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AIADMK releases first list of 16 candidates for Lok Sabha polls
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 20 (ANI): AIADMK on Wednesday released its first list of 16 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The list was released by the party general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami. While releasing the list, he said that five constituencies have been allocated to the DMDK; and one each to Puthiya Tamilagam and SDPI. "In the AIADMK alliance, DMDMK is to contest in 5 seats, SDPI.....»»
Meralco shines with int’l awards
The Manila Electric Company, or Meralco, the country’s largest distribution utility has emerged as a beacon of excellence on the global stage as it bagged multiple accolades at the recently concluded 2023 International Business Awards. At the prestigious awards ceremony held in Rome, Italy, on 13 October, Meralco was feted with a total of eight Stevies — four Gold and four Bronze awards, for its transformative programs centered on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Embedding sustainability Recognizing the company’s dedication to embedding sustainability at the core of its strategy and operations, Meralco was the sole recipient of the Gold Stevie under the “Sustainability Leadership Award in Asia, Australia and New Zealand” category. Also taking home Gold Stevies were Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo and Meralco vice president and chief corporate social responsibility officer Jeffrey O. Tarayao, who were named “Sustainability Hero of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand” and “Thought Leader of the Year,” respectively. Ravelo was cited for his leadership of Meralco’s sustainability agenda. Tarayao, who is also president of One Meralco Foundation, was recognized for combining thought leadership with practical solutions. Compelling video Another Gold Stevie was awarded to “Meralco’s Spectrum on Solar Rooftop Installations: The Gift that Keeps on Giving,” a three-minute compelling video on sustainability and the environment underscoring the myriad benefits of investing in solar power. OMF’s community development endeavors also basked in the international spotlight after it earned for the company three Bronze Stevies for its corporate social responsibility initiatives. These were the community energization project “Electrification for Development: Improving the Lives of LastMile Filipinos” that highlighted the transformative power of electricity in unserved and underserved communities across the archipelago; the “One for Trees: Empowering People and Communities to Nurture Our Forest, a practical approach to addressing climate change; and the “Powering-Up Communities During the Pandemic” proactive communications campaign that braved the challenges of community electrification during the global crisis. Completing Meralco’s haul this year was the Bronze Stevie for #Mbrace, the company’s diversity and inclusion program advancing gender balance and inclusivity within the workplace. Also known as “the International Stevies,” the prestigious International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards honoring achievements and positive contributions of companies and working professionals worldwide. Since its launch in 2002, the Stevie has become one of the most coveted prizes globally. The post Meralco shines with int’l awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Frasco sees 34 million tourism workers by 2028
The tourism industry is seen to become lucrative for Filipinos, with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco projecting that workers in the industry would balloon to 34 million. This was aired by Frasco at the 10th edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum or GETF in Macao Special Administrative Region on Friday. “The Philippines envisions itself becoming the tourism powerhouse in Asia. A few years down the road, by 2028, we foresee that tourism would have been able to employ a total of over 34 million Filipinos in the country,” said the DoT chief, pertaining to data on tourism employment from 2023 to 2028 from the Department of Labor and Employment-National Labor and Employment Plan of 2028. Whole-of-nation approach She also noted the importance of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach toward tourism development by also capitalizing on other aspects of tourism equally. “With our President’s whole-of-nation approach towards tourism development, with an eye for sustainability, we envision that this will allow the Philippines to occupy a primary position in Asia, especially considering that what we wish to do is not only to further develop our nature and beach destinations — we are, after all, currently the world’s leading beach and dive destination — but also to approach a multidimensional tourism component to our development,” she said. “That means capitalizing well on the story of the Philippines, our heritage, our culture, and the work of our indigenous peoples and, overall, it is this comprehensive approach towards tourism development that we foresee would allow our country to have a sustainable tourism development in time to come,” stressed Frasco. Sustainability efforts Also during the forum, Frasco shared the Philippine government’s sustainability efforts for tourism and, at the same time, her bold prospects for the industry. “The Philippines is home to one of the longest coastlines in the world, as well as 70 to 80 percent of the Earth’s biodiversity. We are one of the most mega-biodiverse countries in the world and home to 10 percent of the world’s marine protected area,” she said. “Sustainability and tourism have been an absolute necessity and the driving force of development for our country. As early as 2009 with the passage of the law that created the Tourism Act, sustainable tourism was identified by our government as being integral to our socio-economic development, and therefore, that has been the guiding force towards the programs and plans for the development of our tourism industry,” the tourism chief added. Sustainability standpoint With the approved National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, she said that the approach for the country’s tourism blueprint was crafted from a sustainability standpoint incorporated under a seven-point agenda by which the DOT is currently operating at present. The post Frasco sees 34 million tourism workers by 2028 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sweden leads the way in a sustainable fashion revolution
A beacon of hope, Sweden is pioneering a future-friendly approach to the fashion industry. The “Fashion Forever” exhibition, ongoing at SM Aura from 8 to 14 September, sheds light on said country’s innovative strides in sustainable fashion design, production and distribution. Because of the combined efforts of designers, business people and academics who are dedicated to developing a circular fashion sector, the Swedish fashion scene has experienced a remarkable transition. “Fashion Forever” demonstrates Sweden’s commitment to sustainable development by showcasing the cutting edge of eco-friendly materials and clothing. The Swedish government’s steadfast commitment to sustainability is at the core of this transition. In line with the global Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Climate Agreement, Sweden wants to set the standard for sustainable fashion production and consumption around the globe. [caption id="attachment_182675" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Bags by Zarah Juan[/caption] A standout example from the exhibition is “Textile & Fashion 2030,” a government-supported initiative spearheaded by the University of Borås, in collaboration with the Swedish School of Textiles, SmartTextiles, Science Park Borås and the Research Institute of Sweden. This initiative focuses on researching sustainable fashion techniques in small-scale settings and how brands can scale these innovations globally. The circular economy, which prioritizes resource efficiency and looks for creative ways to maximize the value of products, residues, dead-stock and textile waste, is the central theme of “Fashion Forever.” The display showcases ground-breaking circularity initiatives undertaken by Siptex and Renewcell. A ground-breaking facility called Siptex sorts textiles by color and fiber content using near-infrared light, enabling extensive textile recycling. Circulose® is a dissolving pulp with a high cellulose content that is produced by the textile-to-textile recycling business Renewcell. After that, Circulose® is turned into high-quality textiles including modal, viscose and lyocell fabrics. The collaboration efforts among Swedish fashion stores, design institutes and scientific parks—all backed by the government—are highlighted by Swedish Ambassador Annika Thunborg. She claims that by making these efforts, the fashion industry is able to maintain its creative, thrilling, and financial viability while still being environmentally responsible and consumer-friendly. At the exhibition, H&M, a well-known Swedish fashion store dedicated to attaining 100 percent circularity by 2030, presents its “Innovation Stories” program. This effort, which focuses on sustainability, investigates forward-thinking concepts and creative fabrications and designs. [caption id="attachment_182676" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] (FROM left) Dan Mejia, H&M South Asia’s Regional head of Communications and PR, Swedish Ambassador Annika Thunborg and Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for Marketing at the launch of Fashion Forever in SM Aura. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FASHION FOREVER EXHIBIT[/caption] The event also features local companies and creators from the Philippines who support ecological methods, such as Zarah Juan and Lily of the Valley. To reduce superfluous production and create long-lasting clothing and accessories, they work with local resources, handcrafted techniques and made-to-order procedures. Prioritizing ethically sourced materials and small-scale, community-based production, Zarah Juan is known for its vibrant and uniquely Filipino designs. Lily of the Valley is a pioneer in a take-back program to recycle used and outdated undergarments and offers 100 percent made-to-measure innerwear items to cut down on overproduction. “Fashion Forever” was started by the Swedish Embassy in Manila with help from the Swedish Institute and collaborations with SM Aura and H&M. The post Sweden leads the way in a sustainable fashion revolution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Crackdown set on grains cartels
