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Daza to CHEd: Put funding to good use
The Commission on Higher Education could use its P10-billion funding if its heart really goes out to disadvantaged students, House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Paul Daza said Tuesday, reiterating his prior allegation that the funding was previously utilized for tertiary student scholarships. “If our hearts are in it, if we really wanted to help the poor, CHEd can use the P10 billion today without having to wait for the next GAA (General Appropriations Act) budget deliberations,” said the Northern Samar solon. “The list is with you. You have one million students. Please, put it to use.” The allegation that the CHEd used the P10 billion of its funding for other purposes resurfaced yesterday during the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education’s deliberation on House Resolution 767. The resolution, which Daza authored, calls for the government to improve access to tertiary education and reduce attrition rates among 4Ps beneficiaries and other deserving and financially challenged students by increasing the budget allocation for scholarships. It was Daza who alleged that the CHEd misused its P10-billion worth of scholarship funds during the panel’s first hearing on the resolution on 20 March, claiming it came out that essentially CHEd has not utilized as of 2021 report P10-billion. “The earmarked funds is what we call an off-budget. By law travel tax, PRC, and PCSO shares go to that fund. That’s supposed to be for higher education. If CHEd did its job and engaged DSWD and if they continue the 2012 grant-in-aid which was incorporated in the law, they could have helped a few hundred thousand students a year,” Daza pointed out during the previous hearing. Daza’s claim, however, was turned down by CHEd chairperson Popoy de Vera, who earlier said that he had “no idea” where the P10-billion scholarship fund came from. “The Higher Education Development Fund was put in the CHEd Charter (RA 7722) to fund projects to ‘strengthen higher education’. It is not a scholarship fund,” said De Vera in a statement on 22 March in response to Daza’s accusation. “CHEd has been giving grants to HEIs (higher educational institutions) over the past four administrations and the current CHEd Chairperson and Commissioners have continued this policy. What is new under the current CHEd leadership is a stronger focus on tourism,” the chairman maintained. Daza, however, took advantage of yesterday’s deliberation to advocate that the agency’s funds could also cater to students taking courses unrelated to tourism by providing them scholarships, citing The Tourism Act of 2019. Further, the minority lawmaker noted that the law’s revenue mandate did not exclusively cater to only students under tourism-related courses but prioritized them. To further prove his point that the CHEd could tap its HEDF for college students’ scholarships, Daza said: “P2 billion or more than half of the HEDF in 2016, was used for student-related support.” “Meaning there’s already precedent for HEDF to be utilized by CHEd for poor students, needy students.” In addition, Daza expressed concern that, in contrast to 2016, when P2 billion represented half of the HEDF, student aid had dropped to just P170 million, or less than a fourth of the HEDF. “By the time Chairman de Vera took over in 2019, the share for student assistance had dwindled down to P170 million, or 18.7 percent of the HEDF,” the lawmaker claimed. The post Daza to CHEd: Put funding to good use appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ched-Davao: Quake drill not just ‘procedural activity’ but necessity
AN OFFICIAL from the Commission on Higher Education-Davao Region (Ched-Davao) said that there is a need to prepare students for disasters and other calamities......»»
Mandaue college still unable to access Ched scholarship
Mandaue college still unable to access Ched scholarship.....»»
PSAC paves way for health deal
The Private Sector Advisory Council from the Healthcare Sector, or PSAC-Health, with the Department of Health, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc., signed a memorandum of agreement with President Bongbong Marcos as a witness to facilitate employment for underboard BS Nursing students. During their degree, these students will become CHED-certified and work as Clinical Care Associates in healthcare industries. “The Clinical Care Associates Upskilling Program, formalized through the Joint Administrative Order 2023-0001, is a groundbreaking endeavor, and I am confident that it’s a program that will help address the lives of healthcare workers in the country today,” President Marcos said. PSAC-Health has worked with DOH, 55 private hospitals, seven public hospitals, and CHED, along with 19 Higher Education Institutions, to implement the Joint Administrative Order in response to the country’s critical shortage of qualified nurses. “To the underboard nurses out there who are contemplating what to do next: I call on you to apply for this program and embrace the support being wholeheartedly given to you by the government and the institutions we represent,” Marcos added. Strategic interventions implementor “The Commission commits to working with other government agencies and PSAC to implement all the strategic interventions that President Bongbong Marcos approved in a whole-of-government and whole-of-the-nation approach,” said CHED Chairman Julian Prospero de Vera III. “I am confident that this policy would be extremely impactful as it addresses the problems and obstacles and allows our current registered nurses to focus more on high-value-added roles and functions,” PSAC Healthcare Sector Lead Paolo Borromeo said. On 19 July 2023, Chairman Prospero de Vera III of CHED and Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa ceremonially signed and launched JAO 2023-0001, also known as the “Implementing Guidelines for the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program for Clinical Care Associates. “This landmark initiative resulted from a collaborative effort between the government and the Private Sector Advisory Council Healthcare Sector Group.” Implementing the JAO showcases the power of government and private sector collaboration. The PSAC-Health has played a vital role in shaping the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program, ensuring its alignment with the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. Leading hospitals and higher education institutions, including Healthway Medical Network, Metro Pacific Hospitals Inc., Mt. Grace Hospitals Inc. and the Philippine Private Hospitals Association Inc. have pledged their commitment to the Clinical Care Associates program by participating in the MOU signing event. Higher education institutions such as Our Lady of Fatima University, Far Eastern University, St. Paul University Philippines, Trinity University of Asia, National Teachers College and National University are also pivotal partners in shaping the future of healthcare in the Philippines through this program. The post PSAC paves way for health deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Space-Saving, Budget-Friendly Essentials to Surviving College Dorm Life
