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LandBank named best for financial inclusion
The Land Bank of the Philippines, or LandBank, was recognized by Kantar Philippines as one of 2023’s Best Philippine Brands under the “Banking” category for providing convenient, accessible and innovative banking services to unbanked and underserved Filipinos nationwide. Kantar conferred the award to LandBank for its strong brand of service, decades of empowering the underserved, and for advancing financial inclusion in the country through the accessibility of its integrated physical and digital banking services. The market research firm also highlighted the Bank’s efficient delivery of cash grants to beneficiaries of the National Government’s social amelioration programs, particularly the digital disbursement of financial assistance under the Conditional Cash Transfer Program. “This recognition is a testament to LandBank’s unwavering pursuit to reach and serve more Filipinos nationwide. We are continuously working towards the strategic expansion of our physical touchpoints and the enhancement of our digital channels to deliver exceptional and accessible banking service,” said president and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. In support of the National Government’s financial inclusion drive, LandBank has also onboarded 8.35 million Philippine Identification System, or PhilSys, registrants for their own transaction accounts, under the Bank’s co-location strategy with the Philippine Statistics Authority. The partnership aims to bank previously unbanked PhilSys registrants and grant them formal access to basic banking and other financial services. LandBank likewise has 1,111 agent banking partners, or ABPs, nationwide offering services such as cash out, cash in, fund transfer, bills payment, and opening and issuance of LandBank Agent Banking Cards in unbanked and underserved communities. The bank also offers individuals who have no capacity for operationalizing a regular deposit savings account to open a LandBank “Perang Inimpok Savings Option” or PISO account with only P1 as minimum initial deposit and up to a maximum of P50,000 account balance. As of end-August 2023, LandBank has opened 52,406 PISO accounts for unbanked and underserved Filipinos including students, public utility vehicle drivers, vendors, farmers and fishers. Kantar BrandZ report LandBank was recognized for its strong brand image in the Kantar BrandZ Philippine Report, which was based on a comprehensive survey conducted in 2022 covering 44 local brands across four categories — banks, communication providers, general retailers and beverages. Kantar is a global marketing and data analytics company that specializes in analyzing, understanding, and interpreting consumer behavior and trends. The 2023 Philippines Brand Awards is the first edition held by Kantar Philippines in the country to honor the top brands that bring value to the lives of Filipino consumers. The post LandBank named best for financial inclusion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bring public health services closer
“Health is the greatest of human blessings,” according to Hippocrates, father of Modern Medicine. That is why we continue to make significant strides in improving our health system. The latest of which is the signing into law of the Regional Specialty Centers Act. As the principal sponsor and one of the authors of this measure, I am grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., for approving and prioritizing this legislation which will help bring specialized medical care closer to Filipinos in various regions, and hopefully to the most vulnerable groups in grassroots communities. As we aim to make public health more accessible, we must continue such efforts to ensure all Filipinos get the healthcare they deserve. In line with this, the Malasakit Centers we initiated in 2018 have already provided financial medical assistance to more than seven million patients so far. There are 158 Malasakit centers established all over the country through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. I have also continuously pushed for the establishment of Super Health Centers, which are medium versions of a polyclinic and improved versions of the rural health unit, to make healthcare more accessible to Filipinos even in remote areas. These centers, funded with the help of my fellow legislators and primarily implemented by the Department of Health, shall provide primary health care services in communities that also include consultation, diagnosis, and early detection of diseases. As chair of the Senate Health Committee, I must emphasize the need to bring public health services closer to the people who need them the most. The enactment of the Regional Specialty Centers Act, along with the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers and the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide will hopefully bridge this gap and further promote the health and well-being of Filipinos no matter where they are in the country. As a legislator and public servant, I will continue to help improve public service delivery at the grassroots to the best of my capacity so that no Filipino is neglected when it comes to availing government services they need. That is why aside from the health