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Baste Duterte tells Marcos: My father gave yours a hero’s burial
'My father allowed their father to be buried,' says the Davao City mayor.....»»
Baste Duterte to Marcos: My father gave yours a hero’s burial
(1ST UPDATE) The Davao City mayor says he is hurt that ‘they want to imprison my father’.....»»
Solo parents to get P1K monthly subsidy
The Local Solo Parents' Ordinance, recently approved by the 20th City Council of Davao City, promises a monthly subsidy of approximately P1,000 for eligible beneficiaries. Councilor Tricia Ann Villafuerte highlighted the ordinance's significance in providing vital support to solo parents and their children, as there are approximately 6,000 solo parents in Davao City. This ordinance is an adaptation of the national law, Republic Act 8972, customized to address the unique needs of solo parents in the city. It aims to meet the essential needs of mothers and their children, including school supplies, consultation, laboratory diagnostics, and financial assistance, such as medical, death, and burial aid. Additionally, solo parents will receive a monthly monetary subsidy of P1,000 and are entitled to a 10 percent discount on select basic commodities, similar to senior citizens and Persons with Disability (PWD). To qualify for the benefits, applicants must submit necessary documents and meet specific criteria, while disqualification grounds include changes in civil status and provision of necessary assistance by the other biological parent as per the Family Code of the Philippines. It's important to note that individuals under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are ineligible for the Local Solo Parents' Ordinance......»»
Church people share fond memories of Pagadian Bishop Ronald Lunas
PAGADIAN CITY (MindaNews / 13 January) – Eulogies and stories from priests, nuns and seminarians from the Pagadian Diocese who have fond memories of the Bishop Ronald “Bong” Lunas marked the five-day wake here for the deceased prelate who was remembered as a humble, patient and exemplary church official, prior to his burial Thursday at […].....»»
MSU blast victims receive medical, burial assistance
In response to the bomb explosion at the Dimaporo Gymnasium of Mindanao State University–Main Campus in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, victims received medical and burial assistance. Officials from the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and other Bangsamoro Government agencies, including Barmm Chief Minister Ahod “Al-Hadj Murad” Ebrahim, visited victims at hospitals. Six patients received financial aid through MSSD’s Bangsamoro Critical Assistance for Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations program. Additionally, injured patients at the MSU Infirmary received financial aid for transportation and medical needs. The MSSD workforce also visited the bereaved families of the deceased victims to provide cash assistance and support. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support will be provided for MSU-Main Campus Marawi students, and interventions for deceased victims' families will be determined by MSSD. Officials from various agencies, including the university and security sector, held a meeting and inspected the site of the incident. Related stories include the naming of MSU Marawi bombing suspects and statements from officials condemning the attack......»»
DSWD assists bereaved family of Criminology student who died of hazing
The Department of Social Welfare and Development through its Field Office CALABARZON, expressed condolences and provided cash aid to the grieving family of Ahldryn Bravante, a criminology student who lost his life after undergoing fraternity-related hazing on Monday evening, 16 October. The DSWD CALABARZON extended P10,000 worth of cash assistance to the bereaved family and issued a guarantee letter to the funeral service provider, covering the hazing victim’s burial expenses amounting to P40,000 on Thursday, 19 October. DSWD CALABARZON Regional Director Dr. Barry Chua also offered educational assistance for Ahldryn’s two siblings and his 6-year-old daughter. “The loss of a loved one is an incredibly distressing and overwhelming experience, and the DSWD is committed to supporting families in their time of need,” Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez, who is also DSWD spokesperson, said. Digna Esguerra-Cabrera, Ahldryn’s grandmother, expressed her gratitude to the DSWD for providing necessary support to the family in the untimely demise of Ahldryn. “Malaking tulong po sa kanila yun sa gastusin. Hindi naman nila kakayanin yung gagastusin...talagang walang pagkukuhanan (That is a big help for them with the expenses. They would not be able to afford the costs...there’s really no other source.),” a teary-eyed Cabrera said. Aldhryn, a 25-year-old student of the Philippine College of Criminology and resident of Imus, Cavite, was subjected to hazing by a fraternity group in an abandoned building in Quezon City, based on the investigation report of the Quezon City Police Department. According to the DSWD spokesperson, the Department is committed to providing further assistance and support to the Bravante family and is working in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure that the family receives the necessary interventions. The post DSWD assists bereaved family of Criminology student who died of hazing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan will continue transparency about ALPS treated water release
