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Balamban site is for road project, not Capitol bldg – Gwen
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The cleared site in Barangay Cambuhawe, Balamban, in western Cebu, is not for the new Capitol building, but for nationally funded road projects. Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia made this clarification after photos of a deforested mountain in Balamban, initially thought to be the site development of the new Capitol building,.....»»
PSSO warns anew vs building structures atop dikes, coastal road
The Davao City Public Safety and Security Office's (PSSO) Coastal Road and Davao River Monitoring Team has issued a renewed warning to Dabawenyos against constructing buildings on top of dikes and along the coastal road. This caution follows the dismantling of 334 illegal structures from October 2020 to the third week of January 2023. PSSO Head Angel Sumagaysay emphasized that these structures, including house extensions, kitchen extensions, cages, and sala extensions, are typically found atop or attached to dikes and gabions near the Davao River. Recent operations in the Talomo District involved the removal of a hut at Purok 8 Iñigo, Matina Pangi, and a reconstructed fisherman's kiosk at the Punta Dumalag section of the Coastal Area. Sumagaysay highlighted that the PSSO collaborates with barangays to identify and address illegal structures, and owners are given the choice to self-demolish or have the PSSO carry out the demolition. Sumagaysay stressed that illegal structures on dikes and gabions pose risks to the structure's integrity, potentially leading to increased flooding and related issues. He urged residents living near the river to refrain from constructing any form of extension or additional structure on the dikes, emphasizing the need to preserve their stability to prevent flooding and overflow. The PSSO does not have a specific target number of structures to dismantle, but rather identifies them during monitoring and inspection, working in coordination with barangays and purok leaders. Sumagaysay hopes that the public comprehends the purpose behind these dismantling efforts, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the dikes to mitigate flooding risks......»»
DPWH tallies 268 gov’t and school buildings partially destroyed in Hinatuan quake
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao Region reported that a total of 268 school and national government buildings were partially destroyed by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur on December 2. The estimated damage amounted to P108,497,894.84 for school buildings and P1,899,365.60 for national government buildings. The damages included cracks on walls and falling debris such as ceilings. According to Engr. Alexander Turingan of DPWH XI, there were no reported damages in Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur. Franz Irag, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI operations head, emphasized the importance of addressing damages to school buildings, which also serve as evacuation centers during calamities. Dean Ortiz, spokesperson of DPWH XI, highlighted the agency's focus on national roads and bridges, clarifying that they will respond to requests to inspect private and government buildings. Architect Kashagar Toghyani, officer-in-charge of the Office City Building Official (OCBO) of Davao City, urged private building owners to promptly engage professional engineers to assess structural integrity, especially for buildings housing more than 10 individuals. He emphasized the necessity of fire inspections and transparency with building occupants to ensure their safety. The recent earthquakes did not affect government buildings in the Davao Region, and DPWH is committed to conducting thorough assessments and ensuring the safety of buildings and their occupants in the aftermath of the quake......»»
P3-M damage reported in school building fire
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported a devastating fire at F. Bustamante National High School in Tibungco, Davao City, on January 14, causing an estimated P3 million in damages. The fire affected 14 rooms, with nine being totally damaged and one partially damaged. The Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao (BFP-Davao) struggled to contain the blaze, which lasted for two hours. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or houses affected despite the school's proximity to a residential area. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. This incident adds to a series of school fires in the region, with three state-owned schools destroyed in 2023. The BFP-Davao and Team Davao Rescue have responded to over 15 fire incidents in the first and second weeks of January 2024, indicating a significant increase compared to the same period in 2023......»»