initiatives mentioned above, I also continue to visit communities to deliver assistance, listen to their concerns, and provide solutions to their daily struggles. We were in Laguna on August 25 to inspect the Siniloan Sports Complex which was funded through our efforts as part of our goal as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports to promote grassroots sports development and divert our youth from harmful vices like illegal drugs. We then inspected the Isolation Facility of the Infirmary Hospital which we supported during the Duterte administration. We also led the distribution of aid to 500 impoverished residents of Siniloan together with Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, and other local officials. Last weekend, I also joined fellow officials and basketball enthusiasts alike in supporting Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. I commend everyone who took part in ensuring the successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup here in the Philippines. We were invited as a guest speaker on 24 August at the Gender and Development Activity organized by the Provincial Council of Occidental Mindoro. We support these kinds of discussions that aim to promote equal and gender-sensitive leadership. On 23 August, I received the prestigious Apostle Arsenio Ferriol Award of Excellence for Public Service and Governance. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) for this very prestigious recognition. With or without an award, I will continue my mission to serve fellow Filipinos, knowing very well that service to the people is service to God. Aside from the awarding ceremony, I also joined them yesterday for their 50th Golden Church Anniversary celebration in New Clark City, Tarlac. I also visited Navotas City on 22 August, together with Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez to help 1,000 senior citizens, PWDs, and indigents. We also provided additional support to 1,328 recovering fire victims who were given aid from the National Housing Authority to buy housing materials through their Emergency Housing Assistance Program that we initiated before and continue to support its implementation now. We were also instrumental in the construction of nine public school buildings in Navotas City, some of which we were able to inspect during our visit. My office also continues to assist Filipinos affected by calamities. Among those assisted were typhoon victims in various towns in Cagayan — 500 in Gonzaga; 500 residents in Aparri; 500 in Allacapan; 500 in Pamplona; 500 in Ballesteros; and 500 more in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. More support was also provided for 35 indigents from different towns of Cotabato Province plus 110 sectoral members in Libungan town; three fire victims of Brgy. Peñaplata in Samal Island; 1,000 residents of Sibalom and almost 250 in Tobias Fornier in Antique; 1,000 beneficiaries in Polomolok, South Cotabato; 66 residents of Malolos Bulacan; 31 residents of General Tinio and 140 more in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. We also extended livelihood support to 14 indigents in Cauayan, Negros Occidental; three farmers in San Lorenzo, Guimaras; and 52 residents of Brgy. Tisa, Cebu City who were previously victims of a fire incident. They were also provided aid through DTI’s Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, which I pushed for before and continue to support now to boost the livelihood of those affected by various crises. Furthermore, I am also thankful to the President for signing the following into law: Republic Act No. 11961, which I co-authored, amending the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and mandates the creation of a Philippine Registry of Heritage; RA 11958, which I co-authored, that amends RA 6948 to rationalize the disability pension provided to military veterans; and the One Town, One Product Philippines Program, which I authored and co-sponsored, to support the growth of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises. While we have accomplished a lot in the past few days in helping those in need and pushing for policies that would uplift the lives of fellow Filipinos, our work must not stop as long as there are more of our kababayans who rely on us for support. As public servants, let us continue to bring the government and its services closer to the people while working together so that no one is left behind toward recovery and progress. The post Bring public health services closer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NHA’s gender-responsive program wins 2 awards
