CPPO chief: Cops need to adjust as criminals adjust
CEBU CITY, Philippines —Policemen should need to adjust as criminals also adjust. Police Colonel Engelbert Soriano, Cebu Police Provincial Office director, said this during the last command conference between Cebu police station chiefs. Soriano was referring to police deployment plans, which he believed needed to be re-evaluated after two alleged robbery incidents in five […] The post CPPO chief: Cops need to adjust as criminals adjust appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition
Amid the Philippine energy transition, Aboitiz Power Corporation recognized the growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers and, hence, the necessity of developing a workforce that can adapt and willingly carry the important task of ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability for today’s and tomorrow’s Filipinos. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” said AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre. “However, among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry's energy mix, digital systems and regulations.” “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. in partnership with AboitizPower. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated one million skilled workers in engineering, architecture and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the hard-to-fill occupations in the country. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy Program management director Engineer Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. In a panel discussion, AboitizPower Chief People Officer MaLu Inofre (2nd from right) said that the energy industry must come together to craft and implement programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. The Philippine Power Industry HR Forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the Philippine energy sector. A panel discussion moderated by Atty. Jose Layug Jr. of Divina Law saw Michael Page regional director and country head Albert Perez, Meralco chief HR officer Edgardo “Egay” Carasig, Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. president Atty. Anne Estorco Montelibano and ACEN chief HR officer John Philip Orbeta discuss the need to calibrate existing government programs to be more in sync with the needs of the energy industry. This includes building competencies within communities to turn locals into more competitive applicants. Meanwhile, another panel discussion moderated by AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee co-chair Ernie Cecilia had Global Business Power Corporation VP-Human Resources Maria Luz Blanco-Uriarte, One Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. founder and president Erel Narida and AboitizPower’s Inofre talk about how retaining workers involves investing on their skills, ensuring talent mobility opportunities and giving them a sense of purpose. “The energy industry must create an acceptable, progressive plan to resolve the talent crisis. AboitizPower, for one, makes an effort to resolve the shortage of estimated skilled workers in our industry by maintaining academic-industry linkages with universities in the country, providing long-term scholarships [and] establishing programs with TESDA that help promote electrical engineering skills at the grassroots level, among other initiatives,” Inofre said. “Through similar initiatives, I believe we can successfully empower a community of like-minded individuals who work towards implementing human resource programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry,” she concluded. The post A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manufacturers temporarily forgo price increases — DTI
The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that several manufacturers have temporarily forgone their requests for price increases after Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual requested them to be mindful of the consumer’s plight amid the skyrocketing prices that they have to endure these days, as a result of their meeting last Thursday afternoon. On 21 September 2023, the DTI convened a meeting with manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities, where a total of 29 manufacturers and two associations of canned sardines, coffee, processed milk, bread, salt, detergent, candles, condiments, bottled water, canned meat, toilet soap and batteries participated in the said dialogue. According to DTI Undersecretary Communications and Legislative Affairs Kim Lokin, Secretary Pascual’s meeting with manufacturers went well, as these firms are willing to hold off on a price increase for now. “Although of course, they raised concerns that on the production level, there is indeed an increase in cost. Sec Pascual is very appreciative of the gesture,” she said. Manufacturers assured On the other hand, the Trade chief assured manufacturers that he would also consider their plight, and the need to sustain their businesses and provide jobs. Lokin said the DTI will hold another round of consultations, especially for those who have serious or urgent concerns, which will be on a case-to-case basis. Further, the DTI undersecretary stressed that this does not mean that forgoing the price increase is definite until Christmas. “For now, we can say the