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Romualdez, Villarica break ground for NCMH facility
A mental health facility for women and children has been inaugurated in Mandaluyong City......»»
A welcome break in Kawayan Cove
Thanks to last week’s long break, my good friend Angela Lopez invited her boyfriend Dino Santos, her cousin Mark Lopez (wife Connie and daughter Martina were in the US), and me and my kids to spend a few days at her newly renovated home in Kawayan Cove in Batangas......»»
Addressing poverty, hunger toward inclusive econ recovery
As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos prepares to deliver his second State of the Nation Address today, I remain hopeful that this can be an opportunity to highlight concrete steps towards a path of full and inclusive economic recovery. I am optimistic that this platform where all branches of government come together to listen to the priorities of the President can strengthen our unity and commitment to uphold the administration’s eight-point Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which includes food security, supply chain management, energy costs, healthcare and social protection, infrastructure development, green economy, market competition, and entrepreneurship. As I always say, “Dapat po ay walang maiwan na Pilipino lalo na po ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Dapat po walang magutom. Importante po ang laman ng tiyan at trabaho po para sa bawat Pilipino (No Filipino should be left behind, especially our poor countrymen. No one should go hungry. Food and work are important for every Filipino).” Amidst the recent lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring food security for all Filipinos must remain a top priority of the Marcos Administration. It is in this light that I fully support President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program”, which was recently launched in Tondo, Manila. As one of the priority programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the FSP seeks to reduce involuntary hunger incidents among low-income households. We also respect the decision of President Marcos, Jr. in lifting the State of Public Health Emergency in our country. We trust that it was arrived at after careful consideration of the present health issue and the need to finally open up the economy. With or without the State of Public Health Emergency, the government should fulfill its obligations to protect the lives of Filipinos, safeguard their health, and give what is due to them, especially to our medical frontliners. As a legislator, I have authored and supported bills that aim to address the most urgent issues faced by our fellow Filipinos today. I have also spearheaded the enactment of several legislations that aim to bring healthcare services closer to those in need, especially at the grassroots. As we all know, health is wealth and must be prioritized to attain a productive citizenry. Among these is the Malasakit Centers Act which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate and was enacted into law in 2019. These centers bring various government agencies under one roof to provide convenient access for indigent patients needing medical assistance. So far, 158 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide and have helped more than seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health. I have recently successfully sponsored the Regional Specialty Centers bill, which I am also a co-author, now awaiting the signature of the President. The bill aims to make available specialized medical facilities in various regions nationwide, benefitting particularly poor and impoverished Filipinos. For example, under the bill, services provided by the Philippine Heart Center, currently located in Quezon City, will also be available in regional DOH hospitals. The enactment of the measure will also include services for a broad range of specialties, including lung care, orthopedics, neonatal care, renal care, cancer care, and mental health, among others, making it a multi-year comprehensive nationwide healthcare improvement plan. Aside from these, we have also continuously supported the establishment of Super Health Centers in strategic locations around the country as a way to provide better access to basic medical services, especially at the grassroots. Through the collective efforts of DOH and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Meanwhile, driven by my passion for public service, I continue to respond to the needs of our fellow citizens, particularly the poor, wherever they may be in the country in my capacity as a senator and public servant. On 18 July, we were in Bulacan to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the San Miguel Super Health Center. Alongside Congresswoman Lorna Silverio, Board Member Raul Marian, and Mayor Roderick Tiongson, we also provided aid to 1,000 impoverished individuals in the town. We then visited the town of Bustos to distribute assistance to 1,000 indigents, in collaboration with Mayor Iskul Juan’s office. I am delighted to announce