The Samagoes Fly rice factory operated by North Fly Agro Ltd and launched by Member for North Fly District James Donald in 2019, is now gaining momentum. They plan to distribute throughout the country and overseas, once it reaches its market potential. In July, Member Donald announced during the launch of the Kiunga Agro-Industrial Centre and Vanilla Project that the next big project will involve vanilla, cocoa, rubber, and the commissioning of the rice project. He said the factory is a Sustainable Economic establishment under the North Fly District Development Authority.

https://www.looppng.com/business/fly-rice-hit-shelves-soon-123190

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'In a world where the modern family of nations are coming together under the United Nations charter and rules on human rights, any issues we may have with each other must be resolved through peaceful means. 'Papua New Guinea has shown this since 2001 when we came together to sit at the table in the Bougainville Peace Process. We settled on a Peace Agreement and we are now working through this process to resolve our issues peacefully. 'So we want to encourage Hamas and others who feel aggrieved in matters in relation to the Nation of Israel to resolve these issues through negotiations that can lead to a peaceful outcome.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/pm-marape-condemns-attack-israel-123189

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PALM scheme workers from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, including a First Nations Australian side, showcased their rugby prowess in a spirited competition in Hervey Bay on Saturday. The event was not just about sports; it was a cultural exchange as teams engaged in traditional war dances and anthem performances, highlighting the deep people-to-people connections between Australia and the Pacific. Beyond the competition, the occasion served as a platform to underscore the importance of sport in the physical and mental well-being of PALM scheme workers.

https://www.looppng.com/rugby/png-palm-workers-dominate-7s-rugby-festival-123184

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The United Nations gave a preliminary figure of 320 dead, but later said the figure was still being verified. Local authorities gave an estimate of 100 people killed and 500 injured, according to the same update from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The update also said 465 houses had been reported destroyed and a further 135 were damaged. "Partners and local authorities anticipate the number of casualties to increase as search and rescue efforts continue amid reports that some people may be trapped under collapsed buildings," the UN said.

https://www.looppng.com/global-news/powerful-earthquake-and-aftershocks-afghanistans-west-kill-dozens-and-injure-many-more

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This is a time for progress for the Kuriva people when a new 42KW solar mini power grid was commissioned for the St John Bosco Kuriva Primary School and the hand-over of the ambulance to the Kuriva Health Centre. Onboard with the partnership is TotalEnergies, USAID, St John, Ambulance, ExxonMobil, Santos Papua JV Partners, and Member for Hiri-Koiari, Keith Iduhu. MP for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu shared that these two items will go a long way in ensuring schools and the communitty have reliable electricity, and those in need of medical assistance are able to receive assistance from the ambulance.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/kuriva-prepares-papua-lng-project-123173

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Australia leapt out in an early surge that opponent New Zealand could not match at Sir John Guise Arena, beating the NZ side 96-49. NZ settled for the Silver. In the earlier match on Saturday, Samoa defeated Guam to claim bronze, 132-63. Guam came out firing in the first quarter, but a much-needed time out settled Samoa and they didn't look back. Samoa Captain, Semika Nee said the team's performance was reflective of the work they have put in during the week and sticking to a solid game plan.

https://www.looppng.com/sport/aus-retains-fiba-u17-oceania-title-123174

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This decision comes after careful scrutiny, with the regulator expressing satisfaction that all stipulated requirements have been met. Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, announced the breakthrough, highlighting that a comprehensive Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been formalized between the merging entities. Minister Maru extended gratitude on behalf of the Government to Newmont Corporation for choosing to invest in Papua New Guinea. He emphasized the significance of the corporation's understanding in navigating the regulatory landscape, allowing for the issuance of critical exemptions by the SCPNG.

https://www.looppng.com/business/newmont-newcrest-merger-granted-123084

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Six places in the last eight are still to play for and it'll be determined this weekend. Namibia, Tonga, Romania, Georgia, Portugal and Chile are no longer in contention for a top-eight finish. 12 teams including the Fiji Water Flying Fijians will now battle for the six remaining quarter-final spots. France, New Zealand, Italy, Uruguay, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Argentina and Samoa are the other nations that have a chance of qualifying. Teams who finish in the top three from their pools also secure automatic qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2027.