manufacturers are willing to hold off any increase for as long as they can. It is difficult to say when they will adjust prices because the cost of raw materials and ingredients used are also subject to market forces. Sec Pascual would have to consider all stakeholders, although of course in his mind, consumers’ needs are paramount,” Lokin stressed. Concerns During the dialogue, manufacturers expressed their concerns about various issues, including the imposition of pass-through fees; lack of local supply of raw materials; the compliance requirements of other government agencies, and other regulatory concerns. As of 19 September 2023, 14 manufacturers of 46 Stock Keeping Units covering 10 categories of BNPCs requested retail price adjustments due to the high cost of major raw materials, packaging materials, fuel costs, wages, and other costs that affect the production of essential goods. In their statement, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. said that manufacturers of Noche Buena products decided to absorb the bulk of rising costs. “In our commitment to observing the Christmas spirit and ensuring everyone can enjoy the festival season,” PAMPI said. “We are working diligently to manage rising costs. Production costs have risen by an estimated 10-15 percent, most of these products will only see a modest price increase of 0-4 percent”, PAMPI added. Meanwhile, Pascual said he is also committed to closely working with the salt and canned sardine manufacturers to address their specific concerns. The DTI secretary ensured that all concerns raised were taken into consideration and vowed to support the manufacturing sector, urging them to go into value addition. The post Manufacturers temporarily forgo price increases — DTI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malacañang reviewing proposed rice tariff reduction
The Executive Department is currently discussing the proposal to reduce import tariffs on rice as part of a comprehensive strategy to decrease prices and mitigate a potential shortage of the staple, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said on Monday. This is after several farmers from different provinces protested in front of the Department of Finance (DOF) to denounce Diokno's proposal to cut import tariffs on rice and demand the removal of the Finance secretary from his post. In a Viber message to reporters, Diokno said the review is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce prices for consumers and mitigate a potential shortage of the staple due to the impact of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. "As discussions are underway, the DOF maintains its support for an appropriate policy response that promotes the greatest good for the greatest number of Filipinos," Diokno said. "Rest assured that the DOF, in coordination with other relevant government agencies and stakeholders, shall pursue programs and support measures to balance the interests of domestic rice farmers while keeping rice affordable for consumers — especially the poorest households," he added. In a separate statement, the National Food Authority (NFA) Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., set a new price range for palay buying price on Monday in response to the changing production and market conditions to improve farmers' income and ensure sufficient supply of the staple. "I called for a meeting of the NFA Council to discuss how we can adjust the purchasing price of NFA for rice, both wet and dry because we need to reevaluate the situation," Marcos said following a meeting by the NFA Council. "That's exactly what we discussed, and we decided that the buying price of NFA from now on will be 19 to 23 for dry and 16 to 19 for wet. That was the decision of the NFA Council," he added. The council came up with the new palay buying price range to provide Filipino farmers with a better income, the President said, considering today's reasonable palay production cost. "So, they will now have a profitable venture. And aside from that, we have the price cap in place to stabilize the rice prices," Marcos said. The originally proposed P20 and P25 per kilo buying prices are just too high and will spike retail prices, according to the NFA, noting that the new decided price range balances the profit of farmers and will not affect the retail prices as much. The agency said that if the new buying price of dry palay is at P23, the procurement fund needed will be P15 billion at the maximum; while if it is pegged at P25, P16 billion will be needed for palay procurement. For its part, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it would support the NFA proposal but at a level of P23 a kilo. The agency added that at P22 or P23, farmers are satisfied with it since they are now being paid P16 to P19. DA noted that P25 is just too high. Asked by the President on the influence of NFA’s buying price as well as the public reaction, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said that at the farm gate level, NFA procurement will be concentrated in areas where there is excess supply relative to local demand. “In that case, it can help elevate farm gate price,” Balisacan said. The post Malacañang reviewing proposed rice tariff reduction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl inflation hit 5.3% in August
