Banat ni Janno sa basher na nagsabing wala na siyang energy: Basa-basa rin ‘pag may time
PINUNTIRYA na naman ng mga bashers ang singer-actor na si Janno Gibbs sa social media. May mga netizens kasi ang nakapansin sa kanyang video na in-upload sa Instagram account kung saan naglalaro siya ng badminton. “Warm up before the games. Let’s do this,” saad ni Janno sa caption ng kanyang IG post. View this […] The post Banat ni Janno sa basher na nagsabing wala na siyang energy: Basa-basa rin ‘pag may time appeared first on Bandera......»»
Ruru naghamon ng suntukan
Pinagpiyestahan ng mga basher ang medyo daring na picture ni Bianca Umali, kung saan makikitang tila fresh from the bath lang ito, na nakasuot ng bathrobe, basa ang buhok at stand out ang pulang labi......»»
Pokwang tinawag na laos, rumesbak: Jusko! Saan galing mga animal na ‘to?
SINUPALPAL ng Kapuso TV host-comedienne na si Pokwang ang isang laiterang netizen na tumawag sa kanya ng “laos.” Miyerkules Santo, March 27, rumesbak ang komedyana sa isang hater na tumira sa kanya sa X (dating Twitter). Ni-repost ng isang supporter ni Pokwang sa kanyang social media account ang pangnenega ng basher na nagsabing “laos” na.....»»
Sy family invests P5 billion in Megawide affiliate
The Sy family is once again playing a big brother role to a company led by businessman Edgar Saavedra, this time investing in Megawide’s affiliate renewable energy real estate investment trust......»»
DSWD eyes partnership with DepEd for reading tutorial program
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is looking at partnering with the Department of Education (DepEd) now that the pilot implementation of the “Tara, Basa!” tutorial program has been completed......»»
DSWD eyes ‘Turo, Basa!’ program expansion nationwide
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is now working on the possible institutionalization of its “Turo, Basa! Tutoring Program,” which was designed to assist “struggling or non-reader” grade school learners......»»
Over 1,000 ‘nanay-tatay teachers’ of DSWD’s ‘Tara, Basa!’ program receive cash-for-work
Some 1,065 parents and guardians of struggling and non-reader elementary beneficiaries of the "Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program" of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) received their cash-for-work (CFW) during the payout at the Valenzuela City People’s Park on Wednesday, 25 October. Another 2,800 parents and guardians received their CFW as the payout continues yesterday and Friday, 26 to 27 October, in Valenzuela City. In exchange for attending "nanay-tatay" sessions, the parents and guardians are given a P235 fee per session. They received an amount ranging from P705 equivalent to three sessions for the month of September up to P2,585 for the combined 11 sessions for the months of August and September. Apart from attending 20 learning sessions, they are also required to assist their children in preparing their needs for learning and reading sessions and assist them in their after-reading session assignments. “The nanay-tatay session is one of the components of the tutoring program to strengthen the family and community support systems of the struggling and non-reader elementary students,” Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said. Avenger Charles, 39, from Caloocan City, said he is thankful that he became part of the "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program. “Maraming salamat po sa DSWD dahil bukod sa natulungan kaming mga magulang, natuto pang magbasa ang aking anak. Natutunan ko rin yung mga mabubuting pangangaral sa mga anak bilang isang magulang,(Thank you very much to DSWD because apart from helping us parents, my son also learned how to read. I also learned how to raise my children well as a parent.)” Avenger said. “Gagamitin ko po ang natanggap kong cash-for-work sa pang araw-araw na pangangailangan ng aking anak tulad ng baon niya at tsaka para sa lapis, ballpen, notebook, tsaka bag (I will use the cash-for-work I received for my son's daily needs such as his allowance and also for pencils, ballpens, notebooks, and bag),” Avenger added. Javinette, 22, said she will use the P1,180 she received, which is equivalent to eight nanay-tatay sessions, for the vitamins and school supplies of her children. “Malaking tulong po ang nanay-tatay sessions kasi marami pong ibang magulang na hindi alam kung paano disiplinahin ang mga anak nila, hindi alam kung paano pasunurin yung bata, hindi alam kung paano i-approach yung anak nila. Kaya napakalaking tulong po nito para matutunan din ng magulang kung paano nila maa-approach yung anak nila (The nanay-tatay sessions are very helpful because some parents do not know how to discipline their children, do not know how to teach their children to be obedient, or do not know how to approach their children. So it is very helpful for parents because we learned how to approach our children.)” Javinette explained. The "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program is a holistic social welfare and development model that creates an ecosystem of learning wherein college students will be capacitated and deployed as tutors to teach poor and non- or struggling readers in elementary. College students can also act as youth development workers (YDWs) who will conduct parenting and learning sessions for parents and guardians of elementary learners. The "Tara, Basa! is the reformatted educational assistance program of the DSWD that gives college students P610 a day for 20 days in exchange for being tutors or youth development workers and will provide P235 per day for parents who will attend the teaching sessions. The post Over 1,000 ‘nanay-tatay teachers’ of DSWD’s ‘Tara, Basa!’ program receive cash-for-work appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD: 400 student-tutors receive ‘cash-for-work’
More than 400 students who worked as tutors under the Department of Social Welfare and Development “Tara, Basa!” tutoring program have received their “cash-for-work” worth P4,800......»»