The Daily Tribune recently published the opinion entitled “Releasing Fukushima water amid protests?” by Mr. Bernie V. Lopez, which worsens the misperception of Japan’s discharge plan. Therefore, I would like to provide explanations based on scientific evidence and facts as well as Japan’s efforts to take the measure in the most accountable and transparent manner. First of all, the water to be discharged is NOT “nuclear wastewater”.” It is “ALPS (advanced liquid processing system) treated water,” which has been sufficiently purified until the concentration of radioactive materials other than tritium is below the regulatory standard and then is further diluted before it is discharged. Tritium is a radioactive material that exists in nature, and can be found in rainwater and also in our bodies, but does not accumulate in the body. The reason for the discharge of ALPS-treated water is not a fear of the dangers of storing large amounts of nuclear wastewater but to restore life in Fukushima and achieve reconstruction. The Subcommittee on Handling ALPS Treated Water considered five options: geosphere injection, discharge into the sea, vapor release, hydrogen release, and underground burial. Of those methods, discharge into the sea was determined to be the best from a risk management perspective, because it has a proven track record in domestic and international nuclear facilities and is easy to monitor. Discharge of ALPS-treated water is an issue that cannot be postponed to construct new facilities to safely proceed with the decommissioning work, which will be more fully underway in the future. On 4 July 2023, The International Atomic Energy Agency or IAEA, the world’s authority on nuclear-related issues, published the Comprehensive Report on the Safety Review of the ALPS Treated Water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, which presents the findings of a nearly two-year review conducted by the IAEA and independent international experts based on scientific evidence. The report states that Japan’s plans to discharge the ALPS-treated water into the sea and associated activities are consistent with relevant international safety standards, and the discharge will have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. On 24 August 2023, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, or FDNPS, initiated the discharge of ALPS-treated water to promote the reconstruction of Fukushima. Since the start of the discharge, it has been confirmed that the concentration of nuclides including tritium in seawater and marine products is far below the standards, which indicates that the discharge is safe as planned. Specifically, Japan is implementing three types of monitoring (monitoring of treated water in tanks, real-time monitoring of a wide range of nuclides, mainly tritium) with the involvement of the IAEA. If a problem is detected during this monitoring process such as detecting radioactivity levels exceeding standards, appropriate measures will be taken, including immediate suspension of the discharge. In more detail, we will manage the annual discharge volume of tritium so it will not exceed 22 trillion Bq, which is equivalent to the target discharge management value for the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station before the accident. It is worth noting that other countries also discharge tritium into the sea in compliance with their domestic laws and regulations; for instance, according to the China Nuclear Energy Association website, China, discharging 112 trillion Bequerel, or Bq, from Yangjiang Nuclear Power Plant , 102 trillion Bq from Ningde NPP, 90 trillion Bq from Hongyanhe NPP in 2021. The amount of tritium in the ALPS-treated water is far smaller than the amount of tritium discharged from many nuclear power plants and other facilities in other countries. Consultations with stakeholders Furthermore, the aforementioned article states that “Japan planned the release unilaterally — no transparency, no consensus. They never made an effort for international awareness and inspection.” However, the fact is that Japan has provided information and has engaged in consultations with the interested parties including both international and domestic ones in a transparent manner based on scientific evidence, with an emphasis on providing sufficient data. In addition, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has emphasized that every possible measure would be taken to ensure the safety of discharge and that any emission that would harm the health of citizens or the marine environment would not occur. He also explained Japan’s efforts regarding the discharge of ALPS-treated water at ASEAN-related Summit Meetings in Jakarta on September 6 and 7 and the G20 New Delhi Summit on September 9 and 10, which led to a wider and deeper understanding of our approach. The positive recognition and support in the international community for Japan’s efforts and its commitments are currently spreading. Many countries including the U.S., Australia, and NZ officially welcomed the IAEA’s Comprehensive Report, and also Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) acknowledged Japan’s efforts. Recently, on the margin of the Japan-ASEAN Summit Meetings, H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia expressed his understanding of Japan’s position. In addition, on the margin of the G20 New Delhi