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Women shaping Philippine monetary policy
Women have made significant strides as leaders in the Philippine financial services industry even as challenges continue to persist. At the helm are two distinguished female members of the Monetary Board (MB) – the policy-setting body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) –both of whom are breaking the bias for women in finance......»»
Belle Mariano wins Listeners Choice at 1st Billboard Philippines Women in Music
Belle Mariano said she hopes to inspire little girls to be singers, composers, or anything they would want to be as she received the fan-voted Listeners' Choice Award at last Friday's inaugural Billboard Philipines Women in Music......»»
Romualdez, Villarica break ground for NCMH facility
A mental health facility for women and children has been inaugurated in Mandaluyong City......»»
Drug war-related killings of children continue, refuting Marcos Jr’s claims
In the first six months of the Marcos Jr administration, the Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center documented 12 children killed. In 2023, 20 children died in Caloocan and Manila alone. The post Drug war-related killings of children continue, refuting Marcos Jr’s claims appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
US says anti-Iran strikes in Syria hit ammunition depots
The United States said Friday it sought to degrade ammunition supplies of Iranian-linked militias with strikes in Syria but insisted it did not want to widen the Middle East conflict. The Pentagon on Thursday announced air strikes on two sites in eastern Syria it said were used by Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after a string of attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. "The purpose for those two sites that we targeted was to have a significant impact on future IRGC and Iran-backed militia group operations," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Friday. "It went right at storage facilities and ammo depots that we know will be used to support the work of these militia groups, particularly in Syria." "The main goal was to disrupt that ability and also to deter -- to prevent -- future attacks," he said. The White House earlier said that President Joe Biden had relayed a direct warning to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei against militias' strikes on US troops in Syria and Iraq, where US forces are stationed as part of efforts against the Islamic State group, which also has clashed with Shiite Iran. There have been at least 14 attacks on US and allied forces in Iraq and six in Syria since October 17, a period in which 21 American military personnel suffered minor injuries and one contractor died from a cardiac incident, according to the Pentagon. The US strikes on Thursday were the first on Iranian interests since March, breaking a stretch of calm after the Biden administration opened quiet diplomacy with the US arch-enemy that led to a prisoner swap and conversations on Iran's disputed nuclear program. The October 7 assault by Hamas and Israel's retaliatory strikes have inflamed the region. Iran's clerical leaders back Hamas, while the United States is the foremost ally of Israel. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a statement Thursday, said that the strikes were "narrowly tailored" to protect US personnel. "They are separate and distinct from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and do not constitute a shift in our approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict," Austin said. The Pentagon said Friday evening that its current assessment is the strikes did not cause casualties. 'Finger on the trigger' In new pressure, the United States -- which already considers Hamas and the Revolutionary Guards to be terrorist organizations -- said it was imposing sanctions on a Hamas official based in Iran and members of the IRGC. The Biden administration has vowed to target the finances of Hamas, which holds hundreds of millions of dollars in global assets, according to US Treasury Department estimates. Iran also has a close relationship with Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia and political movement that has repeatedly fired at Israel but has so far stopped short of opening a full second front. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Friday that he has spoken with Lebanese and Palestinian militants and they "have their finger on the trigger" if Israel expands its ground operation into Gaza. Speaking to US National Public Radio from the United Nations, Amir-Abdollahian said the militants' actions would be "much more powerful and deeper than what you’ve witnessed." "Therefore I believe that if this situation continues and women and children and civilians are still killed in Gaza and the West Bank, anything will be possible," he said. Amir-Abdollahian insisted, however, that militants would decide their own actions, saying, "We don't really want this conflict to spread out." Addressing the General Assembly on Thursday, Amir-Abdollahian said that the Palestinians "as a nation under occupation" have the "legitimate right to resist the occupation using all available methods, including armed struggle." Hamas militants on October 7 stormed out of the blockaded Gaza Strip and killed 1,400 people, mostly civilians, including children, the elderly and revelers at a music festival, and took more than 220 hostages in the deadliest attack in Israel's history. Israel has struck back with a relentless bombing campaign which Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says has killed 7,326 people, mostly civilians, among them 3,038 children. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meeting Friday with Amir-Abdollahian, urged Iran to work toward the "unconditional and immediate release of hostages held in Gaza." The post US says anti-Iran strikes in Syria hit ammunition depots appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Israel pledges support for families of 4 Filipinos killed in Hamas attack
