear a shoulder harness that prevents overextension of his elbow and shoulder. But the risk of tearing it again is minimal. A tibial plateau fracture is more severe because it’s near the top of the tibia, close to the knee, and is one of the main weight-bearing bones in the leg. It’s the area that takes a chunk of the pressure for a football player who is running, jumping and cutting. With the area of the fracture, doctors had to factor in the patellar tendon, which attaches in the front and pulls on the tibia. And there are ligaments and hamstrings that are also attached. “It’s just a slow recovery process because it’s such a bigger bone in the area when it comes to asking the body to do what it needs to do in there,” said Kyle Trimble, a physical therapist for Kaleida Health. “... It's just a slow recovery, given all the stuff that the lower extremities have to do, carrying the whole body weight and jumping and running around like it does there.” Bills coach Sean McDermott also said Wednesday that Milano would be on a pitch count during the early stages of his return to get reacclimated to playing again. The Bills acknowledged Milano wasn’t quite himself yet during training camp and now almost four months have been added to his absence. Milano will also have to adjust his reactionary time. His mind might know what to do, but initially, it could take time for his body to respond to instantaneous decision-making like he’s accustomed to on the field. And it’s also been over a year since Milano has given or taken a hit. With minimal contact during practices, even when players are healthy, there is no substitute for the body’s response to violent collisions. Should Milano try to jump in too quickly, he’s also at risk for soft-tissue injuries that come when the body isn’t used to performing the tasks it’s asked to complete. Milano missed three games in 2018 with a broken fibula, a game apiece for a hamstring in 2019, 2020 and 2021, five games for a pectoral injury in 2020 an abdomen injury cost him a game in 2022. “You’re worried about soft-tissue injuries such as hamstring, calf — you start getting fatigued too quickly and then you start compensating elsewhere because your legs get tired,” said Trimble, who operates Banged Up Bills accounts on Bluesky and X. “You’re just trying to react off of whatever instinct you have and maybe you make a sudden move and suddenly you hurt an oblique. He’s had all these injuries before, so they have to be mindful they don’t cause other injuries by trying to get him out there too quickly.” Milano’s return also means a decision must be made with Dorian Williams’ playing time. Williams has started all 12 games in Milano’s absence this year and the second-year linebacker ranks 13th in the NFL with 97 tackles. It’s plausible Williams plays weakside linebacker on early downs and Milano comes in for third downs or obvious passing downs. Milano thrives more in space than taking on blockers against the run, while Williams has struggled in pass coverage at times. Since Milano was injured last season, the Bills have played dime (six defensive backs) on 59% of their third downs. Having a second linebacker in the game who can cover gives the Bills more flexibility, especially on third and medium downs. “I'm here to play whatever role they want me to play, do whatever I need to do,” Williams told the Gazette Wednesday. “I love Matt. I love to see him out there and balling and doing his thing, too. So, I'm just out here trying to help us win. We're all trying to help the team go on and on and I think that's the beautiful thing about the team.” TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) did not practice Wednesday. ... OT Spencer Brown (ankle) and WR Keon Coleman (wrist) were limited. ... The Bills opened the 21-day windows for DT DeWayne Carter (wrist) and OT Tylan Grable (groin) to return from injured reserve. ... QB Josh Allen (left hand) did not appear on the injury report for the first time since Week 2.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle , the restaurateurs behind Berkeley’s Rose Pizzeria are debuting a cafe just around the corner. Coming to 2000 University Avenue , Cafe Brusco will land near establishments such as Burger IM Berkeley, Cal’s Fried Chicken & Burgers, and Red Tomato Pizza House. What Now San Francisco reached out to Gerad Gobel and Alexis Rorabaugh to inquire about their plans for the new spot, but they could not provide additional information before publication. Nevertheless, the Chronicle reports that “it will serve coffee, pastries and sandwiches during the day and wine and snacks at night.” Additionally, “in the daytime, Cafe Brusco will pour coffee courtesy of Emeryville’s Counter Culture Coffee, in vintage Italian saucers, plus cold drinks like a sesame matcha latte and affogato.” “The owners will stock fresh pastries from Good Luck Bakery... Savory treats, available warm or to go, may take the form of a mortadella breakfast sandwich, porchetta melt or roasted sweet potato sandwich with feta and Calabrian chili aioli with a lentil salad.” Finally, “in the evenings, Cafe Brusco will become a wine bar featuring mainly natural, local producers but also plenty of Lambrusco and Italian and European wines.” Cafe Brusco is slated to open in January 2005.