Moving into a dormitory for college is an exciting adventure. It is a time for both independence and personal growth. At the same time, it can be quite a challenge. Juggling coursework and housework can be taxing. To make the transition from home to dorm life smoother and less stressful, having small appliances can be helpful as they simplify tasks. Hanabishi Appliances has a great selection of affordable products to meet the must-haves of living in a dormitory. They are made from quality materials, easy to use, and budget-friendly, which makes them perfect for students who are starting to live life on their own. These products can easily be purchased through the Hanabishi website, www.myhanabishi.com, and from leading appliance stores nationwide. Oven Toaster An oven toaster is a good appliance to have in the dorm as it can help prepare quick breakfasts and snacks. With the Hanabishi Aesthetic Electric Oven Toaster 10L, there is more room to heat, toast, and bake. Multi-Function Cooker For those times when one feels like whipping up a fancier meal, the Hanabishi Aesthetic White Multi-Function Cooker 3L is a great appliance to have. It is a non-stick cooking pot with a stainless steel streamer, two-heat setting, overheat protection function, and pilot light indicator. Electric Fan An electric fan is an essential in a dorm, and Hanabishi is known for its high-quality fans. One of its latest products, the Hanabishi Aesthetic Floor Fan White, is an industrial fan that can help one stay cool and comfy when the room starts to feel stuffy. It comes in an aerodynamic design with three-wing six-inch plastic blades, a 3-speed rotary control, adjustable fan head, heavy-duty metal stand and front grill, and easy-carry handle. Electric Kettle Boiling water for a quick caffeine or instant noodle fix doesn’t need to be complicated. With the Hanabishi Electric Water Kettle Pearl White Series 0.8L, hot water can be had in a jiffy. Digital Air Fryer With the Hanabishi Digital Air Fryer White, you would need little or no oil to make your favorite fried foods. It has a large 5.0L capacity and is easy to clean. Flat Iron For ironing uniforms or school outfits, the Hanabishi Flat Iron is good to have, It has a smooth ceramic coated sole plate and is thermal fuse protected. It also comes with an automatic thermostat control and a colorful LED power indicator. Induction Cooker With its slim design, the Hanabishi Induction Cooker wouldn’t take up so much space in your dorm but can provide you with 80% cooking efficiency. It has eight cooking functions: soup, braise, slow fire, fierce fire, hot pit, deep fry, and fry. Visit www.myhanabishi.com to learn more about Hanabishi Appliances. Follow its official social media accounts to stay updated on its latest products and promos. The post Space-Saving, Budget-Friendly Essentials to Surviving College Dorm Life appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PSAC paves way for agreement with DOH, CHED, and PHAPi with PBBM
The Private Sector Advisory Council from the Healthcare Sector (PSAC-Health), together with the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi), signed a memorandum of agreement with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a witness to facilitate employment for underboard BS Nursing students. During their degree, these students will become CHED-certified and work as Clinical Care Associates in healthcare industries. “The Clinical Care Associates Upskilling Program, formalized through the Joint Administrative Order [2023-0001], is a groundbreaking endeavor, and I am confident that it’s a program that will help address the lives of healthcare workers in the country today,” President Marcos said. PSAC-Health has worked with DOH, 55 private hospitals, seven public hospitals, and CHED, along with 19 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), to implement the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) in response to the country's critical shortage of qualified nurses. “To the underboard nurses out there who are contemplating what to do next: I call on you to apply for this program and embrace the support being wholeheartedly given to you by the government and the institutions we represent,” Marcos added. "The Commission commits to working with other government agencies and PSAC to implement all the strategic interventions that President Bongbong Marcos approved in a whole-of-government and whole-of-the-nation approach," said CHED Chairman Julian Prospero De Vera III. “I am confident that this policy would be extremely impactful as it addresses the problems and obstacles and allows our current registered nurses to focus more on high-value-added roles and functions,” said PSAC Healthcare Sector Lead Paolo Borromeo. On 19 July 2023, Chairman Prospero De Vera III of CHED and Secretary of Health Dr. Teodoro Herbosa ceremonially signed and launched JAO No. 2023-0001, also known as the "Implementing Guidelines for the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program for Clinical Care Associates (CCAs)." This landmark initiative results from a collaborative effort between the government and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Healthcare Sector Group. Implementing the JAO showcases the power of government and private sector collaboration. The PSAC-Health has played a vital role in shaping the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program, ensuring its alignment with the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s administration. Leading hospitals and higher education institutions, including Healthway Medical Network (HMN), Metro Pacific Hospitals Inc. (MPHI), Mt. Grace Hospitals Inc., and the Philippine Private Hospitals Association Inc. (PPHAPI), have pledged their commitment to the Clinical Care Associates program by participating in the MOU signing event. Higher education institutions such as Our Lady of Fatima University, Far Eastern University, St. Paul University Philippines, Trinity University of Asia, National Teachers College, and National University are also pivotal partners in shaping the future of healthcare in the Philippines through this program. [caption id="attachment_191577" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Private Sector Advisory Council Lead Convenor Sabin Aboitiz (left) with President Marcos and PSAC Healthcare Sector leads[/caption] The post PSAC paves way for agreement with DOH, CHED, and PHAPi with PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate assures higher DND budget
The Senate on Wednesday assured the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines that it will push for the allocation of more funds for next year to further strengthen the country’s defense operations. After extensive deliberation, the Senate Committee on Finance has approved the 2024 proposed budget of the DND and its attached, including the revised AFP Modernization Program, “subject to possible budgetary adjustments.” The DND’s proposed budget will then be again submitted to the Senate plenary for deliberation and approval. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed full support for the defense sector’s efforts to defend the country amid the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea. With this, Zubiri committed to increasing the DND and AFP’s budget for next year for more heightened defense initiatives. “But you know my dear friends, courage can only take us so far. And that is why, if we really want to truly defend our country and our seas, we must support their budget. Not only the budget that they have now… We’re going to support, through the efforts of the Senate, an increase in their budget, especially in the defense spending,” he said. In his presentation, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the DND is seeking a total of P229.9 billion in funding under the 2024 National Expenditure Program. Teodoro presented a 12 percent increase compared to the P204.5-billion DND budget allocated under its 2023 General Appropriation Act. Major service units Of the budget, the AFP will get P221.6 billion, which will be divided among its major service units including the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy, as well as the general AFP headquarters and AFP-wide service support units. The DND will get P1.2 billion while the remaining P7 billion will go to civilian bureaus, like the Government Arsenal, Office of Civil Defense, National Defense College of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and Veterans Memorial Medical Center. The post Senate assures higher DND budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate eyes increase of DND’s 2024 budget