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is taking a two-pronged approach to resolving the high prices of rice — which are building up the country’s grains stock and dismantling the rice cartels that dictate market prices. “The primary agenda of the government is to keep food prices low to help the less-capable members of society,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said yesterday. He indicated that President Marcos will have a program to ensure that the country has a three-year rice stock. “This is now being studied. It was taken up during a Cabinet meeting.” Enrile said. Malacañang said the implementation of Executive Order 39, which mandates price ceilings for rice, will start on 5 September. EO 39 mandates the price per kilo of regular milled rice at P41 and well-milled rice at P45. Marcos signed the EO on Thursday based on the 31 August recommendation of the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry to impose price ceilings on rice amid the surge in the retail prices of the staple. Composite teams comprised of different government agencies, in coordination with local government units, will visit markets to monitor the prices of the two rice varieties. Focus on Metro Marcos said while EO 39 would be implemented nationwide, the government would focus its monitoring in Metro Manila, noting that the situation “is not so bad outside” the metropolis. Enrile said the recent Palace moves were meant to seek a scientific approach to the rice price dilemma. “Many think the rice problem is simple but it is a very complex issue since the prices are being dictated by syndicates and the mafia in the industry.” The rice supply, he said, is affected by hoarding, smuggling, overpricing and other factors that are manipulated by certain groups. The rice cartels and syndicates have strong connections, but the Marcos administration will confront them. The goal, according to Enrile, is “to dismantle them.” “They have allies in the Bureau of Customs and the bureaucracy, and it involves huge money,” he said. “Imagine, the population is now 120 million and every day you have to provide the rice to feed them so the volume of money that goes into grains trading is huge.” He reiterated that the lucrative industry is now “controlled by cartels, mafias and syndicates, all of them are there.” Elusive prey Enrile cited the case of Davidson Bangayan, alias David Tan, who was investigated in the Senate for rice smuggling, but no case was ever filed against him. Even former President Rodrigo Duterte, then Davao City mayor, testified against the suspected grains smuggler. To Senator Risa Hontiveros’ criticism that the price cap constitutes lazy work, Enrile said she should become president first before making disparaging comments against President Marcos. “For ordinary Filipinos, the price of rice is of utmost concern. Rice is a very important component of every economy,” he explained. “It portrays your ignorance if you’re talking about that without any qualification,” Enrile said, addressing Hontiveros’ allegation. Finite resources Farmlands, Enrile said, are finite resources and it would be hard to increase these, and “even if you reclaim land from the seas it would be near impossible to use it for agriculture.” “I don’t know if the senator has experienced planting and harvesting palay. If she can prove that she has, I would believe what she said,” he added. He said the government is also looking into options to cover the period when rice prices will be high. “While we look for a solution to the price problem, the government is also taking steps to identify substitutes or supplements for rice to cover the deficiencies between local production and demand,” he added. Enrile emphasized that high rice prices are “a supply and demand problem.” In the recently raided warehouses that held P590 million worth of mostly rice stocks, the raiding teams found empty sacks that showed the grains were from local sources, indicating an effort to deceive. “What happened there, obviously is not in the media anymore, nobody talks about it anymore,” he said. The post Crackdown set on grains cartels appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IACT suspends revised departure rules for Filipino travelers
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) convened a special council meeting yesterday to address concerns surrounding the "2023 Revised IACAT Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International-Bound Filipino Passengers" (2023 Revised Guidelines). The primary agenda of the special meeting was to deliberate on and approve a resolution suspending the implementation of the 2023 Revised Guidelines. After careful deliberation, the IACAT Council approved the resolution, formally suspending the implementation of the 2023 Revised Guidelines. The meeting further resolved that the IACAT shall revisit the 2023 Guidelines and shall further strengthen its information and education campaign to convey to the public the essential purpose and grave concerns that the 2023 Guidelines seek to address. The decision to suspend the implementation of the 2023 Revised Guidelines is the council's response to concerns raised by the public and underscores its dedication not only to protect Filipino citizens against trafficking but also to clearly inform them of the protective mechanisms in place and how they work. During the open forum that preceded the resolution's approval, all member agencies present expressed their shared and continued commitment to the fight against human trafficking and underscored that the Guidelines were intended to be a tool to enhance screening procedures against untruthful declarations; thus, protecting Filipino nationals from becoming victims of this heinous crime. Likewise, they recognized the importance of striking a balance between safeguarding the individual’s right to travel and ensuring national security. The Council remains committed to working collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders, including the legislature, other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to combatting human trafficking in all its forms. The post IACT suspends revised departure rules for Filipino travelers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR renews call for multisector partnerships to achieve disaster resilience in Phl
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga renewed her call on the private and public sectors to forge stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration to implement risk-informed and inclusive actions that will enhance the country’s resilience. “The DENR is committed to supporting everyone in implementing informed and inclusive action and facilitating investments for climate and disaster resilience through multi-stakeholder partnerships. These partnerships have a vital role in playing and accelerating an integrated, inclusive, and transformative resilience agenda,” Loyzaga said. She emphasized that although the Philippines has made significant progress in the fields of disaster risk reduction and climate action, it still remains one of the most vulnerable countries to natural and man-made hazards, as well as the impacts of climate change. Citing the key findings of the Working Group II contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Loyzaga said it showed that the increases in the frequency and intensity of climate and weather extremes worldwide have had “widespread and pervasive effects on ecosystems, people, settlements, and infrastructure”. These climate change impacts have been attributed to human activities. The IPCC report further stated that with increased global warming, climate change threats to cities, communities, and critical infrastructure will increase significantly in the mid- and long-term, particularly in areas already exposed to high temperatures, near coasts, or with high vulnerabilities. She cited anew the importance of collaboration with the other members of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and all other sectors in the transformation towards adaptive and inclusive governance and resilient communities, in view of the linkage between human development, economic development, natural hazards, climate change, biodiversity, water, and health. "Our course of action must be unified and this can only be done by understanding the interdependence between our social, engineered, and natural systems. This interdependence has given rise to multiple and dynamic complexities, and we need to constantly balance our evidence-informed decisions, policies, and our actions," Loyzaga pointed out. "Leadership and governance are integral parts of resilience in building a system, and a network of decisions that lead to specific outcomes and impacts that we would all like to achieve," she added. As a testament to its continuing commitment to build disaster resiliency and environmental sustainability through multistakeholder partnerships, the DENR recently launched the latest initiatives under Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multistakeholder Engagement) in the municipality of Abucay and Balanga City in Bataan. Under Project TRANSFORM, The DENR will implement the Mangrove Adoption and Protection Project in Abucay in partnership with San Miguel Foundation Inc. and Samahan ng Mananahong ng Sitio Bakawan. Meanwhile, the same initiative in Balanga City is in partnership with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and Tinig ng Mandaragat. Mangrove forests are natural barriers that reduce the force of incoming waves and storm surges and also serve as a breeding for fish, crabs, and other marine species. DENR’s Project TRANSFORM engages the whole of society in implementing initiatives to alleviate poverty, improve community resilience, and promote public-private partnerships. Pilot sites of Project TRANSFORM in Visayas are in Ormoc City, Leyte launched on 18 January, and in Luzon with the municipalities of Limay, Mariveles, and Orion in Bataan province on 9 May, followed by the municipalities Malimono, San Francisco, and Burgos in Surigao del Norte in Mindanao launched on 23 June The post DENR renews call for multisector partnerships to achieve disaster resilience in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD hands out socio-economic aid to 500 former violent extremists in Sulu
