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DSWD’s Oplan Pag-Abot teams reach out to individuals in Manila
The Department of Social Welfare and Development reached out to 56 individuals living on the streets of Manila during its Oplan Pag-Abot’s 9-hour non-stop operations from last night until early Friday morning, From 9 p.m. Thursday (28 September) until 6 a.m. Friday (29 September), Oplan Pag-Abot teams were able to reach out to 23 unattached adults, 10 older persons, three children, and 20 family members of five families who were staying in the Malate tourist area and along the stretch of nearby Roxas Boulevard. “The reached-out individuals and families were brought to the processing centers located at Barangay 721 Dakota Covered Court in Malate for biometrics registration, and initial intake interview,” DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said on Friday. After the assessment, Asst. Sec. Lopez said some clients needing special care were referred to the DSWD-run centers and residential care facilities such as Bahay Silungan, Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases, and the Haven for Children for temporary custody and shelter. “Some families and individuals were referred to the local government units of Manila, Caloocan, Navotas, Pasay, Sta. Maria in Bulacan, and Field Office - National Capital Region,” Lopez, who is also DSWD spokesperson, said. The Oplan Pag-Abot teams were assisted by the City of Manila’s Department of Social Welfare and City Health Office, the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Philippine National Police - Tactical Motorcycle Unit during the 9-hour reach-out operation. The post DSWD’s Oplan Pag-Abot teams reach out to individuals in Manila appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lifeline rate discounts for marginalized households
The Manila Electric Company has ramped up the conduct of barangay caravans in different cities and provinces within its franchise area to encourage more beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and other qualified marginalized households to apply for the lifeline rate program so that they can get discounts on their electricity bills. Starting September 2023, only customers with approved applications will continue to enjoy the discount in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11552 or the law extending and enhancing the implementation of the lifeline rate. Beyond information campaigns that started as early as April, Meralco has also been conducting on-site applications for qualified customers so that they can immediately benefit from the program. Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said the power distributor is looking for ways to encourage more customers to apply for the lifeline rate program. “While we have already engaged all local social welfare development offices or SWDOs in our franchise area, we will continue to reach out to more customers and we hope that the onsite applications will lead to the increase in the number of program beneficiaries,” he said. For this month, Meralco has lined up onsite applications and caravans in the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Manila, Parañaque, Quezon and Valenzuela. Outside of Metro Manila, Meralco will also do the same in San Rafael and Meycauayan in Bulacan, San Pablo City in Laguna, General Mariano Alvarez and General Trias in Cavite, Taytay and Rodriguez in Rizal and Mauban and Sariaya in Quezon. Under the lifeline rate program, qualified customers should have a monthly electricity consumption of 100 kilowatt hours or below to avail of the discount ranging from 20 percent to 100 percent in their Meralco electricity bills depending on their actual consumption. Eligible customers can still apply by visiting the nearest Meralco Business Center, together with their completed application form, latest electricity bill and 4Ps ID. Non-4Ps beneficiaries may present a local SWDO certification and government ID. Applicants can also take advantage of the dedicated lanes for the lifeline rate program applications. “We are calling on all our qualified customers to take advantage of our caravans and apply for the program so that they can continue to benefit from the discount. Rest assured that Meralco will immediately process the applications and continue our information and education campaigns to bring in more customers to the program,” said Zaldarriaga. Visit www.meralco.com.ph and official social media channels on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter (@meralco) for more information. The post Lifeline rate discounts for marginalized households appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security
