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PBBM wants no anomalies in Food Stamp Program implementation
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered all government agencies to ensure that there are no traces of anomalies in the administration of the Food Stamp Program. The Chief Executive made the instruction on Wednesday as he launched the Food Stamp Program in the Caraga region as part of the government's efforts to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition among Filipinos. "I instruct the relevant government agencies to collaborate for the better implementation of this Food Stamp Program. Let's make sure that there are no traces of anomalies in the administration of our projects," Marcos said in a speech at the launch event. Marcos emphasized the importance of both food supply and quality. He added that the Food Stamp Program is not just about ensuring that people have enough to eat, but also that they have access to healthy and affordable food. "We often talk about the need for an adequate food supply, and that's true," the President said. "But it's not just about food supply; the food we provide to our fellow citizens must also be nutritious. So, in the Food Stamp Program, we carefully consider the needs of each individual, and that's what we provide through our Food Stamps." He also urged beneficiaries to use their electronic vouchers wisely. "I hope you use your E.B.T. cards wisely," the President said. "The government is your partner not only in pursuing your dreams but also in achieving them." The Food Stamp Program is currently in the pilot stage, but Marcos said that it will be expanded within the next month or so. The goal is to benefit 30,000 families in the next phase of the rollout. When asked about the assessment of the Food Stamp Program in the months since its launch, Marcos Jr. said that the results so far have been promising. "The key is always how to make it accessible to ordinary citizens," Marcos told reporters in a media interview. "So, the technology needs to be sufficiently good to make it easy for anyone to learn how to use it," he added. Marcos likewise thanked the World Food Programme for its assistance in developing the Food Stamp Program. "We received assistance from the UN through the World Food Programme, as well as support from France and the ADB," Marcos said. "These have been our partners in developing the Food Stamp Program." Beneficiaries in the Caraga region received P3,000 food credits. Data broken down, 50 percent is meant for carbohydrate-rich food, 30 percent is for protein, and 20 percent is for fruits and vegetables. The Department of Social Welfare and Development administered food stamps. In May, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian proposed the proposal, which was inaugurated in July. In Surigao, Gatchalian joined the start. The post PBBM wants no anomalies in Food Stamp Program implementation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla rejects cult’s request to hold DOJ probe in Sitio Kapihan
The officers and members of the suspected “doomsday cult” Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. requested the Justice Department (DOJ) to conduct the preliminary investigation on the charges filed against them in Sitio Kapihan, Surigao del Norte. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla though categorically denied this request, stating, “That’s a big no. That’s not gonna happen.” Remulla made this clear during a press conference at DOJ yesterday. The DOJ chief justified the decision to move the preliminary investigation to the DOJ’s main office in Manila by highlighting that complainants and witnesses were unable to speak freely in Sitio Kapihan. Remulla said, “They want the Senate hearings to be held in their location and the DOJ to conduct the preliminary investigation there. Is the DOJ willing to do this? I don’t think that’s a good request.” While the SBSI had previously agreed to cooperate with the Senate’s investigation into the allegations against them, they insisted that the legislative hearing take place in their location. Remulla further explained the necessity of conducting the investigation in Manila: The reason we are stepping in and resuming the preliminary investigation in Manila is that the people there are unable to function properly due to threats and intimidation. That’s why we are investigating in Manila. We can send people there but not investigate there. The National Bureau of Investigation – Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City has recommended charging cult officers and members with qualified trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), violation of RA 7610, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention after a thorough investigation. The recommendation was forwarded to the Surigao del Norte Prosecutor’s Office in June. Named respondents are Jey Rence Quilaro, also known as “Senior Agila,” Mamerto Galanida, and 11 other alleged cult officers and members. But Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano revealed that the preliminary investigation encountered obstacles due to multiple motions for the inhibition of prosecutors. The allegations against SBSI are deeply concerning and involve accusations of abuse and coercion of over 1,000 children since February 2019. The post Remulla rejects cult’s request to hold DOJ probe in Sitio Kapihan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday ordered an investigation on reports that a religious cult is collecting the cash grant of its members who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The DSWD chief ordered the probe following the privileged speech of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, 18 September, which detailed the activities of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which the senator alleged to be a religious cult in Surigao del Norte. “We have taken stock of the privilege speech of the good senator, Madame Chair, and we took inventory immediately of how many 4Ps households we have there. But obviously, these are initial numbers because it could not be in just one sitio but in more sitios,” Secretary Gatchalian told senators during the hearing on the DSWD’s proposed P207.37 billion on Wednesday, 20 September. Secretary