DA-9 prepares assistance for calamity-affected farmers
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug 18 (PIA) - Department of Agriculture 9 (DA-9) Regional Executive Director Rad Donn Cedeno assures that they are ready to assist farmers who will be affected with calamities espe.....»»
P400-M cash, relief goods provided to calamity-affected families
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has already provided around P400 million worth of financial and basic commodity assistance to the families affected by the recent trough of low-pressure area (LPA) and shear line......»»
P2.25M aid to quake victims
The Office of the Civil Defense and the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao Region have revised the total cost of assistance to P2,249,382.27 for the victims of the recent earthquake in Sarangani, Davao Occidental. The agencies distributed 511 non-food items to aid the affected residents. The earthquake resulted in nine fatalities, 13 injuries, and the displacement of 348 families. Davao Occidental suffered the most damage, with 129 infrastructures damaged and approximately 350 houses affected. Despite the severity of the earthquake, a state of calamity was not declared. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology clarified that a tsunami was unlikely, but urged coastal communities to remain vigilant during aftershocks. The Philippines is vulnerable to strong earthquakes due to its location on the Ring of Fire......»»
P12B NHA allocation for calamity victims, resettlement
The Department of Budget and Management approved the release of a Notice of Cash Allocation worth P12.259 billion to the National Housing Authority for housing assistance for calamity victims and the payment of resettlement of informal settler families in Western Visayas. In a statement, DBM said P12.059 billion of the funds would be for the housing assistance of calamity victims. The remaining P200 million will be for constructing four units of five-story, low-rise residential buildings in Western Visayas to resettle informal settler families. "Housing remains a priority for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. as he strongly believes in the necessity of providing decent homes for Filipinos, particularly those adversely affected by calamities," Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said. The request for payments, chargeable to previous years’ released allotments, was supported with a documented list of Special Allotment Release Orders with their respective amounts, status of fund utilization, and finance accountability reports — all of which the DBM confirmed to be in order. The National Housing Authority is the sole national agency mandated to engage in housing production for low-income families. Under the administrative supervision of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development, the NHA functions as a production and financing arm in housing. The post P12B NHA allocation for calamity victims, resettlement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zambales micro businesses get livelihood aid
Iba, Zambales — Thirteen micro enterprises recently received livelihood kits from the Department of Trade and Industry here. According to DTI Zambales Business Development Division chief Marilou Arcega, the activity is under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa as assistance by the agency to micro businesses affected by the recent calamity. She added that manufacturers and food processors from the town of Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Narciso, Palauig, and Masinloc are the beneficiaries of the said program as they are the most affected by typhoon “Egay,” and by a fire that broke out in this town. Certificate of Endorsement Arcega said the beneficiaries each have a Certificate of Endorsement from their respective local government units, ensuring that they are victims of the said calamities. Cooking oil, sugar, flour and sari-sari store items are mong the supplies given to the beneficiaries. The DTI official urges beneficiaries to not waste the opportunity to rebound from the problem and continue with their businesses. She added that the economy of the community will increase, including the productivity of the micro entrepreneurs. Fifteen farmers Meanwhile, 15 farmers in San Narciso underwent training in Rice Wine Processing organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform. The beneficiaries are selected officials of the H2O Irrigator’s Association Incorporated. According to DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Emmanuel Aguinaldo, the said training is under the Village Level Farm Focused Enterprise Development project. The project aims to prepare the group for the application of license under the Food and Drug Administration to allow them to conduct their businesses in wine making. He added that DAR aims to boost the support.services aimed for the beneficiaries as part of the agency’s thrust to increase the quality of products while boosting the livelihood of the beneficiaries. The post Zambales micro businesses get livelihood aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Hanna’ intensifies; typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’ brings heavy rains