Anissa Heights: For discerning home seekers
DMCI Homes’ upcoming project in Pasay City reaffirms the property developer’s commitment to providing quality housing options for a diverse range of home seekers. “Anissa Heights exemplifies DMCI Homes’ dedication to delivering housing solutions that adapt to the market’s evolving needs,” DMCI vice president for Project Development Dennis Yap said. The soon-to-launch Anissa Heights is a residential condominium located in P. Zamora, Pasay City, that aims to cater to a broader audience of individuals and families, offering the opportunity to own a home in a prime urban location. It provides easy access to key areas, including the Bay City, and convenient connections to Makati City through EDSA and other major road networks. Future residents will also appreciate the convenience of a transit-oriented development with the nearby MRT-3 Taft Avenue and LRT-1 EDSA stations. ANISSA Heights Its 1,390 units range from a studio type (16 sqm-26sqm) to one bedroom (27.5 sqm), ideal for rental business (short-term or long-term). This one-tower, 34-storey modern development influenced by the concept of urban living also features a wide array of amenities, such as a swimming pool, fitness gym, multi-purpose court, open sky lounge, entertainment room, play area and landscaped gardens, providing a complete resort-like experience. “This new project stands as a testament to DMCI Homes’ vision to redefine urban living, making it accessible to a diverse range of individuals and families,” Yap added. DMCI Homes is the Philippines’ first Quadruple A real estate developer known for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio, Boracay and Davao City. It has more than 60 properties in its portfolio since its launch in 1999. The post Anissa Heights: For discerning home seekers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Apayao seeks higher digital literacy
BAGUIO CITY — The Provincial Apayao Training Center kicked off on Wednesday a training program that aims to fulfill higher digital literacy targeting employees from various offices and departments of the provincial and municipal governments of Apayao. The two-day training first of the series of capacity building was started at is currently conducting a two-day photo and video editing training-workshop at the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Multipurpose Hall in San Gregorio, Luna, Apayao. At least 24 participants from various offices in the provincial and municipal government of Flora and Calanasan towns attended the training — the first of the various trainings under ATC’s latest learning and development initiative in addition to its other regular technical-vocational course offerings. The workshop-training series will be undertaken in collaboration with the provincial government’s Human Resource Management and Development Division of the provincial government of Apayao. They are part of the bid to enhance capacities of its target participants with 21st century skills and competencies in order to contribute to a more efficient and innovative civil service workforce that can effectively meet the challenges of modern times. ATC administrator Jerome Lacambra stressed that acquiring and honing the digital skills of civil servants is not just an advantage but also a necessity. “I hope that you will embrace this opportunity to learn and grow as workers of the government,” Lacambra said. “As one of the skills development training institutions in the province, it is our goal to empower you with essential digital skills and competencies and foster professional growth and enhance your capabilities in the modern workplace,” he added. Lacambra also encouraged other interested participants to avail of all the rest of lined-up trainings for the month that include the technical writing on 10 to 11 October, basic journalism on 12 October, digital literacy on 19 October and basics of data analytics, also on 19 October. The post Apayao seeks higher digital literacy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD hails winners of 2023 Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, together with partner agencies in the National Committee on the Filipino Family, recognized exemplary Filipino families during the awarding of the 2023 Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino at SM City San Mateo over the weekend as part of the celebration of National Family Week. The NPP aims to recognize and award Filipino families who have significantly contributed towards nation-building and the development of the family as the foundation of Philippine society. In the message of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, which was delivered by DSWD Undersecretary for Policy and Plans Adonis Sulit, the DSWD chief highlighted the courage and strength demonstrated by Filipino families in overcoming life’s challenges as well as their contribution to nation-building. "You and the members of your family are not only exemplary in your love for each other but also in your significant contributions to your communities and society. Your stories of cooperation, care, and even the stories of overcoming life's challenges pave the way for a better future for all of us," Gatchalian said. "Today, I want to convey our heartfelt appreciation to Filipino families who continue to demonstrate the importance of unity, love for one another, and cooperation in our country. Your dedication to family and nation inspires us all," he added. From the regional winners, the NCFF chose the top five model families that will become a pool of ambassadors in promoting NCFF goals, promoting Filipino values, and acting as resource persons in Family Development Sessions, fora, and other family development-related initiatives. Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino from Western Visayas The National Award Grand Winner was bagged by the Delgado family from the province of Antique in Western Visayas. Mr. Joaquin Delgado and Mrs. Benedicta Seguera Delgado were gifted with nine children. With their guidance, perseverance, and efforts, the Delgado couple now have two doctors, five teachers, one international nurse, and a merchant marine graduate. The Delgado family received different awards and recognitions for their invaluable contributions to their community such as in the Sta. Monica Parish; Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals; and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. The Delgado family members also did their part during the COVID-19 vaccination in Antique, volunteering to provide food to students and their families in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, and conducting feeding programs and reading sessions in their community, among others. “My children had their fair share as they struggled also to sell AVON [products], Sara Lee, butong-butong, coke products, and even did padyak para lang po matustusan ang pangangailangan sa med school at sa college (My children had their fair share as they struggled also to sell AVON, Sara Lee, butong-butong, and coke products, and even did padyak just to make ends meet for their medical school and college expenses.),” Mrs. Delgado said. “Again, I am proud of everyone and I gladly accept this award to challenge our family with shared decision-making despite differences and to inspire that despite how big our families are and how difficult life can be, we always be natatangi,” Mrs. Delgado added. The national winner received a plaque of recognition and a cash prize of P50,000 and another P50,000 from Secretary Gatchalian. The first runner-up was awarded to the Colmo family from Davao Oriental; the second runner-up to the Mandawe family from Cagayan de Oro; the third runner-up to the Bal-iang family from Baguio City; and the fourth runner-up went to the Manuel Family from Cagayan. As the chair of the NCFF, the DSWD vowed to continue to support policies and programs aimed at strengthening the foundation and protection of Filipino families. The post DSWD hails winners of 2023 Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nina Lim-Yuson — A lifetime of girl scouting
The president of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Nina Lim-Yuson, grew up in a family and home of Girl Scouts. Her grandmother, Pilar Hidalgo-Lim, was one of the co-founders of the GSP. “It was actually my Lola Pilar who suggested to Josefa Llanes Escoda, the GSP founder, to go to America to learn about girl scouting.” This tidbit of history, Nina shared in an online interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE. Pilar Hidalgo-Lim became GSP president, and so did Nina’s mother, Estefania Aldaba-Lim, who served as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Nina’s sister too, the eminent broadcast journalist, Cheche Lazaro, was a Girl Scout. Coming from a lineage of women achievers, Nina could not have chosen a different path. It was scouting that formally introduced the family to social responsibility, skills development and citizenship. Her brothers were also Boy Scouts. “I started when I was six years old and it was my Lola Pilar who inducted me as a Brownie. It used to be called Brownie because we were still using the American pattern,” she related. She belonged to Troop Number One, the first to be organized by the GSP national headquarters. In high school at the Jose Abad Santos Memorial School of the Philippine Women’s University, she became a junior and later a senior Girl Scout. College would briefly end her Girl Scouting as she focused on her studies. Along the way, she also danced with the Bayanihan Folk Dance Company. It was not unexpected that she would return to scouting, her first love, and her first extra-curricular activity. For the last 36 years, she has been active in various organizations and volunteer work. She founded the Museong Pambata. She is a recipient of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service and is active in its various social development efforts. What Nina brings to her post is the legacy of leadership that had been passed on to her through generations of women leaders in the family. “My Lola Pilar was my idol. She was such a nice person and I never knew her totally as a president. I knew her more as a loving lola from all the stories she related when we rode up to Baguio. “My mother, on the other hand, was the opposite. She was very career-minded. I learned naman from her a lot of things, like being thrifty and having a list of things to do. In terms of organization, she was like that. Because she was in government. And, you know, when we started Museo, while it was actually my concept, I learned a lot from her. She would call me up at 5 o’clock in the morning and she would rattle off what needed to be done, like ‘number one, number two and so on.’ That was her. And I’m glad that I worked with her for six years in Museo. She was the president and I was the executive director for six years. I took over in 2000 as president and chief executive officer. And then, I stepped down in 2017.” Girl Scouts who read and tell stories Nina was elected president of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines for the term 2021-2024 during its 2021 national convention. From day one, she shared, “My purpose was to reach out to the community-based troops because we have always been school-based. Many young women now have social problems so we need to reach out to the communities through our community-based troops.” Also on top of her priorities is literacy development, a cause that she addressed even in the Museo Pambata. She explained, “My advocacy has always been education. So, I was very concerned because the Asian Development Bank reported in 2022 that the World Bank found out that our Filipino children at ages 9 and 10 cannot read. So, I felt that because girl scouting is all over the country, with 96 local councils, the organization could serve as a vehicle for improving literacy in our country. “We started the Girl Scout Storyteller project because storytelling affects the heart first before the mind. When young people start with storytelling, they will love the stories and then the written word. They would then want to read. “We now have storytelling in economically challenged communities and we have partners. We sent out 2,500 books throughout the country with the help of our partner couriers.” Initially, she sought the help of her family foundation “to give a donation. I also sought the help of Ging Montinola, who is