Asia is the world's largest rice consumer, accounting for 90 percent of global rice consumption. According to a business website that made use of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, the Philippines is among the top 20 countries with the highest rice consumption per capita. Data shows that the country's almost 113 million population consumes around 16.50 million metric tons of rice every year. The affordability and availability of rice have been cited as the primary reasons for Filipinos' penchant for eating rice. Thus, the proliferation of restaurants in the country serving "unlimited rice" has always been a fool-proof marketing strategy to entice customers. India's announcement in July that it would restrict the export of non-basmati rice has jolted not just the country but the global rice market. India is the world's largest rice exporter, accounting for over 40 percent of the global rice trade. It is on this note that I am calling for stronger government interventions in the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, India's decision comes at a time when the country is grappling with flooded rice fields as a result of recent calamities. But we cannot blame India for its decision to prioritize its domestic market. We have to be prepared as this could trigger a rice crisis affecting millions of Filipinos who consider rice a staple food. It is high time that we provide our local farmers with much-needed support to boost domestic rice production by offering them drought-resistant rice seeds, more fertilizers, additional irrigation, increased training, and easy access to credit facilities with low-interest rates. Our government must focus on short-term remedies such as exploring alternative sources like Vietnam and Thailand. But more importantly, we must implement long-term interventions that will lead to sustainable rice production. I have always been an advocate of sustainability and self-sufficiency to achieve food security which is a top priority of the current administration. Meanwhile, I have remained committed to visiting various parts of the country, not only to provide assistance but also to address the concerns of our people. On 5 August, we attended the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the two-storey Malasakit Center Building at Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. We aided 647 patients and 2,535 medical frontliners including security guards, utilities, and other hospital staff. Meanwhile, qualified beneficiaries were given financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Joining us were CRMC Chief of the Hospital, Dr. Ishmael Dimaren, Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura, Matnog Mayor Zohria Bansel-Guro, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tucao Mastura, and Vice Mayor Shameem Mastura. We also participated in the inauguration of the new Super Health Center (SHC) in the town of Libungan, where we assisted 1,000 indigent beneficiaries together with Vice Governor Efren Piñol, former vice governor Shirlyn Macasarte, Mayor Angel Rose Cuan and Vice Mayor Jims Fullecido. At the invitation of Mayor Angel Rose Cuan, we attended the town's Inter-Barangay Basketball Championship as part of its 62nd Founding Anniversary and 8th Katambolit Festival. We then headed to Midsayap to attend the groundbreaking of the SHC and assist 1,000 struggling residents together with Rep. Samantha Santos, Vice Gov. Efren Piñol, Mayor Rolando Sacdalan, and Vice Mayor Vivencio Deomampo Jr. On 4 August, we witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC to be built in Monkayo, Davao de Oro. We visited the construction and renovation of the public market funded through our efforts. We also distributed assistance to 1,000 indigents in the area accompanied by Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora, Vice Governor Jayvee Uy, and Board Member Herv Apsay, among others. On 3 August, we were in Batangas to witness the groundbreaking of the Batangas Provincial Medical Center (New Provincial Hospital) in the municipality of Tuy. We also led the distribution of aid to 1,700 residents, with the support of Governor Dodo Mandanas. We were joined by Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, Congressmen Eric Buhain and Ray Reyes, Tuy Mayor Jose Jecerell Cerrado, San Luis Mayor Oscar Lito Hernandez, Vice Mayor Maan de Gracia, Lian Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste, and other local officials. We then went to Davao City to attend the 1st General Assembly of the Philippine Councilors League-Occidental Mindoro. On 2 August, we visited Caloocan City and witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC, along with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy, Congressman Oca Malapitan, Mayor Along Malapitan, and Vice Mayor Karina Teh. We distributed aid to 980 impoverished residents in collaboration with the offices of Cong. Cajayon-Uy, Councilor Ed Aruelo, and Councilor Wewel De Leon. For those affected by Typhoon Egay, we distributed food packs and assisted 5,000 beneficiaries in Minalin, Arayat, and various towns in Pampanga; 500 in Bauang, La Union; 700 in Calumpit, and 1,700 residents from Hagonoy, Guiguinto, and San Miguel in Bulacan; 900 in Dagupan City, San Fabian, and Calasiao in Pangasinan; 200 in Binangonan, Rizal; and 200 in San Antonio, Zambales. We also assisted 89 fire victims in various barangays in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided help to 1,200 impoverished residents of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; 1,049 in San Pedro City, Laguna; 800 in Tabaco City, Albay; and 67 more in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. We also helped people in Bulacan, including 66 in Santa Maria, 66 in Paombong, 66 in Baliwag, 66 in Bustos, 66 in Obando, and 66 in Norzagaray. In Batangas, we also assisted 500 beneficiaries from Calaca, 400 in Tanauan City, and 57 more in Batangas City. The post Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
22 CHORAL GROUPS TO COMPETE AT AOV INT’L CHORAL FESTIVAL
