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It s important that you speak up : Morissette scores People s Choice win after gig issue
Morissette still has the people's trust after she won the fan-voted People's Choice at the inaugural Billboard Philippines Women in Music last Friday in Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City. .....»»
World Poetry Day: Here are some notable Cebuano poets
Today, the world celebrates the beauty of poetry as we acknowledge the mighty power of the pen and commemorate the people who notably held it. As we recall Western literary geniuses like William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe, what better way to celebrate this annual holiday as a Cebuano than to recognize some writers of.....»»
People power is alive, says Cory grandson
The spirit of the 1986 people power revolt is alive as the country commemorates the 38th anniversary of the uprising on Feb. 25, the grandson of the late president Corazon Aquino said yesterday......»»
Remembering the PNoy legacy
Last Thursday, Feb. 8 was the 64th birth anniversary of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III......»»
BoC-NAIA turns 63
Beyond Borders: A New Era for Digitalization and Customs Excellence was the theme chosen by the Bureau of Customs -Ninoy Aquino International Airport to commemorate its 63rd founding anniversary and over 60 years of dedicated public service. District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa emphasized the BoC-NAIA’s impressive accomplishments and development while Collector Mapa praised the port’s exceptional revenue collection record, which generated a total of P31.3 billion in revenue from January to September this year. This represented an increase of P1.3 billion over the prior year and outperformed the collection target for the time by P1.1 billion. This success demonstrates BoC-NAIA’s ongoing dedication to assisting the Bureau in achieving its broad objectives. Collector Mapa stated that in August 2023, BoC-NAIA passed its second surveillance audit for ISO quality management system certification, recognizing the value of simplified customs procedures. With 23 enrolled ISO-certified processes and 10 ISO support processes, the port has the most certified processes of any BOC port. With this accreditation, cargo clearance procedures are guaranteed to be recognized internationally, facilitating trade for stakeholders and customers. She added that BoC-NAIA will remain steadfast in its enforcement policies, intercepting narcotics with an estimated street value of P994 million in 2023. Collector Mapa highlighted the port’s role in preventing the entry of illicit goods, seizing a total of P1 billion worth of drugs, jewellery, wildlife, currencies, medicines, and other regulated items. The port received commendations from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for curbing wildlife smuggling. BoC-NAIA is aggressively advancing digitization initiatives in keeping with the celebration’s theme. The port is organizing consultative discussions for the electronic tracking of air cargo and is currently in the pilot testing phase of the electronic airwaybill filing. In addition, there are plans to categorize goods and work with pertinent organizations to integrate iDeclare into the e-travel system to provide a centralised platform for trip declarations. A memorandum of agreement between the BoC and the Philippine Postal Corporation was ceremonially signed during this celebration in an effort to speed up, secure and enhance the quality of customs clearance for postal commodities. At the ceremony, BoC-NAIA showcased its newly revamped website and E-Airway Bill System, showcasing its dedication to operating more efficiently. The event was capped off with awards for top imports and standout personnel, underscoring their critical contribution to the port’s development and prosperity. Collector Mapa expressed appreciation to Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, Deputy Commissioners, and Bureau of Customs employees for their assistance and the chance to assist stakeholders. Collector Mapa stressed the port’s commitment, saying, “This is who we are. This is the customary excellence we are honoured to exude. Unfazed by any threat. Straightforward in the application of policies and loyal to the direction of the agency Performing our duties even beyond borders and striving to introduce digitalization programs tailored for the unique operations of the airport.” Rubio, who graced the celebration, commended the BoC-NAIA for their hard work and dedication in forging economic growth and serving as a vital gateway for trade. “Reflecting upon the journey that brought us to this milestone after six eventful decades, we must acknowledge the individuals who have dedicated themselves to the development of the Port of NAIA — from the pioneers who envisioned its potential to the diligent officers who labor tirelessly day in and day out,” he said. The post BoC-NAIA turns 63 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MRT-3 to offer free rides to gov’t workers
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday announced that it will offer free rides to government employees on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) to mark the celebration of the 123rd Philippine Civil Service anniversary. Free rides on the MRT-3 will start from 18 until 20 September, throughout the line's operating hours, the DOTr said. To avail of the free rides, government employees must present their valid government ID. "Kami po sa MRT-3 ay taos-pusong nakikiisa sa pagdiriwang ng anibersaryo ng Philippine Civil Service. Ang handog naming LIBRENG SAKAY ay simpleng pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga sakripisyo ng bawat kawani ng gobyerno upang magampanan nang tapat at maayos ang kanilang mga tungkulin," DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways and MRT-3 Officer-in-Charge Jorjette B. Aquino said. The annual Philippine Civil Service celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1050, series of 1997, declaring the month of September as Civil Service Month. The post MRT-3 to offer free rides to gov’t workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mark Leviste binura ang larawan nila ni Philip Salvador matapos kuyugin ng fans ni Kris Aquino
BURADO na ngayon ang naunang post ni Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste kung saan may kasamang larawan nilang magkasama ng aktor na si Philip Salvador. Noong Biyernes, September 1, nag-post ang bise gobernador ng mga lrawan na kuha sa nagdaang 50th anniversary ng Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ. Kabilang sa series of photos ay ang The post Mark Leviste binura ang larawan nila ni Philip Salvador matapos kuyugin ng fans ni Kris Aquino appeared first on Bandera......»»