Over 400 college students receive cash-for-work under ‘Tara, Basa!’
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Friday said some 432 college student-beneficiaries of the "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program received cash-for-work (CFW) on Thursday, 14 September, during the first simultaneous payouts in their respective local universities and colleges in Metro Manila. College students studying at the City of Malabon University, Navotas Polytechnic College, Universidad de Manila, and Parañaque City College, who were trained to become tutors and youth development workers (YDWS), each received P4,800 as CFW. The total amount is equivalent to eight days of tutoring and conducting "nanay-tatay" module sessions, with a daily rate of P610, following the new daily minimum wage set by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Tutors and YDWs are 2nd to 4th-year college students from select state universities and colleges (SUCs) as well as local government-run universities in the NCR. They were trained to conduct reading sessions for struggling and non-reader elementary learners and "nanay-tatay" module sessions for parents and guardians of grade school beneficiaries. Arlene Joy Rosauro, one of the tutors under the "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program, said conducting reading sessions is fulfilling as she sees the improvement among the elementary students under her tutelage. “As a learning facilitator po, nakikita ko yung improvement ng mga estudyante, sobrang nakakatuwa kasi nakikita ko po na effective ako as a teacher. Fulfilling po siya as a future educator din (As a learning facilitator, I can see the improvement of the students. It delights me because their improvement is proof that I am effective as a teacher. It is fulfilling as a future educator)," Rosauro said. "Nakikita ko po na napakalaking bagay ang 'Tara, Basa!' sa nation-building kasi ngayon po ang pine-face po natin ay sobrang mababa po ng reading comprehension ng mga bata that is why itong step po na ito ay malaking bagay para mas ma-enhance yung comprehension ng mga bata kasi marunong po talaga silang magbasa but the thing is hindi po nila kayang i-comprehend (I see that 'Tara, Basa!' contributes to nation-building because there is a concern in the reading comprehension among children. That is why this step contributes to enhancing the comprehension of the children because they really know how to read but the thing is they can't comprehend.)," she added. Rosauro also shared that she will use the CFW for her basic needs, personal necessities, and educational expenses. “First po, thankful po ako [sa 'Tara, Basa!' Tutoring Program] kasi po as a future educator, nagkaroon po ako ng first-hand experience wherein nakikita ko na po kung ano ang mga dapat kong gawin, ano yung mga dapat kong isaalang-alang if ever na maging future educator po ako. Of course, doon po sa financial assistance, sa cash po na naibigay, malaking bagay po sya sa mga gastusin ko lalo na po at third year college na po ako, mas marami po ang bayarin sa school (First, I'm thankful [to 'Tara, Basa!' Tutoring Program] because as a future educator, I had a first-hand experience where I could see what I should do, what I should consider if ever I become a future educator . Of course, the financial assistance would be of great help with my expenses, especially since I'm in my third year of college.),” Rosauro explained. Allan Amores, one of the YDWs enrolled at the Navotas Polytechnic College, said he saw huge improvements among parents and guardians of struggling or non-reader elementary learners after conducting "nanay-tatay" sessions for eight days. “Marami po talaga akong nakitang improvements sa mga parents, including na po doon yung mga parents na willing po talagang mag participate and active na po sa pagbibigay ng gabay at patnubay sa kanilang mga anak (I have really seen a lot of improvements among the parents, who are really willing to participate and are active in giving guidance and direction to their children.)” Amores said. These college student-beneficiaries committed to render service for 20 days to help the struggling or non-reader elementary learners and their parents and guardians. Parents and guardians of struggling or non-reader elementary learners will also receive cash aid worth P235 per day for 20 days by attending Nanay-Tatay module sessions, rendering assistance in preparing the needs of their children for learning and reading sessions, assisting them in their after-reading session assignments, and attending parent effectiveness sessions as well as other related activities. This is one of the features of the program to strengthen the family and community support systems of elementary learners who are struggling to read or are non-readers. The "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program is the reformatted educational assistance of the DSWD that offers short-term work and learning opportunities for college students belonging to low-income families in exchange for providing tutoring services to struggling learners. The post Over 400 college students receive cash-for-work under ‘Tara, Basa!’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner, US envoy, USAF chief to visit EDCA sites in Cagayan, Pampanga
