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LEGAL RIPPLES: “It’s not Amendment, it’s Revision Stupid!”
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 11 January) — Last January 6, 2024, Liberal Party President Edcel Lagman, Representative of the 1st district of Albay, issued a press statement on Charter Change via People’s Initiative launched by Congressmen from the supermajority coalition using People’s Initiative as a mode of amending the Constitution. Lagman raised among others, three basic questions: who […].....»»
Gin Kings escape Road Warriors to clinch quarters edge
Barangay Ginebra secured the final twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after surviving a pesky NLEX side, 103-99, Saturday at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City, Albay......»»
Government employee claims P571.5 million lotto jackpot
Two days after winning the jackpot in the Ultra Lotto 6/58, a government employee from Ligao, Albay claimed her prize at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office in Mandaluyong City yesterday......»»
DoT’s Philippine Experience Program to help LGUs develop, enhance tourist spots
Albay — The Department of Tourism on Monday maintained that the Philippine Experience Program, which brings hundreds of delegates to various tourist attractions in the country, is its way to make local government units, especially those with underdeveloped tourist spots, to be at par with other known local destinations. During her speech in Albay for the third leg of the DoT’s Philippine Experience Program on Sunday night, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the program is in line with Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order to bring countryside development through tourism. “Recognizing how strong as a social economic tool tourism can be given the right tool to succeed in making the countryside grow, PEP gives opportunities to local government units, provinces, cities and municipalities all over the Philippines to be equally developed and promoted,” she said. The program seeks to reintroduce the Philippines to the world, “not only our natural resources, our stunning landscapes, our beautiful coastlines, our majestic mountainscapes, but also, our heart and soul as Filipinos.” Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman expressed support for the Philippine Experience Program and its swing through Bicol. “Parading the call to experience Bicol, a tapestry of history, tradition, and arts, this program embodies the essence of what makes a region unique and exceptional. Albay, with its enchanting landscape, rich cultural heritage and untapped potential plays a pivotal role in the national tourism industry,” Lagman said. In a video message, Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman also expressed his confidence that the visit from the DOT chief will “inspire” the tourism industry in Albay. “Thank you for your visit, Secretary Frasco, and we are certain that your visit will be both memorable and productive,” the congressman said. The third leg of the Philippine Experience Program started with the official opening of the Kasanggayahan Festival in the Provincial Capitol of Sorsogon, followed by a visit to the pristine sceneries of Bulusan and Barcelona Ruins in Sorsogon. On Day 2, delegates of the Philippine Experience Program Bicol on Monday revved up for an adrenaline-fueled all-terrain vehicle adventure in Legazpi City, the booming capital of Albay dubbed as the "City of Fun and Adventure," followed by a visit to Daraga Church or the Nuestra Señora dela Porteria, then a visit to the famous Cagsawa Ruins and Sumlang Lake in Camalig. The Philippine Experience Program highlights the Filipino brand and identity in all aspects of the travel and tourism experience, focused on heritage, culture and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings with thematic experiences on Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Festivals, Living Cultures and Heritage, and the Arts. It also aims to link key destinations to lesser-known destinations, as well as expand the country’s tourism portfolio, which includes sun and beach offerings, nature-based tourism, diving, food, education, health, MICE and farm tourism. The post DoT’s Philippine Experience Program to help LGUs develop, enhance tourist spots appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec logs over 120K candidates for BSKE in Bicol
By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY – The Commission on Elections-5 (Bicol) reported on Monday that more than 120,000 individuals have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2. In an interview, Comelec-Albay Election Supervisor Ma. Aurea Bo-Bunao said the COCs filed will be subjected […].....»»