Transcendence
Considering the circumstances, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. handled the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. pretty well......»»
Marcos: Let’s transcend political barriers
President Marcos joined Filipinos in commemorating the 40th death anniversary of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. yesterday, asking them to tear down political barriers that have rent the country for decades......»»
Let’s transcend politics, BBM says on Ninoy’s death
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday called on all Filipinos to unite in commemorating Ninoy Aquino Day, the 40th anniversary of the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. In a statement, Marcos said that Aquino “became an example of relentlessness and resolve for many Filipinos” by standing for his beliefs and fighting for battles he deemed right. “In our resolute quest for a more united and prosperous Philippines, let us transcend political barriers that hamper us from securing the comprehensive welfare and advancement of our beloved people,” Marcos said. “Let us imbue ourselves with clarity of mind and unity in purpose so we can proceed towards a future that resonates with our hopes and dreams,” he said. Marcos said that when Filipinos love the nation, they foster an environment where empathy, compassion, and dialogue prevail. “Let us allow this compelling force to promote collaboration, celebrate diversity, and create a society teeming with vitality and inspiration,” he said. Marcos urged Filipinos to work together to make the Philippines “grounded in reason and fortitude,” where the welfare of all becomes the priority. “As we take measured yet realistic strides towards progress, let us allow our indomitable spirit to drive us to uplift every Filipino and build an inclusive and more progressive Philippines,” he said. Marcos wished everyone a meaningful and peaceful remembrance of Ninoy Aquino Day. Aquino was assassinated on 21 August 1983 upon his arrival in Manila from exile. His death sparked the People Power Revolution that led to the overthrow of the President’s father and namesake.ac The post Let’s transcend politics, BBM says on Ninoy’s death appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL — The road to democracy
Frustrations have been expressed as the nation marks today the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr......»»
Rites set for Ninoy’s 40th death anniversary
The nation is set to remember the sacrifice of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who opposed the authoritarian rule of then president Marcos Sr., on his 40th death anniversary on Aug. 21......»»
Cory Aquino remembered on her 14th death anniversary
Several relatives and supporters gathered to remember former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino's passing fourteen years ago on Tuesday morning, August 1......»»
New slogan, same tack?
