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Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. 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RFO Home to Go promo offers easy home ownership
The RFO (Ready-For-Occupancy) Home to Go promotion, launched by Amaia, simplifies home-buying. One benefit of investing in an RFO unit is that prospective buyers can examine the home’s aesthetic first-hand since the unit is already entirely constructed. Also, customers can see the existing community vibe before purchasing. Most RFO homes already have amenities like swimming pools and basketball courts, which residents may readily enjoy. Since the unit is entirely built, buyers can immediately move in, while investors can rent out the unit sooner and get a faster return on their investment. Recognizing the importance of affordability to aspiring property owners and given that each person’s financial requirements and resources are unique, Amaia has partnered with reputable banks such as BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) and CTBC (Chinatrust Commercial Bank) to provide several convenient payment options. Since clients may select the plan that best conforms to their budget, they can begin their homeownership journey without financial stress. Amaia’s RFO units are located amidst both the hustle and bustle of the city and the serenity of the suburbs. Project locations include condos in Alabang, Sucat, Cubao, Shaw, Altaraza (San Jose del Monte), Pasig, Mandaue (Cebu), Capitol Central (Bacolod); townhouses in Novaliches, Vermosa (Imus) and Nuvali (Calamba); and house and lot units in General Trias, Cabuyao, San Pablo, Lucena, San Fernando, Cabanatuan, Capas, Urdaneta and North Point (Bacolod). Amaia’s RFO Home To Go is the ideal solution for people looking for a simple and quick path to homeownership. It offers immediate occupancy, significant discounts, affordable payment plans and many projects. The post RFO Home to Go promo offers easy home ownership appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Australia boost partnership, mull more bilateral military exercises
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defense Forces are mulling more bilateral military exercises that will further strengthen and boost both of their military forces. This development came after ADF chief Gen. Angus Campbell paid a courtesy call to AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday at the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Brawner and Campbell discussed the existing defense partnership between the Philippines and Australia as well as the joint Exercise ALON. "We want to showcase the close ties that we have among our Armed Forces. We would also like to thank you for the recent exercise,” Brawner said. For his part, Campbell emphasized that the ongoing Philippine-Australia bilateral drills serve an “expression of an important message and a demonstration of cooperation among partner nations.” “We want to make sure that the particular form of the military is evolving in ways that the Armed Forces of the Philippines want and that would see mutual benefit and partnership. I want to make sure that we remain a partner that listens and adapts,” Campbell said. Brawner, meanwhile, thanked the Australian Defense Force Chief for the continuous support that they have given to the country. "All have seen how the relationship between both our Armed Forces has grown, from counterterrorism and now shifting to territorial defense. There is a lot of room for us to work together,” Brawner said. [caption id="attachment_176884" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] AFP Chief General Romeo S Brawner Jr. welcomed Chief of Australian Defense Force General Angus Campbell during arrival honors conducted at the general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on 29 August 2023. (Photo by AFP PAO)[/caption] From Comprehensive to Strategic Partnership Department of National Defense Undersecretary Ireneo Espino on Tuesday also announced that the Philippines and Australia are now elevating bilateral relations from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership following their biggest bilateral Cooperative Amphibious Serial exercise. “Indeed, the importance of our two countries' place on security partnership comes at the crucial junction in our regional security landscape with challenges becoming more complex by the day,” Espino said during the closing ceremony of Philippines-Australia Exercise ALON 2023, which was held at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. “Our partner can rest assured that DND stands ready to further heighten the Philippines' friendship and cooperation with Australia,” he added. Meanwhile, Bgen, Jimmy Larida, executive director for Exercise ALON-23, described the newly concluded combined amphibious drills between AFP and ADF as a “very resounding success,” noting that the strategic objectives were met throughout the exercises. “We were able to identify what particular procedures where we are already good in dealing with Australia and what particular tactical procedures that we should improve further so we will do everything to improve during the next iteration of this exercise,” Larida said. AFP Public Affairs chief, LtCol. Enrico Gil Ileto, said the largest bilateral exercise conducted between the AFP and ADF included an air assault exercise in Palawan on 21 August and a combined amphibious assault exercise in Zambales on 25 August —which was carried out by launching a combined amphibious landing force from the Navy ships to secure the beach landing sites, followed by parachute insertion to seize the objectives and a simultaneous landing via landing craft and USMC MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Palawan air assault exercise in Rizal was designed to simulate realistic combat scenarios, enhancing the forces’ preparedness and operational readiness across air, sea and land actions. It featured over 600 soldiers from the AFP, ADF and USMC, and close air support by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightening II and E-7A Wedgetail. Ileto said the assets used in these drills included HMA ships Canberra and Anzac, with the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602), close air support from RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft, Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank and two Philippine Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles. To mark the final phase of the exercise, the AFP and ADF will hold a live fire training as the final phase in Capas, Tarlac on 31 August. Exercise ALON was designed to enhance both military forces’ capability in conducting combined operations and improved their tactics, techniques and procedures for amphibious operations. Participants were composed of 1,000 personnel from the AFP and 1,200 from the ADF, with support from 150 US Marine Corps. The post Phl, Australia boost partnership, mull more bilateral military exercises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Australia boosts partnership, mulls more bilateral military exercises
