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Scorching schools: How heat worsens conditions of poor students in PH
[This is the second and last part of a special report on how extreme heat in 2023 impacted the education sector in the Philippines. Click here for the first part.] CEBU CITY, Philippines – The same analysis by Cebu Daily News Digital (CDN Digital) showed that even private schools, which usually have better facilities and.....»»
DOT advises public to ‘travel wisely’ this Holy Week
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is advising the public to “travel wisely” to ensure safety during the Holy Week celebrations. “Travelers needing accommodation, tours, transportation, and other tourism-related services are strongly advised to patronize DOT-accredited tourism enterprises. Accreditation by the DOT recognizes establishments as having complied with the department’s minimum standards set.....»»
OFW aspirants told: Engage with licensed recruitment agencies only
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The regional director of the Department of Migrant Workers in Central Visayas (DMW-7) warned aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to engage with only legitimate and licensed recruitment agencies. Lawyer Karl Arriola, DMW-7 director, told CDN Digital that even if he was a lawyer, he still subscribed to the doctors’ advice: Prevention.....»»
Hong Kong, Philippines work to enhance relations
Filipinos are slowly beginning to travel back to Hong Kong following continued efforts by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office to woo tourists from the Philippines, as well as renew and improve trade and economic ties between the two nations following the COVID-19 pandemic......»»
Bong Go urges DOH to bolster gov’t health services initiatives
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, urged Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa during a Commission on Appointments (CA) hearing on Tuesday, 26 September, to bolster its initiatives towards providing better health services, especially in the grassroots and particularly for poor and indigent patients needing government support. Among those mentioned by Go are the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers in accordance with the law, the establishment of more Super Health Centers in strategic locations nationwide, and the proper implementation of the recently enacted Regional Specialty Centers Act. "Sa inyong palagay, nakakatulong ba ang Malasakit Centers sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan? At hindi ba napapabayaan ang mga pasyente?" Go said during the Commission on Appointments hearing on the ad interim appointment of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa which Go presided on that day. As a response, Herbosa highlighted the significant number of patients served by the centers. "Ang pinakamarami dito sa NCR, almost 607,000 at more than 200,000 sa iba't ibang region. Almost every region is over 100,000 to 200,000 patients served," Herbosa answered. The senator also appealed to the DOH to ensure that poor and indigent patients are given the utmost attention in public hospitals. Go cited a recent department memorandum signed by Herbosa instructing medical center chiefs to ensure that all patients must be accorded with the available services in Malasakit Centers. "Ang mga social workers doon sa loob ng Malasakit Centers — at ako mismo pagpupunta ako doon — sinasabihan ko talaga ang mga social workers, ‘Isa lang ang pakiusap ko sa inyo, as chairman ng Committee on Health, huwag niyo pabayaan ang mga mahihirap na pasyente’," Go said. The Malasakit Centers consist of various agencies offering medical assistance programs including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). These centers were institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, principally authored and sponsored by Go. According to DOH, more than seven million indigent patients have already benefitted from the 159 Malasakit Centers established nationwide. Go also discussed the importance of Super Health Centers, which serve as primary care facilities offering a range of services including consultations, laboratory tests, and minor treatments. These health facilities in communities aim to provide early detection of diseases and also decongest hospitals by providing immediate medical care. "Kung nandiyan ang primary care, (magkakaroon ng) early detection… meaning… hindi lumala ang sakit at maagapan ito. It will also help decongest the hospitals," Go explained. Go also said free consultations handled by municipal health offices, LGUs, and PhilHealth through its Konsulta program can be facilitated in Super Health Centers. Services offered in Super Health Centers include database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine. Go was instrumental in pushing for adequate funding to ensure that more Super Health Centers are established across the country. Some 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 through Go’s initiative and with the help of LGUs, DOH, and fellow lawmakers, and 322 more Super Health Centers in 2023. Herbosa supported this initiative, stating that Super Health Centers are partnerships between the national and local governments. Go then questioned Herbosa on whether there would be sufficient funding for the continuous operation of Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers. "Can you assure us that there is and there will be sufficient funding for the continuous operation of Malasakit Centers?" Go asked. "We will assure the Commission na talagang tutulungan natin ang mga mahirap at nangangailangan using all the funds given by the Department of Health," Herbosa responded. Finally, Go also highlighted RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, a new law he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate, which mandates the establishment of specialized medical centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. Echoing President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.'s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go reminded DOH that sufficient funding must be allocated for the proper implementation of the law. “Ipagpatuloy natin na ilapit ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa ating mga kababayang mahihirap na walang ibang matakbuhan. The more we should support their health needs, the more na mag-invest po tayo sa ating healthcare system,” Go said. "Huwag po natin silang pahirapan. Marami po sa mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas na wala silang sariling health facility. Kaya importante na mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito," he concluded. The CA has suspended the confirmation of Herbosa as Health Secretary due to "lack of material time”, since Congress is set to go on break and will reconvene in November. The post Bong Go urges DOH to bolster gov’t health services initiatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go renews call for increased health budget