We remember distinctly how students of the seventies were made to sing to the strains of the then-required Bagong Pagsilang hymn, a paean to the newly established New Society of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the incumbent. The march, incorrectly referred to by its chorus Bagong Lipunan (New Society), was commissioned during the presidency of the older Marcos for the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, a movement introduced upon the declaration of martial law in 1972. Its lyrics were written by the legendary Levi Celerio and the music was composed by Felipe de Leon in 1973. “May bagong silang. May bago nang buhay. Bagong bansa, bagong galaw sa Bagong Lipunan!” The new generation may not have much recollection of the song other than the version of the present-day rock band Plethora, whose rendition was used as the campaign anthem by the son, Bongbong Marcos, during last year’s presidential campaign. It was also used by Marcos Jr. during the 78th Leyte Landing anniversary last October and his camp visit to the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City a week later. “Magbabago ang lahat, tungo sa pag-unlad. At ating itanghal: Bagong Lipunan!” The composer’s eldest son, Felipe, recounted that two days after the declaration of martial law, at around 2 a.m., two military trucks came to their house with an officer who asked for a “hymn and a march for the New Society,’’ as requested supposedly by then First Lady Imelda Marcos, to be delivered in a couple of days. “Ang gabi’y nagmaliw nang ganap. At lumipas na ang magdamag. Madaling araw ay nagdiriwang. May umagang namasdan.” The song was first released on radio and television during the early days of martial law as an anthem to trumpet Marcos Sr.’s vision of a new society for Filipinos. It also gave rise to the movement called Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, a political vehicle of the then administration. “Ngumiti na ang pag-asa, sa umagang anong ganda!” Depending on which side of the fence you were on those days, the present-day rendition of the march evokes memories that are either bad or good. Critics see it as nothing but propaganda that brings back chills to their spines, while others consider it a patriotic song that could help guide the country’s progress. That part of history came rushing back to us, particularly when the incumbent came up with his Bagong Pilipinas as the overarching theme of his administration’s brand of governance and leadership. Malacañang says this official branding, as contained in Memorandum Circular 24, calls for a deep and fundamental transformation in all sectors of society and government. The new logo was “produced internally” by the government’s lead communications arm without the use of public funds, according to the Presidential Communications Office. Take note, Bongbong’s new campaign slogan and logo came less than a week following Pagcor’s logo controversy. It’s common for presidential administrations to come up with government slogans, but not so common for them to launch them with a logo. There’s Rodrigo Duterte’s “Change is Coming,” Benigno Aquino III’s “Daang Matuwid,” and Joseph Estrada’s “Erap Para sa Mahirap,” to name a few. The PCO explained that the Bagong Pilipinas logo shows various stages of development in the Philippines’ journey toward the future. The three red stripes refer to the Philippines’ post-war agricultural and rural development, the post-colonial period, and the current metropolitan development. The blue stripes show a “progressive Philippines that leverages technological advancement in pursuing sustainable industrial development.” The rising sun signifies the dawn of a new Philippines, while the weave pattern illustrates the interconnectedness and unity of the Filipino people. “Overall, the Bagong Pilipinas logo embodies the Marcos administration’s vision for the country, emphasizing unity, involvement, and the bayanihan culture as the main fibers and components for its full realization,” the PCO said. We really don’t know if this new vision of the younger Marcos would translate into something similar to what his father started back then. Or would it eventually become a political vehicle just as his father’s was? At any rate, we just hope that the son would live up to the expectations of most Filipinos and that in the future, the memory of it won’t send chills down our spines. *** e-mail-mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post New slogan, same tack? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jewels in the Palace kitchen
Power and food. These are not usually spoken in the same sentence, but hey, they go hand in hand. Last September, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos posted on her official Facebook page a photo showing her at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new catering area in Malacañang. No other details of the project were released. The post got mixed reactions from netizens. However, despite the praise and criticisms of said post, it somehow got us into thinking — who are the people behind the important functions of each and every chief executive living in the Palace? Hands down, Glenda Rosales Barretto comes to mind. The one and only doyenne of Philippine cuisine. She of the Via Mare fame. From Ferdinand Marcos Sr. down to Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Barretto presided over numerous state dinners in Malacañang. The most recent was the inaugural ball of the 17th president of the Philippines, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Barretto is caterer extraordinaire well-known for reinventing and refining Filipino dishes fit to be served at the highest tables in the land. During PBBM’s inauguration, she served savory chicken soup with ginger, lemongrass and green papaya (more like a deboned chicken tinola), prawn in roasted coconut cream, seared prime beef tenderloin with kaldereta sauce and guava-basil sorbet. Barretto is also popular for her humba (a Visayan braised pork similar to the classic adobo), crispy adobo flakes (ultra crunchy and extra flaky dish using chicken, beef or pork), pancit luglog, puto bumbong and bibingka. Via Mare, founded in 1975, has a well-established and long-standing reputation of being the choice concessionaire to do banquets for heads of state and international guests in the Palace serving traditional flavors. It can be recalled that Barretto rose to prominence when she catered the silver wedding anniversary of President Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, and soon after