Army s Sectoral Board to adopt WESMINCOM Transformation Roadmap
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan 16 (PIA) - The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) convened the Multi-Sector Governance Consultative Board (MSGCB) on January 15 for possible adoption of its Transformation Roa.....»»
DBM denies new procurement rules prevented renewal of Philhealth’s antivirus software
PhilHealth's failure to renew its subscription for an antivirus software was due to its own procurement management decision and not the new government procurement rules, the Department of Budget and Management clarified on Thursday. Earlier this week, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. said it failed to renew its antivirus software licenses last year, making its computer system outdated and vulnerable to cyberattacks. The delay, it claimed, was due to new government procurement rules from the Government Procurement Policy Board. In a statement, DBM stated that the Government Procurement Policy Board's Resolution No. 05-2022, which Santos cited as the cause of the failure, applies only to online subscriptions where there is no locally available provider and can only be purchased directly online using a credit card. DBM added that a locally available provider pertains to any supplier or distributor, whether local or foreign, authorized to do business in the Philippines. "As PhilHealth earlier stated, they have an existing subscription for an antivirus software. This means that they have an existing contract with a locally available supplier, which means that the cited GPPB Resolution will not apply," DBM said. "Hence, PhilHealth is authorized to conduct Public Bidding or adopt any of the alternative methods of procurement, as may be applicable, depending on their project requirements, or, at their option, avail the Guidelines on the Renewal of Regular and Recurring Services issued through GPPB Resolution No. 06-2022," the department added. DBM underscored that the decision on the project requirements and procurement modality to be adopted is based on the procurement management decision of PhilHealth as the procuring entity. It added that the procurement rules, particularly the modalities available, are not limiting and are designed to enable the adoption of the most appropriate modality given the requirements of the procuring entity, which they themselves set in their Bidding Documents. "Rest assured that the communication lines of the GPPB are always open for our colleagues in government, as well as our other stakeholders, should they have questions or needed information for purposes of clarification to avoid similar confusion," DBM said. "We also conduct procurement trainings, similar to what we have been providing Philhealth, for various national government agencies, GOCCs and other institutions, to help equip their personnel with the relevant and necessary skills and knowledge in procuring goods and services," it added. The post DBM denies new procurement rules prevented renewal of Philhealth’s antivirus software appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards
With a distinguished legacy spanning five generations, the Aboitiz Group remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change in shaping the future as it adheres to the standards and requirements outlined in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard. This year, following the 2022 compliance period of the ACGS, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. received a 4-arrow recognition after scoring 111.68 points, AEV’s highest ACGS score since the Institute of Corporate Directors inaugurated the Golden Arrow Awards in 2018. Aboitiz Power Corporation and Union Bank of the Philippines both received a 3-arrow recognition for scoring between 100 and 109 points. Consistent top performers It’s also important to note that AEV and AboitizPower have consistently been recognized as top performers in corporate governance, both here in the country and in the ASEAN region since 2013-2017 at the PSE Bell Awards. “This distinction is the result of the Aboitiz Group’s work to transform a legacy business into a hyper-innovative, diversified conglomerate that puts corporate governance and citizenship at the core of its operations. We have always believed that transparency and accountability are essential in building trust amongst our stakeholders and forging strong partnerships in order to drive change,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Group’s chief reputation and sustainability officer. AEV, the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, leads investments in diverse sectors including power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land, and cutting-edge fields such as data science and artificial intelligence. The Group is presently undergoing a profound transformation to establish itself as the Philippines' first "techglomerate." This innovative growth strategy, fueled by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers Aboitiz to drive transformative change, shaping the future of its businesses, host communities, and the nation. The Golden Arrow Recognition serves as a testament to Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. Aboitiz has excelled in several key areas such as compliance, sustainability, and innovation — positioning it as a frontrunner in the realm of corporate governance. This honor reflects the Group's ongoing commitment to creating value for its shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader Filipino community. Robust policies Aboitiz Group’s robust policies and procedures across every level of the organization form the bedrock of its commitment to excellence in corporate governance. Furthermore, the company's board of directors is characterized by its independence and diversity, playing a pivotal role in providing oversight and making strategic decisions aligned with the best interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Aboitiz places great emphasis on transparency, providing clear and comprehensive information regarding its financial performance, operations, and decision-making processes to ensure that shareholders and the public remain well-informed. In terms of regulatory compliance, Aboitiz is dedicated to adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to corporate governance. The company continuously updates its policies to ensure alignment with evolving requirements. When it comes to ethical business practices, the Group's commitment to ethical conduct and integrity remains unwavering. “This award reaffirms the team’s adherence to the shared responsibility of sustainably managing the organization. This further motivates us to champion the highest corporate governance and ethical standards as we continue to grow the business,” said AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio. “Likewise, we also exert as much effort and diligence in upholding environmental preservation and the societal good within the areas we have the privilege to serve,” he said. Corporate governance For his part, UnionBank lead independent director Roberto Manabat said, “We humbly accept this recognition as a reinforcement of the principles that guide the Bank. Our corporate governance practices reinforce the requirements of a constantly evolving business landscape. We ensure that they comply with new regulations and are ready to adopt best practices.” Aboitiz is deeply committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The post Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards
With a distinguished legacy spanning five generations, the Aboitiz Group remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change in shaping the future as it adheres to the standards and requirements outlined in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard. This year, following the 2022 compliance period of the ACGS, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. received a 4-arrow recognition after scoring 111.68 points, AEV’s highest ACGS score since the Institute of Corporate Directors inaugurated the Golden Arrow Awards in 2018. Aboitiz Power Corporation and Union Bank of the Philippines both received a 3-arrow recognition for scoring between 100 and 109 points. AEV and AboitizPower have consistently been recognized as top performers in corporate governance, both here in the country and in the ASEAN region since 2013-2017 at the PSE Bell Awards. “This distinction is the result of the Aboitiz Group’s work to transform a legacy business into a hyper-innovative, diversified conglomerate that puts corporate governance and citizenship at the core of its operations. We have always believed that transparency and accountability are essential in building trust amongst our stakeholders and forging strong partnerships in order to drive change,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Group’s chief reputation and sustainability officer. AEV, the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, leads investments in diverse sectors including power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land and cutting-edge fields such as data science and artificial intelligence. The Group is presently undergoing a profound transformation to establish itself as the Philippines' first "techglomerate." This innovative growth strategy, fueled by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers Aboitiz to drive transformative change, shaping the future of its businesses, host communities and the nation. The Golden Arrow Recognition serves as a testament to Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. Aboitiz has excelled in several key areas such as compliance, sustainability, and innovation – positioning it as a frontrunner in the realm of corporate governance. This honor reflects the Group's ongoing commitment to creating value for its shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader Filipino community. Aboitiz Group’s robust policies and procedures across every level of the organization form the bedrock of its commitment to excellence in corporate governance. Furthermore, the company's board of directors is characterized by its independence and diversity, playing a pivotal role in providing oversight and making strategic decisions aligned with the best interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Aboitiz places great emphasis on transparency, providing clear and comprehensive information regarding its financial performance, operations, and decision-making processes to ensure that shareholders and the public remain well-informed. In terms of regulatory compliance, Aboitiz is dedicated to adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to corporate governance. The company continuously updates its policies to ensure alignment with evolving requirements. When it comes to ethical business practices, the Group's commitment to ethical conduct and integrity remains unwavering. The company adheres to a stringent code of conduct that guides the behavior of its employees, fostering an environment of trust and integrity. “This award reaffirms the team’s adherence to the shared responsibility of sustainably managing the organization. This further motivates us to champion the highest corporate governance and ethical standards as we continue to grow the business,” said AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio. “Likewise, we also exert as much effort and diligence in upholding environmental preservation and the societal good within the areas we have the privilege to serve.” “We humbly accept this recognition as a reinforcement of the principles that guide the Bank. Our corporate governance practices reinforce the requirements of a constantly evolving business landscape. We ensure that they comply with new regulations and are ready to adopt best practices,” said UnionBank lead independent director Roberto Manabat. Aboitiz is deeply committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company actively pursues environmental and social responsibility, demonstrating its dedication to creating a positive impact on society and the environment. The post Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bataan BSKE candidates sign peace covenant
BATAAN CAPITOL — More than 10,000 candidates for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023 attended Thursday afternoon a peace covenant to ensure a peaceful and credible election. The candidates marched around the capitol compound before proceeding to Bataan People’s Center. In his speech, Governor Joet Garcia lauded the barangay candidates for their cooperation to have a peaceful election come 30 October. “Election is just one day; after that, we are all Bataenos,” said the governor, adding that the idea of forging a peace covenant came from Commission on Elections in Bataan supervisor Atty. Ian Silva. Also present during the peace covenant were Col. Palmer Tria, Bataan police director; Vice Governor Cris Garcia, board member Atty. Tonyboy Roman, Mayor Robin Tagle of Abucay; Vice Mayor Patrick Rellosa of Hermosa town, and top army and police officials. The post Bataan BSKE candidates sign peace covenant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asian execs bare progress roadmap
Revitalizing traditional Asian companies to adopt to the digitalization wave is the biggest challenge faced by top regional executives. Asian business leaders plotted yesterday the precarious path of the region’s economy through their individual organizations in the annual Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore. Sabin M. Aboitiz, president and CEO, Aboitiz Group said: “We are transforming a 100-year-old company to a 25-year-old athlete.” “Thinking as a startup but not forgetting our legacies,” was how he described the transformation of the Aboitiz group. “And at the heart and soul of everything is people,” he indicated. Known for his passion for people and innovation, he is currently leading the Aboitiz Group on a “Great Transformation” towards becoming the first techglomerate in the country. The Aboitiz Group is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines with interests in energy, banking, food, real estate, infrastructure, construction, technologies, data science and artificial intelligence. True industrialist Outside the Aboitiz Group, Sabin holds positions in various business and socio-civic organizations including Lead Strategic Convener of the Private Sector Advisory Council to the government, co-chairperson of the Sustainable Growth Working Group in the APEC Business Advisory Council of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, member of the United Nations Global Compact Network Philippines Board of Trustees, and Steward of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism. According to Forbes, Sabin’s creative and resourceful approach to employee engagement has earned him the Philippine Quill Award of Excellence for Communication Management, and his commitment to sustainability has led the Aboitiz Group to the frontlines of renewable energy in the country. In its 21st year, the annual conference convened CEOs, tycoons, entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders to discuss key issues of global concern and to build new partnerships, according to Forbes. The business bible said it takes boldness and vision to pilot an enterprise as the global business scene is transformed by new realities. Valuable perspective “The view from the top provides some perspective, but the rest of the crew must be motivated to embrace change as well,” it added. “Leadership is about appreciating the perspective of all your stakeholders, and I think that’s what politics teaches you,” according to Binod K. Chaudhary, chairperson of CG Corp. Global, said during the Captains Courageous session. The post Asian execs bare progress roadmap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AbaCore to buyback its terribly undervalued stock
AbaCore said that its board of directors approved a plan to adopt a share buyback program, based on the “rationale” that its price-to-book value is just 0.31, and it’s price-to-potential future earnings is just 2.25......»»
