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Davao Metro Shuttle declines offer to manage bus system
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — The Davao Metro Shuttle Corporation has declined the offer of the City Government of Davao to operate the Davao City Public Transport Modernization Project (DCPTMP), a public mass transportation project that will replace the jeepneys with buses, an executive of the bus company said. In an interview at […].....»»
SC allows UN expert to act as friend of the court in Maria Ressa s cyber libel plea
Irene Khan, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion, has been allowed by the Supreme Court (SC) to sit as an "amicus curiae" to the court in the appeal for the cyber libel case of Rappler.com chief executive officer Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos......»»
Former Starbucks exec named Smashburger CEO
The Jollibee Group has appointed a former Starbucks executive to lead its fast-casual better burger brands Smashburger......»»
Jobstreet by SEEK Releases 2024 Compensation and Benefits Report
As the employment landscape starts to rapidly evolve, the newly released Jobstreet by SEEK 2024 Hiring, Compensation and Benefits Report revealed that more companies are open to offering new forms of compensation and benefits to attract and retain top talents. This resulted in additional benefits, shifted priorities, and most notably, salary increases. To obtain this […].....»»
Employers must expand compensation, benefits to attract top talents — report
With the year 2023 serving as a "great recovery period" for companies, an employment platform said that this year, they should improve their compensation and benefits to attract better talents......»»
Teacher career progression bill clears House panel hurdle
Public school teachers may soon have access to more advanced career opportunities and higher compensation after the House appropriations committee approved the unnumbered substitute bill for the proposed Teacher Career Progression Act on Tuesday. .....»»
No special treatment
There was talk that two players asked for compensation more than what was given to others in suiting up for Gilas at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year......»»
Marcos: Philippines seeks to host climate disaster fund
The Philippines intends to host the more than $400-million fund that several countries have committed as compensation for nations bedeviled by extreme weather conditions caused by climate change......»»
DOLE-Davao affirms even contractual workers entitled to 13th-month pay
Contrary to common belief, the Department of Labor and Employment-Davao Region (Dole-Davao Region) has clarified that even contractual employees in both the public and private sectors are entitled to receive the mandatory 13th-month pay. However, the inclusion of work bonuses is at the discretion of the management or employers. Rojell Cruz, head of the Dole-Davao Region Labor Standards Unit, emphasized that the 13th-month pay is a legal requirement that all employees must adhere to. He stated that contractual employees, including those in job contracting or working for a contractor, are still entitled to the 13th-month pay, especially if they are paid daily. Cruz further explained that while employers are obligated to pay their employees the 13th month, providing additional bonuses is the management's prerogative. Noriza Mabanding, a full-time medical student and virtual assistant, confirmed that she receives the 13th-month pay despite working for foreign-based accounts. She expressed gratitude that her employers adhere to the constitutional provisions. According to Presidential Decree No. 851, all employees are mandated to provide this benefit to rank-and-file employees by the end of each year. The compensation for the 13th month must be at least one-twelfth.....»»
UN climate rapporteur urged to probe reclamation projects
Fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has presented to the United Nations human rights expert on climate change, issues affecting fisherfolk, including reclamation projects and other destructive projects in coastal communities, damage compensation, and exclusive rights of marginalized fishers to fishing grounds and territorial waters......»»
Supreme Court demands over P5-million compensation for seafarer s basketball injury
In a 21-page decision, the Supreme Court Third Division granted Rosell R. Arguilles' petition against his employer, Wilhelmsen Smith Bell Manning, Inc. The decision overturned a ruling by the Court of Appeals (CA) regarding his disability benefits......»»