Task force formed on Albay village chief slay
LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine National Police in Bicol Region disclosed that it has created a special investigation task group to probe the killing of a barangay official in Libon town last Monday. The PNP — through its Albay Provincial Police Office — said that the task force is set to dig deeper on the death of San Jose Barangay Captain Alex Enriquez Repato after filing his certificate of candidacy. APPO spokesperson Capt. Kharren Formales said that the “SITG Repato” has already conducted two meetings and that the investigation is already ongoing, adding that closed-circuit television footage of the incident is now being included in the investigation. “Based on the CCTV footage, two persons were seen riding a motorcycle which matches the testimony of the witness who was with barangay captain Repato before the incident,” Formales said. She added that a continuous probe is being conducted to establish the identity of the suspects. “We are still looking for possible witnesses who can point out who those people are. We are not ruling out that those two people may not be the only ones behind the shooting of barangay Captain Repato,” Formales said. She also stressed that the creation of SITG Repato was in line with the directive of Police Regional Office-Bicol director Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque to conduct a thorough probe into the incident and to relentlessly pursue the perpetrators. “The SITG Repato is under the supervision of the deputy regional director for operation Col. Jesus A. Rebua and the lead and chairman is our provincial director Col. Fernando Cunanan Jr.,” she said. Formales added that Albay PPO, PRO-5 and other units are helping in the investigation by pursuing leads and gathering testimonies from possible witnesses who might shed light on the killing. “PNP-PRO5 strongly condemns the heinous incident. The attack against an innocent individual who only wants to serve the public is unacceptable and despicable. Through the coordination of the relevant agencies and the dedication of the partners in the law, it is expected that the circumstances will be clarified and justice will be achieved for the victims of this violence,” the PRO-5 said in a statement. The post Task force formed on Albay village chief slay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More rest areas for Cebu tourists
To continuously provide convenience to vacationers visiting the Queen City of the South, Cebu, the Department of Tourism is geared to establish more tourist rest areas or TRAs in the province. During the unveiling of a TRA in Carcar City, Cebu last Friday, which was graced by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that the DoT, the Provincial Government of Cebu, and the DoT’s attached agency, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, have sealed a memorandum of agreement to erect TRAs in Bogo City and the municipalities of Pinamungajan, Dumanjug, and Santander, all in Cebu. These additional TRAs are part of the initiative led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who pledged to match the number of rest areas turned over by the DoT to the province. DoT has inaugurated two TRAs in Medellin and in Carcar City, with two more to be completed soon in Carmen and Moalboal. Assets enhanced Moreover, a separate MOA was signed by TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid for the promotion and development of TIEZA’s assets. The agreement is between the DoT’s infrastructure arm and the municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete, and Moalboal. According to the agreement, Cebu will support TIEZA’s property marketing efforts via the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council. These high-value assets are anticipated to improve Cebu’s tourism portfolio and package deals while also generating income and employment for the province and concerned LGUs. Meanwhile, the establishment of sisterhood relations between Cebu and Albay provinces was also formalized through the MOA between Governor Garcia and Albay Governor Edcel “Grex” Lagman. “We, in the Department of Tourism, fully support this collaboration between local government units cognizant of our President’s priority to ensure that tourism development thrives to strengthen collaboration and engagement,” Frasco said on the sisterhood agreement of the two tourism provinces. Meanwhile, the turnover and inauguration ceremony of a TRA in Carcar City was also graced by Cebu Governor Garcia, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas, TIEZA COO Lapid and Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. The post More rest areas for Cebu tourists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More rest areas to rise in Cebu — DoT