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., United States Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Carlson and US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John Aquilino will be visiting facilities within the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites located in Lal-lo Airport and Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan and in Basa Air Base, Pampanga tomorrow, Wednesday. AFP Public Affairs chief Lt.Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said Brawner, Carlson and Aquilino will conduct an “extensive tour” at the completed EDCA projects in Basa Air Base, along with other high-ranking AFP and U.S. Armed Forces officers. “The tour will also provide an opportunity for the senior military officials to gain firsthand knowledge of the bases' potential for the development of key facilities to support HADR operations and modernization priorities of the AFP,” Ileto told reporters on Tuesday. After the visit, the Philippines and US delegations will attend the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board meeting at the Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday, 14 September. Ileto said: “These underscore the continued partnership and collaboration between the Philippines and United States militaries in enhancing national defense capabilities, as well as the shared commitment to regional security and disaster response efforts,” while Brawner and Aquilino’s visit to EDCA sites “signifies the commitment of both AFP and US Armed Forces to further strengthen its mutual cooperation.” This also ensures that both militaries are “prepared and well-equipped to respond to evolving security challenges and humanitarian crises,” he added. “The AFP looks forward to sharing insights from this visit and the MDB-SEB meeting, which together contribute to the enduring partnership between the two nations,” Ileto said. The post Brawner, US envoy, USAF chief to visit EDCA sites in Cagayan, Pampanga appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD’s reading program ‘Tara Basa!’ aids low income students and struggling readers
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Monday announced that the student tutors in partnership with the Ateneo Center for Educational Development have started simultaneous reading sessions for the struggling and non-reader Grade 1 beneficiaries of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program. Under the program, each student-tutor will teach 10 elementary learners every session. The college students have undergone a series of orientations and training, which will comprise the Youth Development Workers after its pilot launch on 2 August. According to DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Romel Lopez, said YDWs will receive cash assistance worth P570 per day for 20 days from the DSWD through a cash-for-work scheme, in exchange for their service. The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is the reformatted educational assistance program of the department that seeks to build an ecosystem of learning by training college students from low-income families who are in difficult situations to become YDWs. The Tara, Basa! pilot implementation targets 6,386 student tutors and 584 YDWs enrolled in 20 selected state or local colleges/universities in Metro Manila. The student-tutors were trained and given capability-building sessions on how to effectively teach reading to be conducted by the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED). The college students were from Pasig City, Quezon City, Makati City, and Parañaque City while other pilot areas in the National Capital Region will conduct the training sessions in the coming days. To monitor the performance and progress of the learners, the Department of Education (DepEd), the DSWD’s partner agency in this project, will conduct Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA). As tutors, the participating college students will teach struggling or non-reader grade school learners who are vulnerable, at risk, or affected by the effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. YDWs, meanwhile, will help conduct parenting sessions to capacitate parents and guardians to become ‘Nanay-Tatay teachers’. “Young Filipinos are the pillars of our country’s future. Through Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, we are encouraging their involvement in nation-building by helping them to become more involved in their communities and build the skills and confidence that they need to become future leaders,” the DSWD spokesperson said. A total of 63,877 Grade 1 learners currently enrolled in 490 public elementary schools are expected to participate in the program with their parents or guardians. The parents and guardians of