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized in an interview on Tuesday, 26 September, the urgent need to bolster the Department of Health's budget as the country navigates toward pandemic recovery even amid several existing and emerging public health concerns. "Gaya ng sinabi ko noon, full support ako sa DOH kung ano ang makakatulong sa ating healthcare system," said Go. He recalled the budget deliberations in December 2019 when there were attempts to cut the budget of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for the year 2020. "Nag-budget hearing noong December 2019, tinapyasan ang proposed budget sa RITM at DOH, di po ako pumayag noon. Dinagdagan pa natin at ibinalik natin ang pondo," he narrated. This decision turned out to be crucial then, as RITM later played a vital role in COVID-19 testing when the pandemic started in 2020. Go noted that the restoration of RITM's budget underscored the importance of adequately funding healthcare institutions, especially in unpredictable times. Go's recollection came at a critical time when the DOH was facing a P10-billion budget cut for 2024. The proposed budget cut would bring DOH's overall budget down to P199.45 billion from P209.62 billion under the General Appropriations Act of 2023. With this, Go argued that the healthcare system needs more, not less, financial support. He then underscored the urgency for increased investment in the public healthcare system. "The more we should invest sa ating healthcare system, dagdagan ang pondo," Go reiterated. "Para sa akin po, dapat suportahan natin na dagdagan ang pondo ng DOH. 'Wag pong bawasan, dagdagan pa po," he stated further. He emphasized that the funds should be used wisely to benefit patients particularly the less fortunate. "Makinabang dapat ang mga pasyente, makinabang po ang mahihirap nating kababayan na walang ibang matakbuhan kundi tayo pong nasa gobyerno," he said. Go said that those who are wealthy have the option to seek medical care in private hospitals, while the less fortunate are left with no other choice but to rely on public healthcare facilities that rely on government funding. "Ito pong mga helpless, mga hopeless nating kababayan, sila ang unahin natin. 'Yung mayayaman naman po, di pupunta sa public hospitals 'yan," he said. During the Commission on Appointments hearing on the ad interim appointment of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa which Go presided on early that day, the senator also appealed to DOH to ensure that poor and indigent patients are given utmost attention in public hospitals. Go cited a recent department memorandum signed by Herbosa instructing medical center chiefs to ensure that all patients must be accorded with the available services in Malasakit Centers. The Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop aimed at helping particularly poor and indigent patients minimize their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible by collaborating with various agencies offering medical assistance programs. This initiative was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, a law principally authored and sponsored by Go in the Senate. Presently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers spread across the country, and they have collectively provided support to more than seven million Filipinos, as reported by DOH. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was recently enacted into law. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. Given this, Go reminded the DOH that sufficient funding must be allocated in the coming years for the proper implementation of the law. Moreover, Go also emphasized the need to continue bringing basic health services closer to the grassroots through the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide which he had advocated for since the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. “Ipagpatuloy natin na ilapit ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa ating mga kababayang mahihirap na walang ibang matakbuhan. The more we should support their health needs, the more na mag-invest po tayo sa ating healthcare system,” Go said. “Huwag po natin silang pahirapan. Marami po sa mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas na wala silang sariling health facility. Kaya importante na mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito,” he stressed. The post Bong Go renews call for increased health budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Breathing osmosis of public service
Education and public service are deeply ingrained in his family heritage. His mother dedicated her career to educating students in public schools, while his father pursued a profession in government as a lawyer specializing in human rights. Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education or CHEd, recalled that his mother, a teacher at the Esteban Abada High School in Manila, always brought him to school when he was still a young boy. His mother became the principal of Ramon Magsaysay High School, also in Manila, before her retirement. He said he and his siblings grew up breathing the osmosis of public service. “So, when I was growing up, the importance of education was drilled into us. Our mother always tells us to finish our education; nothing will happen in our lives if we don’t graduate from college,” De Vera said, adding that he and his siblings all graduated from public schools. “We are nine siblings, but my parents don’t have the money to send us to private schools. All of us graduated from the University of the Philippines. We are products of public schools; we were just the ‘iskolar ng bayan’ through and through.” Popoy, who finished a bachelor’s degree in History from UP, teaches political science and history at the De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines. He completed his master’s in social science at De La Salle University and doctoral studies in public administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also has a master’s degree in higher education policy and higher education administration from the University of Southern California, one of the top schools in the United States of America, and later worked at the state legislature in California for three years. “In that sense, after I graduated from college, one of the options that I saw is either I take up law or teach, or to work in government, etc. There was an opportunity to teach, so I got into education.” In addition to his teaching responsibilities, De Vera also served as a consultant to several government agencies and provided his expertise to congressmen and senators. “Simultaneously, while I was teaching, I was also a consultant to the government. I worked as a consultant and then as chief of staff at the House and Senate.” His extensive academic background and government experience were benchmarks for his appointment as CHEd Commissioner in 2016, highlighting his qualifications for the position. “Since my background is in public administration and I also teach, I have a certain level of confidence that I really understand government, and I want to prove that I can do what I teach. I have a lot of involvement in the House and the Senate, from being an executive assistant until becoming chief of staff. I went through them one by one.” De Vera’s proficiency in legislative affairs from 1988 to 2010 (except for his three years abroad) encompasses a plethora of skills, including bill drafting, speech writing, and crafting amendments. Such expertise is a direct result of his extensive involvement and experience in the realm of legislation. Before his appointment to CHEd, he served as vice president for Public Affairs at UP in 2011. In 2004, he became part of the board of regents in some state universities and colleges. When he took the offer to head CHEd in 2018 after serving as commissioner for two years, he was confident because he survived UP. “I have a high level of confidence that I can do the job because they say that if you survived to govern UP, you can govern everything else because UP is the most ungovernable university in the country. So, if you survived there, you understand the public university system,” he admitted. He narrated to have experienced a sense of ease and familiarity when he joined CHEd. “It felt natural, perhaps because it aligns with my expertise. I might have had some reservations if it were a different department outside my field. However, since there was an opening at CHEd, I decided to offer my assistance, and that’s how I found myself here,” he shared. In running an agency with only 1,400 employees and serving more than 2,000 public and private higher education institutions across the country lies the challenge, De Vera said. With the scope of responsibilities, he gets to visit all state universities and colleges. Riding a bicycle, he witnessed first-hand the brilliance, resilience, and great potential of state universities and colleges. “I would be the first CHEd chair who visited all the state universities and colleges in this country. No one has done that yet,” he said, adding that he had already visited 100 of the 114 state-run universities. “I think in a year, I will finish all of them. The feeling is so different when you see what’s happening on the ground. So, from the start of