General

Dapa: A small elementary school on a remote island, once battered by a powerful typhoon, has found a digital lifeline that is transforming how students learn and its teachers’ connection with the education system. Cabawa Elementary School (CES), located in Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, was connected to the internet for the first time in May through the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) ‘Free Wi-Fi for All’ program. According to Philippines News Agency, ‘For the first time, our kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils are learning through online materials on television,’ school head Bobby Eres Navarro stated. Even

Waskaduwa: Filipino FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri made the country proud anew after collecting his second medal at the Asian Junior Chess Championship in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka Friday night. The 19-year-old Nouri, a two-time national juniors champion, pulled off a stunning win over No. 1 International Master S Aswath of India in the seventh and final round of the blitz to finish with 6.5 points. According to Philippines News Agency, IM Nayaka Budhidharma of Indonesia defeated Genivan Genkeswaran of Malaysia to also end up with 6.5 points and secure the gold medal due to higher tiebreak points. Nouri, the University Athletic

New taipei city: The core of Strong Group-Pilipinas is back as the squad prepares for its title defense at the William Jones Cup scheduled July 12 to 20 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Kiefer Ravena, Jason Brickman, Dave Ildefonso, Rhenz Abando, Angelo Kouame, Geo Chiu, and reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag are back in the team. According to Philippines News Agency, Strong Group president Jacob Lao expressed confidence in the team’s chances, citing their chemistry and experience as key factors. “We’re going all out in defending the country’s William Jones Cup title. With their chemistry

Sydney: Australia and New Zealand have the highest prevalence of cocaine use in the world, according to the latest World Drug Report released Thursday by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). While total cocaine consumption remains highest in the Americas, the annual prevalence rate-the percentage of the population using the drug-was found to be highest in Oceania, which includes Australia and New Zealand. The Americas ranked second, followed by Western and Central Europe. According to Philippines News Agency, the report also noted that cocaine use among 15- and 16-year-olds in Oceania is lower than among the general population.

Tokyo: Combined global vehicle sales by eight major Japanese automakers in May rose 0.5 percent from a year before to 2.02 million units, data from the companies showed Friday. Of the eight, Toyota Motor Corp. saw its global sales climb 6.9 percent, attributed to the popularity of hybrid vehicles in North America. According to Philippines News Agency, rush demand continued in the United States due to concerns over possible price hikes reflecting high tariffs by President Donald Trump’s administration. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Daihatsu Motor Co. also posted higher global sales. On the other hand, Mazda Motor Corp. posted a