struggling or non-reader grade school learners will also receive cash assistance worth P235 per day for 20 days for aiding their children in their learning and reading sessions, as well as other related activities. “The program will strengthen family and community support for elementary school children by capacitating parents and guardians on the care and protection of their children,” Lopez said. While the program would begin rolling out in Metro Manila, Lopez said the DSWD was planning to expand the program nationwide depending on its success in the NCR. "The inputs we would be getting from our pilot implementation will be included in our plans should we expand the program nationwide," he added. He noted that reading ability data for students in the NCR was more accessible than in the provinces, prompting DSWD to first launch the program in the capital. According to DepEd in NCR, more than 49,000 students in the region from Grades 1 to 3 have difficulty reading. The post DSWD’s reading program ‘Tara Basa!’ aids low income students and struggling readers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD Central Office holds training for Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program
College students belonging to low-income families attend the training and orientation for the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office on Saturday (August 12). DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Eduardo Punay was present to oversee the training and assess the pilot implementation of the program......»»
Phl Air Force wraps up ‘Tri-service Missile System Training’
The Philippine Air Force on Friday wrapped up its first-ever led “tri-service missile system training” program which coincided with the graduation of its 11 officers from the Missile System Officer Course. PAF’s Air Defense Command chief, MGen. Augustine Malinit, graced the ceremonial closing activity at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga, on 11 August. PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said 7 Air Force members, 2 Philippine Army officers, and 2 Philippine Marine Corps Officers had completed the tri-service missile system training—which was bid to “more integrated capacity building” in terms of missile defense systems operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Malinit said the Missile System Officer Course is the foundation of the missile system operations—covering all the basic principles, knowledge, and skills of an officer in the performance of the mission and capabilities of the PAF's 960th Air Missile Defense Group, and as applicable to the counterpart units of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy Marines. The pioneering tri-service missile system training, on the other hand, involves officers from all primary services which is aimed to provide opportunities not only to develop doctrinal interoperability but also operational jointness in future missile defense system operations” of the AFP personnel. It also targets to enhance the military’s capabilities to safeguard the territorial integrity of the Philippines effectively. The post Phl Air Force wraps up ‘Tri-service Missile System Training’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go asks for accomplishment report of DPWH’s flood control projects
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stressed on August 9, Wednesday, the need for accountability, strategic prioritization, and long-term solutions to address recurring problems in flood-prone areas during a Committee on Public Works hearing on the country's flood control master plan and outstanding projects. “Yun lang po sir ang tatlong hiningi ko: (1) accomplishment report, (2) copy of master plan at (3) prioritization dito sa mga flood control projects ninyo po na dapat po’y makinabang yung mga lugar na dapat makinabang – yung mga flood prone areas,” he asked during the hearing. Go asked DPWH for an accomplishment report detailing the flood control initiatives undertaken during former president Rodrigo Duterte's term. He also requested a copy of the master plan outlining both current and upcoming projects. The senator said the budget allocated for flood control continues to increase from P82 billion in 2019, 80.7 billion in 2020, 90.9 billion in 2021, 127.4 billion in 2022, 182 billion in 2023, and now with a proposed budget of P215.6 billion for 2024, not including foreign assisted projects and those funded by the private sector. “Ibig sabihin, tumataas po ‘yung budget ninyo for flood control. Pero ‘di pa rin po nabibigyan ng solusyon ang problema sa pagbaha,” he stated, indicating a broader concern about the strategy and effectiveness of flood control projects in the country. The senator also expressed confusion and concern over the prioritization of some flood control projects, questioning why some areas with little or no population receive flood control measures while highly populated areas still suffer from recurring floods. “Despite having flood control projects initiated or requested by