Summit, H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN, President of the Republic of Türkiye said that he is aware of Japan’s sincere efforts, and H.E. Mr. Mark RUTTE, Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands expressed his full support to Japan’s approach. Therefore, the author’s claim that Japan had “no transparency, no consensus” is inaccurate. As the author correctly stated, “Secrecy will be Japan’s enemy” and Japan has been and will prioritize our transparency. At the end of the day, all the questions should be left to scientists and experts on nuclear issues, to draw a conclusion that can stand the test of scientific evidence and facts. Having gone through unprecedented hardships since the Great East Japan Earthquake, we remain committed to facing the most difficult challenges with complete transparency in close collaboration with the IAEA. After the start of discharge into the sea, Japan will continue to conduct three types of monitoring in a multilayered manner with the involvement of the IAEA. We hope to gain the understanding and support of the international community. The government of Japan will continue to provide the necessary information transparently based on the conclusion of the comprehensive report and will continue efforts to gain further understanding from the international community, while scientifically refuting politically motivated opinions. The post Japan will continue transparency about ALPS treated water release appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ombudsman vindicates (2)
The Ombudsman was correct in his unsolicited recommendation that Audit Observation Memorandum or AOMs should not be published to prevent prejudging those involved. But AOMs with biased, political undertones and color, if released within a conspired time frame and raising issues as critical as huge Department of Health or DoH money intended to combat Covid-19 being stolen, can cause a rebellion. More than ever, these justify graft buster Martires’ anger over the publication of AOMs. Amazingly, this scenario reappeared with an almost repeat performance by the same personalities like the lady who poured out her tears over the plea bargaining agreement, Heidi Mendoza, who suddenly appeared from nowhere crying again and asking everyone to pray for the soul of her colleague, UN Auditor, Atty. Jake Cimafranca, who worked hard on the DoH report, died of a heart attack. She posted about it in time for Cimafranca’s burial. Also suddenly appearing was Grace Pulido Tan of the “kahindik-hindik (hideous)” PDAF audit report, echoing the same statement of her tandem Heidi that the release of the DoH audit report was regular and not premature. Astonishing everyone, including CoA state auditors, was the rebuff by no less than CoA Chair Michael Aguinaldo of the directive of President Duterte telling him to audit the Philippine National Red Cross. He said the CoA needed more authority to audit the PNRC. State auditors were shocked by the answer of their chief to a presidential order. Something must be cooking. And there emerged the resounding call for an immediate investigation by the senators of the Republic on the DoH’s P67.32- billion fund intended to fight Covid-19. Soon, the call for an inquiry sounded worldwide. The internet showed news flashes in the world’s capital cities of allegedly massive Department of Health funds of the Philippines intended to protect the people of the archipelago from the onslaught of Covid-19 being stolen. But former fiscal and President Rodrigo Duterte could not be intimidated. “Pure bullshit”: Duterte says CoA-flagged DoH funds not stolen. Duterte tells Cabinet secretaries to ignore CoA reports: “Nothing will happen there.” All probes against DoH “can continue,” Palace says after Duterte scores CoA. In effect, Fiscal Digong was saying, you can go on with your investigation. Catch the crooks, but do not hinder government efforts to provide our people with the supplies they need to protect them from Covid-19. Here is how it all started. The annual audit report on the accounts and financial operations of the Department of Health for the calendar year ending 31 December 2020 disclosed, among other things, the following most significant observations contained in one of the collections of AOM released as an annual audit report on 11 August 2021: “1. Various deficiencies involving some P67,323,186,570.57 worth of public funds and intended for national efforts of combatting the unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 crisis were noted. These deficiencies contributed to the challenges encountered and mixed opportunities by the DoH during the state of calamity and national emergency and cast doubts on the regularity of related transactions. “We requested that the SoH (Secretary of Health) implement the recommendations contained in the Consolidated Management Letter on the audit of Covid-19 funds for the year ending 31 December 2020 and submit a status report on the actions taken on the audit recommendations stated therein.” On 11 August 2021, the preceding observation was reported by a local stream media as a blazing headline: “CoA finds DoH lacking in managing P67.32-B Covid funds.” “The Commission on Audit found deficiencies in how the Department of Health managed the P67.32 billion fund to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that it contributed to challenges that the country faced during the crisis. “CoA’s annual audit report for DoH in 2020 revealed that the deficiencies are caused by non-compliance with pertinent laws and regulations, which led to missed opportunities for the department primarily tasked with managing the pandemic.” (To be continued) The post Ombudsman vindicates (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Adequate compensation for BARMM medical workers pushed