my appointment, I started going around. I’ve gone to the farthest parts of the country.” As the chairperson, he said his firsthand experience in higher education enables him to speak with confidence and authority on the subject. “By engaging directly with students and faculty, attentively listening to their concerns, and providing meaningful responses, I believe I have made a significant impact. The presence of a secretary in these interactions creates a distinct atmosphere, instilling a sense of importance and value in education stakeholders. This ability to make those on the ground feel significant is a legacy I take pride in,” he said. One of the legacies De Vera is proud of is the implementation of free higher education, which coincided with his tenure. “I consider myself privileged because my predecessors did not have the opportunity to enact such a policy. Despite the challenges encountered, I believe that the beneficiaries truly reaped the benefits of this initiative,” he said. In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the country was confronted with unprecedented difficulties and uncertainties. CHEd, however, managed to navigate these challenges and ensured that education persisted. “This, in itself, is an accomplishment. Despite various government interventions being affected, we remained steadfast in delivering education to the best of our abilities,” he said. De Vera actively advocates for an inclusive education system that provides equal opportunities for marginalized sectors to complete their tertiary education. He seeks to create “first-generation graduates” as a legacy of the current administration. This program aims to offer educational opportunities to young Filipinos from minority and indigenous groups, children of rebel returnees, and other marginalized communities, enabling them to complete their education successfully. “Why not consciously make our legacy about bringing these individuals into the mainstream and ensuring they have the opportunity to finish their education? This emerging phenomenon is something we can truly focus on.” He added: “If we can successfully accomplish this within the next three years while I am in office, I can confidently say that it will be a legacy achieved by the Marcos administration. While the Duterte administration initiated free higher education, the Marcos administration aims to make it more equitable and responsive to the needs of marginalized individuals.” The post Breathing osmosis of public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Veteran journalist, book author Rene Acosta is new NPO chief
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed veteran journalist and book author Renato “Rene” Acosta as the new head of the National Printing Office, an attached agency of the Presidential Communications Office, Malacañang announced Saturday. Press Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said that Acosta will replace Carlos Bathan as the director of the government’s official printing arm. Acosta was a fellow of the East-West Center in Washington DC and an alumnus of the US State Department’s premier professional exchange program International Visitor Leadership Program. The Philippine-based journalist has contributed stories and analyses on domestic and regional issues for renowned international think tanks, such as the Washington DC-based Center for Strategic and International Studies and Oxford Analytica in the United Kingdom. Acosta had also written and edited stories for the online portal of the US Pacific Command’s Asia Pacific Defense Forum, now known as Indo-Pacific Forum. He also worked for the United States Naval Research Institute News. His book, titled “The War on Terror: How the Philippine Military and the US Broke the Axis of Terror in the Philippines,” was published and launched in Singapore by Penguin Random House. Acosta was also the “featured author” in 2019 by the Singapore Writers Festival—considered one of Asia’s premier literary events. The journalist and book author delivered lectures on the three themes during the 10-day literary feast sponsored by the Singapore Arts Council. Until his appointment, Acosta was a reporter for BusinessMirror, which he joined in its founding in 2005, and where he had been covering defense and national security issues during the past years. Acosta was a former president of the Defense Press Corps of the Philippines. He began his journalism career at the state-owned Philippine News Agency in 1989 while still a journalism student and later rose from the ranks. Acosta wrote and edited stories for wire agencies during his junior years as a reporter. He was also based and worked for a newspaper in Western Pacific. Before joining BusinessMirror from the defunct Today newspaper, Acosta briefly worked for the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines as a communication consultant, where he helped work for the removal of the country from the Priority Watch List on piracy by the US Trade Representative’s office. Acosta also founded and edited the defunct Intellectual Property Rights Review—the first newspaper in the world of intellectual property rights that was hailed by worldwide IPR advocates. The NPO, the agency that Acosta now headed, is tasked to continue to provide printing services to government agencies and instrumentalities as mandated by law. It also provides printing of official ballots and election paraphernalia which could be shared with Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, upon the discretion of the Commission on Election consistent with the provision of the Election Code of 1987. The post Veteran journalist, book author Rene Acosta is new NPO chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless
Reduced budgets against big, supportive words paint a grainy picture of how the Marcos Jr. administration is prioritizing the arts and culture sector of the Philippines. In 2022, “proposed budget cuts for four key agencies tasked with preserving history and culture,” as said in a report, got critics’ hackles up, implying that the Marcoses had no love lost for history as it was allegedly bent on revisionism. However, a source from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts acknowledges that this has been a “period of recovery,” and that “the administration has continuously supported and assisted in the recovery of the sector, which is one of most adversely affected by the pandemic. Through the government’s cultural agencies, support to the culture still continues” to this day, one year into the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. For its part, the Duterte government, at the height of the pandemic, took steps to alleviate the needs of all those affected in the arts and culture sector. Assistance Data from the Cultural Center of the Philippines reveals that during that time, about 800 events were canceled, losing about 800,000 audiences or participants, and at least P90 million in revenues. About 3,000 artists, cultural workers and other kinds of workers were affected. This was the same all over the country and the world. The NCCA’s Assistance Program for Cultural Workers Under the State of Calamity aimed to provide quick cash assistance in the amount of P5,000 to around 800 beneficiaries. Artists and cultural workers who were not under an employer-employee relationship, without regular income or were working freelance, with no benefits, and/or had no employers to run to, and those whose source of income were gone due to the pandemic, were prioritized. The executive council members of the NCCA’s 19 national committees, which represent the different fields of culture and the arts, were tasked to list 35 priority beneficiaries. The NCCA “is the overall policy-making body, coordinating and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and tasked to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts — a fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs and projects.” Executive Order 80’s. 1999, under then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, put the NCCA on top of other cultural agencies: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), National