The Philippine inflation rate accelerated in August due to higher prices of rice and fuel, ending a six-month streak of slowdown and making the central bank reevaluate its decision to pause interest rates. Preliminary data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Tuesday showed that the country's headline inflation reached 5.3 percent in August, surpassing the 4.7 percent rate recorded in July. The country's headline inflation also called the consumer price index, is above the 5 percent forecast of economists in a DAILY TRIBUNE poll but within the central bank's 4.8 percent to 5.6 percent projection for the month. But the country's core inflation, which excludes the volatile energy costs, eased to 6.1 percent in August from the previous month's 6.7 percent. This brings the average core inflation from January to August 2023 to 7.4 percent. Core inflation was observed at 4.6 percent in August 2022. In a press briefing, National Statistician and PSA Undersecretary Dennis Mapa noted the higher prices of rice, which weigh heavily in the consumer price index. “The acceleration of food inflation in August 2023 was mainly brought about by the higher year-on-year growth rate observed in rice at 8.7 percent from 4.2 percent in July 2023,” Mapa said. In response to rising retail costs and concerns about merchant stockpiling, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has limited the price of the basic commodity. The Philippines set rice price caps to control food costs, and they would last as long as the government deemed it necessary. The country's economic planning secretary said that the Philippines, one of the top importers of rice in the world, may drop tariffs on the grain to help lower domestic expenses in response to the unexpected increase in consumer prices in August. The country’s chief economic planner has also called for a review of the existing tariff levels on rice to help lower the cost of this staple for consumers while considering the impact of this intervention on local producers. “To partially counterbalance the rise in global prices and alleviate the impact on consumers and households, we may implement a temporary and calibrated reduction in tariffs,” National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in another statement. Meanwhile, food inflation nationwide increased to 8.2 percent in August 2023 from 6.3 percent in July 2023. Food inflation was lower at 6.5 percent in August 2022. PSA said transportation prices increased 0.2 percent during the month after declining 4.7 percent annually in July. For context, the Light Rail Transit Authority raised fares during the month. LRTA increased the single journey ticket minimum fares for both LRT1 and LRT2a to P15 while maximum fares have gone up as high as P35. In August, oil companies raised diesel prices by almost P10 and gasoline by almost P6. ING economist Nicholas Mapa said rice, transport, and electricity costs will determine the inflation path for the next few months. While he expects the BSP to stay on hold, he said in a post on platform X (formerly Twitter) that it "could consider a hike if this becomes a trend." Following the data, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said in a statement it "stands ready to adjust the monetary policy stance as necessary" to prevent the broadening of price pressures and the emergence of additional second-order effects. The post Phl inflation hit 5.3% in August appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Future of banking unfolds with AI, blockchain
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is increasingly forcing traditional banks to become more digital for compelling reasons. Experiments with this technology show banks ways to speed up their product design, widen customer access to loans, and build an organized and secure record of financial transactions. “My perspective is that the future of banking is digital banks. With AI, traditional banks are saying, I’m going to provide a service through someone else, and you see suddenly that you have this almost Rubik’s cube of possibilities,” David Hardoon, group chief data officer of Union Bank of the Philippines and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation, said. [caption id="attachment_161492" align="aligncenter" width="1440"] David Hardoon, group chief data officer of Union Bank of the Philippines and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation.[/caption] Both operate under the Aboitiz Group, which aims to be the first tech conglomerate in the Philippines. AI helps humans analyze data by categorizing information, stitching related data, and automatically detecting unusual patterns or activities logged in computer devices. “It’s the capability to distill from complex information,” Hardoon said. For example, he said the Union Bank team could quickly gauge its performance by looking at the AI-processed analysis of customer feedback they sent through email or chatbots. “Just beyond calculating the number of happy and unhappy individuals, it helps us understand what is happening. When we listen to the customer, we can say if we need to create a new product or service that we weren’t aware of or adjust an existing product.” Hardoon said the products or services include the company website, which some customers might