The Department of Social Welfare and Development reported over the weekend that it has initiated a Peace Caravan in Maimbung, Jolo, Sulu on Wednesday to provide cash assistance and welfare goods to former violent extremists in the area. DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPSC) Alan A. Tanjusay, together with Assistant Secretary for ISPSC Arnel B. Garcia and Field Office IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) Director Riduan Hadjimuddin, led the provision of the socio-economic packages to around 500 FVEs. The FVEs, who willingly surrendered and wished to be reintegrated into their respective communities, were provided with food packs, hygiene kits, and one-time cash assistance amounting to P10,000 each through the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). Other government agencies which participated in the Peace Caravan and provided services to the beneficiaries were the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), and Sulu Police Provincial Office. The DSWD officials also engaged in an open dialogue with the FVEs to discuss their concerns and challenges for the next phase of the peace efforts. The FVEs have expressed their willingness to work closely with the DSWD on certain issues, especially with regard to their surrender and reintegration. Organized by DSWD Zamboanga Peninsula, the event dubbed as, “Hatid Serbisyo para sa Pangkapayapaan, tulay para sa nagkakaisang bayan”, was in collaboration with the 11th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (11th ID, AFP) and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The Peace Caravan was part of the Department’s commitment to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70's Whole-of-Nation Approach to serve former combatants and promote inclusive and sustainable peace. This caravan and other peace-promoting activities are a testament to the peace efforts of the department to transform more FVEs to work with the government as productive citizens. Social protection has been one of the fundamental pillars of the government in attaining a just and peaceful society that transforms former rebels, former violent extremists, and decommissioned combatants into peaceful and productive citizens. The DSWD, as the lead social protection agency, has been focusing on delivering socio-economic packages since the Philippine government embarked on a peace process and signed peace agreements with internal armed groups across the country. #In line with the Marcos administration’s peace agenda. The post DSWD hands out socio-economic aid to 500 former violent extremists in Sulu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First Philippine Urban Forum set in October
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Rizalino Acuzar over the weekend said the DHSUD, in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), will spearhead the first Philippine Urban Forum (PhUF) on 5 to 6 October 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City, to tackle urban issues and explore innovative solutions toward the attainment of smart, sustainable, and resilient cities. Coinciding with the celebration of National Shelter Month and Urban October, Acuzar said the PhUF will be the first large-scale convention of urban actors. It aims to gather a diverse community of individuals, professionals, and enthusiasts who share a common vision of green, resilient, and sustainable cities. Acuzar said the forum is the local version of the World Urban Forum (WUF), which is recognized as the biggest international gathering for sharing practical knowledge, innovations, and experiences of countries in managing their human settlements and urbanization. The WUF, conducted every two years, was held in Poland in June 2022 and will be conducted again in Cairo, Egypt next year. With the theme, “Transforming our cities and building resilient communities,” the PhUF aims to promote a participatory and whole-of-nation approach toward the implementation of the Philippine New Urban Agenda (PNUA) and other global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), in particular, SDG 11 – make cities and human settlements, inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It serves as a venue for policy dialogues, multi-stakeholder knowledge exchange, project funding mechanisms, and institutionalized coordination and support to advance sustainable urbanization in the country. The event will feature dialogues and assemblies, roundtable and panel discussions, training events, urban exhibit and gallery, and investment forum. The agreements and report will serve as input for the preparation of technical sessions and other information to be delivered by the Philippine delegation in the 12th session of WUF in 2024. "Whether you’re an expert in the field of urban planning, an advocate, or simply curious about how you can contribute to positive urban transformations, the PhUF is a valuable opportunity for learning, sharing, and connecting," Acuzar said. He added that the event is open to national government agencies (NGAs), local and regional government units, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, academe and research, and other communities and individuals who are interested in shaping our future cities and be a catalyst for positive change. For details, the Housing Czar said anyone may visit the Philippine Urban Forum Facebook/Twitter/Instagram page or contact the Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development Bureau (ELUPDB) of DHSUD through landline at (02) 8424-40-89 loc. 1710 or email at ph.urbanforum@gmail.com. The post First Philippine Urban Forum set in October appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Interest in Islamic banking is on the rise
The Philippines is seeing a surge in interest in Islamic banking with local and foreign investors looking to get involved in the growing market, a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) official said on Wednesday. During the local Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Davao City, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said the government has been developing the Islamic banking and finance ecosystem through a "whole of government approach" that includes capacity building and awareness raising. "We've had numerous briefings and informative sessions, and this has resulted in engagements with potential new players," Dakila said. "Notable of which, aside from conventional banks, we have seen interests from five foreign banks, foreign government institutions, and foreign embassies who volunteered support in tapping new Islamic banking players," he added. Dakila attributed the market interest in Islamic banking to its business models emphasizing risk-sharing, ethical, and sustainable finance. He also said that the BSP's progressive approach to improving prudential regulatory reforms has been a key factor in attracting new investors. Meanwhile, Dakila said the Monetary Board of the BSP approved the first Islamic banking unit license issued to a conventional bank, bringing the number of Islamic banking players in the Philippines to two. The first Islamic bank in the Philippines is the Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines (AAIIBP), which was established in 1973. The Islamic bank was established under Presidential Decree 264 as the Philippine Amanah Bank. The AAIIBP has branches in the provinces of Mindanao, such as in Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, South Cotabato, and Sulu. "We anticipate more applicants as we continue our initiatives to promote Islamic banking and finance," Dakila said. He also said that there are great opportunities for investments in this area, as the promotion of Islamic banking and finance in the Philippines will expand the country's financial inclusion agenda, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is the most unbanked region in the country. Dakila also said that the government is keen on a positive outlook for Islamic banking and finance in the Philippines, as the country anticipates the issuance of the first sovereign sukuk. A sukuk is a type of Islamic bond that complies with Shariah law. The issuance of a sovereign sukuk would mark the Philippines as a player in the global Islamic finance industry and would generate more prospects and expand the country's engagement with the global Islamic financial market. The post Interest in Islamic banking is on the rise 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......»»