that on 20 July, we held and witnessed the topping-off ceremony of the New Senate Building in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. This was presided over by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, fellow senators, and other officials. This will be the new home of the Senate once completed. My office continues to deliver aid this week to our fellow citizens facing various crises. We promptly responded to the needs of victims of separate fire incidents. In Brgy. Kasangyangan, Zamboanga City, we helped 419 victims; in Baganga, Davao Oriental, we assisted 299 victims; and in Maco and Laak, Davao de Oro, we aided three victims. We conducted a series of aid distributions in Batangas, bringing smiles to 300 residents of Batangas City in partnership with Board Members Lydia Lopez, Maria Louise Gamo Vale, and Jesus de Veyra; 100 in San Juan in partnership with BM Melvin Vidal; 100 in Lipa City in partnership with BM Aries Mendoza; and 100 in Rosario in partnership with BM Jonas Patrick Gozos. We did not neglect the people of Nueva Ecija, where I am considered an adopted son of the province, and managed to spread joy to 364 beneficiaries from Llanera in coordination with their municipal council, and 166 from the Science City of Muñoz, in collaboration with Mayor Baby Alvarez’s office. We also reached San Fernando City, Pampanga, where we were able to assist 16 indigents alongside Mayor Vilma Caluag. In Quezon City, together with Councilor Aiko Melendez, we were able to assist 163 displaced workers. We also supported 100 individuals in Biñan City, Laguna, in collaboration with Councilor Alvin Garcia. Millions of Filipinos require the support and protection of the government. As a legislator, I can only do so much. However, if each of us does our part, then we can be a powerful force that could help our fellow Filipinos break free from the cycle of poverty and hunger. The post Addressing poverty, hunger toward inclusive econ recovery appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lolit Solis nabigla sa hiwalayang Kris Aquino-Mark Leviste: Akala ko happy ending na
NAGULAT ang talent manager at kolumnistang si Lolit Solis matapos ibalita ng Queen of All Media na si Kris Aquino ang kanilang paghihiwalay ni Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste. Sa kanyang Instagram ay ibinahagi niya ang kanyang saloobin hinggil sa nangyayari kay Tetay. “Parang nagulat ako sa balita na medyo break muna ngayon sila Mark […] The post Lolit Solis nabigla sa hiwalayang Kris Aquino-Mark Leviste: Akala ko happy ending na appeared first on Bandera......»»
Seaoil Radical Challenge fires off
The second season of the fastest race car series in the Philippines, the 2023 Seaoil Radical Challenge Philippines, is set to unfold this July. For the second year running, Radical Cars Philippines, in collaboration with official fuel partner, Seaoil Philippines, is revving up the engines and preparing to burn some rubber on the asphalt. A total of five pulse-pounding events are on the docket for this year's championship, starting at the Clark International Speedway. As a much-anticipated curtain-raiser, the event is set to pave the way for a heated season. The series will then cruise its way to the Batangas Racing Circuit in September before heading back to CIS for back-to-back rounds in October and November. The climactic finish of the season is planned with a grueling two-hour endurance race on 25 November, promising a spectacle that will test the mettle of even the most hardened racers. It's worth noting that the series, now officially recognized as a National-level championship by the Automobile Association Philippines, boasts a formidable grid of 10 Radical SR1s. The SR1 is a marvel of engineering, featuring a carbon-steel space frame chassis enveloped by a lightweight, high-downforce fiberglass body. With a mid-mounted 182 bhp RPE 1340cc racing-spec engine powering the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. This race car exemplifies simplicity and lightness, offering an unrivaled driving experience while promoting cost-effective racing. The drivers taking part in the series come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from spirited rookies and amateur gentleman drivers to seasoned professionals. This dynamic melting pot of talent and experience is guaranteed to produce a season replete with nail-biting moments and breathtaking finishes. Seaoil Philippines, the country's premier independent fuel provider, reaffirms its commitment to the sport by returning as the championship's title partner and official fuel supplier. The firm's top-tier Extreme 97 Octane fuel is the approved choice, ensuring peak performance on the track. Further demonstrating its unwavering support, Seaoil Philippines has also agreed to a new three-year deal with Radical Cars Philippines, set to supercharge the championship through to 2025. Edward Cruz, Seaoil Philippines Inc.'s Head of B2C Segment Marketing, expressed his excitement about their continued partnership. "Seaoil’s world-class Extreme 97 Octane fuel will once again power the