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration confirmed on Friday that the Israeli government will extend long-term support to the families of the four Filipinos who were killed during the attack by the militant group Hamas in Israel. OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio said in an interview that the information was received by the agency from the Israel Embassy in the Philippines. “They are treated like Israeli citizens, so their benefits are the same as those of an Israeli citizen,” Ignacio said. The four identified deceased Filipinos were Grace Prodigo Cabrera, Loreta Alacre, Angeline Aguirre, and Paul Vincent Castevi. The families of the four Filipinos will also receive monthly support and yearly monetary benefits in addition to assistance with funeral mourning costs. The Israeli Embassy stressed that they would extend their assistance not only to the families of the Filipinos killed in the Hamas attack but also to those who were injured. Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to providing aid to all foreign victims of the ongoing attacks, including Filipinos. "We recognize them as victims of terrorism and for that then they will be receiving assistance, either the parents, spouses or children accordingly," Fluss said in an interview. "Financial assistance, their monthly income. If they need assistance in education, in healthcare, housing… as long as they are in Israel and documented," he added. Meanwhile, Ignacio added that 58 Filipinos from Israel are scheduled to land on Monday. The post Israel pledges support for families of 4 Filipinos killed in Hamas attack appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way
Cebuana Lhuillier has changed many people’s lives through the many products and services they offer. From a humble pawnshop to being one of the biggest microfinance companies in the Philippines, Cebuana Lhuillier has become synonymous with the words trust and reliability as it continues to financially empower Filipinos across the nation. But in no place has the impact of Cebuana Lhuillier been more felt than within the confines of the company, where many of their employees have stayed for years and, in some instances, decades. And throughout their decades of service, they are grateful to Cebuana Lhuillier, who inspired their growth by imparting new knowledge and skills, applauding and giving them recognition, and showing that they are valued and cared for like a true family. Recognition and Promotions Ricardo Cruz has been with the company for more than 35 years and has been a dedicated Area Head since 1998. Before his journey in Cebuana Lhuillier, Rey completed a degree in Business Administration with a Major in Management, and started his professional journey as a filing clerk. But fate led him to Cebuana Lhuillier, where his mother worked as a building caretaker for Agencia Cebuana. After passing the exams, Rey worked as a humble messenger and janitor at Agencia Cebuana Baclaran Branch. Among the many memories, Rey cherishes two significant milestones: he was appointed as an Area Head back in 1998 and won the highly coveted Best Area of the Year award. These moments of recognition and achievement fueled his motivation and inspired him to work hard for over three decades. "I am incredibly proud, grateful, and privileged to have been a part of this company for over 35 years. The most rewarding aspect of working at Cebuana has definitely been the continuous learning and personal growth I've experienced, which I've also had the privilege to share with my fellow Ka-Cebuanas. And I’m thankful to be part of this family. Because of Cebuana Lhuillier, I'm able to provide a comfortable life for my family," said Cruz. Marilyn Valencia, a dedicated member of the company for more than 35 years, holds a remarkable background. She is the Area Head for Region 1A, and her journey as a Ka-Cebuana has been filled with numerous achievements and significant milestones. During her tenure with Cebuana Lhuillier, she managed to earn 21 units in education and became a licensed teacher. Not stopping there, she also pursued and successfully completed her Master's in Business Administration at UE Manila, all while dedicating herself to the organization. In addition to her educational achievements, Marilyn's dedication has led her to be appointed as one of the first Area Heads in 1996. In this role, she took on the responsibility of overseeing branches in the entire Northern provinces, CAMANAVA, and parts of Manila and Pasay City. This included the rare opportunity to spearhead the opening of over 100 branches, a significant contribution to local employment and the training of new branch personnel. An Advocate for Continuous Learning Grace Ferolino, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 4A, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While she had various previous career opportunities, Ferolino eventually found a home in Cebuana Lhuillier and has been with the company for over 30 years. Among her countless experiences within Cebuana, Grace cherishes the memory of being selected for intensive diamond training at Gemlab and having the privilege to undergo Area Manager's training. For her fellow employees aspiring for longevity in the company, Grace emphasizes the importance of loving one's work and serving it with utmost honesty; treating the business as one's own; and mastering financial management to eliminate unnecessary debt. Aurora Genilo, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 1A, is another exemplary employee who has dedicated over 30 years of her life to serving Cebuana Lhuillier. A graduate of BS Commerce Accounting, she holds her days as cluster leader and her involvement with the esteemed manning team closest to her heart. These roles, according to her, allowed her to nurture her leadership skills and actively contribute to the growth and success of the company. By working hard, she was able to ensure the education of her three children, one of whom has etched their own path within the company. "My journey of 30 years with Cebuana Lhuillier has been a transformative one. Not only did it enable me to provide for my own family, but it also provided me with numerous opportunities to develop my skills and advance in my career. I'm profoundly grateful for the continuous opportunities that Cebuana Lhuillier extends to all of its employees, including me," expressed Genilo. Region 5’s Business and Client Relations Manager, Imelda Quidato, has been with Cebuana Lhuillier for more than 30 years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, she first ventured into the world of sales as a promodiser before becoming a part of the Cebuana Lhuillier family. When asked about the best part of working for Cebuana, Imelda cited the skills she acquired in appraising and attending enriching training programs, which played a pivotal role in molding her both personally and professionally. An Open and Compassionate Heart Armed with a degree in Aircraft Technology, Abelardo Aquino Jr. took a leap of faith and applied for a job at Cebuana Lhuillier over 30 years ago. As the Area Head of Region 3, he reveals that the best part about working for Cebuana is the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals and tackle challenging situations head-on. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and embracing a "can-do" attitude. With determination and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and forge a lasting and fulfilling career at Cebuana Lhuillier. At Cebuana Lhuillier, employee appreciation is a top priority. The company demonstrates this commitment through comprehensive training programs, fostering a healthy company culture, and recognizing and celebrating exceptional employee contributions. This culture of appreciation, value, and nurturing is what sets Cebuana Lhuillier apart. The post Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA disowns ‘kill’ tweet of Locsin
The Department of Foreign Affairs distanced itself on Monday from a controversial statement made by Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. “The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines completely disassociates itself from the statement made on Twitter by Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.,” the DFA said. “Such statement was made in his strictly personal capacity,” it added. In the since deleted tweet, Locsin, a DFA secretary in the Duterte administration, was responding to a tweet and explained why Palestinian children should be killed. “That’s why Palestinian children should be killed; they might grow up to become as gullible as innocent Palestinians letting Hamas launch rockets at Israel; not that they could stop them, but that’s no excuse,” he said. “They are Muslims. They could stage mass suicide attacks against Hamas until the latter ran out of bullets. You know, do it with the same courage as white people showed to win their freedom as in the cases of...uh, let’s see now, uh...uh... well never mind. It’s a thought,” he added. The tweet, which quickly spread on the Internet, earned the ire of many netizens, including foreign nationals. Palestinian children are at the receiving end of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Sunni-Islamic extremist Hamas. Locsin, who is also President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s special envoy to China, has apologized for the tweet, but clarified that it was a “sarcastic response to a tweet.” “I immediately deleted my sarcastic response to a tweet as I realized it could be misconstrued and retweeted to incite,” he said. “My apologies to those who did misconstrue my sentiments and did, in fact, get triggered — I obviously was not advocating for the literal death of anyone, but rather simply for the end of any ideology that condones terrorism in any way, shape, or form,” he said. House lawmakers, led by Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron Salo and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong, ganged up on Locsin over his statement. Salo said Locsin’s statement may jeopardize the safety of Filipino diplomats, particularly those in the Middle East, while endangering Filipinos all over the world. Locsin’s remark “incites hatred and hostility” not only against Palestine but also toward all Muslims, Salo said. “There is no room in Philippine society, much more in the high offices of government, for the dangerous, bigoted, and Islamophobic rhetoric that is palpable,” Adiong chimed in. “Under no circumstance is the killing of Palestinian children justified, and it is no laughing matter when more than a thousand Palestinian children have lost their lives in Gaza within this past week alone,” he said. “May your statement land on deaf ears,” Adiong added. @tribunephl_jom @tribunephl_eao The post DFA disowns ‘kill’ tweet of Locsin appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
90 OFWs repatriated from Saudi
A total of 90 Filipinos — 87 overseas workers and three children — arrived from Saudi Arabia past noon on Saturday, disembarking from Philippine Airlines flight PR 655 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The repatriates were among the overseas Filipino workers who had sought the government’s help to return home following issues with their stay in the oil-rich nation. More OFWs will be repatriated from Saudi Arabia once issues with the processing of their papers are resolved, Department of Migrant Workers spokesperson Toby Nebrida said. “Others were not able to join due to delays in the administrative processing of their papers, but they will follow as soon as this is done and be home in the next few days,” Nebrida said. The DMW’s Migrant Office in Riyadh has provided $200 to each of the repatriates, who also stand to receive additional financial assistance and medical checkups, referral services, and psychosocial evaluations. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, or OWWA, will provide hotel accommodations and transportation to the repatriates who will go back to their provinces. The post 90 OFWs repatriated from Saudi appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OFW undecided to return to Israel when war is over