DTI-UNIDO, innovation leaders gather to advance Industry 4.0 agenda
In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Group and with support from the Korean International Cooperation Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization spearheaded the Policy Forum on the Advancement of Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation of Industries in the Philippines on 21 July 2023 at the Makati Diamond Residences, gathering around 50 innovation leaders from the government, private sector, academe and development partners. The forum fostered an open dialogue with industry experts through a panel discussion. DTI CIG Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba underscored the Philippines' exceptional proficiency in services and highlighted the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies in further enhancing this aspect, “We can link our services with manufacturing, agriculture and others, especially with the presence of these new technologies which would really require a lot of digital skills, software applications development, etc. These are things and areas that the Philippines has a comparative advantage,” she emphasized. The panelists aligned with this perspective as they shed light on how I4.0 continuously shapes society. Arnel Cabungcal, assistant vice president for manufacturing operations services and technology of UNILAB, Inc., highlighted the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence. “During the pandemic, through an emergency use authorization, the standard eight-year approval process of the vaccine was reduced to only eight months, with the aid of AI”, he said. Chief operating officer of Ionics-EMS Inc. Jay Chavez chimed in with his own experience of adopting smart manufacturing in the company’s operations and its impact on job placements. “With smart manufacturing increasing our production, we had to hire more people to do higher value tasks while remaining cost-effective”, he said. The importance of enabling policies also greatly surfaced through the discussion as Emmanuel Lazaro Estrada, senior vice president for regulatory development and strategy of Globe Telecom, Inc., was quoted as saying that “policies should be practical and human-centered.” Anders Isaksson, UNIDO chief of the capacity development and policy advice unit, supported this idea and reiterated the call for a needs-based approach. “Knowing what needs to be done is very important for defining policy areas and reducing policy uncertainties,” he said, while adding the connection running from innovation to I4.0 to productivity growth and welfare enhancement. “The successful adoption of I4.0 banks on the implementation of the right policy mix. This mix should not only focus on pro-I4.0 policies but also on redistribution and compensation policies at the very design stage to reduce the costs of potential disruption and transition [due to I4.0]”, stressed Isaksson. Crafting and institutionalizing such policies would require much effort from the government, according to Dr. Jamil Paolo S. Francisco, Asian Institute of Management’s executive director for the Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness. “Government should help individuals, companies, and startups become more agile”, Francisco said. Melvin Jeffrey Chan, vice president and head for enterprise innovation, business development, and consulting and presales of PLDT Enterprise, zoomed in on the critical role of the National Innovation Council. “The NIC joined the forces of the brightest minds in the country, whether they are from the public or private sector, to drive things forward through the formulation of policies and building technologies,” he pointed out. Apart from the enriching panel discussion, the forum also marked the culmination of a week-long workshop held in Pico De Loro, Batangas from 17 to 20 July 2023, participated in by a roster of innovative policy and thought leaders from select government agencies. UNIDO country representative Engr. Teddy Monroy lauded this initiative for igniting the commitment of the participating agencies to this cause, characterizing I4.0 as “a game-changer as it triggers a productive shift bringing increased efficiency and transformation of the global landscape.”. The forum capped off with assurance and support from Dr. Joseph Capuno, the National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary for Investment Programming Group. He remarked, “Rest assured that the Philippine Government remains committed to embracing digital transformation and harnessing the power of technology to guide social and economic transformation as embodied in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.” In collaboration with other development partners, the DTI and UNIDO aim to sustain the momentum and ongoing dialogue and remain dedicated to driving sustainable development through innovation. As part of this commitment, the participants will continue to gain practical experience through site visits to leading I4.0 companies, technology clusters, innovation agencies, think tanks, and business associations worldwide in the upcoming phase. The post DTI-UNIDO, innovation leaders gather to advance Industry 4.0 agenda appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myanmar crisis to top agenda at ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting
ASEAN foreign ministers will gather in Indonesia on Tuesday for talks set to be dominated by the crisis in Myanmar, with the regional bloc divided over how or whether to reengage with the coup-wracked country's ruling junta. The two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting will be followed by talks with Beijing, Washington, and other powers where top US diplomat Antony Blinken will seek to push back on China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. ASEAN has long been decried as a toothless talking shop, and it remains split over diplomatic attempts to resolve the Myanmar crisis. The country has been ravaged by deadly violence since a military coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi's government more than two years ago and unleashed a bloody crackdown on dissent. A Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP that "extra efforts" were being made in the days before the meeting to unite the group around the issue. However, the official was "not too optimistic" that would happen given that a "few members have different perspectives on how to approach the problem", they said. Myanmar remains an ASEAN member but has been barred from high-level meetings over the junta's failure to implement a five-point plan, agreed two years ago, to end the violence and restart negotiations to resolve the crisis. ASEAN efforts to kick-start the plan's execution have been fruitless, as the junta ignores international criticism and refuses to engage with its opponents. Thailand, meanwhile, hosted the junta's foreign minister for controversial "informal talks" last month, deepening the divisions between the ASEAN members that attended and abstained. 'Clearer' plan The bloc's initiatives are limited by its charter principles of consensus and noninterference, but analysts say the meeting could push members to do more. "It is hoped there will be a clearer implementation plan on what will ASEAN do going forward," Lina Alexandra of Jakarta-based think tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies told AFP. The meeting would be a "crucial" opportunity for Indonesia as ASEAN chair to unite the regional bloc after the Thailand talks, she said. On Thursday, an ASEAN-plus-three ministerial meeting with Japan, South Korea, and China will take place ahead of an 18-nation East Asia Summit foreign ministers' meeting on Friday, which will also include Washington and Beijing. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend the latter meeting, again putting him in the same room as US Secretary of State Blinken after a brief March meeting as Moscow's Ukraine invasion grinds on. Beijing's actions in the dispute-rife South China Sea will also be high on the agenda, Daniel Kritenbrink, the top US diplomat for East Asia, told reporters Saturday. China has made sweeping claims in the strategic waterway despite protests from ASEAN members Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as other nations who argue for unimpeded freedom of navigation and that their own territorial claims be respected. The United States and ASEAN will seek to "push back on behavior that runs counter to that vision and to those principles, including the many irresponsible acts that we've seen carried out by China over the last several years", Kritenbrink said. The post Myanmar crisis to top agenda at ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM: Help most needy