legislators and local officials, ang expertise ay nasa DPWH. Kayo dapat ang magsabi kung ano ang tama at mali, kung saan ba dapat ilagay ang flood control, slope protection at iba pang proyekto, at kayo ang dapat nakakaalam paano masolusyunan ang paulit-ulit na pagbaha sa bansa,” Go stressed. In response, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said there is a need to protect the environment and production areas but agreed that populated areas should be prioritized. Go said “yung nakikita ko minsan, maraming mga flood control, eh, may bundok namang nagpo-protection sa kanila.” “Eh, dito sa mga patag na lugar — halimbawa itong Bulacan — halos walang bundok ito. Walang nagpo-protect sa kanila sa mga umaagos na malalakas na tubig mula sa taas ng bundok. Eh, ‘yun pa ang kulang-kulang sa flood control. Maybe just check your prioritization plans,” added Go. The senator's call for action originated not only from a practical perspective but also from a compassionate stance. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the citizens affected by flooding and said "ang hirap mabahaan, parang back to zero na naman po sila," underscoring the challenges of recovery. “Para po silang nasunugan, kaya lang pinagkaiba, makalabas pa rin sila, pero mahirap, sira yung gamit, basa dito, sasakyan, basa yung mga telebisyon nila, parang nag-umpisa po muli sila,” added Go. Go recalled how, during the time of former president Duterte, the administration had insisted on an equitable distribution of the budget for all regions, whether for flood control or any infrastructure. “Talagang gusto niya, hinayaan niya po ang departamentong mag-determine kung saan ‘yung priority niya talaga at nangangailangan,” said Go. “Pakiusap ko lang po sa inyo, full support naman po ako sa inyong opisina, ever since noon pa. Ayusin lang po ‘yung prioritization at ‘wag pong mapabayaan itong mga lugar na flood prone po talaga,” he added. Meanwhile, Go also highlighted the need to address compensation for right-of-way claims, especially for those who are less wealthy and struggle to have their claims recognized. “In relation to DPWH projects… gusto ko lang po malaman, itong prioritization ng pagbabayad ng right-of-way… kase ‘yung mayayaman, balewala sa kanila ‘yun. May mga may hawak ng titulo, halos namamatay na lang na hindi na-claim. Mga isang kahig, isang tuka, nasa bundok, natatamaan ‘yung kalye nila, ‘yung hindi binabayaran,” said Go. “Ano po ba ang prioritization rito sa right-of-way? Lalo na ‘yung mga maliliit. ‘Yun ang napansin ko. Pabalik-balik na, years hindi pa nababayaran,” he added. Bonoan acknowledged the importance of prioritizing all acquired properties and explained the challenges in budgeting for right-of-way compensations. He revealed that the allocated budget for these compensations has been very minimal over the past three years, with only a fraction of the requested amount being granted. Go’s demands for transparency and prioritization in flood control projects were made considering recent flooding incidents across Luzon due to heavy rains brought by tropical cyclones Egay and Falcon as well as the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. His teams have been going around these areas to provide relief to affected communities particularly in Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Zambales, Pampanga, and Bulacan. “Ang suliraning ito ay nagpapakita lamang ng kahalagahan ng masusing pag-aaral at aksyon upang maisaayos ang flood control strategies sa ating bansa. Sa likod ng mga hamong ito, patuloy tayo sa paghahanap ng mga karampatang solusyon para sa matagal nang problemang ito,” he said. #### The post Bong Go asks for accomplishment report of DPWH’s flood control projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD starts training student-tutors for ‘Tara, Basa!’ program
A Department of Social Welfare and Development official on Sunday said they have started the orientation and training of college students who will compose the army of tutors and will be called Youth Development Workers (YDWs) for the "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program. According to DSWD spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez, YDWs will receive cash assistance worth P500 per day for 20 days from the DSWD through a cash-for-work scheme, in exchange for their rendered service. The "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program, which was launched on 2 August this year, is a reformatted educational assistance program of the DSWD that seeks to build an ecosystem of learning by training college students from low-income families who are in difficult situations to become YDWs. Its pilot implementation targets to capacitate 6,386 student-tutors and 584 YDWs enrolled in 20 selected state or local colleges/universities in Metro Manila. The student-tutors will be trained and given capability-building sessions on how to effectively teach reading to be conducted by the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED). Among the areas which started the