Gatchalian said that in Sitio Kapihan in the Municipality of Socorro, there are 74 households which are 4Ps beneficiaries. “In that barangay itself, Barangay Siring, we have 503 households,” he said. “We’ve already spoken about getting our city links and our municipal links to pry into the well-being of these 4Ps beneficiaries in that area,” the DSWD chief said as he promised to provide the Senate with an update on the investigation. The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0 to 18. Gatchalian maintained that as a matter of practice in the DSWD, “What is for the beneficiary is for the beneficiary.” “It’s against the creed of the Department when may tumabas, no matter kung sino man yan (whoever violates, no matter who it is), no government official, no private individual can take what is given directly to the beneficiary,” Gatchalian told senators during the budget hearing. Gatchalian told the senators that the Department will also look into the beneficiaries of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) in the Caraga Administrative Region (Region 13), with a focus on those barangays and sitios that are within the area of influence of the religious cult. “Whenever we get allegations of AICS misuse, we take it seriously, and even here in the Central Office, in any of our Field Office,” the DSWD chief said, adding that the Department’s Caraga regional director is already looking into the AICS track distribution in the area. “And then we can do backtracking and our standard investigation tracks also… We will immediately copy furnish the office of the committee as well as the office of the good senator on the findings of the 4Ps as well as the AICS clusters,” Gatchalian said. Senators Hontiveros and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, each filed a resolution calling for a Senate investigation into the activities of the alleged religious cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which is based in Surigao del Norte. The post DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOH expects increase in leptospirosis cases in coming weeks
Cases of leptospirosis in the country are expected to increase in the coming weeks as some areas in the country are still submerged in flood waters brought by Typhoon "Egay", the Department of Health said Sunday. At the Kapihan sa QC, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the agency is prepared for the expected influx of leptospirosis cases, particularly in the Central Region, where most provinces are still submerged in floods. “I am expecting that the cases of leptospirosis will increase. Surely, many people will contract leptospirosis in the coming weeks,” Herbosa said. He noted that prior to the onslaught of Typhoon last month, the DoH had sent thousands of doses of antibiotics to the Ilocos region due to the expected influx of leptospirosis cases in the area. “Region 3 has many stockpiles. In fact, it is already prepared,” he stressed, after pointing out the floods in Bulacan and Pampanga. The Health chief reminded the public to avoid contacting flood waters, especially those who have open wounds. “Maybe we should tell the public that flood waters are dirty. If you stayed in flood waters even if you don’t have to, you are at risk,” he said. “If you have wounds on your feet, you should not submerge yourself in the flood,” he added. Herbosa urged those who have open wounds on their feet yet submerged themselves in flood waters to consult their doctors to get a prescription against leptospirosis. From 18 June to 1 July alone, the Health department recorded a total of 182 new cases of leptospirosis, a 42 percent increase from 128 cases reported two weeks prior. Central Luzon exhibited a continuous increase in cases in the recent six weeks reporting nine cases from 2 to 15 July. Meanwhile, nine regions, namely National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Caraga, showed an increase in cases in the last three to four weeks with seven to 53 new cases. Ilocos Norte and Bicol, however, had an increase in cases in the recent two weeks with nine and three cases reported, respectively. “Cases may still increase with late reports,” the agency said. In terms of fatality, a total of 225 died from 2,079 leptospirosis cases from 1 January to 15 July. The post DOH expects increase in leptospirosis cases in coming weeks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP officials reshuffled
The Philippine National Police disclosed on Tuesday that at least 13 ranking police officials have been included in the latest reorganization of the force in accordance to the order issued by PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft was named the acting director of the Caraga Regional Police Office, replacing Brig. Pablo Labra II who was reassigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management while Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano, deputy chief for administration of the Caraga regional police office, was named as the acting SPD director. Meantime, Northern Police District director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. was designated as the acting chief of the Legislative Affairs Center of the PNP Directorate for Plans were Peñones will replace Brig. Gen. Nicolas Salvador who was designated as the PNP deputy director for plans. Special Action Force deputy director Brig. Gen. Rizalito Gapas was designated as acting NPD director replacing Peñones while SAF chief of staff Col. Manuel Abrugena was named the SAF deputy director, replacing Gapas. The post PNP officials reshuffled appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl energy transition gets backing