Museum, The National Library (now, The National Library of the Philippines) and the Records, Management and Archives Office (now, the National Archives of the Philippines). In 2001, Section 8 of Republic Act 9155 added the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino/Commission on the Filipino Language under the NCCA umbrella tied up with education goals. It states: “The Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, National Historical Institute, Record Management and Archives Office and the National Library shall now be administratively attached to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and no longer with the Department of Education. The program for school arts and culture shall remain part of the school curriculum.” Putting these cultural agencies together was meant to synergize efforts to strengthen the Filipinos’ sense of heritage and nationhood. Budget allocations In 2023, a year after President Marcos first stepped into office, what “resources” are we talking about? When budgets were being deliberated on in 2022, reports came out on calls for an increase in the proposed budget for arts and culture. At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance, NCCA chairman Rene Escalante said, “…we are proposing additional funding of a total of P33 million” to cover expenses for “more manpower and space as some regulatory functions of the National Museum of the Philippines were transferred to it.” Department of Budget Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in her newspaper column wrote last 31 May: “For 2023, DBM has released funding for our cultural agencies to sustain their projects. It has allocated P212 million for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; P33 million for NCCA; P164 million for the National Archives; P70 million for the Commission on the Filipino Language; P356 million for CCP and P444 million for the National Museum.” ‘Full support’ Prior to his State of the Nation Address this year after one year in office, expressed his “commitment to promoting Philippine culture, as well as the preservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage, In a speech at the NCCA Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) awarding ceremony in Malacañang, he said: “Makaaasa kayo na kaisa ninyo ang pamahalaan at administrasyong ito sa pagsusulong at pagpapayaman ng ating sining at kultura (You may rest assured the government and this administration is one with you in the promotion and development of our arts and culture),” pointing out its importance in and interconnection to efforts to boost our economy while uplifting the image of Filipinos across the globe. [caption id="attachment_161350" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] TRADITIONAL style of mat weaving. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LIKHA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_161351" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Banig weavers.[/caption] ‘Who we are’ What a rich and thriving culture means to a nation cannot be emphasized enough. In October 2018, when Malacañang hosted the awarding of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Philippine Heritage Award and the Order of National Artist, then President Rodrigo Duterte noted the role that cultural heritage plays in the formation of the Filipino identity. “We must recognize and fulfill our duty to stay true to who we are, remember where we came from and honor the timelessness of our culture and traditions,” he said. His commitment was evident as the pandemic went on, with the NCCA offering assistance to the affected workers in the arts and culture sector. The unspoken benefit from that experience was that the arts community bounced back immediately, as artists and cultural workers continued to create, to entertain, to impart insights, to provoke and stimulate, to inspire. Creativity might have taken a pause during the pandemic but not for long as artists began to turn to cyberspace to share their works and interact with their audiences mainly in their social media accounts. Taking this cue, cultural institutions and companies, arts organizations and culture-related groups took the online route, creating virtual events such as online galleries, webinars and talks, film showings, workshops and tutorials, live-streamed musical shows and even presentations of recorded theatrical and dance performances. The digital arts have blossomed and traditional artforms have found themselves increasingly and suddenly in the digital world. Post-pandemic, establishments reopened, but cultural spaces such as museums, galleries and theaters were among the last ones to reopen. Local artistry In the first year of Marcos’ presidency, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took on the role of promoting Filipino culture by spearheading projects like the Malacañang museums and Likha exhibits, which shone the limelight on local artistry and craftsmanship. One of the legacies of the pandemic that will continue in the coming years is incorporation of streaming or recording for posting and sharing in social media and other mediums. This is true for certain events such as launchings and talks. We have discovered the far-reaching reach of online platforms as well as the convenience of it, saving us time and money. With online platforms, we can reach thousands and disseminate information further beyond borders. Our audiences are not limited to certain geography, certain spheres. However, for theatrical productions, dance, films and music, we have to devise ways to monetize them so that the creatives involved can make a living out of their crafts. That is one of the challenges that the sector will be facing, which is part of the recovery process from the pandemic. One other important factor to be considered is the creative industries or creative economy. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 was launched in 2017, and for the first time, arts and culture and the creative industries are included in the national agenda. An inter-agency board has been created focusing on the creative industries, with the NCCA as one of the key agencies. This entails creating a collective vision and aspiration of Filipinos for themselves and for the country, and is an acknowledgment of the power of arts and culture to shape and elevate consciousness and ways of life and inspire communities. In that chapter, the government promises to “boost the development of Filipino creativity as tool for social cohesion and impetus for culture-based industry and creative economy.” Let’s not forget that a thoughtful and caring governance and industry would indeed include arts and culture in order to prosper in all aspects, recognize the important roles of their artists and cultural workers, and would preserve their cultural legacy, which contribute to realizing a deeper sense of self and national identity. True prosperity does not dwell on the material level but must include the nourishment and nurturing of the soul. The post Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday officially took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focusing his leadership on five priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity. Brawner, speaking at the Change of Command and retirement ceremony in honor of outgoing AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, laid down the priorities of his leadership. “As I take the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allow me to articulate the five areas where I wish to focus our efforts — for these focus areas I would like to keep in line with the President’s call for national unity,” Brawner said. Using the acronym UNITY, Brawner said the AFP will focus on the areas of unification, normalization, internal security operations, territorial defense, and youth. Under unification, Brawner said the military will provide leverage to inter-agency coordination, links, and alliances to continue the whole-of-nation approach in addressing pressing security concerns. Under normalization, the AFP will give special attention to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. For internal