training and orientation of student-tutors were Pasig City, Quezon City, Makati City, and Parañaque City. The other pilot areas in the National Capital Region will conduct the training sessions in the coming days. The training for the YDWs is scheduled for 10 to 12 August, while the official learning sessions with parents and Grade 1 students will begin on 14 August. To monitor the performance and progress of the learners, the Department of Education (DepEd), the DSWD’s partner agency in this project, will conduct the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA). As tutors, the participating college students will teach struggling or non-reader grade school learners who are vulnerable, at risk, or affected by the effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. YDWs, meanwhile, will help conduct parenting sessions to capacitate parents and guardians to become "Nanay-Tatay teachers". “Young Filipinos are the pillars of our country’s future. Through 'Tara, Basa!, Tutoring Program, we are encouraging their involvement in nation-building by helping them to become more involved in their communities and build the skills and confidence that they need to become future leaders,” the DSWD spokesperson said. A total of 63,877 Grade 1 learners currently enrolled in 490 public elementary schools are expected to participate in the program with their parents or guardians. The parents and guardians of struggling or non-reader grade school learners will also receive cash assistance worth P235 per day for 20 days for helping in the preparation of the needs of their children for their learning and reading sessions and other related activities. “The program will strengthen family and community support for elementary school children by capacitating parents and guardians on care and protection of their children,” Lopez said. While the program would begin rolling out in Metro Manila, Lopez said the DSWD was planning to expand the program nationwide depending on its success in the NCR. "The inputs we would be getting from our pilot implementation will be included in our plans should we expand the program nationwide," he added. He noted that reading ability data for students in the NCR was more accessible than in the provinces, prompting DSWD to first launch the program in the capital. According to the DepEd, in the NCR, more than 49,000 students in the region from Grades 1 to 3 have difficulty reading. The post DSWD starts training student-tutors for ‘Tara, Basa!’ program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Inter-agency cooperation
What is inter-agency? It is something we often hear about, but do not really understand. So let me try to define it. It is really quite simple but interesting. Inter-agency is when two or more government agencies work together to achieve a certain public purpose. Although different departments have different mandates and objectives, it is possible that the means to achieve the same overlap, are complementary, or even the same. Therefore, to avoid duplicity in program generation and implementation, it is better for the different agencies involved to join together to implement one common program. In this way, valuable resources are maximized and more inputs become available to ensure the success of the project. This was recently seen in the “Tara, Basa!” tutoring program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD in partnership with the Department of Education or DepEd. Under Executive Order or EO 221, Series of 2003, the DSWD is mandated to assist local government units, non-government organizations, other national government agencies, people’s organizations, and members of civil society in effectively creating and then implementing programs, projects, and services that will alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for their target beneficiaries. These beneficiaries are disadvantaged individuals, families and communities. The EO also mandates the DSWD to implement other statutory and specialized programs which are directly lodged with it and/or are not yet devolved to LGUs. The tutoring program aims to connect with college students from low-income families who will get the chance to earn money by participating in this initiative. Per the DSWD, the 20-day program, which is implemented in partnership with the DepEd, gives participating students P570 per day as tutors and Youth Development Workers or YDW. The immediate beneficiaries of the program are struggling non-readers who are incoming second graders. Non-reader students are those who cannot read or comprehend what is being read. In addition, the YDW program also directs the holding of sessions with parents and guardians on effective parenting topics, such as the dynamics of the Filipino family, the stages of child development, and children’s rights. The parents of participating learners get P235 per day in cash aid. On the other hand, Republic Act 9155, otherwise known as the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001, mandates the DepEd to formulate, implement, and