into literacy development. Together, we founded the literacy program. We are building this fund to cover the cost of buying children’s books. We will have a storytelling contest next year.” Raising funds for Camp Escoda Nina then shifted the conversation to another major endeavor that she is spearheading as GSP president — fundraising for the 27-hectare Camp Josefa Llanes Escoda in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, which was donated by the provincial government during the term of Governor Amado Aleta, the father of consul and civic leader Fortune Ledesma. “Palayan is beautiful because it has rolling hills, but it doesn’t have electrical and water facilities and roadworks. It doesn’t have a swimming pool, and it’s so hot in Nueva Ecija. It also does not have a conference hall. This is a big one-time fundraising project because it’s for the future of the girls who are going to the camp. Because as of now, if you go camping there, you have to walk up the hills to get your drinking water. You have to make buhos to take a bath.” She recalled, “In my time as a young Girl Scout, which was of another era, we had to walk in the dark to fetch water to fill up two drums. I was so scared because there were tuko in Los Baños. That taught me to be courageous. Camps really build up your lifetime skills and attitude. Camping is very integral in girl scouting and boy scouting. So, this camp will serve a purpose. It just needs various basic facilities to make it world-class and convenient with the proper amenities, but the girls will continue to learn all those survival techniques and appreciate nature right on the camp.” She praised architect Pippo Carunungan, “who is an environmental planner. He surveyed the site and drew up everything. It will be a beautiful camp, he said, because it’s a gift of nature.” First Lady as Chief Girl Scout Nina recently led the Girl Scouts in a fundraising ball attended by the “First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos, who is our Chief Girl Scout. It’s mandated in the GSP constitution that whoever is the female president of the country or the First Lady is the Chief Girl Scout. In the past, we had Imelda Marcos, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. All the first ladies were all Chief Girl Scouts. “Mrs. Liza Marcos spoke before us and she promised to help. She said, ‘We will make it the best campsite.’ Everyone was excited to see her and she obliged everyone who asked to have selfie with her. She is very friendly. She is really a Girl Scout.” Nina shared, “A generous couple is sponsoring the swimming pool at P6 million, while a gentleman entrepreneur is sponsoring the perimeter fence at P1.5 million. Many other businessmen and leaders have pledged to help build this dream GSP project. “We really need to raise about 50 million to have a very good camp. But when the First Lady heard about it, she said, ‘It has to be P250 million.’ But, really, when we have the funds, we can have deep toilets that have running water instead of tabo-tabo. Since we have a little Pampanga river that runs across the camp, we can build a bridge that crosses it and then the girls can have white-water rafting there in the Pampanga river. “Camp Escoda will be a very important and significant venue for our Girl Scouts to gather, bond, learn new skills and develop as morally upright citizens of the country and the world. It is especially so because camping is integral in any Girl Scout’s life. If you don’t have camping, it’s like half of your scouting life is missing. Every Girl Scout remembers that time of her youth. And being the national camp, it will welcome Girl Scouts representing the 96 councils from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who will participate in various events and trainings.” Girl Scouts of all ages As GSP president, Nina travels to various parts of the country. “We have regional conferences aside from the meeting of the Central Board when regional heads and executives come to Manila. “I had just come from Baguio where I stayed for two-and-a-half days. I met our young Girl Scout representatives from ages 14 to 18. I enjoyed listening to them and exchanging ideas with them. I am so happy that we have a wealth of intelligent girls who want to serve the country. They are the ones who are going to take over. “It’s amazing that GSP is no longer limited to old people on the board. We finally have young ones on the board. Our Escoda committee is headed by Jade Delgado from Iloilo. Then we have Justine Bautista. She’s a psychometrician. She heads the Program Committee, which is a big committee because when we were in Baguio, we had 86 girls from all the councils throughout the country. Many of them are running for SK. “So, in my 70s now, which I don’t feel at all, I don’t take any medicines or something like that. Being with young people is what inspires me. Because at 15, 16 or 17, they already know that they have some kind of a mission.” Nina proudly shared that the venue of the Baguio conference, 'Ating Tahanan' on the South Drive was bought during the tenure of my Lola Pilar. We have four buildings there, including the houses of Senator and actor Rogelio de la Rosa and Carlos Valdes, the accountant. Lola Pilar, according to Carlos Valdes, twisted his arm to get a low price. I’m so thankful for all those who preceded me because they bought these places. It’s on South Drive which is so valuable. We even have a reserved forest behind us.” As she looks forward to the next camping and gets even busier raising funds for Camp Escoda, Nina feels elated that “every one of us in the Girl Scouts has been together in our various undertakings. The nice thing is we are now intergenerational because we try to bring in the old with experience, institutional memory and their wisdom born of their long life, and the young who are full of enthusiasm, energy and new ideas.” A star scout for a granddaughter While Nina does her part for the bright future of girl scouting in the country, her personal family too has not stopped contributing to the roster of members to this worldwide organization. Today, a granddaughter of hers, seven-year-old Rocio Yuson de Guzman, is a Star Scout. She is the daughter of Nina’s daughter, Nicky. No