National Housing Authority General Manager Joeben Tai on Monday announced that their agency bagged the 2023 GADtimpala Silver for Outstanding Gender-Responsive Agency and the Exemplary GAD Focal Point System award commissioned yearly by the Philippine Commission on Women. The awards recognized NHA’s outstanding performance in gender mainstreaming and effective implementation of gender-responsive programs. “It is another milestone for the NHA to be acknowledged and appreciated for GAD best practices and gender-responsive programs. Indeed, I am very proud that the Authority commits to promoting gender equality,” Tai said in his message delivered by NHA GAD Chairperson Atty. Ma. Magdalena D. Siacon during the awarding ceremony held at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City on 14 August 2023, coinciding with the 14th-anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Magna Carta of Women. In more than 20 years, the NHA has spearheaded initiatives to promote gender equality in its workplaces and housing programs. Tai reiterated that the agency will continue to improve its best GAD practices for the benefit not only of its employees but of the beneficiaries and stakeholders as well. “Rest assured that the NHA will continue to provide better technology, better policy and better procedures that are gender-sensitive and gender-responsive to the needs of our clients and beneficiaries,” he said. The post NHA’s gender-responsive program wins 2 awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Samareño farmers grateful for e-titles received from DAR
2,641 e-titles covering an aggregate area of 3,961.5 hectares were distributed to 2,118 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries from all over the Eastern Visayas, Department of Agrarian Reform Eastern Visayas Regional Director Robert Anthony Yu said on Thursday, 27 July. The e-titles were generated under the World Bank-funded Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project. One of the ARBs who received the electronically generated Certificates of Land Ownership Award from DAR is Jovita Mabalo Mabalo, a 58-year-old mother of nine. “Salamat DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella sa ibinigay na titulo sa lupa na aming sinasaka. At ang pinakaimportante sa lahat, salamat Pangulong Marcos dahil wala na kaming babayaran sa Land Bank sa lupa namin na ibinigay ng DAR,” Mabalo said. Mabalo received 2.5-hectare farmland in Barangay Laygayon, Pinabacdao, Samar. The Samareño farmer used to be a tenant of the Labagalas with farming as their only form of livelihood. Meanwhile, when asked how she felt during the signing of Republic Act 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on 7 July, Mabalo replied: “Masayang-masaya!” Republic Act 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act freed ARBs from debts incurred from the amortization of lands awarded under Presidential Decree 27 and Republic Acts 6657 and 9700. The President in his message said, “Our beneficiaries deserve nothing less.” He stressed, “Free land distribution must go hand in hand with broadening the provision of credit facilities and support services in the form of farm inputs, equipment, and facilities to our farmers as well as the construction of farm-to-market roads.” He also urged DAR to expedite the individual titling of lands covered by collective CLOAs to secure the tenurial rights of the ARBs. The CLOA distribution rite, held at the Leyte Progressive High School gymnasium in Tacloban City, was simultaneous with the signing of RA 11953 in Malacañang on 7 July 2023. The post Samareño farmers grateful for e-titles received from DAR 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......»»
Ifugao farmers receives land titles
The Department of Agrarian Reform on Friday reported that 51 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Ifugao province received a total of 54 land titles covering 51.28 hectares of agricultural lands to boost the economic lives of these farmers in the province. DAR-Ifugao Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, Joselito Nathaniel Diaz, said the ARBs were from Barangays Pinto, Busilac, Laya, Sta. Maria, Ngileb, and Sto. Domingo. “Among the distributed land titles, 15 were regular titles issued through the regular re-documentation under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), while 35 electronic land titles (e-titles) were distributed through the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project,” Diaz said. SPLIT Project is a DAR initiative program funded by the World Bank, where it aims to subdivide landholdings of ARBs who were previously awarded lands under the collective certificate of land ownership award (CCLOA) for the eventual issuance of individual land titles. Diaz divulged that the distribution of land titles is in consonance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the leadership of DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, to provide farmers with agricultural lands to till and also in line with the celebration of CARP’s 35th anniversary. "Nurture, enhance, and make the lands productive. I encouraged you to collaborate with the DAR in enriching your lands that would help improve your economic lives,” he told the ARBs. An open forum concluded the event, addressing complex concerns including lost mother titles, name of transfer of titles, inaccurate names, and donated cemetery lot titles. Each concern received careful attention and was successfully resolved, ensuring the satisfaction of all participants. The post Ifugao farmers receives land titles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Project Banca’ hailed as uplifting fishermen