Typhoon "Hanna" slightly intensifies as it accelerates west-northwestward towards the sea east of Taiwan while enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat" will bring heavy rains over the western portion of Luzon in the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Saturday. PAGASA said the southwest monsoon currently enhanced by “Hanna” and two other typhoons, "Saola" (formerly "Goring") and Severe Tropical Storm “Kirogi”, will cause gusty conditions over the following areas not under any Wind Signal, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds in Batanes, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and the northern portion of Eastern Visayas until Saturday. Typhoon "Hanna" has already affected 112,384 families or 408,053 individuals residing in 1,445 barangays within the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Central Luzon, and Cordillera Administrative Region. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported more than P421.19 million worth of damages in the agricultural sector, affecting some 10,196 farmers and fisherfolk operating in 18,470.25 hectares of crop areas. The estimated cost of damage to infrastructure amounting to P130,251,200 was reported in Region 2, MIMAROPA, Region 6, and CAR. The NDRRMC accounted for a total of 502 damaged houses in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and CAR with 25 roads and nine bridges remained not passable. Two areas in CALABARZON and Western Visayas are still experiencing water supply. There were 89 seaports that have canceled operations in Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Western Visayas amid the continuing inclement weather. Some 234 passengers have been stranded in CALABARZON and Western Visayas. The six domestic flights that have been affected have now resumed operations. NDRRMC said two municipalities have already declared under a state of calamity due to the cyclones and intensified southwest monsoon. The government said it has already provided a total of P17.68 million worth of assistance, which came in the form of family food packs, family kits, financial aid, and many more. Meanwhile, PAGASA said "Hanna" is forecast to move west-northwestward or westward while intensifying until it makes landfall along the east coast of southern Taiwan on late Sunday. "Hanna" is considerably weakening is expected as a result of crossing the rugged landmass of Taiwan. PAGASA said "Hanna" will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility and emerge over the Taiwan Strait around Monday morning or afternoon. Outside the PAR region, the weather disturbance is forecast to move erratically and may even become slow-moving or almost stationary over the Taiwan Strait while continuously weakening due to land interaction and an increasingly unfavorable environment. PAGASA forecast ‘Hanna’ will have weakened into a tropical depression by Wednesday or Thursday. It was last tracked over 455-kilometer east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph while moving west-northwestward at 15 kph. The post ‘Hanna’ intensifies; typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’ brings heavy rains appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA, DSWD accept 300MT rice donation from Japan for Mayon evacuees
Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban on Saturday said the department has formally accepted the 300-metric ton milled rice donation by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Tier 3 Program on 17 August 2023 in Camalig, Albay. Panganiban said the donated rice is intended for the families affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption and was turned over by the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke to APTERR Secretariat General Manager Choomjet Kernjanakesorn. It was then accepted by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Michael Christopher Mathay, and DA - National Food Authority (NFA) Special Assistant to the Administrator Roger Navarro. The officials also launched the distribution of the 300-MT milled rice stocks equivalent to 10,000 30-kilogram bags to the affected families identified by the DSWD. “We are not merely witnessing the ceremonial exchange of rice donation but more so the exchange of hope and support from our dependable partners in the ASEAN Region. This contribution is a testament to the unbreakable bond that binds us together as a global community,” Panganiban said. On behalf of the Philippine government, the DA official thanked the Government of Japan and the APTERR Secretariat for the donation that will benefit 10,000 families displaced by the calamity. The family beneficiaries in Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Tabaco City, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and Ligao City will receive 30-kilogram bags of rice. From the 10,000 beneficiaries, at least 1,441 shall be granted rice assistance through the DSWD’s Food for Work Program in the affected areas. The APTERR is a regional cooperation scheme among 10 ASEAN member states plus three countries that include China, Japan, and South Korea. The cooperation aims at strengthening food security and reducing poverty in East Asia. Other officials present during the activity include APTERR Secretariat Japanese Expert and MAFF-Japan Representative Akinori Ando, Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr., and NFA Acting Assistant Regional Manager Gerard Lim. The post DA, DSWD accept 300MT rice donation from Japan for Mayon evacuees appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD extends relief to flood-hit Pampangueños
