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Real life lessons
SM Foundation scholars listen to life advice from SM Supermalls President Steven Tan at the SM Scholars General Assembly at Park Inn Bacolod. Tan shared that one’s JB description is elastic, and that the more responsibilities you take on, the more you learn and be rewarded. Tan also shared that traveling is the best investment, even if you go to local towns, provinces, and nearby countries on a budget airline with a backpack. See more photos here: The post Real life lessons appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SRI Forum highlights ways for sustainable farming
A one-day forum on the System of Rice Intensification attended by several foreign SRI practitioners highlighted the importance of weaning farmers away from the destructive traditional planting, including the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, weedicides, and herbicides that harm not just the farmer but also the environment. Held at the Apacible Hall of the Department of Agriculture, the SRI Global Forum– the first one, held in the country– saw the participation of Nigeria, Iraq, India, Australia, and other ASEAN member countries with speakers explaining their difficult climb to scaling the SRI program in their respective countries. Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio S. Sebastian for Rice Industry Development narrated that the SRI program in the Philippines often referred to as unidentified field observation several decades ago continues to be struggling because farmers stuck to conventional ways of planting with the use of chemical fertilizers. He said Congress has just granted the SRI program a budget of P250 million for 2024. The keynote was delivered by Prof. Norman Uphoff of Cornell University and lead convenor of SRI International. Dr. Khidir Hameed of Iraq, a country with a severe lack of water for farming explained how SRI worked in their fields despite less water. He said, that with El Nino, SRI becomes more urgent to ensure the country’s rice production even at a much-reduced water level would not suffer so it won’t import all of its rice requirements. SRI is now being scaled in most of the 50 countries that adopted it as a way of addressing rising production inputs costs, and water insufficiency (because of past and coming El Nino) and to help stop soil degradation from years of chemical fertilizer application. Since agriculture contributes to climate change, it is also the sector most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Part of the critical adaptation to climate change is the capacitation of farmers on resiliency strategies. Through the Climate-resiliency Field School, farmers’ education and technology sharing and experiential practice of technologies are propagated, particularly in water-deficient and rainfed areas. CrFS is flexible and experimental and promotes learning across sustainability principles, economically rewarding, low-carbon agriculture, and climate-informed farming practices. The learning farm included a study on adapting local varieties through participatory varietal selection, a comparison of organic farming and farmers’ practices in the area, and the SRI farming methods. The SRI way calls for direct seeding and, depending on the farmers’ beliefs, organic farming or when feasible, a mix of application of organic and chemical fertilizers. However, the SRI practitioners present at the forum were staunch advocates of purely organic farming. Observations raised by the forum delegates were: The utilization of SRI is expanding in various Asian and other countries but it is still a work in progress. SRI provides an opportunity for farmers to learn continuously about a more efficient and effective system of rice production. Successful utilization of SRI for other crops has been documented in several countries as shared by several country representatives. There should be more promotion of SRI through the provision of government and institutional support as well as regional cooperation (for example sharing of best practices) to expand its application. The evaluation and updating of SRI principles is a continuous process. There are a variety of adaptations of SRI. It should be noted that what is important is the use of the SRI principle rather than the technology itself. The ultimate goal is the attainment of a productive, sustainable, and environment-friendly production practice that recognizes the importance of proper ecological management. The forum, according to Sebastian is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s marching order for the Department of Agriculture to enhance the production of rice for the country's food security and rice sufficiency. The post SRI Forum highlights ways for sustainable farming appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Economy humming under PBBM — AMRO
Despite the challenges of spiraling prices resulting to a 5.3 percent inflation in August from the 4.7 percent recorded in the previous month, economic experts maintained that the economy is on strong footing under the charge of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Growth was supported by resilient domestic demand with a strong recovery in the labor market despite weaker external demand, according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office, or AMRO. AMRO held its Annual Consultation Visit to the Philippines from 29 August to 8 September. According to the report, the economy maintained its robust momentum in the first half following a multi-decade high growth rate of 7.6 percent in 2022. It added that notwithstanding a widening current account deficit, the external position remains sound with sufficient international reserve buffer and low external debt. Despite some moderation in 2023, inflation remained high, at a level above the 2 