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Marcos says reforms to improve investment climate in Phl ‘long overdue’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the country needs to improve its investment climate to make it globally competitive “on an even basis," as requirements for investors to set up operations in the country are more demanding than in other countries. The Chief Executive said this as Marcos launched and signed Executive Order (EO) No. 18, which created strategic investment green lanes to attract more investments. In his speech, Marcos acknowledged that the reforms to create an environment that is conducive to business growth and development are "long overdue." He said that some permits take 36 months to complete in the country, while other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, take two weeks to complete and approve the applications. “We cannot continue to hide behind protectionist laws and protectionist policies because no country ever got wealthy by following a protectionist policy. The wealth of the nation is defined by the amount of trade that it has gone. We can look back many centuries, and it has always been trade that has been the key to the wealth of any nation, of any economic system,” Marcos explained in his speech. “It is a continuing application of the principle of whole-of-government response to the continuing challenge of dismantling the obstacles faced by investors whenever they decide to do business here in our country,” Marcos added. With the EO, Marcos said the policy will pave the way for the government to realize the many investment pledges it has secured both domestically and internationally. Marcos Jr. also vowed that his administration is committed to realizing the vision of “Making-It-Happen” in the Philippines, noting that the Board of Investments has partnered with 36 agencies on the fast-track approvals of permits and resolution of concerns, particularly for identified strategic investments. Noting the sentiments of investors and entrepreneurs in the country, Marcos ensured that his administration is committed to making government transactions and processes “efficient, transparent and responsive to the needs of these potential investors.” "We will continue to closely monitor the performance of these processes in order to track our progress and (identify) – and we will see the areas for continuous improvement, even as we continue to pursue other projects and endeavors that will make the Philippines an even more fertile ground for investments,” he said. Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, also present during the event, said the EO aims to resolve business registration issues like long lines for permits and applications. "The EO is meant to expedite, streamline, and automate government approval and registration processes for priority investments or strategic investments. The strategic investments are those aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” Pascual said. The event highlighted the presentation of the first Certificate of Endorsement to SunAsia Energy, Inc. and BlueLeaf Macquarie Capital, a Singapore-based company. This certificate recognized their involvement in the construction of a floating solar project with a capacity of 1,300 megawatts at Laguna Lake. The total investment for this project amounts to $1.2 billion. SunAsia Energy, known for its expertise in developing clean and renewable solar energy solutions in the Philippines, partnered with BlueLeaf and Macquarie Capital. During President Marcos' visit to Singapore in 2022, the companies expressed their commitment to invest in this project. Following this commitment, SunAsia applied for Strategic Investment status for 10 of its projects under EO 18. By using the green lane services, they were able to expedite the permitting and licensing procedures for these projects. The post Marcos says reforms to improve investment climate in Phl ‘long overdue’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trans fat ban iffy sans DTI-FDA deal
Even if the Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health’s order is already in effect for manufacturers to reformulate their products to remove trans fatty acids or trans fat from their products, the DTI said it cannot mandate the pull-out of existing products in supermarkets nor supervise how traders are heeding the order. Issued in 2021, DoH Administrative Order 2021-0039 and FDA Circular 2021-028 and 2021-028A gave food manufacturers until 18 June 2023 to heed the orders to tweak the formulation of their food products and totally eliminate trans fat from their products. Speaking for DTI Assistant Secretary for Legal Agaton Uvero, Trade Undersecretary for Communications Kim Bernardo-Lokin said the full force of the order and circular should be imposed by the FDA and the DoH which have the power to do so. “The issue is under the jurisdiction of the FDA and the DoH. DTI cannot enforce the DoH and FDA regulations on its own in the absence of an agreement between the two agencies,” Lokin said. Based on the DoH and FDA order, food manufacturers were given two years to reformulate and remove TFAs from their products or face sanctions. Even if products with high trans fat are usually found in supermarkets and grocery stores that are under the jurisdiction of the DTI, Lokin said a memorandum of agreement is needed for them to check if the trans fat content of manufacturers’ products is reformulated, or