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SB19, Yara, Ver5us magsasama-sama sa ‘Campus Pop Tour’, lilibutin ang iba’t ibang school sa Pinas
EXCITING news mga ka-BANDERA, lalo na sa mga estudyante diyan! Magsasama-sama kasi ang Pinoy pop groups na SB19, YARA at VER5US sa ikakasang “Campus Pop Tour” in partnership with Dunkin’ at CNCA Media Concepts, Inc. Imbes sa concert stage, magtatanghal sila sa iba’t-ibang eskwelahan mula sa Manila, Bulacan, Batangas, Baguio, Cebu, Legazpi at Cagayan de.....»»
Heavy rains ahead due to typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’
The typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat" will continue to affect the western portion of Luzon in the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Monday. Typhoon Hanna, which exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility, will continue to enhance "habagat", bringing a significant amount of rain to Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Calamian Islands and Zambales. PAGASA warned that flooding and rain-induced landslides are expected under this weather condition. On Tuesday, the enhanced southwest monsoon will continue to bring gusty conditions over the following areas not under any Wind Signal, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds, including the Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, the southern portion of Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Marinduque, Kalayaan Islands, Camarines Provinces and most of Calabarzon. Gusty winds will prevail over the Batanes, Ilocos Norte, the western portion of Pangasinan and Kalayaan Islands on Wednesday. PAGASA said the Gale Warning is in effect for the seaboards of Northern Luzon, the western and southern seaboards of Luzon, and the western seaboard of Visaya due to the combined influence of "Hanna" (while outside PAR) and the enhanced southwest monsoon. PAGASA said it is also closely monitoring cloud formations that may develop into a low-pressure area. These cloud clusters are forming over the eastern section, it added. PAGASA said it is “not ruling out the possibility” that it will develop into an LPA in the next few days. The post Heavy rains ahead due to typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
4 governors feted
TACLOBAN CITY — Four provincial governors were awarded with the prestigious 2023 Gawad Parangal Most Outstanding Governor of the Philippines for their exceptional commitment to social services in Davao City last 15 August 2023. The recognition was conferred by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Incorporated during its 26th ALSWDOPI National Convention and General Assembly. This year’s awardees were Governors Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar, Daniel Fernando of Bulacan and Edwin Jubahib of Davao del Norte and Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas. Vice President Sara Duterte, in her speech, stressed that “all Local Chief Executives should emulate the leadership of our awardees, that is, giving premium on the social welfare and development programs of each local government units.” The post 4 governors feted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Environmental group appeals to PBBM, DENR to stop reclamation in Batangas as well
An environmental advocacy group is also calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to also stop ongoing reclamation projects on the coast of Batangas. The Protect the Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP) said the reclamation in Batangas province would pave the way for the construction of more liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and power plants. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Protect VIP convenor, said in a radio interview that the ongoing reclamation projects in VIP for the construction of fossil gas projects "will result in turbid waters and make (seagrass), coral reefs, and marine fauna vulnerable to stressors.” The Verde Island Passage according to Conservation International (Philippines), is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and is recognized as the center of global shore-fish biodiversity. It is also home to species such as whale sharks, sea turtles, and an impressive array of corals. It extends to the coastlines of Batangas, Romblon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro provinces. Gariguez said the VIP waters continue to yield new species to science, further underscoring its global biological significance. The marine corridor is the “epicenter” of fossil gas and LNG developments in the country now that eight of 27 proposed new plants and seven of the nine planned LNG terminals in the country will be located in Batangas. Protect group warned that by allowing fossil gas facilities to be built and operated, it will expose the VIP to the frequent entry of LNG barges, and inadvertent oil spills or disposal of shipboard liquid waste and bilge water. “Putting up these gas terminals and power plants is destructive as the dumping and filling of land disturb the existing coastal habitats in VIP, ” Gariguez said. In May 2023, while the passage is currently a marine protected area, the governors of five provinces governors want it to be a “legislated protected area", with DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga agreeing with them. “Considering its mandate, the DENR is committed to strengthening the protection and management of the VIP as a priority conservation area,” Loyzaga said. When Gariguez's group learned of the President's decision to suspend all 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay, they believed this was also the best time to bring the matter to the DENR. 22 Manila Bay reclamation projects Meanwhile, DENR also on Tuesday clarified that the subject of the suspension order by the President are the 22 reclamation projects in the Manila Bay Area only and not the entire Philippines. Of the 22 reclamation projects, DENR records showed that 15 are in the jurisdiction of the National Capital Region where three projects are already ongoing. The remaining 7 projects are located in CALABARZON. The agency said Manila Bay is not only limited to Metro Manila shorelines. It also has areas in Region 3 and 4A--several provinces like Bulacan, Cavite and Bataan. The post Environmental group appeals to PBBM, DENR to stop reclamation in Batangas as well appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security