percent to 4 percent target, driven by buoyant demand, the report indicated. Favorable outlook “Economic growth is projected to moderate to 5.9 percent in 2023 due to high base effects and weaker external demand, before edging up to 6.5 percent in 2024 as external demand recovers,” AMRO group head and principal economist Runchana Pongsaparn said. “Meanwhile, domestic demand is expected to remain robust supported by continued improvement in labor market conditions, lower inflation, robust overseas remittances, and higher government infrastructure spending.” Headline inflation is projected to moderate to 5.5 percent in 2023 from 5.8 percent in 2022, and slow further to 3.8 percent in 2024. Despite some moderation, inflationary pressure will likely remain elevated as reflected in the high level of core inflation, due to a positive output gap and the second-round effects induced by increases in the minimum wages and expectations of persistently high inflation. Favorable indicators Other positive factors cited in the report include: On the external front, a widening current account deficit was partly offset by net capital inflows; External debt remained low and international reserve buffer was adequate; The banking sector has improved profitability, ample liquidity, and sufficient capital buffer; and Fiscal position continues to improve in 2023, attributed to robust revenue collection and moderate spending. Scar effects linger AMRO, however, warned that the outlook is clouded by risk factors and challenges. In the short term, the economy could be adversely affected by high inflation, especially due to local supply shocks in the food sector, the report added. An economic slowdown in major trading partners and volatility in the global financial market, along with tighter financial conditions, also pose risks. The long-term growth potential is largely affected by the scarring effects of the pandemic, the pace of infrastructure development, geopolitical risks, and the economic losses from natural disasters, which are being exacerbated by climate change. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, or BSP, tightened monetary policy aggressively to address rising inflation. Policy interest rate was raised by a cumulative 425 basis points, or bps, between May 2022 and March 2023. The 2024 budget aims to continue to reduce the budget shortfall, guided by the medium-term fiscal framework. Complementary tacks Tightened monetary policy and contractionary fiscal stance is an appropriate policy mix amid a positive output gap and persistent inflationary pressure. The “all-of-government approach” against inflation is welcomed as it addresses the supply side problems. Macroprudential tools can be used actively to address potential financial stability issues. The report added in the medium to long term, budget policy should balance between restoring fiscal buffer and supporting sustainable growth and development. Based on the report, fiscal consolidation is supported by strong commitment and well-defined targets and measures, anchored by fiscal rules and discipline. On the financial system side, close coordination between regulators is crucial in identifying, monitoring and mitigating financial stability risks. Meanwhile, the authorities should continue to improve the liquidity management framework, develop the bond and repo markets, and continue to expand financial inclusion, to enhance the system’s resilience to shocks and promote market activities. To do list The report said a comprehensive strategy is warranted to bolster the medium- to long-term economic growth potential. Overcoming the scarring effects of the pandemic mandates a sustained focus on upgrading and upskilling the workforce to embrace a more technology-driven economy, it added. Implementation of policies and measures to attract investments, particularly foreign investments, and promote exports of both goods and services are the underpinnings of long-term economic development, the report added. Furthermore, the government can enhance the country’s competitiveness through infrastructure investment, digitalization, and developing a green economy. The post Economy humming under PBBM — AMRO appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM, hoarders in test of wills over price cap
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left yesterday for Indonesia, but not before taking a potshot at smugglers and hoarders over the spiraling price of rice that necessitated his issuance of a price cap on the staple grain. Marcos in his departure speech said that even as he attends the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, controlling the rice price surge will be top of mind. Early in his presidency, Marcos said he would work to bring down the price of rice to P20 a kilo, half of the P41 to P45 per kilo price ceiling he imposed via Executive Order 39, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, last Thursday. The President was adamant that there is no valid reason rice should be selling for upwards of P50 per kilo, considering that data from the Department of Agriculture showed that with the coming rice harvest and imports, there’ll be enough rice buffer stocks to last the year. “Based on our studies, the only reason for this is that there are smugglers and hoarders,” he said in Filipino. The price cap — P41 per kilo for regular-milled rice and P45/kilo for the well-milled variety — will be implemented starting today, 5 September. Rice retailers across the nation were one in saying that they could not possibly sell at below their purchase price despite the government’s threat to penalize violators of EO 39. Monitoring teams from the DA and the trade, local government and justice departments, along with those from local government units, will go around wet markets and supermarkets to ensure compliance with the price