Its contribution to revitalizing fishing communities of Cebu province following typhoon “Odette,” earned for the Aboitiz Foundation’s “Project Banca” the Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience at the League of Corporate Foundations CSR Guild Awards last 6 July. With its several business units, the Aboitiz Group successfully aided the recovery of fishing communities and families affected by the severe weather disturbance. Project Banca helped restore livelihoods by providing fisherfolk with the necessary equipment to resume fishing activities. Outstanding CSR “We are humbled and honored to receive the Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience award for Project Banca. Being able to uplift and have a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the calamities is already an achievement for us, but this recognition will further fuel our determination to continue supporting communities in their journey towards recovery and resilience,” Aboitiz Foundation president and COO Maribeth Marasigan said. Coinciding with the launch of “Project Banca” last 4 April 2022 was the transfer of brand new bancas to beneficiaries in Talisay City, Toledo City and Liloan Municipality, in Cebu. The event represented the collaborative efforts of the Aboitiz Foundation, the local government, and the resilient communities aiming to empower fishing communities and revive the local economy. The donations helped fishermen improve their catch. In just two months, the beneficiaries caught 645 kilograms of fish, which they sold for a total of P129,000. With their fishing activities back on track, the lives of 75 fisherfolk and their families significantly improved. The post Project Banca’ hailed as uplifting fishermen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go champions rights of farmers during CLOA distribution in Davao City
Sen. Bong Go has vowed to continue supporting the rights and empowerment of farmers, particularly agrarian reform beneficiaries during the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) in Davao City on Friday, 7 July. In a video message, Go recognized the efforts of the Department of Agrarian Reform XI and its dedication and diligence in implementing the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project, which was funded by the World Bank. "The awarding of computerized titles to our ARBs is a testament to the progress we have made in empowering our farmers and giving them the tools they need to thrive," Go said. Go underscored the significance of Republic Act No. 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on the same day. “Being a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I took great pride in co-sponsoring and co-authoring Senate Bill No. 1850, which served as the Senate version of RA 11953. This legislation marks a significant step towards empowering our agrarian reform beneficiaries and fostering their economic independence leading towards enhanced food security,” Go cited. He said that the legislation serves as a catalyst for change by freeing farmers from the burden of debt, enabling them to concentrate on nurturing their lands and ensuring a sustainable livelihood. Go acknowledged the vital role played by farmers in ensuring food security and advancing the nation's economy. He assured the ARBs that the government will always look out for their welfare. "To the 1,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries and various stakeholders present here today, I want you to know that the government will not abandon you," Go said. "The government recognizes all your valuable contributions to our food security and the advancement of our country's economy,” added Go. Meanwhile, Go’s team distributed balls for basketball and volleyball and shirts to the beneficiaries present at the Arcadia Event Center in Ecoland, Davao City. The post Bong Go champions rights of farmers during CLOA distribution in Davao City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Multiple grammars of land reform law
The newly-minted Republic Act No. 11953 is a class legislation, at least insofar as it is pro-landless poor, but that is not to say that the landowners will not be justly compensated in the same breath. The latter may turn out to be not even the “silent losers” in this highly experimental stroke of legislative genius. Some cynics might even suspect it to be Adam Smith’s concept of the “invisible hand.” Recall that in another imminent enactment, namely, the “Maharlika Investment Fund,” the Land Bank of the Philippines will contribute P50 billion as its equity as if this will not badly affect its capital build-up as a government financing institution. With the New Agrarian Emancipation Act of 2023, the P58 billion that agrarian reform beneficiaries owed to Land Bank was, in effect, written off. It is as though this huge sum of “foregone revenues” coupled with the seed money it will download to the MIF would still allow Land Bank to sail on an even keel. Pareto efficiency has become the name of the game — “an economic state where resources cannot be reallocated to make one better off without making at least one individual worse off.” How clever of the government to turn Land Bank into neither victim nor villain. Never strange bedfellows, the Department of Agrarian Reform and Land Bank will formulate the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations. Meanwhile, there’s always a lone voice in the Lower Chamber who plays harbinger of unfolding scenarios. He calls the new land reform law the “best and biggest accomplishment’ of FM Jr. in his first year, it being “historic in scale, in world view, and in what it will bring