fastest racing series in the country. We will continue providing the same brand of ‘Alagang SEAOIL’ on the track, as we have been giving to every Filipino motorist who fills up in our stations. This exciting partnership with Radical exemplifies Seaoil’s commitment in championing Philippine motorsports and fostering a culture of high-performance excellence." Cruz's sentiments echoed the thrill of the previous season, where records were shattered, fastest laps achieved, and limits breached on the track. With the partnership's renewal, Radical Challenge Philippines is set to break even more records and propel racing to even loftier heights. Marlon Stockinger, Radical Cars Philippines Motorsports Director, praised the partnership, "Our goal is to be here long term, and Seaoil shares that value as we continue to work together for the next three years, solidifying Radical Challenge Philippines as the stepping stone for racing drivers in the Philippines." The format for each round follows a three-day structure of Free Practice on Friday, Qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday, culminating with Race 2 and 3 on Sunday. Each sprint race has an intense start-to-finish span of 30 minutes. A new feature for this season is a 2-hour endurance race, an exciting addition that promises multiple driver changes and pit stops, adding another layer of unpredictability and challenge to the already thrilling The post Seaoil Radical Challenge fires off appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Public service without break
I am proud of the hard work that we have all put into advancing legislative measures with the common goal of providing a safer and better life for Filipinos While we are now on our session break, I believe that there can be no pause in our duties as public servants The Senate adjourned sine die last 31 May 31 its First Regular Session of the 19th Congress. Our first such session under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., I am proud of the hard work that we have all put into advancing legislative measures with the common goal of providing a safer and better life for Filipinos. Six of the proposed measures that hurdled the Senate are now laws, including several of my co-authored and co-sponsored bills, such as the SIM Registration Act, postponement of the December 2022 Barangay and SK Elections, and naturalization of our national basketball team key player, Justin Brownlee. Senate Bill 1849, which I co-sponsored, has also been enacted, amending certain provisions of Republic Act No. 11709 to establish a fixed term and retirement age for some officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that would hopefully better promote their welfare. I likewise co-sponsored RA 11938, converting the municipality of Carmona, Cavite into a city. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I am also particularly happy that the Bicameral Conference Report on our proposed Regional Specialty Centers Act has already been ratified, marking a significant milestone towards improving access to specialized healthcare across the country. As the principal sponsor of the measure, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of establishing more specialty centers in various regions to ensure that our Filipinos have better access to the specialized medical services they require. This measure is a steadfast commitment, and a collective vision to improve our healthcare system. It is our people’s experiences and stories that have driven us to aim for a healthcare system that is compassionate, accessible, and designed to meet the needs of Filipinos. Likewise approved on third and final reading in the Senate are several bills that I co-authored and co-sponsored, such as: (1) the proposed Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act which seeks to establish safe routes for cyclists, pedestrians, and slow vehicles across the entire country; (2) Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act which aims to institutionalize the grant of a teaching allowance for public school teachers; (3) No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act which seeks to protect students from preventing them in taking exams due to outstanding financial obligations; (4) New Agrarian Emancipation Act which seeks to condone almost P58 billion worth of loans that agrarian reform beneficiaries incurred in owning lands under the government’s agrarian reform programs; (5) Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act which aims to stimulate economic growth for decent job generation; and (6) Senate Bill No. 2021 which aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by granting them access to shared facilities and services, technology, and skills training. The proposed National Day for Awareness on the Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire Act, and the Cultural Mapping Act, which I both co-authored, have also hurdled the Senate. Meanwhile, I likewise filed several other measures in a bid to bring services closer to our people, especially the needy, the hopeless, and the helpless. These