grandmother could have been prouder. Nina said, “Rufio loves being a star scout. When I arrived from the recent world conference in Cyprus, I came back with some badges and I gave some to Rufio who is very proud of the little badges that I got for her.” For sure, Nina will pass on not just the badges to Rufio. More importantly, she will give her granddaughter the once-in-one’s-childhood experience of being a Girl Scout and learning “the values that are identified in the Girl Scout Promise and Laws. I think that while there is so much to enjoy and learn, it is the inculcation of these values that would mold her into a well-rounded human being. As we all know, a Girl Scout’s honor is to be trusted. A Girl Scout is loyal, thrifty, courteous… and so on. It’s like a mantra -- the values that one lives by. “I have reached that point when it is not about success or what one accumulates in life, whether awards or accomplishments or material things. It is more about what I can share and scouting gives me that honor and privilege — to do my part in helping mold our young girls and making them aware even at an early age that they have a mission and worthy purpose in life. It is not just about being good and outstanding on your own but it is also about helping others to become better in what they’re doing and live better lives. “And I need not look far. As a grandmother, I dote on my Star Scout granddaughter, Rufio. There’s a world out there for her to discover and in which she has a role to play and use the skills and values she will learn from scouting.” The post Nina Lim-Yuson — A lifetime of girl scouting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MPIC, Hartasuma target transport deals
The recently signed strategic partnership between infrastructure investment firm Metro Pacific Investments Corp. or MPIC and Malaysian firm Hartasuma Sdn Bhd is anticipated to introduce new transportation modes including cable cars and monorails that would help ease gridlock conditions in the country. Hartasuma Group executive director Tan Sri Ravindran Menon and MPIC’s chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan signed an agreement on Monday, with the two parties formalizing their interest in fostering economic growth through joint ventures and cooperation. Among others, the strategic partnership paves the way for various initiatives, including rolling stock refurbishment and development projects as well as exploration of a cable car system for tourism and urban transport. “If we look at other modes of transportation, cable cars and monorails can be good. The country should be open to more efficient modes of transportation, to ease the traffic situation in the Philippines like in Manila and other urban cities,” Pangilinan told reporters. Not just a supplier “What we are looking at is that they will not just be a supplier to us for transportation projects. They (are building) new modes of transportation like monorails and cable cars in Malaysia and we’d like to explore that also to upgrade our overall transport network in the country. We would like to see whether we can invest in this company,” he said. Pangilinan, however, did not disclose how much MPIC is willing to invest in Hartasuma, adding that the plan is still in the initial stage. MPIC, through its subsidiary Light Rail Manila Corp., which operates and maintains 20 stations, is expanding its business with the construction of five new stations for the Cavite Extension Project. It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a P65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority. For his part, Menon noted that Hartasuma can leverage its expertise to help build and introduce new modes of transportation in the local market. “We also build cable cars and we are going to operate one in Malaysia very soon. I think it is an area that we should look at. It’s cheaper than the rail and it can carry a lot of people so you don’t start acquiring land in the middle of the city, especially in places like Baguio where there is terrain issue. In cities like Manila, we need to look at different places. It is just a possibility,” Menon conveyed. Rail excellence center “The city of Paris has a cable car being built now. And the other thing that we want to do in the Philippines is to put up a rail excellence center. We have great talents in Malaysia and we want to replicate that in the Philippines,” he added. Citing the projected growth of the local construction market, Menon also noted that MPIC and Hartasuma collaboration will cater to the growing demand and interest in rail infrastructure projects as the government looks to improve regional connectivity through the development of transport infrastructure. The partnership will likewise support the Marcos administration’s renewed commitment to Public-Private Partnerships. Hartasuma, a leading local integrated rolling stock and rail services company, was the first Malaysian rail company to deliver fully locally assembled passenger coaches to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd. To date, it has delivered more than 500 LRT cars and passenger coaches and is currently supplying 27 new LRT trains to Prasarana Malaysia, which will service the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit. The post MPIC, Hartasuma target transport deals appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Listening to our indigenous people