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the government agencies engaged in providing social services on Friday to help the most needy in the country to employ the whole-of-government approach to address poverty. Marcos gave the instruction during the first en banc meeting of the National Anti-Poverty Commission at Malacañan Palace as he underscored the importance of coordination among the government agencies and local government units to combat the long-standing problem of poverty. Marcos said each government entity should know its functions and responsibilities to maximize the resources poured into helping indigents in communities. "I think it all comes down to the same thing... we have many organizations, like the NAPC, that are dedicated agencies tasked with examining instances of poverty and determining what actions can be taken," Marcos said. "Now, we have to differentiate the role of NAPC and the role of the rest of the government because we will ask, will NAPC be the one to step up? For example, in crisis situations, the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) deploys assistance. So, we need to coordinate that. And when it comes to jobs, the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) is doing a lot. Even the DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) is doing a lot. We need to bring them together, and that's why we have to start at a baseline," Marcos said. The President said it is also essential for NAPC to continue to engage residents of depressed communities to determine what is needed in those areas. Earlier during the meeting, NAPC lead convenor Lope Santos III told the President of the plans and activities of the Commission conducted in the past months. "When we assumed office (in) February this year, we immediately conducted consultations with all members of NAPC, the leagues of LGUs, the national government agencies, and the basic sectors, and we immediately defined the urgent tasks at hand following the mandate of NAPC which is a coordinating and advisory body of the agency," Santos said. "We anchor this in the target defined in the Philippine Development Plan: to reduce poverty from 18.1 percent to 8.8 to 9 percent. So, our urgent task, Mr. President, is to align all development plans (with the) Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which constitutes the formulation and adoption of the National Anti-Poverty Action Agenda, and we expect to complete this, Mr. President, by September this year," he added. Santos said adopting and formulating the National Poverty Reduction Plan following the Magna Carta of the Poor will be completed by October this year. Santos also said they have come up with the National Anti-Poverty Action Agenda, which would be called N3A. "Since February this year, we conducted a series of consultations and workshops to formulate this plan involving all NGAs (national government agencies), leagues of LGUs, and the basic sector. The NAPC secretariat is currently integrating all inputs, and the draft shall be presented for approval in the next en banc," he said. Santos said N3A shall be aligned with the PDP 2023-2028 and focus on the strategic direction and flagship programs to address multidimensional poverty concerns, social, economic, ecological, and governance. The post PBBM: Help most needy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Give LPE a chance
Newly appointed Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro made a deeply rooted statement about the peace talks between the Philippine government and communist rebels that have dragged on for several decades, with intermittent periods of very little progress and setbacks. Without mincing words, Teodoro said he had always been against entering into peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army. This is equally consistent with his position that communist rebels are welcome to return to the government fold given an existing program that offers “to help them, rehabilitate them and give them a new life.” Why is this so? For Teodoro, why engage in peace talks when there is Task Force Balik-Loob — a central coordinating body created by Administrative Order No. 10 dated 3 April 2018 that supervises the government’s reintegration efforts for members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, including their immediate family members. The task force is composed of representatives from the DND, DILG, OPAPRU, and other partner government agencies. I couldn’t agree with the Defense Secretary more. In a recent television interview, he said he was never convinced that the Philippine insurgency — the longest-running in Asia — was ideological. His explanation was clear. “This is all about taking power or whatever. The reason, even in other countries, the sole authority of the Communist Party in other countries is a dictatorship in itself. They call it the dictatorship of the proletariat.” We have in front of us a duplicity of the communist agenda — a pro-people advocacy on one hand, and the overthrow of the government on the other. The history of the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front, CPP’s political wing, is long and complex spanning several decades. When Corazon C. Aquino assumed the presidency after the People Power Revolution in 1986, peace talks were initiated and detained top communist leaders, including Jose Maria Sison and Bernabe Buscayno, were released. Since then, there have been several attempts at peace negotiations between the government and the Reds, facilitated by third-party mediators, including the Catholic Church, various civil society groups, and foreign governments. The most recent attempt at peace talks was in 2016 during the first year in office of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. It, however, broke down in 2017 after both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire agreement. Duterte, exasperated by the insincerity, formally terminated the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA in 2018 through Proclamation 360. Despite this, there have been sporadic calls for the resumption of the peace talks, particularly from civil society groups and the international community. More than 40 rounds of peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF since 1986 proved futile, marred by spoilers who used violence to attack the peace process. Or were these attempts aimed at forcing their way into negotiations, and alter a process so that their demands would be included in a settlement? Opinions vary, often dependent on political, social, and ideological perspectives. While some people argue that pursuing peace talks is the best way to end the decades-long armed insurgency, others are skeptical about the prospects as evidenced by the little willingness to negotiate in good faith, human rights violations, coupled with unreasonable and unrealistic demands. Peace is a priority for more than 110 million Filipinos who hope to see an end to the decades-long insurgency in the country. If top-level negotiated settlements fail, there is the Localized Peace Engagement or LPE — a viable alternative solution to the armed conflict. Introduced by the national government in 2017 after the breakdown of the peace negotiations with the Reds, let us give this community-based approach to peacebuilding a chance. After all, who wouldn’t want to address the underlying social, economic, and political grievances that fuel armed conflicts? The post Give LPE a chance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Export powerhouse emerges — Pascual