cap. Temporary measure Earlier, Marcos tried to assure traders and the public that the price ceiling would be temporary while waiting for local farmers to harvest their palay. “I need to explain that this is only temporary. It won’t last long. We are harvesting rice, we are harvesting rice here in the Philippines, [until] the season is over,” he stressed. “And so when the time comes, we’ll also have imported rice. It will come in at the same time [as the local harvest]. We will take it to the market, we will let rice retailers cap their own prices,” he added. The President said he will work with ASEAN leaders during the summit to address the various challenges facing the region, including the territorial irritants in the South China Sea (see related story). As the “epicenter of growth” in Asia, ASEAN-member countries can play a big role in ensuring food security, calling for climate justice, protecting migrant workers, and fully tapping the potential of digital economies. “We will foster cooperation with these countries in areas such as trade and investment, climate action, food security, clean energy, and maritime cooperation,” Marcos said, before boarding his plane with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Marcos said he will also take part in the ASEAN Plus 3 and East Asia summits where he will discuss developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Welcomed “ASEAN has always been closely intertwined with Philippine foreign policy,” the President said. “My administration will continue to ensure that our constructive engagements with ASEAN, our dialogue partners, and stakeholders will serve our national interest and the wellbeing of the Filipino people.” The ASEAN Summit is the second to be held in Indonesia this year after the one held in Labuan Bajo last May. House lawmakers welcomed the rice price ceiling set to be enforced today but expressed reservations, including making it more “flexible” based on prevailing regional market conditions. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said, “The situation will vary per region, so a national rice price ceiling should be made more responsive to local supply-demand dynamics.” Salceda emphasized that increasing domestic supply and diversifying importation sources like Pakistan and the United States should be the long-term solution. “We’ve seen this crisis before. We know how to deal with it. It mostly involves signaling to our world partners that we will not over-import so that they don’t anticipate and drive prices up,” Salceda said. Independent opposition lawmaker Edcel Lagman said that Marcos should have imposed the rice price cap when the commodity was being sold at P50 to P60 per kilo. Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday declared that P2 billion sourced from this year’s budget will be earmarked to aid rice retailers who may be affected by the price cap. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_eao The post BBM, hoarders in test of wills over price cap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
RFO Home to Go promo offers easy home ownership
The RFO (Ready-For-Occupancy) Home to Go promotion, launched by Amaia, simplifies home-buying. One benefit of investing in an RFO unit is that prospective buyers can examine the home’s aesthetic first-hand since the unit is already entirely constructed. Also, customers can see the existing community vibe before purchasing. Most RFO homes already have amenities like swimming pools and basketball courts, which residents may readily enjoy. Since the unit is entirely built, buyers can immediately move in, while investors can rent out the unit sooner and get a faster return on their investment. Recognizing the importance of affordability to aspiring property owners and given that each person’s financial requirements and resources are unique, Amaia has partnered with reputable banks such as BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) and CTBC (Chinatrust Commercial Bank) to provide several convenient payment options. Since clients may select the plan that best conforms to their budget, they can begin their homeownership journey without financial stress. Amaia’s RFO units are located amidst both the hustle and bustle of the city and the serenity of the suburbs. Project locations include condos in Alabang, Sucat, Cubao, Shaw, Altaraza (San Jose del Monte), Pasig, Mandaue (Cebu), Capitol Central (Bacolod); townhouses in Novaliches, Vermosa (Imus) and Nuvali (Calamba); and house and lot units in General Trias, Cabuyao, San Pablo, Lucena, San Fernando, Cabanatuan, Capas, Urdaneta and North Point (Bacolod). Amaia’s RFO Home To Go is the ideal solution for people looking for a simple and quick path to homeownership. It offers immediate occupancy, significant discounts, affordable payment plans and many projects. The post RFO Home to Go promo offers easy home ownership appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Proposed P5.768T 2024 budget 9.8% higher than 2023