The Senate on Wednesday assured the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines that it will push for the allocation of more funds for next year to further strengthen the country’s defense operations. After extensive deliberation, the Senate Committee on Finance has approved the 2024 proposed budget of the DND and its attached, including the revised AFP Modernization Program, “subject to possible budgetary adjustments.” The DND’s proposed budget will then be again submitted to the Senate plenary for deliberation and approval. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed full support for the defense sector’s efforts to defend the country amid the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea. With this, Zubiri committed to increasing the DND and AFP’s budget for next year for more heightened defense initiatives. “But you know my dear friends, courage can only take us so far. And that is why, if we really want to truly defend our country and our seas, we must support their budget. Not only the budget that they have now… We’re going to support, through the efforts of the Senate, an increase in their budget, especially in the defense spending,” he said. In his presentation, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the DND is seeking a total of P229.9 billion in funding under the 2024 National Expenditure Program. Teodoro presented a 12 percent increase compared to the P204.5 billion DND budget allocated under its 2023 General Appropriation Act. Of the budget, the AFP will get P221.6 billion, which will be divided among its major service units including the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy, as well as the general AFP headquarters and AFP-wide service support units. The DND will get P1.2 billion while the remaining P7 billion will go to civilian bureaus, like the Government Arsenal, Office of Civil Defense, National Defense College of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and Veterans Memorial Medical Center. Teodoro said the DND initially requested P115.1 billion for the AFP Modernization Program but was only granted P50 billion. Meanwhile, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Estrada stressed the need to fast-track equipping the AFP with modern assets to protect the country’s territorial integrity, given the current situation in the West Philippine Sea. Hence then asked Teodoro about the ongoing military modernization: “We are supposed to be in Horizon 3 of the AFP modernization program in 2023. I think we are still in Horizon 2 or Horizon 1. Where are we now?” In response, Teodoro said about 10 percent of the project remains to be accomplished in Horizon 1 while 51 out of 97 projects were already finished in Horizon 2 with some projects will be carried over under Horizon 3. “That’s why we really have to re-strategize it because the paradigms for Horizon 2 may not be valid anymore,” Teodoro said. The military modernization program's Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 up to 2028 while Horizon 2 is from 2018 to 2022 and Horizon 1 is from 2013 to 2018. All these horizons are geared toward acquiring equipment and weapon platforms that would equip the AFP to perform its external defense mandate. An executive session was conducted with the DND after the Senate panel’s approval of its proposal to discuss some adjustments to the funding, particularly those allocated for defending the WPS. Zubiri stressed that he will not allow the Philippines to be bullied. “Hindi tayo pumayag na ma-bully tayo ng ating kapitbahay sa Norte (we didn’t allow our neighbor in the North to bully us). Because of that, we hear you loud and clear. We need more defense spending in our modernization project… We’re here to support you. You’ll see a drastic difference in your budget come this December,” Zubiri said. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa likewise rallied for the increase of both DND and AFP’s intelligence funds for surveillance and reconnaissance assets. In 2022, DND got P2.3 billion worth of confidential intelligence funds. The agency requested only P1.8 billion in 2023. “With this new defense strategic direction, refocused on archipelagic defense and protection, will there be a corresponding shift, change, or retrofitting of our forces because right now our organization is heavy on the land-based army?” Dela Rosa asked. Teodoro said no changes are needed at the moment as the country needs to sustain internal security. However, he noted the need to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities to cope with the “challenges of time.” The post Senate eyes increase of DND’s 2024 budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Keeping it together
It’s no longer unusual, nowadays, for a family to have one or both parents working in another country, or for grown children to relocate abroad for work or start their own family. Single parenting is also quite common, right along there with blended families and LGBTQ unions with kids. Yet even when families are together in one place — one home, compound, neighborhood or city — it takes a lot to stay “together,” literally and figuratively. Perhaps sensing the threats to what is recognized as society’s basic foundation, our government in 1992 decided to declare the last week of September as Family Week, as mandated by Proclamation 60 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos. Ramos wanted the week to emphasize the importance of the family as “the foundation of the nation” and “as a basic autonomous social institution,” as well as recognize “the sanctity of family life,” as stated in the Constitution of the Philippines. The world may transform in many ways, but the need for family will never change. “No matter how much life changes and the concept of family evolves, it may continue to benefit human health and wellness by offering a sense of belonging and support,” it aptly states in an article on Better Help, which also enumerates the factors affecting family life as “advancements in technology, changing cultural norms, new priorities and advanced forms of communication fueled by the internet.” The sense of belonging one gains from being part of a family — whether it is in a traditional setup, adoptive or “chosen,” a new kind of family defined in these modern times — has a profound impact on one’s well-being. With government providing the impetus for today’s families to connect or reconnect during the annual Family Week, it is up to each one of us to take steps to keep ours together in these fast-paced, nomadic, dysfunctional times. In the local setting, we already see so many signs of the changing dynamics among families. We could wade through studies to figure out all the issues affecting our core foundation, but we believe one may truly gain more understanding by examining our own experiences. Here, we share the views of people in our sphere, in answer to our query: What do you consider as the biggest challenge for your family in these trying times? Gigie Arcilla, Editor-in-chief Dealing with young adult children presents the challenge of establishing boundaries as they seek independence and transition into adulthood. Striking a balance between support and autonomy, as well as providing guidance while allowing room for growth, can be difficult, especially for a single parent. [caption id="attachment_187927" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] STEPHANIE Mayo (fifth, clockwise) with her family. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Stephanie Mayo[/caption] Stephanie Mayo, Film critic and writer I have senior-citizen parents, and my siblings and I are now at the age when our health naturally starts to decline. Even if someone has health insurance, no one can deny how debilitating and expensive getting sick is. Without health, quality of life is decreased. You also cannot work (no work, no pay for freelancers such as myself) if you are sick. Gratefully, none of us in the family are currently seriously ill. It’s just that given that these trying times are also marked by corruption, medical gaslighting, new diseases and viruses and climate change, health problems have become even more threatening. [caption id="attachment_187926" align="aligncenter" width="993"] PAULINE Songco (fifth from left) and dad Arnold, mom Dhen, grandmother Linda and sister Patricia. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Pauline Songco[/caption] Pauline Songco, Editor and writer I would say our biggest challenge is finding time to be together. I am always never at home. If I am, I would just be there for a few hours to sleep. I would get up, then go to work again. I find myself having less and less free time than before. My sister is busy with work, and so is my father. My mom is left alone at home with my cats. But, she goes to the gym to occupy herself and to see her friends. Yet, I’m thankful for what we have right now for these are the same things that we used to pray for before. [caption id="attachment_187924" align="aligncenter" width="641"] PAULINE Pascual (first from left) and dad Roy, mom Jocelyn and sister Prizcia. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Pauline Pascual[/caption] Pauline Joyce Pascual, Lifestyle writer Our family became even closer during the pandemic, and now that things are almost back to normal, it is the family bonding that we used to that we find the most challenging. My sister is studying and getting ready for her time at college while my parents are back in business and I am now working outside of our province. I miss the good old days even though we still saw each other every week. [caption id="attachment_187925" align="aligncenter" width="638"] RAPHAEL, Rachael, Joylen and Ruben Ramos. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Raphael Ramos[/caption] Raphael Ramos, STEM student at De La Salle Araneta The desire to act in spite of the potential consequences for everyone else. The family members’ immaturity leads to a more serious issue and may stunt each person’s development. [caption id="attachment_187922" align="aligncenter" width="2246"] GEL, Dino, Tei and Maui Datu. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Dino Datu[/caption] Dino Datu, Chef, journalist and entrepreneur The biggest challenge in families today is creating quality family time. Everyone is so busy and there are so many distractions. While working and school work are necessities, we need to create time to just sit together for regular meals and chat without our electronic devices. Even on rare occasions that everyone is together, dining out, for example, people look at their phones every few seconds. That’s what I think is a big difference between today’s families and those from a few decades back. We often see “perfect” families on social media. Sadly, it seems like that’s the only place it exists. Teresa Laurente, Business Consultant For me, it has to be family, healthcare, children’s education and social media effect on young people. Pamela Palacio, Statistician III, Provincial Government of Bataan Disrespect to God and parents. Negative effect of social media. [caption id="attachment_187920" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] YVETTE Chua-Carrion (fourth from left) beside her husband, businessman Melon. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESYOF Yvette Chua-Carrion[/caption] Yvette Chua-Carrion, Educator and breakthrough life coach In these financially trying times — the budget for groceries, how to have savings for emergencies (which we hope won’t happen), and high gas prices. [caption id="attachment_187919" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] (FROM left) Riley, husband Noel, Tiffany and Ashley. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Tiffany Cuna[/caption] Tiffany Sison Cuna, Former beauty queen turned entrepreneur Disciplining and inculcating values in our children knowing how the Internet plays a vital role in their lives — it could either influence them positively or negatively. [caption id="attachment_187923" align="aligncenter" width="1170"] JIA Bote and dad Milton. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Jia Bote[/caption] Jia Bote, Student at the University of Santo Tomas With my father working away from home, the biggest challenge is having more time together as a family. When I was younger, I thought I had all the time in the world to spend time with my family. However, as I grow older, my responsibilities increase, and I have less free time than I used to. I remember spending the peak of the pandemic away from our father, and we could only talk through the phone for months. It was challenging for me not to see my father physically, especially when I go through difficult moments because I believe that we need more of our parents’ wisdom and guidance as we grow older. With the pandemic and the natural course of life, it feels like I have less time and opportunity to be with my father who is also growing old day by day. [caption id="attachment_187921" align="aligncenter" width="1242"] ALEX and Jet Capina (fourth and fifth from left) with their children. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY of Jet Capina[/caption] Jet Capina, retired bank vice president Our challenge is how to make the family complete on weekends. My children have their own gimmicks. Before every Sunday we were together attending church service but after the pandemic each of them esp Paolo is out of the house to be with his gf. I don’t think it’s good to write about it. Our challenge is how to make the family complete on weekends. My children are all good and well behaved but having grown up, the elder ones now and then have their own gimmicks. I am happy that my husband, who often plays golf, is with me always. The post Keeping it together appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Breathing osmosis of public service