Last 9 August, the world celebrated International Day of the World’s Indigenous People. According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 476 million indigenous peoples in the world living across 90 countries. While they make up less than 5 percent of the world’s population, they account for 15 percent of the poorest. They also speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. In the Philippines, our indigenous peoples have constantly enriched our nation’s arts and music, as well as contributed to our medicine and agricultural sectors through invaluable gifts sourced from their lands, cultures, traditions, knowledge, systems, and practices. But despite their huge contributions to nation-building, the Philippine indigenous people continue to struggle to make their voices heard and are seemingly unable to fully benefit from the innovations and creations brought about by or derived from their genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions. Unfortunately, this is not only happening in the Philippines but also to indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples around the world. Because of this, negotiations are currently being conducted by the World Intellectual Property Organization on how to best protect the GRTKTCEs of indigenous peoples everywhere. Presently, WIPO is negotiating three texts that will hopefully provide the needed protection for the GRTKTCEs. These international instruments are: Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge; Traditional Knowledge; and Traditional Cultural Expressions or Folklore. And last 21 July 2022, the WIPO General Assembly decided to convene a Diplomatic Conference that will conclude an International Legal Instrument Relating to Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources no later than 2024. In preparation for this Diplomatic Conference, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines will be conducting consultations with stakeholders on the draft international instrument in Baguio City this August, as well as Iloilo City and Davao City this October. Aside from indigenous peoples and/or their representatives, also taking part in the consultations are government agencies like the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, as well as other members of the Interagency on GRTKTCE which includes the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Museum of the Philippines. What’s more, the Department of Trade and Industry’s regional offices, as well as non-government organizations and associations, universities, and local government units will join the consultations. With the presence of our indigenous people and indigenous cultural communities at these consultations, we are confident they will make a marked impact on the Philippines’ position on the draft international instrument that will protect their GRTKTCEs. On our part, IPOPHL has been implementing initiatives to strengthen the protection of the IP rights of our indigenous people and indigenous cultural communities. For example, we have entered into a Joint Administrative Order with the NCIP to provide rules and regulations on IP rights applications that involve the use of knowledge systems and practices of the indigenous peoples. We are also closely working with NCIP, other cultural agencies, and Congress on the passage of a law that will protect Community Intellectual Rights. Furthermore, IPOPHL has implemented a sui generis system to protect geographical indications, which are expected to benefit the agricultural and handicraft sectors as well as promote traditional and indigenous products of indigenous cultural communities. We are also working with Congress to finalize a proposed legislation to further strengthen GI protection and enforcement. We firmly believe that through a more responsive IP system, our indigenous people will be empowered through their IP rights, helping them to achieve a certain degree of control over the exploitation and use of their GRTKTCEs to bring about positive change to their current circumstances. The post Listening to our indigenous people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Annual social outreach benefits more than 1,500 Davaoeños
Anchored on its mission of uplifting communities, Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (Apo Agua) supports the health and wellness needs of its five host communities through its annual medical, dental and legal outreach program, now on its seventh year. The outreach recently provided free medical and dental consultations as well as legal assistance to over 1,500 residents, particularly members of the Indigenous Peoples communities of Barangays Gumalang, Wines, Tawantawan, Tambobong and Tamugan in Davao. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="170577,170574"] These essential services were made available through partnerships with the City Health Office, Baguio District Health Office, Marilog Health Office, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region XI, Armed Forces of the Philippines 27th Infantry Battalion- Alpha Company, Davao City Police Office-Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay Cluster 6 and 13, City Council Committee on Health and District 3 councilors. Aside from the medical and dental checkups and legal consultations, the beneficiaries from the host barangays were also given free prescribed medicines and vitamins, along with free circumcision services for boys conducted by volunteer doctors. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region XI provided medical and legal services to members of the communities particularly the Obu-Manuvu and Bagobo-Klata indigenous peoples in the five barangays. “This collaborative effort between government agencies and the private sector demonstrates a commitment to address healthcare and legal challenges faced by the indigenous peoples. This annual initiative spearheaded by Apo Agua is crucial in promoting health equity and improving health and well-being of indigenous cultural communities,” said NCIP RXI Regional Director Mumar M. Mamukid. Apo Agua president Anna Lu also emphasized how this program affirms the company’s commitment to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, namely SDG 3, focusing on good health and well-being, and SDG 6, centered on clean water and sanitation. “Now in its seventh year, this annual initiative is a testament to our commitment to uplift communities by improving access to primary health care for our communities, especially for mothers and children. We are thankful to all our volunteers, medical personnel, barangay council and functionaries, and our team members for their dedication to serve our partner communities. At Apo Agua, we are committed to being part of the solution in producing safe, reliable and sustainable water to augment the growing water demand of Davao City,” Lu said. Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. is building one of the Philippines’ largest private bulk water supply facilities in the country that can supply over 300 million liters daily of safe and sustainable water to the Davao City Water District for the people of Davao City. The post Annual social outreach benefits more than 1,500 Davaoeños appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA flags Baguio fund ‘misuse’