To continuously provide convenience to vacationers visiting Cebu, the Department of Tourism is eyeing to establish more tourist rest areas or TRAs in the province. During the unveiling of a TRA in Carcar City, Cebu last Friday graced by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that the DoT, the provincial government of Cebu and the DoT’s attached agency, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, have sealed a memorandum of agreement to erect TRAs in Bogo City and the municipalities of Pinamungajan, Dumanjug and Santander, all in Cebu. These additional TRAs are part of the initiative led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who has pledged to match the number of TRAs turned over by the DoT to the province. The DOT has inaugurated two TRAs in Medellin and in Carcar City, with two more to be completed soon in Carmen and Moalboal. A separate MOA was also signed by TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid for the promotion and development of TIEZA’s assets. The agreement is between the DOT’s infrastructure arm and the municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete and Moalboal. According to the agreement, Cebu will support TIEZA’s property marketing efforts via the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council. These high-value assets are anticipated to improve Cebu's tourism portfolio and package deals while also generating income and employment for the province and concerned LGUs. Meanwhile, the establishment of sisterhood relations between Cebu and Albay provinces was also formalized through the MOA between Governor Garcia and Albay Governor Edcel "Grex" Lagman. “We, in the Department of Tourism fully support this collaboration between local government units, cognizant of our President’s priority to ensure that tourism development thrives to strengthen collaboration and engagement,” Frasco said. The turnover and inauguration ceremony of a TRA in Carcar City was also graced by Cebu Governor Garcia, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas, TIEZA COO Lapid and Senators Manuel "Lito" Lapid and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. The post More rest areas to rise in Cebu — DoT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
600 checkpoints net over 15 Comelec gun ban violators: PNP
Around 15 persons have been apprehended since the start of the Commission on Elections' gun ban on Monday during the first day of filing of the certificate of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Tuesday. Acorda said since implementing the gun ban, 15 firearms have been confiscated from more than 600 checkpoints nationwide. The establishment of checkpoints was carried out under Comelec Resolution No. 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from 28 August to 29 November. The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec. Acorda also said he has ordered a probe and has a person of interest in the incident that happened in Libon town in Albay where the victim Alex Repato, reelectionist captain of Barangay San Jose, was shot dead by still unidentified assailants in his residence at around 5 p.m. Monday, just hours after he filed his candidacy. “It is unfortunate in Albay we have one case of shooting but we already have a person of interest there and tinututukan ng ating kapulisan. What happened in Albay is election-related but I want to get first 'yung talagang official result of the investigation,” Acorda said on the sidelines of the National Capital Region Police Office's commemoration of its 122nd Police Service anniversary at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan Taguig City. Addressing the event, Acorda lauded the NCRPO's dedication to the PNP's agenda, which includes the relentless pursuit of justice, commitment to excellence and fostering deep connections with the communities under their care. He extended his congratulations and recognition to the men and women of the NCRPO for their invaluable contributions to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of the nation's capital. The ceremony was also marked by the presentation of awards to outstanding officers and units within the NCRPO. The awards recognized excellence across various categories, including community engagement, crime prevention and exceptional acts of valor. The NCRPO's Northern Police District, Eastern Police District, Manila Police District, Southern Police District and Quezon City Police District were feted for their outstanding contributions. The post 600 checkpoints net over 15 Comelec gun ban violators: PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Globe partners with Albay, groups in battle vs hunger
Digital platform Globe and the Albay provincial government have forged a partnership in support of the Hapag Movement, marking the first time a local government unit has joined the initiative against involuntary hunger. Albay Governor Edcel Greco “Grex” Lagman hosted a benefit dinner on 11 August 2023 at the Governor’s Guest House in Legazpi, which gathered prominent Albayanos. Proceeds from the dinner will be channeled directly to The Hapag Movement, with the goal of supplementing the efforts of the provincial government of Albay to provide meals to the families that have been affected by the ongoing state of calamity that the locality is still experiencing. Shared value leads to partnership This is a tangible commitment to alleviating hunger, reflecting the shared values and dedication of both Globe and the Provincial Government of Albay. The initiative’s key partner organizations are the Albay chapter for the Tzu Chi Foundation, an international humanitarian organization that is one of the implementing partners of the Hapag Movement, Albay Queen 102, Leo Club, and their mother organization Legazpi City “Host” Lions Club, PMJF, a socio-civic organization that focuses on eight global causes, including hunger. Yoly Crisanto, chief Sustainability and corporate Communications Officer of the Globe Group, thanked the Provincial Government of Albay for stepping up to the challenge of addressing involuntary hunger. “Tonight marks a huge milestone for the Hapag Movement because Albay is the first LGU to sign up and join us. We believe that LGUs are among the key pillars for nation-building,” Crisanto said. The post Globe partners with Albay, groups in battle vs hunger appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New PNR norm: Electric trains