Asia is the world's largest rice consumer, accounting for 90 percent of global rice consumption. According to a business website that made use of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, the Philippines is among the top 20 countries with the highest rice consumption per capita. Data shows that the country's almost 113 million population consumes around 16.50 million metric tons of rice every year. The affordability and availability of rice have been cited as the primary reasons for Filipinos' penchant for eating rice. Thus, the proliferation of restaurants in the country serving "unlimited rice" has always been a fool-proof marketing strategy to entice customers. India's announcement in July that it would restrict the export of non-basmati rice has jolted not just the country but the global rice market. India is the world's largest rice exporter, accounting for over 40 percent of the global rice trade. It is on this note that I am calling for stronger government interventions in the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, India's decision comes at a time when the country is grappling with flooded rice fields as a result of recent calamities. But we cannot blame India for its decision to prioritize its domestic market. We have to be prepared as this could trigger a rice crisis affecting millions of Filipinos who consider rice a staple food. It is high time that we provide our local farmers with much-needed support to boost domestic rice production by offering them drought-resistant rice seeds, more fertilizers, additional irrigation, increased training, and easy access to credit facilities with low-interest rates. Our government must focus on short-term remedies such as exploring alternative sources like Vietnam and Thailand. But more importantly, we must implement long-term interventions that will lead to sustainable rice production. I have always been an advocate of sustainability and self-sufficiency to achieve food security which is a top priority of the current administration. Meanwhile, I have remained committed to visiting various parts of the country, not only to provide assistance but also to address the concerns of our people. On 5 August, we attended the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the two-storey Malasakit Center Building at Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. We aided 647 patients and 2,535 medical frontliners including security guards, utilities, and other hospital staff. Meanwhile, qualified beneficiaries were given financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Joining us were CRMC Chief of the Hospital, Dr. Ishmael Dimaren, Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura, Matnog Mayor Zohria Bansel-Guro, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tucao Mastura, and Vice Mayor Shameem Mastura. We also participated in the inauguration of the new Super Health Center (SHC) in the town of Libungan, where we assisted 1,000 indigent beneficiaries together with Vice Governor Efren Piñol, former vice governor Shirlyn Macasarte, Mayor Angel Rose Cuan and Vice Mayor Jims Fullecido. At the invitation of Mayor Angel Rose Cuan, we attended the town's Inter-Barangay Basketball Championship as part of its 62nd Founding Anniversary and 8th Katambolit Festival. We then headed to Midsayap to attend the groundbreaking of the SHC and assist 1,000 struggling residents together with Rep. Samantha Santos, Vice Gov. Efren Piñol, Mayor Rolando Sacdalan, and Vice Mayor Vivencio Deomampo Jr. On 4 August, we witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC to be built in Monkayo, Davao de Oro. We visited the construction and renovation of the public market funded through our efforts. We also distributed assistance to 1,000 indigents in the area accompanied by Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora, Vice Governor Jayvee Uy, and Board Member Herv Apsay, among others. On 3 August, we were in Batangas to witness the groundbreaking of the Batangas Provincial Medical Center (New Provincial Hospital) in the municipality of Tuy. We also led the distribution of aid to 1,700 residents, with the support of Governor Dodo Mandanas. We were joined by Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, Congressmen Eric Buhain and Ray Reyes, Tuy Mayor Jose Jecerell Cerrado, San Luis Mayor Oscar Lito Hernandez, Vice Mayor Maan de Gracia, Lian Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste, and other local officials. We then went to Davao City to attend the 1st General Assembly of the Philippine Councilors League-Occidental Mindoro. On 2 August, we visited Caloocan City and witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC, along with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy, Congressman Oca Malapitan, Mayor Along Malapitan, and Vice Mayor Karina Teh. We distributed aid to 980 impoverished residents in collaboration with the offices of Cong. Cajayon-Uy, Councilor Ed Aruelo, and Councilor Wewel De Leon. For those affected by Typhoon Egay, we distributed food packs and assisted 5,000 beneficiaries in Minalin, Arayat, and various towns in Pampanga; 500 in Bauang, La Union; 700 in Calumpit, and 1,700 residents from Hagonoy, Guiguinto, and San Miguel in Bulacan; 900 in Dagupan City, San Fabian, and Calasiao in Pangasinan; 200 in Binangonan, Rizal; and 200 in San Antonio, Zambales. We also assisted 89 fire victims in various barangays in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided help to 1,200 impoverished residents of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; 1,049 in San Pedro City, Laguna; 800 in Tabaco City, Albay; and 67 more in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. We also helped people in Bulacan, including 66 in Santa Maria, 66 in Paombong, 66 in Baliwag, 66 in Bustos, 66 in Obando, and 66 in Norzagaray. In Batangas, we also assisted 500 beneficiaries from Calaca, 400 in Tanauan City, and 57 more in Batangas City. The post Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Leviste’s RE firm grows land assets
SP New Energy Corp., along with its subsidiaries, has secured more than 4,000 hectares of land in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac and Batangas provinces. These lands will be utilized for the development of the company’s large-scale renewable energy projects. In a stock report on Wednesday, SPNEC said over 3,000 hectares of the assets were secured through deeds of sale or contracts to sell and over 1,000 hectares through contracts to lease. SPNEC noted that more than 2,000 hectares of the company’s land assets have already received approval for conversion to industrial use. “We thank all who have helped us grow SPNEC’s assets, from its initial 352 hectares to over 4,000 hectares, and from a single project to a portfolio of projects operating, under construction, and development,” Solar Philippines founder Leandro Leviste said. Hectares to megawatts “It is time for us to build upon what we have so far, and work on turning these hectares into megawatts,” he added. Expanding its total land bank is part of SPNEC’s ongoing consolidation of projects with Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. or SP. It can be recalled that in May, SPNEC entered into a contract to acquire shares of SP in various entities using the proceeds of SP’s subscription of 24.37 billion shares of SPNEC. The move was implemented after the Securities and Exchange Commission approved SPNEC’s increase in authorized capital stock last 1 June 2023. Following these developments, SPNEC’s assets now include over 400 megawatts, or MW, of projects operating or under construction. SP is also transferring to SPNEC contracts and permits to support its projects, some of which it has been developing since 2016. It is also preparing various share sales to support these developments and increase its public float. The post Leviste’s RE firm grows land assets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Leviste’s RE firm expands land assets