Principal Financial Group Inc. lessened its stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF ( NYSEARCA:IWP – Free Report ) by 68.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,300 shares of the company’s stock after selling 15,800 shares during the quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc.’s holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF were worth $856,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Adirondack Trust Co. raised its position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF by 78.3% in the 2nd quarter. Adirondack Trust Co. now owns 296 shares of the company’s stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Lynx Investment Advisory bought a new stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $33,000. Centennial Bank AR raised its holdings in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF by 1,335.7% in the second quarter. Centennial Bank AR now owns 402 shares of the company’s stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 374 shares during the last quarter. Carmichael Hill & Associates Inc. lifted its position in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF by 30.7% during the second quarter. Carmichael Hill & Associates Inc. now owns 413 shares of the company’s stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kimelman & Baird LLC purchased a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the second quarter worth about $47,000. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF Stock Performance Shares of IWP stock opened at $134.36 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $17.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.60 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF has a 52-week low of $95.85 and a 52-week high of $134.49. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $121.87 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $114.53. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF Company Profile iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF, formerly iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index Fund (the Growth Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell Midcap Growth Index (the Growth Index). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF ( NYSEARCA:IWP – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Alarming satellite image shows China's $9bn secret warship doing military tests in Pacific amid WWIII fears READ MORE: China carries out 'total Taiwan blockade' drills By NIKKI MAIN SCIENCE REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 15:48 EST, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 16:06 EST, 22 November 2024 e-mail 48 View comments China 's secretive $9 billion warship has been spotted in Pacific ocean from space amid fears of WWIII. The CNS Liaoning, which is the nation's first operational aircraft carrier , was captured by NASA 's Landsat 8 satellite as it was docked in the Bohai Sea and conducted sea trials. The satellite images showed the Liaoning warship docked among other aircraft carriers at a shipyard, while a separate image showed moving out to sea. US Navy officials have been monitoring the warship, finding its deck measures about 656 feet long and 131 feet wide, making it smaller than other Chinese carriers. The images were taken days after US President Biden allowed Ukraine to use American missiles to strike China's ally Russia , which has led to fears that a worldwide war is on the horizon. China has become Russia's largest trading partner following Western sanctions and now enjoys huge discounts on energy exports while supplying essential technology and consumer goods . And in September, reports surfaced that the two nations were ramping up joint military drills. The US Landsat 8 satellite captured images of the Chinese navy's newest warship (pictured) that was recently deployed in the Bohai Sea The ship, pictured here, weighs about 60,000 tons and is part of China's smaller naval aircraft carriers The Chinese military has more than 370 warships and submarines in its fleet, making it the largest naval force created worldwide, and has worked to rapidly increase its fleet while keeping up with US carrier technology. CNS Liaoning was operating near Japan last year, strapped with guided-missile cruisers and a guided-missile destroyer, when it conducted flight operations with about 20 launches and recoveries of fighters . Reports also claimed there were around 40 take-offs and landings of helicopters from the carrier. More recently, from September 20 to October 1, the CNS Liaoning performed flight operations with carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters in the waters east of the Philippines and west of Guam. Images surfaced of China's Fujian ship (pictured), which is the largest in its naval arsenal, leaving its pier in the South China Sea on Monday It is unclear what trials were be conducted this week. The People's Liberation Army Navy also deployed its CNS Shandong aircraft carrier last week, which sailed into the South China Sea about 397 miles south of Miyako Island, according to the US Naval Institute . The vessel was monitored using satellite imagery and was reported to have conducted 10 launches and 10 helicopter take-offs and landings. The US has deployed its own fleet of warships to the northwest coast of Luzon to watch China's ongoing operations and reported that the Liberation Army could be readying itself to attack Japan . Read More Royal Navy frigate keeps 'close watch' on two Chinese warships travelling through British waters China's tensions with Japan has continued to grow due to concerns over its close relationship with the US. The Chinese government has also claimed that Taiwan is its own territory, although the country has not outright stated that it plans to invade Japan . Earlier this month, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is grateful that the US is deploying ships to the region as reports of China's warships increase. The press release stated: 'As the security environment in the region becomes increasingly severe, maintaining a robust presence of the U.S. Navy through the forward-deployment of USS George Washington and the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 is essential to the security of Japan and the maintenance of regional peace and stability.' China Japan Russia Share or comment on this article: Alarming satellite image shows China's $9bn secret warship doing military tests in Pacific amid WWIII fears e-mail Add comment