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Australian Defense Forces are mulling more bilateral military exercises that will further strengthen and boost both of their military forces. This development came after ADF chief Gen. Angus Campbell paid a courtesy call to AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday at the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Brawner and Campbell discussed the existing defense partnership between the Philippines and Australia as well as the joint Exercise ALON. "We want to showcase the close ties that we have among our Armed Forces. We would also like to thank you for the recent exercise,” Brawner said. For his part, Campbell emphasized that the ongoing Philippine-Australia bilateral drills serve an “expression of an important message and a demonstration of cooperation among partner nations.” “We want to make sure that the particular form of the military is evolving in ways that the Armed Forces of the Philippines want and that would see mutual benefit and partnership. I want to make sure that we remain a partner that listens and adapts,” Campbell said. Brawner, meanwhile, thanked the Australian Defense Force Chief for the continuous support that they have given to the country. "All have seen how the relationship between both our Armed Forces has grown, from counterterrorism and now shifting to territorial defense. There is a lot of room for us to work together,” Brawner said. [caption id="attachment_176884" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] AFP Chief General Romeo S Brawner Jr. welcomed Chief of Australian Defense Force General Angus Campbell during arrival honors conducted at the general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on 29 August 2023. (Photo by AFP PAO)[/caption] From Comprehensive to Strategic Partnership Department of National Defense Undersecretary Ireneo Espino on Tuesday also announced that the Philippines and Australia are now elevating bilateral relations from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership following their biggest bilateral Cooperative Amphibious Serial exercise. “Indeed, the importance of our two countries' place on security partnership comes at the crucial junction in our regional security landscape with challenges becoming more complex by the day,” Espino said during the closing ceremony of Philippines-Australia Exercise ALON 2023, which was held at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. “Our partner can rest assured that DND stands ready to further heighten the Philippines' friendship and cooperation with Australia,” he added. Meanwhile, Bgen, Jimmy Larida, executive director for Exercise ALON-23, described the newly concluded combined amphibious drills between AFP and ADF as a “very resounding success,” noting that the strategic objectives were met throughout the exercises. “We were able to identify what particular procedures where we are already good in dealing with Australia and what particular tactical procedures that we should improve further so we will do everything to improve during the next iteration of this exercise,” Larida said. AFP Public Affairs chief, LtCol. Enrico Gil Ileto, said the largest bilateral exercise conducted between the AFP and ADF included an air assault exercise in Palawan on 21 August and a combined amphibious assault exercise in Zambales on 25 August —which was carried out by launching a combined amphibious landing force from the Navy ships to secure the beach landing sites, followed by parachute insertion to seize the objectives and a simultaneous landing via landing craft and USMC MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The Palawan air assault exercise in Rizal was designed to simulate realistic combat scenarios, enhancing the forces’ preparedness and operational readiness across air, sea and land actions. It featured over 600 soldiers from the AFP, ADF and USMC, and close air support by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightening II and E-7A Wedgetail. Ileto said the assets used in these drills included HMA ships Canberra and Anzac, with the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602), close air support from RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft, Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank and two Philippine Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles. To mark the final phase of the exercise, the AFP and ADF will hold a live fire training as the final phase in Capas, Tarlac on 31 August. Exercise ALON was designed to enhance both military forces’ capability in conducting combined operations and improved their tactics, techniques and procedures for amphibious operations. Participants were composed of 1,000 personnel from the AFP and 1,200 from the ADF, with support from 150 US Marine Corps. The post Phl, Australia boosts partnership, mulls more bilateral military exercises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA, DSWD accept 300MT rice donation from Japan for Mayon evacuees
Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban on Saturday said the department has formally accepted the 300-metric ton milled rice donation by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Tier 3 Program on 17 August 2023 in Camalig, Albay. Panganiban said the donated rice is intended for the families affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption and was turned over by the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke to APTERR Secretariat General Manager Choomjet Kernjanakesorn. It was then accepted by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Michael Christopher Mathay, and DA - National Food Authority (NFA) Special Assistant to the Administrator Roger Navarro. The officials also launched the distribution of the 300-MT milled rice stocks equivalent to 10,000 30-kilogram bags to the affected families identified by the DSWD. “We are not merely witnessing the ceremonial exchange of rice donation but more so the exchange of hope and support from our dependable partners in the ASEAN Region. This contribution is a testament to the unbreakable bond that binds us together as a global community,” Panganiban said. On behalf of the Philippine government, the DA official thanked the Government of Japan and the APTERR Secretariat for the donation that will benefit 10,000 families displaced by the calamity. The family beneficiaries in Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Tabaco City, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and Ligao City will receive 30-kilogram bags of rice. From the 10,000 beneficiaries, at least 1,441 shall be granted rice assistance through the DSWD’s Food for Work Program in the affected areas. The APTERR is a regional cooperation scheme among 10 ASEAN member states plus three countries that include China, Japan, and South Korea. The cooperation aims at strengthening food security and reducing poverty in East Asia. Other officials present during the activity include APTERR Secretariat Japanese Expert and MAFF-Japan Representative Akinori Ando, Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr., and NFA Acting Assistant Regional Manager Gerard Lim. The post DA, DSWD accept 300MT rice donation from Japan for Mayon evacuees appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM Investments profit flies 32%