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, during his visit to Pampanga province to hand out various assistance to flood-affected families and attend the situation briefing on disaster-hit areas. The DSWD extended socioeconomic aid to families at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, following massive flooding in the province due to southwest monsoon enhanced by Super Typhoon "Egay" and Tropical Storm "Falcon". “Some 1,000 flood-affected Kapampangans were given family food packs and cash aid worth P10,000 through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation,” Gatchalian reported. In his message, Marcos said the weather could not be controlled but the government can prepare for any disaster that would affect the country. The DSWD Central Luzon Regional Office said it has provided more than P46.4 million worth of relief assistance to local government units in the region, with over P19.1 million distributed to the localities of Pampanga. The DSWD chief, along with select regional line agency heads and local chief executives, also attended the situation briefing presided over by Marcos at the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in San Fernando City. The briefing provided updates on the government’s response actions to the calamity, with Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda reporting updated information on the damage caused by the widespread flooding in the province. As of 6 August, the DSWD has recorded a total of 214,343 families affected by the flooding in different towns of Pampanga. Among the other agencies that provided assistance to Pampanga are the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Agriculture. The post DSWD extends relief to flood-hit Pampangueños appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Govt gives cash and aid to flood-ravaged Central Luzon
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the government is prepared to provide relief goods, financial assistance, and other forms of help to those affected by the floods in Luzon. Marcos said this in his speech as he visited flood-affected areas in Central Luzon on Monday, 6 August, to assess the damage and pledge assistance to those in need. "We are here to make sure that those in need are provided assistance and that help is distributed effectively," Marcos said. "Things are being managed well here. DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) is here, and they were prepared even before the floods and storms arrived. They've sent their relief goods, and DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) is ready to assist those who lost their jobs, those needing a little help to bridge the gap," Marcos added. Marcos also urged residents to be prepared for future floods and storms, as climate change is causing the weather to become more unpredictable. "The truth here is that many of those affected by the flooding were not necessarily those in flood-prone areas," Marcos said. "First and foremost, the amount of rain that fell was significant. From the North to Central Luzon region, we need to really prepare for what we call climate change. The weather is changing, not following the patterns of the past. So, we need to be ready." Heavy rains brought by Super Typhoon Egay and Typhoon Falcon caused floods in Central Luzon. The typhoons caused widespread flooding and damage. The government has declared a state of calamity in several provinces in Central Luzon, including Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. The floods have displaced thousands of people, and have caused millions of pesos in damage. During the distribution of various government assistance to Pampanga, 1,000 beneficiaries received food packs and were provided with P10,000 each through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program by the DSWD. Conversely, the DOLE allocated P2.3 million to assist 500 beneficiaries in Pampanga through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating mga Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program. The DOLE has a reserve fund of Php65 million designated for approximately 14,000 TUPAD beneficiaries. Additionally, on 4 August, they disbursed another Php30 million for the TUPAD program specifically in Pampanga through their regional office. The agency also granted livelihood assistance amounting to Php6.4 million under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) to seven LGUs, specifically: Candaba, Macabebe, Masantol, Arayat, Porac, and Sta. Ana in Pampanga. Participating in the efforts, the DA presented the Province of Pampanga with a certificate worth P21.6 million. This included 13,354 bags of certified seeds valued at P20.2 million distributed to 8,723 farmer-beneficiaries, 186 bags of hybrid yellow corn and 15 bags of open-pollinated variety worth Php1.1 million given to 154 farmer-beneficiaries, as well as assorted vegetable seeds worth P230,000 provided to 162 farmer-beneficiaries. Following the distribution of aid, President Marcos took part in a briefing at Pampanga Capitol to assess the aftermath of recent typhoons and extensive flooding in the province. This evaluation aimed to determine further assistance that could be offered to those affected by the calamities. The post Govt gives cash and aid to flood-ravaged Central Luzon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NDRRMC: ‘Egay’ death toll climbs to 29; 3-M Filipinos affected
Some 805, 621 families or 3,028,040 individuals in the country were affected by the bad weather brought by Typhoon "Egay" and the southwest monsoon, the disaster management council said Friday. The latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed that some 15,473 families and 57, 226 persons are still staying in 648 activated evacuation centers nationwide, while 57,000 families or 229,831 individuals are being aided outside the temporary shelters. NDRRMC said the number of deaths due to the recent weather disturbance has climbed to 29, although it could only validate two fatalities so far, with 152 being injured while 11 are still missing. Meanwhile, the cost of damage to infrastructure was estimated at P3.631 billion, and over P50.20 million in losses to agriculture and P9.9 million in damaged assets were logged. The NDRRMC, likewise, recorded around 54,400 damaged houses and 2,200 destroyed houses. It said the government has so provided P248 million worth of assistance to the typhoon-affected families. A state of calamity has been declared in some 232 areas as some 111 communities are still experiencing power interruption. The post NDRRMC: ‘Egay’ death toll climbs to 29; 3-M Filipinos affected appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG offers typhoon victims with quick loans
Shelter financing agency Pag-IBIG Fund reported allocating P3 billion in calamity loan funds to help members affected by typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon.” “Pag-IBIG Fund has allocated calamity loan funds to help affected members in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, the Cordillera Administrative Region or CAR, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Cavite, recover from the devastation caused by typhoons ‘Egay’ and ‘Falcon.’ We are also working closely with local government units in these areas, as we heed the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to provide our fellow Filipinos in these calamity-hit areas with all the necessary assistance,” Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said. Under the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan, eligible members may borrow up to 80 percent of their total Pag-IBIG Savings, which consist of monthly contributions, the counterpart employer’s contributions, and accumulated dividends earned. And in consideration of the plight of the members, the loan is offered at a rate of 5.95% per annum, which is the lowest rate in the market. The loan is payable over a period of up to three years, with a grace period of three months so that the initial payment is due only on the fourth month after the loan is released. Qualified borrowers may apply for the calamity loan within 90 days from the date when an area has been declared under a state of calamity. P709-M calamity loans released Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Marilene Acosta, meanwhile, stated that the agency has already released P709 million in calamity loans to help 41,873 members in calamity-hit areas in the country as of June this year. She added that Pag-IBIG branches in these areas remain open and are now coordinating with the local government units which have already declared states of the calamity in their respective jurisdictions, for the deployment of service desks and the agency’s mobile branch, the Lingkod Pag-IBIG On-Wheels, to receive applications for calamity loans from members as well as insurance claims from current Pag-IBIG Housing Loan borrowers whose properties have been damaged due to the typhoon. “When calamities strike, we at Pag-IBIG understand that our members in affected areas need immediate financial assistance. That is why we make sure that all our programs and services remain responsive and accessible to our members. Even while our offices and personnel in calamity-hit areas have also been affected by the typhoon, our branches remain open and are ready to receive loan applications and housing loan insurance claims. Our Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels have also been deployed to typhoon-stricken areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union to further bring our services closer to our members who are most in need. And, for members who have internet access, the Virtual Pag-IBIG is ready to accept their calamity loan applications online. Our members can count on Lingkod Pag-IBIG to help them during these trying times,” Acosta said. The post Pag-IBIG offers typhoon victims with quick loans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DHSUD extends cash assistance to ‘Egay’ victims
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on Tuesday ordered the release of cash assistance for families who lost their homes following the havoc of Typhoon "Egay." In an emergency meeting, Acuzar directed Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III and Undersecretary Randy Escolango to start downloading the fund to regional offices affected by the typhoon. The DHSUD Central Office is making available P23 million for emergency assistance to residents whose houses were totally damaged. "We must focus our efforts now in assisting families who lost their homes. Let's expedite the delivery dahil kailangan na ito agad," Acuzar said. "Kailangan proactive lagi tayo sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng bagyo... Dapat maramdaman agad ang tulong at malasakit ng gobyerno," the DHSUD chief added. As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, a total of 1,954 residential structures had been totally damaged by the typhoon, mostly from Regions 1, 2 and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Acuzar also instructed DHSUD attached agencies, particularly the National Housing Authority and the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, to start providing assistance. The NHA is initially allotting P50 million from its emergency housing assistance program. Pag-IBIG Fund, on the other hand, has started offering calamity loans with lower interest rate per annum to "Egay" victims. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday announced that the government will be providing the necessary assistance to typhoon victims. "We will be working closely with local government units in the affected areas to ensure the timely and transparent delivery of our assistance," said Acuzar. So far, DHSUD, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration and the USAID, has already distributed 1,086 shelter-grade tarpaulins, and 600 solar lamps. The post DHSUD extends cash assistance to ‘Egay’ victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan ready for members affected by Typhoons ‘Egay’, ‘Falcon’