BY ALDWIN QUITASOL AND EDJEN OLIQUINO The Commission on Audit or CoA has called out the Baguio City government headed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong for using funds intended for a national project. An audit revealed the city government used P50 million in Department of Public Works and Highways funds to pay for the progress billing of its ongoing Youth Convergence Center and Sports Complex project instead of using it for the construction of the Multi-Purpose Building at the Athletic Bowl Oval at Burnham Park in Baguio City. State auditors said this was in violation of the memorandum of agreement between the city government and the DPWH, which stipulated that the P50-million fund was to be used solely for the construction of the multi-purpose building. CoA said the city government’s actions “did not achieve the purpose of the project MoA.” Daily Tribune sought but had yet to receive a response from Magalong at press time. Worse, the initial P25-million fund transfer released by the DPWH was disbursed to the contractor of a city government project as a loan, CoA added. The Baguio City government responded to the audit findings by saying that executing an amended MoA with the DPWH may have required complicated procedures. The LGU asked whether a certification from the bids and awards committee and the head of the procuring entity stating that the DPWH project had been “clustered” with the city government would be sufficient to resolve the audit issue. CoA responded that “another legal document may be executed as long as it contains the explicit approval of the DPWH as the funding agency on the ‘clustering’ of the two subject projects.” The post CoA flags Baguio fund ‘misuse’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More LGUs urged to establish bike lanes
Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. urged local government units on Thursday to promote best practices in traffic management in their jurisdictions. He cited the need to promote active transportation and emulate the best practices of the LGU recipients of last year’s National Bike Lane Awards. “We constantly encourage our local governments to provide means for active transportation, such as protected bike lanes, to help alleviate traffic congestion and promote sustainable mobility,” Abalos said. “The LGU Bike Lane awardees who made it happen in their communities can serve as great inspiration for us,” he stressed. Last year’s Bike Lane Awardees, Iloilo City, Quezon City, and Mandaue City, presented their experiences and the problems they had in building bike lanes in their communities during the “National Bike Day Awards: Knowledge Sharing” Webinar on Tuesday. Alaminos City and Pasig City, as well as finalists Baguio City and Taguig City, also shared their projects on establishing safe and accessible bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure. DILG Memo Circular 2020-100 encourages all LGUs to promote and make available active transportation as a means of supporting people’s mobility within their respective regions of authority. The post More LGUs urged to establish bike lanes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating independence, overcoming challenges
We all wish for the good health of our loved ones. It would pain anyone to see their family members, friends or partners suffering through disease, more so if they cannot receive adequate medical attention due to financial constraints or inaccessible health services. Unfortunately, many poor Filipinos and those living in remote areas face precisely this dilemma. As we go around the country, I have personally witnessed the dire need to make medical assistance and health services — both basic and specialized — more accessible to Filipinos. That is why as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I continue to push for initiatives to improve healthcare access, including the establishment of more Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers and Regional Specialty Centers. Just last on Friday, 9 June, I was honored to lead the inauguration of the 158th Malasakit Center at the Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital in Guagua, Pampanga, together with our new Health Secretary, Teodoro Herbosa, as well as local leaders led by Governor Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, among others. The Malasakit Center aims to streamline and expedite the delivery of medical assistance particularly to poor patients by consolidating the programs of various government agencies under one roof. Launched in 2018, it was later institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. According to the DOH, over seven million Filipinos nationwide have benefited from the program so far. During the inauguration, my team and I also aided 120 in-patients, 174 out-patients, and 378 front liners at the hospital. Additionally, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended assistance to qualified patients. On the same day, we visited Bulacan to assist 1,000 students in Guiguinto town with Mayor Agay Cruz and Congressman Boy Cruz, as well as 1,465 struggling Bulakeños in Meycauayan City. We also attended the ribbon-cutting and blessing of the city’s Super Health Center together with Mayor Henry Villarica. I have also long been advocating for the establishment of more Super Health Centers throughout the country. Through the efforts of our fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. While our Super Health Centers bring basic health services closer to Filipinos, especially in remote areas, I am hopeful that we could also soon provide our kababayans improved access to specialized medical services following the recent ratification of the Bicameral Conference Report on the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which I authored and principally sponsored. If enacted, it will bring key medical services closer to the people by establishing specialty centers that cater to specific medical needs in different regions. Meanwhile, we