An Overseas Filipino Worker said on Friday during the arrival of the second batch of repatriated OFWs in Israel that he is still uncertain of his return to Israel if the war subsides. Elmer Puno, a caregiver who has resided in Pampanga, said that his employer promised him that he could still work for them anytime he is ready but still undecided because of his traumatic experience during the attack by Hamas Militants in Israel. “To be honest, when I was about to fly yesterday, my employer called me and said when the situation comes back to normal, if I still want to come back, I can. But I said to myself that I cannot decide yet because of what I have encountered inside Israel,” Elmer said. Elmer’s contract has not yet ended as he still has two years and three months to finish but he decided to resign from his job as a caregiver as he worries for his safety and his family. He said he worked in Israel for two years and earned a good salary. “My salary is pretty good. In our currency, that is P70,000 a month, tax-free,” he said. Elmer stated that he did not hesitate to ask for repatriation to the Philippine government because of his family who is worried for his safety. “When I heard the siren, I ran to a bomb shelter, I was also talking to my wife who also heard the sirens and bombings. She was so scared. She is asking me to go home urgently. My children said that I should be home so when there was an opportunity for me to ask for repatriation, I didn’t think twice about asking the government to repatriate us,” he lamented. There are around 18 repatriated OFWs including a Filipino left in Abu Dhabi due to high blood pressure who arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 via Etihad Airlines EY 424. The Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Maria Anthonette C. Velasco, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Deputy Administrator Honey Quino, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Ada Colicon, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Deputy Director General Vidal Villanueva, received the second batch of repatriated OFWs. According to DMW Undersecretary Maria Anthonette Velasco, the government agencies provided financial assistance to the OFWs. “The 18 OFWs received P105,000 direct financial assistance today. P50,000 from OWWA, P50,000 from DMW, and P5,000 from DSWD. TESDA gave vouchers to the OFWs for them to undergo for training in opening a business and pursuing an entrepreneurship program,” Velasco said. Velasco added that the OFWs will be receiving medical assistance. Psychological first aid is one of the agency’s priorities for OFWs who are still traumatized. The post OFW undecided to return to Israel when war is over appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos pays tribute to mentors
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the heroes of children’s education as National Teachers’ Month came to a close. Marcos made a statement on his Facebook page a day after Malacañang held the third edition of the “Konsyerto Sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace), which is dedicated to the country’s teachers. The free concert was especially for teachers, and many came to enjoy the music and take a break from their work. “As we thank you for all that you do, we also continue to work harder to improve your lives,” Marcos said. “The Marcos-Duterte administration will remain hard at work in addressing the needs of our schools, our teachers, and our students,” he added. During a pre-recorded message shown on “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” on Sunday night, Marcos said he still respects teachers. Even though he is now the Chief Executive, Marcos said he would still call female teachers “Ma’am” when he went to schools. Marcos, a La Salle Greenhills alumnus, remembered very well the time he spent with Miss Reyes, one of his first teachers in school. He then said that Miss Reyes had taught him how to treat teachers like he does now. “During Grade 1 to Grade 2, I had a teacher who became fond of me and I became her teacher’s pet. She always helped me with my studies,” Marcos said. “She was very, very helpful to me outside of school. She would assist me when I needed tutorials, and she would give me groceries and prayer books. I can’t forget her,” Marcos added. He went on to express that Miss Reyes had been his source of inspiration, influencing how he respects teachers to this day. The post Marcos pays tribute to mentors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM honors ‘heroes of children’s education’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the "heroes of children's education" as National Teachers' Month came to a close. Marcos made a statement on his Facebook page a day after Malacañang held the third edition of the "Konsyerto Sa Palasyo" (Concert at the Palace), which is dedicated to the country's teachers. The free concert was especially for teachers, and many came to enjoy the music and take a break from their work. "As we thank you for all that you do, we also continue to work harder to improve your lives," Marcos said. "The Marcos-Duterte administration will remain hard at work in addressing the needs of our schools, our teachers, and our students," he added. During a pre-recorded message shown on Konsyerto sa Palasyo on Sunday night, Marcos said he still respects teachers. Even though he is now the Chief Executive, Marcos said he would still call female teachers "Ma'am" when he went to schools. Marcos, a La Salle Greenhills alumnus, remembered very well the time he spent with Miss Reyes, one of his first teachers in school. He then said that Miss Reyes had taught him how to treat teachers like he does now. "During Grade 1 to Grade 2, I had a teacher who became fond of me and I became her teacher's pet. She always helped me with my studies," Marcos said. "She was very, very helpful to me outside of school. She would assist me when I needed tutorials, and she would give me groceries and prayer books. I can't forget her," Marcos added. He went on to express that Miss Reyes had been his source of inspiration, influencing how he respects teachers to this day. The post PBBM honors ‘heroes of children’s education’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos leads Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair launch in CamSur