The Cultural Center of the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, brings back the prestigious biennial choral competition, the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival, on 20 to 23 July 2023, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Named after the founder of the world -renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, the late National Artist for Music Andrea O. Veneracion, the choral competition will have 22 choirs competing in the Folk Song, Equal Voices and Mixed Choir categories. The competing choral groups from Luzon are: The Archangel’s Journey Chorale from Caloocan City; BINHS’s Salinlahi Serenata Singers from Silang, Cavite; Calasiao Treble Chorus from Calasiao, Pangasinan; Coro Jesu from Makati City; De La Salle University Chorale from Manila; DYCI’s Dagalak from Bulacan; Gloria Patri Singers from Quezon City; Lighter Side Movement from Mandaluyong City; Los Cantantes De Manila from Manila; Oroquieta Chamber Singers from Lucena City, Quezon; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo Chorale from Laguna; Philippine Normal University Chorale from Manila; Philippine Vocal Ensemble from Makati; St. Paul College Pasig High School Chorale from Pasig City; Tarlac Männerchor from Tarlac City, Tarlac; and University of Baguio Voices Chorale from Baguio City, Benguet. The Visayas and Mindanao representatives are: Silay City Chorale from Silay City, Negros Occidental; Jose Rizal Memorial State University Dimasalang Choristers from Dipolog City, Zamboang Del Norte; University of Mindanao Chorale from Davao City, Davao del Sur; University of Southeastern Philippines Harmonia Polifonica Chorale from Davao City, Davao del Sur; and Western Mindanao State University — Grand Chorale from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur. The Bangkok Voices from Thailand will also compete. Five renowned adjudicators who have made their marks in the international music scene will evaluate and choose the best choral group in thecountry. The jury is composed of Christo Burger (Africa), Jãnis Ozols (Europe), Virginia Bono (South America), Zimfira Poloz (North America) and Mark Anthony Carpio (Asia). Each winning choral group in the different categories will take home cash prizes and a conh shell trophy designed by artist Mary Catherine Sta. Ana. The trophy resembles a large conch shell with a wide opening through which one may imagine listening to the sound of the seas that surround the Philippine islands. The parts of the shell suggest the form of a bird singing, taking inspiration from the theory that bird songs may have influenced the development of music. The post 22 CHORAL GROUPS TO COMPETE AT AOV INT’L CHORAL FESTIVAL appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating independence, overcoming challenges
We all wish for the good health of our loved ones. It would pain anyone to see their family members, friends or partners suffering through disease, more so if they cannot receive adequate medical attention due to financial constraints or inaccessible health services. Unfortunately, many poor Filipinos and those living in remote areas face precisely this dilemma. As we go around the country, I have personally witnessed the dire need to make medical assistance and health services — both basic and specialized — more accessible to Filipinos. That is why as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I continue to push for initiatives to improve healthcare access, including the establishment of more Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers and Regional Specialty Centers. Just last on Friday, 9 June, I was honored to lead the inauguration of the 158th Malasakit Center at the Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital in Guagua, Pampanga, together with our new Health Secretary, Teodoro Herbosa, as well as local leaders led by Governor Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, among others. The Malasakit Center aims to streamline and expedite the delivery of medical assistance particularly to poor patients by consolidating the programs of various government agencies under one roof. Launched in 2018, it was later institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. According to the DOH, over seven million Filipinos nationwide have benefited from the program so far. During the inauguration, my team and I also aided 120 in-patients, 174 out-patients, and 378 front liners at the hospital. Additionally, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended assistance to qualified patients. On the same day, we visited Bulacan to assist 1,000 students in Guiguinto town with Mayor Agay Cruz and Congressman Boy Cruz, as well as 1,465 struggling Bulakeños in Meycauayan City. We also attended the ribbon-cutting and blessing of the city’s Super Health Center together with Mayor Henry Villarica. I have also long been advocating for the establishment of more Super Health Centers throughout the country. Through the efforts of our fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. While our Super Health Centers bring basic health services closer to Filipinos, especially in remote areas, I am hopeful that we could also soon provide our kababayans improved access to specialized medical services following the recent ratification of the Bicameral Conference Report on the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which I authored and principally sponsored. If enacted, it will bring key medical services closer to the people by establishing specialty centers that cater to specific medical needs in different regions. Meanwhile, we have also continued distributing aid to many indigent Filipinos in various regions. On 5 June, I was in Digos