When the Philippine National Railways resumes operations after a five-year hibernation, Filipinos will discover an entirely modern railway that will use an all-electric system. By that time, the diesel-powered engines would all be relegated to the train museum. In his speech before the Transport Logistics Forum held at the World Trade Center on 17 August, PNR Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal said the agency is hard at work to complete the North-South Commuter Railway or NSCR, which will run from Clark Air Base in Pampanga to Calamba City in Laguna, a distance of 147 kilometers, for P873.62 billion. The forum was sponsored by the Italian, German, French, and Spanish Chambers of Commerce. Macapagal said that once the project is completed, five years hence, all trains running on diesel fuel will be replaced with a fleet of 60 electric multiple units, “which are at par with world standards in terms of safety and comfort.” Macapagal said PNR is thus rebuilding the country’s railway system from the ground up. “The NSCR is long overdue, while other countries transport people and goods by train, the Philippines depends on cars and trucks to achieve that purpose, which is why we have these daily traffic snarl-ups that cost us, according to studies, the equivalent of $25 billion a year,” according to the PNR chief. The refurbished rail line will be able to transport 800,000 passengers every day. Travel time from one end of the line to the other will be cut in half, from eight to four hours. He said the trip will be even shorter for express train passengers. The PNR is undergoing reconstruction after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said his administration will give priority to the development of more efficient railways for public transport. The NSCR is only the start, revealed Macapagal. “Having set the project in motion, President Marcos now wants to begin construction of the North Long Haul, the South Long Haul, the Panay Railway, North Mindanao Railway, and San Mateo Railway, all spanning a total of 1,024 kilometers,” he indicated. NSCR connects to Ilocandia Of the five projects, the North Long Haul is the most ambitious. It will connect NSCR to the Poro Point Free Port Zone, Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte, and Port Irene and Lal-lo International Airport in Cagayan. The chairman said President Marcos regards the railway projects as the country’s framework for economic development. To give way to the construction project, PNR has stopped train operations from Alabang to Laguna. It is set to suspend all operations in Metro Manila also. “That’s why the LTFRB, prodded by PNR, is expeditiously approving franchise applications for additional buses in affected areas,” Macapagal related. As PNR chairman, Macapagal identifies priority projects with the help of the board, which falls under the authority of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. “If we are a basketball team,” Macapagal said in his address, “Secretary Bautista is the MVP. Of course, President Marcos is the head coach. I’d like to think I am the point guard.” The PNR station in Ligao City, Albay recently reopened after six years of hiatus. Every day, the first PNR trip from Ligao to Naga leaves at 5:30 a.m. and is followed by a second trip at 5:30 p.m. from Naga to Ligao. The cheapest fare is P15 for the first station and goes up to P105 for the entire stretch of the train system. The post New PNR norm: Electric trains appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA, DSWD accept 300MT rice donation from Japan for Mayon evacuees
Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban on Saturday said the department has formally accepted the 300-metric ton milled rice donation by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Tier 3 Program on 17 August 2023 in Camalig, Albay. Panganiban said the donated rice is intended for the families affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption and was turned over by the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke to APTERR Secretariat General Manager Choomjet Kernjanakesorn. It was then accepted by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Michael Christopher Mathay, and DA - National Food Authority (NFA) Special Assistant to the Administrator Roger Navarro. The officials also launched the distribution of the 300-MT milled rice stocks equivalent to 10,000 30-kilogram bags to the affected families identified by the DSWD. “We are not merely witnessing the ceremonial exchange of rice donation but more so the exchange of hope and support from our dependable partners in the ASEAN Region. This