need help to navigate initially. “We realized that some issues are related to information on the website. The way we designed it isn’t the best. Okay, we change it. And that’s how we use that feedback continuously, across all channels.” Hardoon said all managers could be updated on any bank problems through AI as the technology pools information into a single system. “But there’s also been a few other emails that have come in with other offices, which I may not be aware of unless I’ve had an in-person conversation with the team. This tool runs continuously in the background and can identify my teammate and say, David, this may be coming up.” AI coupled with blockchain also allows the bank to reach more customers who lack traditional bank accounts but have incomes and can repay loans. Blockchain is an online data storage that links various data types and identifies their sources. In this way, individuals can build proof of financial capacity to avail of loans. Hardoon explained that this technology mix could provide loans to small business owners, such as sellers on Facebook, to ensure they have enough working capital or funds to expand their operations. “The blockchain layer can provide me with that authenticated aspect, saying it comes from Facebook, not some spoofed website. Or if you’re working with another vendor providing you with product ingredients. That now becomes another block in the chain.” With analysis and data traceability features of AI and blockchain, Hardoon said bank managers could also reduce losses from clients as the technologies guide them in adjusting their terms for new loans based on their credit and payment histories. “They can help calculate risks. For example, I will give you P10,000 and see how you respond. Respond. When I see it’s good, or the client paid, I can give P100,000 next time. We need to remember that it’s always this learning process because, fundamentally, the principle of risk is the same.” With these benefits, Hardoon said digital banks will likely become an easy option for Filipinos to fulfill their financial needs. “So it’s completely different to a certain extent from the traditional. Now you have AI and blockchain to incorporate as a new capability. The digital bank, in principle, can simply plug and play.” The post Future of banking unfolds with AI, blockchain appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UNITED AND PRODUCTIVE House of Representatives
Given its record harvest of legislation, the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez concluded the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress on a high note. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez Speaker - 19th Congress, House of Representatives First Regular Session Legislative Accomplishments BILLS PASSED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LEDAC Priority Bills: SIM Registration Act (RA 11934) Postponement of Barangay and SK Elections to October 2023 (RA 11935) Amending the Fixed Term of the AFP Chief of Staff and other High-Ranking Officials (RA 11939) Agrarian Reform Debts Condonation (RA 11953) Maharlika Investment Fund (RA 11954) Magna Carta of Seafarers E-Governance Act / E-Government Act Negros Island Region Virology Institute of the Philippines Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act National Disease Prevention Management Authority or Center for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Reserve Corps Philippine Passport Act Internet Transaction Act / E-Commerce Law Waste-to-Energy Bill Free Legal Assistance for Police and Soldiers Apprenticeship Act Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers Valuation Reform Eastern Visayas Development Authority Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery National Citizens Service Training Program Rightsizing the National Government National Land Use Act 30-Year National Infrastructure Program Department of Health Specialty Centers Act/Regional Specialty Hospitals Ease of Paying Taxes Local Government Unit Income Classification Amendment to Universal Health Care Act Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act Philippine Salt Industry Development Act Social Impact Bills: HB 5001 - No exam fees in private HEIs for underprivileged students who rank in the top 10 in high school HB 00005 - On-site, in-city, near city, and off-city resettlement program based on people's plan HB 0227 - Protection and welfare of caregivers HB 00988 - Increasing service incentive leave HB 00454 - Enhanced protection, security, and benefits for media workers HB 4477 - Greater responsibility and accountability from private employment agencies, amending Batas Kasambahay HB 04479 - Expanding prohibited acts of discrimination against women on account of sex, amending Labor Code HB 06416 - Strengthening mental health services of state universities and colleges HB 06483 - Abolition of "no permit, no exam" practice in college HB 06509 - Free legal assistance to uniformed personnel for the performance of duty HB 06492 - Freedom of Religion Act HB 00206 - Lowering the optional retirement age of government workers from 60 to 56 HB 06574 - Promotion and delivery of mental health services in basic education HB 06572 - Establishment of public schools of the future in technology HB 06680 - Free full insurance coverage to all