include bills establishing Mental Health Offices in higher educational institutions, mandating financial literacy and entrepreneurship as core subjects in the junior and senior high school curricula, and institutionalizing a technical-vocational program specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents. To improve the resilience of the agricultural sector, I also filed a bill seeking to provide immediate financial assistance to ARBs in the event of natural calamities and another measure that proposes to expand the services of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation and encourage private sector participation in agricultural insurance. Among others, I also filed bills seeking to institutionalize the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), a flagship housing program of President Marcos, Jr.; establish a comprehensive framework to accelerate infrastructure flagship programs; strengthen our coast guard; better protect our kasambahays, freelance and media workers; and provide equitable incentives to our para-athletes. After a hectic yet fruitful legislative year, I continue to personally visit our kababayans in need to provide the necessary aid. On June 1, I was in Samal, Bataan with my team to witness the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center and distribute aid to 500 of its struggling residents. We also visited Balanga City to provide similar assistance to 1,008 indigents. Batangas was our destination the following day where I inspected the Super Health Center and a multipurpose building which will be the new municipal hall in Ibaan. I also led relief operations for 1,000 of my fellow Batanguenos in Ibaan and 1,086 in Sta. Teresita. Meanwhile, I was in Naga City, Camarines Sur on June 3 where I attended the 1st Bicol Social Media Summit and assisted 1,500 indigent residents. I then conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Bicol Medical Center in the city and likewise aided 824 patients and 2,702 frontliners. The DSWD also committed to providing financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries. Thereafter, I inspected a bypass road in the city, a project I also supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. Across the country, my outreach teams aided 5,102 Typhoon Agaton victims in Banate, Iloilo; 170 fire-hit families in Parañaque City; five fire-hit families in Cotabato City and three more in Catbalogan City, Samar. Indigent families were also aided, including 420 in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; 598 in Socorro, Surigao del Norte; 1,000 in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; 40 in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; 520 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; 180 in Sibalom, Antique; 518 in Kalibo, Aklan; 83 TESDA graduates in Carcar City, Cebu; and 408 barangay health workers in Sariaya, Quezon. My staff likewise attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. While we are now on our session break, I believe that there can be no pause in our duties as public servants. As we have always done and as we are mandated to do, we should continue spending the days ahead trying to help uplift the lives of our Filipino people. The post Public service without break appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go wants proposal to revert to the old school calendar studied carefully
Sen. Bong Go said he leaves it up to the expertise of concerned officials especially Department of Education to decide on the proposed reversion to the old academic calendar. In an ambush interview after his visit to Ibaan, Batangas on Friday, 2 June, Go remarked, “We will leave that to our education officials. Alam kong pinag-aaralan na po nila ito. They will form a group to study the proposal to return to the old academic calendar where school breaks run from April to May. Mas alam po nila ang kanilang trabaho sa departamento, kung ano po ang makakabuti sa ating mga kababayan.” “Ang akin po dito, bilang miyembro po ng Senado, ay pag-aralang mabuti at huwag pong masakripisyo ang kalusugan ng mga kabataan. Ang ayaw natin dito, baka hindi nila kakayanin ang init tuwing summer kasi alam n'yo, nakagawian na natin. Alam n’yo, tuwing summer tayo, March, April, may bakasyon tayo nu’n dahil napakainit po ng klima, napakainit po sa classroom,” he continued. The Department of Education has initiated a review process to evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of reverting to the old academic calendar. According to DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa, the decision to consider reverting to the old academic calendar stems from several factors. He said the agency recognizes the need to address weather-related disruptions that often lead to class suspensions, extended school breaks, and subsequent disruptions to the continuity of learning. “Hindi pa tapos yung pag-aaral tungkol diyan, kung ibabalik or hindi, so I cannot say for sure. Kung ibabalik man, hindi yan kaagaran because if we do that, hindi magkakaroon ng break ang ating mga learners at teachers,” Poa