to the people,” and an “important step toward rural and agrarian justice.” If that were not preaching to the choir, what is? As it now graphically appears, the P500-billion capitalization, “fund-raising project” if you will, for the Maharlika Investment Corporation is akin to an empty vault that has to be filled with tons of money. We are all led to believe that funds create wealth when it should be the other way around. As Jim Morrison says, “Whoever controls the media, controls the mind.” No less than the House Speaker plays poster boy for the administration’s policy agenda. Recall that Executive Order No. 4 signed on the President’s 65th birthday (i.e. 13 September 2022) is “implementing a moratorium on the payment of the principal obligation and interest of the amortization due and payable by agrarian reform beneficiaries.” Wonder how a supposedly one-year relief from the debt burden has been lifted forever when RA No. 11953 supersedes EO No. 4 as a mere placeholder. In the one-year freeze or if not enabling Land Bank to collect payment from the farmer-beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, the former loses billions in revenue. What adds insult to injury in the context of the new policy configuration is that all 30 annual amortizations will be written off. How well Land Bank can absorb the shock seems behind us. With the new emancipation law, the good President has written off P58 billion, benefiting around 654,000 ARBs and involving a total of 1.18 million hectares of awarded lands. When FM Jr. thought of “continuing economic relief to ARBs” to help them “recover and ensure food security in the county amidst global uncertainties,” the requisite impact report implementing the order has become moot and academic. That original Senate Bill No. 1112 authored by the President’s senator-sister is meant to emancipate ARBs from the debt burden through the free award of agricultural lands — individually titled rather than collectively; zero compensation for the Land Bank instead of P58 billion in receivables (i.e. amortization payments); a CLOA free of the 10-year restriction; and condonation and individual titling that will complete the emancipation of landless farmers. Once duly titled — fast-forwarding to the future — into whose hands will the agricultural lands fall? The post Multiple grammars of land reform law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAR info officers take SPLIT orientation
Department of Agrarian Reform regional and provincial information officers underwent a two-day orientation on Project SPLIT or the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling in the University of the Philippines-Diliman last 14 and 16 June. “This activity responds to the call of Secretary Conrad M. Estrella III to effectively convey to our stakeholders and to the public the DAR’s various projects, programs and services for the ARBs (agrarian reform beneficiaries) in line with his thrust to bring government to the people,” Atty. Marilyn B. Barua-Yap, DAR undersecretary for Special Concerns and External Affairs and Communication Operations, said on Tuesday. DAR surprises orientation-goers with giveaway laptops. The DAR information officers were divided into two batches, the first from Region 1 to 5 and the second from Region 6 to 11. They were lectured on the basics of content writing, social media design, social media strategy and basic smartphone photography, as part of the continuing capacity building program they are undergoing under SC-EACO to increase their effectivity and efficiency as key communicators. The orientation ended with the distribution of the certificates of participation and laptops to the information officers in attendance. The SPLIT project aims to fast-track land subdivision of Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award for the issuance of individual land titles to ARBs who were previously awarded with lands and CCLOAs under the agrarian reform program. The post DAR info officers take SPLIT orientation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAR trains info officers for SPLIT program, receives laptops
The Department of Agrarian Reform on Tuesday announced that it conducted a two-day orientation for its Regional and Provincial Information Officers on Project SPLIT or the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling last June 14 and 16 at the University Hotel in U.P. Diliman. The SPLIT project aims to fast-track land subdivision of Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CCLOAs) and eventually issue individual land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who were previously awarded lands and collective CLOAs under the agrarian reform program. The information officers were divided into two batches: Regions 1 to 5, for the first, and Regions 6 to 11, for the second. The activity was organized by the Office of the Undersecretary for Special Concerns and External Affairs and Communication Operations (SC-EACO), Atty. Marilyn B. Barua-Yap, in cooperation with the Office of the Undersecretary for Foreign Assisted and Special Projects (FASPO), Jesry T. Palmares, who also heads the National Project Office for Project SPLIT. Assistant Secretary Rene E. Colocar conducted the orientation in his capacity as Head of Special Projects and Deputy National Project Director – Information and Communications Technology for Project SPLIT. “This activity responds to the call made by Secretary Conrad M. Estrella III to effectively convey to our stakeholders and to the public the DAR’s various projects, programs and services for the ARBs in line with his thrust to bring government to the people,” Yap said. The information officers also underwent training on the basics of content writing, social media design, social media strategy and basic smartphone photography, as part of the continuing capacity building program they are undergoing under SC-EACO to increase their effectivity and efficiency as key communicators. The activities ended with the distribution of the certificates of participation to the information officers in attendance, including the "surprise", laptops courtesy of Project SPLIT, which Undersecretary Yap hinted at in her opening remarks,. The post DAR trains info officers for SPLIT program, receives laptops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Estrella: Only SC can stop DAR from giving farmlands
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Monday expressed its strong determination to proceed with implementing the country’s land reform program, awarding agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) their respective farm lots, notwithstanding the filing of any cases aimed at derailing it. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III stressed that it is the solemn duty of the DAR to implement the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and other agrarian reform laws “with full conformity to the constitutional mandates of due process, equal protection, just compensation, and social justice.” Estrella cited Section 55 of the Republic Act No. 6657, as amended, for this bold move, saying that only the Supreme Court could stop the DAR from implementing the program through the issuance of a temporary restraining order. Section 55 of RA No. 6657 states that: “Except for the Supreme Court, no court in the Philippines shall have jurisdiction to issue any restraining order or writ of a preliminary injunction against the PARC, the DAR or any of its duly authorized or designated agencies in any case, dispute or controversy arising from, necessary to, or in connection with the application, implementation, enforcement, or interpretation of this Act and other pertinent laws on agrarian reform.” DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations, Atty. Kazel Celeste, clarified, however, that each case would be treated differently, depending on its intent and purpose. “If the protest from CARP coverage or a petition for exemption or exclusion is still pending with the DAR regional office, the Office of the Secretary, or the Office of the President, the LAD process shall proceed up to the issuance of the Republic of the Philippines title,” Celeste stressed. Celeste said the process could go as far as issuing and registering Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and installing the ARBs “if the Office of the President affirmed the CARP coverage and denied any motion for reconsideration.” In the case of a conversion application “the land acquisition and distribution process shall proceed up to the issuance of the Republic of the Philippines Title,” Celeste said. The post Estrella: Only SC can stop DAR from giving farmlands appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz’s ‘Byaheng Digiskarte’ campaign wins IABC Gold Quill Award
The Aboitiz Group won the prestigious 2023 International Association of Business Communicators Gold Quill Award of Merit for its groundbreaking corporate social responsibility initiative, “Byaheng Digiskarte.” The initiative was crafted to spur the recovery and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises and cooperatives adversely affected by the pandemic. “Byaheng Digiskarte” comes from “byahe,” meaning journey, and “digiskarte,” a portmanteau of “digital” and “diskarte,” meaning strategy. Leveraging digital tools and innovative business approaches, the pioneering project empowers beneficiaries to adapt swiftly to an ever-evolving business environment. This included onboarding members to digital platforms so that they could start online businesses. Going beyond economic revitalization, “Byaheng Digiskarte” also aims to foster financial inclusion by encouraging the unbanked segment of the Filipino population to open their first-ever bank accounts through the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines. Renowned globally as a community of accomplished communication professionals, the IABC confers its highly coveted Gold Quill Awards to acknowledge excellence in strategic communication. The Gold Quill Blue Ribbon Panel evaluators, made up of communication experts boasting decades of experience, reviewed 395 entries from 16 countries against the IABC Gold Quill Award criteria and Seven-Point Scale of Excellence. The Gold Quill Awards reception will be held in Toronto, Canada on 6 June 2023, where the Aboitiz Group’s “Byaheng Digiskarte” program will be recognized among exceptional communication works from around the world. Said one of the judges: “The entry was easy to understand and the opportunity, audiences and goals were easy to follow. It is apparent the team put thought into the different audiences, how to reach them and how to reinforce the key messaging.” Praising the Aboitiz Group’s exceptional work, another judge added, “You demonstrated a strategic mindset in showcasing a well-executed project that not only accomplished but exceeded its stated objectives during a challenging pandemic. Great work!” [caption id="attachment_135101" align="aligncenter" width="525"] After planting and harvesting their own farm produce, farmers and agripreneurs were provided equipment by the Aboitiz Foundation to process food products such as pickles, tea and jam.