Bong Go pushes for better compensation and benefits for BHWs
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go is advocating for better compensation and benefits for Barangay Health Workers considering their critical role in the country’s healthcare system especially in bringing public health services closer to the grassroots. In an interview on Tuesday, 24 October, during a visit to projects he earlier supported in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, Go acknowledged the BHW’s sacrifices and contributions at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Unang-una, ito pong BHW, nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating mga Barangay Health Workers. Isa po sila sa hero ng ating panahon ng pandemya,” Go stated. “Malaki po ang ginagampanan ng ating barangay health workers sa panahon ng pandemya. Hindi natin mararating itong kinaroroonan natin sa COVID response kung hindi po sa kanilang sakripisyo. Sila po ang umaalalay sa barangay… sila po ang nag-aalaga para sa early detection ng sakit upang hindi na mas lumala pa,” he added. To honor their contributions, the senator said he has filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 427, known as the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, which proposes to provide BHWs a monthly honorarium, along with a comprehensive package of benefits, including allowances, job security, regular training, and skill development opportunities. The proposed benefits are seen as an extension and enhancement of the existing benefits under RA 7883, which already provides various incentives to dedicated BHWs. “Kaya meron po akong nai-file sa Senado, ang BHW Compensation Act. Na-hearing na po ito sa Subcommittee on Health sa pangunguna ni Senator JV (Ejercito), at meron pang mga susunod na committee hearings,” said Go. “Papakinggan po natin ang mga LGUs. S’yempre, unang-una rito, ‘yung kakayahan po nilang magbigay ng kompensasyon,” he added. The bill, if enacted, also extends benefits from key institutions such as the Government Service Insurance System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund. Aside from these legislative efforts, Go also filed SBN 2399, which proposes to declare April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day. "I also filed SBN 2399 to give due recognition to the contribution of all barangay health and nutrition workers in the delivery of our primary healthcare services in the country," he said. The post Bong Go pushes for better compensation and benefits for BHWs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LGUs’ classification, revenue basis codified
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a bill classifying local government units based on their revenues to establish a basis for their separate financial allocations and other forms of assistance. Republic Act 11964 seeks to institutionalize the automatic income classification of LGUs as a “more responsive approach” to support the local economy and “enable LGUs to realize their full economic potential.” “In line with this, the State recognizes the need to determine the financial capability and fiscal position of local government units,” the new law read in a statement released on Friday. The government determines the level of administrative and statutory help, financial grants, and other forms of support to be given to an LGU on the LGU revenue classification system. Likewise, the revenue categorization of LGUs is used to ascertain its financial capacity to carry out projects and programs, as well as how it would carry out administrative orders on allowances and salary regulations. The first general income reclassification would take place six months after RA 11964 goes into force, and afterward, every three years, Malacañang said. According to the law, municipalities are divided into five classes based on their annual average regular income for three fiscal years before the LGU’s general income is reclassified. The classifications of municipality based on annual average income are as follows: first class: P200,000,000; second class: P160,000,000 to P200,000,00; third class: P130,000,000 to P160,000,00; fourth class: P90,000,000 to P130,000,000; and fifth class: less than P90,000,000. This will determine the “LGU capability to undertake development programs and projects” and the overall yearly supplemental appropriation for personal services for all units. Compensation adjustments for LGU employees will also be predicated on classification following the “Salary Standardization Law of 2019.” The classification also includes the following: Minimum wages for domestic workers, bases for the creation of new local government units (LGUs), the number of elective members in Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sangguniang Bayan, free patent titles for residential land, government service insurance system coverage for LGU properties, and the maximum percentage of agricultural land area that can be reclassified and used. On January 1st of the year following the Finance Secretary’s release of the income classification table, the provinces, cities, and municipalities will undergo their first income reclassification. Within three months of the law’s enactment, the Department of Finance will draft the rules and regulations that will carry out its provisions in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management and after consulting with the local government leagues. The post LGUs’ classification, revenue basis codified appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development
Following his visit to Babak District the previous day, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a staunch advocate of community development, attended another Provincial Health Information Management System Orientation in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, 25 October. The said program aims to enhance healthcare delivery, streamline information flow, and ensure that citizens across the region have access to quality health services. Go personally accorded recognition to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) for their efforts to promote the health and well-being of their constituents. He also noted that BHWs are the backbone of healthcare in the country, acting as the first line of defense in ensuring the welfare of their respective communities. "Bilang isang senador gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mga barangay health workers. Hindi natin mararating ito ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyong sakripisyo na magserbisyo. Dapat kayo ang pasalamatan ngayong araw. Palakpakan natin ang ating mga barangay health workers,” expressed Go. “Sa totoo lang sa panahon ng pandemya nahirapan talaga tayo. Pero (dahil) sa inyong pagtutulungan at pagserbisyo sa mamamayan, nalampasan natin ito. Hindi tayo makapag-gather ngayon o makapagtipon kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Ganito man ang inyong trabaho, nakita ko ang importansya at kung anong serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa barangay level ang iniaambag ninyo,” he