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Members of the Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are pushing to enact measures aimed at constructing a new hospital and providing fair compensation for medical workers in the region. MPs Amilbahar Mawallil, Dr. Hashemi Dilangalen and Hamid Malik are at the forefront for the passage of Parliament Bill 237 or the “Bangsamoro Public Health Workers Compensation Act of 2023.” MPs Atty. Laisa Alamia, Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, and Rasul Ismael are also pushing for the enactment of PB 237 as co-authors. Under the measure, it will mandate the BARMM to recognize the crucial roles played by medical doctors, nurses and other public health workers in the region as it also extends its coverage to all active and regularly performing public health workers employed within BARMM. This includes physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, midwives, laboratory and medical technicians, and pharmacists employed in various healthcare establishments owned and operated by the government or its political subdivisions with original charters. “This legislative bill aims to address the longstanding issue of inadequate compensation by enhancing the benefits and allowances of these professionals and providing forms of compensation to recognize the unique challenges they face,” Mawallil said. He added that once passed, the measure will provide a monthly honorarium of P3,000 to all actively and regularly performing public health workers. For his part, Loong — one of the co-authors of the bill — said that the giving of honoraria will be implemented through a phased salary enhancement program over three years. The selection of recipients will be based on a comprehensive evaluation of existing salary scales, market standards, and regional economic factors to establish fair and competitive compensation for all public health workers. Loong explained that it also includes various forms of compensation, including hazard, subsistence, and transportation allowances, as well as emergency assistance and death and burial benefits, which will be extended to eligible public health workers. The post Adequate compensation for BARMM medical workers pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Whole family gone’: families identify victims of Hanoi fire
Hundreds gathered outside a morgue in western Hanoi Wednesday, waiting to hear if their families and friends were victims of a devastating apartment fire that killed more than 50 people. The fire in the 10-storey building, which had only one exit and wire-barred balconies, started as residents fell asleep on Tuesday night. Neighbours and residents of the building in the capital's southwest said they heard screaming as people struggled to escape the flames and thick smoke. Police said 56 people were killed and 37 injured, while state media reported that three children were among the dead. At the morgue in a military-owned hospital, officials appeared at the entrance every half hour to announce through a loudspeaker that there was another victim for families to identify. Holding out a photo on a mobile phone or simply describing the dead, medical workers asked desperate relatives if they recognised their loved ones. Cries broke out each time a match was found. Authorities tried to prevent families talking to journalists, but one man, who did not give his name, said his daughter had died and feared his wife had also perished. "I lost my daughter, who was staying with her mother," he said through tears. Unsure where his wife was, he told AFP: "I guess she did not make it either." One group of five women, sitting on the floor outside the morgue, said their "whole family had gone". "They were our children and grandchildren," they said. 'So much suffering' Elsewhere in the morgue, families who knew their loved ones had died sat waiting for hours to collect the bodies. One man, who gave his name as Dung, said his two young cousins, a man and a woman, were among the dead. They had come from their home in nearby coastal Thai Binh province to study. "They were at university here. Our family bought them this small apartment. "We are waiting here to bring back them back to our home province for burial, but we don't know when they are going to release the body." State media reported that Hanoi would provide around $1,500 to families for each adult who had died. Compensation would also be given for those who had lost a child. The apartment block, which is down a narrow alley in a residential area of the capital, was home to several young families. Many had come from other provinces to work or to study. Around 150 people lived in the building, which had no emergency ladder on the outside. Survivor Tran Thi Lien, 65, who bought her second-floor apartment in the block eight years ago, told AFP that residents had requested better fire safety equipment many times. "They still did not do it," she said. "When people die like this... it causes so much suffering." The post ‘Whole family gone’: families identify victims of Hanoi fire appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go expresses full support for OVP’s proposed 2024 budget