Education and public service are deeply ingrained in his family heritage. His mother dedicated her career to educating students in public schools, while his father pursued a profession in government as a lawyer specializing in human rights. Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education or CHEd, recalled that his mother, a teacher at the Esteban Abada High School in Manila, always brought him to school when he was still a young boy. His mother became the principal of Ramon Magsaysay High School, also in Manila, before her retirement. He said he and his siblings grew up breathing the osmosis of public service. “So, when I was growing up, the importance of education was drilled into us. Our mother always tells us to finish our education; nothing will happen in our lives if we don’t graduate from college,” De Vera said, adding that he and his siblings all graduated from public schools. “We are nine siblings, but my parents don’t have the money to send us to private schools. All of us graduated from the University of the Philippines. We are products of public schools; we were just the ‘iskolar ng bayan’ through and through.” Popoy, who finished a bachelor’s degree in History from UP, teaches political science and history at the De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines. He completed his master’s in social science at De La Salle University and doctoral studies in public administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also has a master’s degree in higher education policy and higher education administration from the University of Southern California, one of the top schools in the United States of America, and later worked at the state legislature in California for three years. “In that sense, after I graduated from college, one of the options that I saw is either I take up law or teach, or to work in government, etc. There was an opportunity to teach, so I got into education.” In addition to his teaching responsibilities, De Vera also served as a consultant to several government agencies and provided his expertise to congressmen and senators. “Simultaneously, while I was teaching, I was also a consultant to the government. I worked as a consultant and then as chief of staff at the House and Senate.” His extensive academic background and government experience were benchmarks for his appointment as CHEd Commissioner in 2016, highlighting his qualifications for the position. “Since my background is in public administration and I also teach, I have a certain level of confidence that I really understand government, and I want to prove that I can do what I teach. I have a lot of involvement in the House and the Senate, from being an executive assistant until becoming chief of staff. I went through them one by one.” De Vera’s proficiency in legislative affairs from 1988 to 2010 (except for his three years abroad) encompasses a plethora of skills, including bill drafting, speech writing, and crafting amendments. Such expertise is a direct result of his extensive involvement and experience in the realm of legislation. Before his appointment to CHEd, he served as vice president for Public Affairs at UP in 2011. In 2004, he became part of the board of regents in some state universities and colleges. When he took the offer to head CHEd in 2018 after serving as commissioner for two years, he was confident because he survived UP. “I have a high level of confidence that I can do the job because they say that if you survived to govern UP, you can govern everything else because UP is the most ungovernable university in the country. So, if you survived there, you understand the public university system,” he admitted. He narrated to have experienced a sense of ease and familiarity when he joined CHEd. “It felt natural, perhaps because it aligns with my expertise. I might have had some reservations if it were a different department outside my field. However, since there was an opening at CHEd, I decided to offer my assistance, and that’s how I found myself here,” he shared. In running an agency with only 1,400 employees and serving more than 2,000 public and private higher education institutions across the country lies the challenge, De Vera said. With the scope of responsibilities, he gets to visit all state universities and colleges. Riding a bicycle, he witnessed first-hand the brilliance, resilience, and great potential of state universities and colleges. “I would be the first CHEd chair who visited all the state universities and colleges in this country. No one has done that yet,” he said, adding that he had already visited 100 of the 114 state-run universities. “I think in a year, I will finish all of them. The feeling is so different when you see what’s happening on the ground. So, from the start of my appointment, I started going around. I’ve gone to the farthest parts of the country.” As the chairperson, he said his firsthand experience in higher education enables him to speak with confidence and authority on the subject. “By engaging directly with students and faculty, attentively listening to their concerns, and providing meaningful responses, I believe I have made a significant impact. The presence of a secretary in these interactions creates a distinct atmosphere, instilling a sense of importance and value in education stakeholders. This ability to make those on the ground feel significant is a legacy I take pride in,” he said. One of the legacies De Vera is proud of is the implementation of free higher education, which coincided with his tenure. “I consider myself privileged because my predecessors did not have the opportunity to enact such a policy. Despite the challenges encountered, I believe that the beneficiaries truly reaped the benefits of this initiative,” he said. In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the country was confronted with unprecedented difficulties and uncertainties. CHEd, however, managed to navigate these challenges and ensured that education persisted. “This, in itself, is an accomplishment. Despite various government interventions being affected, we remained steadfast in delivering education to the best of our abilities,” he said. De Vera actively advocates for an inclusive education system that provides equal opportunities for marginalized sectors to complete their tertiary education. He seeks to create “first-generation graduates” as a legacy of the current administration. This program aims to offer educational opportunities to young Filipinos from minority and indigenous groups, children of rebel returnees, and other marginalized communities, enabling them to complete their education successfully. “Why not consciously make our legacy about bringing these individuals into the mainstream and ensuring they have the opportunity to finish their education? This emerging phenomenon is something we can truly focus on.” He added: “If we can successfully accomplish this within the next three years while I am in office, I can confidently say that it will be a legacy achieved by the Marcos administration. While the Duterte administration initiated free higher education, the Marcos administration aims to make it more equitable and responsive to the needs of marginalized individuals.” The post Breathing osmosis of public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. 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CHED chief defends free college education program
If the government were to implement a nationwide test to filter the beneficiaries of free college tuition, it has to ensure that it is based on equity in the sense that underprivileged and poor students are given priority to qualify for government subsidy, the Commission on Higher Education said yesterday......»»