https://www.looppng.com/rugby/two-confirmed-six-out-rwc-123085

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Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Timothy Masiu, is emphasizing that the country to break away from long-awaited service delivery that takes several years. He was referring to the partnership between NICTA and a local entrepreneur called Gabaspot Digital Hub set up in Gabagaba village in Central Province that took three years to launch. 'We need to move and we need to intensify. I don't want to hear any more of a facility that's taking three years to build in a village. Let's cut off all the three years and make it in six months.

https://www.looppng.com/tech/fast-track-digital-services-123057

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The MoU now forms a pathway for Central Cocoa. Governor Rufina Peter, newly appointed CBPNG CEO Jesse Anjen and Acting Secretary for Department of Agriculture and Livestock Brown Konabe, jointly opened the Cocoa Board Southern Regional Office on the third floor of Monian Tower in the Boroko central business district. Upon the unveiling and ribbon-cutting formalities, Governor Peter highlighted that cocoa has a huge untapped potential in the Central Province and needs collaborative efforts to advance.

https://www.looppng.com/business/new-cocoa-pathway-central-province-123055

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The closing ceremony also coincided with the lowering of the game's flag and handing over to the next host, the Highlands region. Finally, a wrap into the Regional Youth Games, with Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa closing the ceremony. The games were considered a success as Madang, although known for high petty crimes and the ever-increasing crime rates, took care of over 400 athletes and officials who came in from the other three regions and Port Moresby. Pariwa thanked all the participants who made the event possible.

https://www.looppng.com/sport/regional-youth-games-end-123056

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The event is expected to start at 11 a.m., and will be attended by Prime Minister James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, Huon Gulf MP, Jason Peter, Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt, and chief representative from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Hideaki Matsuoka. The K750 million Nadzab Airport Redevelopment Project is jointly funded by the Japanese Overseas Development concessional loan (ODA loan) and the Government of Papua New Guinea through budgetary allocation.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/redeveloped-nadzab-airport-be-opened-123046

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Nawaeb MP, Theo Pelgen, visited Boac on Thursday, September 28 th , to assess the extent of the damages. While he had planned to go to Bugang then Boac, Wideru and Busong, strong winds hampered his program. 'We will try our best now to see the extent of damages and from there, create an assessment report to determine how best we can attend to the situation in each area affected,' he stated. 'The people must understand that this is the work of nature. We have no control over it.' Pelgen said once the assessment is done, the report will be submitted to relevant government agencies, such as the Morobe Provincial Disaster Office and the Morobe Provincial Government.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/assessment-damages-along-bukawa-coastline-123045

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Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Timothy Masiu, unveiled the facility yesterday (30 th September 2023), marking a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in rural areas of PNG. This inaugural project is part of the Smart Village project, a global initiative, now introduced to PNG through the government. It was made possible through the Department of Information and Communication Technology and Gabaspot, a local entrepreneur. The facility is equipped with six computers with an e-library to benefit students who can use the resources free of charge.

https://www.looppng.com/tech/gabagaba-ict-facility-launched-123047

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Penrith were in devastating touch as they advanced to their fourth-straight grand final with a commanding 38-4 victory over the Storm, which is the biggest preliminary final winning margin achieved in the NRL era. On the back of an 87 percent completion rate, the Panthers were able to flex their considerable attacking muscle, with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards all having a big influence on the match. Twenty four hours later up in Brisbane, the Broncos put on a clinic of their own led by superstar fullback Reece Walsh, who tore the Warriors to pieces in a 42-12 win.

https://www.looppng.com/rugby/panthers-v-broncos-same-17-cleary-farnworth-named-despite-scare-123042