SP New Energy Corp., along with its subsidiaries, has secured more than 4,000 hectares of land in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, and Batangas provinces. These lands will be utilized for the development of the company's large-scale renewable energy projects. In a stock report on Wednesday, SPNEC said over 3,000 hectares of the assets were secured through deeds of sale or contracts to sell and over 1,000 hectares through contracts to lease. SPNEC noted that more than 2,000 hectares of the company's land assets have already received approval for conversion to industrial use. “We thank all who have helped us grow SPNEC’s assets, from its initial 352 hectares to over 4000 hectares, and from a single project to a portfolio of projects operating, under construction, and development,” Solar Philippines founder Leandro Leviste said. “It is time for us to build upon what we have so far, and work on turning these hectares into megawatts,” he added. Expanding its total land bank is part of SPNEC’s ongoing consolidation of projects with Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings, Inc. or SP. It can be recalled that in May, SPNEC entered into a contract to acquire shares of SP in various entities using the proceeds of SP’s subscription of 24.37305 billion shares of SPNEC. The move was implemented after the Securities and Exchange Commission approved SPNEC’s increase in authorized capital stock last 1 June 2023. Following these developments, SPNEC’s assets now include over 400 MW of projects operating or under construction. SP is also transferring to SPNEC contracts and permits to support its projects, some of which it has been developing since 2016. It is also preparing various share sales to support these developments and increase its public float. The post Leviste’s RE firm expands land assets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Egay’ maintains strength, makes second landfall over Dalupiri island in Cagayan
Typhoon Egay retained its strength as it made its second landfall over Dalupiri Island in Aparri, Cagayan according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Wednesday, 26 July. Egay made its first landfall over Fuga Island in Aparri, Cagayan earlier today. Pagasa weather specialist Loriedin De La Cruz-Galicia said in the state weather bureau's 11:00 a.m. advisory said Egay is currently affecting most parts of Northern Luzon while a low-pressure area has been found in the eastern Northeastern portion of Mindanao outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. "'Yung natitirang bahagi ng Central Luzon at Southern Luzon ay nakakaranas pa rin po ng mga pag-ulan na dulot naman ng outer rain bands ni Typhoon Egay at maging ng Southwest Monsoon o habagat," De La Cruz-Galicia said. Meanwhile, De La Cruz-Galicia said that since the LPA is still far away, its development is still uncertain. Egay is highly likely to exit PAR within 24 to 48 hours according to Pagasa. Meanwhile, Signal No. 4 is still raised over the northern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Apayao, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte. Signal No. 3 is still raised over Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, the rest of Apayao, the northern portion of Kalinga, the northern portion of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur. Meanwhile, Isabela, the rest of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the northern and western portions of Pangasinan is under Signal No. 2. Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, the northern portion of Batangas, the northern and central portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, the northern portion of Camarines Sur is under Signal no. 1. The post ‘Egay’ maintains strength, makes second landfall over Dalupiri island in Cagayan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Egay’ makes landfall over Aparri
Typhoon "Egay" made landfall over Fuga island in Aparri, Cagayan as it moves westward at 20 kilometers per hour according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration early Wednesday, 26 July. The state weather bureau's 5:00 a.m. bulletin said that Egay may exhibit wobbling motion while in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands in the next 6 hours. Egay is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 215 km/h. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 4 is still raised over the northern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Apayao, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte. Meanwhile, Signal no. 3 is raised over Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, the rest of Apayao, the northern portion of Kalinga, the northern portion of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur. Isabela, the rest of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Sur, and La Union are under Signal no. 2. Signal No. 1 is raised over Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, the northern portion of Batangas, the northern and central portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, the northern portion of Camarines Sur. Pagasa said a landfall over northwestern Cagayan is not ruled out. Egay is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday afternoon, 27 July. The post ‘Egay’ makes landfall over Aparri appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Addressing poverty, hunger toward inclusive econ recovery
As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos prepares to deliver his second State of the Nation Address today, I remain hopeful that this can be an opportunity to highlight concrete steps towards a path of full and inclusive economic recovery. I am optimistic that this platform where all branches of government come together to listen to the priorities of the President can strengthen our unity and commitment to uphold the administration’s eight-point Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which includes food security, supply chain management, energy costs, healthcare and social protection, infrastructure development, green economy, market competition, and entrepreneurship. As I always say, “Dapat po ay walang maiwan na Pilipino lalo na po ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Dapat po walang magutom. Importante po ang laman ng tiyan at trabaho po para sa bawat Pilipino (No Filipino should be left behind, especially our poor countrymen. No one should go hungry. Food and work are important for every Filipino).” Amidst the recent lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring food security for all Filipinos must remain a top priority of the Marcos Administration. It is in this light that I fully support President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program”, which was recently launched in Tondo, Manila. As one of the priority programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the FSP seeks to reduce involuntary hunger incidents among low-income households. We also respect the decision of President Marcos, Jr. in lifting the State of Public Health Emergency in our country. We trust that it was arrived at after careful consideration of the present health issue and the need to finally open up the economy. With or without the State of Public Health Emergency, the government should fulfill its obligations to protect the lives of Filipinos, safeguard their health, and give what is due to them, especially to our medical frontliners. As a legislator, I have authored and supported bills that aim to address the most urgent issues faced by our fellow Filipinos today. I have also spearheaded the enactment of several legislations that aim to bring healthcare services closer to those in need, especially at the grassroots. As we all know, health is wealth and must be prioritized to attain a productive citizenry. Among these is the Malasakit Centers Act which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate and was enacted into law in 2019. These centers bring various government agencies under one roof to provide convenient access for indigent patients needing medical assistance. So far, 158 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide and have helped more than seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health. I have recently successfully sponsored the Regional