[/caption] As the Aboitiz Group advances on its “Great Transformation” to become the Philippines’ first “techglomerate,” “Byaheng Digiskarte” reflects this commitment to innovation, digital transformation and drive to positively impact surrounding businesses and communities. By leveraging technology to uplift businesses and promote financial inclusion, the Aboitiz Group sets the stage for a future where technology and innovation are at the forefront of operations. “This project is close to our hearts as we believe in the power of innovation to transform lives. We saw the need to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities, particularly in the area of digital literacy. Receiving the Quill Award is a great honor, but it is also a reminder of the responsibility we have to continue making a positive impact in the communities we serve. We take this recognition as an inspiration to do even more and to do it better,” Aboitiz Foundation president and chief operating officer Maribeth Marasigan said. Since its launch in April 2021, Byaheng Digiskarte has made significant headway, involving extensive visits to remote areas across the Philippines, collaborative consultations and partnerships with government agencies and private enterprises. Through mentoring sessions and the provision of cutting-edge tools, this initiative has assisted farmers and agripreneurs affected by the pandemic, leading to income growth. As of December 2022, over 127 cooperatives with nearly 10,000 members have received comprehensive training, which includes digital marketing, equipment handling, reputation building and financial management, among other vital skills. Two cooperatives, comprising over a thousand members, have successfully digitized their internal coop processes, while 19 cooperatives with more than 6,000 members have ventured into new cooperative businesses. “Byaheng Digiskarte” has also facilitated almost a thousand beneficiaries in opening their first bank accounts with UnionBank, solidifying the Aboitiz Group’s commitment to providing accessible financial services. The post Aboitiz’s ‘Byaheng Digiskarte’ campaign wins IABC Gold Quill Award appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAR program assesses environmental, social risks
The Department of Agrarian Reform in Cebu province over the weekend conducted an environmental and social assessment consultation with the affected agrarian reform beneficiaries in the province in connection with the implementation of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling or Project SPLIT. DAR Central Visayas Regional Director Leomides Villareal said the environment and social assessment focused on assessing and identifying Project SPLIT’s possible environmental and social risks. Community consultation activity was conducted with the ARBs living in Camugao, Pinamungajan, Canlumampao, Toledo, and Balao, Barili, Cebu. The ARBs were interviewed on the potential impacts on social, environmental, and labor-related risks due to the splitting of their collective certificates of land ownership award for them to have individual land titles and strengthen their property rights. “We want to know through these consultations what the farmers are presently experiencing on their farms and their thoughts on these matters so we can prepare an action plan to address these issues,” Villarel said. During the consultation, the farmers were re-oriented on what Project SPLIT is all about. The DAR-Cebu officials also explained the basic laws, rules, and procedures before they can have their individual land titles. Project SPLIT is one of the DAR’s major programs being implemented nationwide. It aims to improve the security of tenure and strengthen the property rights of the ARBs by subdividing previously issued CCLOAs by the agency into individual land titles. The post DAR program assesses environmental, social risks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAR excludes lands with overlapping issues
The Department of Agrarian Reform on Tuesday said it is temporarily excluding the more than 100,000 hectares of landholdings covered under 13,604 Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award which have potential overlapping ancestral issues in connection with the implementation of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III has alerted field implementers of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program to be wary of lands suspected of having overlapping issues between agrarian reform beneficiaries and indigenous communities in pursuit of their task of subdividing CCLOAs. “Remember, time is of the essence. We cannot afford to be entangled in a complicated situation, which will only tie our hands by inadvertently covering lands that were partly or wholly owned by