City, Davao del Sur, with Mayor Josef Cagas and other local leaders to aid 1,500 indigents and witness the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center. We were in Agusan del Norte with Governor Angel Amante-Matba the following day, where we attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Las Nieves and inspected the ongoing construction of the Las Nieves Bridge. We then added 1,500 indigents in the town before visiting the Butuan City Super Health Center. We likewise assisted 2,000 residents in the city. Following this, I attended the annual general assembly of the Philippine League of Secretaries to Sanggunian Inc. in Davao City. Iloilo was our next destination where we attended the groundbreaking of the Barotac Viejo Super Health Center on 7 June and provided aid to 1,000 indigents in the town. I was also invited by Congressman Boboy Tupas and Mayor Bongbong Tupas to inspect the town’s new fire station. That day, we assisted 1,897 typhoon victims in Banate. We then made our way to Silay City in Negros Occidental, where we participated in the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center, dropped by the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital where I was instrumental in funding the construction of its new building, and extended aid to 2,000 underprivileged residents. Additionally, we joined in the commemoration of Silay City’s Charter Anniversary led by Mayor Joedith Gallego as we attended the PWD Sitting Volleyball event where I highlighted our efforts for more inclusive sports development programs as Chair of the Senate Sports Committee. On 8 June, we helped 1,493 beneficiaries in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, in partnership with Governor Oyie Umali, Mayor Vianne Cuevas, Congressman GP Padiernos, and other local leaders. That same day, we aided 1,160 indigents in Quezon City with Cong. Marivic Pilar-Co. On 9 June, together with Senator Robin Padilla and in partnership with Governor Luigi Villafuerte, Congressman Lray Villafuerte, and Congressman Migz Villafuerte, we distributed aid to 2,699 indigents in Pili, Camarines Sur. That day, we attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Talisay, Camarines Norte, with Mayor Dondon Mancenido, where we likewise assisted 1,500 residents. Together with Governor Dong Padilla, I conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet, Camarines Norte, where we aided 262 patients and 811 front liners. Finally, I headed back to Davao City to attend the 2023 Mindanao League of Municipalities of the Philippines Convention. Meanwhile, my office separately aided 186 fire victims in Quezon City, 41 in Caloocan City, 76 in Parañaque City, and 10 in Baguio City. Likewise helped were 1,015 indigents in Alitagtag, Batangas; 1,500 in Cabanatuan City and 1,040 in General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija; 500 in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte; 360 in Culasi, Antique; 150 in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; 53 in Iba and 13 in Botolan, Zambales; 1,620 in San Vicente, Camarines Norte; 380 Tesda graduates in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; and 90 indigent couples in Baroy, Lanao del Norte. My team likewise witnessed the groundbreaking of the Super Health Centers in Barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City on 6 June, and Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay on 8 June. As we commemorate Philippine Independence Day this Monday and celebrate the heroism and sacrifices of our forefathers to gain the liberties we enjoy today, I hope we can take this time to come together and exert efforts to help free more Filipinos from disease, poverty, and other challenges that beset our society today. The post Celebrating independence, overcoming challenges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Power transmission strife probe sought
A lawmaker on Monday is seeking an investigation into the country’s series of power interruptions and electrical disturbances for the past weeks, insisting that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines should be held liable. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian — who is also the vice-chairperson of the committee on Energy — filed Resolution 607 calling for a Senate inquiry into the series of disturbances in the country’s power transmission system “in the hope of ensuring a reliable and continuous electricity supply.” “These successive transmission system disturbances caused inconvenience to communities and losses to businesses,” said Gatchalian. “The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines as the operator of the transmission system in the country should be held to account for the root cause of these disturbances.” The senator made the call after the NGCP placed the Luzon grid under red and yellow alerts after reporting the power plant outages due to the tripping of the Bolo-Masinloc 230kV Line 2 on 8 May. He also cited that it led to the tripping of 2 units of the Masinloc Coal Power Plant which, in turn, caused a power loss of 659 megawatts in the Luzon grid. “Such disturbances brought power interruptions in the franchise areas of various distribution facilities across Luzon island,” said the senator, adding that in the Meralco franchise, in particular, more than 300,000 customers in Paco and Sta. Mesa in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Batangas, Antipolo in Rizal, San Pedro and Biñan in Laguna, and San Rafael and Pulilan in Bulacan were affected by the tripping activity. To recall, Meralco on 9 May reported power supply cuts due to a temporary system imbalance caused by a sudden plant outage, saying that the power supply disruption was caused by an automatic load dropping of approximately 290 MW as a result of the tripping of the Duhat-Hermosa 290kV line. On 27 April, the NGCP reported a system disturbance in the Visayas, causing a loss of 322.3 MW and power interruptions that persisted until 30 April. More than 1.5 million households were affected by the power interruptions in the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros. The power outages last up to 12 hours. Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito is seeking to review the NGCP’s franchise and assessment of its performance after receiving reports that foreign shareholders have more control of the company. “Utilities that are concerned with national security should remain with the national government, controlled by the Philippines,” Ejercito said. As this developed, more senators on Monday expressed their openness to the call to review the Congressional franchise given to the NGCP due to the recent power outages in several parts of the country. Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said that her panel is open to the review of the congressional franchise of the NGCP “as it concerns a critical need of Filipinos.” “The recurring power outages being experienced by millions of households amid the scorching months should not be the norm,” Poe said. “We must also exercise vigilance when it comes to our power lines, to ensure that electricity running from Luzon to Mindanao remains under the control of Filipinos amid security concerns raised by senators.” Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed the same sentiment, saying there is nothing wrong with the Upper Chamber if it would review the franchise of the privately-owned corporation. “Even during the previous Congress, we have started, in a way, the review of at least some provisions in the franchise because the government is not only one that has an obligation in this contract but the corporation itself,” Hontiveros said. In other developments, the Energy Regulatory Commission is already doing its part by auditing the NGCP on the completion of the transmission projects as part of the ongoing rate reset process of the grid operator, ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta told Daily Tribune. Dimalanta’s remark came in response to Albay Rep. Joey Salceda’s call to ERC to use its powers under Republic Act 9511 or the NGCP franchise to mandate performance improvements in the transmission company following blackouts caused by delays and damage to the company’s transmission lines. “If you recall, NGCP’s allowable revenues are set on a 5-year cycle supposedly, but the last one happened back in 2010, which set NGCP’s allowed revenues and corresponding rates for 2011-2015,” Dimalanta said. She added that the power regulator is already “conducting the review and reset now for the past years (2016-2022) and in parallel the process to set their revenues based on forecasted expenses for 2023-2027.” Salceda tapped the ERC to conduct a performance audit on the NGCP after its supposed deadline for its major three major projects -- the Cebu-Negros-Panay connection and the Mindanao-Visayas interconnection -- that was due by August this year. With Edjen Oliquino The post Power transmission strife probe sought appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate seek probe into power transmission fails
Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking an investigation into the country’s series of power interruptions and electrical disturbances in the past weeks, insisting that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines should be held liable. Gatchalian, who is also the vice-chairperson of the committee on Energy, filed Resolution 607 on Monday, calling for a Senate inquiry into the series of disturbances in the country’s power transmission system “in the hope of ensuring a reliable and continuous electricity supply.” “These successive transmission system disturbances caused inconvenience to communities and losses to businesses,” he said. “The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines as the operator of the transmission system in the country should be held to account for the root cause of these disturbances,” Gatchalian maintained. The senator made the call after the NGCP placed the Luzon grid under red and yellow alerts after reporting power plant outages due to the tripping of the Bolo-Masinloc 230kV Line 2 on 8 May. Gatchalian cited that this incident also led to the tripping of two units of the Masinloc Coal Power Plant which, in turn, caused a power loss of 659 megawatts (MW) in the Luzon grid. “Such disturbance brought power interruptions in the franchise areas of various distribution facilities across Luzon island,” he said. In the Meralco franchise, in particular, more than 300,000 customers in Paco and Sta. Mesa in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Batangas, Antipolo in Rizal, San Pedro and Binan in Laguna, and San Rafael and Pulilan in Bulacan were affected by the tripping activity, according to Gatchalian. On 9 May, Meralco reported power supply cuts due to a temporary system imbalance caused by a sudden plant outage. Meralco said the power supply disruption was caused by an automatic load dropping of