The Philippines would be "one step closer" to realizing the government's "transformative vision" for the country once Congress accepts the proposed National Budget for 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. The Chief Executive made the remarks in his Budget Message on Wednesday as the Department of Budget and Management turned over the Marcos administration’s proposed 2024 budget or National Expenditure Program worth P5.768 trillion to Congress. In his message, Marcos explained that the proposed budget aims to provide the resources required for government operations and the ongoing pursuit of economic reform. Initial information from the DBM showed that the proposed budget is 9.8 percent higher than the P5.268 trillion General Appropriations Act or the enacted budget for 2023. "With the Congress's approval of the proposed (Fiscal Year) 2024 National Budget, we will be one step closer to achieving our transformative vision for the country, the Agenda of Prosperity," Marcos said. "Our journey has just begun. We will march on — one nation, one people building a better future together," he added. The President said that the proposed budget for 2024 was a key part of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which aims to strengthen the country's capabilities, protect the buying power of Filipinos, and improve output sectors to create more good jobs and products that can compete globally. "In turn, these strategies are to be supported by an enabling environment characterized by macroeconomic stability, infrastructure development, bureaucratic efficiency, strong rule of law and effective climate action," Marcos said. The President also highlighted the "strong headwinds" the country had to deal with last year as it tried to get its economy back on track. He pointed out that his economic managers made the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, which is now the "bedrock" of the plan to change the economy, to deal with these problems. The Chief Executive said that the Philippines' gross domestic product grew by 7.6 percent for the whole year of 2022, the biggest since 1976. Marcos said that the country's growth "set the stage" for continued growth in 2023, mentioning that the country's economy expanded by 6.4 percent for the first quarter of 2023, surpassing its Asian peers such as Indonesia, China and Vietnam. The World Bank, he also said, declared that the country could reach above-middle-income status within two years. "Likewise expressing confidence in our country's economic growth, the International Monetary Fund said that it was 'highest among the ASEAN-5', noting its resilience to global pressures," the Filipino leader added. Marcos Jr. likewise cited the country's good credit quality standing, improved revenue performance and high employment rate. "Our immediate economic recovery was the result of the collective effort of the Filipinos. Unity was what made it happen," Marcos said. "For the next five years, we must do more, building on all the gains that we have made – through the same whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. We need this not only to be effective but to be transformative," he concluded. The post Proposed P5.768T 2024 budget 9.8% higher than 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Invest blitz spurs Canadian interest
Major Canadian fund managers have expressed interest in investing in the country’s infrastructure, investments in sustainability and energy transition and sovereign debt issues. The Department of Finance, or DoF, said select funds, including development finance institution FinDev Canada; pension funds Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, OPTrust, Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, and Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan are exploring opportunities in the country. Investment management companies Black Creek and Vanguard also expressed keen interest in the Philippines’ public-private partnership. Canada roadshow Economic managers successfully brought their US-Canada non-deal roadshow to a close on 14 July. Composed of a series of roundtable meetings in New York and Toronto, the non-deal roadshow served as an opportunity for investors to learn more about the Philippines’ growth outlook, economic and fiscal policy environment, investment opportunities, and growth engines in the medium and long term. “The Philippines has a very interesting story to tell. The meetings we had in New York and Toronto gave us the opportunity to share with current and potential investors the country’s robust growth outlook and the engines that will drive this growth, such as the recently reopened mining industry, the rebound of tourism, and the ambitious ‘Build, Better, More’ program,” Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said. Powerhouse cast Diokno, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Treasurer of the Philippines Rosalia de Leon led in-depth discussions on the country’s priority high-growth sectors. Presented before the forum were the reopening of the mining industry, tourism, manufacturing, the growth of business process outsourcing, renewable energy and green investments, environmental, social and governance issuances, overall growth outlook, and the Maharlika Investment Fund. The economic team met with a mix of fixed-income and infrastructure funds, institutional investors, development finance institutions, mining companies and asset management companies. Closing the roadshow activities, Diokno and Pangandaman led the market close ceremony at the Toronto Stock Exchange, the largest exchange in Canada, on 14 July. During a meeting before the market close, TSX head of government affairs David Clarke presented opportunities to deepen capital in mining, a major industry in Canada, in the Philippines and talked about the huge presence of TSX-listed companies with mining activities in Asia and the Philippines. The non-deal roadshow was organized and supported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-Investor Relations Group, DoF, BofA Securities, Canada-ASEAN Business Council, Global Affairs Canada, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Philippine Embassy in Canada, Standard Chartered Bank, Sun Life, Manulife and UBS. The post Invest blitz spurs Canadian interest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hostage