continued. During the event, Go was also joined by Councilor Sonny Lanorias, BHW City Coordinator Christine Enriquez Lara, BHW District Federation President Alicia Sastrillas, and District Coordinator Arlene Pacquaio, among others. The senator also extended assistance to around 200 BHWs present, such as gift packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, meals, and balls for basketball and volleyball. He also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and watches to select recipients. He also extended similar assistance to the 201 BHWs who attended the previous day. On October 23, around 250 BHWs were also given similar assistance by his staff. Continuing his message, Go pledged his commitment to working with the local government to ensure that BHWs receive proper training, resources, and compensation. The lawmaker outlined his legislative initiatives, specifically on two key bills: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, and SBN 427, or the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Bill. The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays aims to bolster support for barangays, enabling them to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This measure proposes that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer, be accorded treatment similar to that of regular government employees. If this bill becomes law, it will entitle them to salaries, benefits, allowances, and other related perks. On the other hand, SBN 427 proposed granting BHWs a monthly honorarium, coupled with other benefits encompassing allowances, job security, consistent training, and opportunities for skill development. Furthermore, the bill extends these benefits to encompass support from institutions like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund. “Na-hearing na po ito sa sub-committee on Health sa pangunguna ni Senator JV (Ejercito) at mayroon pang mga susunod na committee hearings at papakinggan po ang mga LGUs syempre, unang-una rito ‘yung kakayahan po nilang magbigay ng kompensasyon,” shared Go in an interview after his visit to Kapalong on October 24. “Ito pong bill na ito kung saan po ay magkakaroon sila ng mga karagdagang benepisyo… Kung sakaling maisabatas magkakaroon po sila ng monthly honorarium. Kasama na diyan ang job security, regular trainings, skill development opportunities, along with a potential to acquire civil service eligibility,” he continued. Furthermore, Go also referenced SBN 2399, a proposal aimed at declaring April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers (BHNW) Day. This initiative acknowledges the pivotal role played by BHNWs in the delivery of primary healthcare services within communities. Go has reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. This commitment is manifested through his backing of the continued operations of Malasakit Centers, the construction of Super Health Centers, and the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers across the nation. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to help ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partnered agencies. This was institutionalized in 2019 through the passage of RA 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Currently, 159 operational Malasakit centers have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The senator was likewise instrumental in pushing for adequate funding to ensure that more Super Health Centers are established across the country. Some 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023, through the initiative of Go, DOH, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers. The Super Health Centers will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Moreover, the senator is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. During the previous day, Go also visited Davao del Norte to participate in the blessing and turnover of a multipurpose building in the Municipality of Kapalong. This project was funded with Go's support as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also inspected Balay ni Maria, a facility completed in 2020, and another project he supported the funding of. This infrastructure served as an isolation center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Grab’s earnings planaids riders fight inflation
Dominant superapp Grab Philippines has rolled out a more competitive compensation scheme for delivery-partners to help them cope with the current market and inflationary challenges. Grab Philippines chief operating officer Ronald Roda said in a press statement on Wednesday that the new enhancements which promote platform experience, earnings fairness and sustainability, and social safety nets will benefit all industry stakeholders. The new program, which was designed to better align with its partners’ efforts and the realities of the delivery landscape, was launched after a two-month pilot program. The revamped plan addresses imbalances and ensures fairer compensation by improving the previous model that offered a fixed base fare, which was often not reflective of the actual effort involved in each delivery task. A guaranteed minimum fare is also introduced in the new model to provide financial stability and protect partners from low-earning trips. This guarantees that every delivery job, no matter how small, contributes a fair amount towards a partner’s income. More than minimum wage On top of all these, Grab ensures that its delivery partners on the platform continue to earn significantly more than the minimum wage. “In the face of evolving consumer behaviors and significant macroeconomic shifts, our delivery service’s remarkable resilience is a reflection of our philosophy that our success is intertwined with the success of our partners,” Roda said. “As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic era, we are firm in our commitment to showcasing our adaptability and unwavering support to our delivery-partners,” he added. Significant upgrades Grab has also made “significant upgrades” to the partner-platform interaction, deploying advanced digital tools for better order forecasting and preparation time accuracy, as well as merchant education programs. These will significantly reduce unnecessary delays — allowing partners to fulfill more orders in less time, and thus increasing their potential earnings. Likewise, Grab has improved its algorithms and enhanced the merchant-partner interface to ensure pinpoint accuracy in merchant details and geotagging, which means that partners can trust the platform to direct them accurately. “With these progressive enhancements, we’re not just optimizing a service; we’re fortifying a platform of vast opportunities. This move goes beyond transactional interactions, touching lives and empowering thousands of delivery partners across the Philippines by providing more equitable earnings, stability, and growth potential,” Roda affirmed. Locally, Grab has committed to helping the government generate 500,000 livelihood opportunities for Filipinos in the coming years. The post Grab’s earnings planaids riders fight inflation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Grab’s new earnings plan aids delivery riders amid price woes