security operations, Brawner said the military will focus on the total annihilation of the remaining local terrorist and communist terror groups in the country. “We have to sustain the dividends of peace by making sure there will be no resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in our country,” he added. On territorial defense, the AFP will heed the President’s pronouncement of “not giving an inch of Philippine territory,” Brawner said, adding that “the AFP will endeavor to modernize its personnel, equipment, facilities, processes, and systems so as to enable it to be a lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” Cyber warfare, he said, will be included on the military’s priority list in its modernization program, which is in its third phase or Horizon 3. For the youth, Brawner expressed his full support for the revival of the Reserve Officers Training Corps or ROTC, saying the military will push for the proper and relevant conduct of the program. “This will coincide with our efforts to develop our reserve force,” he added. “The AFP will do its share in developing our youth, the future leaders and citizens of our nation to be responsible and patriotic defenders of our national identity as a people and of our territorial integrity,” he said. BBM lauds new chief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who graced the change of command rites, urged the AFP to continue working towards an agile and prepared force and to strengthen its external defense capabilities. In his speech, Marcos told the AFP to work with national government agencies and civilian stakeholders to form an archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos. “I have faith that under the supervision of General Brawner, the Armed Forces will continue to ensure the security of Filipinos and our country’s national sovereignty amidst the challenges ahead,” he said. “Together, let us protect the interests of our people and help them fulfill their goals for themselves, their families, their communities, and our nation,” he added. The President assured that his administration is “firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit of modernizing the AFP.” Centino awarded During the ceremony, the Department of National Defense presented Centino with the Legion of Honor Award with the rank of Chief Commander. Centino has been appointed by Marcos the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. In his speech, Marcos lauded Centino for his “exemplary service and resolute commitment” to the nation’s peace, order, and security. “Under your supervision, the AFP has made significant strides in reducing the presence and capabilities of communists and local terrorist groups,” the President said. “You have also strengthened our external defense capabilities and helped to promote archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos.” The President then urged Brawner to recalibrate the AFP’s internal security operations so that public services could be delivered to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. “I know that under your supervision, we will have a safer and more secure nation where more rebels will return to the fold of the law and decide to be productive citizens,” Marcos said. The DND lauded the appointment of Brawner as it expressed confidence he is an “excellent choice” to lead the country’s crucial internal and external security operations. “We are confident that Lt. Gen Brawner will continue to exemplify excellence, innovation, and professionalism as he leads the AFP,” it said in a statement on Friday. Brawner still heads Army Meanwhile, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Army is expecting a movement in the leadership of the organization after its commanding general, Brawner, was named AFP chief of staff. He said Brawner will remain as concurrent Army Commanding General while awaiting Marcos’ next appointee. “In the absence of any orders, he is still considered the commanding general of the Philippine Army. You can perform two functions, wear two hats at the same time,” Trinidad said. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_tiz The post ‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lawyers seek De Lemos head for NBI blunder
A group of lawyers who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal blamed the recent significant mistakes of the National Bureau of Investigation on overstaying Director Medardo de Lemos and called for his immediate resignation. The Department of Justice confirmed that Jose Adrian “Jad” Dera, a co-accused of former senator Leila de Lima in her remaining drug case, was arrested by authorities on Wednesday, 21 June, after he allegedly went out from and came back to the NBI Detention Center. Dera’s lawyer says his medical condition necessitates his leaving the NBI premises, even as the NBI has its medical doctor. DoJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said that “firearms, cash, and other contraband” were confiscated from Dera. Six NBI security personnel were arrested together with Dera. Dera is also implicated in the slaying of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last 4 March 2023. Lawyer Levito Baligod, legal counsel for the Degamo family, said that aside from Jad Dera, alleged co-mastermind Marvin Miranda also enjoys furlough from corrupt NBI officials, leaving the NBI Detention Center as he pleases. A reliable source inside the bureau revealed that the Degamo witnesses’ recantation started with the arrest of Marvin Miranda, the alleged recruiter of the killers of Gov. Degamo. The same source said that he is an asset/informant of a newly-appointed Chief of a District Office of a province near Metro Manila, promoted by the NBI Director De Lemos himself. The same source said that unknown to the public, it was kept from the Department of Justice officials’ knowledge that Miranda is an asset/informant of a newly-installed Chief of a District Office of a province near Metro Manila. The same Chief of the District Office is married to a lady agent who also was a newly-installed Bureau Chief. The same person is rumored to be the paramour of the NBI Director. She was reported to have been with the latter during a foreign trip. “Miranda is a Trojan horse who has a connection with the top officials of the Bureau. And this is just one of the many things that are eroding the morale of the career officers and personnel of the NBI,” the source said in dismay. The widow of Governor Degamo, Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo, in her Facebook post, said; “I have lost my trust in the NBI… It is in this facility that all gunmen recanted (their testimonies). Paano nangyari yun?” She added that “as if the Bureau has no IDEA at all how things like this could happen. Tapos nangyari ito na nahuli si Dera??? Tapos wala itong kinalaman sa recantation? Hanggang saan sa NBI umabot ang P25 million?” “We would request another agency of the government to handle the Degamo case, wag na sa NBI (expletive),” Mayor Janice emphatically said. An NBI source said the recantation of testimonies of all 10 gunmen in the Degamo case is a first in the history of the Bureau. The same group of lawyers said De Lemos might as well resign. He should have retired weeks ago as he reached the age of compulsory retirement last 8 June having reached the age of 65. “The compulsory retirement age of the NBI Director is sixty-five (65). Said position cannot be reappointed because the position is technical and not confidential,” as stated in the description of the position of the NBI Director. Extended term A copy of a memorandum from the Office of the President circulated on social media dated 9 June 2023, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to Secretary of Justice Crispin Remulla, states “… Mr. De Lemos, who holds a coterminous appointment as Director (Director VI) of the NBI, is considered automatically extended in the service upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 65 years on 8 June 2023, until the expiry date of his appointment which is until the end of the term of the President, unless his services are earlier terminated”. Executive Order 