Pag-IBIG Fund announced on 2 August that the agency has allocated P3 billion in calamity loan funds to help members affected by Typhoons Egay and Falcon. “Pag-IBIG Fund has allocated calamity loan funds to help affected members in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Cavite, recover from the devastation caused by Typhoons Egay and Falcon. We are also working closely with local government units in these areas, as we heed the call of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to provide our fellow Filipinos in these calamity-hit areas with all the necessary assistance,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. Under the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan, eligible members may borrow up to 80 percent of their total Pag-IBIG Savings, which consist of their monthly contributions, the counterpart employer’s contributions, and accumulated dividends earned. And in consideration of the plight of the members, the loan is offered at a rate of 5.95 percent per annum, the lowest rate in the market. The loan is payable over a period of up to three years, with a grace period of three months so that the initial payment is due only on the fourth month after the loan is released. Qualified borrowers may apply for the calamity loan within 90 days from the date when an area has been declared under a state of calamity. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the agency has already released P709 million in calamity loans to help 41,873 members in calamity-hit areas in the country as of June this year. She added that Pag-IBIG branches in these areas remain open and are now coordinating with the local government units that have already declared states of calamity in their respective jurisdictions for the deployment of service desks and the agency’s mobile branch, the Lingkod Pag-IBIG On-Wheels, to receive applications for calamity loans from members as well as insurance claims from current Pag-IBIG Housing Loan borrowers whose properties have been damaged due to the typhoon. “When calamities strike, we at Pag-IBIG understand that our members in affected areas need immediate financial assistance. That is why we make sure that all our programs and services remain responsive and accessible to our members. Even while our offices and personnel in calamity-hit areas have also been affected by the typhoon, our branches remain open and are ready to receive loan applications and housing loan insurance claims. Our Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels have also been deployed to typhoon-stricken areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union to further bring our services closer to our members who are most in need. And, for members who have internet access, the Virtual Pag-IBIG is ready to accept their calamity loan applications online. Our members can count on Lingkod Pag-IBIG to help them during these trying times,” said Acosta. The post Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan ready for members affected by Typhoons ‘Egay’, ‘Falcon’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists disaster victims in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan
"Mga kababayan ko nandito po ako para makabigay ng kaunting tulong sa mga apektado ng bagyo," Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said during relief operations for communities affected by the typhoon in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan on Monday, 31 July. On the same day, Go also extended assistance to typhoon victims in Santa Ana town. In light of the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Egay, Go emphasized his commitment to extending assistance to those affected to the best of his capacity. This comes as a response to the ongoing crisis, where several provinces have been declared under a state of calamity due to extensive fatalities and damage in the wake of the typhoon and the subsequent monsoon rains. "Gaya ng ginagawa ko po noon, tuwing mayroong bagyo, sinusubukan ko talagang makabisita dito at makatulong. Noon, sa Aparri at iba't ibang bayan pa,” Go said even as he assured residents that his office is committed to conducting relief efforts, just like what they did during previous calamities. Earlier, Cagayan was declared under a state of calamity due to destruction caused by Typhoon Egay, as recommended by its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council. Despite the somber situation, he expressed his hopes that the efforts of his office and the government can bring a slight smile to those grieving, underlining the importance of empathy and understanding during these trying times. "Alam ko malungkot ang mga kababayan natin, pero kapag nakikita kong masaya sila masaya na rin po ako. Kaya po ako narito para tumulong po sa abot ng aking makakaya, mapakinggan ang inyong mga hinaing, isulong ang mga proyektong makakapagpaunlad ng inyong lugar, ilapit ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno na makakatulong sa inyong muling pagbangon, at makapag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” he said. The senator also took time to express his gratitude towards local officials who have been working tirelessly to provide service to their constituents amid these trying times. He also acknowledged the unwavering commitment to public service of several officials including Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba, Sanchez Mira Mayor Abraham Bagasin and Vice Mayor Asela Sacramed. Go urged that the national government and the local government units must work hand in hand to aid the affected communities. "Nandito po ang ating gobernador, ang ating LGU, local government para makikipagtulungan po, maiahon po natin ang ating mga kababayan. Magtulungan lang po tayo,” said Go. Meanwhle, Go stressed the need to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) in order to improve the country's readiness and ability to respond to future disasters. He emphasized that this department would consolidate and streamline efforts in disaster management, resulting in a more productive and efficient response to natural calamities. Go and his team held a relief activity at the municipal gym of Sanchez Mira, where they assisted 1,500 typhoon victims. The beneficiaries received food packs, masks, vitamins, and snacks. Cellular phones, shoes, bicycles, watches, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball were also distributed to several individuals. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agriculture extended assistance to the beneficiaries. The post Bong Go assists disaster victims in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA buffer stock of rice sufficient—PBBM