Specialty Centers bill, which I am also a co-author, now awaiting the signature of the President. The bill aims to make available specialized medical facilities in various regions nationwide, benefitting particularly poor and impoverished Filipinos. For example, under the bill, services provided by the Philippine Heart Center, currently located in Quezon City, will also be available in regional DOH hospitals. The enactment of the measure will also include services for a broad range of specialties, including lung care, orthopedics, neonatal care, renal care, cancer care, and mental health, among others, making it a multi-year comprehensive nationwide healthcare improvement plan. Aside from these, we have also continuously supported the establishment of Super Health Centers in strategic locations around the country as a way to provide better access to basic medical services, especially at the grassroots. Through the collective efforts of DOH and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Meanwhile, driven by my passion for public service, I continue to respond to the needs of our fellow citizens, particularly the poor, wherever they may be in the country in my capacity as a senator and public servant. On 18 July, we were in Bulacan to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the San Miguel Super Health Center. Alongside Congresswoman Lorna Silverio, Board Member Raul Marian, and Mayor Roderick Tiongson, we also provided aid to 1,000 impoverished individuals in the town. We then visited the town of Bustos to distribute assistance to 1,000 indigents, in collaboration with Mayor Iskul Juan’s office. I am delighted to announce that on 20 July, we held and witnessed the topping-off ceremony of the New Senate Building in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. This was presided over by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, fellow senators, and other officials. This will be the new home of the Senate once completed. My office continues to deliver aid this week to our fellow citizens facing various crises. We promptly responded to the needs of victims of separate fire incidents. In Brgy. Kasangyangan, Zamboanga City, we helped 419 victims; in Baganga, Davao Oriental, we assisted 299 victims; and in Maco and Laak, Davao de Oro, we aided three victims. We conducted a series of aid distributions in Batangas, bringing smiles to 300 residents of Batangas City in partnership with Board Members Lydia Lopez, Maria Louise Gamo Vale, and Jesus de Veyra; 100 in San Juan in partnership with BM Melvin Vidal; 100 in Lipa City in partnership with BM Aries Mendoza; and 100 in Rosario in partnership with BM Jonas Patrick Gozos. We did not neglect the people of Nueva Ecija, where I am considered an adopted son of the province, and managed to spread joy to 364 beneficiaries from Llanera in coordination with their municipal council, and 166 from the Science City of Muñoz, in collaboration with Mayor Baby Alvarez’s office. We also reached San Fernando City, Pampanga, where we were able to assist 16 indigents alongside Mayor Vilma Caluag. In Quezon City, together with Councilor Aiko Melendez, we were able to assist 163 displaced workers. We also supported 100 individuals in Biñan City, Laguna, in collaboration with Councilor Alvin Garcia. Millions of Filipinos require the support and protection of the government. As a legislator, I can only do so much. However, if each of us does our part, then we can be a powerful force that could help our fellow Filipinos break free from the cycle of poverty and hunger. The post Addressing poverty, hunger toward inclusive econ recovery appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prices rise and fall
In the law of supply and demand, it’s generally held that prices rise and fall. Differently stated, if supply is greater than demand, the price is low; when demand is greater than supply, the price is high. Along with this market behavior, there’s either government failure or market failure as corrective tools to protect consumers or producers, even both. The average family household is most concerned about its monthly water and electricity bills as these are the two basic necessities of urban living. Roads constitute a public good but not so in the case of toll expressways. Water is likewise a public good but, again, not so when it is managed by water concessionaires (i.e. Manila Water and Maynilad). Electricity also ceases to be a public good when it is run by electric cooperatives in some rural areas or Meralco in the case of Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon. On the issue of electricity, Dr. Maria Fe Mendoza has written, “Politics and Dynamics of Electricity Regulation: The Case of ERB and Meralco.” Quickly, as a sort of “disclaimer” found in the End Notes of her 60-page article is thus: “Caution and restraint have been initially exercised in presenting this case study so as to uphold the principle of sub judice when discussing court decisions.” She calls it her two cents-worth of opinion in the spirit of academic freedom. The contemporary scene wherein the Court of Appeals nullified the decision of the Energy Regulatory Commission to deny the rate hike petition jointly filed by power distributor Manila Electric Co. and two units of conglomerate of San Miguel Corporation due to losses overshadows the “findings and inferences” embedded in Mendoza’s well-documented research on regulatory governance. Specifically, in the instant case, the “surge of fuel costs” may have compelled SPPC and SMEC to suspend the power supply agreement with Meralco as the CA denied their rate hike proposal. Meanwhile, the largest electricity distribution utility suffers from daily losses, while consumers live in fear of imminent rate increases. Meralco’s hands appear to be tied after it was denied a rate hike and the termination of its contracts (i.e. Meralco to suspend PSA). If we contextualize developments affecting the regulator arising from these so-called “quasi-judicial” and “judicial proceedings” within ERB and the courts, it would be easy to validate the interesting findings of Dr. Mendoza. For scholars of public policy, there ought to be a shift in bureaucratic mindset — one perhaps that can accommodate the notion that typical problems arising from rate adjustments gravitate around a management issue. Interestingly, as a lesson learned, Dr. Mendoza has this to say, viz., “With regard to who benefited, the study learned that rate regulation is a pendulum of forces and legal maneuvers that swayed in favor of the utility firm at some points and tilted in favor of the consumers and the regulator at other points.” Further, she adds: “Because of the quasi-judicial nature of the processes and procedures adopted by ERB for rate regulation, ERB would insist it was only following rules. Thus, the ERB (i.e. Case 93-118, as cited) transcended beyond the quasi-judicial policy arena towards the judicial arena and became regulation by lawsuits.” Truly, in iteration, “due to the legal mindset of most of our leaders and regulators, reforms in the regulators and our model of regulation would take a lot more time and, hence, debates, deliberations, hearings and other legal and policy proceedings would be required before consensus is arrived at and change effected.” As suggested, regulation can be redefined as not a question of facts or of law. Both regulator and regulated could be more pragmatic to achieve a win-win further down the policy path — increased “managerialization” of government as against “judicialization.” The post Prices rise and fall appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valenzuela, Malabon floods blamed on monsoon rains