Dominant super app Grab Philippines has rolled out a more competitive compensation scheme for delivery partners to help them cope with the current market and inflationary challenges. Grab Philippines chief operating officer Ronald Roda said in a press statement on Wednesday that the new enhancements—which promote platform experience, earnings fairness and sustainability, and social safety nets—will benefit all industry stakeholders. The new program, which was designed to better align with its partners' efforts and the realities of the delivery landscape, was launched after a two-month pilot. The revamped plan addresses imbalances and ensures fairer compensation by improving the previous model that offered a fixed base fare, which was often not reflective of the actual effort involved in each delivery task. A guaranteed minimum fare is also introduced in the new model to provide financial stability and protect partners from low-earning trips. This guarantees that every delivery job, no matter how small, contributes a fair amount towards a partner's income. On top of all these, Grab ensures that its delivery partners on the platform continue to earn significantly more than the minimum wage. "In the face of evolving consumer behaviors and significant macroeconomic shifts, our delivery service's remarkable resilience is a reflection of our philosophy that our success is intertwined with the success of our partners," Roda said. "As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic era, we are firm in our commitment to showcasing our adaptability and unwavering support to our delivery partners," he added. Grab has also made "significant upgrades" to the partner-platform interaction, deploying advanced digital tools for better order forecasting and preparation time accuracy, as well as merchant education programs. These will significantly reduce unnecessary delays–allowing partners to fulfill more orders in less time, and thus increasing their potential earnings. Likewise, Grab has improved its algorithms and enhanced the merchant-partner interface to ensure pinpoint accuracy in merchant details and geotagging, which means that partners can trust the platform to direct them accurately. "With these progressive enhancements, we're not just optimizing a service; we're fortifying a platform of vast opportunities. This move goes beyond transactional interactions, touching lives and empowering thousands of delivery partners across the Philippines by providing more equitable earnings, stability, and growth potential," Roda affirmed. Locally, Grab has committed to helping the government generate 500,000 livelihood opportunities for Filipinos in the coming years. The post Grab’s new earnings plan aids delivery riders amid price woes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong eyes solid inter-parliament relations
Upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go joined Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Grace Poe as they represented the Philippine Senate during an official visit to the United Kingdom last 16 to 18 October. The visit, led by Zubiri and Poe as co-heads of delegation, was Go’s first visit to the UK, which was aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with its parliament counterparts in UK through a series of dialogues to exchange best practices in policymaking while strengthening bilateral relations, fostering economic security, and exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries. On Tuesday, the senators started their official visit with a tour of the UK Parliament, led by Tim Loughton, Member of Parliament and then joined a meeting on Economic Security led by The Right Honorable Kwasi Kwarteng, Member of Parliament. They also had a working lunch with the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union. Later that day, they met with the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Right Honorable Sir Lindsay Harvey Hoyle. Go took this opportunity to express his gratitude for the UK’s support to the Philippines, particularly during the pandemic as he acknowledged the indispensable assistance provided by the UK during the early stages of the pandemic, particularly the donation of vaccines, which significantly helped the Philippines in its fight against Covid-19. This was followed by meetings with the Science and Technology Committee and the All-Party Parliamentary Group. The meetings also tackled how the UK-Philippines relations can further strengthen several sectors, such as defense and security, renewable energy, public health, trade and industry, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, among others. On 18 October, the senators continued their visit with meetings with the Foreign Affairs Committee and later on, with the International Development Committee. Go, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the Official Development Assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines as well as their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. Go also shared that during these meetings with his counterparts in the UK parliament, he was able to raise some concerns of Filipino nurses particularly in terms of protecting their welfare, promoting their rights to proper benefits and compensation, as well as in ensuring a safe working environment for them in the UK. In between those meetings, the Philippine Senators were invited to observe the Question Hour with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Commons Chamber. The post Kuya Bong eyes solid inter-parliament relations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy, but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase Filipinos' talents, skills, and work ethic to the world. I was in London, United Kingdom last week for an official trip upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and co-head of delegation Senator Grace Poe, we embarked on several meetings aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with our counterparts in the UK parliament to exchange best practices in policymaking while enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I also expressed my gratitude to the UK for donating vaccines during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, we thanked them for other development assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines and for their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I also maximized the visit to highlight efforts in promoting the welfare of more than 200,000 OFWs in the UK, particularly the more or less 40,000 Filipino nurses working there. We were able to raise to the UK policymakers the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding their rights to proper benefits, just compensation, and a safe working environment. We should be proud of Filipino medical frontliners in the UK, particularly nurses who are among the world’s finest. Take, for example, May Parsons, a Filipina-British nurse who became known globally