qualified agrarian reform beneficiaries HB 01270 - Protection and promotion of the welfare of workers in the film, television, and radio entertainment industry HB 06716 - Mandating the establishment of fisherfolk resettlement areas HB 06718 - Protection and incentives for freelance workers HB 07354 - Evacuation centers in every city and municipality HB 04605 - Right of married women to retain their maiden surnames HB 06772 - Presidential power to suspend or adjust PhilHealth premium increases HB 07387 - Expanding the services for crop insurance HB 07535 - P1 million for centenarians HB 07561 - Mandatory insurance coverage and benefits for all line workers HB 07584 - Abolition of "no permit, no exam" in elementary and secondary classes HB 07909 - Extension of estate tax amnesty HB 07718 - Strengthening the law against illegal recruitment Quote (SFMGR): “As the House of Representatives amply demonstrated, we remain committed to implementing policies that will further stimulate economic activity, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities for our fellow Filipinos. We will not allow any distraction to derail our efforts at finding appropriate and timely solutions to the problems affecting the lives of our people.” House Leaders: Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" D. Puno Deputy Speakers: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Isidro T. Ungab Roberto V. Puno Camille A. Villar Kristine Singson-Meehan Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza Ralph G. Recto Vincent Franco "Duke" D. Frasco Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" M. Dalipe Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" A. Marcos The post UNITED AND PRODUCTIVE House of Representatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos eyes stronger ties with South Korea
President Ferdinand Marcos on Monday said his administration has put in place the necessary policies in its initial year in office that will help the transformation of the Philippine economy. The Chief Executive said this as South Korean Ambassador-designate Lee Sang-Hwa presented his credentials to Marcos in Malacanang. During the ceremony, Marcos expressed hope in the post-pandemic world, with strong partnerships and alliances with countries like South Korea, "I think we can always look forward to a better future and stronger alliance." He also mentioned regional developments such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations taking a more dominant role in security and defense. "It is the first time that we will have joint exercises with the ASEAN member nations. And slowly I think that this is starting to stabilize the security and defense situation in our region," he noted. Lee, for his part, noted that "there is a comprehensive regional strategy (as) ASEAN takes a centerstage and the Philippines strategic importance has heightened significantly." "So we look forward to elevating our relationship formally to (a) strategic partnership at an appropriate time including many, many areas security and defense cooperation, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges," the South Korean ambassador added. Total PH-South Korean trade reached $15.44 billion in 2022, ranking South Korea as the Philippines' 4th largest trading partner. In the same period, exports were valued at $3.13 billion (seventh largest export destination), and imports were valued at $12.31 billion (fourth largest import source). Regarding defense, the Philippines' key procurement projects from South Korea include two 2,600-ton multi-million frigates, 12 units of FA-50 aircraft for the Philippine Air Force and a Pohang-class corvette for the Philippine Navy. In addition, the defense department signed last year a P30-billion contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the purchase of six offshore patrol vessels for the Philippine Navy, with the first delivery in 2025 Meanwhile, Lee told Marcos that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol looks forward to visiting the Philippines this year or early next year as the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of their relationship. The President said he looks forward to meeting the South Korean leader during the November Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. "Of course, there are many other conferences and I hope that maybe in November when we go to the United States for the APEC because I'm sure your President will attend, maybe we'll have a chance to at least meet and have a bilateral meeting," the President said. "But after that, I think both sides now will be able to plan better. It's been a busy year because we just finished our first year of this administration. So slowly, slowly, we are beginning to find ways to adjust our schedules to all these very important events that we are going through," he added. The post Marcos eyes stronger ties with South Korea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM: ‘The solutions lie in new technologies’