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the significance of renewable energy and fossil fuels, expressing the Philippines’ keen awareness of climate change, Malacañang said on Wednesday. According to the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos delivered these remarks when he received a courtesy visit from Mike Kanetsugu, the chairman of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. or MUFG, at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday. “We are also very conscious of our situation in the Philippines wherein we are very sensitive to climate change,” Marcos Jr. told Kanetsugu. “It is very important that we play also a part to move the balance of renewables and fossil fuels more and more in favor of renewables,” he added. Kanetsugu expressed his dedication to supporting the government in facilitating the Philippines’ shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Kanetsugu highlighted the significance of the energy transition agenda of the country and commended the remarkable progress made in energy and infrastructure transition over the last three decades. “Energy transition is a very, very important agenda I consider for this country. We are providing financing, and we work for various transition projects that will contribute to a successful transition of the energy structure [in the Philippines],” he said. MUFG, a financial services company headquartered in Japan, acquired a 20-percent stake in Security Bank Corporation for P36.9 billion in 2016. MUFG commitment As part of its commitment to supporting investments in the Philippines, MUFG collaborated with Security Bank and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Board of Investments in 2018. The objective was to facilitate business matching activities, connecting local Filipino businesses with Japanese investors. In 2017, the company introduced the Interbank Fund Management Service, enabling customers to send remittances without incurring fees. Additionally, MUFG and Security Bank donated P44 million to the Association of Filipino Students in Japan to support the education of students affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. To assist in infrastructure projects like the North-South Commuter Railway or NSCR Project and the Metro Manila Subway Project, both funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, MUFG has been providing bank guarantee requirements to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highway. MUFG is involved in trade transactions for government agencies, including constructing the 54.6-kilometer Blumentritt-Calamba section of the NSCR and the 36-kilometer Metro Manila Subway line project. Improve bureaucratic processes Meanwhile, the President vowed to “improve bureaucratic processes” in the country’s energy sector to attract more investors to the Philippines. Marcos made the statement on Wednesday during the opening of the 24.9-megawatt Lake Mainit Hydro Power Plant, which will provide about 45,000 homes in the Caraga region with less expensive electricity. “I urge the local government to provide all the necessary assistance to ensure the safety and productivity of this hydropower plant,” Marcos said. The Chief Executive noted that the project would “serve as an encouragement to potential investors to invest in the country, especially in the power generation and renewable energy sectors.” He also thanked Japanese investors for bringing renewable energy technology to the Philippines, underscoring that hydropower plants “improve air quality as [they] produce very low carbon emissions during production.” Marcos said the project was a “defining step” towards the country’s goal of providing much-needed power for the people of Agusan del Norte and neighboring areas. He also highlighted the project’s environmental benefits, saying it would help reduce the carbon footprint and improve air quality. “This project was made possible because of the shared commitment we have with our reliable partners in the private sector, both from the Philippines and from Japan,” the President said. This is a “clear manifestation of the trust and support our two nations hold for each other,” he added. The post Phl energy transition gets backing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
430 ‘narco-officials’ under monitoring
Philippine National Police chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Thursday disclosed that at least 430 barangay officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs are now monitoring by law enforcement agencies. Acorda said some of these barangay officials are included in the PNP’s list of High-Value Individuals and Street-Level Individuals in the war against drugs. “They are subject to intelligence operations. We are hoping that this will be reduced in the coming days. Hopefully, those involved would eventually stop. If not, they will be subject to police operations,” Acorda said. He added that the barangay officials have varying involvement in illegal drugs where some are pushers, some are protectors and others are financiers. “But based on our update, there are more or less 430 barangay officials (involved in the illegal drug trade), many of them are in Region VI (Western Visayas),” said Acorda, as he urged the public not to vote for candidates who are involved in illegal drugs. “I want to take this opportunity to appeal to voters not to consider candidates, who have involvement in illegal drugs, to become our next set of barangay officials,” Acorda said. For his part, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos urged all candidates for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to undergo a drug test amid police intelligence reports that there were around 430 barangay officials involved in the illegal drugs activities. Abalos said illegal drugs remain one of the biggest problems in the country and barangay officials should take the lead not only in fighting them but also in leading by example by proving that they are clean. Meantime, Acorda revealed that they are monitoring 48 active and potential private armed groups that may mobilize on the days leading to the elections. The PNP said it is focusing more on Regions 3 (Central Luzon), 5 (Bicol), 6 (Western Visayas), 13 (Caraga), Cordillera Administrative Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Acorda said part of the early interventions are operations to take away the instruments of crime and violence, particularly firearms. The post 430 ‘narco-officials’ under monitoring appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Three firms join driver’s cards bid