136 series of 1999 or the law Requiring Presidential Approval of Requests for Extension of Services of Presidential Appointees Beyond the Compulsory Retirement Age, however, states: “That Officials or employees who have reached the compulsory retirement age of 65 years shall not be retained in the service, except for exemplary meritorious reasons.” “The blunders at the NBI is surely not a meritorious reason for De Lemos to be extended in office,” one of the lawyers said. Also cited was a memorandum from Executive Secretary Salvador Madialdea, under then-President Rodrigo Duterte, dated 18 February 2021, and addressed to the heads of departments, agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of government, including Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations or GOCCs. “To ensure the effective and efficient delivery of service, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has instructed the strict adherence of all concerned to Republic Act 8921, otherwise known as the Government Service Insurance System Act 1997, which provides that the compulsory retirement age of government employees is sixty-five (65) years. As such, the extension of service of government officials and employees who have reached the compulsory retirement age will no longer be allowed,” the memorandum read. The post Lawyers seek De Lemos head for NBI blunder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bright future for PEZA and ecozone industry
I never dreamed of being at the forefront of an agency that contributed much to nation-building and has had a huge impact on the lives of many Filipinos, simply because job opportunities were created for them and their families. A probinsyano and son of a public servant, I grew up in the Bicol Region, in the capital town of Pili in Camarines Sur. My Father was a judge, hence a disciplinarian. My siblings and I were raised in an atmosphere of seeking excellence for that was what he demanded. It was my mother, a public school teacher, who tempered the strictness with love, understanding, and compassion – traits that I inherited and honed the person that I am today. Having been educated in Catholic schools in Naga City for elementary and high school, and at the premiere state university for college and graduate studies, had likewise molded my character into being a man for others and striving for integrity and excellence as core values. Coming from a family of public servants strengthened my resolve as well to pursue a career in government service. One day in January 1998, as I was walking along Roxas Boulevard after coming from a meeting, my curiosity was piqued by a government office that had a “For Hire” sign. I walked in, applied, and was admitted by the same agency in February 1998. This is how my journey in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority or PEZA began. Since my first day in office, I knew that the PEZA was the ideal agency for me given its exemplary performance as a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the Department of Trade and Industry. Rising through the ranks and having been immersed in various facets of the agency’s operations had encouraged me to excel in my work and aspire for Career Executive Service Officer eligibility and various foreign training for my career advancement. Beyond these personal gains, the long years of training and working with PEZA provided me the unique opportunity to contribute to propelling the nation’s growth by helping our agency achieve its mandate of attracting investments in the ecozones to be able to generate jobs, exports, and other economic opportunities for the country. As I am now at the helm of PEZA after having been appointed as its Director General by the President last 23 March, I realized that my real calling as a public servant is to continue embracing transformational leadership as I motivate and inspire my fellow PEZAns to give their best for PEZA and the country. In the short period when I assumed office, we have accomplished so much already as I employed a high-involvement and teamwork approach in mobilizing the support of the management and employees, valued ecozone investors, and industry partners as we collectively promote and facilitate investments through the ecozone program. We have doubled our investments in 2002 vs. 2021, where much of the investment pledges came in when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed office. We have sustained the growth momentum for the first five months of 2023, with PEZA’s approved investments reaching P48.03 billion which is 2.5 times higher compared to the same period last year. Ecozone manufactured goods/commodities and IT services account for 53% share of the total country’s annual exports. With 20 new ecozones awaiting Presidential Proclamation, PEZA can help accelerate countryside development to increase further the current 422 operating ecozones hosting 4,372 locator companies and providing 1.8 million direct jobs for our “kababayans.” We laid down some key policy reforms and other initiatives to further ease doing business and enhance our competitiveness as an investment destination. PEZA is among the first few agencies in government that have rolled out a cashless and paperless system for facilitating locators’ permits and other transactions. Moreover, we will automate this year our visa, building permit, letter of authority, financial management, and EPAMs, and launch our digital marketplace for the integration of local producers and suppliers into the ecozone value chain. Together with the DTI, Board of Investments, and Fiscal Incentives Review Board, we have restored the fiscal incentives of our RBEs under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Law. We have partnered initially with the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Information and Communications Technology in promoting new frontiers in ecozone development and got the Commission on Elections to exempt the locators from the long-standing clearance requirement for the movement of regulated commodities during an election period. We have also been actively involved in investment missions abroad and where we have been reaping the benefits from realized new investment sources and a mix of product sectors, with no less than the President taking the lead in promoting the Philippines as the smart destination in the region. We commit to advancing industry development as we pursue the creation of industry excellence centers for enhanced local value and global value chains and engage with higher educational and vocational and technical training institutions to prepare the Filipino workforce for advanced manufacturing and frontier technologies. We will work on the amendment of the PEZA law to make our agency more responsive and agile to keep up with the demands of our valued ecozone investors. These proactive measures we will undertake, including the improvement of our public ecozones to be more resilient and smarter, while maintaining our agency’s minimum of one billion pesos in annual tax payments and dividends to the national coffers. In forging a promising future for PEZA and the ecozone industry, we will continue to be agents of change and push for continual improvement with our delivery of services and the creation of ecozones in rural and new growth areas. Foremost in our strategic plan is to anchor the ecozone program on inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainability. We will strengthen our strategic alliances with public and private sectors to amplify ease of doing business and adherence to sustainable development goals across all ecozones nationwide and their linkages with the host LGUs and communities. Having spent 25 years in PEZA, I can only thank my fellow PEZAns first for being steadfast in performing their duties. Second, much credit should go to the Industry Leaders who have always been committed to the success of PEZA. My appointment into Office is a testament to the excellence that the civil service and its members uphold as stalwarts and front liners in achieving national progress for our Nation. In all these, I owe PEZA my career advancement and to the ecozone industry for our huge contributions to the country’s local and national development all these years. As we look to the future, we envision PEZA to be the nation’s primary catalyst for sound and balanced development by promoting viable and sustainable economic zones and by bringing in targeted investments to generate jobs, exports, and economic opportunities, especially in the countryside. The post Bright future for PEZA and ecozone industry appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gadon appointed Pres’l Adviser for Poverty Alleviation