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The MOU establishes a framework for mutual cooperation and benefit sharing in the development and empowerment of individuals seeking careers in technical fields and other related industries. MTI is a leading technical training institute and vocational education provider in Kokopo that offers a diverse range of certificate and diploma programs designed to equip individuals with industry-relevant skills. Its programs are tailored to meet the specific demands of not only the mining, oil, and gas sectors but other sectors as well, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute effectively to these vital industries.

https://www.looppng.com/business/mti-signs-mou-association-123040

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The Gugu Hire Cars Rabaul Softball Tournament kicked off at the Queen Elizabeth Park in Rabaul yesetrday. The tournament is timely as it supports the Rabaul Softball Association's efforts to revive the code. Twenty one teams confirming their participation in both the men's and women's division came from Rabaul, Kokopo and Gazelle adorned in colors with their supporters, gathering at the Rabaul Ashes Field to participate in the tournament. The tournament garnered support from major sponsor Gugu Hire Cars who gained the naming right and other sponsors EQF Band and Coastal Shipping.

https://www.looppng.com/sport/reviving-softball-enb-123034

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The MP said the newly established Wau taskforce unit is doing a 'tremendous job of enforcing liquor ban in the district'. The taskforce was established by the Wau Police Station Commander, Senior Inspector Peter Yambun, 'As your MP, I truly appreciate their professionalism and performance. I encourage them to continue the very good job,' said Narewec. 'Leaders in Wau-Waria District must be the first people to respect the rule of law. Ordinary citizens look up to us to lead them. It is very shameful for a leader to be caught breaking any law.

https://www.looppng.com/community/mp-applauds-wau-taskforce-123036

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This military sporting event is an ongoing program between PNGDF its military partners from other countries. They hosted France early this month and had the opportunity to meet with the Chines Cadet Navy this week and cracked the friendly indoor soccer match with them. The program aims to create relationship amongst soldiers and strengthen bilateral relations with other countries. 'It is a bilateral exercise between PNG Defense Force and Chinese Navy. I think mostly this program is about friendship and exchanging our culture,' said the Coach of the PNG Defense football team David Kaepapa.

https://www.looppng.com/sport/pngdf-football-friendly-chinese-navy-123035

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Sawang who is also the Labour and Employment Minister arrived unannounced at the school to fulfill a commitment she made in the past to support the institution and the health centre. She announced a funding of K100,000 for the school's mess hall and an additional K500,000 for a 4-in-1 classroom in 2023. Bore water will also be provided. The school currently features two bush material staff houses, one bush material mess and a girls' dormitory. The Minister emphasized the need to replace the bush material structures with modern ones to meet the requirements of the National Department of Health (NDOH) for formal recognition.

https://www.looppng.com/community/funding-support-chw-college-122995

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Following a request by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC PNG), Men of Honour program manager, Stanley Bakere, is in Lae to train the school counsellors. The training is being conducted at ELC PNG's Ampo headquarters and consists of 20 teachers and chaplains. Training covers topics on how to spot the signs of alcohol and drug abuse, and the best way to treat and monitor the concerned individuals. 'For the majority of them, this is the first counselling training they have attended so I have had to work slowly with them in introducing them to the whole counselling skills,' said Bakere.

https://www.looppng.com/lifestyle/lae-school-counsellors-upskilled-122973

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University of Technology (UniTech) finished in second place, and host DWU finished third. Six universities competed in the three-day event from September 21st – 23rd, 2023. The debate competition was themed ‘Developing a safe, innovative and sustainable life towards 2050, in Papua New Guinea'. In the Debate Heats preliminary rounds, semi-final and grand final rounds, topics related to the theme, sparked interesting discussions, showcasing impressive research and analytical skills, confidence and public speaking.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/debates-integral-part-university-learning-prof-fr-gibbs-122971

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Members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) gathered for the second year in a row at the White House, where President Joe Biden urged leaders to "recommit to each other". "Because with the past as our proof, we're stronger and the world is safer when we stand together," he said. The US is working to boost its presence in the Pacific Islands,  after publicly conceding it had not focused enough attention on the area while China's influence expanded . But in a blow to those diplomatic efforts, Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare declined to travel on to Washington after visiting New York City last week for the United Nations General Assembly.