approximately 290 MW, as a result of the tripping of the Duhat-Hermosa 290kV line. On 27 April, the NGCP reported a system disturbance in the Visayas, causing a loss of 322.3 MW and power interruptions that persisted until 30 April. More than 1.5 million households were affected by the power interruptions in the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros. The power outages lasted up to 12 hours. Gatchalian stressed that the NGCP is mandated under Section 3 of Republic Act 9511, to operate and maintain the transmission system, grid and related facilities at all times in accordance with industry standards. Review NGCP performance, franchise Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito is seeking to review the NGCP’s franchise and assessment of its performance after receiving reports that foreign shareholders have more control of the company. “Utilities that are concerned with national security should remain with the national government, controlled by the Philippines,” he said in a press briefing on Monday. Ejercito eyes the reduction of foreign shares in NGCP operations. However, he admitted that it requires more budgetary expenditures. Still, “Even if only 40 percent is owned by the Chinese entity, it seems that they are controlling the entire operations,” he said. Forty percent of the NGCP is owned by a Chinese corporation, while the remaining 60 percent is owned by a group of Filipino businessmen led by tycoons Henry Sy Jr. and Robert Coyiuto Jr. Asked what the government should do to take back control of the energy transmission system, Ejercito said: “That I do not know yet, we have to find a solution. There is a way if we really want to take back control of it.” “We have to put national interest, patrimony and national security first so that we can have peace of mind as Filipinos,” he added. The NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the country's state-owned power grid. The post Senate seek probe into power transmission fails appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PRO3 intensifies anti-illegal drugs campaign
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 announced on Sunday that at least P900,000 worth of illegal drugs were seized by the Central Luzon Police in separate drug-bust operations in the region. PRO3 said that a total of five suspected drug peddlers were apprehended during the operations in Pampanga and Bulacan. SDEU personnel of Guagua MPS conducted anti-illegal drug operation at Barangay San Antonio, Guagua, Pampanga which led to the arrest of Juanito Herreros, a resident of Barangay Sto. Cristo in Guagua, Pampanga and Aliza Ann Canuto, a resident of Barangay 73 in Caloocan City. Seized from the duo were seven pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing more or less 30 grams of suspected shabu amounting to P204,000 and the P1,000 marked money. Meanwhile, Crisanto Avena, Dariel Lazaro and Lyza Dizon were arrested by CDEU operatives of SJDM CPS in a sting operation conducted at Barangay Gumaoc East in San Jose del Monte City. Seized from the suspects were seven pieces of medium size heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 100 grams amounting to P680,000 and the P3,000 bill marked money. Total evidence collected from the suspects were 14 pieces of small to medium size transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 130 grams with a DDB value of P884,000 and P4,000 bill marked money. PRO3 director P/Brig.Gen Jose S. Hidalgo Jr. said that the PRO3 is continuously working together to eradicate the proliferation of all forms of illegal drugs within the region to attain a drug-free Central Luzon. The post PRO3 intensifies anti-illegal drugs campaign appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go, go, go for the gold!
We have nothing but admiration and best wishes for our national athletes who are currently competing at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. Together with my colleagues, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Francis Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chair Dickie Bachmann and Commissioner Matthew Gaston, among other officials, we took the time last weekend to personally cheer on our representatives in the regional biennial sports meet in Cambodia. There, we witnessed once again the never-say-die attitude and spirit of all our Filipino athletes. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and a firm advocate of long-term and grassroots sports development in the country, I was particularly filled with pride after seeing the dedication, discipline and undeniable talent of our athletes. That is why I remain committed to helping strengthen the development of sports in our communities. Sports keep our young people away from vices and criminality. As I always say, “Get into sports, stay away from drugs!” Last year, I sponsored and defended additional funding for the PSC during its 2023 budget deliberation, particularly for grassroots sports development and in support of athletes joining international competitions. What was supposedly just more or less P200 million proposed annual budget for PSC was increased by P1 billion through our efforts and with the support of my colleagues in the Senate. Particularly, the increase in the PSC’s 2023 budget is intended to support the Filipino athletes in international competitions, such as the Asian Games, SEA Games, Summer Olympics in Paris, ASEAN Para Games, Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games, World