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon as Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation, Malacañang announced on Monday. The Palace, through the Presidential Communications Office, said Gadon will play a pivotal role in advising the President on strategies and policies aimed at combating poverty and improving the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of society. “His appointment reflects the government's commitment to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by our nation,” PCO said. “(Gadon) will work closely with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to design and implement comprehensive programs to address the root causes of poverty,” PCO added. Gadon is a graduate of Far Eastern University in Manila, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Management and his law degree. Gadon has experience as a corporate executive and legal counsel in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, information technology, realty development, healthcare, resorts and hotels, construction and trading. He will contribute to the formulation of innovative and sustainable poverty alleviation strategies. He has held prominent positions such as chairman of APU, AsiaGroup Philippines; vice president of Kolonwel Trading Corp.; and director of institutions such as Our Lady of Lourdes International Medical Center and Perpetual Help Hospital. Prior to his appointment, he served as the managing partner of Gadon and Associates Law Office and an associate at Antonio Abad and Associates Law Office. The post Gadon appointed Pres’l Adviser for Poverty Alleviation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clavano apologizes for faux pas vs Bantag
Justice assistant secretary and spokesman Atty. Mico Clavano yesterday apologized and corrected his earlier statement that one of the major reasons authorities could not arrest former Bureau of Corrections director general Gerald Q. Bantag was due to his police connections. Clavano in a message said, “I apologize for any confusion my earlier statement may have caused. I would like to correct my error and clarify that Mr. Bantag did not serve in the Philippine National Police, but rather graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy.” He added, “I regret any confusion this may have caused and hope this clarification clears up any misunderstanding.” The DoJ official previously acknowledged the complexity of apprehending Bantag due to his connections within the police force and other law enforcement agencies. Yesterday, the Philippine National Police apparently took offense to the statement of Clavano that one of the major reasons why Bantag could not be easily arrested is his police connections. Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, PNP chief public information officer, said Bantag has never joined the police organization and as such, has never been a police officer — contradicting the DoJ spokesman’s statement that Bantag “is a police officer.” “The Philippine National Police would like to clarify that Mr. Gerald Bantag has never been a member of the Philippine National Police, based on record, he used to be a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officer before his appointment in Bureau of Corrections,” said Maranan in a statement. While Bantag graduated from the PNP Academy, he chose to be in the BJMP after his graduation in 1996. Graduates of the PNPA have the option to choose among the PNP, BJMP and the Bureau of Fire Protection after their graduation. The DoJ has offered P2-million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of Bantag who was charged with murder for the death of an inmate at the New Bilibid Prison. A P1-million reward was also offered to his then deputy, Ricardo Zulueta. Clavano was quoted saying that Bantag’s police connections makes his arrest tricky, Maranan said the PNP remains committed to its task of enforcing the law, including arresting fugitives from justice. “We want to emphasize that irrespective of one’s rank, stature, or source of commissionship of any officer; the PNP will arrest any individual who has violated the law. The achievements of our police tracker teams exemplify our record in arresting wanted persons,” Maranan said. The post Clavano apologizes for faux pas vs Bantag appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More government officials appointed
Malacañang on Sunday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed 15 more officials, including Anthony Alcantara, who was appointment as the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime within the Office of the President. The appointment of Alcantara coincides with the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking through operations both domestically and internationally. The Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime was established in 2004 to serve as a crucial connection between local, national, regional, and international agencies and organizations in order to establish agreements, encourage cooperation and coordinate actions. Other appointments made official last 28 April include new officials for various agencies, such as the Department of Education, the National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry. Among the new appointees are Michael Wesley Poa, who will serve as DepEd Undersecretary and Sunshine Charry Fajarda, who will take on the role as DepEd Assistant Secretary. Mohammed Hussein Pangandaman will serve as Administrator at the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan under Government Owned and Controlled Corporations, while Ronald Cabute, Nelson Cañete, and Ma. Victoria Deypalubos were all appointed as director II at the NTC under the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Additionally, Teodoro Gatchalian was named Undersecretary at the Department of Science and Technology while Romela Ratilla will serve as Director IV at the DoST. Maria Blanca Kim Lokin has been appointed as Undersecretary at the Department of Trade and Industry while Eugenio Paguirigan will serve as Director IV at the Department of Transportation under the Office for Transportation Security. Meantime, Annabelle Ploteña was appointed as an acting member of the Board of Directors at the Southern Philippines Development Authority and Maria Lourdes Saluta will take on the role of Director III at the National Economic and Development Authority under the Tariff Commission. The post More government officials appointed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators welcome appointment of Acorda as new PNP chief