earlier said. Previously, a survey of around 11,000 teachers conducted in the last week of March found that at least 67% of public school teachers experienced "intolerable" heat inside the classroom, distracting students and affecting their attendance. Senator Go asserted that the DepEd, being the primary authority in matters of education, is equipped with the expertise and experience needed to thoroughly evaluate the situation. “Unahin muna natin ang kalusugan ng mga kabataan. Health muna. And of course, huwag po dapat masakripisyo ang education. Importante dito, masusunod pa rin natin ang number of school days na kailangan nilang pumasok sa pag-aaral at huwag masakripisyo ang kalidad ng education kapag inadjust po natin balik sa dating summer break po,” said Go. “I’m sure pag-aaralan po itong mabuti ng ating DepEd officials, mas alam po nila ang kanilang trabaho. So ako po ay nakikiusap sa ating mga officials na pag-aralan at kung kailangang ibalik, ibalik po natin, kung ano po ang mas makakabuti sa mga estudyante na hindi po maaapektuhan ang kanilang kalusugan,” he urged. The post Bong Go wants proposal to revert to the old school calendar studied carefully appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Capitol mulls putting ‘integrated south bus’ terminal in Talisay instead of at SRP
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Instead of at the South Road Properties (SRP), the new location of a new south bus terminal in Cebu might be in Talisay City. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on Wednesday, Mar. 27, said that they had received an unsolicited proposal of developing a brand new, south bus terminal. READ: Mayor Rama.....»»
Xdinary Heroes make ‘extraordinary’ concert in Manila
Members of the South Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes showed that they were no ordinary musicians during their first world tour, “Break The Brake” last March 23 at the New Frontier Theater......»»
Cebu Pacific books P8 billion profit in 2023
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific found itself landing on solid ground in 2023, as it booked a profit of nearly P8 billion on the back of a resurgent demand for air travel......»»
Double pay for workers reporting on Holy Week
Workers nationwide may opt to enjoy a long holiday break or hefty pay this Holy Week......»»
Power fluctuations hit NAIA
Passengers sweltered as power fluctuations hit the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at around 10 a.m. yesterday......»»
Phl at the crossroads
As we all take a break this Holy Week, some of us will pause and ponder on our own individual journeys and think about what lies ahead......»»
UAAP volleyball enters break amid wide-open semis race
It’s the calm before the storm as teams embark on a much-needed pause ahead of an expected all-out race to the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments Final Four......»»
Cebu bus terminals: 100,000 passengers expected on March 27
CEBU CITY, Philippines — At least 100,000 passengers are expected to flock to two of the biggest bus terminals here in Cebu for the Holy Week this year. As early as 7 a.m. on Holy Wednesday, dozens already queued for buses at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) in the North Reclamation Area. READ MORE:.....»»
Drayber, konduktor sa bus sa Ecoland terminal gipaubos sa drug test
Drayber, konduktor sa bus sa Ecoland terminal gipaubos sa drug test.....»»
3 suspected rebels killed in clash in Philippines Batangas
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Three suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Batangas province, south of Manila, on Tuesday, the Philippine military said. The military said a 30-minute gunfight broke out around 6:30 a.m. local time after the troops ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Rosario town. The troops recovered three rifles, six jungle packs, and some mater.....»»
Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, March 26
MANILA -- Three suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Batangas province, south of Manila, on Tuesday, the Philippine military said. The military said a 30-minute gunfight broke out around 6:30 a.m. local time after the troops ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Rosario town. (Philippines-Clash) - - - - BEIRUT -- Two people were killed and nine other civ.....»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 26 March 2024
P101-M sea wall to rise in Surigao Sur town A P101.3 million sea wall will be constructed in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur to protect lives and properties from storm surges there. Rep. Romeo Momo (1st District, Surigao del Sur) led the ground breaking of the Marihatag Seawall Project last Sunday, March 24. “The project is a […].....»»
eTravel pains
You know it’s a popular season for traveling when television news outlets are already reporting live from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to check if there are already hordes of passengers preparing to leave town or the country during the Holy Week break......»»