That recent report on how a budget airline earned spectacular revenues from rebookings, cancellation fees, and refunds was insane! Seriously, how could an airline get away with that? How can the owners live down this unconscionable business practice? I myself was a victim of this opportunistic policy by the very same airline — and the revelations and mountain of complaints in the recent Senate hearing all validated this usurious practice. In my case, I tried to rebook a confirmed flight to Dubai days before the scheduled flight because something important came up. The Dubai trip was more for leisure so it could be rescheduled to a later date. So I tried to rebook to around the fourth quarter of the year and even thought of canceling or changing the itinerary to another destination. Alas, my only choice with this airline was to rebook to a later date, but not for the other two options I had in mind. Their app wouldn’t allow it. But when I processed the rebooking via their app, lo and behold, the airline was charging me a “change fee” equivalent to the base fare of the one-way trip to Dubai! Now why should I be penalized when my rebooking would not disrupt their operations since it was being done with enough time to spare? I paid the regular fare, not a promo one, and in rebooking I chose the flight schedule with the same base fare as the original one. Now let’s stipulate that there is a rebooking fee that is charged per industry practice. But the question is, why that exorbitant amount when it was like I was buying a new ticket? I would understand if the change fee was minimal but to charge me double? That is highway robbery! Going back to the question of how this airline can get away with murder — well, this is what happens when oligarchy rules, when we really do not have a choice as consumers. This is the byproduct of a flawed Constitution, which is so damn restrictive about business ownership and investment policies that we the consumer are held hostage, most especially in the basics, such as electricity, water, telephone, Internet, and, yes, transportation. We are held hostage to unfair and onerous concessions in the management of the aforementioned utilities, and it is no wonder that because of such anomalies, we are lagging so far behind our ASEAN neighbors. In a matter of time, Vietnam and Cambodia will completely overtake us in terms of real economic growth and infrastructure development, and if nothing game-changing is done in our socio-economic sphere that would spur real growth and opportunities, then we might as well prepare to fight it out with Timor-Leste for the investment pittance or afterthought. It’s really frustrating, especially when we already managed to climb out of the sinkhole, only to have this deja vu feeling of being dragged down by incompetence and apathy. Insofar as the abusive business practice of the budget airline in question, I do hope something definitive is done for its management to make amends and for consumers to be really protected. What this budget airline is doing is bordering on criminals and, seriously, it should not be allowed to get away with it. Otherwise, we will continue to be hostaged to greed. Mark my word. The post Hostage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl urges: Intensify fight vs climate change
The Philippines recently urged the global community to enforce immediate and concrete actions amid the worsening impacts of climate change. Speaking at the 58th Session of the Subsidiary Bodie of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Climate Change Commission vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje stressed the need to translate the decisions of the 27th Session of Conference of the Parties or COP27 into tangible outcomes which is responsive to the needs of vulnerable developing nations. “As we build on the progress Parties made in Sharm El-Sheikh, we believe in the real possibility that we will be able to transform COP27 decisions into actions with outputs and outcomes that are concrete, relevant, appropriate, responsive to the vulnerable, developing nations’ needs and priorities, and based on best available science and evidence,” Borje said. Borje also raised the alarming effects of climate change in the Philippines and its nearby countries in the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations over the past decade. He lamented that the Philippines suffered loss and damage amounting to US$12 billion — equivalent to a doubled national budget for crucial health services. Within the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand emerged as four of the 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change and disasters — making almost 50 percent of the ASEAN population exposed to hazardous impacts of calamities. Moreover, the ASEAN region endured economic and human losses of US$97.3 billion, nearly matching the global commitment of US$100 billion by Annex I or industrialized countries for the same period, 2009 to 2020, to support vulnerable developing nations. The Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20 Group of Finance Ministers reported a staggering $525 billion worth of loss and damage to 58 vulnerable ASEAN members over the past two decades. “These numbers manifest in no uncertain terms, that in the face of worsening climate change, it is our lives, our livelihood, and our collective future at stake,” Borje said, adding that climate change would really affect people’s livelihood and future living conditions. Borje also shared how the Philippine government prioritized climate change as a critical national concern as the country wants to become climate resilient and put a premium on its accelerated climate action under the country’s development agenda. The Philippines allocated US$8.2 billion or 9 percent of its total national budget for climate change adaptation and mitigation programs this year. Borje underscored the importance of inclusive participation among stakeholders in developing holistic and multidimensional climate solutions. “There’s a need to translate dialogues into actions with concrete, relevant, and appropriate outputs and outcomes as the world is raising time to mitigate the impacts