Senator Bong Go expressed during a Senate hearing on Monday, September 4, his full support for the proposed 2024 budget amounting to P2.3 billion, for the Office of the Vice President headed by Vice President Sara Duterte. The budget received a nod from the Senate Finance subcommittee and is designed to support various programs and initiatives actively carried out by the OVP, particularly those that directly benefit the poor and marginalized. The senator particularly highlighted the public services initiated by the office under Vice President Duterte. "Sa pamamagitan ng opisina ni Vice President Sara Duterte, iba’t-ibang pampublikong serbisyo ang kanilang nagagawa at patuloy na ginagawa para sa mga Pilipino," Go stated. He expressed his support for allocating the bulk of the OVP's budget to fund these programs, including Medical and Burial Assistance, which supplements other healthcare programs of the government to assist indigent individuals and families. "Simula pa lang po ng kanyang termino, malaki na ang tiwala ko kay Vice President Sara Duterte,” said Go. “Alam kong patuloy na magbibigay tulong ang kaniyang mga programa para sa ating mga kababayan lalong lalo na po yung mga mahihirap," Go added, reiterating his trust in the vice president’s initiatives, especially those aimed at helping the less fortunate. Go reiterated his full endorsement for the OVP's budget, stating, "Again, I would like to reiterate my full support for the budget of the Office of the Vice President." The post Bong Go expresses full support for OVP’s proposed 2024 budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Political parties define Parliamentary BARMM
I bumped into prominent Maranaw politicians at a vigil for a mutual relative — former Regional Assemblyman Alex Menor. (When Muslims speak of a wake it is a gathering of relatives of a deceased minus the mortal remains. Islam mandates the immediate burial of a dead Muslim). Governor Mamintal Bombit Adiong and Marawi City Mayor Sultan Majul Gandamra and others were there to console the bereaved family. Our exchanges pivoted into politics with the start of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the barangay and youth elections last Monday. I asked them about the formation of an aggrupation called SIAP, which stands for Samahang Inklusivo, Alyansang Progresibo, which roughly translates as “inclusive group, alliance for progress.” The meeting of the group went viral on social media where it was widely talked about. It had a political ring to it and people were curious about its nature, purpose, and vision. The roster of members includes a who’s who of the political ecology of the province. A supermajority of the municipal mayors attended the meeting led by the president of the Mayors League, lawyer Dimnatang Jimmy Pansar, who has notched a distinguished mark in politics with his indomitable staying power. This column learned that a parallel organization of local parties is being conceptualized in other provinces of the BARMM which could conglomerate into the SIAP. Governor Adiong explained that the SIAP is not new. It is not a product of present-day BARMM political dynamics. It is a regional political party that was founded by his father, the late Congressman/Governor Mamintal Adiong Sr. It had been made moribund by the passage of time, pushed to the margins by the new waves of national political parties. The organization of a strong locally-based party is a strategic move meant to attract national parties for possible alliances. We suppose this is being rebooted by the son, Governor Bombit, in preparation for the coming elections, especially the parliamentary elections in BARMM where political parties are a necessity. If the SIAP is adopted by the other members of the so-called BARMM Governor Caucus it will be the regional party that will face the United Bangsamoro Justice Party of the BARMM-MILF. This is not farfetched considering the zeitgeist in BARMM where there is no love lost between the governors (except of Maguindanao del Norte) and the BARMM leadership. The BARMM setup is not the usual system of government that Filipinos are familiar with. It has a parliamentary genre, British in origin, where political parties play a major role in governance. The party that garners the majority of elected deputies or members of parliament forms the so-called “government of the day.” In case no party is able to command a majority, they amalgamate to form a coalition government. The minority or coalition of minority parties forms the opposition. For as long as the majority coalition is intact, the head of government (as differentiated from the head of state) stays in power. In case of a loss of confidence over the way the Prime Minister is governing, a confidence vote in the parliament is called to decide whether or not to unseat him. The “government of the day” refers to the cadre of officials currently performing executive functions. In the case of the BARMM, it refers to the Cabinet members appointed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim Murad, who is also chairman of the MILF, the majority of whom must be members of the Regional Parliament. A battle royal among political parties looms in the 2025 BARMM parliamentary election unless the incumbents will agitate again for a postponement to prolong their stay in power. They could offer a flimsy reason like the noncompletion of their transition works and the normalization process. This column looks with favor on the formation of local political parties, like the SIAP, as a force to enhance democracy. In fact, if the parliamentary experiment of the BARMM is successful, it will be a strong argument for the shift of our government system to a parliamentary one in case the Constitution is amended. *** amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Political parties define Parliamentary BARMM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More groups junk release of Japan nuke wastewater