Three local companies have submitted their proposals to the Central Bids and Awards Committee of the Department of Transportation to become the new supplier of plastic cards used for printing driver’s licenses. The Committee disclosed that All Card Inc., Peterjohn Enterprises and Banner Plasticard, Inc. participated in the ongoing competitive bidding for driver’s license card procurement. The deadline for submission ended on 24 May. “With impartiality and transparency at the core, this event manifests a level-playing field where opportunities are being presented to those with the most innovative and compelling proposals,” the DoTr said, referring to the ceremonial opening of bid last Wednesday. Backlash To recall, the Land Transportation Office faced backlash after it ran out of plastic cards to print driver’s licenses, which forced the agency to print makeshift copies on paper. It was on top of the projection that license plate materials are likely to also run out by June. Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista reiterated that procurement should have been made by the LTO in August last year as it could have prevented the materials shortage and delayed release of licenses to motorists. However, outgoing LTO chief Jay Art Tugade, on the other hand, attributed the problem to the DoTr’s issuance of an order that mandated all procurement activities worth over P50 million must pass through the central office. Tugade was referring to a Department Order dated 28 February, which ruled out several functions from the MRT-3, DoTr Regional Offices in Cordillera Autonomous Region and Caraga, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Philippine Railways Institute. With impartiality and transparency at the core, this event manifests a level-playing field where opportunities are being presented to those with the most innovative and compelling proposals. Agency-to-agency procurement To immediately resolve the plastic card shortage, the DoTr earlier said it may explore agency-to-agency procurement for the material supply. Bautista previously said he has reached out to the National Printing Office and APO Production Unit on their technical capability to supply the cards. APO Production Unit Inc. is a government-owned corporation that handles the printing of accountable forms and sensitive high-quality/volume printing jobs for Philippine agencies and offices. But before the DoTr implements an agency-to-agency arrangement, there needs to be a memorandum of agreement, as required under existing laws, rules, and regulations. The post Three firms join driver’s cards bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P7.8-M hot logs seized in Caraga in H1 2022
BUTUAN CITY - Some 231,292 board feet of illegal lumber worth PHP7.8 million were seized during 230 operations in the region from January to June this year, the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) said Tuesday.In a statement, Col. James Goforth, the PRO-13 chief of operatio.....»»
Marawi siege veteran is new commander of 4th Infantry Division
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 01 July) – A veteran of the Marawi siege has been appointed as chief of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID), the unit mainly responsible for counterinsurgency in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region. MGen Romeo Brawner Jr. will assume command on Monday, July 5, at the Alcoseba Hall of the […].....»»
Caraga cop positive for drug use
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas ordered yesterday the fast-tracking of pre-charge investigation and summary dismissal proceedings against a police officer in Caraga who tested positive for drug use......»»
Newly appointed PRO-13 chief strengthens ties with Army in Caraga
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 9 (PIA) -- Newly appointed Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 chief PBGen. Romeo Caramat, Jr. reaffirmed the Caraga police force's ties with the 402nd Infantry "Stingers" Brigade, Ph.....»»
New 4ID chief to steer peace, development in Caraga, NorMin
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 30 - In a simple change of command ceremony, MGen. Andres Castor Centino AFP officially assumed command as the new Commander of the 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division, Philipp.....»»
Church visits are allowed only until 10 p.m. – Police chief
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Church visits on Maundy Thursday will only be allowed until 10 p.m. the chief of the Cebu City police announced on Thursday, March 28. Police Colonel Ireneo B. Dalogdog, City Director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said that the public is not allowed inside religious places past 10:00 p.m......»»
Pentagon chief reaffirms support after latest China aggression in WPS
Austin emphasized US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in a phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday. .....»»
Marcos tells Filipinos to serve others during Holy Week
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s message to Filipinos during Holy Week encourages tham to "serve others.".....»»
New DCPO chief pledges technology-driven approach
THE new director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) underscored the utilization of technology to streamline their operations......»»
Victims of Baltimore bridge collapse include those from Mexico, Guatemala
Maryland [US], March 27 (ANI): Among those reported missing following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in the US are Mexican nationals, CNN reported, citing Rafael Laveaga, Chief of the Consular Section of Mexico's Embassy in Washington. Laveaga refrained from specifying the exact number of missing Mexican nationals when he addressed reporters near the scene on Tuesday. A reporter asked Laveaga: ".....»»
Reflecting on Your Business Setbacks
Challenges are an inevitable part of any endeavor, especially a business one. From unforeseen economic shifts to internal operational hurdles, every business owner will inevitably face obstacles that test their resolve. As we live in a fast-paced world, we sometimes forget about looking back, and what better time to do it than the Holy Week? […].....»»
Ministry helping improve BARMM’s business climate names 10 new officials
The Bangsamoro chief minister has filled out ten regional positions in one of the ministries under him to boost its operation as requested by business blocs enticing foreign investors to venture into viable businesses in the region......»»