PLDT bolsters alignment with global climate reporting standards
Leading integrated telecommunications company PLDT Inc. continues to strengthen its alignment with global standards for climate action as it benchmarks with the 2023 disclosure system of the CDP. Previously known as the “Carbon Disclosure Project” and recognized globally by investors, cities and corporates, CDP provides guidance on climate-focused reporting metrics and facilitates an independent scoring on progress in terms of governance, risk management, target and performance and emissions data, among others. For its 2022 CDP assessment, PLDT received a “B” or a “Management” rating, signifying that the company has measures in place to manage its business impact on the environment. This was a significant improvement from its “C” or “Awareness” rating in 2021 and 2020 consecutively. Results of the 2023 CDP assessment are expected to be released by 2024. “Climate action is integral to our strategy of embedding sustainability in the way we do business. As this discipline calls for continuous learning and collaboration, we aim to maximize opportunities to adopt and align with global best practices and reporting standards,” said PLDT first vice president, chief sustainability officer and head of investor relations Melissa Vergel de Dios. PLDT’s environmental management measures include a decarbonization roadmap that targets Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 40 percent by 2030, from a 2019 baseline. This target is underpinned by the company’s expansion of renewable energy use, operational eco-efficiency measures and green technology adoption for its network and data center rollout. As CDP underscores the importance of assessing and identifying climate risks, PLDT earlier reported on its conduct of a comprehensive and third-party aided climate risk assessment that guides its strategies for disaster-proofing its digital infrastructure and institutionalizing business continuity measures across its organization. The company also integrated climate expertise in the composition of its board of directors, with the recent appointment of Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J. as a member of its advisory committee. Yap, S.J. holds a PhD in Environmental Economics from the University College London and is slated to contribute to PLDT’s thrust of strengthening its climate governance and management approach. These efforts demonstrate PLDT’s support for the goals of the Paris Agreement and contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Goal 13 on Climate Action. The post PLDT bolsters alignment with global climate reporting standards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NYC activities above board — chairman
National Youth Commission chairman Ronald Cardema defended the agency's annual hosting of Sangguniang Kabataan summits and trainings which were flagged by the Commission on Audit, pointing to Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel as the one besmirching his office. In an interview with the Daily Tribune at the NYC office in Quezon City, Cardema said newspaper reports (not in this paper) failed to mention that not a single "disallowance" was made. In its annual audit report on the NYC for 2022, the COA noted the agency’s “excessive payment of hotel room reservations,” as well as the local accounts of NYC showed that its training expenses amounted to P31.4 million while travel expenses reached P5.43 million. The COA said that the NYC’s local travel expenses jumped by 321 percent from P1.29 million in 2021 to P5.43 million in 2022. Training expenses, on the other hand, surged by 575 percent from P4.65 million to P31.4 million during the same period. "Of course, it would jump. From pandemic period which we are barred from holding such, it will surely ballooned because we never hold those trainings during that period," Cardema explained. He added that they are mandated to hold SK trainings, sometimes called "summit", to prepare the young officials for their positions. An annual budget of P50 million is allotted for this purpose, and according to Cardema, there are over 42,000 barangays around the country that have the same number of SK officials composed also of a chairman and seven kagawads (local councilors). "Di nga namin makumpletong bigyan lahat ng training sa dami (We can't even complete their entire number to train)," Cardema said, noting that some SK chairmen are also considered government officials for being the SK Federation president, heading the entire city or province's SK members and sit as a member of the city council or provincial boards. "Local officials na din ang turing sa kanila (They are considered local officials already). Sometimes they brought along with them a team (photographer, staff, and even families) and would not want to be booked at the hotel we contracted because of these factors. So they would instead pay for their own, in a much expensive hotel," the NYC official further explained. For this reason, Cardema added we're acceptable to COA. "That is why we have 'zero' disallowance (in that report)." He blamed Manuel for insinuating the NYC's alleged overspending, as he always hurled some criticism to the Makabayan Bloc in Congress which Kabataan Partylist is a member, for failing to condemn the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army, and National Democratic Front. Training the SK officials, the NYC chairman said, is a hard thing to do, especially for a commission composed of only 150 personnel including him. "My travel allowance is only P500,000, that sometimes requires me to go to regions and provinces. One time I was made to attend an Asian youth forum, half of that travel allowance was spent already. How are the others, which I have to attend?," Cardema asked. The NYC is the government's sole policy-making body on youth affairs but also coordinates and implements programs designed to respond to and raise awareness on youth issues. Its mandate is enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, to wit: "The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism; and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs." The post NYC activities above board — chairman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bautista’s CLA mandate ‘ultra vires’, says source
The order of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista for shipping lines to avoid charging container deposits from brokers and importers, and subscribe instead to the Container Ledger Account, or CLA, is “ultra vires” or imposing powers beyond his capacity to do so, a source in the logistics industry said. “The SoTr (secretary of transportation) cannot validly issue an order adopting the CLA “ultra vires.” The Office of the Secretary has only direct line supervision and control over the department’s regional offices. The DoTr proper shall be responsible for developing and implementing the department’s policies, plans, programs, and projects,” a source who sought anonymity told Daily Tribune. The source said Anti-Red Tape Authority chief, Atty. Ernesto V. Perez admitted the CLA did not undergo a Regulatory Impact Assessment by ARTA. “The CLA is not being imposed by way of regulation by a government agency. But if a stakeholder can show that (the regulation) is being imposed by a government agency-DoTr, then we can ask that it be subjected to an RIA. Otherwise, if it is only an option and the shipping lines are not required to use the CLA, then there is no regulation by DoTr to be subjected to RIA,” the source said. “The closest agency with authority over shipping lines (other than PPA) is Marina, and it does not have any regulatory power over shipping lines,” the source added. Moreover, the source revealed, quoting a report from PortCalls, 20 shipping lines are now subscribers of CLA, including COSCO Shipping Lines (Phils.) Inc., Sinotrans (Uni-ship), Hyundai Merchant Marine (Philippines) Co. Inc., and Kyowa Shipping Lines (Skybest Logistics). He said other shipping lines that are currently subscribed to the CLA include BLPL Singapore, CK Line, Concorde Container, Eagle Express Lines Inc. (RCL South Phils.), Federated Cargo Line, Lancer Container, Macro Ocean Philippines Inc., MBF Carpenters, New Zealand Line, Oceanus Container, OOCL Philippines Inc., Samudera Shipping, Sarjak Container Lines, Southern Star