pull them out from supermarkets and groceries. Products that are traditionally high in iTFA or industrial trans fat, include margarine, coffee creamer, instant noodles, and baked goods such as donuts and cookies, among others. “We cannot easily pull them out since many products in supermarkets have trans fat in them,” Lokin said. iTFA is created by adding hydrogen to oil and, based on medical studies, it has no known health benefits and is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and stroke worldwide, estimated to cause around 540,000 deaths every year. 564 food products Last week, Michael Pelagio, a science research specialist at the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute chemical laboratory revealed that based on a chemical examination of 564 food products tested, 17 percent had high trans fatty acid or TFA content that was risky for consumers. He said oils and fats such as sesame oil and mayonnaise, unsalted butter, all-purpose cream, and bread and pastry products such as cookies and doughnuts have a TFA content of more than two grams per 100-gram serving. “Based on our results, 17 percent of sample foods contain more than two grams per 100-gram fat. 564 samples were analyzed for TFA content. Average results in the food category showed that fats and oils had the highest TFA content, followed by milk and dairy products,” Pelagio revealed during the DoST-FNRI seminar at the Dusit Thani Manila on Friday. On the other hand, Atty. Mikhail Millan of ImagineLaw urged the public to join in the effort to enforce the DoH and FDA orders and report any manufacturers violating the orders. According to the FDA, if a company violates a provision of the circular, it will be basis for disapproval of the company’s application for a Certificate of Product Registration, or if already issued a CPR, it will be a ground for suspension or revocation of the CPR, Millan said. Late enforcement The Philippines is already late in enforcing the ban given that the World Health Organization said new laws should protect more than 3.2 billion people from TFAs by the end of 2020. Many countries, including Canada, the European Union and South America have implemented bans or restrictions on trans fats in food products. Trans fat, according to medical experts, is the worst type of fat to eat. Unlike other dietary fats, trans fats, which are artificial, raise “bad” cholesterol and lower “good” cholesterol. Cardiologists will always tell you that a diet laden with trans fats increases the risk of heart disease, the top killer of Filipinos, aside from hunger. The post Trans fat ban iffy sans DTI-FDA deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM wants OEC application free of charge
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other agencies to explore the possibility of making the application for Overseas Employment Certifications (OEC) free of charge, Malacañang said on Sunday. Through the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Palace said Marcos issued the directive during a meeting with the DMW, Bureau of Immigration (BI), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Malacañan Palace. PCO, citing DMW Secretary Maria Susana "Toots" Ople, said they are just waiting for the approval of the DICT for the official launch of the "DMW Mobile App" to ensure its cybersecurity features. "We are just waiting for the green light from the DICT to ensure the cybersecurity features of the app. After that, hopefully, it will be launched within the week," Ople said, referring to the DMW Mobile App. "Just a little more waiting. We are listening to you. We know that the OEC is a significant matter. So, we are doing everything to address this issue with the use of technology. So, just wait for it. A little more patience, but our launch is near," she added. Ople said President Marcos was exuberant over the mobile application as it is a simple yet effective digital solution to the OEC problems encountered by OFWs when seeking jobs abroad. “And ang bilin lang niya tiyakin daw ng department na walang babayaran ang ating mga manggagawang migrante, ‘yung ating mga OFWs, sa paggamit nung mobile app, at pag-download at pagkuha ng OFW Pass,” Ople added. President Marcos earlier directed the DMW and the DICT during his 2022 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to automate the verification of contracts and issue OECs that can be stored on smartphones. In response to the President's directive, the DMW developed the DMW Mobile App, which aims to "make an overseas Filipino worker's journey easier." Secretary Ople said the mobile application is for free as it would serve as the government's way of honoring the country's "modern-day heroes." "His only instruction was to ensure that the department ensures that our migrant workers, our OFWs, will not have to pay anything when using the mobile app and downloading and obtaining the OFW Pass," Ople said. "So he said to make it free because it's one way for us to honor our modern-day heroes," she added. The app contains the OFW Pass, a digital and secure version of the OEC, which serves as the digital identity of OFWs. After a two- to three-month transition period upon activation, the OFW Pass will completely replace the OEC. The OFW Pass and OEC have significant differences. The OFW Pass, for instance, is QR-code generated and can be acquired only through the app, while the OEC requires onsite processing with a P100 charge. The OFW Pass is valid until the