Mall developer SM Investments Corp. reported a consolidated net income of P36.5 billion in the first six months, up 32 percent from P27.7 billion in the same period last year. Consolidated revenues rose 18 percent to P286.3 billion in the January to June period from P242.6 billion in the same period last year. “SM delivered strong results in the first half, driven by solid consumer sentiment on the back of a positive economic environment,” SM Investments President and chief executive office Frederic C. DyBuncio said. “Our performance was driven by fundamental demand, without the added benefit of post-pandemic ‘revenge spending’ that contributed to last year’s results. We experienced robust consumer confidence, consistent with the Philippines’ overall economic growth, record low unemployment and improving inflation environment. This provides us with a solid basis for the balance of the year, in which we typically see our strongest quarters,” DyBuncio explained. Of total net earnings, retail accounted for 17 percent. Property contributed 26 percent while banking accounted for the largest share at 47 percent and portfolio investments contributed 10 percent. Retail improves SM Retail net income grew 21 percent to P8.4 billion from P7 billion. Revenues were up 15 percent to P188.9 billion from P164.3 billion. Revenue growth mirrored vibrant shopping activity supported by improving employment. As a result, revenues for the department store grew 27 percent while specialty retail revenues increased 18 percent. Food retail revenues grew 10 percent with Alfamart as the fastest-growing food business, posting 26 percent revenue growth in the first half. As of June 2023, Alfamart had a total of 1,528 stores. “Consumer spending was notably strong in discretionary categories such as fashion, dining out, and entertainment, reflecting increased spending power on lifestyle and experiences, underpinned by stronger consumer confidence,” DyBuncio pointed out. In the six months ended June 2023, SM Retail and its affiliates added 174 stores, bringing the total retail network to 3,677 stores. The post SM Investments profit flies 32% appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manhattan of Pasay City (2)
Pasay City aspires to be the first eco-sustainable city or “eco-city” of the Philippines, taking utmost consideration of its environment for the sake of its people. Pasay City is a super-active global metropolis, a host for every foreign visitor coming to or leaving the Philippines. Its mayor is the Honorable Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano. She is that notable lady you will often see among government officials at the airport every time President Bongbong Marcos leaves or arrives from abroad. For every great stride that the national government takes, be it for the economy and infrastructure, the city government complements that with its own. The city government of Pasay always prefers to move along with the national government. When the Duterte administration launched its “Build, Build, Build” program to achieve the golden age of infrastructure in the Philippines, to enhance mobility and connectivity, the city government of Pasay swung along the same spirit by enlarging its limited space by reclaiming a total of 625 hectares, with a blueprint for building two islands and establish connectivity with a bridge between them. And wonder of all wonders, that only the intrepid can do, the city will even erect an iconic Manhattan in Manila Bay! Believe it or not, it’s true. It’s ongoing. And with the advent of digitalization during the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, the pace of construction could go faster. Soon the office of the city auditor of Pasay will be advocating an automated audit system for e-collection and e-payment, and the use of artificial intelligence to process big data to determine patterns and detect fraud. The Office of the City Auditor has been trying its best to make it easy for the Office of the Chief Accountant to cleanse the accounts and eliminate discrepancies and reconcile the accounts with their subsidiaries to reduce to an easy and manageable level the difference between the accounting records and the general service office reports. The Office of the Chief Accountant should start studying how to imbibe the development by CoA of an easy-to-implement and technology-driven government accounting system compliant with the international standard to ensure that all revenues and expenditures are recorded accurately and promptly and enhance auditing guidelines for engagements to cover contracts entered into via social media. Digitalization will enhance transparency, prevent corruption and expedite economic activity. President Bongbong Marcos has launched a continuation of President Duterte’s program of building more, providing sustainable economic activities, and more bridges to establish linkages among islands and our people in the farmlands. Proper utilization and management of resources for the greatest benefit of its constituents are the takeoff point for development planning strategies of the city of Pasay. Since it aspires to be the very first eco-sustainable city or “eco-city” in the Philippines, Pasay City is taking utmost consideration of its environment and the people. The City of Pasay is strictly cognizant of its mission statement: “To serve its constituents and stakeholders with enthusiasm, efficiency, and a firm commitment to adhering to the principles of good governance; and to provide services and infrastructure essential to making the City a progressive, healthy and peaceful place worthy of respect and emulation.” This serves to guide the City in its decision-making and formulating strategies for development. The focus of its mission is ensuring that development ultimately benefits every Pasayeño and the kind of service rendered is one that is characterized by willingness to serve, transparent and responsive to the needs of its constituents. The post Manhattan of Pasay City (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
State of emergency lifting to benefit Mindanao — Go
Successful law enforcement efforts initiated by the Duterte administration and continued under the present dispensation have led to the lifting of the state of national emergency in Mindanao, according to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. In an interview on Saturday, 29 July after assisting flood victims in Davao City, Go lauded the lifting of the state of national emergency by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying it was a testament to the successful law enforcement efforts in the region. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order, hailed the fight against terrorism and unrest which led to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s state of emergency declaration in 2016. The senator highlighted the significant security challenges that had plagued Mindanao, which included bombings and the Marawi Siege. Go pointed to the economic and societal benefits that would come with the normalization of life in Mindanao. “With the lifting, mas lalong mano-normalize na po ang ating pamumuhay sa Mindanao at makapag-engganyo na tayo ng investors, turista, mas sisigla na ang ating ekonomiya, at karagdagang trabaho na po ito, (it will normalize life in Mindanao and we will be able to attract investors, tourists and revive the economy) ” he said. While the lifting of the state of emergency and public health emergency is a significant development for Mindanao, the senator stressed the importance of not forgetting the sacrifices made by frontliners, particularly uniformed personnel and healthcare workers, during the challenging period. He earlier urged the Executive, specifically the Department of Health and the Department of Budget and Management, to honor the due compensation of healthcare workers as committed by President Marcos Jr. in his second SoNA. Marcos’ decision to lift the state of national emergency on 25 July was based on the improved peace and order situation in the region. His proclamation highlighted “successful focused military and law enforcement operations and programs that promote sustainable and inclusive peace,” contributing to the restoration of peace in the region. The President expressed optimism that lifting the proclamation would “boost economic activity and hasten the recovery of the local economy.” The post State of emergency lifting to benefit Mindanao — Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former Magdalo leader challenges Lray Villafuerte
Former Magdalo leader and San Fernando, Camarines Sur Mayor Fermin Mabulo, challenged 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte to a gubernatorial face-off and called for an end to their 40-Year reign. The former Magdalo leader on Monday announced his commitment to challenge the Villafuerte dynasty. In a press conference in Quezon City, Mabulo boldly called for a new brand of leadership that prioritizes inclusive and sustainable development for all, while issuing a direct challenge to Camarines Sur Representative LRay Villafuerte for a face-off in the next gubernatorial elections. He said he is forced to come out in the open following the escalating number of fake news and rumors, he alleges, are spread by the Villafuerte camp against him and his family. He expressed frustration with these baseless attacks, hinting at the political motives behind them. "Madami pong lumalabas na mga fake news laban sa akin at sa aming pamilya. Mga paninira na sa una ay hindi namin pinapansin dahil pawang kasinungalingan lang. Subalit ito ay palala ng palala at sponsored pa," Mabulo revealed, underscoring the need to address the smear campaign that has plagued him and his family. Despite previously serving as the provincial administrator during Villafuerte's term as governor, Mayor Mabulo recounted that Rep. Villafuerte initiated attacks against him on social media platforms. Earlier this year, Rep. Villafuerte even challenged Mayor Mabulo to a boxing match. “May nag-text nga sa akin at nanghahamon pa ng suntukan, nag-post din sa Facebook. Sasagutin na kita, Congressman Villafuerte, tinatanggap ko ang iyong hamon. Boxing? Let’s go! Sa isang kundisyon: gawin natin ito sa Jessie Robredo Coliseum sa Naga City bilang fundraising event para sa kapakanan ng ating mga provincial scholars na tinanggal mo dahil hindi bumoto sa mga anak mo ang magulang at pamilya nila," declared Mayor Mabulo. Undeterred by the 40-year Villafuerte leadership in Camarines Sur, Mayor Mabulo voiced his commitment to break away from stagnation and bring about genuine progress and development in the province. "Nakalipas ang apat na pung taon sa position, mailap parin ang pangarap na kapayapaan at kaginhawan na pinapangarap ng bawat magsasaka, mangingisda, at mga ordinaryong mamamayan sa aming probinsiya," he asserted, emphasizing the pressing need for transformative leadership. Mayor Mabulo expressed, "I am offering myself to my beloved province mates in Camarines Sur. Enough is enough! It is time for a new brand of leadership, leadership with heart and skills." This echoes the principles of the late Secretary Jesse Robredo. Citing the Philippine Statistics Authority, Mayor Mabulo highlighted the pressing socio-economic challenges faced by Camarines Sur. The province reported a high poverty incidence of 29.8 percent, reflecting the hardships endured by a significant portion of the population. Additionally, the subsistence incidence among families stands at 10.5 percent, indicating the struggle to meet basic food requirements. The Department of Social Welfare and Development's Listahanan 3 database identified around 184,667 poor households, equivalent to 1,078,719 indigents, in Camarines Sur. These figures underscore the need for targeted poverty reduction programs to uplift the most vulnerable communities. Furthermore, the province's Human Development Index (HDI) witnessed a decline during the term of Governor LRay Villafuerte, despite increased tourism and economic activity, indicating the urgency for inclusive and sustainable development efforts that benefit all residents. Drawing a parallel with the biblical narrative of the Exodus, Mayor Mabulo said, "Life begins at 40. After 40 years of suffering in the wilderness, God brought the Israelites to the promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey. I call on my province mates in Camarines Sur - tapusin na po natin ang apat na pong taon na paghihirap sa Camarines Sur. Panahon para sa pagbabago." The upcoming gubernatorial elections will see how much of a hold the Villafuertes still have over the province. The post Former Magdalo leader challenges Lray Villafuerte appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG hosts Kadiwa activity at central office
The Department of the Interior and Local Government hosted the Kadiwa ng Pangulo at the DILG Central Office on Friday, bringing low-cost agricultural products and other products of small and medium enterprises to employees of the DILG and the National Police Commission in Quezon City. This was part of the celebration of National Nutrition Month, where DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the Department is one of the first national government agencies to host the KNP on its premises. He said conducting KNP in DILG premises will allow department employees to buy low-cost and fresh goods straight from the producers since they, like the others, should also benefit from this good program of the President and are not exempt from rising food costs. “We are planning to hold this activity monthly and as the Christmas season approaches, we will do it twice a month,” Abalos said. The DILG secretary said the project is already being implemented in the local government units, where KNP market days are set on the 15th and 30th days of each month. He said local governments provide for free sites for the activity, for example, a basketball court or the provincial capitol or municipal hall. The Department of Agriculture brings the farmers and their produce, and the Department of Trade and Industry takes care of the products of SMEs. “Only Philippine products are sold so each LGU can promote the fruits and vegetables that are grown in their locality as well as their local dry goods,” he said. In addition to fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat food and processed meat were sold at the eighth floor of the DILG Central Office as well as organic fruit juices and concentrates. SMEs sold bags and apparel and leather goods like wallets, belts and shoes. On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development showcased its livelihood assistance projects, while the National Nutrition Council and the Cooperative Development Authority promoted proper diet and cooperative participation. The post DILG hosts Kadiwa activity at central office appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG brings low-cost agri, SME products through Kadiwa ng Pangulo