for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial and receiving the UK's George Cross Award. I have co-sponsored a Senate resolution earlier recognizing and commending her achievement. After our official meetings, I met with a group of OFWs, some of them were fellow Dabawenyos, Filipino Muslims, Ilonggos, and Ilocanos, among others. The stories they shared were proof of how resilient our OFWs are. Despite their sacrifices, homesickness, and worries about their families in their hometowns, they maintain their cheerfulness and positive outlook. I brought some good news to our OFWs by informing them about the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through Republic Act No. 11641, a legislation for which I am proud to be one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This measure streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration to better address the needs and concerns of migrant workers. I have also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and ensure its continuous operation in San Fernando City, Pampanga, primarily intended for OFWs and eligible dependents. More importantly, a Malasakit Center is operational there to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The establishment of the DMW, the OFW Hospital, and its own Malasakit Center are just a few of our dreams that are now realities for Filipinos to benefit from. These are testaments of our commitment to promote the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents. However, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. That is why we continue to listen to their concerns, serve them to the best of our abilities, and pursue initiatives to further their cause. I have also filed SBN 2414, which seeks to establish OFW wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law. While our efforts continue to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos abroad, our commitment to serve Filipinos facing challenges in their communities remains unwavering. This week, we had groundbreaking ceremonies for Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Labangon in Cebu City; Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; and in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, we continue to advocate for establishing more community health facilities to help bring public health services closer to those needing medical attention. We have also assisted 1,000 indigents in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, with the office of Cong. Jose Padiernos; 500 members from various sectors in Barangay Mintal, Davao City; 1,900 in Caloocan City, with the office of Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy. In Cebu City, we also distributed aid to 1,700 residents of the South District with Congressman Edu Rama; 450 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador; and 333 in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Malasakit@Bayanihan group. We also aided 1,000 United Senior Citizens Association members of Quezon City, with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, Senator Robin Padilla, and private sector volunteer organizations. My office also extended additional aid to 93 displaced workers in Lumban, Laguna; 210 in Pilar; 217 in Carmen and Batuan in Bohol. DOLE also gave qualified beneficiaries temporary employment. We also supported 200 scholars during their TESDA Orientation in Daet, Camarines Norte. There are also 43 residents of Davao City and nine in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who were victims of fires and 32 victims of flooding in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. They were provided separate assistance and the livelihood kits they received through the DTI program, which we advocated for before and continue to support. We also supported 283 victims of past fires in Cagayan de Oro City by giving separate aid in addition to the emergency housing assistance received from the NHA through a program we pushed for so that they could buy materials like nails, roofing, and other necessities for home repairs. My office also provided immediate help to victims of recent fires, such as 50 families in Baseco, Manila City, and 11 families in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City. No one is exempt from facing life’s hardships. However, our OFWs have shown us how resilient Filipinos can be. Let us learn from them and, more importantly, do our part in uplifting their lives by advocating for their welfare, promoting their rights, protecting their families, and providing the genuine public service they deserve. The post Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Top China beermaker opens probe after worker urination video
One of China's biggest beermakers said it had opened an investigation after a video appearing to show a factory employee urinating on raw ingredients went viral this week. The clip, published online on Thursday, purportedly shows a male worker at a Tsingtao Brewery Co. warehouse clambering into a high-walled container and relieving himself onto its contents. The footage circulated widely on Chinese social media, racking up tens of millions of views on the popular platform Weibo. Tsingtao said on Friday that it had contacted the police over the incident and an investigation was ongoing. "Our company attaches high importance to the relevant video that emerged from Tsingtao Brewery No. 3 on October 19," the beermaker said in a statement. "We reported the incident to the police at the earliest opportunity, and public security organs are involved in the investigation," it added. "At present, the batch of malt in question has been completely sealed. The company continues to strengthen its management procedures and ensure product quality." Many social media users reacted to the video with anger and voiced support for one of China's best-known beverage brands. "I suggest the company takes this man to court and gets him to pay compensation for the damages," read one popular Weibo response to the company's statement. "Investigate this thoroughly! Always stand up for our national champion brands!" wrote another user. Hong Kong-listed Tsingtao is China's second-largest brewer, and its tall bottles of crisp lager are perennial fridge-fillers in bars across East Asia. In recent years, the company has sought to capitalise on the changing tastes of younger Chinese drinkers by diversifying into craft ales and other products. Some web users were not about to pass up the chance to make a wry quip about the country's famously light and fizzy mass-market brews. "I've always said the beer here is like horse pee. Turns out I was wrong," one of them commented. "Thanks, I think I'll have wine instead," quipped another. The post Top China beermaker opens probe after worker urination video appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bill granting tax exemptions to public school teachers filed
Sufficient compensation and benefits, “whether monetary or otherwise,” are needed to address the shortage of teachers that could accommodate the growing student population in basic education, Rodriguez said......»»