Several villages in the cities of Valenzuela and Malabon experiencing flooding due to torrential rains brought by the storm-enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat.” The Valenzuela City, Command, Control, and Communication Center reported on Saturday that flooding around 10 to 12 inches deep was experienced along T. Santiago Street while flood waters in Veinte Reales bypass road reached six to eight inches. Valenzuela’s Baranggay Arkong Bato experienced four to five inches of flooding in M.H Del Pilar Street while a 1 to 2 inches flood was experienced along the McArthur highway nearby the corner of C. Santiago Street. Flooding along Dampalit Street in Barangay Muson and Flamingo Street in Barangay Panghulo located in Malabon City were also recorded. Weather bureau PAGASA said habagat will prevail over Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Western Visayas even as tropical storm “Dodong” exits the Philippine area of responsibility, moving north-northwestward at 10 kilometers per hour. “Dodong” was last tracked at 305 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph. “Dodong” is forecast to move generally northwestward today before turning west-northwestward for the remainder of the forecast period, exiting the PAR between Saturday morning and in the afternoon. Hence, “Dodong,” according to PAGASA, is no longer directly affecting any part of the country although it continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, dumping rain and causing gusty conditions. The post Valenzuela, Malabon floods blamed on monsoon rains appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Habagat rains to persist as TD Dodong moves outside PAR
Storm-enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to bring occasional and frequent rains in most parts of the country, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration on Saturday, 15 July. PAGASA said monsoon rains will affect Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Western Visayas with possible flooding or landslides in these areas possible amid scattered to widespread rains. Moderate to at times heavy rains may prevail in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol Region, and the rest of Central Luzon and of CALABARZON. The rest of the country will experience isolated rains or thunderstorms caused by habagat or by localized thunderstorms. PAGASA said heavy rainfall is forecast to hit La Union and Pangasinan from Saturday night until Sunday due to Tropical Depression Dodong. The tropical depression is forecast to intensify while moving towards the West Philippine Sea. Dodong may reach the tropical storm category today near the northwestern limit of the Philippine area of responsibility region and may peak at the typhoon category on Monday. The post Habagat rains to persist as TD Dodong moves outside PAR appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Typhoon-hit health centers get much-needed upgrade
In fulfilling this mission, SM Foundation recently collaborated with UNIQLO Philippines to provide much-needed assistance to communities hit by typhoon “Paeng”, particularly health centers that provide basic health care services to low-income communities. SM Foundation Inc. executive director for Health Wellness Program Connie Angeles led the turnover of the renovated Canlalay Barangay Health Station and Rosario Rural Health Unit–Annex, the 192nd and 193rd SMFI Wellness Center and the 20th and 21st centers under the collaboration for social good with UNIQLO, respectively. Through this collaboration, the “Paeng”-affected health centers were able to address challenges that had long impeded their safety and functionality, from lack of appropriate medical equipment and facilities to worn-out structures. With the repair and rehabilitation, both health stations are now made more conducive to dispensing their services. Each center was fitted with new signage, medical equipment and tools, such as delivery beds, dressing carriage, vaccine refrigerator and breastfeeding areas. Aside from revitalizing the centers from floor to ceiling, SMFI also equipped them with glass doors to replace termite-infested doors and windows, new bathroom fixtures, television sets, filing and medicine cabinets, tables, chairs as well as inverter-type air-conditioning units and LED lights. “Thank you very much to SM Foundation and UNIQLO Philippines for the renovation of the health facility and new equipment to be used for patient care and services as these would be a great help for the communities that we serve,” said Dr. Noriel Emelo of Rosario Health Unit-Annex. Biñan City health officer Dr. Mirabelle Benjamin also shared: “In our community, we have a school that serves as an evacuation center. So, when a typhoon hits, it’s strategic that we have a reliable health center nearby. We are also thankful because we have partnered with SM, who helps us ensure the long-term functionality of our health centers.” Earlier this year, the partners provided Emergency GoKit+ to 43 flood-prone communities hit by Paeng in Zamboanga del Sur, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, Bulacan, Isabela and Cagayan, enabling them to provide immediate first-aid responses during disasters. Over 2,400 typhoon-affected families also received dinner sets through the collaboration. [caption id="attachment_155657" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SM FOUNDATIONAside from other preventive care, patients receive quality dental health care inside the renovated Rosario Rural Health Unit-Annex.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_155654" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Inside the newly refurbished Barangay Canlalay Health Station, Biñan, Laguna.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_155655" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Health workers attend to the needs of residents of Barangay Canlalay.[/caption] The post Typhoon-hit health centers get much-needed upgrade appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco Advisory: Powering a decade of transparency and consumer education
by Joe R. Zaldarriaga It fills me with great excitement and pride to announce the coming 10th-year anniversary of the Meralco Advisory in June. Over the past decade, the Meralco Advisory has been at the forefront of driving transparency and education in the Philippine energy space. In our desire to be further transparent in explaining the monthly changes in electric bills, we launched the Meralco Advisory in 2013 to take an active role in shaping the narrative around electricity rates. This groundbreaking program revolutionized the way how we communicate with our customers; effectively countering misinformation and ensuring our customers have access to accurate information. Since then, the Meralco Advisory has been instrumental in providing truth and transparency when it comes to power costs. Through a monthly 60-second TV and radio infomercial, we have been able to deliver crucial updates on electricity rate movements, and explain the underlying causes behind these fluctuations – whether they be increases or decreases – empowering our customers to make informed decisions regarding their energy consumption. But the Meralco Advisory is more than just an information source. It has become a trusted companion to our customers, offering valuable energy-saving tips, and electrical safety guidelines, and sharing inspiring stories of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and