PEACE UPDATE: Pres Aquino proposed to give Muslims in the south the ability to run their own government under their own flag as part of peace plan to end conflict

The draft law submitted by President Benigno Aquino III to Congress fleshes out a peace deal signed in March by the country's largest Muslim insurgent group, the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The autonomous region in the southern island of Mindanao, to be called Bangsamoro, would get its own 60-member parliament that would wield exclusive power over such areas as agriculture, trade, tourism and education. Under the proposal, Islamic Shariah law would apply to Muslims in the region, but the country's justice system would continue to apply to non-Muslims. The Moro group has renounced the terrorist acts of extremist groups, including the Islamic State, which seeks to impose a harsh version of Shariah law in areas under its control in Syria and Iraq. But at least three smaller Muslim rebel groups oppose the autonomy deal and have vowed to fight it. The autonomous zone, which generally covers five provinces, would replace an existing one, seen as a dismal failure. The new plan grants much more autonomy to the region, and Aquino's government also has promised to pour 17 billion pesos ($389 million) in special development funds over the next five years into the region, which has been stunted economically due to the conflict.

HEALTH UPDATE: Dengue cases down 61% so far this year.

DOH spokesman Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy said Monday there were many factors that may have led to the sharp decline in dengue cases this year. “Maybe our efforts are effective. The community, too, may have exerted extra effort [to eradicate] dengue.” Lee Suy told reporters that the absence of a new dengue serotype may have contributed to the decrease in the number of cases in the last eight months. “If there’s no new serotype, the exposure is also limited,” he explained. “But even if the numbers are low, we should not be complacent because it is still the rainy season. We should just carry on with our efforts to eliminate dengue in our communities,” he said. Records showed that majority of the dengue incidences were monitored in Northern Mindanao, accounting for 10.13 percent of the cases. The Davao region was next at 9.35 percent; Caraga, 9.81 percent; Soccsksargen, 8.82 percent; and Eastern Visayas, 8 percent. Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/636361/dengue-cases-down-61-so-far-this-year#ixzz3D5NLvwCc Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Phil gets another investment grading upgrade. This time from Korean firm, National Information and Credit Evaluation Ratings Inc

The credit rating raised the country’s long-term, foreign currency rating by a notch to BBB- with a positive outlook, which means further upgrade may be awarded in the short term. “The rating upgrade reflects improved fiscal profile and growth potential, robust stability in the financial market and the external sector, and the government’s continuing efforts to improve governance and infrastructure,” NICE said in a statement. The firm stressed that key factors considered for the rating included the strong economic growth of 7.2 percent achieved in 2013 although this is forecast to slow to six percent this year. NICE noted that the deceleration will be on the back of a “normal economic adjustment” as the growth momentum is seen being sustained. The credit rating agency also pointed out the stability of Philippine financial markets despite global sell-offs of emerging market assets since May last year.

WELLNESS IN CULTURE: "Gintong Parangal para sa Literatura" launched with Fortune Life, Philippine Graphics & DedEd

High school teachers in all 17 regions nationwide were invited to compete with essays in English to honor the teaching profession. Judges Alfred Yuson of Phil Star, Graphic Editor-in-Chief Joel Pablo Salud and Manila Standard columnist Jenny Ortuoste came up with the following winners: Ma. Melanie Mangulabnan of Baliuag, Bulacan for 1st prize; Jaquilyn T. Belagan of Makati City for 2nd prize, and Jasmin P. Mendoza of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan for 3rd prize. Each of these winners received cash prizes and insurance cash cards worth P50,000 at Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central Office in Pasig City. The Gintong Parangal Awards are supported by Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua in line with his mission to spread the benefits of writing and literature.

WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: Filipino children in Sabah to benefit from greater access to education

The memorandum of understanding was signed last Aug. 26 by Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya, Commission on Filipinos Overseas Chair Imelda Nicolas, Education Undersecretary Mario Deriquito and representatives of the alternative learning centers. “DepEd (Department of Education) remains committed in ensuring that the most disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized are given preferential attention, including our brothers and sisters in Sabah,” Deriquito said. The educational institutions that are parties to the agreement were Learning Translation and Review Centre, Persatuan Kebajikan Pendidikan Kanak-Kanak Miskin (The Society for Education of Underprivileged Children), Sekolah Sukarela Persatuan MAFIL-KOFA, Stairway to Hope Learning Center, Stairway to Success Learning Center, and Vision of Hope Learning Center. http://www.philstar.com/pinoy-worldwide/2014/09/10/1367554/filipino-children-sabah-benefit-greater-access-education

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila closed its doors after 38 years and will reopen in a new location by Year 2020

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila will reopen in 2020 in a new location, at the tip of Ayala Triangle Gardens nearby after the hotel management signed a partnership agreement with Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts in June. The 422-room hotel has, through the years, hosted a bevy of celebrities, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Tom Cruise, Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Andrea Bocelli, Jacky Chan and Miley Cyrus. Even if there was only one guest left, many continued to discharge their duties. There was Louise Lindres, front office manager and employee for 12 years. “I’m trying hard not to be emotional,” she said with a laugh, as her staff attended to the last guest. Frank Schuengel, a German expat living in Makati, checked in at one of the suites the night before with his girlfriend to mark their recent birthdays. “I thought if I could be the last person to check out, that would be something,” he said, before handing over his key at 1:30 p.m. Read more: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/171299/tears-souvenir-photos-as-mandarin-closes-shop#ixzz3D51p69dm Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook