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4Ps program cannot be used for electioneering — DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development reiterated on Friday that its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) cannot be, in any way, used for electioneering or any partisan political activities. “Sa atin pong mga kababayan, kahit sino pong mangako sa inyo na kayo'y mapapasama sa 4Ps program, malamang hindi ho magkatotoo 'yan. Hindi ho magkatotoo 'yan… DSWD data lang po ang tatanungin, DSWD personnel din lang po ang makakapag-assess po sa inyo, hindi po kahit sinong kandidato (To our kababayans, whoever promises to you that you will be included in the 4Ps program, it will not come true… only DSWD data will be used, only DSWD personnel can assess you, not just any candidate.),” Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said According to 4Ps National Program Management Office (NPMO) Director Gemma Gabuya, the program only utilizes the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) or a list to identify the profile of poor beneficiaries. Gabuya, however, stressed that the inclusion to the list does not guarantee any provision of cash aid or automatic inclusion to the 4Ps since it is only a database that can be used to determine who and where the poor are. Exiting 4Ps households Following the memorandum of Secretary Rex Gatchalian on 19 July to defer the exit of 4Ps beneficiaries who were tagged as non-poor, the 4Ps NPMO conducted a reassessment of 1,158, 249 non-poor 4Ps households using the Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) from July to September. Based on the result of the reassessment, Director Gabuya said about 761,150 households are not yet capable of exiting the program, while 339,660 beneficiaries were already under the self-sufficiency level. “Isa sa main factors is the COVID kasi maraming nawalan ng trabaho. Alam naman natin na ang mga 4Ps, ang mga trabaho nila hindi naman talaga matataas yung kanilang mga income(One of the main factors is the COVID because many lost their jobs. We know that 4Ps members, do not have huge income.),” Gabuya explained. The 4Ps is a human capital development program that aims to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty among poor households by investing in the health, nutrition, and education of poor households. In 2019, the program was institutionalized as a regular program of the DSWD and a national poverty reduction strategy of the national government through Republic Act 11310 or the 4Ps Law. Under the law, the program beneficiaries will now only be covered for a maximum of seven years. and will be closely monitored using the social case management process. The post 4Ps program cannot be used for electioneering — DSWD appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Come hell, high water,Christmas comes
Despite challenges from inflation and other difficulties because of the geopolitical shifts, Filipinos still look forward to celebrating Christmas on expectations of bonuses and the observance of family traditions. Based on historical data, Kantar, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company, expects households to increase their spendings on food and beverage during the holidays compared to ordinary months. “The Christmas spirit is felt as early as September. Spending in the fast-moving consumer goods typically starts in December when Filipinos receive additional disposable income through their 13th month pay and other incentives,” Nino Nierva, account director, Worldpanel Division, Kantar Philippines, said. “What we’ve observed, based on our analyses of the spending habits of over 5,000 households’ year-on-year, is that Filipinos spend mostly on food and beverage items from December to January versus the rest of the year.” There is a spending uplift of 7 percent in the total FMCG segment during the height of the Christmas season last year, or from December 2022 to January 2023, compared to other months, or from February to November. This translates to approximately P6 billion more spent every month within the holiday period. Specifically, Filipinos spent 11 percent more on food and 9 percent more on beverage categories during the holidays. This trend also extends to dairy products (6 percent higher), which include all-purpose cream and condensed milk that are key ingredients of fruit salad, a staple Christmas dessert in the country. In contrast, the health and beauty category takes a back seat during this same period based on a 4 percent decline in growth last year, according to Kantar’s study. Season of eating, shopping Data from Kantar further showed that holiday feasts must-haves will continue to take-over the shopping baskets of Filipinos in the remaining months of the year. These items, which registered significant growth in December 2022, are expected to remain a priority for households. These are spreads (up 34 percent), canned fruits (up 25 percent), alcoholic beverages (up 24 percent), noodles and pasta sauces (up 21 percent), lechon sauce (up 17 percent), condensed milk (up 9 percent), mayonnaise (up 8 percent), and all-purpose cream (up 6 percent). However, Kantar notes that inflation continues to impact FMCG in terms of pack size and brand choices. In particular, households, strapped for cash, may buy less holiday meal staples like pasta sauces or cheese, and may choose to purchase more affordable brands of canned fruits, all-purpose cream and noodles. Tight budget not a problem While Filipinos continue to patronize sari-sari stores, they will still visit hypermarkets, supermarkets and groceries to check their options during the holiday season. According to Kantar, Filipinos still buy from sari-sari stores and they spend an average of P1,309 per month during the holidays. This is followed by hyper and supermarkets where 7 out of 10 homes visit the channel with an average monthly spend of P1,559. Aside from their own purchases, households will likewise make extra room in their pantry for FMCG products that they receive as gifts. The post Come hell, high water,Christmas comes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Crypto crackdown intensifies on Hamas finance
Cryptocurrency has become the latest front in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, analysts say. Israeli and US authorities have intensified their financial hunt into Hamas in recent days as they track illicit funds via digital currencies. Ari Redbord, global policy head at crypto tracking specialist TRM Labs, said there is now less crypto transfer activity on pro-Hamas support networks as a result. "We are seeing a lot less activity in some respects since the war began," Redbord told AFP. This is "primarily because Israel has been very aggressive and successful in taking down these fundraising efforts", he added. Israel has bombed Gaza in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas militants who, while firing a massive rocket barrage, killed more than 1,400 people and took 222 hostages on 7 October, according to Israeli authorities. Israeli strikes have now killed more than 6,500 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Shadowy world Cryptocurrency is regarded as a speedy way to move cash that is unregulated by any central bank and is less traceable than a traditional bank transfer. The shadowy world of digital units, based on decentralized blockchain technology, has gained notoriety for illicit transactions due to its under-the-radar appeal. Two weeks ago, Israeli police revealed they had located and frozen accounts linked to Hamas that sought "to solicit donations on social networks" via Binance, the world's biggest cryptocurrency exchange. A Binance spokeswoman said it "follows internationally recognized sanctions rules, blocking the small number of accounts linked to illicit funds". Redbord, formerly a senior US government adviser, said Hamas had adopted crypto from 2019 at the latest, to seek funding via the Telegram messaging network and even on its own website. Hamas decided in April that it would no longer accept cash via Bitcoin due to increased global surveillance of the world's biggest digital unit. Crypto fundraising is now operated via a network of Hamas-linked support groups. TRM Labs has closely monitored virtual crypto wallets linked to such support groups since the start of the war. And it has concluded that much smaller amounts of cash than usual are being moved. Two weeks after the attacks, support group Gaza Now received less than $6,000 in one of its crypto wallets, Redbord noted. That compared with $800,000 in total since the wallet's creation in August 2021. Meanwhile, authorities are well aware that digital assets are a minor part of a complex funding picture. The US State Department estimates that Iran funnels $100 million per year to Palestinian groups including Hamas. 'Small piece of puzzle' "Cryptocurrency is a very small piece of a larger financing puzzle for Hamas," said Redbord. "They are looking to Iran; they're... imposing taxes on the Palestinians; they have a network of charities and a diaspora of supporters who are sending donations not in cryptocurrencies." "But crypto does play a role," he said. Digital currencies still represent a significant revenue stream for Hamas and other allied groups. Crypto addresses identified by Israel as being linked to Hamas received about $41 million between August 2020 and July 2023, according to Israeli analytics and software firm BitOK. Other crypto addresses linked to Islamic Jihad received in excess of $154 million between October 2022 and September 2023, with some still active, it adds. Some players in the sector simply turn a blind eye. "Some cryptoasset businesses are intentionally or unwittingly allowing misuse of the crypto ecosystem," said Joby Carpenter, an expert on the industry. "This trend is magnified where exchanges are based in lightly or unregulated jurisdictions," he told AFP. The post Crypto crackdown intensifies on Hamas finance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese sci-fi steps into the spotlight
Once effectively banned, Chinese science fiction has exploded into the mainstream, embraced by the government and public alike –- inviting scrutiny of a genre that has become known for its expanding diversity and relative freedom. Its new status was epitomized by this week's Worldcon, the world's oldest and most influential sci-fi gathering, which closed Sunday after taking place in China for the first time. Held in the gleaming new Chengdu Science Fiction Museum, the event's star was Liu Cixin, author of the international phenomenon "Three-Body" series and inspiration for the domestic blockbuster "Wandering Earth". But the wider science fiction fandom has become a rare space where diverse voices have flourished and a vast array of issues -- social, environmental, even sometimes political -- can be explored. "In its nature, part of sci-fi is talking about the present," award-winning author Chen Qiufan told AFP. "It takes advantage of talking about outer space, or being set in different times, but reflects the human condition right now." Chen's own novel "The Waste Tide" is set in a dystopian future in China, where migrant e-waste workers toil in hazardous conditions, exploited by corrupt conglomerates. He grew up near Guiyu, once one of the largest e-waste dumps in the world. Ecological destruction, urbanization, social inequality, gender, and corruption, to name just a few –- "these issues are intersectional and intertwined with each other", said Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University's Liu Xi. Together, they "allow everyone to understand Chinese writers' exploration of Chinese society", she said. That can be rare to find in today's China, where the space for political and artistic expression has shrunk drastically over the last decade under President Xi Jinping. Spiritual pollution Historically, science fiction has had a turbulent relationship with Chinese authorities -– it effectively disappeared during the Cultural Revolution and then was banned as "spiritual pollution" in the 1980s. Though it returned, it remained relatively obscure. Writer Regina Kanyu Wang said it was only at university that she met other fans -- together they formed one of the smaller clubs on campus. Sci-fi was not taken seriously, and seen as something for children and young adults, Chen said. That had its advantages. "There was a lot of freedom... because nobody was reading science fiction, (authors) could just do whatever they wanted," the University of Zurich's Jessica Imbach told AFP. The global success of the "Three-Body" series changed everything, catapulting its epic themes of technological prowess and the fate of humanity into the public consciousness. "Whether you like science fiction or not, the social reality we are facing is becoming more and more like science fiction," said Yu Xuying from Hong Kong Metropolitan University. "We live in a high-tech era. And then your daily life is completely technological," she said. The pace of digital change in China, already fast, was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Cash has all but disappeared, and stringent health regulations further enhanced the state's significant surveillance capacity. The international interest spike in Chinese sci-fi is also related to real-world concerns, Chen believes. "I think there are different layers of reasons for the phenomenon," he said. "But a major one is the rising economic and technological power of China on the world stage." A good vehicle China's government has been happy to capitalize on all this. "At a national level, science fiction is a good vehicle for conveying the country's discourse on its science and technology strength," said Yu. It can also help "highlight the relationship between the Chinese dream (a Xi-era aspirational slogan) and science", she said. Authorities have put their money where their mouth is. The nebula-shaped Chengdu Science Fiction Museum, designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, was built at lightspeed in just a year to coincide with Worldcon. The event, historically fan-led and funded, this year was a "capitalistic initiative, coming top-down from the Chinese government", said Chen. "They want sci-fi to be the name card of the city, showing China's openness and inclusiveness to the world," he said. Government attention comes with potential risk. "The Three-Body Problem" has a different structure in English, with the narrative beginning with a violent Cultural Revolution scene. In the original Chinese, it was buried halfway through the book to make it less conspicuous, the translator Ken Liu was told. Liu told the New York Times in 2019 that increasingly, "it's gotten much harder for me to talk about the work of Chinese authors without... causing them trouble". Some works he has translated into English, deemed too sensitive, have never been published in Chinese at all. "If you're very marginal if you have low print numbers in China, then it's OK, you have more leeway. If you're doing a mega big-budget movie... it's much more complicated," said Imbach. "That's what's now also happening with science fiction," she said. "As it's becoming more mainstream, there is increased scrutiny." The post Chinese sci-fi steps into the spotlight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival
The world premiere of Jang Kun-jae's "Because I Hate Korea" will open Asia's largest film festival Wednesday night as it looks to rally from a year marked by scandal and budget cutbacks. The South Korean director's tale of a disillusioned young woman who relocates to New Zealand is among 209 official entries from 69 countries set to unspool at the Busan International Film Festival, which runs until 13 October. Eighty will be making their world premieres in the southern port city. This year's edition comes as organizers grapple with the fallout from former festival director Huh Moon-yung's resignation in May amid accusations of sexual misconduct. The scandal saw BIFF's 2023 budget reduced by about 10 percent as sponsors withdrew in the wake of the allegations, according to organizers. Kang Seung-ah, now serving as acting deputy director, acknowledged they had endured a "difficult phase" before assembling a lineup she said was "more substantial than ever before". Opening night director Jang, who noted he'd attended BIFF far more as an audience member than a filmmaker, told a late afternoon news conference he had sought to address serious questions with his film. "I believe it's necessary to pay attention to the fact that many young people are finding it difficult to navigate through Korean society. I started questioning whether our society is providing a fair and equitable foundation for young people to pursue their dreams," he told reporters after a preview screening. Based on the best-selling Chang Kang-myoung novel, "Because I Hate Korea" received support from BIFF's Asia Project Market back in 2016. South Korea has transformed itself into a cultural powerhouse since then thanks to the explosive success of the Oscar-winning "Parasite" and the Netflix series "Squid Game". "Many people are now showing great interest in Korean content such as K-pop, K-movies, and K-dramas. Living in such an era, they might develop a certain fantasy about South Korea, I think," Nam Dong-chul, the festival's acting interim director, told reporters. But "I thought it might be good to consider these views from the perspective of people living in Korea and especially the youth in South Korea", he said of the opening night choice. "They might have different thoughts and experiences." Frequent Bong Joon-ho collaborator Go Ah-sung, who delivered a memorable performance as the protagonist of "Because I Hate Korea", was unable to attend the festival due to a back injury. 'Dear Jinri' Despite Go's absence, the festival will still feature serious star power, with acclaimed Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat scheduled to receive the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award. Three of Chow's films -- "A Better Tomorrow" (1986), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) and 2023's "One More Chance" -- will be screened in his honour. Other highly anticipated screenings include "Dear Jinri", a documentary that features late K-pop star Sulli's last and incomplete project. Sulli, born Choi Jin-ri, took her own life in 2019 after a long struggle with online bullying. The film includes her final media interview, which has not been disclosed previously. Korea's filmmaking diaspora will also be showcased with a special series of screenings that includes "Searching" (2018), starring John Cho, and director Celine Song's Sundance favorite "Past Lives". Netflix's highly anticipated "Yellow Door: 90s Lo-fi Film Club" will also have its world premiere at BIFF. The documentary spotlights South Korea's renowned cinephile generation of the 1990s, acclaimed "Parasite" director Bong among them. "The Movie Emperor", director Ning Hao's satirical take on the Chinese film industry starring Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, is set to close the festival. Ning's comedy "deftly captures the fine line between the film industries in Hong Kong and mainland China", as well as the "delicate relationship between Western film festivals and Asian filmmakers", according to the program notes. The post S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sara Duterte’s P2.7B confidential expenses as Davao mayor should be probed—Castro
Davao City’s confidential expenses that ballooned to P2.697 billion during Vice President Sara Duterte’s stint as mayor should be probed by the Commission on Audit, a lawmaker said Monday. The call for investigation was prompted by the 2022 report of the CoA, which found that Davao City spent P2.697 billion on confidential expenses between 2016 to 2022, or an average of PP385.3 million per year over the preceding six years. Duterte served as the Davao City mayor from 2016 to 2022 before she assumed the VP post in July of last year. Based on CoA findings, Davao City incurred P144 million of confidential expenses in 2016, which was more than doubled to P293 million in 2017 and further climbed to P420 million in 2018. The city’s confidential fund expenses further grew to P460 million in 2019 and were maintained consistently for the subsequent years of 2020, 2021, and 2022. In an interview on Monday, ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, who sought the CoA probe, stressed that the P2.697 billion totality of confidential expenses of Davao City in the previous six years “could have been utilized more effectively to benefit the education sector, specifically by providing much-needed support to teachers.” “We were shocked also [by] the report of the CoA. With this controversy of confidential funds, we are thinking of asking the CoA to investigate,” she said. “The CoA should file an audit observation memo and then ask them to explain maybe the misuse of funds and then file necessary legal action.” She added, “Imagine more than a million a day spent for the confidential funds in a city. I just wonder how it was spent and where it was spent. So, we want the CoA to review if the city government of Davao City led by Vice President Sara Duterte by then really followed the guidelines or the joint circular 2015-01.” The said joint circular outlined by CoA with the Departments of Budget and Management, National Defense, and of the Interior and Local Government, and Governance Commission for GOCCs, contains guidelines on the entitlement, release, use, reporting, and audit of confidential and intelligence funds that are in the General Appropriations Act. Daily Tribune has been asking for Duterte’s comment, but she remained mum on the issue. While Castro admitted that the local government units are entitled to confidential funds for peace and order maintenance, it was “ironic” that Duterte sought allocation of such funds given that she claimed Davao City was “very peaceful, disciplined, and well” during her tenure. "So why is it necessary to have an increasingly confidential fund?" the lawmaker stressed, noting such a fund should be used for other fruitful endeavors. "I remember the time the teachers of Davao City were asking for city allowance, but she did not grant it. Instead, she refused and even got mad with ACT (Alliance of Concerned Teachers) during that time," Castro pointed out. While none in the law limits the amount of confidential funds, the militant lawmaker pointed out that it should be rationalized. A proposed law aimed at imposing a cap and limit on confidential funds, streamlining the allocation of such that would promote transparency and accountability, is currently being crafted, according to Castro. It will be filed in Congress when the session resumes in November. The post Sara Duterte’s P2.7B confidential expenses as Davao mayor should be probed—Castro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Think tank: SMGPH faces liquidity crunch
The declining profitability of San Miguel Corporation’s energy unit San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. has affected the capability of the company to meet near-term financial obligations, according to a report of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, or IEEFA. Local groups held a forum on Wednesday ahead of the 133rd anniversary of the Adian conglomerate that focused on the “losing strategy” of maintaining its dependence imported fossil fuel with its planned shift from traditional coal to liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Think tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development indicated during the event that SMGPH is implementing “a losing strategy that is having devastating consequences on shareholders and investors, energy consumers, and the environment.” “While SMC is pursuing the country’s further dependence on fossil fuel, it is also losing on the actual energy transition development. SMC had lost in the race to secure new permits for renewable energy capacity, which will be built in the next two to three years,” Gerry Arances, CEED executive director, said. Sam Reynolds, author of an Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, or IEEFA, report titled San Miguel Global Power: Fossil fuel-oriented growth strategy raises financial red flags, said the article detailed the financial issues SMC faces because of its reliance on coal and gas. IEEFA is a Detroit-based advisory group for energy industry strategies. He warned the company’s overexposure to volatile fossil fuel prices could sink its financial health and that “SMGPH’s overreliance on fossil fuels has weakened its financial health — moving from coal to LNG is not going to solve the fundamental problem of overexposure to fossil fuel prices.” SMGPH debts are falling due between 2024 and 2026, according to the study. The company’s financial position would likely remain inadequate to address the callable perpetual securities, amounting to $3.4 billion (P193 billion). “SMGPH could face a double-edged sword. On one hand, the need to redeem perpetual securities demands additional capital or funding. On the other, opting not to exercise the call option subjects the company to additional financial costs, further straining its financial position,” according to IEEFA. No contract to back up projects “This is especially true when you consider the company’s lack of contracts for its existing and proposed LNG facilities,” he added. SMC’s status as one of the country’s biggest conglomerates entails that the company should be among those leading the transition away from fossil fuels, Reynolds added. Reynolds also doubts the company will be able to fulfill the 2050 net zero commitment it unveiled earlier this year. “Unless there is a major, material pivot within the company to transition to renewables and phase out its fossil fuel expansion plans, the company is going to have very little chance of achieving its 2050 net zero target. Without a strategic, material, immediate pivot, that goal is simply unrealistic,” he said. Liquidity crunch possible As a result of SMGPH’s declining profitability, IEEFA’s analysis indicated that its ability to cover near-term financial commitments in the form of debt, interest and capital distribution for perpetual securities may have worsened considerably. This points to an overall liquidity crunch, which could translate to a longer-term funding shortfall if not carefully managed. IEEFA indicated that its view “aligns with conclusions from Bloomberg Intelligence, which stated that the company may need $900 million (P51 billion) by the end of this year to meet its financial commitments. “SMGPH’s funding constraints also depend on its ability to extend P21 billion worth of short-term loans. There is also a possibility of obtaining local funding due to its connection to parent company SMC,” IEEFA indicated. Its financial SMGPH’s perpetual securities come with a notable feature: a step-up interest mechanism. If the call option on the security is not exercised, the interest rate increases by a certain percentage each year. SMGPH has strategically tapped into the issuance of bonds and loans to fund its expansion plans, increasing its total debt. Total equity has also grown, driven largely by the company’s issuance of perpetual securities. The paper added that a broader assessment, beyond operating cash flows, reveals a rising liquidity risk for SMGPH. It measured the SMGPH’s cash flow from operations (CFO)-to-current liabilities ratio, the results of which pointed a “concerning trend.” The ratio has been on a downward trajectory since 2019. In 2022, the CFO-to-current liabilities ratio plummeted to an all-time low of -0.12, indicating insufficient cash flow to cover short-term liabilities. The same ratio remained weak in the first half. Its ratio in 2022 was 1.00, down from 1.43 in 2021, meaning the company has exactly one dollar of current assets for every dollar of current liabilities. “In essence, the company holds a relatively tight margin of assets available to cover its immediate financial obligations. Meanwhile, the accounts receivable turnover ratio stood at 3.15, marking its lowest value since 2016.” The post Think tank: SMGPH faces liquidity crunch appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has recently expressed his full support for the establishment of the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, Medical Reserve Corps, and the Virology Institute of the Philippines. The measures were discussed during the Third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting after the senator attended the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in San Mateo, Rizal. When asked about the progress of these initiatives, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health stressed his full support and is optimistic that these will be approved this year. Go clarified that the NDPMA is essentially the same as the previously named Center for Disease Control and Prevention bill as he reiterated the importance of being prepared for possible future pandemics, citing the country’s experience with Covid-19. He recalled how the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine became a crucial office for Covid-19 testing, despite almost losing its funding during the 2019 budget deliberations. “In 2019, before the pandemic came, the budget for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine was almost cut. We did not agree. In fact, we increased them during the budget deliberations,” Go said. “My hunch was right, who would have thought that RITM would be one of the most important offices during the pandemic? RITM is also capable of testing other infectious diseases besides Covid-19,” he added. He concluded by saying that he supports these initiatives that will benefit Filipinos, the healthcare system, and the less fortunate. To recall, the senator has filed his own versions of these measures in the Senate — Senate Bill 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control and if passed, the CDC will serve as the country’s central hub for disease prevention, surveillance and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases. The post Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday ordered an investigation on reports that a religious cult is collecting the cash grant of its members who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The DSWD chief ordered the probe following the privileged speech of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, 18 September, which detailed the activities of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which the senator alleged to be a religious cult in Surigao del Norte. “We have taken stock of the privilege speech of the good senator, Madame Chair, and we took inventory immediately of how many 4Ps households we have there. But obviously, these are initial numbers because it could not be in just one sitio but in more sitios,” Secretary Gatchalian told senators during the hearing on the DSWD’s proposed P207.37 billion on Wednesday, 20 September. Secretary Gatchalian said that in Sitio Kapihan in the Municipality of Socorro, there are 74 households which are 4Ps beneficiaries. “In that barangay itself, Barangay Siring, we have 503 households,” he said. “We’ve already spoken about getting our city links and our municipal links to pry into the well-being of these 4Ps beneficiaries in that area,” the DSWD chief said as he promised to provide the Senate with an update on the investigation. The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0 to 18. Gatchalian maintained that as a matter of practice in the DSWD, “What is for the beneficiary is for the beneficiary.” “It’s against the creed of the Department when may tumabas, no matter kung sino man yan (whoever violates, no matter who it is), no government official, no private individual can take what is given directly to the beneficiary,” Gatchalian told senators during the budget hearing. Gatchalian told the senators that the Department will also look into the beneficiaries of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) in the Caraga Administrative Region (Region 13), with a focus on those barangays and sitios that are within the area of influence of the religious cult. “Whenever we get allegations of AICS misuse, we take it seriously, and even here in the Central Office, in any of our Field Office,” the DSWD chief said, adding that the Department’s Caraga regional director is already looking into the AICS track distribution in the area. “And then we can do backtracking and our standard investigation tracks also… We will immediately copy furnish the office of the committee as well as the office of the good senator on the findings of the 4Ps as well as the AICS clusters,” Gatchalian said. Senators Hontiveros and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, each filed a resolution calling for a Senate investigation into the activities of the alleged religious cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which is based in Surigao del Norte. The post DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solon expects stronger SK programs
Constituents of those who would be elected in the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan elections could expect stronger and more progressive programs from their respective leaders, according to Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Sunday. Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee on Youth, said with the completion of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11768 which introduced new reforms to the SK system, the youth sector can expect better performance from their representatives. “Critics of the SK have questioned its relevance and see it as being politicized,” Angara said. “We introduced the amendments to the SK system in RA 11768 in response to these criticisms with the hope that the young members of the community who will be part of the body will do more as youth leaders and become strong partners of the government in nation-building,” he added. The lawmaker stressed that, for years, the SK has been criticized for undertaking the same activities that do little to benefit youth development such as organizing sportsfests and pageants. To address this, the law provides clear guidelines on the types of programs, projects, and activities that can be undertaken by the SK using the funds provided to them. These include the provision of student stipends, food, book and transportation allowances; sports and wellness projects; skills training, summer employment, cash-for-work, on-the-job training, and livelihood assistance; projects promoting the participation of the youth and their initiation in agricultural, fishery, and forestry enterprises; programs and activities that will locate the youth at the forefront of climate action, environmental protection and conservation efforts; capacity building for grassroots organization and leadership; and programs and activities that address context-specific and intersectional vulnerabilities of young people. “We want to ensure that the SK stays true to its mandate of providing the youth in the communities with programs that will be useful to them and help them become productive members of society,” Angara said. The new measure also addresses the waning interest of the youth in joining the SK, including the absence of honoraria for most of its members. Under the law, the SK members, secretaries and treasurers will now be entitled to allowances that will be charged against the SK funds. A cap of 25 percent on the utilization of SK funds for personnel services was included in the law to ensure that the bulk of the budget will go to programs, projects and activities that will benefit the youth. At present, only the SK chairpersons are entitled to honoraria by virtue of their status as ex-officio members of the Sangguniang Barangays. The measure also authorizes the local government units to provide additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay to the SK chairpersons and members through their own local ordinances. SK officials and members will be exempted from taking any components of the National Service Training Program. They will also be entitled to the appropriate civil service eligibility based on the years of service to the barangay, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission. The post Solon expects stronger SK programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Farmers urged: Enlist with RSBSA
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Leo Sebastian over the weekend urged farmers to register for the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture as part of the minimum requirement to obtain certified seeds through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. Sebastian — who also heads the Rice Industry Development — made the call following the release of a midterm evaluation report by the International Rice Research Institute which showed that many farmers who could be recipients of certified seeds are not yet registered in the RSBSA. The RCEF budget allocation was evaluated based on the results from the quantitative and qualitative assessments using four criteria — quantitative impact on yield, inclusivity of the component, budget utilization and efficiency in achieving stated targets. The seeds component received high marks on all four criteria, which suggests overall efficiency of the program in meeting its goals and relevance for individual farmers but many farmers who could be recipients of CS are not yet registered in the RSBSA during the period covered in the evaluation. Sebastian also said that despite the high utilization rate of certified seeds that farmers received from the RCEF seed component, the Philippine Rice Research Institute confirmed that 3 to 5 percent of farmers had experienced late delivery of certified seeds. The midterm evaluation also brought up the need to establish a mechanism to identify locations where delivery is late, followed by synchronization of the timing of seed delivery with the cropping calendar in areas where late seed delivery was experienced. RCEF was designed to improve the competitiveness of rice production in the Philippines to increase the income of farmers. Central to current efforts in promoting the competitiveness of rice farming is the creation of the RCEF made through the passage of the Rice Tariffication Law in March 2019. The four component programs of RCEF — seed, mechanization, extension and credit — aim to help attain the goal of improving the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers, increase their income, and sustain the resilience and responsiveness of the industry. The post Farmers urged: Enlist with RSBSA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Farmers encouraged to register with DFA program
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Leo Sebastian, head of the Rice Industry Development, urges farmers to take advantage of registering with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture as part of the minimum requirement to obtain certified seeds through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). Sebastian said the call was made through a midterm evaluation report conducted by the International Rice Research Institute, which noted that farmers should be encouraged to register to take advantage of the RCEF. The RCEF budget allocation was evaluated based on the results from the quantitative and qualitative assessments using four criteria: quantitative impact on yield, inclusivity of the component, budget utilization, and efficiency in achieving stated targets. "The seeds component has high marks on all four criteria, which suggests the program is meeting its goals and relevance for the individual farmers. However, many farmers who could be recipients of CS are not yet registered in the RSBSA during the period covered in the evaluation," Sebastian explained. He added that despite the 95 to 97 percent utilization rate of certified seeds that farmers receive from the RCEF seed component, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) confirmed that 3 to 5 percent of farmers had experienced late delivery of certified seeds based on surveys that were echoed by focused group discussions and key informant interviews. The midterm evaluation, which was up to July 2023, also brought up the need to establish a mechanism to identify locations where delivery is late, followed by synchronization of the timing of seed delivery with the cropping calendar in areas where late seed delivery was experienced. RCEF was designed to improve the competitiveness of rice production in the Philippines to increase the income of farmers, according to Sebastian. "Central to current efforts in promoting the competitiveness of rice farming is the creation of the RCEF made through the passage of the Rice Tariffication Law in March 2019," the DA official said. "Section 13b. of Republic Act 11203 creating RCEF provides that PhilRice use 30% of the RCEF (P3 billion) to implement the development, propagation and promotion of certified inbred rice seeds to rice farmers and the organization of rice farmers into seed grower associations/cooperatives engaged in seed production and trade," he farther explained. Specifically, the seed component aims to: 1. Increase utilization of certified inbred rice seeds in provinces with a high potential of improving competitiveness; 2. Improve quality, availability of, and access to certified inbred rice seeds; and 3. Increase the number of organized farmers engaged in seed production and trade. Since the RCEF implementation in 2019, rice supply has become more stable with record production