became the official caterer of the Palace. [caption id="attachment_161357" align="aligncenter" width="1137"] MARGARITA Fores | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESYOF www.theworlds50best.com/[/caption] Margarita “Gaita” Fores Gaita Fores has also been trusted in handling the country’s most delicious affairs, hosted by the Palace for visiting chiefs of state. “I started catering only during Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s time,” said Fores in a text message to Daily Tribune. Fores recently catered the state dinner for Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala, the first European prime minister to visit the country under the new administration to discuss trade relations and mutual cooperation. The Asia’s Best Female Chef also served a delectable Filipino spread before the men and women of the diplomatic corps during the last vin d’honneur in Malacañang to celebrate the 12 June Independence Day. In 2016’s vin d’honneur, the last major function of the Aquino administration, Fores’ Cibo presented a Filipino buffet of three kinds of longganisa, toasted adobo flakes and corned beef flakes. Fores, who’s been in the food business for more than 30 years, has also prepared presidential dinners for King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, US Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama and Prince Albert of Monaco in Malacañang state dining room. Fores is the first cousin of former senator and interior secretary Mar Roxas, who is the second cousin of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Chef Jessie Sincioco Jessie Sincioco, dubbed the “Papal Chef,” is still the most in demand chef for fine dining and fine catering today. She has served the dining pleasure of Presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Noynoy Aquino and Rodrigo Duterte. She catered the inauguration lunch of PBBM for the diplomatic corps at the National Museum, serving smoked milkfish on toast with bihod, mini croissant sandwiches of smoked salmon or chicken salad, mini pandesal stuffed with chicken adobo or grilled kesong puti, lemongrass chicken, brochette of beef lamb ball with potato and ensaimada balls with ube halaya, to name some. A frequent caterer to Malacañang, Sincioco shares with us some of the favorite food of each president that she has served through the years. “Tita Cory loved spinach mushroom soufflé,” said Sincioco in a text message to this writer. “FVR, pan-fried Chilean seabass. Estrada, roast beef. GMA, chocolate durian souffle. PNoy, US black angus bistek. Digong, pan-fried Chilean seabass. BBM, brochette of lamb and beef ball with potato (pica-pica).” [caption id="attachment_161361" align="aligncenter" width="730"] millie and Karla Reyes. |PHOTOGRAPH COURTESYOF www.flavorsoflife.com[/caption] The Plaza The Plaza Catering, another reputable food and catering service run by the mother-and-daughter team of Millie and Karla Reyes, also has the privilege of serving the head of state and official banquets. “We have catered all presidents from Marcos Sr. to Duterte,” said Karla. “Not yet with PBBM.” The Plaza has been in the business since 1965 and is well-known for its piece de resistance — The Plaza premium baked ham and corned beef which Millie and Karla include in the menu whenever they cater to the Palace banquets. The Plaza has played host to foreign heads of state, such as Pope Paul VI, US Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and George H.W. Bush, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Premier Li Hsien Yen of the People’s Republic of China. They also shared their version of the presidents’ favorites. “Marcos Sr., fish and Ilocano food. He had his own cook preparing his meals,” said Karla. “Imelda, steaks and she’s a very good cook. Erap, lechon and our boiled Angus corned beef and baked ham. GMA and husband Mike, The Plaza ham. PNoy, barbecue and angus tapa.” She added: “For Duterte, we didn’t get to serve him up close and personal. We catered an event at Malacañang but he came like five hours late to his own event so he didn’t eat anymore.” [caption id="attachment_161358" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Bulak Bustaliño at the Arlegui Guest House in 1996. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF kusina ni maria[/caption] Kusina ni Maria During the time of Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos, Kusina ni Maria would also cater to Malacañang events, including special occasions at the Arlegui Guest House, where Cory and FVR lived during their time while holding government affairs in the Executive Building. Among their favorites were lengua con setas, chicken relleno, callos a la Madrileña, zarzuela de mariscos, grilled blue marlin, sarsiadong bias, paksiw na bihud, asadong curacha, tostadong alimango, kare-kare oxtail with bagoong, lao-ya, minaisang kabute and pancit buko. “Same dishes as what we have now,” said Ding Bustaliño, who now runs Kusina ni Maria founded by her late mom Bulak Bustaliño in 1984. “I used to join my mom in Arlegui when she would check the table setting, flowers and those were the food she would serve.” The real jewels in the Palace — made up of the virtual who’s who in Philippine cuisine — are in the kitchen. The post Jewels in the Palace kitchen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bongbong puts off Apayao visit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s scheduled visit to Apayao province on Saturday was canceled due to bad weather. The Presidential Communications Office said Marcos was scheduled to arrive in Luna, Apayao at 9 a.m. on Saturday to attend the 36th Cordillera Day celebration. The PCO, however, said “The Presidential Security Group has advised to cancel Marcos’s visit to Apayao” amid the current weather condition. CAR foundation day In Proclamation 250, Marcos declared 15 July a special non-working holiday in observance of the 36th anniversary of the establishment of the Cordillera Administrative Region. “It is but fitting and proper that the people of the CAR be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the President said. The CAR, which covers the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Baguio City, was established on 15 July 1987 after a plebiscite was held under Executive Order 220 issued by President Corazon Aquino. The post Bongbong puts off Apayao visit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM’s visit to Apayao canceled due to inclement weather