QC orders localized class suspension
The Quezon City government early morning Monday left the discretion of suspending classes due to continuous rain to barangay and school officials , Angelbert Apostol, the city information chief, announced. Those who immediately ordered the suspension of classes are Barangay Holy Spirit for its (Public Pre-school to Senior High School — Morning and Afternoon Class); Barangay Bagong Silangan (Public Pre-school to Senior High School) and Barangay Payatas (Public Pre-school to Senior High School). Apostol said the discretion is allowed through Memorandum Circular No. 10-A series of 2022 under the Department of Education Order 037 series of 2022. Suspension of classes in private schools, on the other hand, is left to the discretion of school officials. Apostol added that decision to suspend classes is left to the barangay for having their own “pre-disaster risk assessment” in consultation with school officials. Over a year ago exactly on 22 August 2022, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte issued a Memorandum Circular No. 10 instructing the local School Division Office and Public and Private Education Institutions to adhere to Localized Suspension of Classes due to typhoons, floodings and other weather disturbances and calamities. The circular noted an “automatic suspension classes” based on Department of Education 014 Series of 202, that dictated “classes shall automatically be suspended in case the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has declared the following typhoon signal: Signal Number 1 — all public and private pre-school kindergarten classes; Signal Number 2 or higher — public and private pre-school kindergarten elementary and secondary classes. College and university level classes are suspended if the typhoon signal is raised to Number 3, pursuant to Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 15 Series of 2019 ordering an automatic suspension of classes on Higher Education Institutions when Signal Number 3 is raised by PAGASA. It also carries an order that suspension of work in public schools “shall be in accordance with DepEd Order No. 14 Series of 2021 and CHEd Memorandum Order No.15 Series of 2012 for HEIs.” Meanwhile, the cities of Parañaque and Pasay yesterday suspended classes in all levels in public and private schools due to inclement weather. Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez ordered the suspension in all levels both in public and private schools upon the recommendation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The mayor said the recommendation of suspension of classes by the DRRMO was due to the continuous southwest monsoon rains enhanced by typhoon “Hanna.” Residents were told, especially those living in low-lying areas, to immediately call the city government in case of emergencies through its hotline numbers. (For landline: 8820-PQUE (7783), for Smart : 0961-096-6341 and for Globe users at 0956-394-0176.) All residents were advised by the mayor to just stay home for their safety. Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano also suspended online and face-to-face classes in all levels both in public and private schools. The mayor advised residents living in flood-prone areas to be alert and vigilant as rains continue to pour. The post QC orders localized class suspension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte giveth, Diokno taketh
Since his call in 2017 to veto Republic Act 10931, the law granting free higher education, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has been singing the same dissonant melody. A similar theme can be heard in his most recent attempt to cast doubt on the program’s long-term viability, which is frequently praised as one of the Duterte administration’s legacies. However, as Diokno continues to bang his well-worn drum, it becomes increasingly obvious that his arguments are out of tune and lacking in both substance and harmony. The frequently repeated assertion by Diokno that the free college program is “anti-poor” because of its supposed bias toward wealthy students doesn’t ring true with logic or facts. His claim that wealthy students have supplanted their less advantaged peers in the competition for openings at state universities and colleges lacks supporting data. He tries to play the fiscal unsustainability card by asserting that the program is an exorbitant financial burden for the government. This perspective is myopic because education spending continues to be one of the most effective ways to boost the economy and create jobs. In fact, a World Bank report has said that every dollar spent on education generates ten times as much in economic benefits, thus emphasizing the real worth of such expenditures under RA 10931. Additionally, Diokno ignores the reality that the program has been in force since 2018 after President Duterte rebuffed his veto campaign. After six years of effective implementation, for Diokno to suddenly pronounce it untenable sounds more like pessimism than a valid criticism. Diokno also veers away from the upbeat chorus that is led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, former President Duterte, as he continues to play his dirge. His persistent pessimism has turned him into a maestro of despair rather than a conductor of progress. The Finance chief certainly needs a lot of the can-do attitude of both Marcos and Duterte, the latter with the bravado and tenacity he showed in guiding the country through the turbulent waters of the Covid-19 pandemic. Diokno should learn to instill confidence in the hearts of the populace, or he should just hand the job to someone who would tackle it with more vigor. Diokno claims that wealthy kids who can afford review lessons and other incidental costs are disproportionately benefited by RA 10931. This claim is again without basis as a lot of impoverished students have gained access to higher education without having to pay tuition thanks to this law. A thorough assessment by the Commission on Higher Education showed that the free college program has dramatically increased enrollment rates among students from low-income families. This should lay bare the falsity of Diokno’s claims. If we may add, the CHEd study also resonated with people by emphasizing its contribution to closing the achievement gap between the affluent and the less fortunate. Probably most befuddling of all was Diokno’s unsettling claim that the program benefits students who live close to public universities and colleges. This conflicts with what we see on the ground, of students renting bed space or living with their relatives so they can be near their schools, wherever they may be located. Additionally, the value of an educated citizenry transcends geographical boundaries in the grand scheme of nation-building. It’s ironic that for a Finance chief, the needed comprehension of the complexity of not only our economy and the numbers but also how they relate to society and people seems absent from Diokno’s spiel opposing free higher education. His quest to repeal RA 10931 has fallen short of capturing the long-term benefits of investing in education to improve the lives of underprivileged youngsters. Diokno’s desire to take away what Duterte and Congress have given would be a step backward and an assult in the minds of millions of Filipino students. While undermining President Duterte’s legacy, Diokno’s dissonant song poses a threat to muffle the dreams of numerous Filipino students, one that is intended to deprive them of the opportunity to pursue higher education and the prospect of a better future. The post Duterte giveth, Diokno taketh appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marikina LGU comes to students’rescue