of 19.96 million tons (palay terms) in 2021. Rice production slightly declined in 2022 with 19.76 million tons, but this level is still much higher than rice output in the first two years of the RCEF program. The midterm evaluation said rice yield also increased from 4.04 tons/ha in 2019 to 4.11 tons/ha in 2022. Domestic rice production is also complemented by imports with an average volume of 3 million tons (milled terms) over the period 2019-2022. Aside from improvements in national rice output, prices of milled rice decreased much more rapidly following the RTL. This enabled the country to compete with prices in its rice-producing neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam. "The evaluation noted that rice inflation declined with RCEF leading to stabilized prices of milled rice. Likewise, there was a pronounced decline in farmgate prices of palay between 2019 and 2021 but prices were relatively stable since 2022, enabling farmers to enjoy stable rice prices because they are shielded from periods of abnormally low prices and this enhances efficiency in the farm sector," Sebastian said. RCEF was designed to improve the competitiveness of rice production in the Philippines to increase the income of farmers. Central to current efforts in promoting the competitiveness of rice farming is the creation of the RCEF made through the passage of the Rice Tariffication Law in March 2019. The four component programs of RCEF – seed, mechanization, extension, and credit aim to help attain the goal of improving the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers, increasing their income, and sustaining the resilience and responsiveness of the industry. To this end, the four programs collectively target to contribute to increasing yield up to 5t/ha in medium-yielding provinces and 6t/ha in high-yielding provinces. They also strive to contribute to reducing production costs by 30 percent, reduce postharvest losses to 12 percent and trim down marketing costs by P1/kg. The post Farmers encouraged to register with DFA program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed last Tuesday, Senate Resolution No. 730 seeking an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act amid reports that numerous solo parents are not receiving the benefits mandated by law after its enactment more than a year ago. The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act was signed into law on 4 June 2022, with the aim of supporting Filipino single parents. The law provides various social services and welfare benefits, including a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 for those earning a minimum wage or below and a 10 percent discount along with VAT exemption on essential childcare products for those earning less than P250,000. “More than a year since the enactment of the law, there are reports that several solo parents, who should be recipients of the provisions under the law, are not receiving the expected benefits,” said Go, author and co-sponsor of RA 11861. It was found out that several local government units found it difficult to secure a sufficient budget to implement the provisions of the law. Even much-larger cities do not have the resources to consistently distribute the P1,000 monthly allowance. “This raises serious concerns and necessitates an immediate review to ensure that the support and assistance mandated by the law are being provided,” he added. The resolution has directed the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry to examine the gaps in the provision of benefits under RA 11861. Meanwhile, Go on Wednesday, stressed the need for accountability, strategic prioritization, and long-term solution to address recurring problems in flood-prone areas during a Committee on Public Works hearing on the country’s flood control master plan and outstanding projects. Go asked DPWH for an accomplishment report detailing the flood control initiatives undertaken during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term. He also requested a copy of the master plan outlining both current and upcoming projects. The senator said the budget allocated for flood control continues to increase from P82 billion in 2019, P80.7 billion in 2020, P90.9 billion in 2021, P127.4 billion in 2022, P182 billion in 2023, and now with a proposed budget of P215.6 billion for 2024, not including foreign assisted projects and those funded by the private sector. The post Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House receives P5.7-T proposed nat’l budget
The Department of Budget and Management or DBM on Wednesday submitted to House Speaker Martin Romualdez the P5.768-trillion proposed national budget for next year, which the lawmaker said would provide Congress enough time to evaluate the soundness of the fund allocations. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman delivered the proposal, also called the National Expenditure Program, on the date she promised after it was handed over to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month. “Your submission of the proposed national budget in less than 10 days from the start of the regular session of Congress provides the House ample time to study, discuss, and deliberate on the point of the proposal, and formulate a national budget that is responsive to the development needs of our country,” Romualdez said. Compared to this year’s outlay, the proposed national budget for 2024 is higher by 9.5 percent. Pangandaman had said in June that the national budget should be passed into law swiftly as it had been pre-approved by President Marcos and the government department heads. She said the individual budgets proposed by government agencies totaled P5.90 trillion before the DBM trimmed it down to P5.768 trillion based on the agencies’ fund utilization capacities and the feasibility of their planned projects. The proposed national budget will also undergo Senate deliberations before the consolidated version will be submitted to Marcos for his signature which would make it a law. Pangandaman said priority allocations of the budget include education, infrastructure, and agriculture projects that are aligned with the goals of the administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. For agriculture, the allocation was set at P30.87 billion for rice production, P5.28 billion for corn, and P1.94 billion for high-value crops, among others. “Higher investments will also be provided for agricultural support services, such as irrigation and the construction and rehabilitation of fish ports across the country and farm-to-market roads in key production areas,” Pangandaman said. For infrastructure development, the proposed fund amounts to P1.42 trillion or 5.3 percent of the gross domestic product and covers schools, hospitals and health centers, water and power systems, roads, railways and airports. Climate change projects Among other priorities are climate change projects with an allocation of P543.45 billion, its bulk dedicated to water security. Another is social development programs with a proposed fund of P112.8 billion to help 4.4 million families through the cash-transfer program Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social and Welfare Development. Pangandaman said the pension for indigent senior citizens was doubled to P49.81 billion and would benefit more than 4 million. Meanwhile, the housing allocation was pegged at P9 billion and will be used to shelter 6.5 million families over the next five years. Education received the highest fund proposal as required by the Constitution at P924.7 billion. The Philippines would be “one step closer” to realizing the government’s “transformative vision” for the country once Congress accepts the proposed budget according to President Marcos. In his message, Marcos explained that the proposed budget aims to provide the resources required for government operations and the ongoing pursuit of economic reform. The planned budget is P9.5 trillion more than the P5.268-trillion General Appropriations Act for 2023. “With the Congress’ approval of the proposed (Fiscal Year) 2024 National Budget, we will be one step closer to achieving our transformative vision for the country, the Agenda of Prosperity,” Marcos said. “Our journey has just begun. We will march on — one nation, one people building a better future together,” he added. The President said that the proposed budget for 2024 was a key part of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which aims to strengthen the country’s capabilities, protect the buying power of Filipinos, and improve output sectors to create more good jobs and products that can compete globally. “In turn, these strategies are to be supported by an enabling environment characterized by macroeconomic stability, infrastructure development, bureaucratic efficiency, strong rule of law, and effective climate action,” Marcos said. The post House receives P5.7-T proposed nat’l budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Barbie’ stays atop ‘hill of cash’ in N.America theaters
Warner Bros.' blockbuster "Barbie" earned an estimated $93 million in North American theaters this weekend as it continued "rolling down a hill of cash," industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday. Taken together with Universal's dark biopic "Oppenheimer," which took in a mighty $46.2 million in its own second weekend out, the two films provided a much-needed "Barbenheimer" boost during a middling Hollywood summer. "July would have been a lukewarm month, but then 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' arrived, moviegoing exploded, and within one week, July caught up to its pre-pandemic average," said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. Last weekend, "Barbie" scored the biggest opening weekend of the year, at $80.5 million, showing eyebrow-raising appeal for a movie based on a small plastic doll living in a perfect pink world. With Margot Robbie as "Barbie" and Ryan Gosling as boyfriend "Ken," the Greta Gerwig film has now generated $351.4 million in North American ticket sales, along with $423 million abroad, likely setting it on track to be the next billion-dollar flick. "Oppenheimer" also showed exceptional strength for a historical drama, with its second-weekend result -- like that of "Barbie" -- among the best in box-office history, said analyst Paul Dergarabedian. The story of the creation of America's atomic bomb has now earned $174.1 million domestically and $226 million abroad. In third for the weekend was a new Disney release, "Haunted Mansion," at $24.2 million. Disney spent $150 million to produce the kid-centric film so it has a way to go to reach profitability, according to Variety. The movie stars LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish and Owen Wilson. Fourth spot went to the independent "Sound of Freedom," from Santa Fe Films and Angel Studios, at $12.4 million. The low-budget action thriller has sparked controversy, with critics saying its story about child sex trafficking plays into Qanon conspiracy theories. And hanging steady at fifth was Paramount's "Mission: Impossible -- Dead Reckoning Part One." This latest in the popular Tom Cruise series took in $10.7 million, meaning all of the top five films scored in the double-digit millions. Rounding out the top 10 were: "Talk to Me" ($10 million) "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" ($4 million) "Elemental" ($3.4 million) "Insidious: The Red Door" ($3.2 million) "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" ($1.4 million) The post ‘Barbie’ stays atop ‘hill of cash’ in N.America theaters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless
Reduced budgets against big, supportive words paint a grainy picture of how the Marcos Jr. administration is prioritizing the arts and culture sector of the Philippines. In 2022, “proposed budget cuts for four key agencies tasked with preserving history and culture,” as said in a report, got critics’ hackles up, implying that the Marcoses had no love lost for history as it was allegedly bent on revisionism. However, a source from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts acknowledges that this has been a “period of recovery,” and that “the administration has continuously supported and assisted in the recovery of the sector, which is one of most adversely affected by the pandemic. Through the government’s cultural agencies, support to the culture still continues” to this day, one year into the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. For its part, the Duterte government, at the height of the pandemic, took steps to alleviate the needs of all those affected in the arts and culture sector. Assistance Data from the Cultural Center of the Philippines reveals that during that time, about 800 events were canceled, losing about 800,000 audiences or participants, and at least P90 million in revenues. About 3,000 artists, cultural workers and other kinds of workers were affected. This was the same all over the country and the world. The NCCA’s Assistance Program for Cultural Workers Under the State of Calamity aimed to provide quick cash assistance in the amount of P5,000 to around 800 beneficiaries. Artists and cultural workers who were not under an employer-employee relationship, without regular income or were working freelance, with no benefits, and/or had no employers to run to, and those whose source of income were gone due to the pandemic, were prioritized. The executive council members of the NCCA’s 19 national committees, which represent the different fields of culture and the arts, were tasked to list 35 priority beneficiaries. The NCCA “is the overall policy-making body, coordinating and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and tasked to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts — a fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs and projects.” Executive Order 80’s. 1999, under then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, put the NCCA on top of other cultural agencies: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), National Museum, The National Library (now, The National Library of the Philippines) and the Records, Management and Archives Office (now, the National Archives of the Philippines). In 2001, Section 8 of Republic Act 9155 added the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino/Commission on the Filipino Language under the NCCA umbrella tied up with education goals. It states: “The Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, National Historical Institute, Record Management and Archives Office and the National Library shall now be administratively attached to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and no longer with the Department of Education. The program for school arts and culture shall remain part of the school curriculum.” Putting these cultural agencies together was meant to synergize efforts to strengthen the Filipinos’ sense of heritage and nationhood. Budget allocations In 2023, a year after President Marcos first stepped into office, what “resources” are we talking about? When budgets were being deliberated on in 2022, reports came out on calls for an increase in the proposed budget for arts and culture. At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance, NCCA chairman Rene Escalante said, “…we are proposing additional funding of a total of P33 million” to cover expenses for “more manpower and space as some regulatory functions of the National Museum of the Philippines were transferred to it.” Department of Budget Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in her newspaper column wrote last 31 May: “For 2023, DBM has released funding for our cultural agencies to sustain their projects. It has allocated P212 million for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; P33 million for NCCA; P164 million for the National Archives; P70 million for the Commission on the Filipino Language; P356 million for CCP and P444 million for the National Museum.” ‘Full support’ Prior to his State of the Nation Address this year after one year in office, expressed his “commitment to promoting Philippine culture, as well as the preservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage, In a speech at the NCCA Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) awarding ceremony in Malacañang, he said: “Makaaasa kayo na kaisa ninyo ang pamahalaan at administrasyong ito sa pagsusulong at pagpapayaman ng ating sining at kultura (You may rest assured the government and this administration is one with you in the promotion and development of our arts and culture),” pointing out its importance in and interconnection to efforts to boost our economy while uplifting the image of Filipinos across the globe. [caption id="attachment_161350" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] TRADITIONAL style of mat weaving. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LIKHA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_161351" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Banig weavers.[/caption] ‘Who we are’ What a rich and thriving culture means to a nation cannot be emphasized enough. In October 2018, when Malacañang hosted the awarding of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Philippine Heritage Award and the Order of National Artist, then President Rodrigo Duterte noted the role that cultural heritage plays in the formation of the Filipino identity. “We must recognize and fulfill our duty to stay true to who we are, remember where we came from and honor the timelessness of our culture and traditions,” he said. His commitment was evident as the pandemic went on, with the NCCA offering assistance to the affected workers in the arts and culture sector. The unspoken benefit from that experience was that the arts community bounced back immediately, as artists and cultural workers continued to create, to entertain, to impart insights, to provoke and stimulate, to inspire. Creativity might have taken a pause during the pandemic but not for long as artists began to turn to cyberspace to share their works and interact with their audiences mainly in their social media accounts. Taking this cue, cultural institutions and companies, arts organizations and culture-related groups took the online route, creating virtual events such as online galleries, webinars and talks, film showings, workshops and tutorials, live-streamed musical shows and even presentations of recorded theatrical and dance performances. The digital arts have blossomed and traditional artforms have found themselves increasingly and suddenly in the digital world. Post-pandemic, establishments reopened, but cultural spaces such as museums, galleries and theaters were among the last ones to reopen. Local artistry In the first year of Marcos’ presidency, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took on the role of promoting Filipino culture by spearheading projects like the Malacañang museums and Likha exhibits, which shone the limelight on local artistry and craftsmanship. One of the legacies of the pandemic that will continue in the coming years is incorporation of streaming or recording for posting and sharing in social media and other mediums. This is true for certain events such as launchings and talks. We have discovered the far-reaching reach of online platforms as well as the convenience of it, saving us time and money. With online platforms, we can reach thousands and disseminate information further beyond borders. Our audiences are not limited to certain geography, certain spheres. However, for theatrical productions, dance, films and music, we have to devise ways to monetize them so that the creatives involved can make a living out of their crafts. That is one of the challenges that the sector will be facing, which is part of the recovery process from the pandemic. One other important factor to be considered is the creative industries or creative economy. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 was launched in 2017, and for the first time, arts and culture and the creative industries are included in the national agenda. An inter-agency board has been created focusing on the creative industries, with the NCCA as one of the key agencies. This entails creating a collective vision and aspiration of Filipinos for themselves and for the country, and is an acknowledgment of the power of arts and culture to shape and elevate consciousness and ways of life and inspire communities. In that chapter, the government promises to “boost the development of Filipino creativity as tool for social cohesion and impetus for culture-based industry and creative economy.” Let’s not forget that a thoughtful and caring governance and industry would indeed include arts and culture in order to prosper in all aspects, recognize the important roles of their artists and cultural workers, and would preserve their cultural legacy, which contribute to realizing a deeper sense of self and national identity. True prosperity does not dwell on the material level but must include the nourishment and nurturing of the soul. The post Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl lacks drug rehab centers