The Department of the Interior and Local Government hosted the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in the DILG Central Office on Friday, bringing low-cost agricultural products and other products of small and medium enterprises to employees of the DILG and the National Police Commission in Quezon City. This was part of the celebration of National Nutrition Month, where DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the Department is one of the first national government agencies that hosted the KNP on its premises. Abalos said conducting KNP in DILG premises will allow Department employees to buy low-cost and fresh goods straight from the producers since they, like the others, should also benefit from this good program of the President and are not exempt from rising food costs. “We are planning to hold this activity monthly and as the Christmas season approaches, we will do it twice a month,” Abalos said. The DILG Secretary said the project is already being implemented in the local government units, where KNP market days are set on the 15th and 30th days of each month. The Department of Agriculture brings the farmers and their produce, and the Department of Trade and Industry takes care of the products of SMEs. “Only Philippine products are sold so each LGU can promote the fruits and vegetables that are grown in their locality as well as their local dry goods,” he said. In addition to fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat food and processed meat were sold as well as organic fruit juices and concentrates. SMEs sold bags and apparel and leather goods like wallets, belts, and shoes. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also showcased its livelihood assistance projects, while the National Nutrition Council and the Cooperative Development Authority promoted proper diet and cooperative participation. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will pay the wages of those who transported the products and the builders of the stalls under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program. Launched and spearheaded by the DA in 2019, in collaboration with the DILG and the Food Terminal Inc, KNP is a program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain. It also gives farmers, fisherfolks as well as micro-SMEs rent-free venues to sell their produce and increase their income. In his second State of the Nation Address, the President said “The Kadiwa system enabled the public to buy goods at cheaper rates and the farmers to sell their crops without having to worry about transportation costs.” The post DILG brings low-cost agri, SME products through Kadiwa ng Pangulo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go extends assistance to Davao City PWDs
On Wednesday, 12 July, the office of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go provided assistance to persons with disabilities in Barangay Cabantian, Davao City, as part of his ongoing commitment to serving and supporting Filipinos, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sectors such as the PWD community. In his message, Go emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that no one should be left behind in the journey toward progress. He asserted the need for all citizens, including PWDs, to have equitable access to government services. “Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin dahil sa totoo lang, kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo po kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Mahal na mahal ko po kayong lahat,” he said. The senator’s outreach team conducted the relief activity at Brgy. Cabantian covered the court, where they handed out vitamins, masks, shirts, snacks, caps, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 75 beneficiaries. The assistance is in line with Go's broader initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life of Filipinos, including PWDs. In the 19th Congress, he championed proposed measures to bolster the public health system and expand access to healthcare services. These include Senate Bill No. 198, which aims to provide free annual medical check-ups to all Filipinos, and SBN 190, designed to provide a comprehensive dialysis benefit package for all Philippine Health Insurance Corporation members. Further evidencing his commitment to inclusive education, Go co-authored Republic Act No. 11650 during the 18th Congress. The law seeks to augment the quality of education in the formal learning sector by providing free support services and programs that are specially tailored to the needs of learners with disabilities. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also advised those with health issues to get assistance from the Malasakit Center at Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city. Principally authored and sponsored by Go, the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 provides for the establishment of one-stop shops where indigent patients may conveniently avail medical assistance from various agencies including DSWD, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers that have assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Go also continues to support the construction of additional Super Health Centers nationwide. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, enough funds have been allocated for the DOH's Health Facilities Enhancement Program to build 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The DOH, which is the lead agency in implementing the program, identifies the strategic locations for the construction of these centers. To help improve the quality of public service delivered to his fellow Davaoeños, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the construction of various multipurpose buildings and local roads, rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems, and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city, the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for the SPMC and the acquisition of ambulances. “Mga kapwa kong Davaoeños, andirito lang po ako para makapagserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot nang aking makakaya. Andirito lang po ang inyong Kuya Bong Go na handa pong tumulong sa inyo,” Go reaffirmed. The post Bong Go extends assistance to Davao City PWDs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EU sends emergency assistance to Mayon-affected families