Agencia Maritima Inc. (Namsung Shipping), KMTC (Phils.) Corp., and RCL Feeders Phils. Inc. CLA subscribers AISL allies? Meanwhile, the source said most of the CLA subscribers have a close alliance with the Association of International Shipping Lines. “You can check all those shipping lines that signed up with CLA. If not most, all have only one ship agent, AISL President Patrick Ronas. Not all shipping lines are AISL members. With this DoTr directive, they require all shipping lines to adopt the AISL system,” the source added. CLA is an online system that aims to simplify and speed up container deposit refunds. “Only 19.86 percent of shipping lines are subscribed to CLA. They want the remaining 80 percent also to subscribe. That’s a regulatory capture,” the source said. AISL, the source said, had been pushing for the implementation of the CLA since 2021 to contradict the performance of the PPA Administrative Order No. 04-2021 or the Trusted Operator Program- Container Registry and Monitoring System. The TOP-CRMS, currently deferred for implementation by Philippine Ports Authority Board chaired by Transportation Secretary Bautista, is said to be the answer to the overcharging of container deposits by international shipping lines, which cost the logistics industry roughly P23 billion in 2022 alone. In his 12 July 2023 letter to Joseph Collantes, operations manager of RCL Feeder Pte. Ltd., and Jesus Sedano, owner’s representative of RCL Feeder Pte. Ltd., Bautista directed shipping line operators to discontinue the container deposit practice, as the issue of delays in refunds of container deposits and unreturned deposits in the millions of pesos continued to burden and create financial difficulties for many importers that have now become an industry problem. “Discontinue container deposit practice or continue to collect container deposits contingent upon the ability to refund within 14 days and subscribe to container deposit from CLA subscribers or other providers that offer equivalent services. The cooperation and commitment of all parties will address these perennial industry concerns and significantly reduce logistics costs in the Philippines,” Bautista’s letter read. The post Bautista’s CLA mandate ‘ultra vires’, says source appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DHSUD, DOTr ink MOA on development of transit-oriented projects
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation on Friday inked a Memorandum of Agreement governing the collaboration between the two agencies providing a framework for their responsibilities in the development of priority transit-oriented projects. The MOA is a continuation of the previous collaboration and joint commitment of the two agencies to adopt an integrated approach to land use and urban transit planning. It can be recalled that the DOTr in 2019 executed a MOA with the then-Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council in which the Transportation agency transferred funds, including those to be used for administrative expenses, for the former Housing agency to support the DOTr in implementing transit projects. Republic Act 11201, in turn, allows for the DHSUD to continue this function as part of the merger between the HUDCC and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board. The MOA orders the DHSUD to hold regular high-level coordination meetings with the DOTr for transportation, housing, and urban development convergence matters. It likewise orders for the two agencies to create joint plans with concerned local government units where TODs will commence. The MOA also mandates the DOTr to continue working with the DHSUD regarding resettlement and relocation activities under TODs. It also orders the joint conduct of studies and master planning exercises for estates and new town development to ensure integrated land use and transport planning. The agreement likewise requires the DHSUD and DOTr to provide each other with access to databases and information including Transportation Plans, public utility vehicle routes and capacities, Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Provincial and Physical Framework Plans, and Local Shelter Plans of LGUs. DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar reiterated the Department’s firm support of the DOTr’s endeavors to uplift the lives of Filipinos which coincides with the thrust of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing Program. He also thanked the DOTr for “recognizing that planning under a whole-of-government approach will only be successful if our projects work for all, regardless of income or capacity in life.” “Napakagandang balita po nito para sa ating mga kababayan dahil sa pamamagitan ng MOA na ito atin pong sinisiguro na hindi lamang transportasyon ang ating isinasaayos kundi pati na rin ang tirahan ng bawat pamilyang maaapektuhan ng mga proyektong ng DOTr,” he added. Meanwhile, DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, in a letter, said this partnership “has already yielded remarkable results, particularly in addressing the housing and resettlement needs of individuals affected by rail transportation projects” and that the MOA signing was “another step in strengthening the collective efforts of the two agencies in creating more inclusive and vibrant communities.” The MOA is in line with the mandate of the Special Provisions of Republic Acts 11518, 11639, and 11936 for the DHSUD to develop land use and zoning guidelines to expand the scope of socialized and economic housing in the vicinity and in the approach to train stations including open spaces, drainage and essential education and housing facilities around news transit-oriented developments. The post DHSUD, DOTr ink MOA on development of transit-oriented projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t agencies required, LGUs urged, to put up health facilities
Malacañang has instructed all government agencies and local government units to implement the health facility plan to create medical establishments in various communities. Under Memorandum Circular No. 26 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Malacañang said all government agencies and local government units are required to embrace the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020-2040. This plan mandates that government entities establish health facilities to cater to the healthcare needs of their respective constituents. “In accordance with their respective mandates, all concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to undertake efforts in support of the implementation of the PHFDP, and the plans and programs specified therein,” the MC read. MC No. 26 mandates that the Department of Health should collaborate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to facilitate the distribution and ensure the successful execution of the PHFDP at the local level. Additionally, the DOH is responsible for aiding LGUs in translating the plan into a comprehensive long-term local health facility development strategy, and coordinating with LGUs in devising policies for the establishment of primary care provider networks and health care provider networks. The DOH will closely monitor the implementation of the local health facility development plan and promote the engagement of LGUs in public-private partnerships to address any gaps in the PHFDP. It will have to issue guidelines to effectively carry out the circular, and if necessary, seek assistance from other relevant government agencies and offices in developing these guidelines. “Moreover, the DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments and the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, shall study, formulate, and implement policies that will encourage both domestic and international enterprises from the private sector to invest in health facilities aimed at addressing gaps in the PHFDP,” the circular furthered. The circular's execution will be funded using the existing allocations of the respective agencies and LGUs. MC No. 26 acknowledged that the DOH formulated the PHFDP to serve as the nation's comprehensive strategy for investing in medical infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of establishing a robust primary care and integrated health system accessible to all Filipinos. This aligns with the Universal Health Care Act of 2019. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 11223 emphasizes the State's commitment to adopt a framework that encourages a collaborative approach involving all sectors -- government, society and individuals -- in the development and execution of health policies, programs and plans aimed at providing people-centric health services. The health plan's implementation supports one of the strategies outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, particularly on enhancing human and social development by strengthening the healthcare system and making it more accessible and efficient. The post Gov’t agencies required, LGUs urged, to put up health facilities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t agencies, LGUs asked to support Phl’s health facility dev’t plan