coordinate policies, plans, programs, and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal basic education. DepEd also supervises all elementary and secondary education institutions, including alternative learning systems, both public and private; and provides for the establishment and maintenance of a complete, adequate, and integrated system of basic education relevant to the goals of national development. After the 20-day tutoring program, DepEd will conduct a post-test initiative to measure if the learners were able to gain knowledge in reading. And as can be gleaned from the post-event evaluation study already undertaken, DepEd has shown itself to be true to its mandate of supervising alternative learning systems, both public and private. This is a great gauge of the success of the tutoring project, not only for the target learners, but for the volunteers as well. This is also an encouraging sign for our government. Due to the many areas in society which require government intervention and official attention, it is a welcome sight that two agencies are working together, pooling resources, time, and talent to achieve their respective mandates, which at the bottom is poverty alleviation, an empowered citizenry, and nation building. I sincerely wish and look forward to more collaborations such as this among government agencies, as it is an uplifting example of inter-agency cooperation to achieve a common public goal. Cheers to those who tirelessly work to make this collaboration true. The post Inter-agency cooperation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DND chief: EDCA sites’ proximity to Taiwan a ‘geographical accident’
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the “proximity" of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA sites to Taiwan must be a “geographical accident”, emphasizing that these locations were identified for the country’s national interest. “You know what, its proximity to Taiwan is a geographical accident, and [if] other people are paranoid about it, it's their problem. For me, my concern is Philippine national interest and national security, and we will have to put bases, not necessarily EDCA, throughout our archipelago,” Teodoro told reporters in a chance interview during his visit on Thursday to Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan — where one of the additional EDCA sites is located — accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. Teodoro added that the defense department is now pursuing an archipelagic doctrine with baselines. “We have to protect that. The paranoia of other people may be, rightly so, taken into consideration, but national security is paramount in this country,” he said. The Philippines has already reassured other countries that it is not allowed by the Constitution to wage war or any offensive action “as an instrument of national policy.” “Now if they do not take our word for it, then how can we trust each other? Just like some people say they have pacific intentions, yet there are contrary actions,” he said. The defense chief maintained that the DND’s actions are anchored on the best interests of the country. “EDCA is not only for logistical support on the United States side, but it’s capability upgrade on the Philippine side and that’s what I’m making sure of,” he said. On the other hand, Teodoro said the development of all existing locations identified as EDCA sites should be expedited to address the “operational limitations.” An example of such limitation is refueling using the barrel method by Philippine and American aircraft engaged in disaster relief missions following the onslaught of the southwest monsoon and Typhoon "Egay". "Now you are noticing the operational limitation—as you can see they are using barrels for refueling for both Philippine assets and the United States air assets," Teodoro said. Citing the Lal-lo Airfield, Teodoro said developing or building more facilities will improve "operational tempo.” Considering the urgent demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements in the Philippines, Teodoro pointed out the need to fast-track the construction of five initial EDCA sites with the US, including the Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, as well as the additional four, namely the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan. Teodoro said the areas where these EDCA sites are the most disaster-prone. These locations are also essential to the integrity of the country’s credible deterrent posture and Philippine territorial security, he added. "The EDCA is purely a logistical site of the United States to help us speed up operational tempo and response. These are non-offensive," Teodoro said, stressing that Filipino assets to be deployed or positioned in EDCA sites will remain as “Philippine national security items for our territorial defense.” The post DND chief: EDCA sites’ proximity to Taiwan a ‘geographical accident’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DepEd, DSWD team up for ‘Tara, BASA!’
The Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are joining hands for the implementation of the “Tara, BASA!” tutoring program which aims to improve literacy among elementary learners. Under the program, college students — particularly 3rd year and 4th year college students — are tapped to teach early-grade learners how to read. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte led the signing of the memorandum of agreement and formal launching of the program at Rizal High School in Pasig City Wednesday morning. “We hope to see more and more Filipinos like you — Filipinos who also see that investing in our children is investing in the future,” said Duterte, adding that she hopes that the program will be a key to create a learning community where all stakeholders are working together to further improve the quality of basic education in the country. She also expressed gratitude to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for the significant collaboration with DepEd. “Join us in a fight, a fight for our children, a fight for our future,” Duterte said. “I also thank the volunteers, our college students, for helping us to teach our early-grade learners how to read.” The pilot implementation of “Tara, BASA!” tutoring program will start on 15 August 2023 in the National Capital Region. For his part, Gatchalian said college students who were chosen to be part of this program, or those who have volunteered to teach early-grade learners how to read will be given financial assistance under the agency’s cash-for-work program. He added that student-tutors will have 20 days and two hours teaching time per day as a tutoring requirement and will receive P235 in cash aid per day. According to him, a total of 63,000 incoming Grade 2 learners will be the beneficiaries of this program and close to 6,000 3rd year and 4th year college students will be part of the tutoring program. The post DepEd, DSWD team up for ‘Tara, BASA!’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro: No specific discussions on add’l EDCA facilities between Phl, US
There are no discussions between the Philippines and the United States on identifying more Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement Defense facilities in the country, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said Thursday. “There was not [a] discussion. No specific discussion and there are no, there is nothing on my table to increase the number of these… EDCA facilities in on the Philippine bases,” Teodoro told the reporters at a press conference at the Department of National Defense headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. He said the government will have to study the capability of the country before considering the expansion of the EDCA facilities. “We have to, you can’t bite more than what you can chew. That’s what I’m trying to state earlier, we gotta make things work first before expanding,” Teodoro said. “A lot of conglomerates have fallen because of too quick an expansion without being able to absorb the capability to sustain.” There are five existing EDCA sites in the country including the Bautista Air Base in Palawan; Basa Air Base in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City; and the Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu. In April, the government identified additional four new EDCA sites namely Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana town and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, both in Cagayan; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan. The post Teodoro: No specific discussions on add’l EDCA facilities between Phl, US appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, US jets undergo combat, maritime drills over Visayas and Mindanao
The Philippines and the United States utilized their respective military jets for the conduct of combat and maritime interdiction tactics over the skies of Visayas and Mindanao as part of the aerial exercises in this year’s Cope Thunder Exercise. The participating aircraft from the Philippine Air Force consisted of four FA-50PH light jet fighters and two A-28B "Super Tucanos” including five A-10 "Warthogs" from the Pacific Air Forces. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said these aircraft departed Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga last July 11 for Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu in preparation for the air drills over Mactan and General Santos City, from 12 to 15 July, which showcased a simulation of the 5th Fighter Wing’s deployment for next year’s "Pitch Black" exercises in Australia. Castillo underscored that the flight exercises included air interdiction and maritime target for the enhancement of the pilots’ skills on tactical air-to-surface or ground operations against enemy objectives and air combat maneuvers, also known as ‘dogfighting' which aims to enhance skills of participants’ air-to-air combat. PAF did not give further details on these exercises due to security reasons. Meanwhile, PAF’s 960th Air and Missile Defense Group participated in a three-day subject matter expert exchange on Integrated Air and Missile Defense which was held from 10 to 12 July at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga. This served as a forum for the 960th AMDG and the United States Air Force Pacific Integrated Air and Missile Defense Center to share their best practices and the latest information pertaining to IAMD. Moreover, Castillo said the PAF and PACAF experts provided a series of presentations covering topics in air domain awareness, mission planning considerations, rules of engagement, ID matrix, and passive defenses. “The presentations provided valuable insights into the challenges and advancements in the field of IAMD," she stressed. Castillo added that both air forces participated in workshops on criticality vulnerability and threat; focusing on critical assets list; and defended asset lists. "This workshop allowed participants from both teams to actively engage in hands-on exercises, simulations, and scenario-based discussions. The collaborative environment fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and facilitated a deeper understanding of the intricacies of conducting air and missile defense operations effectively," she said. The Cope Thunder 2023-2 started on 2 July 2 and will run until 21 July. Participating air forces utilized a total of 15 USAF aircraft including three C130 Hercules, six A-10 Warthog, and six F22 Raptors while PAF used its C130 Hercules, HUEY II, two of its A29B Super Tucano, two of its T129 ATAK Helicopter and three FA-50PH. The first-ever Cope Thunder exercise was held in 1976 that provided regular flight training for US pilots and their counterparts from allied nations. The US-Philippines cope thunder training was continued annually until 1990. It was halted in 1991 after Mt. Pinatubo erupted in June of that year, which led to the closure of US military bases in Clark and Subic Bay. The post Phl, US jets undergo combat, maritime drills over Visayas and Mindanao appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»