OFW's work contract expires, while the OEC lasts only 60 days. Those who can avail of OFW Pass are first-time OFWs; Balik Manggagawa OFWs or OFWs going to the Philippines temporarily but will be returning to the same employer; and OFWs who have transferred to a different employer or whose contracts need to be registered and verified by the Office of the Labor Attaché. To disseminate the app, the DMW established the OFW Pass Teacher. In this volunteer system, registered OFWs will be given relevant materials to teach other OFWs how to utilize the app. The DICT will test the cybersecurity features of the app and report its findings to the DMW before its public release. The agency is also expected to integrate its mobile app with the BI's eTravel and e-Gate systems and eventually link it to DICT's eGov PH Super App. The post PBBM wants OEC application free of charge appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alarming surge in dengue cases in Palawan
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — An uptick in the number of dengue cases in Palawan, recorded from the beginning of the year until June, has raised concerns regarding how to halt this trend. According to data released Tuesday, 4 July, by the Palawan Provincial Health Office (PHO), a total of 3,274 dengue cases have been recorded in various municipalities during the first half of 2023. Dr. Faye Erika Labrador, the chief of the PHO, expressed her concern and stated that the current situation can be deemed alarming or even classified as an outbreak. However, she said that the decision to declare a state of public health emergency or outbreak lies within the jurisdiction of the municipal governments. The municipality of Taytay recorded the highest number of cases with 1,079 followed by Bataraza with 425, Roxas with 413, Brooke's Point with 322, and Narra with 202. Taytay and Roxas are towns situated in northern Palawan, while the rest are in the southern part. “For this year, from January, we really noticed an increase in cases of dengue and other illnesses compared to last year. The cases in Taytay from up January to March this year is [already] higher compared to the whole of 2022,” Labrador said. Labrador said that in the specific case of Taytay, discussions are already underway within the Sangguniang Bayan regarding the potential declaration of an outbreak. In response to the current trend, she elaborated that they have heightened their efforts in spreading awareness about the viral infection in schools and communities, particularly in towns experiencing higher incidences. These are being done in cooperation with municipal health offices, the provincial office of the Department of Health (DOH), and other line agencies and stakeholders. The campaign focuses on promoting the 5S approach to combat dengue, which includes key practices such as search and destroy, self-protection, early consultation, support for fogging and misting, and maintaining proper hydration. Additionally, Labrador said that schools are actively promoting the use of protective clothing, such as long sleeves, and the application of insect repellents among students as crucial self-protection measures. The PHO has also started its vector analysis to determine the factors related to transmission. A team from the epidemiological unit of the Center for Health and Development (CHD) of the health department will arrive for the purpose. Meanwhile, during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session on Tuesday, Board Member Marivic Roxas, who chairs the committee on health, emphasized that the increasing trend of dengue cases should not be overlooked and requires urgent attention. Roxas said a comprehensive program must be implemented to stop more Palaweños from falling ill because of dengue. "Let us take significant actions against the growing threat of dengue in our beloved province of Palawan by implementing preventive measures, promoting public health awareness, enhancing healthcare infrastructures and supporting research initiatives," she said in her privilege speech. She further appealed to the public and local government units to join forces in collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the infection, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. The post Alarming surge in dengue cases in Palawan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ombudsman orders Lobo, Batangas’ mayor, vice mayor file counter-affidavit
Couple Lota and Gaudioso Manalo, the mayor and vice mayor, respectively, of Lobo, Batangas, have only ten days to file their counter-affidavit over their graft complaint filed by a construction firm. The Ombudsman released an order dated 19 June, giving the couple only ten days from receipt of the copy of the complaint to file their respective answers. Failure to present their counter-affidavit within the said period will be deemed a waiver of their right to submit controverting evidence. It will also pave the way for the Ombudsman case to proceed the case. The complaint filed by Efren Ramirez Construction Corporation alleged that the couple violated Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Anti-Red Tape Act by refraining from acting on his application for the renewal of the existing business permit and other permits, which are necessary for its operation. They were accused of conspiring with Leandro Canuel, the Municipal Treasurer. The construction firm alleged Malobos of seeking grease money in exchange for the