innovative breakthroughs. Meralco holds a prominent position in the Philippine energy sector. As the largest electricity distribution company, it serves a vast franchise area covering 38 cities and 73 municipalities. This extensive coverage spans the core industrial, commercial, and population centers of the country, including Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Bulacan, and parts of Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon. With a commitment to service excellence, Meralco diligently serves approximately 7.7 million customers within its franchise area, meeting their diverse energy needs and ensuring a reliable power supply. The Meralco Advisory is an extension of this service excellence. We believe in the power of knowledge and its ability to transform lives. By providing comprehensive information, we have enabled millions of Filipino families to manage their power consumption effectively. I am proud of the positive impact the Meralco Advisory has made over the years. It has become the go-to source for electricity news and information, not only for our customers but also for the media. We have strived to be the most credible and reliable source, and our efforts have been recognized through numerous international, regional, and local communication awards. These accolades only serve to validate our commitment to excellence and our dedication to effectively communicating the complexities of managing power consumption in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. As we celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the Meralco Advisory, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our customers, the media, and all stakeholders who have supported us throughout this incredible journey. Your trust and engagement have been invaluable, and it is because of your support that the Meralco Advisory has thrived and made a difference in the lives of so many. Looking ahead, we remain committed to our mission of transparency, education, and empowering our customers. We will continue to evolve and adapt to meet their changing needs, leveraging the latest technologies and innovations to provide the most relevant and reliable information. (The author is an award-winning communications executive immersed within and beyond the energy sector. He was awarded by the University of Manila in 2019 and given a scroll of commendation for his many years in public service. He is one of the premiere business columnists of this paper). END The post Meralco Advisory: Powering a decade of transparency and consumer education appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Knowledge Channel, AboitizPower lead support for more mobile libraries
The Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. recently partnered with Aboitiz Power Corp. and Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s business-to-business clientele in providing Knowledge Channel Portable Media Libraries to partner schools. These schools were given a KC Portable Media Library — consisting of an external hard drive containing more than 1,500 Department of Education-aligned, curriculum-based video lessons and digital materials — and a 43-inch smart TV with a built-in Knowledge Channel app. Along with the tools, in-person and virtual technical training were conducted to help equip teachers in maximizing the learning resources they received. AboitizPower customer-corporations who contributed to the project were NEO, JTekt Philippines Corporation, Cargill Bulacan, Cargill Pulilan, Pascual Laboratories Inc., Philippine Resins Industries Inc. Mabuhay Interflour Mills Inc. and Embarcadero Land Ventures Inc. Meanwhile, partner schools include Gat Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, Santiago National High School, Baliuag Central School, Rufino A. Cruz Memorial Elementary School, Gat Francisco Balagtas High School, Josephine Khonghun SPED Center, Mariveles National High School Batangas II and Barangay 17 Child Development Center Day. “I’m very proud that at this moment our partners are at our side to help our youth… To have these digital learning modalities go into our schools is a very rare opportunity,” Baliuag South Central School Principal III Rosalie S. Santos said in the vernacular. “Because of the Knowledge Channel, visuals and thereby learning are also made more appealing to kids.” “Thanks to AboitizPower, this project was able to reach us. The words ‘thank you’ are inadequate for our overflowing gratitude for your support in helping improve education,” she added. By establishing these initiatives, KCFI continues to be at the forefront of helping improve education by developing educational video resource libraries, as well as enhancing partnerships and programs for teachers and other child development stakeholders. These educators are also able to save time as they are spared the task of scanning books, editing videos and creating presentations. “Accessibility to learning is a common challenge across public schools in the country. We thank our partners from various industries and KCFI for helping us leverage multimedia resources and innovative tools to help improve the quality and accessibility of education,” said AboitizPower first vice president-head of Retail James Byron Yu. AboitizPower and its partners continue to support public schools across the Philippines by helping improve the quality of education and welfare of students through greater access to media and technology. The Knowledge Channel accepts donations through BPI Acct. No. 0201-0409-14. More information about the organization can be learned through their website knowledgechannel.org. The post Knowledge Channel, AboitizPower lead support for more mobile libraries appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rockwell sets sight on 3 provinces
Rockwell Land Corporation plans to expand in almost 200 hectares of development in Cebu, Bulacan and Batangas that it announced at its annual stockholders’ meeting on 14 June. The company is set to launch the IPI Center by Rockwell, its third project in Cebu this year. It is a 2.85-hectare mixed-use community featuring Rockwell Workspaces and a unique retail concept. “We are looking forward to our newest Cebu project with the Wong and Castillo families of International Pharmaceuticals Inc., which is in the heart of the city.” “We’ll first offer residential units through Lincoln, inspired by the well-received Proscenium tower in Makati, and will soon be complemented by a retail area that we envision will excite the market,” Rockwell Land chairperson and CEO Nestor Padilla said. Rockwell reported an increase in its net income after tax to parent of 40 percent in 2022 compared to the previous year, and expects to reach pre-pandemic NIAT levels by year’s end. Bulacan project slated Making its mark in a new thriving city, Rockwell will develop a new horizontal neighborhood in San Jose, Bulacan. The 100-hectare project in Bulacan will be designed to build a hillside escape and wellness retreat for its future residents. The company will also develop a future project in Lian, Batangas poised to be its first premium horizontal beach community in the area. “We are excited about our new vast 85-hectare beach property. It has 700 meters of coastline and clear waters, spread across 2 natural coves,” adds Padilla. In 2024, Rockwell expects to launch its first phase of residential lots. The company remains committed to expanding with strong leadership. After the appointment of CEO Nestor Padilla as chairperson in February 2023, it also announced the appointment of its new president and chief pperating Officer, Valerie Soliven. Padilla and Soliven, both pioneers of Rockwell, are expected to lead the company to double digit growth in the next few years. The post Rockwell sets sight on 3 provinces appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating independence, overcoming challenges