Senators on Monday threw their support to police Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., who has been named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the new Philippine National Police chief. Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri welcomed Acorda’s appointment, whom he said had garnered the “immense trust” of people in northern Mindanao. “All of us in Northern Mindanao have immense trust in PNP Chief Acorda, as we have seen his able leadership here as PNP Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10,” Zubiri said in a statement. Zubiri cited that during Acorda's tenure as PNP RD, Northern Mindanao saw a 9.40 percent decrease in crime rate from January to June. “Our streets and communities have been safer and more peaceful, and our trust in our law enforcement agencies much higher.” “We have seen firsthand how his leadership has led to a sharper, more active police force, and I have no doubt that what he has done for Region 10, he will be able to do for the whole country as well,” he continued. Zubiri’s fellow lawmaker from Mindanao, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa also hailed the president’s decision to appoint Acorda as the new PNP chief. “The President made the right and the best choice and I think he made a very extensive research before he made his choice,” said Dela Rosa, who once held the PNP’s top position. According to the senator who also chairs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Acorda’s exposure in the field of intelligence is “badly needed” in the internal cleansing of program of the PNP. “He is a silent operator and a very professional officer who doesn’t give in to pressures from selfish politicians,” he said. Likewise, opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed for Acorda’s appointment. “I have very reliable sources at the PNP who attest that the new Chief PNP, Gen. Benjamin Acorda, is well-meaning and idealistic,” Hontiveros said in a separate statement. “These are qualities the PNP needs now that links to drug syndicates and illegal gambling, among other criminal elements, have been exposed,” she added. The lawmaker also expressed his beliefs that Acorda’s experience as former head of the intelligence unit of the PNP will be an important asset to deep cleanse the PNP's ranks. “The PNP is highly politicized and full of problems that stand in the way of law enforcement and justice,” she said. “I am certain he will rise to the challenge. I wish him the best and look forward to all that he will accomplish for the country,” she added. The post Senators welcome appointment of Acorda as new PNP chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Region 4-A has new police director
CAMP GEN VICENTE LIM, Laguna — The Philippine National Police announced on Sunday the appointment of P/Brig. Gen. Carlito Gaces as new police director of Region 4-A, replacing P/Brig. Gen. Melencio Nartates. The newly-minted police regional director also fired a warning to police officers in the region to not challenge his leadership amid the controversial issues rocking the PNP such as the issue on the P6.7 billion-worth of illegal drugs which dragged the names 47 top police officials. The turnover of command was administered and witnessed by PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. “Where my leadership is concerned, I am looking forward to developing a God-centered police organization with God-fearing and respected police officers,” Gaces said. “This can be achieved through strengthened and sustained internal cleansing and moral enhancement program with the help of KASIMBAYANAN community advisers.” “Everyone must toe the line and those who dare to challenge my leadership, the law and the rules I forewarned you to stop,” he added. He added that he will guide the Police Regional Office 4-A in sustaining the intensified campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and insurgency to keep the economic vibrancy of CALABARZON. Gaces stressed that every police station shall serve as a bridge for sustainable peace and development. “We will create safer and more secure streets and cyberspace in CALABARZON. We will keep people safe and secured not only from their homes but even in the cyberspace through maximum police presence in the streets and cyber patrolling and awareness. We will strengthen the Anti-Cybercrime Unit in 4A to keep it more responsive to the people’s needs,” Gaces said. He also vowed “to create stronger community partnerships and strengthen our community engagements by sustaining the community mobilization program of PRO 4-A. “I encourage the local leaders, government agencies, and the community to work closely with your PNP for Crime Prevention and Solution is best achieved through a Unified Action against crime,” Gaces said. The post Region 4-A has new police director appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOE names agency heads
The Department of Energy has announced the appointment of new heads of attached agencies National Transmission Corp. , National Power Corp. , and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.......»»
Remulla appoints new BI officer-in-charge
MANILA - The office of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday announced the appointment of new officer-in-charge at the Bureau of Immigration (BI), one of the attached agencies of the Department of Justice (DOJ).In a department order, Rogelio D. Gevero Jr. was designated as OIC.....»»
Duterte appoints Galvez as vaccine czar; ‘good choice’, say lawmakers
By Genalyn D. Kabiling and Charissa Luci-Atienza In a meeting with government officials on the disaster response Monday, President Duterte announced he wanted former AFP chief and now Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr Galvez to lead the government’s vaccine acquisition and distribution effort. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. (NTF AGAINST COVID-19 / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Duterte said Galvez would be the only authorized official to negotiate for the country’s’ vaccine supply. He expressed his dislike with the creation of committees since the process will take long. “As I have said earlier during the start of the COVID, I only want one line of authority coming from dito sa the Task Force sa pagbili ng bakuna, the negotiation, manufacture, negotiation, production or distribution is ibinigay ko ‘yan kay Secretary Galvez,” he said. “I have great faith in Charlie to really come up with the solutions for the problem,” he added. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque defended the additional assignment given to Galvez, saying the planned immunization drive would involve “more of a logistics challenge than a medical challenge.” Galvez, who joined the Duterte Cabinet in 2018, also currently serves as chief implementer of the government’s plan to fight the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives lauded Galvez’s designation as vaccine war, among them: Representatives Michael Defensor, Roger Mercado, Ronnie Ong, Alfred Vargas and Rosanna Vergara. “It’s more of a logistics challenge than a medical challenge,” Roque explained. He said the only medical issues involved in the vaccine purchase are related to safety and efficacy of the drugs. This matter, he said, will be handled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He said Galvez is expected to continue his close coordination with the Department of Health and other agencies that will be involved in the vaccination drive. “Gen. Galvez would have the hindsight of what happened and the understanding of the COVID baseline. What we need is the leadership and managerial skills in taking the lead of the COVID vaccine campaign,” Defensor, chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said in a text message when asked if the vaccine czar should have been a medical doctor. “I support the President’s appointment of Sec Galvez. Galvez is an innovative administrator. He can be trusted to implement the program well,” Mercado said in a separate text message. “We are happy that the president is preparing early and appointing someone to lead is good news,” Ong said. Vargas also rallied behind the the decision of President Duterte to appoint Galvez, saying that “we don’t need a doctor but a manager for this job.” Vergara also gave her vote of confidence to Galvez. “Being the COVID-19 policy chief implementer, he has a clear overview of the COVID-19 situation in the county and such knowledge is very crucial in the distribution of the vaccine. I am sure, there are medical experts who advise the good Secretary,” she said. “I am assuming the vaccine chosen has already passed all testing and FDA approvals , the challenge will be to properly allocate and distribute it fairly across the country to the most vulnerable and this is the challenge anyone who heads this Task Force will face– how do you properly allocate this should the vaccine supply be limited because of world wide demand? Thus, the need to plan for equally expedited distribution and delivery. Building a delivery system that is quick, fair and will not result to inequitable distribution,” Vergara added......»»