The Philippines is not only lacking in human resources for mental health but also in drug treatment and rehabilitation centers, the Department of Health said Wednesday. During the launch of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center-Bicutan’s addiction training programs, Health Assistant Secretary Charade Mercado-Grande said that not all provinces in the country have their own TRC. “We can say that in the Philippines not all the provinces have a TRC but our TRC referral network located in different parts of the country is working,” Mercado-Grande said. She added: “We recognize the need to increase (TRCs) but we cannot say the department is not responding because they are given a chance to enhance their facilities every year. The same goes for their patients in terms of their budget.” Presently, there are only 32 government-accredited TRCs in the country. Under Section 75 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the national government shall “establish at least one drug rehabilitation center in each province.” Based on statistics from the Dangerous Drugs Board in 2019, there were 4.7 million lifetime users of drugs aged 10 to 69, of which around 1.67 million were considered current drug users. Likewise, the country is in dire need of human resources for mental health, particularly for addiction treatment, she said. “Are there enough drug rehab or drug care workers in the country? I will say no, we are lacking,” said Dr. Alfonso Villaroman, TRC-Bicutan Chief of Hospital. Citing a World Health Organization situational assessment for mental health, Villaroman said the current ratio of psychologists in the country is 0.1 percent per 100,000 population. “There is a lack of nurses who practice addiction. Only 200 social workers work as addiction specialists or addiction workers. Especially, doctors, there are only a few of us in the government, so we are really lacking,” he said. To cover the lack of drug rehabilitation facilities in the country, the Health Department said it is increasing the bed capacities of existing TRCs. Dr. Manuel Panopio, health program officer of the DOH-TRC, said the addiction training program is the “first of its kind” in the long history of the country’s fight against the use of illegal substances. “The services that are being provided by the different drug rehabilitation centers exist. What we did was to formalize and, at the same time, standardize the training programs for the development of our patients,” he said. “It’s like, we should know only one thing, we should provide the same services to our patients,” he added. “We do not have a formal or standardized program.” Mercado-Grande said the agency will look into adopting addiction training programs that will standardize programs in all public treatment and rehabilitation centers in the country. “This is one of the programs that we will consult with the department where all TRCs may meet and adopt a standard training. We will discuss it,” she said. During the training, trainees will learn how to assess the mental health and well-being of people who use drugs, TRC-Bicutan said. Likewise, trainees will learn to analyze addictive behaviors and related issues. The post Phl lacks drug rehab centers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG to recognize innovative, distinctive LGU legislative practices
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to recognize outstanding city and municipal sanggunians that demonstrated innovation and exemplary practices in local legislation through the 2023 Local Legislative Award (LLA) in a conferment ceremony later this year. “Innovative local legislation is a conduit to excellent public service. Through the 2023 LLA, we hope to recognize the exemplary contribution of our city and municipal legislative bodies and the enormous role they play in local governance and ultimately, in public service,” DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said. He said the 2023 LLA aims to fete the exemplary performance of Sangguniang Panlungsod and Bayan for legislating measures that help build impactful local administration and development from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2022. Through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-092, Abalos said Sanggunians will be evaluated using the following criteria: responsiveness of the legislative agenda; availability of legislative documents; effectiveness and efficiency of performance of the Sanggunian; legislative citations and awards; and capacity development of legislators and staff. “With the LLA, we can inspire local legislators to keep making sound and effective policies that do not only address the needs of their localities but also contribute to realizing the country’s collective long-term vision,” he added. The LLA is categorized into provincial, regional, and national levels. In the provincial evaluation, city and municipal sanggunians must satisfy the 80 percent or higher overall performance rating to compete at the regional level. Meanwhile, at the regional level, sanggunians with a total score of 85 percent and above are qualified to compete at the national level. Provincial winners will receive a trophy and cash from the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP) provincial chapters; a trophy and cash from PCL and VMLP regional councils, and a plaque of commendation from PCL and VMLP national offices for the regional winners; and a trophy and cash from PCL and VMLP national office and League’s Partners for the national winners. The awards committee will be chaired by the DILG and vice-chaired by PCL and VMLP, with members from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The post DILG to recognize innovative, distinctive LGU legislative practices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Retirement (2)
Last week, I wrote an article discussing basic pointers on retirement law. For this second part, I would like to expound on a couple of interesting Supreme Court cases relevant to retirement. Goodyear Philippines Inc. v. Marina Angus (G.R. No. 185449, 12 November 2014) Goodyear employed Marina in 1966 as a secretary to the manager of Quality and Technology. Later, Goodyear implemented cost-saving measures which included the streamlining of its workforce. Thus, in September 2001, Marina received a letter informing her that her position as a secretary was considered redundant and was going to be abolished, and she would be terminated effective 18 October 2021. She was also informed that as per company practice, termination due to redundancy or retrenchment was paid at 45 days’ pay per year of service, and since Marina had rendered 34.92 years of service, management decided to grant her an early retirement benefit at 47 days’ pay per year of service. While Marina accepted the early retirement benefit, she did not agree to its terms but claimed a premium of an additional 3 days for every year of service, or a total of 50 days. Marina accepted “under protest” the checks covering her retirement benefit computed at 47 days per year of service and other company benefits. Also, she separately claimed separation pay since her service was terminated due to redundancy. Was Marina entitled to early retirement benefits and separation pay? Yes. Marina was entitled to both early retirement benefits and separation pay due to the absence of a specific provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement prohibiting the receipt of both. According to the SC, retirement benefits and separation pay are not mutually exclusive. Retirement benefits are “a form of reward for an employee’s loyalty and service to an employer and are earned under existing laws, CBAs, employment contracts and company policies.” Separation pay is the “amount which an employee receives at the time of his severance from employment, designed to provide the employee with the wherewithal during the period that he is looking for another employment…” Carissa Santo v. University of Cebu (G.R. No. 232522, 28 August 2019) In May 1997, the University of Cebu hired Carissa as a full-time instructor. During her employment, Carissa studied law and passed the 2009 bar examinations. Under the university’s Faculty Manual, “a permanent employee may, upon reaching his fifty-fifth (55th) birthday or after having completed at least fifteen (15) years of service, opt for an early retirement… and shall be entitled to the retirement pay equivalent to a total of fifteen (15) days for every year of service…” In April 2013, she applied for optional retirement. The university approved her application and computed her optional retirement pay at 15 days per year of service under the faculty manual. Carissa asserted that her retirement pay should have been computed at 22.5 days per year of service under Article 287 of the Labor Code. The university refused to accept her computation. Thus, she initiated a complaint for payment of retirement benefits under the law, damages, and attorney’s fees. Which retirement scheme applied to Carissa? The SC ruled that Carissa’s retirement pay should have been computed at 22.5 days per year of service (based on Article 287 of the Labor Code) which was more beneficial and advantageous to Carissa than the retirement benefits under the faculty manual (15 days per year of service). It reiterated that “while the employer is free to grant retirement benefits and impose different age or service requirements, the benefits should not be less than that provided in Article 287 of the Labor Code.” The SC disagreed with the Court of Appeal’s ruling that Article 287 of the Labor Code on retirement benefits was not applicable since it was supposedly not intended to benefit Carissa who voluntarily resigned not to rest in the twilight years of her life but to actively engage in the practice of the legal profession. The SC clarified that Carissa’s intention to practice law after retiring as a college instructor did not affect or diminish her entitlement to retirement benefits under the law. The post Retirement (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Why haven’t we gotten our ‘pangarap na Oscar’?