renewal applications. These allegations occurred right after their victory in the May 2022 polls, the firm claimed. After the firm turned down the demand, the couple reportedly began sending letters to coerce them into paying the unconscionable fees despite their legal objections. According to the firm, Mayor Manalo granted the dredging operations to another firm without public bidding. She was accused of fabricating resolutions supposedly passed by the municipal council and barangay captains, denied afterward by the councilors and barangay officials. The complainant argued that it has the appropriate permits from the relevant national government agencies, specifically the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to undertake the dredging operations on the municipality’s river. Moreover, the firm claimed it also complied with other requirements, leaving Mayor Manalo no grounds but to grant the permit. The company manifested that Ombudsman should suspend the couple to ensure the impartial conduct of the investigation. The post Ombudsman orders Lobo, Batangas’ mayor, vice mayor file counter-affidavit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate inquiry on Afghans wasteful exercise
There is an obvious attempt at grandstanding and self-projection when a lawmaker proposed a Senate investigation on the issue of Afghans coming over for a temporary stay owing to their being persecuted in their country as former employees or allies of the United States government. It is being made to appear that the US has demanded from our country the acceptance of these Afghan refugees. It is being floated as well that their stay is a threat to national security with the implied innuendo that they could be terrorists or that they are being sent here to spy on us. The proponent of the senate inquiry is a re-electionist in the 2025 senatorial elections, hence like those who would seek re-election of their present positions, and those aspiring to be in the upper chamber of Congress, this senator is jumping at every opportunity to be in the news for the much-needed media mileage. In the first place, the US government is not demanding or compelling our country to give them shelter. This writer is no fan of the former colonialmasters but common sense will tell us that the US government will not dare compel us to do something against our will. It knows better than to employ such a crude and outrageous move which is tantamount to an assault on our territorial integrity and sovereignty. As officially and clearly explained by the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Babes Romualdez, the matter of the Afghan refugees coming to the Philippines was a “ request that was made by the United States in October last year via a ‘concept note’ outlining the proposal for the Philippines to temporarily host Afghan nationals — especially those who were formerly employed by the US government and their qualified dependents — while they wait for the SIV application to be processed by the US Embassy in Manila.“ Contrary to what the initiator would like the public to believe, the proposal was not kept from the public. It was coursed thru the usual bureaucratic process. The request was made to the PMS (Presidential Management Staff), and the latter referred it to the Department of Foreign Affairs which, acting as the lead agency, in turn, endorsed the US proposal to various government agencies, e.g. Department of National Defense, Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The National Bureau of Investigation and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency were invited to assess the security implications of the proposal as well as to evaluate the background of the Afghan nationals. In other words, it was not a cloak and dagger thing. There was transparency at the very inception. In its request, the US government made it clear that the Afghan nationals applying for the SIV will only stay temporarily and at its expense. Perhaps it is important to consider the fact that these Afghans were formerly employed with the US government before the Taliban seized power, and for that reason their continued stay in Afghanistan put their lives and their families in peril. Our country has a history of giving succor to refugees and those displaced because of war and armed atrocities in their countries. It will be recalled that in 1934 President Manuel L. Quezon for humanitarian reasons gave haven to Jewish refugees fleeing from the Nazis. At the height of the Vietnam War, thousands of Vietnamese fled their country riding in boats. They found sanctuary in our country because our race cannot turn our backs on fellow human beings in dire need of refuge. Even without the request of the US government to house the Afghan nationals temporarily, by reason of their endangered situation, the Filipinos given their compassionate and generous hearts would welcome them if the Afghans themselves so request. And even if they don’t ask us, should other countries shut their doors to them, it is an absolute certainty that our country would invite them here for their shelter and safety. So what is the Senate investigation for, but a waste of time and the people’s money? It is also a venue for publicity and self-aggrandizement. We already have enough of that nauseous exercise. Instead of a useless legislative probe, legislation should take top priority. The post Senate inquiry on Afghans wasteful exercise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Estrella: Only SC can stop DAR from giving farmlands