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday graced the simultaneous launch of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Nabua, Camarines Sur. The Bagong Pilipinas caravan involves the consolidation of programs and services by various government agencies in one venue to speed up their delivery to Filipinos. In his speech, Marcos noted that these government agencies and institutions were in “full force” to deliver medical, health, financial, livelihood, and education assistance to “give Filipinos “new hope and new beginnings.” “This program is just one of the first initiatives of the government to give Filipinos new hope and a new beginning. Our islands may be detached from one another, but we are united by one spirit and one dream – the new Philippines for the new Filipino),” Marcos said in vernacular. “We gathered various government agencies to deliver services that would improve your lives,” he added. The event featured the government’s flagship programs such as Kadiwa ng Pangulo, Passport on Wheels, Driver’s License registration/assistance, National I.D., Pag-IBIG Fund, National Bureau of Investigation and Police Clearance applications—wherein various government agencies have extended their respective assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, senior citizens, and sick Filipinos. Marcos said his administration would continue working to improve the government services to the people. “We have one goal – to promote a new Philippines that we can proudly pass on to our children and the future generations),” he said. The two-day caravan was also held simultaneously in Monkayo, Davao de Oro led by Vice President Sara Duterte; the Visayas State University in Tolosa, Leyte led by House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez; and the Mariano Marcos State University in Laoag, Ilocos Norte led by 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos III. In Camarines Sur, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair hosts 75 programs and services from 29 government agencies, including social services, livelihood and educational services, and other regulatory functions that would benefit 120,000 residents. The Presidential Communications Office said the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair is intended to be replicated in every province to speed up the delivery of government services to the countryside. It is one of the targeted programs of the Marcos administration to promote the all-inclusive “Bagong Pilipinas” brand of governance and leadership campaign. The post Marcos leads Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair launch in CamSur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Libya death toll at 11,300 — UN
A United Nations report released on Sunday put the death toll from the dams burst in the eastern Libyan city of Derna at 11,300, more than three times the figure from the government’s health ministry. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs cited the Libyan Red Crescent for its figures, which includes 10,100 people still missing from the tsunami-like devastation that occured one week ago. “These figures are expected to rise in the coming days and weeks as search-and-rescue crews work tirelessly to find survivors,” the OCHA report said. The health minister of divided Libya’s eastern-based administration, Othman Abdeljalil, counted 3,166 fatalities. At least 40,000 people have been displaced across northeastern Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration, which cautioned the actual number is likely higher given the difficulty accessing the worst-affected areas. Two dams upstream from Derna burst a week ago under the pressure of torrential rains from the hurricane-strength Storm Daniel. The torrent swept everything before it as it rushed towards the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, foreign emergency workers from the United Nations, Europe and the Middle East are arriving to help survivors and search for the missing. A rescue crew from Malta’s Civil Protection Department discovered a beach strewn with dead bodies on Friday, the Times of Malta newspaper reported. Libya is currently ruled by two rival administrations that have battled for power since Kadhafi’s ousting. With tens of thousands of people displaced, aid organizations have warned of the risks posed by leftover landmines and other unexploded ordnance, some of which the UN said has been shifted by floodwaters into areas previously declared clear. The risks of water-borne diseases such as cholera are also high, according to aid groups. The National Center for Disease Control reported that at least 55 children were poisoned as a result of drinking polluted water in Derna. WITH AFP The post Libya death toll at 11,300 — UN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Breathing osmosis of public service
Education and public service are deeply ingrained in his family heritage. His mother dedicated her career to educating students in public schools, while his father pursued a profession in government as a lawyer specializing in human rights. Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education or CHEd, recalled that his mother, a teacher at the Esteban Abada High School in Manila, always brought him to school when he was still a young boy. His mother became the principal of Ramon Magsaysay High School, also in Manila, before her retirement. He said he and his siblings grew up breathing the osmosis of public service. “So, when I was growing up, the importance of education was drilled into us. Our mother always tells us to finish our education; nothing will happen in our lives if we don’t graduate from college,” De Vera said, adding that he and his siblings all graduated from public schools. “We are nine siblings, but my parents don’t have the money to send us to private schools. All of us graduated from the University of the Philippines. We are products of public schools; we were just the ‘iskolar ng bayan’ through and through.” Popoy, who finished a bachelor’s degree in History from UP, teaches political science and history at the De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines. He completed his master’s in social science at De La Salle University and doctoral studies in public administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also has a master’s degree in higher education policy and higher education administration from the University of Southern California, one of the top schools in the United States of America, and later worked at the state legislature in California for three years. “In that sense, after I graduated from college, one of the options that I saw is either I take