In Jules Katanyag’s raunchy horror-comedy Ang Pangarap Kong Oskars, from Mavx productions (now showing in cinemas), the eccentric director DMZ (Joross Gamboa) screams, “I want actors, not celebrities!” He and producer friend Bobby B (Paolo Contis) are gunning for the elusive Oscar trophy, or “Oskar,” via their dream movie project. Unable to fund their film, they get someone to produce it — but they have to compromise. The daughter of the producer, who is terrible at acting, has to be in it. They also want a big-budget movie that involves aswangs (special effects would cost gazillions), but they get “lucky” because Bobby B manages to hire actual local aswangs — mananganggal et al. The advanced screening held last 23 June was followed by a mediacon where Contis was in a fight-or-flight mode all throughout, with some press members squeezing into the conversation the controversies surrounding the prolific actor. But it was boring the lights out of me. Not much discussion on the film itself: the creative process, the craft. It’s all personality-based. An ingrown nail is more fascinating to me than Contis’ love life and his Eat Bulaga stint. But this is showbiz, the Internet is a vulture preying on rumors and controversies and a celebrity’s life is converted into views, comments, likes and shares. [caption id="attachment_152144" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] PAOLO Contis’ ‘Eat Bulaga!’ co-hosts Kokoy De Santos, Buboy Villar, Cassy Legaspi, Alexa Miro, Kimpoy de Leon and Mavy Legaspi attended the movie’s premiere last week.[/caption] Big event But at least the Oscars was discussed a bit. Since we started submitting to the Oscars in 1953, why haven’t we even been shortlisted? Katanyag’s directorial debut triggered thoughts in me about the Oscar dream. Sure, a subset of Filipino film professionals and critics spit at the Oscars as if it is the worst thing in the world. Still, no one can deny it’s a big event and it has some pretty great movies on its nominations list. The Oscars is an international media magnet. Imagine a Pinoy filmmaker going up the stage — for the first time in history — to take home the Best International Film award (or Best Director award), catapulting them to global fame and putting our country on the map of quality cinema. At the mediacon, someone asked the two actors about the possibility of an Oscar for the country. “Yes, possible… Naniniwala ako na kailangan ng buong suporta ng buong bansa. Una sa lahat, funding para sa mismong pelikula, magandang-magandang proyekto, at, again, kailangan ng campaign. So kailangan ng budget,” Contis said. “Actually, maganda maisabatas ‘yung support sa industry… Parang katulad sa ibang bansa, suportado talaga ng government. Kaya talaga napo-promote eh. Kasama napo-promote ang country,” said Gamboa. [caption id="attachment_152145" align="aligncenter" width="590"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF mavx productions(FROM left) Joross Gamboa, Paolo Contis and Kate Alejandrino in a scene from ‘Ang Pangarap Kong Oskars.’[/caption] Dark side Personally, I believe it is the dark side of the Filipino mentality that hinders us from getting the elusive Oscar. Great stories need no huge budget. Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation cost roughly $800,000. Nomadland, Moonlight and Call Me By Your Name are also some of the small-budget films that took home the Oscars. The “palakasan” system, the politics, corruption and chika play a major contribution. The Filipino crab mentality, deeply embedded in our culture, is also to blame. If it happens in your office or organization, of course it also happens in the film industry. There are plenty of untapped talents — promising filmmakers and creatives who never get an iota of a chance in a dog-eat-dog industry. The big people would rather pick their “tropa” or “bata” even if said people are untalented. Then, there are award-giving bodies driven by political agenda, granting awards to butt-ugly films to fight for their personal cause. Plus, Pinoys are celebrity-obsessed. Filipino moviegoers will watch Pinoy movies only if their idols are in them. Movies with unknown actors? These are snubbed. Most resort to Koreanovelas because they love the content and the storytelling — bonus is the fact that most Pinoys find Koreans attractive. We also lack originality and a real cinematic identity. Mainstream fare is heavily influenced by Hollywood, or we adapt Korean plots. Others even downright copy plots and dialogue from American films. Where are the unique stories? They are mostly found in indie fests, in Cinemalaya, where the best of the best can be found. Politics has also split the Filipino film industry. A movie will be bashed even before its release because it features actors or directors who campaigned for a politician the critics oppose. Then there are budget constraints, forcing productions to shoot in a matter of days, so everything is rushed. The result? Crude high school projects. What also irks me is how the industry almost demands or begs “support” (i.e. buy tickets to local movies). A ticket price, which is P500 average, is equivalent to a minimum-wage earner’s daily salary. We do not part with our money just because you said so. Show me an impressive trailer first. Jaded audience The Filipino audience is now jaded given the same old crappy local content — especially after being exposed to content worldwide through affordable streaming subscriptions. Where do you think Pinoys would spend their hard-earned cash if they desperately need entertainment? On a locally produced theatrical release that has a plot that they have seen a thousand times? Or a subscription to a streamer with more content to choose from? They can also get the cheapest: internet data for unlimited short-form entertainment in TikTok and social media. Also, this industry hates honest criticism. They feel that negative reviews are personal attacks on filmmakers. This mindset is not progressive at all. I believe in the talent of the Filipino creative. It’s just that if this toxic culture continues and the obsession with personalities versus the art of cinema continues, we will be left behind in the film arena. This is no longer just about winning the Oscars, or at least getting nominated. This is about acknowledging our dirt and learning to triumph over self-interest, politics and envy for the sake of Philippine cinema. But I guess, that’s a dream that is never going to happen soon. It’s already in our DNA. The post Why haven’t we gotten our ‘pangarap na Oscar’? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»