contribution is a testament to the unbreakable bond that binds us together as a global community,” Panganiban said. On behalf of the Philippine government, the DA official thanked the Government of Japan and the APTERR Secretariat for the donation that will benefit 10,000 families displaced by the calamity. The family beneficiaries in Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Tabaco City, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and Ligao City will receive 30-kilogram bags of rice. From the 10,000 beneficiaries, at least 1,441 shall be granted rice assistance through the DSWD’s Food for Work Program in the affected areas. The APTERR is a regional cooperation scheme among 10 ASEAN member states plus three countries that include China, Japan, and South Korea. The cooperation aims at strengthening food security and reducing poverty in East Asia. Other officials present during the activity include APTERR Secretariat Japanese Expert and MAFF-Japan Representative Akinori Ando, Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr., and NFA Acting Assistant Regional Manager Gerard Lim. The post DA, DSWD accept 300MT rice donation from Japan for Mayon evacuees appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan donates 300 metric tons of rice; DSWD ensures aid extended to Mayon evacuees
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Friday assured continuous relief assistance to families affected by the abnormal activities of Mayon Volcano, with the 300 metric tons of rice donated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan. During the ceremonial turnover of donations on Thursday, 18 August, at the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office, DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) Director Michael Cristopher Mathay said the rice donation would significantly help in the relief operations and ensure that aid is extended to Mayon evacuees. “Fully provided that’s what Secretary (Rex) Gatchalian wanted and that warehouses of DSWD should always be filled with relief goods plus non-food items so that all is well for the Mayon evacuees while staying at temporary shelters,” the DSWD director for disaster response said. The donation from Japan is equivalent to 10,000 bags, with each bag containing 30 kilograms of rice, that are intended to be distributed to the affected population by the DSWD, the National Food Authority (NFA), and affected local government units (LGUs) such as Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Tabaco City, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and Ligao City. Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke, ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Secretary General Manager Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, and Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries representative Akinori Ando handed over the bags of milled rice to DSWD and Albay officials. Mathay emphasized the holistic approach needed to address calamities, praising the spirit of collaboration enshrined in the APTERR agreement, and recognizing the necessity of international cooperation in facing such disaster threats. “The Philippine government, especially the DSWD, whose mandate is to provide immediate assistance to those affected by disasters, finds comfort in Japan's continuous life-saving interventions. This donation ensures that the necessary nutritious support will reach the most vulnerable during these uncertain times,” Dir. Mathay pointed out. The DSWD official said that the Department is in constant coordination with the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers to implement the distribution plan of rice per evacuation centers to ensure that everyone will receive the rice donated by the people of Japan. This is in accordance with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s commitment to the Bicolanos that all affected families with receive their needed assistance from the agency, Dir. Mathay noted. Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, which means there is still potential explosive activity within weeks or even days. The post Japan donates 300 metric tons of rice; DSWD ensures aid extended to Mayon evacuees 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......»»
Coffee venture expands wings
Homegrown coffee producer Allegro Beverage Corporation, or ABC, will soon bring its brands to Palawan and Legazpi City in Albay to provide more of its imported, industry-preferred espresso machines, brewers, coffee beans, syrups, sauces, and teas. On Monday, ABC unveiled its new Mandaluyong headquarters while announcing its collaboration with UCC Japan, which owns a 65 percent share of UCC Philippines. In 2018, ABC entered a strategic alliance with UCC Japan, the 5th largest coffee company in the world, which now owns majority ABC stake. ABC chief executive officer Yasmin Vasquez said synergy with UCC sets them apart from competitors. “ABC is the only coffee distributor in the Philippines that is backed by a global brand. It is looking into expansion in terms of the types of products we carry, so we are covering it right now with traditional and fully automatic espresso machines. We have premium brewed coffee from Italy, freshly roasted by UCC for us,” she said. Vasquez said they are