MALAYSIA — Malacañang instructed all government agencies and local government units to implement the health facility plan to create medical establishments in various communities. Under Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 26 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Malacañang said all government agencies and local government units are required to embrace the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP) 2020-2040. This plan aims to encourage and gain support from these entities in establishing health facilities to cater to the healthcare needs of their respective constituents. “In accordance with their respective mandates, all concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to undertake efforts in support of the implementation of the PHFDP, and the plans and programs specified therein,” the MC read. MC No. 26 mandates the Department of Health (DOH) to collaborate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in facilitating the distribution and ensuring the successful execution of the PHFDP at the local level. Additionally, the DOH has been assigned the responsibility of aiding Local Government Units (LGUs) in translating the plan into a comprehensive long-term local health facility development strategy. Moreover, they are to coordinate with LGUs in devising policies for the establishment of primary care provider networks and health care provider networks. Furthermore, the DOH will closely monitor the implementation of the local health facility development plan and promote the engagement of LGUs in public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address any gaps in the PHFDP. The DOH will also issue guidelines to effectively carry out the circular, and if necessary, seek assistance from other relevant government agencies and offices in developing these guidelines. “Moreover, the DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments and the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, shall study, formulate, and implement policies that will encourage both domestic and international enterprises from the private sector to invest in health facilities aimed at addressing gaps in the PHFDP,” the circular furthered. The circular's execution will be funded using the existing allocations of the respective agencies and LGUs. MC No. 26 acknowledged that the DOH formulated the PHFDP to serve as the nation's comprehensive strategy for investing in medical infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of establishing a robust primary care and integrated health system accessible to all Filipinos. This aligns with the Universal Health Care Act of 2019. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 11223 emphasizes the State's commitment to adopt a framework that encourages a collaborative approach involving all sectors - government, society, and individuals - in the development and execution of health policies, programs, and plans, with the aim of providing people-centric health services. The health plan's implementation supports one of the strategies outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, particularly focused on enhancing human and social development by strengthening the healthcare system, making it more accessible and efficient. The post Gov’t agencies, LGUs asked to support Phl’s health facility dev’t plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OPAPRU welcomes PBBM’s support to Bangsamoro, amnesty program
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s unwavering support to the Bangsamoro region and his commitment to helping former rebels in their transformation process. OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday thanked Marcos for mentioning the gains and progress of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during his second State of the Nation Address on 24 July. "What we have witnessed… is President Marcos' genuine sincerity in implementing all the signed peace agreements, and his commitment to bring sustainable peace throughout the country. This is true to his mantra of unity towards national healing and reconciliation," Galvez said after Marcos cited BARMM’s progress and effective self-governing. Galvez recalled that just less than two months into his administration, Marcos administered the oath of office to 80 newly reappointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority on 12 August 2022. This is the first time that the composition of the BTA includes members of the Moro National Democratic Front, particularly from the group of its founding chairman Nur Misuari. In his speech, Marcos emphasized the great potential of the region and stressed that "through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation’s prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in Southern Philippines. We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos." He said the national government is expanding its energy resources to include the BARMM. On 6 July, Marcos previously witnessed the signing of the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular (EIB) on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in the BARMM, which marks another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process. The IEB Circular operationalizes the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro. The Circular aims to boost economic development and draw foreign capital into the region. Amnesty program Meanwhile, Marcos vowed his administration would push for the completion of the reintegration process of the former combatants into “productive members of society” by fully implementing the amnesty program for them. Galvez also welcomed Marcos' promise to issue a proclamation that will grant amnesty to those former rebels in the country that have returned to the folds of the law. In his speech, the President asked Congress to support his endeavor on pushing the amnesty program in the country. The amnesty program is being facilitated by the National Amnesty Commission—a government agency that was created on 25 March 1994 by then-President Fidel V. Ramos, through Proclamation 347. The NAC is primarily tasked to receive and process applications for amnesty that were filed through the Local Amnesty Board. In 2021, Marcos’s predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, likewise, issued Proclamation 1090, 1091, and 1092—were concurred with by Congress and the Senate—to grant amnesty to the members of revolutionary groups who committed crimes in furtherance of their political beliefs which include Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Rebolusyunaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas / Revolutionary Proletarian Army / Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB). However, the Senate did not concur with Proclamation 1093, series of 2021, granting amnesty to former members of the Communist Terrorist Group that have committed crimes punishable under the revised penal code and special penal laws in the furtherance of their political beliefs. Further, Galvez said OPAPRU will be “carrying out the Marcos administration's five-point peace, reconciliation, and unity agenda throughout his term. Among the agenda includes the completion of peace agreements with the MILF and MNLF towards healing and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro; the Ending of local communist armed conflict by expanding the transformation programs for the local conflict peace process; Completion and sustainment of the gains of the signed peace agreements with the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG, and Cordillera Bodong CBA-CPLA; Enhancement of the resilience for peace of communities and vulnerable groups through social healing and peacebuilding approaches in support of the peace processes; and Enhancement of the delivery of Conflict-Sensitive and Peace Promoting-compliant socio-economic interventions in addressing the key drivers of conflict through convergence and complementation in support of the peace processes. The post OPAPRU welcomes PBBM’s support to Bangsamoro, amnesty program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos to grant amnesty for former rebels