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has enough buffer stock of rice amid the agricultural damage left by Super Typhoon Egay in Northern Luzon, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured on Tuesday. In a short video message, President Marcos said he met with DA leaders after Typhoon Egay hit Northern Luzon and caused about P1.94 billion worth of damage to agriculture. He said he discussed the effects of Typhoon Egay on the country's rice production and how to ensure there is enough rice. "As of now, it appears that the supply (of rice) is okay," Marcos said. On the other hand, the President said that they are still carefully looking at some "agricultural inputs" to ensure that the effects of "Egay" won't cause the price of rice on the market to go up. "We have already made a schedule on where we will source our production; where we will make local purchases; and if necessary, we will proceed with importing again," Marcos said. "It's good that in our discussion, we have observed that our rice imports are decreasing. However, in emergencies like this, we need to assess whether there is still a need for rice importation," he added. The DA will send 111,873 bags of rice seeds, 14,426 bags of corn seeds, and 2,582 kilograms of different vegetable seeds to areas hit by Egay to increase local rice production and production support. It also recommended to fast-track efforts for the distribution of readily available assistance to rice farmers, especially those in calamity-stricken areas, and ensure the availability of the Quick Response Fund for the immediate rehabilitation of affected areas to be augmented by credit assistance. One of the DA's suggestions is to buy available rice stocks right away at the lowest price possible to cover the 15-day buffer stock, as long as the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) and its rules and regulations are followed. The DA also said that families with less money should be able to get cheap rice through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or the Food Stamp Program and that local government unit (LGU) resources should be used to respond to disasters. The post DA buffer stock of rice sufficient—PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM: Forget farm imports
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is making sure the calamity that struck Northern Luzon as a result of typhoon “Egay,” which primarily devastated vegetable farms, will not be taken advantage of as he barred imports. The President declared on Saturday the country “would not import vegetables” despite many agricultural areas having been affected by the recent onslaught of storms. “That will not become a policy. We will not import any agricultural product unless we see that the supply is so low that the prices will become out of reach of ordinary consumers,” Marcos said, after receiving reports of many vegetable farms in Benguet having been affected by “Egay.” Marcos led the situational briefing with different agencies and local officials in Abra, which has been placed under a state of calamity along with the Mountain Province. No repeat of past In the aftermath of past typhoons, prices of agricultural products spiked, which, in turn, was used by unscrupulous traders to push the Department of Agriculture to allow importations. Later, it turned out that in several cases, such as with the recent onion shortage, the market was manipulated by cartels in the sector. Marcos, who is concurrent secretary of the Department of Agriculture, said the government will review the local vegetable supply to determine remedial measures to stabilize prices. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that “Egay” caused P833.88 million worth of agricultural damage. NDRRMC said some 76,093 fisherfolk and farmers were reeling from the impact of the typhoon as well as the ongoing effects of the southwest monsoon or habagat. The agricultural production loss in volume due to “Egay” was placed at 103,958 metric tons, affecting over 91,651.56 hectares of crop area. A state of calamity was declared over the Ilocos provinces, Cavite, Sanchez Mira in Cagayan and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro due to the destruction from the tropical cyclone. The declaration put in effect an automatic price freeze on basic commodities. The government said it has distributed P39.69 million worth of assistance in the form of family food packs, financial aid, blankets and others. Marcos led the distribution of various assistance to the affected farmers and fishers such as seeds, medicines, and biologics for livestock and poultry and fingerlings. The President ordered the DA to prepare the department’s Survival and Recovery Loan Program and the quick response fund to promptly assist the typhoon victims. He said the government will also provide building materials to affected families. Agencies and local governments were ordered to prioritize the provision of assistance to families affected by “Egay,” as he assured that the government will immediately follow through with recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Rice gets priority During the distribution of government assistance in Abra province, the