now selling espresso machines to those who want to have freshly brewed coffee in the comfort of their home, apart from the machines supplied to hotels and coffee shops. “We will try to bring in more home-use equipment and other products that we think meet our goal of being a holistic coffee provider in the country,” she stated. Vasquez said their products are not only seen in restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels in Metro Manila but also in provinces, including Cebu, Davao and Pampanga, while their dealers have branched out in Iloilo, Bohol, Quezon, Laguna, Cavite and in Pangasinan. Synergy with UCC UCC is an integrated family-owned coffee business from plantations, roasting facilities, and product distribution to equipment maintenance services. “UCC Japan is involved in coffee equipment manufacturing in Japan, called Lucky Coffee Machine, as well as involved in coffee manufacturing, coffee shops, and education as it has its own Coffee Academy. On the other hand, UCC Philippines is into manufacturing and creating business-to-business programs and has another company that handles the coffee shops and another company that owns an academy. UCC Philippines is basically duplicating what UCC Japan has been doing,” UCC Philippines president and chief executive officer Hubert Young said. Young said UCC has been “very picky” with franchisees and does not just entertain those franchisees that have a lot of money to spend but do not have a passion for coffee. “Because at the end of the day, it’s the branding of the UCC that I am making sure maintained,” Young maintained. He said owning a franchise costs P16 million for a 150 square meters stand-alone coffee shop, with a break-even return of investments of five years maximum. The post Coffee venture expands wings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mental and physical well-being of children affected as Philippine volcano continues to rumble
As Mount Mayon continues to rumble, Save the Children Philippines is providing psychosocial interventions for students who are unable to attend school because of the volcanic eruptionOn June 11, 2023, Mount Mayon, an active volcano located near Legazpi City in Albay Province of the Philippines, started to erupt, emitting flowing lava. Mount Mayon is globally recognized for its remarkable symmetrical cone shape,.....»»
Prayer rally held for Albay government reinstatement
More than 20,000 supporters of disqualified Albay governor Noel Rosal held a prayer rally in Sawangan Park in Legazpi City on Monday to seek his reinstatement......»»
Increased activity by restive Mayon
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Saturday reported that the restive Mayon Volcano in Albay province continues to spew hot volcanic particles, and gases with ashfall affecting residents of Tabaco City. Phivolcs said the hot volcanic particles, ash, and gases—collectively called pyroclastic density currents, lasted some 4 minutes and traveled around 3 to 4 kilometers downslope. It was recorded by the Mayon Resthouse IP camera. A total of 17 dome-collapse PDCs were logged. According to Phivolcs, the series of PDCs began at 6:09 p.m. on Friday on the Basud Gully, the eastern flank of Mayon Volcano. The occurrence of PDCs led the Phivolcs to issue a notice of “increased activity” on the volcano’s summit crater. “For the past 24-hour observation period, very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano continued to feed lava flows on the Mi-isi and Bonga (southeastern) gullies as well as rockfall and PDCs on these and the Basud (eastern) Gullies,” Phivolcs said in an advisory. Very slow effusion of lava flows at lengths of 2.23 km and 1.3km along Mi-isi and Bonga Gullies, respectively, while the lava collapse on both gullies logged within 3.3km from the crater. Mayon Volcano exhibited 254 rockfall events with 65 weak volcanic earthquakes. It emitted an average of 1,002 metric tons of sulfur dioxide on 30 June. The volcano continues the voluminous degassing of steam-lade plumes at 2,000 meters before drifting to the east-northeast and general west direction, while the sulfur dioxide or SO2 emission has increased to 1,002 metric tons from an average of 595 tons daily on 30 June. As the 6-km-radius permanent danger zone remained off-limits, Phivolcs advised communities within a 7 to 8-kilometer radius of the volcano to “be prepared in case current PDC activity worsens.” The Mayon remains at Alert Level 3 category while the Taal and Kanlaon volcanoes are still under Alert Level 1. The post Increased activity by restive Mayon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Legazpi City gets materials recovery facility, smart waste management system