up law or teach, or to work in government, etc. There was an opportunity to teach, so I got into education.” In addition to his teaching responsibilities, De Vera also served as a consultant to several government agencies and provided his expertise to congressmen and senators. “Simultaneously, while I was teaching, I was also a consultant to the government. I worked as a consultant and then as chief of staff at the House and Senate.” His extensive academic background and government experience were benchmarks for his appointment as CHEd Commissioner in 2016, highlighting his qualifications for the position. “Since my background is in public administration and I also teach, I have a certain level of confidence that I really understand government, and I want to prove that I can do what I teach. I have a lot of involvement in the House and the Senate, from being an executive assistant until becoming chief of staff. I went through them one by one.” De Vera’s proficiency in legislative affairs from 1988 to 2010 (except for his three years abroad) encompasses a plethora of skills, including bill drafting, speech writing, and crafting amendments. Such expertise is a direct result of his extensive involvement and experience in the realm of legislation. Before his appointment to CHEd, he served as vice president for Public Affairs at UP in 2011. In 2004, he became part of the board of regents in some state universities and colleges. When he took the offer to head CHEd in 2018 after serving as commissioner for two years, he was confident because he survived UP. “I have a high level of confidence that I can do the job because they say that if you survived to govern UP, you can govern everything else because UP is the most ungovernable university in the country. So, if you survived there, you understand the public university system,” he admitted. He narrated to have experienced a sense of ease and familiarity when he joined CHEd. “It felt natural, perhaps because it aligns with my expertise. I might have had some reservations if it were a different department outside my field. However, since there was an opening at CHEd, I decided to offer my assistance, and that’s how I found myself here,” he shared. In running an agency with only 1,400 employees and serving more than 2,000 public and private higher education institutions across the country lies the challenge, De Vera said. With the scope of responsibilities, he gets to visit all state universities and colleges. Riding a bicycle, he witnessed first-hand the brilliance, resilience, and great potential of state universities and colleges. “I would be the first CHEd chair who visited all the state universities and colleges in this country. No one has done that yet,” he said, adding that he had already visited 100 of the 114 state-run universities. “I think in a year, I will finish all of them. The feeling is so different when you see what’s happening on the ground. So, from the start of my appointment, I started going around. I’ve gone to the farthest parts of the country.” As the chairperson, he said his firsthand experience in higher education enables him to speak with confidence and authority on the subject. “By engaging directly with students and faculty, attentively listening to their concerns, and providing meaningful responses, I believe I have made a significant impact. The presence of a secretary in these interactions creates a distinct atmosphere, instilling a sense of importance and value in education stakeholders. This ability to make those on the ground feel significant is a legacy I take pride in,” he said. One of the legacies De Vera is proud of is the implementation of free higher education, which coincided with his tenure. “I consider myself privileged because my predecessors did not have the opportunity to enact such a policy. Despite the challenges encountered, I believe that the beneficiaries truly reaped the benefits of this initiative,” he said. In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the country was confronted with unprecedented difficulties and uncertainties. CHEd, however, managed to navigate these challenges and ensured that education persisted. “This, in itself, is an accomplishment. Despite various government interventions being affected, we remained steadfast in delivering education to the best of our abilities,” he said. De Vera actively advocates for an inclusive education system that provides equal opportunities for marginalized sectors to complete their tertiary education. He seeks to create “first-generation graduates” as a legacy of the current administration. This program aims to offer educational opportunities to young Filipinos from minority and indigenous groups, children of rebel returnees, and other marginalized communities, enabling them to complete their education successfully. “Why not consciously make our legacy about bringing these individuals into the mainstream and ensuring they have the opportunity to finish their education? This emerging phenomenon is something we can truly focus on.” He added: “If we can successfully accomplish this within the next three years while I am in office, I can confidently say that it will be a legacy achieved by the Marcos administration. While the Duterte administration initiated free higher education, the Marcos administration aims to make it more equitable and responsive to the needs of marginalized individuals.” The post Breathing osmosis of public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A journey of legislative leadership