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday announced he will issue a proclamation that will grant amnesty to those former rebels in the country that have returned to the folds of the law. During his second State of the Nation Address, Marcos said the move bids “to complete” the reintegration process of the former combatants into “productive members of society.” "I ask Congress to support us in this endeavor," Marcos said. The amnesty program is being facilitated by the National Amnesty Commission—a government agency that was created on 25 March 1994 by then-President Fidel V. Ramos, through Proclamation 347. The NAC is primarily tasked to receive and process applications for amnesty that were filed through the Local Amnesty Board. In 2021, Marcos's predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, likewise, issued Proclamation 1090, 1091, and 1092—were concurred with by Congress and the Senate—to grant amnesty to the members of revolutionary groups who committed crimes in furtherance of their political beliefs which include Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Rebolusyunaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas / Revolutionary Proletarian Army / Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB). However, the Senate did not concur with Proclamation 1093, series of 2021, granting amnesty to former members of the Communist Terrorist Group that have committed crimes punishable under the revised penal code and special penal laws in the furtherance of their political beliefs. The post Marcos to grant amnesty for former rebels appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A Moro’s wish for PBBM’s 2nd SoNA
The day after tomorrow being the 4th Monday of July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will face the nation before a joint Congress assembly for his State of the Nation Address. He will be performing the constitutionally mandated ritual of informing the Filipinos about the country’s political, financial and social condition, and about his future plans. This being his 2nd SoNA, he will likewise submit his accomplishment report card for last year which will be subjected to a surgeon’s scalpel-like scrutiny by gadflies. The politically-oriented public will be all ears to what the President will report. Heavy issues like the environment, the West Philippine Sea, and similar concerns with a global impact will be tackled. But in the Muslim Autonomous Region, Moros wish that something will be said about issues close to their hearts. Hereunder is the bucket list of issues that they hope would be addressed. Foremost of these issues which occupy the minds of Maranaw Muslims is the fate of the compensation promised by the government for victims of the 2017 Marawi siege. While there is a law that mandates its payment, it does not provide funding or the source of funding to implement the law. The burden is shifted to the Office of the President for financing. A yearly appropriation can create problems. A one-time budget appropriation similar to a block grant is ideal. Yes, an amount of P1 billion (a crumb vis-a-vis the huge damage to be compensated) was initially budgeted but it was mainly for the administrative expenditures of the Marawi Compensation Board. The processing of the claims by the MCB is in full swing and pretty soon, hopefully, they will start the process of payment. This presents a huge problem for the Board if the total budget is not predetermined. How will they distribute the money? What will happen if the government fails to appropriate a budget in the coming years (the law says five years) and some legal claimants remain unpaid? What payment mechanism will the MCB adopt? Will it wait for the completion of the processing and pay the victims pro rata based on its evaluation? Will it be on a “first come-first served basis” — the reason there is now a mad scramble by claimants to have their claims processed first? Again, this all depends upon a commitment to provide a one-time budget for the claims. Then it will save the claimants the anxiety and worry of their claims being unpaid. Corollary to this is perhaps a word from the President about Task Force Bangon Marawi. It seems the rehabilitation has reached a dead-end. Nothing is heard about the completion of the city’s rehab, and residents don’t see any ground activity on the projects yet to be finished. Admittedly, the public infrastructure projects promised by the past administration are almost complete, but the national government has an ear-splitting silence about finishing them. In fact, people have the impression the Task Force has folded its tent and become functus officio. A word or two about this will assuage the project’s completion uncertainty. Moros will likewise welcome a word from the President about the speeding up or completion of the decommissioning of the rebels so that they could be integrated into the armed or police forces to legalize the carrying of their firearms in public. Right now, Moros are bewildered about the existence of two armed forces in their area, one from the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the other, the regular defense and peace-keeping forces of the country. As we had warned before, this could be a potential flashpoint that could ignite an armed confrontation at any time. With the barangay and youth elections fast approaching, this could lead to a situation where one group, which has a registered political party, the Bangsamoro Justice Party, will be in an advantageous position with its armed militia allowed to carry their firearms during the campaign and on election day. This column empathizes with the Bangsamoro Governor Caucus which earlier raised this alarm. Will this wish merit attention from the speech writers of Malacañang? Or are the Moros shooting for the stars? As a caveat to my fellow Moros, there is a great chance these issues will not be mentioned as in past SoNAs. Prepare your minds for this possibility. *** amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post A Moro’s wish for PBBM’s 2nd SoNA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl lacks drug rehab centers
The Philippines is not only lacking in human resources for mental health but also in drug treatment and rehabilitation centers, the Department of Health said Wednesday. During the launch of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center-Bicutan’s addiction training programs, Health Assistant Secretary Charade Mercado-Grande said that not all provinces in the country have their own TRC. “We can say that in the Philippines not all the provinces have a TRC but our TRC referral network located in different parts of the country is working,” Mercado-Grande said. She added: “We recognize the need to increase (TRCs) but we cannot say the department is not responding because they are given a chance to enhance their facilities every year. The same goes for their patients in terms of their budget.” Presently, there are only 32 government-accredited TRCs in the country. Under Section 75 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the national government shall “establish at least one drug rehabilitation center in each province.” Based on statistics from the Dangerous Drugs Board in 2019, there were 4.7 million lifetime users of drugs aged 10 to 69, of which around 1.67 million were considered current drug users. Likewise, the country is in dire need of human resources for mental health, particularly for addiction treatment, she said. “Are there enough drug rehab or drug care workers in the country? I will say no, we are lacking,” said Dr. Alfonso Villaroman, TRC-Bicutan Chief of Hospital. Citing a World Health Organization situational assessment for mental health, Villaroman said the current