The Catholic Church in the Philippines, multi-sectoral environmentalists, and fisherfolk leaders have expressed their opposition to the release by the Japanese government of wastewater from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, expressed its strong opposition to the discharge of the contaminated water. “We stand in solidarity with the Catholic bishops conferences of Japan and South Korea in expressing our concern and opposition to the dumping of radioactive water into the sea. The decision is a reckless gamble with the health and well-being of people and the environment. We call on the Japanese government to reconsider its decision and to find a safe and responsible way to dispose of the contaminated water,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo in a statement. He added: “We urge the Philippine government to invest in renewable energy sources that are safe, sustainable, and affordable. Renewable energy is the future of our planet, and it is the only way to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.” Earthsavers executive director Cecilia Guidote-Alvarez appealed “not to make the Pacific Ocean a trash can for nuclear waste, and to safeguard the ocean for future generations.” Chinese Embassy diplomat Wu Chenqi said: “The Pacific Ocean is not Japan’s sewer.” He appealed for alternatives to dumping nuclear waste into the ocean, such as “alternative water injection, vapor release, hydrogen release and underground burial.” ‘Thanks for understanding’ Meanwhile, the government of Japan on Friday expressed its gratitude to the Philippines for “understanding” its decision to release 1.3 million metric tons of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. “Japan deeply appreciates the Philippine government’s understanding of the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant from a science-and-fact-based perspective and its impact on the ocean,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in a tweet. This came after Japan proceeded with its plan to discharge an advanced liquid processing system or ALPS-treated water into the Pacific Ocean, despite criticism from other countries. The post More groups junk release of Japan nuke wastewater appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASF invades Cocoro Island
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Provincial Veterinary Office here disclosed on Friday that the African swine fever has reached the region and caused an outbreak on Cocoro Island, a barangay in the fifth-class municipality of Magsaysay in the easternmost side of the province. Palawan PVO officer-in-charge Dr. Darius Mangcucang, in an interview, revealed that Cocoro has recorded approximately 300 swine mortalities as a result of African swine fever and confirmed that out of the six blood samples collected from the domesticated pigs that survived on Cocoro Island, five of them were positively identified as having ASF. The results were according to laboratory evaluations conducted by the Bureau of Animal Industry. He also stressed that measures have been put in place to isolate the area and prevent the disease from spreading as the PVO is already enacting measures to control the situation. Meantime, community leaders are taking steps to restrict the movement of pigs and pork products from the island, while surveillance is also focused on monitoring the transportation of pork into the town. “We can manage the situation on the island as long as there is cooperation from the community. The barangay officials are monitoring closely as they have received directives from their leaders,” Mangcucang said. As an alternative to culling, given that all domestic pigs on the island have already succumbed to ASF, Mangcucang said they already initiated a disinfection procedure and used lime on the burial sites. The method aims to confine the virus and is anticipated to last for approximately three months, according to his estimation. “The pigs might all be gone, there’s no need for culling anymore. What we’ll do instead is disinfection. We’ll place lime on the sites where the pigs were buried by the farmers and residents, in order to contain the virus,” Mangcucang said. The PVO, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and local municipal authorities, has also established checkpoints in all entry areas to Magsaysay. He said their endeavors include continuous monitoring, gathering of blood samples, and conducting quarantine assessments. Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates, in a statement issued by the Provincial Information Office, assured the public of swift governmental response as collaborative endeavors with various government agencies are in motion to tackle the crisis while citizens are urged to adhere to guidelines to halt ASF’s progression to other parts of the province. “This incident is being closely monitored, and appropriate measures are being taken in collaboration with other government agencies, while simultaneously urging the public to adhere to the government’s implemented policies to prevent further spread of ASF to other parts of the province,” Socrates said. The PVO also appealed to residents to cooperate by refraining from purchasing meat products online and to avoid feeding pigs with potentially contaminated swill or uncooked food. In case of any suspicious pig deaths or symptoms, residents are urged to promptly inform the veterinary office or the Municipal Agriculture Office. The post ASF invades Cocoro Island appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