indigenous communities,” Estrella said. Engr. Joey Sumatra, DAR Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning and Research Office, who also serves as the national SPLIT project director, advised all field CARP implementers to exclude all lands with potential overlapping issues until the DAR and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples issue the guidelines through a joint administrative order. Sumatra has provided all field CARP implementers a list of 13,604 land titles, covering a combined area of 109,223 hectares nationwide, for their guidance. Among the 15 DAR-recognized regional geographical areas, Davao (Region XI) has the most number of collective CLOAs with overlapping issues at 3,996, covering a combined area of 32,548 hectares, followed by Soccsksargen, with 2,718 titles covering 24,691 hectares, and Northern Mindanao (Region X), with 2,281 titles covering 20,298 hectares. The post DAR excludes lands with overlapping issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tech-livelihood skills to empower Filipino women
Aboitiz Land, the real estate arm of the Aboitiz Group, has joined hands with the Aboitiz Foundation in partnering with Connected Women to train and support marginalized and disadvantaged Filipino women in Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation skills. The initiative aims to expand Filipino women’s skills and create for them potential income opportunities. Connected Women will offer training and mentorship programs to beneficiaries through its award-winning Elevate AIDA program. This will open new job opportunities and provide them with the skills and knowledge to succeed. This partnership is a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the Philippines, while also promoting gender equality and empowering women. Connected Women, founded in 2017 by Gina Romero and Ruth Yu-Owen, is a social impact tech company with a community of 100,000 women. It has made significant strides in empowering women in the Philippines through training in technology skills and upskilling for the global Artificial Intelligence industry. “We are thrilled to partner with Aboitiz Land in our shared mission to promote gender equality, diversity and sustainable economic growth in the Philippines. This collaboration is a testament to our organizations’ unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of marginalized and disadvantaged Filipino women. Aboitiz Land’s dedication to sustainability, innovation and gender equality is truly inspiring, and we are proud to stand with them in creating a more inclusive future. We firmly believe that this partnership will have a transformative effect on the lives of countless Filipino women,” said Connected Women co-founder Ruth Yu-Owen. Aboitiz Land is committed to innovating toward sustainability, starting with property technology in developing products and services and now, community development. Through this initiative with Connected Women, Aboitiz Land supports marginalized and disadvantaged Filipino women in the communities they operate in, namely San Juan, Batangas and Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. The partnership between Aboitiz Land, the Aboitiz Foundation and Connected Women is a testament to their shared commitment to sustainability and community development and is aligned with the Aboitiz group’s #OneAboitiz Sustainability Framework. Furthermore, the partnership supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal on Gender Equality, emphasizing the importance of empowering women and girls for sustainable economic growth. Aboitiz Land’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and gender equality reflects the company’s dedication to creating a better future for all Filipinos. The post Tech-livelihood skills to empower Filipino women appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Castriciones delivers CLOAs in remote Leyte villages despite heavy rains
DAR Secretary Brother John Castriciones did not back out from his original plan of delivering the Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to six agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in a remote village in Leyte......»»
Samar agrarian reform beneficiaries organization wins DOST award
Cantongtong Agrarian Rice Farmers Association (CARFA) bested five other contenders coming from the five other provinces in the region and received P5,000 cash prize......»»
Montalban beneficiaries awarded land ownership amidst pandemic
MONTALBAN, Rizal, Oct. 9 (PIA)-- Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Atty. John Castriciones spearheads the distribution of 223 certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) to 153 agrarian benef.....»»
153 magsasaka ng Rizal tumanggap ng titulo ng lupa mula sa DAR
Manila, Philippines – Natupad ang pangarap ng may 153 magsasaka sa Rodriguez, Rizal na makamit nila ang titulo ng lupang kanilang sinasaka makalipas ang 27 taong paghihintay. Ang pamamahagi ng Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) ay pinangunahan ni Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John Castriciones sa mga agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). Sinabi niyang […] The post 153 magsasaka ng Rizal tumanggap ng titulo ng lupa mula sa DAR appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»