President Ferdinand Marcos on Monday said the government had amended some laws to make investment more attractive in the Philippines, especially on the digitalization of the country’s economy, not only in the government but also in the private sector. The Chief Executive said this during the meeting with the American non-profit organization Business Executives for National Security in Malacañang, where the business group reaffirmed its commitment to boost the cooperation and investment of the US in terms of health, digital infrastructure and energy programs in the Philippines as part of the efforts to enhance the Philippine-US economic engagement. “We are trying to bring them into the system of digital marketing. So we put up an app for small business to be able to use,” Marcos said, referring to the “Paleng-QR Ph Plus Initiative” that aims to prop up economic activities in the Philippines. “We have encouraged all of these private NGOs who have had an interest in promoting start-ups. We are trying to create an environment that will be friendly to start-ups because we know that start-ups have higher rate of failure than other traditional businesses. So we need to be able to adjust to that new way of doing things,” he added. The President also took pride in the country’s booming business process outsourcing industry, which continued its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines through the so-called work-from-home scheme. “It derives from the very clear understanding that many of the challenges that we face today the solutions lie in new technologies. And that’s why the retraining and re-skilling of our people have become important because we have to get them into that line of work so that we have enough people to occupy that,” Marcos said. “Actually, the workforce is quite full when it comes to tech. But again, we need to catch up in terms of training, in terms of getting involved in the new technologies that we are seeing for many, many reasons: for the digitalization, for the climate change, for the cybersecurity,” Marcos added. For their part, members of the BENS asked the chief executive about his thoughts on business opportunities in the healthcare system in the Philippines, especially in the nursing industry. “We are groundbreaking a big multi-specialty hospital just outside Manila soon and we are going to open more of them as annex hospitals,” Marcos told the visiting group, emphasizing that the Philippine government aims to build more hospitals in far-flung areas. “I’m always been a great believer of bringing healthcare down to the grassroots level. Right now, there is a tendency for us to only go to the hospital when it is absolutely necessary... So healthcare has become an important part of this administration efforts,” he added. The President also emphasized that the Philippines became “a victim of our own success,” especially during the pandemic when many world leaders asked for the country’s help to deploy more Filipino nurses and medical practitioners abroad. “Unfortunately, in terms of healthcare workers, we have become victims of our own success in that the Filipinos did really well during the pandemic. And so every leader I meet says ‘can we have more Filipino med techs, doctors, and nurses?’ So we’re having a shortage here,” he said. “So we are trying to find schemes so as to alleviate that problem. One of the things our Department of Health has come up with is that we are coming to an arrangement with countries who will accept Filipino healthcare workers to at the same time train the equivalent number of healthcare workers that will stay in the Philippines,” he added. “We are trying to accelerate the board examinations of nurses so we can actually put out more. So that’s the adjustment that we are trying to make. So it’s not only in the facilities, it’s also in the training. We are very proud of them but we wish they’d stay home.” Marcos also told BENS that the price, reliability and supply of energy are among the problems brought up by some foreign investors in the Philippines, including problems related to the ease of doing business. The President, however, emphasized that it is something the government is working on. “The ease of doing business is something that we can do immediately about because putting up power plants no matter what kind of power plants, there are six, seven years' lead time. So maybe with the new technologies, maybe we can do better,” the chief executive said. The post PBBM: ‘The solutions lie in new technologies’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aquaculture pushed amid El Niño declaration
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that the government will continue to improve infrastructure and systems to maintain the favorable status of aquaculture production in the country. Marcos made the statement on the sidelines of Livestock Philippines 2023 in Pasay, where he was asked how the government plans to maintain the production volume of aquaculture despite the declaration of the El Niño phenomenon by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. “Well, we have to adjust to it in the sense that we must accept the fact that this is the new normal,” Marcos said. “These challenges are what we will face. So, we will continue to improve the infrastructure and systems.” The President added that the government is confident that it can solve the problem of water scarcity when it comes to livestock production. However, he said crops will have a harder time during El Niño. He also expressed confidence that the government will be able to control African Swine Fever and Avian influenza, which