have also continued distributing aid to many indigent Filipinos in various regions. On 5 June, I was in Digos City, Davao del Sur, with Mayor Josef Cagas and other local leaders to aid 1,500 indigents and witness the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center. We were in Agusan del Norte with Governor Angel Amante-Matba the following day, where we attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Las Nieves and inspected the ongoing construction of the Las Nieves Bridge. We then added 1,500 indigents in the town before visiting the Butuan City Super Health Center. We likewise assisted 2,000 residents in the city. Following this, I attended the annual general assembly of the Philippine League of Secretaries to Sanggunian Inc. in Davao City. Iloilo was our next destination where we attended the groundbreaking of the Barotac Viejo Super Health Center on 7 June and provided aid to 1,000 indigents in the town. I was also invited by Congressman Boboy Tupas and Mayor Bongbong Tupas to inspect the town’s new fire station. That day, we assisted 1,897 typhoon victims in Banate. We then made our way to Silay City in Negros Occidental, where we participated in the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center, dropped by the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital where I was instrumental in funding the construction of its new building, and extended aid to 2,000 underprivileged residents. Additionally, we joined in the commemoration of Silay City’s Charter Anniversary led by Mayor Joedith Gallego as we attended the PWD Sitting Volleyball event where I highlighted our efforts for more inclusive sports development programs as Chair of the Senate Sports Committee. On 8 June, we helped 1,493 beneficiaries in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, in partnership with Governor Oyie Umali, Mayor Vianne Cuevas, Congressman GP Padiernos, and other local leaders. That same day, we aided 1,160 indigents in Quezon City with Cong. Marivic Pilar-Co. On 9 June, together with Senator Robin Padilla and in partnership with Governor Luigi Villafuerte, Congressman Lray Villafuerte, and Congressman Migz Villafuerte, we distributed aid to 2,699 indigents in Pili, Camarines Sur. That day, we attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Talisay, Camarines Norte, with Mayor Dondon Mancenido, where we likewise assisted 1,500 residents. Together with Governor Dong Padilla, I conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet, Camarines Norte, where we aided 262 patients and 811 front liners. Finally, I headed back to Davao City to attend the 2023 Mindanao League of Municipalities of the Philippines Convention. Meanwhile, my office separately aided 186 fire victims in Quezon City, 41 in Caloocan City, 76 in Parañaque City, and 10 in Baguio City. Likewise helped were 1,015 indigents in Alitagtag, Batangas; 1,500 in Cabanatuan City and 1,040 in General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija; 500 in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte; 360 in Culasi, Antique; 150 in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; 53 in Iba and 13 in Botolan, Zambales; 1,620 in San Vicente, Camarines Norte; 380 Tesda graduates in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; and 90 indigent couples in Baroy, Lanao del Norte. My team likewise witnessed the groundbreaking of the Super Health Centers in Barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City on 6 June, and Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay on 8 June. As we commemorate Philippine Independence Day this Monday and celebrate the heroism and sacrifices of our forefathers to gain the liberties we enjoy today, I hope we can take this time to come together and exert efforts to help free more Filipinos from disease, poverty, and other challenges that beset our society today. The post Celebrating independence, overcoming challenges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TESDA trains Abrenos to build houses for quake-hit residents
BAGUIO CITY - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in the Cordillera Administrative Region (TESDA-CAR) on Thursday said it has started training Abra residents on building temporary shelters for families affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Northern Luzon last July 27......»»
Mt. Apo as geological monument hurdles City Council 2nd reading
THE 20th City Council approved on second reading the declaration of Mount Apo as a geological monument during its session on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, held at the Sangguniang Panlungsod......»»
D.C.Plinado Campaign pushed
DAVAO City Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula urged Dabawenyos to continue embodying the "culture of discipline", as a legacy, and to be conscious of turning it into the key for the city's growth......»»
Capitol mulls putting ‘integrated south bus’ terminal in Talisay instead of at SRP
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Instead of at the South Road Properties (SRP), the new location of a new south bus terminal in Cebu might be in Talisay City. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on Wednesday, Mar. 27, said that they had received an unsolicited proposal of developing a brand new, south bus terminal. READ: Mayor Rama.....»»
Cebu City buy-bust: Over P12M ‘shabu’ seized from 2 HVIs
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Police confiscated over P12 million worth of suspected shabu from the possession of two men during a bust-bust operation in Brgy. Bulacao, Cebu City on Tuesday evening, March 26. The buy-bust operation was conducted at around 10 p.m. in Lower Sario in Brgy. Bulacao. One of the suspects was identified as.....»»
Mandaue drug bust: P476,000 ‘shabu’ seized from HVI
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized suspected shabu worth at least P476,000 from a 45-year-old man described as a high-value individual during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Mandaue City early on Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024. The operation took place along Realty Road in the North Reclamation Area in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu. The.....»»