We all wish for the good health of our loved ones. It would pain anyone to see their family members, friends or partners suffering through disease, more so if they cannot receive adequate medical attention due to financial constraints or inaccessible health services. Unfortunately, many poor Filipinos and those living in remote areas face precisely this dilemma. As we go around the country, I have personally witnessed the dire need to make medical assistance and health services — both basic and specialized — more accessible to Filipinos. That is why as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I continue to push for initiatives to improve healthcare access, including the establishment of more Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers and Regional Specialty Centers. Just last on Friday, 9 June, I was honored to lead the inauguration of the 158th Malasakit Center at the Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital in Guagua, Pampanga, together with our new Health Secretary, Teodoro Herbosa, as well as local leaders led by Governor Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, among others. The Malasakit Center aims to streamline and expedite the delivery of medical assistance particularly to poor patients by consolidating the programs of various government agencies under one roof. Launched in 2018, it was later institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. According to the DOH, over seven million Filipinos nationwide have benefited from the program so far. During the inauguration, my team and I also aided 120 in-patients, 174 out-patients, and 378 front liners at the hospital. Additionally, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended assistance to qualified patients. On the same day, we visited Bulacan to assist 1,000 students in Guiguinto town with Mayor Agay Cruz and Congressman Boy Cruz, as well as 1,465 struggling Bulakeños in Meycauayan City. We also attended the ribbon-cutting and blessing of the city’s Super Health Center together with Mayor Henry Villarica. I have also long been advocating for the establishment of more Super Health Centers throughout the country. Through the efforts of our fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. While our Super Health Centers bring basic health services closer to Filipinos, especially in remote areas, I am hopeful that we could also soon provide our kababayans improved access to specialized medical services following the recent ratification of the Bicameral Conference Report on the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which I authored and principally sponsored. If enacted, it will bring key medical services closer to the people by establishing specialty centers that cater to specific medical needs in different regions. Meanwhile, we have also continued distributing aid to many indigent Filipinos in various regions. On 5 June, I was in Digos City, Davao del Sur, with Mayor Josef Cagas and other local leaders to aid 1,500 indigents and witness the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center. We were in Agusan del Norte with Governor Angel Amante-Matba the following day, where we attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Las Nieves and inspected the ongoing construction of the Las Nieves Bridge. We then added 1,500 indigents in the town before visiting the Butuan City Super Health Center. We likewise assisted 2,000 residents in the city. Following this, I attended the annual general assembly of the Philippine League of Secretaries to Sanggunian Inc. in Davao City. Iloilo was our next destination where we attended the groundbreaking of the Barotac Viejo Super Health Center on 7 June and provided aid to 1,000 indigents in the town. I was also invited by Congressman Boboy Tupas and Mayor Bongbong Tupas to inspect the town’s new fire station. That day, we assisted 1,897 typhoon victims in Banate. We then made our way to Silay City in Negros Occidental, where we participated in the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center, dropped by the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital where I was instrumental in funding the construction of its new building, and extended aid to 2,000 underprivileged residents. Additionally, we joined in the commemoration of Silay City’s Charter Anniversary led by Mayor Joedith Gallego as we attended the PWD Sitting Volleyball event where I highlighted our efforts for more inclusive sports development programs as Chair of the Senate Sports Committee. On 8 June, we helped 1,493 beneficiaries in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, in partnership with Governor Oyie Umali, Mayor Vianne Cuevas, Congressman GP Padiernos, and other local leaders. That same day, we aided 1,160 indigents in Quezon City with Cong. Marivic Pilar-Co. On 9 June, together with Senator Robin Padilla and in partnership with Governor Luigi Villafuerte, Congressman Lray Villafuerte, and Congressman Migz Villafuerte, we distributed aid to 2,699 indigents in Pili, Camarines Sur. That day, we attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Talisay, Camarines Norte, with Mayor Dondon Mancenido, where we likewise assisted 1,500 residents. Together with Governor Dong Padilla, I conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet, Camarines Norte, where we aided 262 patients and 811 front liners. Finally, I headed back to Davao City to attend the 2023 Mindanao League of Municipalities of the Philippines Convention. Meanwhile, my office separately aided 186 fire victims in Quezon City, 41 in Caloocan City, 76 in Parañaque City, and 10 in Baguio City. Likewise helped were 1,015 indigents in Alitagtag, Batangas; 1,500 in Cabanatuan City and 1,040 in General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija; 500 in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte; 360 in Culasi, Antique; 150 in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; 53 in Iba and 13 in Botolan, Zambales; 1,620 in San Vicente, Camarines Norte; 380 Tesda graduates in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; and 90 indigent couples in Baroy, Lanao del Norte. My team likewise witnessed the groundbreaking of the Super Health Centers in Barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City on 6 June, and Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay on 8 June. As we commemorate Philippine Independence Day this Monday and celebrate the heroism and sacrifices of our forefathers to gain the liberties we enjoy today, I hope we can take this time to come together and exert efforts to help free more Filipinos from disease, poverty, and other challenges that beset our society today. 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Property firm bags shelter dev’t plums