The Marcos administration is aiming to make the country an export powerhouse after setting a target of $240.5 billion in total export growth until 2028. This was announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Trade Secretary Fred Pascual on Thursday during the first-ever International Trade Forum, with the theme “Empowering Philippine Industries,” which highlighted the launch of the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028, as well as critical discussions on the benefits brought by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Under the PEDP 2023–2028, the total export target until 2028 depends on the growth of the top eight export sectors, which comprise 88.5 percent of the country’s total exports. The PEDP sets a total export target of $126.8 billion for this year, 5.6 percent higher compared to the total export receipts of the Philippines in 2022 of $78.84 billion. Further, the PEDP is aiming that the total exports will grow further to $143.4 billion in 2024 and $163.6 billion in 2025. On the other hand, total exports in 2026 are expected to post $186.7 billion, and $212.1 billion in 2027. Two historic milestones “We find ourselves standing on the cusp of two historic milestones: The unveiling of the PEDP 2023-2028 and the advocacy campaign kickoff in the Philippines for the RCEP Agreement. These two strategic pillars will be instrumental in bringing our theme of ‘Empowering Philippine Export Industries’ to life by showing how we can tap the global export markets and investment opportunities,” DTI Secretary Fred Pascual said. He said the forum is a crucial part of the Department’s efforts to heighten awareness of stakeholders on trade policies and their impacts on their businesses and encourage more micro, small, and medium enterprises to participate in trade policy formulation. The event brought together more than 200 representatives from the government, the Philippine business sector, foreign trade agreement partners, and business chambers. Tapping vast potential of Philippine exports With the aim of tapping the vast potential of Philippine exports, the PEDP enables the shift in the government’s approach in terms of export development. It puts export development on a national agenda and focuses on addressing binding constraints to export competitiveness, expanding the country’s export capacities, and seizing growth opportunities in the international market. It likewise seeks to undertake an industry development-centric approach that will make the Philippines a competitive global player. “We need to chart a course that includes cultivating an environment that fosters business growth, empowering our industries not just to survive but flourish in a dynamic global landscape, leveraging the full spectrum of our preferential trade arrangements like the RCEP, projecting the visibility of our products on the international stage, and perhaps most critically, attracting investments to enhance, expand, and diversify our production capabilities,” Pascual emphasized in his message. Further, the Statement of Commitment to Implement the PEDP, which was signed by Pascual together with other public and private sector representatives was presented to President Marcos Jr. during the international forum. The statement commits the signatories in fulfilling the following: (1) Ensuring the implementation of the PEDP; (2) Identifying, implementing, and supporting policies, programs, and projects in line with the PEDP; (3) Addressing binding constraints to export competitiveness, particularly burdensome and unnecessary regulations; (4) Complying with the monitoring, evaluation, communication and reporting of the PEDP outcomes; and (5) Reaffirming the importance of the Export Development Council as a public-private partnership through diligent participation in council meetings. The post Export powerhouse emerges — Pascual appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz joins global beat plastic efforts
On 5 June, the United Nations’ or UN World Environment Day, the Aboitiz Group demonstrates its commitment to global sustainability efforts by highlighting its groundbreaking innovations in the fight against plastic pollution. With this year’s theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, the Aboitiz Group supports effective action and a transition towards a circular economy to address global environmental challenges. The Group hews close to the UN Environment Program or UNEP’s vision of a shift to a circular economy, in which the inflow of plastics into the ocean can decrease by more than 80 percent by 2040, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 25 percent, and in the process even generate 700,000 job opportunities. The Group aims to accelerate progress and inspire others to take bold steps in combating plastic pollution. At the heart of the Aboitiz Group’s operations lies the OneNewAboitiz Sustainability Synergy, guiding the Group toward innovative practices and technologies. The Aboitiz Group’s sustainability achievements work towards a worldwide sustainable development agenda, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. By pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Aboitiz Group tackles pollution challenges with effective solutions. Through these dedicated initiatives and actions, the Aboitiz Group demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustainable development and actively contributes to the attainment of several SDGs. These include SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The Group’s efforts specifically focus on promoting responsible consumption and production, taking action against climate change, safeguarding marine ecosystems, and preserving terrestrial biodiversity. Reimagine seaweed As the Group undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, it is taking an innovative approach to #BeatPlasticPollution, reimagining the world in terms of possibilities and opportunities. With growing interest in using seaweed as an alternative to single-use plastic, leaders within the Aboitiz Group are working on the Reimagine Seaweed initiative, set to transform the seaweed industry of the Philippines. The initiative is holistically designed to create a sustainable and profitable seaweed industry that provides livelihoods to farmers, promotes biodiversity, reduces plastic pollution, and mitigates the effects of climate change. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, the Philippines is the fourth-largest producer of seaweed globally, supporting 1.4 million seaweed farmers. Under Reimagine Seaweed’s three-pronged strategy, seaweed farmers are taught better farming techniques and are introduced to green technology that will expand their product range to potentially include bioplastics, protein powder, cosmetics, and health supplements. Within the next five years, the Aboitiz Group and the Reimagine Seaweed team are looking to reduce single-use plastics in the region through the production of biodegradable and compostable packaging made from seaweed. This game-changing initiative is making progress towards improving the lives of seaweed farmers, bringing world-class green technology to the local industry, and eliminating single-use plastics in Asia and beyond. By leveraging a renewed entrepreneurial mindset and the latest technologies, the Aboitiz Group tackles global challenges with innovative approaches that advance the business and communities they serve. On the road to ending plastic toxicity, they are also opening up an ocean of opportunity with Reimagine Seaweed. Plastic Neutrality Republic Cement, a CRH-Aboitiz company, pioneered the use of alternative fuels through co-processing in the Philippines. The process involves the reuse and recovery of thermal and mineral properties of qualified waste materials as alternative fuels, allowing Republic Cement to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact. The firm uses residual plastic waste, including rejected plastic bottles, styrofoam, tarps, single-use plastic containers and utensils, sachets, shopping packages, and other soft plastics, as alternative fuels. In August 2022, Republic Cement achieved a significant milestone in becoming plastic-neutral. Through its resource recovery group, ecoloop, the company collected and co-processed an equivalent volume of residual plastic waste used in the packaging and transporting of its cement products. By integrating plastic waste into the cement manufacturing process, Republic Cement successfully offset its plastic packaging footprint for 2020 to 2022, equivalent to co-processing over 890 dump trucks filled with plastic waste. Republic Cement also supports numerous manufacturers to reach their plastic neutrality goals and be more responsible corporate citizens and stewards of the environment. Upcycled plastic City Savings Bank, the thrift bank subsidiary of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines or UnionBank, partnered with Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc. or Envirotech to upcycle plastic waste into classroom essentials: school chairs. In support of the Department of Education Matatag agenda to supplement basic education facilities and services, CitySavings donated 50 plastic chairs made of upcycled waste plastic to Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City and Tunasan National High School in Muntinlupa City. Likewise, the construction arm of the Group, Aboitiz Construction, has been implementing its policy against single-use plastics across all projects and facilities since last year. The implementation resulted in a 14.60% reduction of plastic wastes from 2022 to 2023. Also, this initiative is anchored in the firm’s compliance to ISO 14001: 2015 (Environmental Management System) and to its future plan of standardizing materials recovery facilities on all sites. The post Aboitiz joins global beat plastic efforts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group joins global efforts to 'BeatPlasticPollution