of climate change with only seven critical years remaining until 2030,” Borje said. “It is time to act on our commitments and deliver what we said we will do — with the highest speed and on the largest scale possible,” he added. “This is no longer the time to explore. Now is the time to ensure that we implement and deploy the most appropriate measures so that we no longer need to grieve, but survive and thrive with higher levels of adaptive capacities and climate resilience.” Borje rallied the global community to work harder and “save lives, protect livelihoods, and secure a safe, resilient, and sustainable future for all.” The Philippines was earlier tasked to co-facilitate the pre-COP27 meeting with Poland, tackling climate finance on 13 October in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Following this event, Borje attended the SB58 in Bonn, Germany from 5 to 15 June 2023, for representing the Philippines in discussions on critical issues related to climate change—which will provide a crucial platform for dialogue and negotiation leading up to COP28 in Dubai, UAE this coming November. The post Phl urges: Intensify fight vs climate change appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go attends groundbreaking of SHC in Silay, Negros Occidental
Sen. Bong Go visited Silay City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, 7 June, where he, together with Mayor Joedith Gallego and Vice Mayor Thomas Maynard Ledesma, among others, attended the groundbreaking of the city’s Super Health Center, coinciding with Silay’s Charter day festivities. Expressing his support for the Department of Health’s initiative, Senator Go emphasized in his speech the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for all Filipinos. “Ang Super Health Center po ay medium type of the polyclinic, mas malaki lang po s’ya sa rural health unit, mas maliit sa ospital. Sinimulan po itong itayo noong year 2022 sa tulong ng mga kasamahan ko sa Kongreso at ng Department of Health, sila po ang mag-i-implement nito at itu-turn over na po ito sa LGUs. At pwede po itong i-expand ng LGUs. Halimbawa, gusto nilang dagdagan pa ng infrastructure o kagamitan, pwede nilang lagyan ng dialysis machine,” Go explained. “Itong Super Health Center po, ang serbisyo diyan ay birthing o panganganak, dental, laboratory, ultrasound, at pagpapabakuna hindi lang kontra COVID-19, pati po sa tigdas. At mas mapapaigting pa natin ang ating pagpapabakuna kontra measles at tigdas dahil napakababa po ng ating vaccination rate po sa measles. At ilalagay po ito sa mga strategic areas sa buong Pilipinas,” he continued. Super Health Centers shall offer basic medical services under one roof, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. In the province of Negros Occidental, DOH has identified several areas to construct Super Health Centers, including the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, Himamaylan, San Carlos, and Talisay, and in the town of Cauayan, under the 2022 budget. This year, more such centers were funded for the cities of Escalante, Sagay, Silay, Sipalay, and Victorias; and in the towns of Binalbagan, Calatrava, Cauayan, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, San Enrique, Toboso, and Valladolid. Additional Super Health Centers will also be established in the cities of Cadiz, Talisay, and San Carlos. The post Bong Go attends groundbreaking of SHC in Silay, Negros Occidental 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......»»
`Compete with all your heart,’ Go tells SEA Games-bound athletes
On Monday, 24 April, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his full support for Filipino athletes competing in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia as he attended their send-off ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. The event was led by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who encouraged the Filipino athletes to go for the gold and bring back the Philippines' number one spot in the Games. In an interview during the event, Go, as chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and a sports enthusiast himself, said he understands the value of sports in the lives of young Filipinos. "Nandirito po ako to support. Being a sports enthusiast, noon pa talagang mahilig na po ako sa sports," said Go. "And that’s one way of encouraging the youth to get into sports and stay away from drugs. Isa po ito sa pamamaraan na ilayo po natin ang ating mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Get into sports, stay away from drugs, and keep them healthy and fit," he added. To help in this cause, Go shared that he sponsored and defended additional funding for the Philippine Sports Commission during its 2023 budget deliberation, particularly for grassroots sports development and in support of athletes joining international competitions. "Gaya noon, full support po ako sa ating mga atleta. Not only sa SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympics, full support po ako," he said. Go continued, "In fact, during the budget deliberation, ang budget po ng PSC less than P200 million. Ako po ‘yung nag-defend at nag-suggest ng dagdag sa pondo nila." "Nagdagdag po tayo ng P1 billion sa budget ng PSC including budget na po para sa Southeast Asian Games, sa iba pang mga grassroots program, not only sa international competition, pati sa local," he added. Particularly, the increase in the PSC's 2023 budget reflected in the General Appropriations Act is intended to support Filipino athletes in the 2022 Asian Games, 2023 Southeast Asian Games, and 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Furthermore, athletes competing in the ASEAN Para Games, Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games, World Combat Games, World Beach Games, Asian Beach Games, and World Beach Games will receive similar support. Portions