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Monday expressed its strong determination to proceed with implementing the country’s land reform program, awarding agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) their respective farm lots, notwithstanding the filing of any cases aimed at derailing it. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III stressed that it is the solemn duty of the DAR to implement the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and other agrarian reform laws “with full conformity to the constitutional mandates of due process, equal protection, just compensation, and social justice.” Estrella cited Section 55 of the Republic Act No. 6657, as amended, for this bold move, saying that only the Supreme Court could stop the DAR from implementing the program through the issuance of a temporary restraining order. Section 55 of RA No. 6657 states that: “Except for the Supreme Court, no court in the Philippines shall have jurisdiction to issue any restraining order or writ of a preliminary injunction against the PARC, the DAR or any of its duly authorized or designated agencies in any case, dispute or controversy arising from, necessary to, or in connection with the application, implementation, enforcement, or interpretation of this Act and other pertinent laws on agrarian reform.” DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations, Atty. Kazel Celeste, clarified, however, that each case would be treated differently, depending on its intent and purpose. “If the protest from CARP coverage or a petition for exemption or exclusion is still pending with the DAR regional office, the Office of the Secretary, or the Office of the President, the LAD process shall proceed up to the issuance of the Republic of the Philippines title,” Celeste stressed. Celeste said the process could go as far as issuing and registering Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and installing the ARBs “if the Office of the President affirmed the CARP coverage and denied any motion for reconsideration.” In the case of a conversion application “the land acquisition and distribution process shall proceed up to the issuance of the Republic of the Philippines Title,” Celeste said. The post Estrella: Only SC can stop DAR from giving farmlands appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Scared for your US visa application? Here are tips from the embassy
Applicants should just focus on telling consular officers the truth, avoiding so-called agencies to help with their applications, and make sure that they are up-to-date with official information from the embassy......»»
Phl launches eGov Super App
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday asked government agencies to adopt e-governance to improve the delivery of services to the public as the country launched the eGov Super App, the country's first one-stop-shop platform for national and local government services. In his speech during the launching of the eGov SuperApp at Malacañang Palace in Manila, Marcos said that the government must keep up with the rapid pace of technological adoption and facilitate the development of interconnectivity infrastructure. "Our Government must keep up with that frantic pace, and it is frantic, and facilitate the rapid development of our interconnectivity infrastructure to allow our economy to ride the wave and open up an ocean of opportunities for prosperity," Marcos said. The President also stressed that the country "cannot compete on an even basis unless you are highly digitalized both in the private and public sectors." Marcos reiterated what he said during his first address to the nation last year: "We are in the midst of an age of exponential adoption of technology." He added that the Philippines had fallen behind in e-governance, citing a survey showing that only five percent of Filipinos do their transactions with the government online. "We cannot do (transactions) online with the government. We have to go to the office. We have to collect the birth certificate, documentation, and clearance, then go to the government office. They say: 'You're missing one document,' and the Filipinos must return to that office. And they do all of these things," Marcos added. To address this, Marcos said that the government is pushing for the passage of the E-Governance Act of 2022, which would promote the use of ICT in government operations. The bill –– which House Speaker Martin Romualdez, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, and Tingog Sinirangan Party-List Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre filed last June 2022 –– would establish a national e-governance framework and create a central agency to oversee its implementation. Marcos said that the E-Governance Act is "essential" to the government's goal of transforming the economy. "This is going to be another building block in the foundation of our economic transformation," Marcos said. He also mentioned the issuance of the national ID is critical or that is important or that's necessary for the conduct of business with the government. Now that the Department of Information and Communications Technology launched the eGovPH "super app," Marcos said the Philippines could compete with neighbors in the global market. "This is a very good step, and we will continue to push this; we will need the partnership, not only of our government agencies