Combat Games, World Beach Games, and Asian Beach Games, among others. Portions of the funds were also allotted for the country’s hosting of the FIBA World Cup in 2023 as well as for grassroots sports programs, such as Batang Pinoy, the Philippine National Games, and those under the Sports Development Council. Moreover, funding was allocated for the development of sports infrastructure across the country, as well as for advanced research and development in sports sciences and sports technology. The provision of other financial assistance to Filipino athletes was also funded. I have also authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports in 2020 to help ensure that our promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting quality education. More recently, I filed Senate Bill 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, with the aim of institutionalizing and providing a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development. Meanwhile, together with my team, I was in Batangas province on 8 May where I personally led a series of relief operations for 1,109 indigents in Batangas City and 1,000 more in San Pascual town. As an adopted son of CALABARZON and a fellow Batangueño, I am thankful for being able to serve them to the best of my capacity as a public servant. I likewise visited the newly renovated San Pascual Super Health Center and met with some health workers to listen to their concerns and discuss ways to improve the delivery of healthcare services in their communities. The Super Health Center is an improved version of a polyclinic, which seeks to provide our fellow Filipinos, especially those in remote areas, easier access to basic health services. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers and the Department of Health, 307 SHCs were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. Last Tuesday, we conducted a public hearing by the Senate Committee on Health on mental health. As the committee’s chair, I reiterated that the state of our National Center for Mental Health is in need of utmost attention and improvement to preserve the basic right of all Filipinos to healthcare. Meanwhile, on 10 May, I led a relief effort for 672 fire victims from Pritil Public Market in Tondo, Manila. This was followed by a visit to Nueva Ecija last 11 May, where I personally inspected the Talavera bridge — a project I had earlier supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. I then conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Talavera General Hospital to personally assess its operations and ensure that indigent patients are given the assistance they need. In line with this, we extended relief to 79 patients and 406 front liners in the hospital while the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial aid to the qualified patients. On the same day, my team and I visited the town of Llanera to inspect its Super Health Center and attend the inauguration of the public wet market there, both of which I had advocated and supported. We then assisted 1,000 indigents in the town. As an adopted son of Nueva Ecija, I continue to support the province and help its people as much as I can. Separately, my outreach teams mounted several relief operations last week that benefitted 100 indigents in Veruela, 100 in Sta. Josefa, 40 in Esperanza, and 40 in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; 227 in Botolan and 163 in Iba, Zambales; 520 Kibawe, Dangcagan, Cabanglasan and Malitbog, Bukidnon; 141 in General Natividad, Nueva Ecija; 2,199 in Gingoog City, 50 in Naawan, and 50 in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental; 332 in Minalin, Pampanga; 129 in Hamtic, Antique; 233 in Casiguran, and 166 in Dilasag, Aurora; and 44 in Sta. Maria and 45 in Malolos City, Bulacan. Fire victims, including 205 in Taytay, Rizal; 58 in Caloocan City; and 12 families in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan were likewise supported through our efforts. In the same way that our athletes remain unyielding in the face of tough competition, I hope that we can all remain resilient in the face of challenges. Through our support for one another and our unbeatable pusong Pilipino, let us all go for the gold and continue bringing honor to our country and our people. The post Go, go, go for the gold! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Power update: yellow alerts up ahead, red alert possible
The Department of Energy warned that the Luzon grid may be placed anew on red alert — an occurrence when supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand, prompting intermittent power — if a transmission line tripping incident happens again. At a press conference on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla said about 15 yellow alerts are also expected to occur for the rest of the year due to thin power supply. However, Lotilla noted that the power outlook may improve significantly once the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan Natural Gas Plant goes online this month to help augment the country’s power supply as demand increases. The Ilijan Plant, which is expected to go online by 26 May, has historically contributed up to 10 percent of Luzon’s net reliable capacity. Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra, meanwhile, pointed out that the government’s supply and demand scenario was computed considering the absence of the Ilijan plant. “We have potential yellow alerts for the entire month of May. Now the way that was computed was in the worst-case scenario. We assumed that Ilijan will be on an extended shutdown,” Guevarra said. “If that power plant comes in, the yellow alert occurrences will be slashed,” she added. A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s regulating and contingency requirement, which is at 668 megawatts each. A red alert status is issued when supplies are insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement. On Monday, hundreds of thousands of consumers in Luzon were affected by a power interruption after five power plants went on forced outages, while three other plants went on derated capacities. The incident stripped a total of 1,354 megawatts of capacity from the grid. The available capacity of 12,186 MW was not enough to cover the peak demand, which clocked in at 12,468 MW on that day. This afternoon, the Manila Electric Co. or Meralco, reported anew an automatic load dropping or ALD occurred due to the tripping of the Duhat-Hermosa 230kV line. Service was restored immediately by 3:57 p.m. “This affected more than 200,000 Meralco customers in portions of Paco and Sta. Mesa in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Batangas, Antipolo in Rizal, San Pedro and Biñan in Laguna, and San Rafael and Pulilan in Bulacan,” Meralco said. The post Power update: yellow alerts up ahead, red alert possible appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bantag, Zulueta declared fugitives
The Philippine National Police said Sunday it now considers former Bureau of Correction officials Gerald Bantag and Ricardo Zulueta as fugitives from justice after the issuance of arrest warrants against them about the murders of journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and Jun Villamor. A Las Piñas court issued the warrants against Bantag and Zulueta for the Lapid killing on 3 October 2022, while a court in Muntinlupa ordered their arrest over the death of Villamor on 18 October also last year. The status of Bantag and Zulueta as fugitives was announced by PNP public information chief P/Col. Redrico Maranan. The PNP has formed tracker teams searching for Bantag and Zulueta in Bulacan province and Caloocan City. Villamor was killed inside the New Bilibid Prison hours after he was tagged as the “middleman” or the one who looked for a gun-for-hire to kill during a press conference presided over by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos. Villamor was tagged by self-confessed Lapid gunman Joel Escorial as the one who hired him for the hit. The post Bantag, Zulueta declared fugitives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Snatching-in tandem nadakma ng 2 traffic enforcer
Bulacan – Arestado ang dalawang lalaking nang-agaw ng cellphone ng estudyante matapos mahuli ng mga tumugis na traffic enforcer sa lungsod ng Malolos. Kinilala ang dalawang suspek na sina Jake Israel, 32, jobless, residente ng Brgy. San Vicente, Sta. Maria at Fernan Isanan, 36, helper, Brgy. Libis, Baesa, Caloocan. Ang biktima ay itago sa pangalang […] The post Snatching-in tandem nadakma ng 2 traffic enforcer appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
2 dinamba sa P1M ‘bato, damo, bakal’
MANILA, Philippines – Mahigit P1 milyong halaga ng shabu, marijuana at baril ang nakumpiska ng pulisya sa dalawang lalaki sa isinagawang Oplan Paglalansag Omega, Oplan Big Bertha at Oplan Salikop sa Caloocan City. Nakilala ang mga nadakip na sina Emmanuel Joseph Bendal, 31 ng Belmont Park. Brgy. Caypondo, Sta Maria, Bulacan at Jess Noriega, 41 […] The post 2 dinamba sa P1M ‘bato, damo, bakal’ appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
3 drug suspects killed in Bulacan stings
Three suspected drug pushers were killed in separate buy-bust operations in Bulacan earlier today. Among those killed were Carlo Ardenio, of Caloocan City, and Joshua Loquente alias “Blondie,” of Meycauayan City, both included in the police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s watchlist, Bulacan PNP director Col. Lawrence Cajipe said. Investigators are still trying to identify […] The post 3 drug suspects killed in Bulacan stings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati swelters with 43.5 degrees heat index
The heat index in Makati yesterday reached a “dangerous” level of 43.5 degrees Celsius, according to the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office......»»
NBI nabs 8 bogus DBM officials
Eight people allegedly posing as officials of the Department of Budget and Management were apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation in Mandaluyong on Tuesday......»»
Canino claims women’s chess crown
Ruelle Canino, the 16-year-old chess wonder, shook the current order and slew some of the country’s giants of the game in conquering the National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan over the weekend......»»
Canino is Olympiad bound
It was sealed by an 83-move draw with Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia of a Sicilian in the 10th and penultimate round of the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship at the Malolos City Hall in Bulacan......»»
2 carjack suspects killed in Bulacan ‘shootout’
Two suspected carjackers were killed in an alleged shootout in Bulacan on Saturday night......»»
Wheat imports seen to rise on higher bread demand
It’s a quarter before seven in the morning. A queue starts to form in front of RJS bakery in Barangay Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong City......»»