is the biggest issues facing the livestock industry. “So, slowly, it seems that we are able to control it, and we see that the supply here is good,” Marcos said. “The prices are not fluctuating too much; they are relatively stable.” The Chief Executive also said that the government will continue investing in research and development to improve the country’s aquaculture production, adding that the government would improve aquaculture products’ marketing and distribution. “That’s why I think as long as we continue to do this and further develop and take advantage of all these new vaccines that are coming out, we will be able to sustain it — not only sustain it but also improve it, make it more efficient, make it more streamlined,” Marcos said. In other developments, Quirino Governor Dax Cua on Wednesday said that local governments are working together to address the effects of El Niño, which has been causing drought in many parts of the country. The post Aquaculture pushed amid El Niño declaration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bato’ seeks PNP system adjustments
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Monday stressed the need to have the Philippine National Police adjust its system, limiting the deployment of patrolmen and lieutenants in its drug enforcement group. In a radio interview, Dela Rosa said the PNP should fix its administrative policies, including the vetting system to whom should be assigned in the PNP Drug Enforcement Group. “As I’ve said, there should be no patrolman or lieutenant assigned in PDEG. They should be exposed in the field and to difficult assignments first. The ones graduating from the academy should not be sent straight to PDEG. Their exposure is wrong,” said the lawmaker. Dela Rosa’s statements come after the controversy into the alleged cover-up in the 990-kilos shabu worth P6.7-billion shabu hauled in a buybust operation in Manila in October last year. The senator lamented how these junior cops are immediately exposed to the wrong system after being assigned to police seniors that are ninja cops, which refers to police officers involved in illegal drug activities. Former PNP-PDEG chief P/Brig.Gen. Narciso Domingo earlier admitted there were lapses in the entire operation during the Manila buy-bust, including the conduct of inventory on the scene following the confiscation of two kilos of shabu from then Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo. “I admit that there are lapses in our entire operation, but such judgment calls and procedural lapses were done by me in good faith based on the reports of my men,” Domingo said, adding that the 990 kilograms of shabu was later seized, several policemen has committed a violation for sneaking out about 42 kilos of the contraband. The post ‘Bato’ seeks PNP system adjustments appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CPPO chief: Cops need to adjust as criminals adjust
CEBU CITY, Philippines —Policemen should need to adjust as criminals also adjust. Police Colonel Engelbert Soriano, Cebu Police Provincial Office director, said this during the last command conference between Cebu police station chiefs. Soriano was referring to police deployment plans, which he believed needed to be re-evaluated after two alleged robbery incidents in five […] The post CPPO chief: Cops need to adjust as criminals adjust appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Go urges BFP to push modernization efforts
Senator Christopher ‘’Bong’’ Go on Friday urged the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to continue its efforts to modernize and enhance its ranks by acquiring more fire trucks and equipment especially for the remote areas in the country. Sen. Bong Go (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Go issued the statement after attending yesterday the ceremonial turnover at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City of the recently procured equipment of the BFP, including 84 units of 1,000 gallons capacity fire trucks, five units of aerial ladder, and three units of rescue trucks to be distributed by BFP to various local government units around the country. “All over the country po ito ipapamahagi. Natutuwa po ako dahil ang gusto naman po natin ay mabigyan ng sapat na kagamitan laban sa sunog ang mga iba’t ibang lugar — hopefully sa lahat ng sulok po ng bansa ay handa po tayo,” Go said. (These will be distributed all over the country. I am happy because we want to give the appropriate fire-fighting equipment to different parts of the country.) Go said there are many municipalities that have no financial capabilities to buy such an equipment. “Hopefully, patuloy pa ang pag-acquire nila ng mga panibagong equipment. Kinausap ko rin po si Dir. Embang na ikonsidera rin nila ‘yung mga maliliit na fire trucks na puwedeng pumasok sa mga liblib o masisikip na lugar kasi doon po madalas nagkakasunog,” Go said, referring to BFP Chief Jose Embang, Jr. (Hopefully, their acquisition of fire-fighting equipment will continue. I told Director Embang that BFP should consider buying small fire trucks that can enter narrow roads and congested areas where fires usually originate from.) Last February 11, 2020, Go joined President Duterte in witnessing the turnover of 74 fire trucks. The Senator also continues to provide