Following an overwhelming mandate of 31 million votes, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned to Malacañang last year. However, before assuming the presidency, he had an extensive career in public service, particularly as a legislator. Marcos dedicated more than 25 years to public service, with a significant portion spent as a legislator. He served as the Ilocos Norte 2nd District representative from 1992 to 1995 and from 2007 to 2010. Additionally, he held a senatorial position from 2010 to 2016. During his initial term in the House of Representatives, Marcos demonstrated his commitment to legislative work by authoring 29 bills and co-authoring 90 others. His contributions played a vital role in establishing the Department of Energy and the National Youth Commission. Furthermore, Marcos’ notable achievements include the authorship of Republic Act 9522, also known as the Philippine Archipelagic Baselines Law, during his final term as the Ilocos Norte 2nd District representative. This legislation holds great significance in shaping the country’s maritime boundaries. According to his biography on the Senate website, Marcos also prioritized the advancement of his province by allocating a substantial portion of his Countryside Development Fund to the establishment and organization of cooperatives for teachers and farmers. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. possesses a wealth of legislative experience and a significant track record of accomplishments, both within the halls of Congress and in his dedication to the development of his province. During his single six-year term in the Senate, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. demonstrated his legislative prowess by authoring and co-authoring 122 bills, with 15 successfully enacted into law. According to information from Marcos’ official website, a report by spot. stated that most of the measures championed by Marcos during his time as a senator focused on local issues and concerns. The report highlighted that the local measures authored by Marcos aimed to establish cityhood for certain towns, facilitate the reapportioning of legislative districts, declare local holidays, and rename roads after historical figures. Furthermore, Marcos’ legislative contributions extended to national matters as well. Notable among the measures he authored were Republic Act 10586, also known as the Anti-drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2012; RA 10176, the Arbor Day Act; RA 10606, the National Health Insurance Act; RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2011; RA 10530, the Red Cross and Other Emblems Act of 2012; and RA 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2010. In addition to these significant pieces of legislation, Marcos also advocated for the passage of RA 10821, the Children’s Protection in Motor Vehicles Act of 2016, and RA 10687, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act. His tenure as a senator was marked by his commitment to addressing local and national issues, as evidenced by the broad range of bills he authored and co-authored during his six-year term. Among the various impactful measures that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. championed during his tenure as a senator, several noteworthy ones stand out. These include: RA 10821, the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, aimed to provide essential support and safeguard children’s welfare during emergencies. RA 10692, the PAGASA Modernization Act of 2015, focused on enhancing and modernizing the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration capabilities to improve weather forecasting and disaster response. RA 10755, granting the Punong Barangay the authority to administer the oath of office, streamlining administrative processes at the local level, and promoting efficiency in governance. RA 10742, the Youth Development and Empowerment Act of 2014, aimed to promote Filipino youth’s holistic development by providing opportunities for education, skills training, employment, and civic engagement. RA 10632, the Postponement of the Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, which sought to defer the elections for the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) to allow for reforms and youth participation enhancement in the local government. Additionally, President Marcos authored several other significant acts during his tenure, including: RA 10676, the Student-Athletes Protection Act of 2014, aimed to ensure student-athletes welfare and rights, particularly in balancing their academic and athletic commitments. RA 10645, the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, expanded the benefits and privileges of senior citizens in the Philippines, recognizing their valuable contributions to society. RA 10752, the Right of Way for National Government Infrastructure Projects, aimed to facilitate acquiring necessary rights-of-way for national government infrastructure projects, promoting efficient development and progress. Marcos Jr.’s legislative initiatives encompassed a diverse range of issues, from safeguarding the welfare of children and the youth and protecting the rights of various groups to promoting infrastructure development for the betterment of the nation. The post A journey of legislative leadership appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go supports new five-year plan to combat malnutrition
Senator Bong Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, expressed his support for the recently launched "Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023 – 2028," and described it as a pivotal advancement in the country's ongoing battle against malnutrition. The plan, spearheaded by Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., was officially unveiled on Monday, 4 September. The senator was keen to point out that this initiative must build upon the solid foundation laid by the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte in addressing hunger and malnutrition while overcoming the adverse effects of the pandemic. Herbosa, who also chairs the National Nutrition Council Governing Board, emphasized the importance of nutrition in the early stages of life. Go echoed Herbosa's sentiments, stating, "Hindi natin maaring balewalain ang nutrisyon ng ating mga anak. If we do, we are setting them up for a lifetime of challenges that could have been easily prevented." Under the Duterte administration, the government enacted several laws and launched various programs aimed at combating malnutrition. Among these were the School-Based Feeding Program, which provided nutritious meals to undernourished public school children, and Republic Act No. 11148, or the "First 1,000 Days" law, which focused on maternal and child health during the earliest days of life. The new PPAN outlines a comprehensive approach to tackling malnutrition, focusing on three major interventions: increasing the availability and access to nutritious food, promoting social and behavioral change for better feeding practices, and improving access to quality nutrition services. These interventions include the establishment of food gardens, regulation of unhealthy food, offering maternal health service packages, and integrated maternal and child health nutrition services. The plan has identified 34 provinces as priority areas for these interventions, including Leyte, Sulu, Negros Occidental, and many others. "This is a comprehensive approach to a problem that has long plagued our nation. With the collective efforts of the government, private sector, and the Filipino people, we can break the cycle of malnutrition and give every Filipino child a chance for a healthier, brighter future,” concluded Go. The post Bong Go supports new five-year plan to combat malnutrition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PhilHealth tops subsidy recipients