but also of the private sector because the private sector also has concerns in this regard, especially when it comes to cybersecurity," Marcos said. The e-GovPH super app, considered a one-stop-shop platform for local and national government services, could be downloaded in the Google Play and Apple application stores. Among transactions that could be done in the application include SIM registration, local government unit services, job application, tourism information, start-up empowerment, healthcare information, and feedback. To use all the application functionalities, one should sign up and undergo identity verification, including submitting a live selfie. Once the initial verification is complete, users will receive an eGov Digital ID and a QR code. However, according to DICT Secretary Ivan Uy, not all government agencies are currently integrated with the application. Still, efforts are underway to establish those connections. The post Phl launches eGov Super App appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Galvez to senators: Look for middle ground on MUP pension reform
Defense Officer-in-Charge Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday urged senators to look for a possible middle ground on the proposed pension scheme reforms which he said is affecting the morale of the military and uniformed personnel in the country. At a Senate hearing, Galvez said while the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines fully support the enactment of legislative measures to address the problem in the pension system, the agencies are appealing that the morale and welfare of MUP “be given due weight”. He noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — the commander-in-chief — is “very much concerned” about the impact of the proposed measures on the MUP. “The President also gave an instruction that he is very much concerned on the impact of this MUP [reform] on the morale and welfare of our personnel and policemen,” he told the Senate panel. “He wanted that there should be a continuous discussion to have a common ground.” The acting Defense chief revealed that "mere discussions of proposals” relating to retirement benefits have “already affected the morale and caused uneasiness not only from within the active ranks of the AFP but even from our veterans and retirees.” He noted that around 70 to 80 percent of enlisted MUP are expected to avail of early retirement to dodge the possible removal of automatic indexation in pension and the imposition of mandatory contributions on military personnel, which are part of the proposed new pension scheme. For context, those who have been in service for 20 years are eligible for an early retirement option. Galvez suggested that, if possible, the application of the new pension system “be limited to new entrants.” “If this is still financially impossible, we are amenable and open to modifications in the system so long as these are fair and equitable the military,” he said. In March, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno expressed concern about the possibility of fiscal collapse due to the “unsustainable” pension system for the MUP in the country. During the Senate hearing, Finance Undersecretary for Fiscal Policy and Monitoring Group Ma. Cielo Magno said that without reforms in the current pension system, pension spending is projected to “increase tremendously” up to P1.5 trillion by 2040. Magno also noted that the effects of borrowing for pension liabilities “cascade to succeeding years and are sensitive to higher interest rates.” By 2030, she said that additional interest expense for the pension system would balloon to P40 billion and P171 billion by 2040. The post Galvez to senators: Look for middle ground on MUP pension reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sri Lankan Embassy eyes waiving visa for Pinoy tourists
In order to attract more tourists, the Sri Lankan Embassy said it will make arrangements to waive visa fees for tourists wanting to visit Sri Lanka but the Embassy is urging the Philippine government to do the same. This, after a group of travel agents visited Sri Lanka last 29 March to 7 April. The trip, dubbed as Fam Tour, was organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Board. It was intended to personally know what the Board can offer to Filipinos who would like to visit the Southern Asian island nation. The group, consisting of representatives from various travel agencies accredited by the Department of Tourism and Philippine Travel Agencies Association, said the cost of going to Sri Lanka is quite costly, with the $50 visa application added to the cost of tour packages they are offering clients. The tour package going to Sri Lanka via Kuala Lumpur reaches P60,000 for four one-week tours to Sri Lanka and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which is more pricey compared to going to other nations in Southeast Asia such as Singapore, and Thailand, among others. No direct flights from Manila “Cost is not a problem when you have already reached Sri Lanka because everything there is cheap, from food to accommodation. But going there is expensive, as Sri Lanka has no direct flights from Manila. You have to fly from Manila to Kuala Lumpur to Colombo, which is only once a week. That is why we are asking the Embassy to make arrangements in waiving the visa cost which is around P3,500,” according to Abigail Sofia Sze of Goldlink Travel and Tours. Sri Lankan Second Secretary/Head