Philippines

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the situation for his nation in the South China Sea “has become more dire.” Marcos spoke during a question and answer session after a talk in Honolulu Sunday.

It's Filipino Heritage Month and this week, the head of the largest trade union in the Philippines is in town. Elmer Labog is the chair of Kilusang Mayo Uno. He has been meeting with labor leaders from Hawaiʻi unions who represent a large number of Filipino members.

The role of artificial intelligence is under debate in many work sectors — and that includes broadcasting. This week, there’s a new development in the Philippines. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

While the world was in lockdown from the COVID-19 pandemic, an album fusing Hawaiian mele and Filipino folk songs was being made. The newest “Kāwili” album features a collection of 19 songs, translated into three Filipino languages — Tagalog, Ilocano and Bisaya.

Interpreters will be on hand, as will other federal, state and county agencies to assist families. Staff from the Consulate General of the Philippines will also be there for three days starting Sept. 22 to help with vital documents like passport replacement.

The Women’s World Cup of soccer has been underway for nearly two weeks in Australia and New Zealand. While many eyes are on the U.S. team, at least two Asian nations have emerged with stunning stories of their own. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Foreign recruitment has recently risen nationally to fill vacancies due to the chronic teacher shortage. International teachers can work in the U.S. for up to five years under a J-1 teacher exchange visa. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is not the only government agency dealing with hospitality to face controversy. There's been an unusual story developing this week in the Philippines. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Nurses from the Philippines are in demand around the world. When it comes to local health care, the Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaiʻi has been part of the picture for more than twenty years. In Manila, a top government official is calling for more support for nurses who want to work in their own country. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in todayʻs Asia Minute.

Philippine officials are evacuating thousands of villagers, shutting schools and offices and imposing a no-sail ban as Typhoon Mawar approaches the country’s northern provinces.