27,768 patients served by GenSan med program
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Auxiliaries and Medical Program for Individuals and Needy Generals of the local government unit of General Santos City has served a total of 27,768 patients in just less than one year, Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao said in her State of the City Address recently. Pacquiao said the health program provides instant assistance for hospitalization, burial, medicines, hospitalization and even maternity healthcare. “It is our obligation to ease the sufferings of our residents in the fastest and easiest way possible,” she said. City Administrator Attorney Franklin Gacal said the city has allocated P120 million for the program in 2022 and has even extended the office hours of the program from five days a week to a full seven days. “We allocated P120 million and an additional request of P50 million and hope that the Sanggunian Panlungsod will pass it through a supplemental budget,” he said. Aside from the program, Pacquiao revealed that the city is set to receive a CT scan machine capable of 128 slices. She said the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital will be the only hospital in the city that will be equipped with such a CT scan. Pacquiao also said that the city is continuously improving its infrastructure, including its hospitals. The post 27,768 patients served by GenSan med program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR grants P120 million for OVP’s socio-civic programs
The Office of the Vice President will now be able to expand the reach of its social services after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation committed P120 million in support of the OVP's pro-poor advocacies. In a simple ceremony held in Mandaluyong City on 1 August 2023, Vice President Sara Duterte witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and OVP Chief of Staff Atty. Zuleika Lopez. The MOA stated PAGCOR's commitment to release the P120 million financial grant in four tranches, or P30 million per quarter to support the OVP's nationwide medical and burial assistance programs. The OVP requested supplemental funding from PAGCOR due to the numerous requests for financial aid from its recently established satellite offices in different parts of the country. According to Tengco, one of PAGCOR's major corporate social responsibility programs is assisting worthy socio-civic causes. "We're honored to be a part of the OVP's efforts to address Filipinos' medical and financial needs in dire situations. Through this grant, we hope that more people who approach the OVP for help will be given aid," he said. The OVP said PAGCOR's financial grant will go a long way in helping impoverished patients settle their hospital bills, buy medicines, undergo dialysis treatments and avail of laboratory/diagnostic procedures, chemotherapy/brachytherapy/radiation therapy, implant/medical equipment/assistive device and physical/speech/occupational therapy. The post PAGCOR grants P120 million for OVP’s socio-civic programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Slain rebel’s family receive assistance
PALO, Leyte — The Philippine National Police revealed that the family of the slain New People’s Army guerilla Luisito Enero was given assistance by the PNP for a proper burial. This, as P/Brig.Gen. Vincent Calanoga recently visited the wake of Enero, who is also known as “Jerry Lutao” and “Ka Nadi” in the communist movement, in his hometown in San Roque, Northern Samar last 28 July to personally extend his sympathy and condolences to the family. “It is with grief and regret that a life has been lost in this nonsensical fight. Resorting to raising arms against the government as a way to address grievances does no good, and it will never do,” Calanoga said. To recall, Enero and Brando Obiado, alias Idol, were killed in an encounter between the communist rebels and troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion last 22 July in Barangay Cagbigajo, Pambujan, Northern Samar. Enero was the leader of Squad 2, Front Committee 1 of the NPA which operated in the Pacific towns of Northern Samar. The post Slain rebel’s family receive assistance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Top Mindanao insurgent falls