On 22-23 June 2023, Tachikawa Jumpei, first secretary and agriculture attaché of the Embassy of Japan, attended the launching of the centralized Materials Recovery Facility and Smart Waste Management System in Legazpi City, Albay province, under the Healthy Oceans and Clean Cities Initiative. The launch was attended by Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal, Environment Committee chair Councilor Renato Valladolid, UN-Habitat country manager Cristopher Rollo and other LGU officials and barangay members. These projects seek to reduce the many problems caused by marine litter which endangers the environment, marine ecosystems and public health. Managing marine litter is a global issue that also affects the Philippines. While the Philippines has among the highest trash collection rates in Southeast Asia, it remains the world’s third-largest source of marine litter. [gallery size="full" ids="150420,150421,150422" orderby="rand"] Japan has contributed $3 million to UN-Habitat Philippines to implement HOCCI, piloted in six cities: Cagayan de Oro, Calapan, Davao, Legazpi, Manila and Ormoc. HOCCI aims to reduce marine plastic litter by strengthening the institutional capacity to support the operationalization and localization of the Philippines’ National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction and Management of Marine Litter and the development of an improved data collection and waste management system. The post Legazpi City gets materials recovery facility, smart waste management system appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go bares 629 funded SHCs, cautions tapping nursing grads
Congress has set funding for the construction of more than 600 Super Health Centers nationwide in 2022 and this year, according to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. The chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography also expressed support for tapping nursing graduates to bolster the country’s dwindling number of hospital workers but advised the Department of Health to proceed with caution to avoid compromising the quality of healthcare service. “With the help of lawmakers, 307 Super Health Centers are funded for year 2022 and another 322 for 2023 in the entire Philippines,” Go said in a video message during his team’s relief distribution mission in Obando, Bulacan on Friday, 23 June. In the province, the cities of San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan and Baliuag; and the towns of Balagtas, Bulakan, San Miguel, Guiguinto and Pandi will have such facilities catering to residents of remote communities under the 2022 national budget, he said. The 2023 budget covers the building of SHCs in Baliuag City and in the towns of Angat, Marilao, Paombong, Plaridel, San Ildefonso and San Rafael, Go added. On 21 June, Go visited San Rafael for the groundbreaking of the town’s SHC and led a relief operation for indigents there. On top of traditional services, SHCs will provide diagnostics; pharmacy, ambulatory surgery; eye, ear, nose, and throat; oncology; physical therapy and rehabilitation and telemedicine services. Go also encouraged Bulakeños to go to Malasakit Centers for their health concerns as there is one such counter at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City, Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria, and Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte in San Jose del Monte City. The Malasakit Centers, a brainchild of Go, helps patient get help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office in paying for their medical bills. ‘Uphold professional standards’ Meanwhile, Go urged the DoH to thoroughly study the proposed hiring of unlicensed nurse as there are existing laws and regulations meant to uphold professional standards and protect lives. “They (nursing graduates) must pass the standard,” Go reiterated in an ambush interview after personally aiding victims of the Mount Mayon unrest in Tabaco City, Albay on Thursday, 22 June. “We cannot compromise the standard here because we have to prioritize the life and health of every Filipino.” Earlier, DoH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa proposed that nursing graduates who scored 70 to 74 percent in licensure test be employed as supplementary workforce in the healthcare system but assigned with restricted responsibilities. ‘Nursing graduates who did not pass the board exam cannot be granted temporary or special licenses.’ Herbosa mentioned that Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma is open to the proposal and intends to hold discussions with the Professional Regulation Commission regarding the issuance of temporary licenses for such graduates. The PRC has clarified that nursing graduates who did not pass the board exam cannot be granted temporary or special licenses to work in public hospitals in the absence of a law allowing such. He pointed out that Republic Act 9173 solely provides special or temporary permits for licensed foreign nurses. However, PRC Commissioner Jose Cueto Jr. said that in exceptional circumstances like epidemics or national emergencies, the health secretary may provide limited authorization to medical graduates. Go said he remains open to amending existing laws to strengthen the health workforce while still being compliant with standards. However, the senator emphasized that the goal must be to continue improving medical education in the country to produce enough number of qualified healthcare professionals. Go has filed the Advanced Nursing Education bill that offers leadership roles, specialization and recognition to professional nurses. The measure also integrates community immersion in the nursing curriculum to encourage community service and introduce masteral and doctoral degrees in nursing. The post Go bares 629 funded SHCs, cautions tapping nursing grads appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»