https://www.looppng.com/global-news/us-disappointed-solomon-islands-snub-pacific-island-leaders-gather-white-house-122959

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This is in line with their new policy and motto of 'Going Rural to Go Global'. The aim is to identify and develop raw talents that are hidden in the rural areas of the country. The regional youth games for Momase kicked off yesterday in Madang. This is the second regional game after Milne Bay for Southern Region which was held last year. Athletes were told that this new pathway will create a platform for hidden talents within the rural areas to be identified. According to the Regional Youth Games Council Chairman and Director General for National Youth Development Authority, Mr.

https://www.looppng.com/sport/going-rural-go-global-122962

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The hall, valued at K50,000 will host trainings and programs for the people of Nawaeb. Nawaeb MP, Theo Pelgen, with Morobe Governor, Luther Akisawa Wenge, opened the new building at the Peter Ryan Memorial Primary School. The school is located at Ward 18 of Wain-Erap and is the last area in the LLG that shares a border with Nabak LLG and Kabwum District, at the precincts of Saruwaged Range. Pelgen said the community hall initiative will be rolled out to other wards and LLGs in Nawaeb with the aim to empower the people with life skills trainings.

https://www.looppng.com/community/new-hall-wain-erap-122937

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PNG Ports says it's grateful to assist the mobilization of young people in an international event such as this by sponsoring the event with K50,000. With this financial boost, PNG Ports was named the bronze sponsor of the 2023 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) – U17 Oceania Championship. The championship, which will run from October 2 to 7 in Port Moresby, will see Australia defending their spot as the reigning champions in both the men's and women's competitions. PNG last hosted a FIBA regional basketball meet in 2018, the U15 Oceania Championships.

https://www.looppng.com/sport/u17-oceania-basketball-championship-backed-122934

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Ahus islanders in the Lelemadih and Bupichupeu Rural Local Level Government (LLG) and N'drehet villages in Pomutu, Kurti and Andra Rural LLG exchanged gifts like axes, bush knives, food (rice, smoked fish, sago) and canoes. Ahus Islanders traded axes, bush knives, rice and smoked fish to N'drehet villagers and N'drehet villagers gave sago and 56 canoes to the Ahus Islanders in return. N'drehet village is on the main Manus Island and is about 20 nautical miles away from Ahus Island. A couple of days of paddling the N'drehet villagers finally arrived and were welcomed to the beat of the garamut and the famous Manus traditional dancing.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/manus-villages-establish-new-trading-partners-122930

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The event was hosted on Saturday, September 23 rd , at the SPICT premises at the Lae Tidal Basin. This year's event is a celebration of the terminal's milestone of achieving more than 2,000 days of operations without Lost Time Injury (LTI). 'For SPICT, safety is a journey towards a mindset, rather than just set of rules to follow within the facility premises. And we are very proud of our journey so far, proud of our people's attitude and their initiatives to make SPICT even a safer place for everyone,' said Chief Operating Officer – ICTSI South Pacific, George Gware.

https://www.looppng.com/business/spict-staff-celebrate-safety-day-122926

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The Goroka-based fashion designer voiced her frustration over negative criticism received on social media regarding her 'container wear' in the 'weird wear' category. The piece involved a model wearing empty container bottles around her head and body. 'This is our new approach to educating people,' said Kamel, who is popularly known for her trailblazing bilum wear. 'We are using weird stuff so it brings or drives your attention to the story behind this piece. 'This is part of our campaign with recycling and reusable objects.

https://www.looppng.com/entertainment/designer-urges-citizens-have-open-mind-122935

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The relief effort is conducted with the National Disaster Centre and Bougainville Office for Disaster and Climate Change.  Financially supported by the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), IOM deployed the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) site assessment tool to assist with the response planning arranged by the Government and humanitarian partners. Through the second deployment of IOM's DTM tool in August 2023, a total of 3,920 people from 900 households have been identified as displaced by the hazard.

https://www.looppng.com/png-news/iom-scales-relief-efforts-122931

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