ratio of psychologists in the country is 0.1 percent per 100,000 population. “There is a lack of nurses who practice addiction. Only 200 social workers work as addiction specialists or addiction workers. Especially, doctors, there are only a few of us in the government, so we are really lacking,” he said. To cover the lack of drug rehabilitation facilities in the country, the Health Department said it is increasing the bed capacities of existing TRCs. Dr. Manuel Panopio, health program officer of the DOH-TRC, said the addiction training program is the “first of its kind” in the long history of the country’s fight against the use of illegal substances. “The services that are being provided by the different drug rehabilitation centers exist. What we did was to formalize and, at the same time, standardize the training programs for the development of our patients,” he said. “It’s like, we should know only one thing, we should provide the same services to our patients,” he added. “We do not have a formal or standardized program.” Mercado-Grande said the agency will look into adopting addiction training programs that will standardize programs in all public treatment and rehabilitation centers in the country. “This is one of the programs that we will consult with the department where all TRCs may meet and adopt a standard training. We will discuss it,” she said. During the training, trainees will learn how to assess the mental health and well-being of people who use drugs, TRC-Bicutan said. Likewise, trainees will learn to analyze addictive behaviors and related issues. The post Phl lacks drug rehab centers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
End callous practice
Airlines’ practice of excessive overbooking, as proven in previous seat sales with huge discounts that resulted in passengers being bumped off, carries stiff penalties if the aggrieved party is persistent enough. The Mandaue City regional trial court recently provided the precedent for complaints from the army of disgruntled flyers when it ordered Cebu Pacific Air to pay P500,000 in damages to Cebu 6th District provincial board member Glenn Soco who was bumped off his scheduled flight from Manila to Cebu. Mandaue City RTC Branch 55 Presiding Judge Ferdinand Rafanan ordered Cebu Pacific to pay moral damages of P200,000, exemplary damages of P200,000, and P100,000 in attorneys and litigation expenses. The catch for Soco is that it took 12 years before he received just compensation for his ordeal, which is a stretch that entailed legal expenses that many Filipinos cannot afford. The compensation may even be short of the amount spent to keep track of the case, including the lawyer’s fees. Soco’s case, however, will greatly contribute to halting the excesses of airline firms through the indiscriminate denial of the service promised to their clients. He sued the airline for “breach of the obligation to transport him,” which he claimed had caused him inconvenience, serious anxiety, physical suffering, and sleepless nights. In Soco’s recounting, he said that on 14 April 2011, he booked a Cebu-Manila roundtrip ticket on Flight 5J 574 going to Manila on 15 April 2011, and on Flight 5J 553 on 16 April 2011, at 10:10 a.m. for his return flight to Cebu. The local executive said his ticket for the flight was confirmed. For his return flight, he arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 and got in the queue for departing passengers. He showed his ticket to one of the ground crew to get his seat number, according to the particulars of the 13-page court decision dated 20 June 2023. Soco, however, was informed by the ground crew that he could not be accommodated on the flight and when he asked for an explanation when he got to the head of the line, the Cebu Pacific personnel could not provide a definite response. Passengers behind him were “egging him to step aside” so they could continue with the queue, according to the court ruling. The scene turned chaotic and caused Soco humiliation, “and he was allegedly able to capture it on his cellphone camera,” the court said. Due to the rebooking, Soco missed his board meetings as the owner of Mandaue Integrated Manpower Services Inc., Coffee Dream Company, and Powerline Human Resources Management Inc. A Cebu Pacific Air guest service manager was quoted in the court ruling as having confirmed that Soco was not able to board. The reason given was that “the system of the defendant airline showed full capacity and he could no longer be accommodated on the flight.” “In situations like this, the standard policy of the defendant airline is to look for other passengers who are willing to volunteer their seats in lieu of other passengers with confirmed tickets who could no longer be accommodated. Otherwise, the passenger will be offered an option to either take the subsequent flight or be given a refund,” the court said. Civil Aeronautics Board Economic Regulation 7 recognizes the practice of airline companies of overbooking that does not exceed 10 percent of the aircraft’s seating capacity. While overbooking is a globally accepted practice, senators in a recent public hearing said systematic delays and cancellations are unacceptable, as well as the lack of appropriate mitigation services and crisis management personnel from the airlines who are supposed to handle complaints. What passengers get for their tribulation is more suffering from the complicated rebooking or refund procedure. The height of insensitivity of airlines is making customers talk to chatbots instead of customer service representatives to make their complaints. They can spend for robots but inconvenienced passengers are given chips and bottled water. The post End callous practice appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rescue dog that helped find lost kids in Amazon is now missing
Six-year-old tracker dog Wilson, who went missing during the ultimately successful, weeks-long search for four missing Indigenous children in the Colombian Amazon, is now the target of a rescue mission himself. Dozens of soldiers are scouring the jungle for the canine hero that disappeared on duty two weeks ago, with the military having vowed not to "abandon a fallen comrade" who may have found the children long before the rescue team arrived. As relief settled in following a happy ending to the 40-day odyssey of Lesly (13), Soleiny, (9) Tien Noriel (5) and one-year-old Cristin, Colombians have been clamoring on social media for the safe return of Wilson as well. #Let'sGoForWilson, #OneIsMissing and #WilsonNationalHero are some of the tags doing the rounds. Colombians have also taken to placing posters in their windows to insist: "Missing Wilson," while others are posting photos of their cats and other pets carrying signs pleading for the dog's safe return. "The search is not over," the army insisted in a statement issued after the children were located last Friday, adding more than 70 soldiers remain deployed in the dense jungle to find the Belgian Shepherd. They include Cristian David Lara, Wilson's handler since he was a puppy in training. Lara, a colleague told the El Espectador newspaper, "does not want to leave until he finds his dog." Added General Pedro Sanchez, who headed the search for the children: "We're going for Wilson, we’re going to bring him back." 'Disoriented' Wilson was the one to find Cristin's discarded baby bottle in the thick vegetation some four kilometers (2.5 miles) from the wreckage several days after the May 1 small aircraft crash that claimed the lives of all three adults on board, including the siblings' mother. As the weeks passed, a team of nearly 200 soldiers and Indigenous jungle experts accompanied by several dogs kept finding signs that the kids were alive: half-eaten fruit, discarded diapers, makeshift shelters and footprints. Then, two weeks ago, "due to the complexity of the terrain, humidity and adverse weather conditions" Wilson must have become "disoriented" and disappeared, the military said in a statement. After his human comrades lost sight of Wilson, however, evidence emerged that he may have been the first to find the children: a dog's footprints were spotted near those of the children shortly before the rescue team got to them. The two older children, Lesly and Soleiny, have since made a drawing of a dog next to a river and amidst trees. Astrid Caceres, director of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute overseeing the children's convalescence, said they keep talking about a dog. Lesly "told us... of a dog that they had lost, that they didn't know where it went, that it had accompanied them for a while," she recounted. 