The Marikina City government has shouldered the tuition of more than 4,000 students who are no longer receiving financial support from the government under the Senior High School Voucher Program. According to Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, the Department of Education has stopped providing financial subsidies to Senior High School (Grades 11 and 12) through the voucher system due to budget cut, but the city government did not allow such impediment to happen. “We have 4,800 students affected by the loss of the voucher, so we had to have a supplemental for these students,” Teodoro told DAILY TRIBUNE in an interview over the weekend. For students entering senior high school in the National Capital Region or Metro Manila, the maximum voucher amount is P22,500. Under this program, students will be given subsidies ranging from P8,750 to P22,500, depending on the schools’ region and area. Teodoro said they have increased the number of enrollees in senior high school at the LGU-run Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina. “PLMar has two campuses, so the number of enrollees in public high schools have been reduced and went to the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina,” he said. “The good thing is that the program for the senior high school is integrated to tertiary education. They are enjoying free tuition from senior high school until college,” the mayor added. Teodoro also said that most schools in Marikina City are implementing single shift per day. “For now, based on the inspections and the data that were submitted to me, we have no shortage of classrooms and teachers,” he said. Just recently, the city government, with the help of Rep. Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro, has opened a new school building in Industrial Valley to address shortage in the city. “The school population is small because we just opened the Industrial Valley National High School, a new school at the first district which is a project of Congresswoman Maan,” Teodoro said. The post Marikina LGU comes to students’rescue appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former Bataan gov off the hook
The Sandiganbayan announced on Sunday that it has cleared former Bataan Governor Leonardo Roman of a P3.66-million graft charge stemming from the anomalous construction of a mini-theater at the Bataan State College in 2004. Citing the prosecution’s failure to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the anti-graft court’s Second Division acquitted Roman of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or RA 3019 in a 41-page ruling. “As the prosecution, in this case, failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt all the elements of Section 3(e) of RA 3019 under which the accused was charged, accused Roman should be entitled to an acquittal,” said the Sandiganbayan. To recall, the case against Roman involved the alleged awarding of a P3.66-million mini-theater project of the Bataan State College in 2004 in favor of V.F. Construction despite no allocated budget or appropriation for the project. He was also accused of colluding with his co-accused executive assistant Romeo Mendiola, treasurer Pastor Vichauco, budget officer Aurora Tiambeng, and accountant Numeriano Medina by giving unwarranted benefits to V.F. Construction for the release of the sum. Filed before the Ombudsman, the case stemmed from a complaint-affidavit dated 1 September 2004 accusing Roman and his cohorts of the crime of malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents. Roman served as the governor of Bataan from 1986 to 2004. In 2006, the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint for lack of probable cause. The Supreme Court affirmed the Ombudsman’s decision to drop the criminal charge. The Ombudsman, however, filed the case before the Sandiganbayan in 2015 following the SC’s ruling to reverse the criminal charge of graft. Based on the prosecution’s probe, Roman entered a contract with V.F. Construction to construct a mini-theater and rendered his authorizations, approvals, and certifications for the P3.66-million payment. Investigation revealed that Roman certified the project as fully completed and issued the payment to the construction firm in two installments. However, more than five months after the final payment was made to the construction company, the CoA discovered that the mini-theater, contrary to Roman’s declaration, was incomplete. The structure, it said, was only 50.7 percent complete. In clearing Roman, the Sandiganbayan stressed that it was “not convinced” by the prosecution’s theory that the erstwhile governor’s execution of a contract and approval of the payment with the V.F. Construction despite the lapses was tantamount to graft. “The evidence on record is insufficient to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there was bad faith, manifest partially, or gross inexcusable negligence on the part of the accused when he committed the questioned acts,” the Sandiganbayan said. According to the Sandiganbayan, while Roman may have committed mistakes in the performance of his duty, the fact remains that the evidence is insufficient to prove a serious breach of duty that was committed flagrantly, palpably, and with willful indifference or blatant and extremely careless manner. The post Former Bataan gov off the hook appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Grumbling mounts
There continues to be discontent among certain sectors regarding the proposed policy on military pensions, and now there is another idea floated to scrap the free college education. Just like a low rumbling sound of thunder, affected sectors are grumbling over Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno’s statement that the free access to state university education is “unsustainable” — which is indicative of a potential effort to repeal a landmark legislation enacted during the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who appointed Diokno as Budget and Management secretary and then Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor. For six years as a member of Duterte’s economic team, we were oblivious to Secretary Diokno’s opposition to Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017. Straight from the horse’s mouth during a forum organized by the University of the Philippines School of Economics on 19 August, he said the law is anti-poor since “there are more poor people who do not attend college.” To say that subsidizing college education really “consumes a lot of funds” is irresponsible, anti-Filipino and anti-development. RA 10931 was embraced by Filipinos during a period when the financial situation of the government appeared stable. The blame for becoming indebted to finance the efforts to control the pandemic falls neither on the people nor on the national government. Fast forward to post-pandemic, there is no convenient excuse for sacrificing human investment through debt for education to support lavish government expenditures in the wake of the national government pronouncements that the gross national product increased to P5.643 billion in the second quarter of 2023 from P5.592 billion in the first quarter of 2023. Truth be told, 2.46 million students were beneficiaries of a free college education during the academic year 2021-2022. It is not only they who are reaping the rewards of one of the “most long-lasting” legacies of former president Duterte’s administration, but their families, communities, and the country. Jade Baguna, a Tertiary Education Subsidy or TES program graduate in Social Work, cannot help but share the positive impact of the policy on his life and his family. Despite facing challenges like long walks to and from school and a meager weekly allowance during high school, the program enabled him to complete his degree, achieve the eighth position in the board examination, and become a Social Work instructor. The Finance Secretary may have lost his train of thought that investing in free college education has long-term economic benefits. A well-educated workforce is crucial to driving innovation, technological advancements, and economic growth. By providing access to higher education, the country can nurture a pool of skilled professionals who will contribute to various industries, drive entrepreneurship and attract investments. At a time when the need to rejuvenate an economy is paramount, scrapping free college education may limit the availability of qualified workers, hinder economic development and reduce global competitiveness. One of the most compelling arguments for a free college education is that it promotes equal opportunity and social mobility. By removing financial barriers, individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue higher education based on merit and potential rather than financial means. This ensures that talented and motivated students, regardless of their background, have a fair chance to improve their lives and contribute to society. Sec. Diokno’s sustainability concerns sparked a debate. Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero de Vera said there is nothing better than for a country to invest in its young people and produce highly skilled manpower. “It’s the best anti-poverty strategy. You educate an individual, you make him employable, and you make sure the poverty stops with him or with her,” he said. For Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez, taking out the scholarship program is synonymous with seeing a decay of education in our country. “Education is the great emancipator of people from the bondage of poverty. With education you are able to move forward with your family,” he said. Senator Francis Tolentino has this to say: “Perhaps the lack of money of the national government should not be the reason why they cannot be given the opportunity to study. Education is a basic human right. We need to provide our youth with the necessary basic tertiary education.” Higher education provides a holistic learning experience and fosters personal growth and critical thinking. It promotes civic engagement, social responsibility, and the development of well-rounded citizens. By scrapping free college education, we risk limiting these benefits and creating a society that is less educated, less informed, and less equipped to tackle complex societal challenges. Time and again, it pays to revisit Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Access to education should not be seen as a privilege but as a fundamental right. In other words, recognizing education as a human right implies that every individual is entitled to receive an education, without any form of discrimination, as it is legally protected. The post Grumbling mounts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GenSan council blasts mayor
General Santos City — It seemed that the tug of war of the General Santos City Council and the Office of the City Mayor is not yet over as opposition councilor Jane Rivera lambasted the office of City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao over the vetoing of the Expanded Edukar Gensan Scholarship Ordinance. In the recently concluded Sangguniang Panlungsod session, Rivera stressed that Pacquiao did not understand the legislative intent of the proposed ordinance. She pointed out that the Expanded Edukar ordinance shall have a budget of P220 million as compared to the current P100-million allocation. The vetoed ordinance will also now include students from the elementary, high school, college, post graduates and even college of medicine. The old ordinance did not cater elementary pupils, post graduate studies and the college of medicine. The post GenSan council blasts mayor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ilocos Norte launches tertiary students’ subsidy
LAOAG CITY — A lawmaker has launched the Tertiary Education Subsidy program in Ilocos Norte as it now open its doors to help struggling college students here to financially sustain their studies. Open to all enrolled Filipino undergraduate students, applicants are advised to submit their letter of intent to Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, along with their certificate of enrolment and billing for the first semester of academic year 2023-2024. “We are now accepting TES applications from District One,” said Marcos in a statement on Monday as he enjoined eligible students to apply for the program. The TES program is being implemented by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education and the Commission on Higher Education which is grants-in-aid program made possible through Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which institutionalizes free tuition and exemption from other fees in state universities and colleges and local universities and colleges in the Philippines. Early on, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has allocated P138.77 billion for higher education programs including student subsidies and free tuition in state universities and colleges under the 2023 General Appropriations Act. The amount will be divided among SUCs with P107.04 billion, and the CHEd with P31.73 billion. In Ilocos Norte, thousands of students are availing of this program through the lawmaker’s office and for state universities, each beneficiary belonging to the low-income bracket is entitled to cash assistance of P40,000 per school year. TES grantees from private institutions, on the other hand, receive a higher amount, which covers P20,000 for tuition and an additional P40,000 allowance per academic year. The post Ilocos Norte launches tertiary students’ subsidy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Beetle’ beats ‘Barbie’ in N. American theaters
It was a good news/bad news weekend for "Blue Beetle," the latest superhero film to hit North American theaters and the first built around a live-action Latino protagonist. The DC Studios/Warner Bros. production topped the charts for the Friday-through-Sunday period and even dethroned "Barbie," that reigning queen of pinkness, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday. But its estimated take of $25.4 million was "the lowest DC superhero debut of this era" other than 2021's money-losing "Wonder Woman 1984." "Beetle" stars 22-year-old American actor Xolo Mariduena -- who is of mixed Mexican, Cuban, and Ecuadoran descent -- as a new college graduate whose body is taken over by the mysterious Scarab, which gives him superhuman powers. Analyst David A. Gross said that while ticket sales for "Beetle" were only a third of the average for new superhero flicks, reviews have been good and overseas prospects are strong. "Barbie," in its fifth week out, scored $21.5 million in ticket sales, "a huge result at this point in its theatrical run," according to Variety. The Warner Bros. fantasy-comedy has now taken in an eye-popping $1.27 billion globally. In third, also in its fifth week out, was Universal's "Oppenheimer," at $10.6 million. The historical drama about the origins of the first atomic bomb has passed the $700 million mark globally. Fourth place went to Paramount's animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem," at $8.4 million. Its huge voice cast includes Maya Rudolph, Ayo Edebiri, John Cena, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, and Paul Rudd. And in fifth was Universal's new talking-dog comedy "Strays," at $8.3 million, a concerning start for a movie made on a $46 million budget. Rounding out the top 10 were: "Meg 2: The Trench" ($6.7 million) "Talk to Me" ($3.2 million) "Haunted Mansion" ($3 million) "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" ($2.7 million) "The Last Voyage of the Demeter" ($2.5 million) The post ‘Beetle’ beats ‘Barbie’ in N. American theaters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»