Malacañang confirmed the cancellation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s scheduled visit to Apayao province on Saturday due to the inclement weather. The Presidential Communications Office said Marcos was scheduled to arrive in Luna, Apayao at 9 a.m., today to attend the 36th Cordillera Day celebration as locals are expecting that the President's presence will cheer up the occasion. However, PCO said the “Presidential Security Group has advised to cancel Marcos’ visit to Apayao” amid the current weather condition. In his Proclamation 250, Marcos earlier declared 15 July a special non-working holiday in observance of the 36th anniversary of the establishment of the Cordillera Administrative Region. "It is but fitting and proper that the people of the CAR be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration," the President said. The CAR, which covers the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Baguio City, was established on 15 July 1987 after winning a plebiscite through Executive Order 220 issued by President Corazon Aquino. The post PBBM’s visit to Apayao canceled due to inclement weather appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China still intractable
On the seventh anniversary of the Philippines’ historic 12 July 2016 arbitration victory in which the Permanent Court of Arbitration or PCA in The Hague that voided China’s sweeping claims, including over the West Philippine Sea which covers the exclusive economic zone stretching 200 nautical miles from Philippine shores, the words of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. strike an uplifting chord in the hearts of all patriotic Filipinos. “I will not preside over any process that will abandon even one square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power,” he said with conviction to thunderous applause as he stood before members of Congress in joint session for his first SONA on 25 July 2022. The words of the President serve as the title to the microsite recently launched by the Department of Foreign Affairs, which marks the seventh year of Manila’s victory against China at the PCA. That victory, the DFA said on the site, “authoritatively ruled that the claim of historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash’ line had no basis in law and is without any legal effect.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo describes the site as a central resource of information regarding the award and its contribution to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS and international law. China, ironically, was among the first to ratify UNCLOS in 1992. Said Manalo, “Anniversaries remind us of the trajectory we have taken as a nation and as a people. In the decision (by the Philippine government, under then President Benigno C. Aquino III) to file an arbitration case, the Philippines opted to take the path of principle, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Tribunal’s decision affirmed the correctness of that course of action.” It took three years from the Philippines’ filing of its case against China until 12 July 2016 for the PCA to issue its ruling that crushed China’s claims over the SCS, including its nine-dash line, denouncing the encroachment in and harassment by armed Chinese maritime elements of Filipino fishermen in the WPS. China has long argued that its claim over the South China Sea is historical in nature, with Chinese scholars and analysts contending that islands in the South China Sea were first discovered by China’s Han dynasty over two millennia ago. In his book Asia’s Cauldron, US scholar and strategist Robert D. Kaplan says that between the 10th and 14th centuries, during the Song and Yuan dynasties, many official and unofficial Chinese accounts show the South China Sea to be within China’s national boundaries. He, however, argued that this “historical rights” argument has been challenged on several fronts. First, there is scant proof that China had controlled the South China Sea after the mid-17th century. “Indeed, after a burst of seafaring exploration during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), China’s emperors largely shut their empire off from the seas,” said Chinese marine geographer Wang Ying who contends that, consequently, there is scarce cartographic proof of China’s rights over the SCS. While the nine-dash line concept has been around since 1947, Chinese maps — for the longest time — hardly gave it any prominence. This changed in 2009 when a map marking the nine-dash line was included in the documents submitted by China to the UN during a dispute with Vietnam. Today, Chinese passports are emblazoned with a map with nine dashes through the South China Sea as well as a 10th dash that counts Taiwan as part of Chinese territory. Still, there exists vagueness over what China’s nine-dash line implies. Wang says the dash lines mean that “the ocean, islands, and reefs all belong to China and that China has sovereign right over them. But it’s discontinuous, meaning other countries can pass through the lines freely.” Notwithstanding the ambiguities over its nine-dash line concept and the quashing by the PCA of its claim over the SCS, China, to this day, refuses to recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling even as nations, including the US, Germany, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the European Union have expressed strong support for the landmark decision that recognized Philippine sovereign rights over its EEZ in the WPS. For the US, the 2016 ruling of the tribunal constituted under UNCLOS is “final and legally binding.” The EU called the ruling a “significant milestone” and a “useful basis for the peaceful resolution of disputes…” even as Canadian Ambassador David Hartman said, “We have always been strong in our position; we have been an active vocal proponent on the enforcement of it, encouraging all parties involved to respect the ruling.” Speaking for President Marcos, DFA Secretary Manalo welcomed “the growing number of partners that have expressed support for the Award. We are honored that the Award stands as a beacon whose guiding light serves all nations. It is a settled landmark and a definitive contribution to the progressive development of international law. It is ours, as much as it is the world’s.” A world, that is, that an obdurate China doesn’t seem to want to be part of nor care for unless it can be bent to its will. The post China still intractable appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The lighter side of PNoy
Last Saturday, June 24, the nation commemorated the 2nd death anniversary of its 15th president, Noynoy Aquino......»»