In an acknowledgement of its desire to contribute to the government’s efforts to end the country’s housing backlog, P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation or P.A. Properties bagged two awards from the Home Development Mutual Fund. Last 12 May, P.A. Properties was recognized by Pag-IBIG as Northern Luzon’s Top 8 Pag-IBIG Fund Accredited Developer for 2022, as well as the Highest Performing Loans Ratio among Pag-IBIG Fund Accredited Developers in North Luzon. The awards were personally received by P.A. Properties’ president and CEO Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz with P.A. Properties’ VP for Documentation and Collection Evelyn Buco at Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholder’s Accomplishment Report for 2022. Among top developers The company had previously been recognized by Pag-IBIG as one of their top developers at the 2022 Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report or StAR, ranking 7th in the National Capital Region and 8th in Northern Luzon from Q1-Q3. They also ranked 9th for Pag-IBIG Fund’s Accredited Developer Excellence Award for 2022 last 24 March 2023 during the Pag-IBIG chairman’s Report for 2022. P.A. Properties is one of the rapidly expanding real estate developers in the country. The company has successfully completed the development of more than 180 hectares of land and constructed over 20,000 housing and condominium units across 40 communities located in Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga and Metro Manila. The post Property firm bags shelter dev’t plums appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bridging healthcare gap
While the government has consistently strived to improve medical access, the reality remains that access to hospitals providing specialized healthcare services is still limited. Almost all specialty hospitals are located in Metro Manila. We have here the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, among others. As these specialty hospitals are some of the best in our country, many of our Filipinos from the provinces who suffer from serious diseases are constrained to travel to Manila just to ensure that they receive quality, affordable and specialized healthcare services necessary for their conditions. Having to worry over transportation and accommodation expenses on top of the already burdensome medical costs is simply too much, especially for our poor Filipinos who can barely earn enough for their daily needs. As I visited many disadvantaged communities nationwide, scores of our kababayans sought me out not only for medical assistance but also for help with their transportation expenses going to Manila, where the only hospitals that can address their health needs are located. The glaring need to bring these specialized medical services closer to our people in the provinces encourages me to continue advocating for a measure that will mandate the establishment of regional specialty centers nationwide. It is high time that we unburden our fellow Filipinos of unnecessary long travels and additional expenses just to get these services needed to save their lives. On 17 May, I sponsored Senate Bill 2212, which seeks to mandate the Department of Health to establish specialty centers in existing DoH hospitals in different regions within five years, rather than constructing entirely new specialty hospitals — a cost-efficient, faster and practical solution to address the issue. The proposal also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which includes the establishment of specialty centers as part of the health-related legislative agenda of the administration. Moreover, if enacted into law, the DoH will be required to allocate capital outlay investments and work closely with the Department of Budget and Management to develop staffing patterns and standards for the specialty centers, securing positions for healthcare workers serving in these facilities. Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing heart, lung, and kidney centers that replicate the capabilities of the National Specialty Centers in Metro Manila. This is also a way to decongest our existing specialty hospitals. For instance, the establishment of mental health centers in various DoH hospitals would help decongest the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I believe that physical, emotional, and mental health are all equally important, and I will continue to support measures that would protect and promote the different aspects of health as a whole. Thus, on the same day, I also co-sponsored the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act filed by Senator Win Gatchalian. If said bill is passed into law, a Care Center in basic education schools will be established. This will not only benefit the students but also the teaching and non-teaching personnel. Previously, I likewise filed SBN 1786 which aims to mandate Public Higher Education Institutions to establish Mental Health Offices in their respective campuses. Meanwhile, together with my team, I was in Cagayan on 18 May to join in the Sarakat Festival, attend the inauguration of the Super Health Center, and provide aid to 1,500 indigents in the town of Santa Praxedes, where I was honored to be its adopted son. We then headed to Lal-lo town where I witnessed the groundbreaking of another Super Health Center and also led another relief operation for 1,500 more struggling residents in the town. The following day, I visited Jordan, Guimaras, where I attended a volleyball tournament as part of the Manggahan Festival of the province and personally checked on the operations of the Malasakit Center at Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital. We also aided 217 patients and 512 frontliners in the hospital while the Department of Social Welfare and Development assisted 118 qualified patients. Later that day, we visited Buenavista, Guimaras where I led the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center, spearheaded a relief operation for 1,462 indigents, and visited local infrastructure initiatives we earlier supported during the Duterte administration such as the Buenavista Wharf and seawall. Last week, my outreach teams also helped many of our fellow Filipinos in need, including 50 indigents in Libertad, 50 in Salay, and 1,735 in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental; 153 in Agusan del Norte; 255 in Belison, Antique; 419 in Laurel, Batangas; 150 in Quezon City; 1,550 in Manila City; 666 in Limay, Bataan; 108 in Malolos City, Bulacan; 233 in Maria Aurora in Aurora; 366 in Kalawit and 333 in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte; and 1,912 families affected by armed conflict in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. Fire-hit households, including 21 in Lapu-Lapu City, 99 in Mandaue City, and 171 in Cebu City in the province of Cebu; and six in Angeles City, Pampanga were also assisted. Aside from pushing for the establishment of regional specialty centers, I continue to support our Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers to provide more accessible medical assistance programs and basic health services, respectively, to more of our fellow Filipinos. It is my hope that, with the support of our fellow workers in the government, we can continue bringing medical services closer to the people, particularly the economically disadvantaged and those residing in far-flung areas, to help address the urgent need to bridge the healthcare gap across the country. After all, it is enshrined in our Constitution, as a matter of state policy, that “the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people” and that “the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost.” As elected representatives of the Filipino people, it is our solemn duty to realize these state policies. These programs and measures will not only protect and promote such rights but will make this a living testament to our collective desire to help provide a more comfortable life for Filipinos. 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