The European Union is allocating 50,000 pounds (approximately P3 million) to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to families affected by the increased activity of Mayon Volcano in the Philippines. The aid will benefit over 7,500 people in the worst-hit areas in Albay province. The EU funding will support the Philippine Red Cross in delivering immediate assistance through the distribution of emergency shelter items, sleeping kits, primary healthcare assistance and hygiene kits. The aid will also increase access to clean water supplies and sanitation facilities to enable communities to maintain their good hygiene practices. The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Mayon, the Philippines’ most active volcano situated on Luzon island about 330 kilometers southeast of Manila, was placed under Alert Level III on 8 June and gradually began spewing lava and sulfuric gas, prompting the evacuation of nearly 13,000 residents. The activity has triggered rockfall and volcanic earthquakes, and there is a continued potential for ashfall and volcanic gas emissions that can pose health hazards to nearby communities. Red Cross staff, volunteers and equipment are on standby for any further response support. The P3-million aid will benefit over 7,500 people in the worst-hit areas in Albay province. The European Union, together with its member states, is the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity toward people in need around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and human-made crises. Through its European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the European Union helps over 120 million victims of conflicts and disasters every year. The European Commission has signed a 3-million-pound humanitarian contribution agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund. Funds from the DREF are mainly allocated to “small-scale” disasters, those that do not give rise to a formal international appeal. The post EU sends emergency assistance to Mayon-affected families appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl’s manufacturing growth slowest in 10 months: data
The country's manufacturing growth slowed down at its slowest pace in 10 months in June due to weaker growth in output and new orders, data from S&P Global showed on Monday. The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) slowed to 50.9 in June, down from 52.2 in May. It added that the pace of PMI's growth lost momentum, indicating only a fractional rise in manufacturing output. According to S&P Global, the upward trend in manufacturing output recorded its lowest level since its continuous rise began in September 2022. While the latest reading remained higher than the threshold of 50, which distinguishes expansion from decline, S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said in an emailed commentary that the new data indicated similar signs of vulnerabilities observed during the pandemic. "With inflationary pressures fading and global economic uncertainties still a looming threat to growth, the central bank maintained their policy rate at 6.25 percent for the second successive policy meeting in June," she said. In June, new orders, which support the argument for increasing factory production, experienced slight growth but at a slower rate. The rise in production was driven by an improvement in demand from both domestic and international markets, as well as the addition of new clients. The decrease in output was attributed to the maintenance of a lean workforce in factories, with S&P Global highlighting that certain companies were actively reducing their labor force. China Banking Corp. chief economist Domini Velasquez said the decline in factory output could be attributed to a slowdown in economic activity throughout the Philippines. Velasquez clarified that as bottlenecks in the global supply chain alleviate, the local manufacturing sector will experience positive effects. Additionally, the sector will also benefit from the combination of decreasing inflation and lower producer prices. "Moving forward, we expect the manufacturing sector to continue to expand modestly until we see improvement in Chinese and advanced economies' demand," Velasquez said. The post Phl’s manufacturing growth slowest in 10 months: data appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UnionBank recognized for IP Awareness and Protection
At the culminating activity of National Intellectual Property Month, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines recognized the UnionBank of the Philippines for its support for intellectual property awareness and protection. The 2023 Gawad Yamang Isip Awards and Fashion Night, themed “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity,” was held at The Manila Hotel last 26 April 2023. It highlighted the IP protection of Filipino textiles and fabrics through a fashion showcase. UnionBank was presented with a plaque of recognition for its partnership with (IPOPHL) in championing the protection of digital innovation technology intellectual properties. UnionBank’s senior vice president and head of Blockchain and API Business Group, Metaverse Center of Excellence and Government Projects, Catherine Anne Bautista-Casas, accepted the citation for the bank. “One thing we always talk about at the UnionBank Innovation Camp is that, for us, IP patents aren’t just legalities or papers on the wall… it represents the creative ideas of our employees and the values that we had established as a bank when we decided not just to digitize, but innovate,” Casas said. “When we innovate, we don’t just create something for our customers. We promote our society’s development, give people opportunities to create new things, and inspire other companies to do the same.” “As a digital innovator, IP protection is important to us, naturally, because of the numerous patents we file for our solutions and products. But more than that, IP protection safeguards employees’ ideas, who work hard to develop solutions that greatly benefit our customers,” Casas shared. “Whether in technology, science, engineering, or the arts…IP protection gives creators the credit they deserve for their societal contributions.” The 2023 Gawad Yamang Isip Awards and Fashion Night, attended by other distinguished guests, including Sen. Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” Romualdez Marcos and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, was meant to underscore the importance of IP protection in the creative industry and emphasize the significance of IP about the country’s social, cultural, economic and technological development. UnionBank is known for its digital banking innovations. It was the first to introduce numerous industry solutions like selfie banking, an open-source application programming interface platform, and the country’s first-ever fully digital and paperless banking branch, The Ark. UnionBank has consistently been introducing innovative solutions that continue redefining how Filipinos view banking. With the bank’s expertise in a wide range of emerging technologies, including data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, blockchain, cloud computing, and extended reality, UnionBank is on the way to building a digital banking dynasty as it has collected numerous awards including a 6-time Best Digital Bank recognition from The Asset among others. The post UnionBank recognized for IP Awareness and Protection appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go cites importance of healthcare access