Subsidies to the health sector continued to play a significant role in the government’s slight increase in financial support for state-run businesses in July this year, Bureau of Treasury or BTr data released over the weekend showed. Subsidies to government-owned and controlled corporations, or GOCCs, in July slightly increased by 9.63 percent to P33.24 billion from just P30.32 billion in the same period last year. To pay for operational costs not covered by their profits, the government provides subsidies to GOCCs. The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. received the most subsidies in July, receiving P22.65 billion, or 68.14 percent of all subsidies. PhilHealth received P22.46 billion in the same month last year. The National Irrigation Administration secured the second-highest subsidy at P3.99 billion, while the National Housing Authority came in third with P3.33 billion. Other top monthly recipients included the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, with P1.29 billion; the National Power Corporation, with P273 million; and the Philippine National Railways, with P155 million. During the month, GOCCs that did not get any subsidy included the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Philippine Postal Corp., Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. and Small Business Corporation. For the seven-month period, subsidies went up by 29.25 percent to P96.94 percent from P75 billion a year ago. Budgetary support for major non-financial government corporations for the January to July period reached P37.36 billion, down 5.03 percent from P39.34 billion in the same timeline last year. Subsidies for other government corporations for the first seven months of the year, on the other hand, increased by 67.03 percent to P59.23 from P35.46 billion. PhilHealth received the biggest subsidy during the first seven months of the year, amounting to P37.68 billion. NIA followed with P25.80 billion, PSALM (P5.0 billion), National Food Authority (P4.71 billion), NHA (P4.52 billion), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (P2.91 billion). Other top recipients include PFDA (P2.46 billion), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (P1.93 billion), Philippine Heart Center (P1.24 billion), and Philippine Children’s Medical Center (P1.09 billion). a The post PhilHealth tops subsidy recipients appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Govt subsidies increase 10%, Philhealth still gets lion’s share
Subsidies to the health sector remained a significant role in the government's slight increase in financial support for state-run businesses in July this year, data from the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) showed over the weekend. Data showed that subsidies to government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in July slightly increased by 9.63 percent to P33.24 billion from just P30.32 billion in the same period last year. To pay for operational costs not covered by their profits, the government provides subsidies to GOCCs. With P22.65 billion in total subsidies for July, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. received the largest share or 68.14 percent of all subsidies. PhilHealth received P22.46 billion during the same month last year. The National Irrigation Administration secured the second-highest subsidy at P3.99 billion, while the National Housing Authority came in third with P3.33 billion. Other top monthly recipients include the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority with P1.29 billion, the National Power Corporation with P273 million and the Philippine National Railway with P155 million. During the month, GOCCs that did not get any subsidy included the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Philippine Postal Corp, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., and Small Business Corporation. For the seven-month period, subsidies went up by 29.25 percent to P96.94 percent from P75 billion a year ago. Budgetary support for major non-financial government corporations for January to July period reached P37.36 billion, down 5.03 percent from P39.34 billion the same timeline last year. Subsidies for other government corporations for the first seven months of the year, on the other hand, increased by 67.03 percent to P59.23 from P35.46 billion. PhilHealth received the biggest subsidy during the first seven months of the year, amounting to P37.68 billion. NIA followed with P25.80 billion, PSALM (P5.0 billion), National Food Authority (P4.71 billion), NHA (P4.52 billion), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (P2.91 billion). Other top recipients include PFDA (P2.46 billion), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (P1.93 billion), Philippine Heart Center (P1.24 billion), and Philippine Children's Medical Center (P1.09 billion). The post Govt subsidies increase 10%, Philhealth still gets lion’s share appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos appoints Teodoro’s wife as UNICEF envoy
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.’s wife has been appointed as special envoy to the United Nations Children’s Fund by President Marcos, the Presidential Communications Office announced in a Facebook post on Monday. Monica Louise Prieto-Teodoro held the same position under the Duterte administration from 2017 to 2018......»»