of the funds were allotted for the country's hosting of the FIBA World Cup in 2023 as well as for several sports programs, such as Batang Pinoy, the Philippine National Games, and the grassroots program under the Sports Development Council. There are also funds allocated for the development of sports infrastructure across the country, as well as for advanced research and development in sports sciences and sports technology. When asked about his message to the athletes, Go echoed Marcos' words of encouragement, "Sinabi na rin po ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos kanina, 'Go, go, go for the gold.' Ibig sabihin sana magtsa-champion po tayo. Ibalik natin ‘yung pagiging No.1 natin." Go reminded the athletes that the important thing is to fight and compete with all their hearts, as Filipinos are known for their passion and perseverance. Around 860 Filipino athletes, 76 reserved players, and 347 sports officials, medical personnel, and support staff will travel to Cambodia to compete in 608 events across 38 sports categories from 5-17 May. With the impressive performance of Filipino athletes in the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, where they brought home 227 medals, including 52 gold, 70 silver, and 105 bronze, the Philippines is poised to once again make a strong showing in the upcoming games. In the 2019 SEA Games, the Philippines hosted the event and emerged as the overall champion with 149 gold medals, 117 silver medals, and 121 bronze medals. The National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, or Republic Act No. 10699, entitles SEA Games gold medalists to a P300,000 incentive, silver medalists to P150,000, and bronze medalists to P60,000. During the Duterte administration, Go advocated for additional benefits to medalists. An advocate for grassroots sports development, Go earlier authored and co-sponsored RA 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports in 2020 as part of his vision to ensure promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting quality education. The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. The senator also filed Senate Bill No. 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development The post `Compete with all your heart,’ Go tells SEA Games-bound athletes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CEB bolsters routes via Clark reboot
Pioneer budget airline Cebu Pacific or CEB restarted last 21 April 2023 its Clark hub by relaunching flights and increasing frequencies from Clark International Airport to strengthen connectivity for its passengers from north and central Luzon. CEB recently flew its inaugural flights from Clark to Bacolod, Boracay, Davao and Bangkok. The airline previously announced that it would operate a combined 15 destinations from its Clark hub. The relaunch allows Cebu Pacific to add 10,000 seats per month and lower fares for both domestic and international flights by 30 percent compared to the pre-pandemic average. It will also boost the airline’s network from its Clark hub and reestablish the alternate gateway’s significance for local and international travelers. 3 birds for Clark To support the expansion, CEB is set to take delivery of three additional aircraft which will be based in Clark. These are on top of the 10 new Airbus NEO aircraft that will be delivered in 2023 to expand the airline’s fleet. “The launch of our Clark flights was a fulfillment of Cebu Pacific’s mission to help make air travel more accessible and affordable for travelers in north and central Luzon. This expansion will give the traveling public more opportunities to explore the Philippines and the rest of the world,” Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer said. Noel Manankil, president and chief Executive Officer of Luzon International Premier Airport Development, the private consortium that manages Clark International Airport, reiterated its support to CEB’s initiatives to grow its network and capacity from the station. “Clark International Airport and Cebu Pacific are working closely with each other to ensure a seamless experience for travelers. Our brand-new terminal is ready to welcome Cebu Pacific passengers traveling to and from the best domestic and international destinations and serve as the window to the Philippines for visitors coming from different parts of the world,” Manankil added. The Department of Tourism lauded CEB’s efforts in helping spur travel to Clark and the rest of the Philippines. The post CEB bolsters routes via Clark reboot appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PH most fiscally transparent country in ASEAN, says DBM chief
The Philippines ranked as the most fiscally transparent country in Southeast Asia based on the 2019 Open Budget Survey released by the International Budget Partnership, according to Department of Budget and Management Secretary Wendel Avisado......»»
Go inspects Bacolod Super Health Center
Sen. Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate committee on health and demography, inspected a Super Health Center in Bacolod City on Sunday......»»
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......»»
JG Summit FY23 profit: P19.6-B (up 216%)
JG Summit, the Gokongwei Family’s diversified conglomerate, teased its FY23 financial results headlined by a 216% increase in the company’s net income to P19.6 billion......»»
P1.1 billion released to restore heritage school buildings
The Department of Budget and Management has released P1.1 billion to conserve and restore heritage school buildings in the country......»»
JG Summit core profit soars in 2023
Core earnings of conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc. soared in 2023 following a significant turnaround in its airline business, with Cebu Pacific returning to full-year profit for the first time since the pandemic......»»