'Fallen comrade' The Colombian army has trained more than 17,000 dogs during decades of internal conflict in specializations including explosives detection, demining and search and rescue. Apart from wild animals, insects and continuous rain in the Amazon, Wilson also risks encountering members of armed groups who remain active in the jungle, fighting over drug and other illegal commerce. Sanchez said Wilson had not been equipped with a GPS tracker to prevent "the enemy" from locating him and his human comrades. In Bogota, homemaker Nora Villa, 55, was one of those closely following the fate of the dog. "Please, may they do everything possible to find Wilson the doggie!" she told AFP on a city street. On the day of Wilson's disappearance, the military had vowed on Twitter to "never abandon a fallen comrade on the battlefield." The search for the children, dubbed Operation Hope, would continue "in the search for our canine Wilson, who... in his eagerness to find the children, got separated from the troops," it said. The post Rescue dog that helped find lost kids in Amazon is now missing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro not open to 1989 UP-DND accord revival
Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. on Thursday dismissed the possible revival of the 1989 University of the Philippines-Department of National Defense Accord, which was terminated by the government in 2021. “I'm not anymore. That has been a policy already done by my predecessor. I don't want to reverse the policy,” Teodoro said in a press briefing at Malacañang when asked if he would support the reinstatement of the accord. Despite not supporting it, Teodoro said he is still “mindful of the autonomy” of the university as he also graduated from the UP College of Law in 1989. “I urge everybody to be respectful of that without the need of a Memorandum of Agreement,” Teodoro said. “I also admonish and encourage all law enforcement officers to be mindful of the balance between freedom of expression and protecting the peace.” The DND under former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana scrapped the 1989 UP-DND Accord, which mainly prohibits the military and police from entering the UP campus without permission or notification from the UP administration “except in hot pursuit or in similar emergency cases and if it was requested by state university officials.” Lorenzana previously said the agreement was used by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army to turn UP into the breeding ground of "intransigent individuals and groups whose extremist beliefs have inveigled students to join their ranks to fight against the government." In 2022, a similar defense accord between the DND and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines was also terminated. The PUP only announced the pact abrogation a year later. “Actually, when I was Secretary of Defense, I did not also agree to a lot of zones of peace entered into by my own local government actually in the Province of Tarlac because, I mean, these are used as safe havens,” Teodoro, he was referring during his stint in DND under former Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration. “That being said, I admonished also and I encouraged all law enforcement officers to be really mindful of the balance between freedom of expression and protecting the peace,” he added. Citing “some ruckus” caused by the selection of the new chancellor of UP Diliman in April, Teodoro noted that the military and police“did not get involved.” He was pertaining to the decision of the UP Board of Regents to appoint law dean Edgardo Carlo Vistan II as the new UP Diliman chancellor which prompted former UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo’s supporters to demand an explanation and transparency behind the board’s selection process. Teodoro said he would comply should Congress would pass a law institutionalizing the Accord with the President’s approval. “If that will be a law and will be signed by the president, we will follow, but I won’t support it. Because it’s not just UP. There are other universities that are also public institutions,” he stressed. Teodoro said that it’s “not just UP” where alleged insurgency recruitment is happening, saying: “The focus is just on UP because it is actually the most prominent university. The post Teodoro not open to 1989 UP-DND accord revival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA’s May projects swing higher to P14.9B
With the greenlighting of 20 new and expansion projects last May 2023, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority will be providing its fair share of P14.933 billion worth of investments. Also, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said they are on track to realizing its conservative 10 percent growth target for this year. “This brings PEZA’s total approved investments for the Jan-May period to P48.027 billion, which is 153.74 percent higher as compared to the P18.928 billion in the same period in 2022,” Panga said. He said among the 20 projects approved by the Board as of 26 May, 11 are into export manufacturing, seven on information technology, a facility, and an ecozone development, which will be in Makati, Pasig, Taguig, Baguio, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Cebu, Iloilo and South Cotabato. Biggest project The biggest project pre-qualified by the PEZA Board for the Fiscal Incentives Review Board approval is engaged in the manufacturing of solar wafer cells with Maxeon 7 technology to be located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, with investments worth P11.633 billion. Moreover, these projects are expected to generate about $293.55 million in exports and create some 4,480 direct jobs. “We are continuously seeing an uptrend with our investment approvals as we enter the first half of the year, and we are more aggressive in our initiatives to help our investors make the Philippines their smart investment choice, taking the cue from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who has been most active in promoting the Philippines in his outbound missions,” according to Panga. Addressing pain points Adapting a whole-of-government approach, PEZA is constantly partnering with government agencies and various industry associations to address the pain points that hinder investors to unlock the untapped potential of the Philippines. Panga and his team recently met with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Commission on Election chairman George Garcia, and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan to discuss the concerns of investors and present initiatives in support of the investment attraction and facilitation strategy for the government to bring in much-needed foreign direct investments. PEZA also discussed with Senator Loren Legarda about creating more ecozones in Antique and other provinces nationwide to spur countryside development. “We likewise signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to ramp up digitalization in government to ensure fast and efficient delivery of services to the public and to carry out Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual’s directive to adopt digital transformation and boost the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination, particularly for high-tech and innovator accelerator companies,” said Panga. Testament He said PEZA continues to serve as a testament to the government’s successful investment and export-led growth strategy. Of 3,431 total registered business enterprises (excluding multi-sites), 98 percent are export-oriented; only two percent are domestic-oriented (into manufacturing). In terms of sales ratio, 94 percent are export sales while six percent are local sales. As efficiency-seeking investors that compete in the global export market, PEZA locators account for 82 percent of the country’s total annual commodity exports and 60 percent of services exports. The post PEZA’s May projects swing higher to P14.9B appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»