of Chancery P.G.P. Kaushalya said they will make arrangements to lessen or totally waive the visa fee, especially for group visas they are offering for a minimum of 30 pax per group. “But we hope that the Philippine government could also waive the visa fees for our citizens coming here to the Philippines. We would want to showcase Sri Lanka’s tourism which is why we would want to make arrangements to make going to Sri Lanka easy and cost-effective,” Kaushalya said during her meeting with the team on Friday, 21 April at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Makati. Furthermore, Kaushalya said they are also keen to have talks with airline companies here to have direct flights from Manila to Colombo and vice versa. She said they intend to work double-time to promote their country to tourists as demand for Filipinos is currently low. Foreign arrivals Embassy records say foreign arrivals in Sri Lanka stood at 335,679 from January to March 2023. Efforts to redeem revenues lost, Kaushalya said the Sri Lankan government is making full efforts to redeem revenues lost during the pre-Covid 19 pandemic. “The health situation there is now normal and masks are no longer mandatory. What we can offer is our food, boundless nature including our more than 200 waterfalls, and the superb hospitality of our people, just like what the Philippines is offering,” she said. According to the International Trade Administration of the United States, tourism has traditionally been the third largest foreign exchange earner and an important income generator for Sri Lanka. The post Sri Lankan Embassy eyes waiving visa for Pinoy tourists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NWRB urges public to conserve water
The National Water Resources Board on Saturday urged the public to conserve and use water wisely due to the imminent El Niño as the climate pattern results in lower-than-normal rainfall, causing dry periods and droughts. During a media forum in Quezon City, NWRB executive director Sevillo David Jr. said the water level in Angat Dam, the primary water source for Metro Manila, is currently at 196.5 meters. He added that the current water level is "within operating level" as the dam's minimum operating level is 180 meters. "At present, what we're looking at is how to divert this water to facilities that we can benefit from in terms of water supply and irrigation during the dry season," David said. "So, you are correct in saying that we need to focus on how we can collect and conserve rainwater that we can use during droughts and especially during the summer season, which would greatly benefit us," David added. Last 23 March, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) released an El Niño Watch. The agency further noted that they might raise it to an Alert Status in May. In the same forum, Climatology and Agrometeorology Division's climate impact assessment and application chief Marcelino Villafuerte explained that the El Niño Watch is issued when the country expects a high probability of El Niño occurring within the next six months. "So, we have already issued an El Niño Watch, and we are expecting that by next month, in May, we may increase it to an alert status. The Alert status means that there is a 70 percent chance that the El Niño will occur within the next two months," Villafuerte said. The head of NWRB stated that they will collaborate with the Presidential Communications Office and other government agencies to develop guidelines on water conservation for the public. NWRB oversees and controls all water resources and services in the Philippines. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has previously instructed various government agencies to prepare accordingly and devise a comprehensive strategy to tackle the El Niño phenomenon that may affect the nation from this year until early next year. The President has provided two specific directives, which include implementing a whole-of-government or whole-of-nation strategy and developing protocol-based and scientifically sound long-term procedures that can be adopted by the country. In February, Marcos approved the establishment of a Water Resource Management Office to manage the Philippines' water resources and address the existing environmental concerns. The post NWRB urges public to conserve water appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Probe export of lead scraps from used car batteries — FPI
The Federation of Philippine Industries has exposed the illegal export of lead scraps from used car batteries and called for its investigation by the government. “As a matter of policy, export of hazardous wastes like lead scrap and ULAB (used lead-acid batteries) is not allowed when the country of origin has the capability to recycle them. In the case of lead scrap and ULAB, we have Evergreen Environmental Resources Inc., which operates state-of-the-art recycling facilities for ULABs in Bulacan,” FPI chairperson Dr. Jesus Arranza said. Arranza added that Republic Act 6969 or the “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990” and its implementing rules outlined in Department Administrative Order 2013-22 of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources prohibit such export. He added that the export of scrap lead, a hazardous waste, goes against the 1989 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal which the country has ratified. Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the FPI chair said the Philippines exported around 8,500 tons of lead waste and scrap from January to August 2022. However, there are no record of whether these exported lead scraps are in the form of ULABs or were merely separated from used auto batteries. Since scrap lead is mostly obtained from ULABs, Arranza said illegal exporters managed to get their hands on a big volume of old car batteries. Using the PSA data as a basis, these illegal exporters are probably collecting around 500,000 pieces of ULAB at an average weight of 15 kilograms per unit, he said. “We don’t know how these exporters are handling and dismantling their ULABs, which are hazardous wastes. What have they done to the plastic components and the acid, did they just throw them into the trash or bodies of water?” Arranza asked. Also, local recyclers like EERI and their customers are being deprived of materials to make their operations more viable. Arranza said he finds it alarming that the PSA has actual data on lead scrap exports when the DENR has not issued export clearance to any company for lead scrap. The DENR stressed that there is no way the agency would approve any application for lead scrap export clearance. “If there is no clearance from the DENR, how did these shipments manage to slip through the Bureau of Customs and even get reflected in the PSA export data? Also, how come there is no record from the DENR and Department of Trade Industry of who these exporters are?” Arranza asked. With this, Arranza said this illegal practice should be jointly investigated by the BoC, DENR, DTI and other concerned agencies. He said the FPI and its members are ready to contribute their resources and inputs to the investigation. The post Probe export of lead scraps from used car batteries — FPI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t housing online payment now available
Government housing beneficiaries nationwide may now pay their amortization in the comfort of their homes starting yesterday, 17 April. This, after the National Housing Authority on Monday announced that it has forged a partnership with Maya Philippines Inc. for the launching of an online payment portal. By downloading the Maya mobile application and registering, housing beneficiaries may settle their dues; receive billing notices and remittance of collected payments through email or via SMS notifications. In fulfilling the memorandum of agreement signed by NHA General Manager Joeben Tai and Maya Philippines Inc. Associate Director Marvin C. Santos on 28 October 2022, the NHA is pushing more innovations to make the authority’s processes more accessible to its clientele, leading to beneficiary-friendly transactions and collection efficiency. Apart from efficiency in payments, remittances and billing, the digital payment service will also open up livelihood opportunities to beneficiaries who intend to become merchants in their respective communities for Maya e-wallet cash-ins. The newly launched online payment service is in accordance with Republic Act 8792 or the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, mandating all government agencies to accept payments through electronic means; and with RA 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which directs all offices and agencies to improve their transactions and procedures. The goal of the “Build Better and More” Housing Program of the NHA is not only to provide more quality housing for Filipino families, but also to create sustainable communities within the NHA’s housing projects by providing livelihood opportunities and easing the authority’s processes for more efficient transactions with beneficiaries. The post Gov’t housing online payment now available appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Buyanihan’ puts MSME online free
Computer software and application developer CloudPanda with help from economic agencies had stepped in to lend the needed boost and help for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) to survive the damaging effects of the pandemic. As the world race to find a vaccine that can help stop the further spread of the coronavirus, nations […] The post ‘Buyanihan’ puts MSME online free appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Xdinary Heroes make ‘extraordinary’ concert in Manila
Members of the South Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes showed that they were no ordinary musicians during their first world tour, “Break The Brake” last March 23 at the New Frontier Theater......»»
Cebu Pacific books P8 billion profit in 2023
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific found itself landing on solid ground in 2023, as it booked a profit of nearly P8 billion on the back of a resurgent demand for air travel......»»
FOCAP condemns Chinese embassy’s claims on ‘manipulated’ West Philippine Sea videos
The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines strongly rejected and condemned yesterday China’s “false and baseless” claims that journalists manipulate videosthey recorded in the South China Sea to present the Philippines as a victim......»»
No Pinoy hurt in Baltimore bridge collapse
The Philippine embassy in Washington has not received any report of Filipinos hurt in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland on Tuesday......»»
Boracay, Palawan named among ‘Best Islands in Asia-Pacific’
Two island destinations in the Philippines were included in the 10 “Best Islands in Asia-Pacific” by a foreign travel magazine......»»