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go hailed the groundbreaking of the Tarlac City General Hospital in Barangay Binauganan, Tarlac City, in the province of Tarlac on Thursday, 20 April as the city celebrated its 25th Charter Anniversary. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go was among those who helped push for the construction of the hospital to benefit the residents of Tarlac City and its neighboring areas. In his video message, Go highlighted the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructures to improve the overall health and well-being of the Filipino people. “Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right that every Filipino should be entitled to,” Go said. “That is why I am committed to supporting initiatives that will improve our healthcare system and make it more accessible to those who need it the most,” he added. The event was a significant milestone for the people of Tarlac City, as it marked the beginning of the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital that will provide essential healthcare services to the community. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go has been instrumental in supporting various healthcare programs throughout the country. He has consistently pushed for the allocation of sufficient funds for health services and advocated for initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare services for Filipinos, especially those living in rural and underserved areas. These include the establishment of Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and specialty centers. Help for the needy On Friday, 21 April, Go reaffirmed his commitment to helping Filipinos in need, especially victims of fires and other crisis situations. He also stressed that he remains focused on improving the country’s healthcare system as he personally provided assistance to indigent residents and fire victims in Calbayog City, Samar. In his speech, Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, advised the residents to visit Samar Provincial Hospital in nearby Catbalogan City where there is a Malasakit Center ready to assist them with their medical expenses. The senator then shared that he conceived the idea of the Malasakit Centers program to ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients have more convenient access to medical assistance programs by the government. Meanwhile, Go organized relief operations for the struggling residents of Iba, Zambales on 19 and 20 April. The initiative is part of Go’s continuous efforts to help address the needs of Filipinos who require assistance, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pandemic recovery efforts. Go’s outreach team conducted a distribution activity at the Iba Sports Complex gymnasium where they provided masks to a total of 1,427 residents. Select beneficiaries also received additional items, such as cellular phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Also Thursday, Go attended the Philippine Councilors League — Quezon province chapter seminar, with the theme “Quezon province Legislators: Laying the Solid Foundation in Local Legislation for Sustainable Growth and Development,” at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City. A staunch advocate for local governance empowerment, Go emphasized in his speech the importance of local government officials in driving development in their respective communities. The post Go cites importance of healthcare access appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sen. Go backs healthcare improvement programs
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go hailed the groundbreaking of the Tarlac City General Hospital in Barangay Binauganan, Tarlac City, on Thursday, 20 April, a day after the city celebrated its 25th Charter Anniversary. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go was among those who helped push for the construction of the hospital to benefit the residents of Tarlac City and its neighboring areas. In his video message, Go highlighted the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructures to improve the overall health and well-being of the Filipino people. "Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right that every Filipino should be entitled to," Go said. "That is why I am committed to supporting initiatives that will improve our healthcare system and make it more accessible to those who need it the most,” he added. The event was a significant milestone for the people of Tarlac City, as it marked the beginning of the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital that will provide essential healthcare services to the community. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go has been instrumental in supporting various healthcare programs throughout the country. He has consistently pushed for the allocation of sufficient funds for health services and advocated for initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare services for Filipinos, especially those living in rural and underserved areas. These include the establishment of Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and specialty centers. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. In Tarlac, a Malasakit Center is located at the Tarlac Provincial Hospital in Tarlac City. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 157 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. “Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go. Meanwhile, Go is also pushing for the establishment of more Super Health Centers in strategic areas nationwide which can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing government medical services closer to the grassroots. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the DOH 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. In Tarlac province, necessary funds have been allocated by Congress last year for the DOH to construct Super Health Centers in the towns of Gerona, La Paz, Paniqui, Victoria, Mayantoc, and San Jose. More Super Health Centers were funded this year in Tarlac City and in the towns of Camiling, Capas, Concepcion, Moncada, San Clemente, San Manuel, and Santa Ignacia. The senator also reiterated his support for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call to establish specialty centers in key regions outside Metro Manila. He added that the creation of these specialty health facilities is one of the likely optimal solutions to address the gaps in healthcare across the country. The establishment of specialty centers is among the health-related legislative agenda contained in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 signed by Marcos. Go expressed his gratitude to the people of Tarlac City for their unwavering support. He pledged to continue working hard for Filipinos and the entire country, and to prioritize initiatives that will improve their lives. The Senator also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the city government led by Mayor Cristy Angeles as well as the provincial government led by Gov. Susan Yap in bringing public services closer to their constituents. Aside from the Tarlac City hospital, Go also supported the construction or improvement of roads in Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Pura, San Jose, Victoria and Tarlac City; improvement of the flood control structures along the Moriones River in Tarlac City; and construction of multipurpose buildings in San Manuel and Victoria, among others. The post Sen. Go backs healthcare improvement programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go’s office aids various sectoral groups Agusan del Sur