aid to fire victims in different parts of the country. “Mahirap po mawalan ng bahay at kagamitan dahil sa sunog at iba pang sakuna. Kaya po patuloy akong nagbibigay ng tulong sa mga biktima at nag-iiwan ng ngiti sa oras ng kanilang pagdadalamhati,” Go said. (It is hard to lose a house and personal belongings due to fires. That is why I continue to extend help to fire victims and give them a reason to smile during a time of grief.) “Bilang isang Senador at public servant, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo, lalo na sa mga mahihirap at nangangailangan na apektado ng krisis tulad ng sunog. Kasabay nito ay pagsisikapan ko bilang mambabatas na mas palakasin pa ang ating fire prevention and protection measures,” he added. (As a senator and a public servant, I continue to be of service, particularly to victims of crises like fires. As a lawmaker, I continue to help to strengthen our fire prevention and protection measures.) As vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Peace and Order and as a main advocate of fire protection modernization initiatives, one of Go’s priority bills is Senate Bill 204 which is now consolidated under Committee Report No. 111, otherwise known as BFP Modernization Act of 2020. The measure is currently undergoing the period of interpellation in the Senate. The bill aims to ensure the hiring of more personnel, acquisition of modern fire equipment, and the conduct of training for firefighters of the BFP. The bill will also empower local communities in preventing fire incidents by mandating the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in all local government units (LGUs), especially in vulnerable areas. Go said President Duterte fully supports the modernization efforts of the BFP. “Ang sabi ng Pangulo, sabihin mo sa kanila huwag na nila ako unahin, ‘yung kagamitan ng mga sundalo at kapulisan at bumbero ang unahin natin,” he said. (The President said the equipment of soldiers, policemen, and firemen should come first.) During the event, Go expressed his and Duterte’s full support for the country’s fire personnel, citing the government’s recent effort to increase the salaries and promote the welfare of the military and uniformed personnel. “Full support po kami sa inyo. Unang-una po, ‘yung pangako niya pagkaupo pa lang niya bilang Pangulo, tinupad niya agad ang pangako niya,” Go said, referring to the increase in salaries provided to uniformed personnel, including firefighters. (We give our full support to you. The President fulfills his promises when he took over the presidency in 2016.) Go also said that he supports the President’s position of arming BFP personnel so they can help in the fight against criminality. “We are currently studying this added measure of arming firefighters. Nabanggit na rin ito ng Pangulo. Makakatulong din sila sa paglaban ng kriminalidad at para rin maproteksyunan ang kanilang mga sarili. Pati sa kampanya laban sa droga, makakatulong din sila,” Go said. (This was mentioned by the President. They can help fight criminality and also protect themselves. They can also help in containing the spread of dangerous drugs.) In addition to fire trucks and other modern equipment, Go also said that he is coordinating with BFP officials, government finance managers, and concerned agencies on how to also provide additional ambulance units to the BFP. He said that providing ambulances will make the BFP more responsive in fulfilling its mandate and will be useful, especially in times of national emergencies given that their personnel are well-trained frontliners. “Kapag mayroon nang vaccine kontra COVID-19, pwede pong tumulong ang BFP para mabakunahan ang mga tao. Nagtutulungan po lahat ng ating uniformed personnel, mula military, pulis, bumbero, at iba pa para maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan,” Go explained. (Our firemen can also help in the vaccination of our countrymen to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Our uniformed personnel, from the military, policemen, firemen and others can help in protecting the interests of Filipinos.) Go thanked officials for their efforts to modernize the BFP and for their continuing service, especially during the pandemic, specifically Department of the Interior and Local Government officials led by Secretary Eduardo Año and BFP officials led by Embang, Jr. Go also acknowledged local officials and district representatives who were present, including Congressman Onyx Crisologo of the 1st District of Quezon City, Congresswoman Angel Amante-Matba of the 2nd District of Agusan del Norte, Mayor Marcy Teodoro of Marikina City, and Mayor Judy Amante of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte and thanked them for their support to the national government in the bayanihan efforts to overcome the pandemic. “Dahil mahirap ang panahon ngayon, we have to adjust to the new normal pero konting tiis lang po. Alam kong hirap po kayo. Kami ni Pangulong Duterte, hindi kami nawawalan ng pag-asa, magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kundi tayong kapwa Pilipino,” he said, (Because times are hard, we have to adjust to the new normal. Please bear with us. I know you are suffering. I and President Go have not lost hope. We should help one another.).....»»
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