On June 5, the United Nations’ (UN) World Environment Day, the Aboitiz Group proudly demonstrates its commitment to global sustainability efforts by highlighting its groundbreaking innovations in the fight against plastic pollution. With this year’s theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, the Aboitiz Group supports effective action and a transition towards a circular economy to address global environmental challenges. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), by shifting to a circular economy, the inflow of plastics into the ocean can decrease by more than 80 percent by 2040, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent, and even generate 700,000 job opportunities. The Group aims to accelerate progress and inspire others to take bold steps in combating plastic pollution. At the heart of the Aboitiz Group’s operations lies the OneNewAboitiz Sustainability Synergy, guiding the Group toward innovative practices and technologies. The Aboitiz Group's sustainability achievements work towards the worldwide sustainable development agenda, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Aboitiz Group tackles pollution challenges with effective solutions. Through these dedicated initiatives and actions, the Aboitiz Group demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustainable development and actively contributes to the attainment of several SDGs. These include SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The Group's efforts specifically focus on promoting responsible consumption and production, taking action against climate change, safeguarding marine ecosystems, and preserving terrestrial biodiversity. Reimagine Seaweed As the Group undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, it is taking an innovative approach to #BeatPlasticPollution, reimagining the world in terms of possibilities and opportunities. With the growing interest in using seaweed as an alternative to single-use plastic, leaders within the Aboitiz Group are working on the Reimagine Seaweed initiative, set to transform the seaweed industry of the Philippines. The initiative is holistically designed to create a sustainable and profitable seaweed industry that provides livelihoods to farmers, promotes biodiversity, reduces plastic pollution, and mitigates the effects of climate change. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the Philippines is the fourth-largest producer of seaweed globally, supporting 1.4 million seaweed farmers. Under Reimagine Seaweed’s three-pronged strategy, seaweed farmers are taught better farming techniques and are introduced to green technology that will expand their product range to potentially include bioplastics, protein powder, cosmetics, and health supplements. Within the next five years, the Aboitiz Group and the Reimagine Seaweed team aim to reduce single-use plastics in the region through the production of biodegradable and compostable packaging made from seaweed. This game-changing initiative is making progress towards improving the lives of seaweed farmers, bringing world-class green technology to the local industry, and eliminating single-use plastics in Asia and beyond. By leveraging a renewed entrepreneurial mindset and the latest technologies, the Aboitiz Group tackles global challenges with innovative approaches that advance the business and communities they serve. On the road to ending plastic toxicity, they are also opening up an ocean of opportunity with Reimagine Seaweed. Plastic Neutrality Republic Cement, a CRH-Aboitiz company, pioneered the use of alternative fuels through co-processing in the Philippines. The process involves the reuse and recovery of thermal and mineral properties of qualified waste materials as alternative fuels, allowing Republic Cement to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact. The firm uses residual plastic waste, including rejected plastic bottles, styrofoam, tarps, single-use plastic containers and utensils, sachets, shopping packages, and other soft plastics, as alternative fuels. In August 2022, Republic Cement achieved a significant milestone in becoming plastic-neutral. Through its resource recovery group, ecoloop, the company collected and co-processed an equivalent volume of residual plastic waste used in the packaging and transporting of its cement products. By integrating plastic waste into the cement manufacturing process, Republic Cement successfully offset its plastic packaging footprint for 2020 to 2022, equivalent to co-processing over 890 dump trucks filled with plastic waste. Republic Cement also supports numerous manufacturers to reach their plastic neutrality goals and be more responsible corporate citizens and stewards of the environment. Upcycled Plastic City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), partnered with Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc. (Envirotech) to upcycle plastic waste into classroom essentials: school chairs. In support of the Department of Education (DepEd) Matatag agenda to supplement basic education facilities and services, CitySavings donated 50 plastic chairs made of upcycled waste plastic to Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City and Tunasan National High School in Muntinlupa City. Furthermore, the construction arm of the Group, Aboitiz Construction, has been implementing its policy against single-use plastics across all projects and facilities since last year. The implementation resulted in a 14.60% reduction in plastic waste from 2022 to 2023. This initiative is anchored to the firm’s commitment and compliance with ISO 14001: 2015 (Environmental Management System). This year, as part of its continual improvement plan, Aboitiz Construction will be improving its standard MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) across its project sites to improve waste segregation and disposal. The post Aboitiz Group joins global efforts to #BeatPlasticPollution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go-sponsored regional center bill to bring gov’t closer to people
In a significant step toward enhancing the healthcare system in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his gratitude to his fellow lawmakers as his proposed Senate Bill No. 2212, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, passed the third and final reading in the Senate. In a manifestation on Monday, 29 May, Go, as sponsor of the measure, placed significant emphasis on the invaluable role of the Filipino people in shaping public policies especially on the healthcare system, stating, "It is your experiences and stories that have driven us to create a healthcare system that is compassionate, accessible, and designed to meet the needs of every Filipino." He further emphasized the impact of the people's voices, affirming, "Today, your voices have been heard. Let us continue to work hand in hand, united in our commitment for the well-being of our community." "Ito pong regional specialty centers ay isang paraan para mailapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan lalung-lalo na po yung mga mahihirap," he added. The proposed bill mandates the Department of Health to establish specialty centers in DOH hospitals in every region within five years. This approach leverages the expertise and availability of healthcare professionals already working in these regional hospitals. The proposal also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., which includes the establishment of specialty centers as part of the health-related legislative agenda. Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing heart, lung, and kidney centers that replicate the capabilities of the National Specialty Centers in Metro Manila. To ensure the effectiveness of the specialty centers, the DOH will collaborate with the National Specialty Centers to provide expert personnel, specialized training, and necessary equipment. The bill also outlines the authorization for specialty centers to contract medical specialists and experts to provide training and technical assistance. Moreover, if enacted into law, the DOH will be required to allocate capital outlay investments through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program and work closely with the Department of Budget and Management to develop staffing patterns and standards for the specialty centers, securing positions for healthcare workers serving in these facilities. In his speech, Go also acknowledged and thanked his colleagues for their unwavering support and dedicated efforts in bringing the bill to fruition. “This measure is a steadfast commitment, and a collective vision to improve our healthcare system. It demonstrates our dedication to delivering efficient specialized health care to every Filipino,” said Go. The senator likewise extended his appreciation to the DOH for their support and collaboration in ensuring the passage of this proposed legislation. “(Salamat) sa kanilang suporta at pakikiisa upang maipasa ang panukalang ito sa Senado,” said Go. “Sana po magtulungan din po tayo na mapondohan ang specialty centers na ito, Mr. President, para masiguro natin na maging maayos po ang implementasyon nito,” he added. The measure was also authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva, Senators Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito, Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Win Gatchalian, Francis Escudero, Ronald dela Rosa, Ramon Revilla Jr., Cynthia Villar and Loren Legarda. It was also co-authored by Senators Francis Tolentino, Raffy Tulfo and all other members of the Senate. Go highlighted that the Regional Specialty Centers Act is a fulfillment of a campaign promise made by Senate President Zubiri, saying, “Congratulations din po at sana madagdagan ang pondo nito para maparami pa ang specialty centers sa lahat ng rehiyon. Nakasalalay sayo, Mr. President, ang mga karagdagan para dumami pa ang specialty centers sa buong Pilipinas.” The senator also expressed his gratitude to the senators who supported the bill, including Senators Grace Poe, Alan Peter Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Mark Villar, and Lito Lapid. He also acknowledged the invaluable inputs shared by Senate Minority Floor Leader Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and Senator Risa Hontiveros, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the Senate in making healthcare services accessible to all Filipinos. The post Go-sponsored regional center bill to bring gov’t closer to people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bridging healthcare gap
While the government has consistently strived to improve medical access, the reality remains that access to hospitals providing specialized healthcare services is still limited. Almost all specialty hospitals are located in Metro Manila. We have here the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, among others. As these specialty hospitals are some of the best in our country, many of our Filipinos from the provinces who suffer from serious diseases are constrained to travel to Manila just to ensure that they receive quality, affordable and specialized healthcare services necessary for their conditions. Having to worry over transportation and accommodation expenses on top of the already burdensome medical costs is simply too much, especially for our poor Filipinos who can barely earn enough for their daily needs. As I visited many disadvantaged communities nationwide, scores of our kababayans sought me out not only for medical assistance but also for help with their transportation expenses going to Manila, where the only hospitals that can address their health needs are located. The glaring need to bring these specialized medical services closer to our people in the provinces encourages me to continue advocating for a measure that will mandate the establishment of regional specialty centers nationwide. It is high time that we unburden our fellow Filipinos of unnecessary long travels and additional expenses just to get these services needed to save their lives. On 17 May, I sponsored Senate Bill 2212, which seeks to mandate the Department of Health to establish specialty centers in existing DoH hospitals in different regions within five years, rather than constructing entirely new specialty hospitals — a cost-efficient, faster and practical solution to address the issue. The proposal also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which includes the establishment of specialty centers as part of the health-related legislative agenda of the administration. Moreover, if enacted into law, the DoH will be required to allocate capital outlay investments and work closely with the Department of Budget and Management to develop staffing patterns and standards for the specialty centers, securing positions for healthcare workers serving in these facilities. Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing heart, lung, and kidney centers that replicate the capabilities of the National Specialty Centers in Metro Manila. This is also a way to decongest our existing specialty hospitals. For instance, the establishment of mental health centers in various DoH hospitals would help decongest the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I believe that physical, emotional, and mental health are all equally important, and I will continue to support measures that would protect and promote the different aspects of health as a whole. Thus, on the same day, I also co-sponsored the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act filed by Senator Win Gatchalian. If said bill is passed into law, a Care Center in basic education schools will be established. This will not only benefit the students but also the teaching and non-teaching personnel. Previously, I likewise filed SBN 1786 which aims to mandate Public Higher Education Institutions to establish Mental Health Offices in their respective campuses. Meanwhile, together with my team, I was in Cagayan on 18 May to join in the Sarakat Festival, attend the inauguration of the Super Health Center, and provide aid to 1,500 indigents in the town of Santa Praxedes, where I was honored to be its adopted son. We then headed to Lal-lo town where I witnessed the groundbreaking of another Super Health Center and also led another relief operation for 1,500 more struggling residents in the town. The following day, I visited Jordan, Guimaras, where I attended a volleyball tournament as part of the Manggahan Festival of the province and personally checked on the operations of the Malasakit Center at Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital. We also aided 217 patients and 512 frontliners in the hospital while the Department of Social Welfare and Development assisted 118 qualified patients. Later that day, we visited Buenavista, Guimaras where I led the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center, spearheaded a relief operation for 1,462 indigents, and visited local infrastructure initiatives we earlier supported during the Duterte administration such as the Buenavista Wharf and seawall. Last week, my outreach teams also helped many of our fellow Filipinos in need, including 50 indigents in Libertad, 50 in Salay, and 1,735 in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental; 153 in Agusan del Norte; 255 in Belison, Antique; 419 in Laurel, Batangas; 150 in Quezon City; 1,550 in Manila City; 666 in Limay, Bataan; 108 in Malolos City, Bulacan; 233 in Maria Aurora in Aurora; 366 in Kalawit and 333 in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte; and 1,912 families affected by armed conflict in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. Fire-hit households, including 21 in Lapu-Lapu City, 99 in Mandaue City, and 171 in Cebu City in the province of Cebu; and six in Angeles City, Pampanga were also assisted. Aside from pushing for the establishment of regional specialty centers, I continue to support our Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers to provide more accessible medical assistance programs and basic health services, respectively, to more of our fellow Filipinos. It is my hope that, with the support of our fellow workers in the government, we can continue bringing medical services closer to the people, particularly the economically disadvantaged and those residing in far-flung areas, to help address the urgent need to bridge the healthcare gap across the country. After all, it is enshrined in our Constitution, as a matter of state policy, that “the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people” and that “the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost.” As elected representatives of the Filipino people, it is our solemn duty to realize these state policies. These programs and measures will not only protect and promote such rights but will make this a living testament to our collective desire to help provide a more comfortable life for Filipinos. The post Bridging healthcare gap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»