‘It really feels like coming home’
Dr. Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa assumed official control of the Department of Health on Monday, less than two weeks after being appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. A turnover ceremony was held at the DoH main office in Manila, with Herbosa waving the agency’s banner after receiving it from former officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, symbolizing the transfer of authority during the flag-raising ceremony. The ceremony coincided with the DoH’s week-long 125th anniversary celebration with the theme “One25. One DoH: Sama-sama Tungo sa Pagbabago at Kalusugan ng Lahat.” “It really feels like coming home,” Herbosa said in his speech. Prior to his appointment as Health chief on 5 June, Herbosa served as special adviser to the National Task Force against Covid-19. He also served as undersecretary at the Department of Health from 2010 to 2015 during the Aquino administration. Under his leadership, Herbosa vowed the Health department would be more “humanistic.” “I know they want it to be regulatory to promote good governance and prevent corruption, but I think we should also not forget that there’s a human side in health,” he said. “The way we deliver and govern should be humanistic. It should be humane. The regulations, operations, and assistance to hospitals, whether private or not, should be humane, in terms of providing services to the public,” he said. Meanwhile, Vergeire, who led the agency for almost a year, expressed her gratitude to Herbosa for “aligning” the direction of the Health department with her initiatives. “I think all are aligned. I just want to say that I am grateful to Secretary Ted Herbosa because he did not veer away from the direction that we were going or that we started when I was the OIC,” she told reporters. Herbosa named Vergeire the agency’s overall head of undersecretaries. 8-point agenda Meanwhile, Herbosa bared his eight-point agenda for the Health department to fully realize the Universal Health Care Act. Among the priorities of the DoH are emergency preparedness, disease prevention, use of technology for faster medical assistance, emotional and mental health, and protection of healthcare workers’ rights. Agreement with PhilHealth In a related development, Herbosa on Monday led the signing of a service level agreement with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Primary Care Provider Network, in a bid to fully realize the Universal Health Care Act. Under the agreement, five local government units, two private sector groups of clinics and doctors, together with PhilHealth, will form the first seven primary care networks in the country. Republic Act 11223 or the UHC Act defines “primary care” as first-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated; accessible at the time of need; with a range of services for all presenting conditions; and able to coordinate referrals to other doctors, clinics and hospitals in the health care delivery system, when needed. According to Herbosa, the state insurer will allot P500 to P750 per patient per year, on a reimbursement basis to Konsulta Package Providers. “The money will be given to them based on the number of constituents who are beneficiaries of the primary care network,” he said. Around two million Filipinos from the provinces of Bataan, Guimaras, Quezon, South Cotabato, as well as Baguio City are expected to benefit from the PCN innovation. Under his leadership, Herbosa vowed the Health department would be more ‘humanistic.’ Another 300,000 Filipinos under the care of the LiFE group as well as QualiMed will also be covered by the improvements in primary care financing. The current PhilHealth Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) primary care benefit package covers patient consultations, any of 13 laboratory and diagnostic tests as ordered by a doctor, and 21 common medications that can be prescribed according to medical needs. In a joint statement with the DoH, the state insurer said Konsulta PCPN innovates this arrangement on a “sandbox” or testing basis in pre-selected areas, by allowing advanced payment or frontloading of funds even before services are rendered. “Konsulta PCPN will also only pay networks of primary care doctors and clinics, instead of the individual clinics like the regular Konsulta benefit,” PhilHealth said. “These innovations are enabled by new Commission on Audit accounting guidelines. The seven Konsulta PCPNs caring for 2.3 million Filipinos are projected to be paid a total of P1.2 billion, which may be used to improve infrastructure, equipment, and staff compensation even before the first patient starts using the services,” it added. The post ‘It really feels like coming home’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»