The Office of Senator Bong Go spearheaded a relief activity aimed at supporting and uplifting various marginalized sectoral groups in Santa Josefa and Trento towns in Agusan Del Sur on Tuesday, 18 April. Go’s staff held the activity at the municipal gym of Santa Josefa and the evacuation center of Trento where they provided grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, shirts, and masks to 450 beneficiaries. The Department of Social Welfare and Development separately provided financial assistance to the affected residents. In his video message, the senator underscored the need for accessible and comprehensive healthcare services that can cater to the medical needs of Filipinos, particularly those in remote and underserved areas. To address this concern, Go has been advocating for the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide, saying, “Makatutulong po ito sa mga kababayan natin na ilapit po ang serbisyong medikal sa kanila. Ilalagay po ito sa mga strategic areas sa buong Pilipinas.” Through the concerted efforts of lawmakers, the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health has secured adequate funding for the establishment of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, is responsible for identifying the optimal locations for the construction of these health centers. In Agusan del Sur, necessary funds have been allocated by Congress for the construction of Super Health Centers in Esperanza, Bayugan, Sibagat, Santa Josefa, and Trento. Patients can also benefit from telemedicine services, where remote diagnosis and treatment are available to individuals who are unable to visit the center physically. As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also offered to assist those with health issues as he advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Prosperidad. First established in Cebu in 2018, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop through which agencies such as the DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office assist particularly poor and indigent patients by bringing to the lowest amount possible their hospital bill. To date, there are 157 Malasakit Centers nationwide which have assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported several projects in the province, such as the construction or concreting of local roads in Bayugan City, Bunawan, Esperanza, La Paz, San Luis, and Veruela; construction of multipurpose buildings in Bayugan City and San Luis; construction of evacuation centers in Loreto and Talacogon; construction of riverbank protection structures for the Ihawan River in Loreto; improvement of the Adlayan Riverbank in San Francisco; installation of reinforced concrete pipe culvert with pavement widening in Trento; and purchase and installation of solar street lights in Esperanza. Other major projects he supported are the construction of a new public market and slaughterhouse in Bunawan, the development of the Sibagat public park, the acquisition of ambulances for the local governments of La Paz and San Luis, and the acquisition of dump trucks for the local governments of San Francisco and San Luis. On 30 March, Go also personally visited Santa Josefa, Agusan del Sur where he spearheaded a similar relief operation for more indigents, graced the groundbreaking of the town's Super Health Center, and witnessed the turnover of a road he supported the funding for. The post Bong Go’s office aids various sectoral groups Agusan del Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lapu OFWs benefit from Halad Pagpangalagad
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — More than 2,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families have benefited from the “Hatod Pagpangalagad” initiated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-7 at Hoops Dome in Barangay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. The activity was in partnership with the Office of the Mayor, the Public Employment […] The post Lapu OFWs benefit from Halad Pagpangalagad appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Spend the holiday season at SM Southmall’s Happiness Factory
Celebrate the busiest time of the year here! Step into the futuristic workshop where Santa and his robo-squad “gifts” love to the world through instagrammable displays, a selfie room, and a gifting area care of SM Cares Bears of Joy. Each bear bought will benefit the SOS Children’s Village. At the heart of the production is a 32-feet towering Christmas tree decorated with gears and hundreds of sparkling lights. The Happiness Factory is located at the mall’s Food Street Concourse. SM Southmall has more happiness in store for shoppers, so make sure to mark your calendars with these activities/events. South Yuletide Markets The Christmas bazaar will have a display of different knickknacks and gifts you can take home to the family. The South Yuletide Markets are there for the holidays so check them out at the Event Center and South Yard (near Door 4). Santa’s Here Santa and the squad are visiting SM Southmall. Catch Santa by the Christmas centerpiece and the Outdoor Holidrive on Dec. 24 to 25 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Snap a photo and get a special treat! Take a trip at SM Southmall’s Outdoor HolidriveBack by popular demand, SM Southmall is bringing back Outdoor Holidrive: an immersive drive-thru Christmas experience! It will run from Nov. 4 until Jan. 8 at the mall’s West Parking Area. The drive-thru has four main attractions. Glee Town with large Christmas displays, welcoming toy soldiers and snowmen will surely put a smile on your face. The Sweet Forest will satisfy any Southies’ sweet tooth with its giant dessert displays and festive elves. Find toys, gifts, and smiles at the Happiness Overload Station, and The Light Tunnels will surely a bright spectacle you wouldn’t want to miss. Wave at the Christmas characters from the comfort of your car or come hang out with the crew, and try out other activities such as the Philippines’ first Donut Slide, Nitrodrift car racing, and more. Walk-in entrance to the Outdoor Holidrive is free. However, each ride and activity has its own fees; the Drive-thru Outdoor Holidrive has a purchase requirement of Php 2,500.00 worth of single or accumulated receipts dated from November 4, 2022 to January 8, 2023. Rides such as the Donut Slide, Nitrodrift cost about Php 100 – 150 per turn. Happiness SquadSanta’s squad will be at the Outdoor Holidrive on all Sundays starting Nov. 20 until Dec. 24 to 25, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Come and watch their special performances and be entertained. They will definitely put you in a merry mood! Outdoor Holidrive, in partnership with VIYLine Group of Companies and URC is open at the mall’s West Parking from Nov. 4 to Jan. 8, 2023, from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.. Visit @smsouthmall on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more information......»»