DAVAO CITY — The Eastern Mindanao Command on Monday reported that an individual believed to be a notorious leader of the New People’s Army in North Central Mindanao Regional Committee died following an encounter with the Joint Task Force Diamond troops at Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental last 26 July. EastMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol disclosed that the NPA leader — identified as Dionesio Micabalo, alias Muling — is the Regional Secretary of the NCMRC and a Communist Party of the Philippines Central Committee Member. Reports said that troops from the 58th Infantry Battalion engaged in a skirmish against the members of Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad MTJ Eagles, Sub-Regional Committee 1, of NCMRC following a report from concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed men conducting illegal activities in the area. Recovered from the encounter site were an AK47 Rifle with two loaded magazines, a caliber .22 rifle, six backpacks with personal belongings, terrorist documents, electronic devices and other supplies. Almerol said Micabalo’s group was responsible for numerous atrocities and criminal activities in most parts of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and parts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. He added that he had various criminal records, including double murder with frustrated murder, multiple frustrated murders and arson, murder and violation of RA 9851. “Muling has been on the run since the dismantling of all seven guerrilla fronts under NCMRC in 2020. With his demise, the incoming dismantling of the NCMRC is already in sight,” Almerol said. “This is part of our goal to defeat the NPA in Eastern Mindanao this year. Without him leading the way for the survival of his subordinates, their only solution is to surrender or face the same fate,” he added. Last 28 July, the 58IB handed over the corpse of Micabalo to his immediate family and was given by the military forces a proper and decent funeral. Lt. Col. Christian Uy, commander of the 58IB met with the family to express their condolences and provide the necessary support. “The Philippine Army is guided by its dedication to humanitarian principles and respect for the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their affiliations,” Uy said. Meanwhile, the family of Micabalo expressed gratitude to military forces and the local government of Gingoog City for the proper burial assistance provided for them. The post Top Mindanao insurgent falls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCSO props OVP med aid program
The Office of the Vice President and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement for supplemental funding to support the OVP’s Medical Assistance Program amounting to P10 million. The grant was provided by the PCSO through its “Operational Guidelines on the Supplemental Funding Assistance for the Medical Assistance Program of the OVP” through Board Resolution M-0087. The MoA was signed by OVP Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez and PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles, which was witnessed by Vice President Sara Duterte and PCSO members and officials at the OVP Central Office in Quezon City. The grant will be used by the OVP for the sole purpose of providing assistance for healthcare services to clients under the MAP covering hospital bills, dialysis treatment, medicines, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, implants and other medical and assistive devices, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, radiation, physical, speech, and occupational therapy. From July 2021 to July 2022, the Medical and Burial Assistance program has already served 82,353 beneficiaries and processed the amount of P764,802,065. The aid can be accessed through the OVP Central Office, OVP Extension Offices in Lipa, Batangas, and Tondo, Manila, and 10 OVP satellite offices in the cities of Davao, Zamboanga, Cotabato, Surigao, Cebu, Bacolod, Tacloban, Isabela, Dagupan and Legazpi. The OVP has a total of 756 partners, composed of public and private hospitals, and dialysis centers nationwide. The Medical and Burial Assistance Program, which is the OVP’s banner social services, has continuously been providing aid to indigent Filipinos across the country. The post PCSO props OVP med aid program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COA: OVP Confidential fund had been used as intended
Responding to the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA), the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said the P125 million expenses under the confidential fund for 2022 had been used for its intended purpose. "The confidential fund has been utilized appropriately for its intended purpose and in accordance with the guidelines set by the national government," the OVP said in a statement. The state auditors, in their 2022 annual audit report, said the OVP spent P125 million worth of confidential expenses in 2022 even if the agency has no confidential fund allocation under the General Appropriations Act of 2022. The OVP also said that the lower spending on assistance was due to the low budget. "The decrease in the amount of financial assistance/subsidy from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2022 was due to a lower amount of budget/appropriation under the 2022 General Appropriations Act, in view of the anticipated election ban and transition in 2022," the agency explained. According to COA, OVP posted decreased spending on medical and burial assistance in 2022 at P304.67 million. In 2021, the agency spent P327 million for the same purpose. The OVP, however, increased spending on sustainable livelihood and subsidy on training assistance in 2022 at P20 million. In 2021, it spent P7.43 million for the same purpose. The agency also spent P936,121 for educational assistance, up from P35,000 in 2021. The post COA: OVP Confidential fund had been used as intended appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»