TV and Movie Merchandise Market to Grow by USD 103.5 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by E-Commerce Platform Growth, AI Redefining Market Landscape - TechnavioNoneEnhancing strategic public procurement has been one of the main initiatives of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the Philippines. Following the enactment of Republic Act No. 12009, or New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), aimed at enhancing transparency, competition, efficiency, professionalism, accountability and sustainability in government procurement, long-overdue reforms are being undertaken to remove deep-rooted high risk of corruption, insertions, amendments and inefficiencies in public procurement. DBM, tasked to spearhead the transition, assured the public that the rules and regulations for new procurement alternatives, including the e-marketplace, are currently being developed. Part of this was leveraging blockchain technology and launching Project Marissa to fortify budget document security—promoting further transparency across all government agencies. DBM is preparing the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the NGPA to attune this to the ever-changing needs of the Filipino people. The significant key features of this act likewise embed digital transformation, transparency, inclusivity and sustainability into the procurement system. Once the General Appropriations Act has been passed, the DBM prioritizes the utilization and implementation of projects determined by Congress and the department heads. To plug leakages arising from this process, DBM introduced citizen participation through the Open Government Partnership where major stakeholders and civil society organizations (CSOs) are invited as observers and be a part of every proceeding, procurement process and contract implementation. In the bidding of products, DBM also introduced an alternative mode in the procurement process—the Most Economically Advantageous Responsive Bid (MEARB) alongside the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (LCRB). This is to prevent contractors from tendering lower bids and offsetting this by using or offering inferior products or infrastructure just to get the government contract. The MEARB combined with LCRB is a one-selection criterion evaluating offers or bids that ensure that high-quality outcomes are present at a reasonable cost to procuring entities. DBM likewise modernizes the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement (PhilGEPS) so that payments and government database interconnection can now be done electronically. It also instituted safeguards against misuse of the process by improving competitive bidding and identifying which modalities will define legal, technical and financial aspects. To make the system inclusive and sustainable, gender-responsive procurement strategies are being incorporated into the process of government transactions through the inclusive procurement program. It also empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while enabling meaningful competition among suppliers, including women-led businesses. These innovative provisions also give importance to green procurement for sustainability. It will encourage agencies to procure common-use supplies with green specifications, thus promoting environment-friendly procurement practices. The transition toward the NGPA and getting the IRR into the mainstream are not without challenges for the DBM. The most taxing and difficult barrier to surmount is the lack of professionals who can help and support adherence to procurement practices. There is an urgent need for competent technical experts and professionals to be part of the transition in a procurement process whose proper implementation can make a huge difference through its potential contribution to the gross domestic product of the country. Another challenge is the sustainability goal because there are limited suppliers that can provide green and environment-friendly products. At its early stage, the price differences are still substantial compared to the present ones being utilized. How to incentivize manufacturers and providers to shift and become price-competitive will need intensified government support. As the IRR is being prepared, inputs from stakeholders are solicited to ensure that its provisions will be responsive, flexible and solutions-oriented. Collaboration and consultations with private partners that include the business sector and MSME representatives can go a long way in ensuring fair, transparent and equitable provisions that benefit Filipinos. The MAP in partnership with DBM was the result of the BDB Law—Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) Breakfast Dialogue, a series of discussions among government officials and business leaders, which was held last Nov. 27. The discussions centered on pressing policy issues and transformative strategies. The collaboration between MAP and DBM emphasizes commitment to transparency, particularly in the management of confidential funds and the prevention of financial abuse. As part of this initiative, MAP was invited to provide inputs on key aspects of the Commission on Audit (COA) Law, particularly to ensure that Common-use Supply Equipment is included in the electronic catalog of Procurement Service-DBM. Strengthening the role of COA as a mandated observer and ensuring the timely submission of reports under the participatory procurement framework outlined by the law are critical priorities. Fortunately, the Procurement Observers Portal simplifies this process by enabling COA to register and ensure compliance with procurement reporting requirements. MAP will form a technical team with cross-committee engagement and meet again with DBM for the proposed IRR. The target date to finalize and complete the IRR is within the year, along with efforts to help move the needle faster for awareness and information dissemination on this very important law. The US-Asean Business Council offered to assist mainly in information, communication and technology, while MAP will lend its support to the finance and banking sectors. MAP will also provide a backup process to help address professionalization through management and quality checking. MAP strongly supports the reform agenda that the DBM is undertaking through the NGPA and for that matter, all the efforts being made by the government to improve operational efficiency and the creation of professional jobs for Filipinos. The public and private sectors should join hands in creating a progressive Philippines by ensuring that public service delivers to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic prosperity and growth. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The author is the immediate past president of the MAP and the founding partner and CEO of Du-Baladad and Associates or BDB Law. Feedback at [email protected] and [email protected] .
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