President directed the government to find rice suppliers “so that the National Food Authority could provide all the emergency support.” “Again, rice for me is the most important,” he said, adding that more assistance and food packages were on the way. Marcos directed the government to find rice suppliers “so that the National Food Authority could provide all the emergency support.” The President noted that the authorities were only waiting for the areas to be cleared of the aftermath of the typhoon, including landslides and floods. “It will be followed through with recovery and rehabilitation efforts and then rebuilding initiatives. That is why we are looking as to how big was the damage and how many houses were destroyed so we can provide them building materials so they can rise again and go back,” Marcos said. He said the government will also prioritize the restoration of the power supply in the typhoon-hit areas in the Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region. Although the government wants to restore power quickly, Marcos said the “huge number of toppled poles and power lines will make immediate electricity restoration difficult.” “That is why it is going to take a little time. So, of course, we are going to do it as quickly as possible but that can’t be rushed. It needs to be restored, if not the substations will be destroyed,” he added. The post PBBM: Forget farm imports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos vows sufficient rice supply, relief aid for Egay-hit areas
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday ordered concerned government agencies to prioritize the provision of assistance to affected families by the recent onslaught of Typhoon "Egay" as he assured the government will follow through with recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Marcos led the situational briefing with different agencies and local officials on Saturday in Abra—which has been placed under a state of calamity along with the Mountain Province due to Egay’s onset that hit many parts of Northern Luzon. During the distribution of various government assistance in Abra province, Marcos directed the government to find rice suppliers “so that National Food Authority could provide all the emergency support.” “Again, rice, for me, is the most important,” he said, noting that more assistance and food packages were underway. The President noted that authorities were only waiting for the areas to be cleared from the aftermath of the typhoon including landslides and floods. "Ang susunod naman diyan ay ‘yung pag-recover, pag-rehabilitate, at saka ‘yung rebuilding na. Kaya’t tinitingnan na rin namin gaano karami ang damage, ilan ‘yung talagang nasiraan ng bahay, ano ‘yung mga damage doon sa ibang bahay. At magpo-provide din kami ng building materials para ay maitayo ulit at mabalikan (It will be followed through bu receovery and rehabiliation efforts and then rebuilding initiatives. That’s why we are looking as to how big were the damages and how many houses were destroyed so we can provide them building materials so they can rise again and go back),” Marcos emphasized. Marcos said the government will also prioritize the restoration of the power supply in the typhoon-hit areas within the Ilocos region and Cordillera Administrative Region. Although the government wants to restore power quickly, Marcos cited that a “huge number of toppled poles and power lines will make immediate electricity restoration difficult.” “That’s why it’s going to take a little time. So, of course, we’re going to do it as quickly as possible but hindi puwedeng madaliin. Kailangan talaga maayos, kasi kung hindi masisira ang substations (that can’t be rushed. It really needs to be restored, if not the substations will be destroyed),” he added. The post Marcos vows sufficient rice supply, relief aid for Egay-hit areas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos: No importation despite storms affecting agri-production areas
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. declared Saturday that the country “would not import vegetables” despite many agricultural production areas in the country being affected by the recent onslaught of storms. “That will not become a policy. We will not import any agricultural product unless we see that the supply is so low that the prices will become out of reach the ordinary consumers,” Marcos said citing that many vegetable farms in Benguet were affected by Typhoon "Egay". Marcos, who also serves as the concurrent secretary of the Department of Agriculture, said the government will review the local vegetable supply to determine remedial measures to stabilize agricultural prices. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that "Egay" left with P833.88 million worth of agricultural damage in the country. NDRRMC said some 76,093 fisherfolk and farmers are reeling from the impact of the typhoon as well as the ongoing effects of the southwest monsoon or habagat. The agricultural production loss in volume due to "Egay" was logged at 103,958 metric tons, affecting over 91,651.56 hectares of crop area. The government earlier raised a state of calamity over the Ilocos provinces, Cavite, Sanchez Mira in Cagayan, and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro due to the tropical cyclone. Hence, an automatic price freeze on basic necessities has been placed in the affected areas. The government said it has already distributed P39.69 million worth of assistance in the form of blankets, family food packs, and financial aid, among others. Marcos led the distribution of various assistance to the affected farmers and fishers such as seeds, medicines, and biologics for livestock and poultry, and fingerlings. The President ordered the DA to prepare the department’s Survival and Recovery Loan Program and the quick response fund to promptly assist the typhoon victims. Marcos said the government will also provide building materials to the affected families. The post Marcos: No importation despite storms affecting agri-production areas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless
Reduced budgets against big, supportive words paint a grainy picture of how the Marcos Jr. administration is prioritizing the arts and culture sector of the Philippines. In 2022, “proposed budget cuts for four key agencies tasked with preserving history and culture,” as said in a report, got critics’ hackles up, implying that the Marcoses had no love lost for history as it was allegedly bent on revisionism. However, a source from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts acknowledges that this has been a “period of recovery,” and that “the administration has continuously supported and assisted in the recovery of the sector, which is one of most adversely affected by the pandemic. Through the government’s cultural agencies, support to the culture still continues” to this day, one year into the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. For its part, the Duterte government, at the height of the pandemic, took steps to alleviate the needs of all those affected in the arts and culture sector. Assistance Data from the Cultural Center of the Philippines reveals that during that time, about 800 events were canceled, losing about 800,000 audiences or participants, and at least P90 million in revenues. About 3,000 artists, cultural workers and other kinds of workers were affected. This was the same all over the country and the world. The NCCA’s Assistance Program for Cultural Workers Under the State of Calamity aimed to provide quick cash assistance in the amount of P5,000 to around 800 beneficiaries. Artists and cultural workers who were not under an employer-employee relationship, without regular income or were working freelance, with no benefits, and/or had no employers to run to, and those whose source of income were gone due to the pandemic, were prioritized. The executive council members of the NCCA’s 19 national committees, which represent the different fields of culture and the arts, were tasked to list 35 priority beneficiaries. The NCCA “is the overall policy-making body, coordinating and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and tasked to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts — a fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs and projects.” Executive Order 80’s. 1999, under then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, put the NCCA on top of other cultural agencies: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), National Museum, The National Library (now, The National Library of the Philippines) and the Records, Management and Archives Office (now, the National Archives of the Philippines). In 2001, Section 8 of Republic Act 9155 added the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino/Commission on the Filipino Language under the NCCA umbrella tied up with education goals. It states: “The Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, National Historical Institute, Record Management and Archives Office and the National Library shall now be administratively attached to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and no longer with the Department of Education. The program for school arts and culture shall remain part of the school curriculum.” Putting these cultural agencies together was meant to synergize efforts to strengthen the Filipinos’ sense of heritage and nationhood. Budget allocations In 2023, a year after President Marcos first stepped into office, what “resources” are we talking about? When budgets were being deliberated on in 2022, reports came out on calls for an increase in the proposed budget for arts and culture. At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance, NCCA chairman Rene Escalante said, “…we are proposing additional funding of a total of P33 million” to cover expenses for “more manpower and space as some regulatory functions of the National Museum of the Philippines were transferred to it.” Department of Budget Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in her newspaper column wrote last 31 May: “For 2023, DBM has released funding for our cultural agencies to sustain their projects. It has allocated P212 million for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; P33 million for NCCA; P164 million for the National Archives; P70 million for the Commission on the Filipino Language; P356 million for CCP and P444 million for the National Museum.” ‘Full support’ Prior to his State of the Nation Address this year after one year in office, expressed his “commitment to promoting Philippine culture, as well as the preservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage, In a speech at the NCCA Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) awarding ceremony in Malacañang, he said: “Makaaasa kayo na kaisa ninyo ang pamahalaan at administrasyong ito sa pagsusulong at pagpapayaman ng ating sining at kultura (You may rest assured the government and this administration is one with you in the promotion and development of our arts and culture),” pointing out its importance in and interconnection to efforts to boost our economy while uplifting the image of Filipinos across the globe. [caption id="attachment_161350" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] TRADITIONAL style of mat weaving. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LIKHA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_161351" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Banig weavers.[/caption] ‘Who we are’ What a rich and thriving culture means to a nation cannot be emphasized enough. In October 2018, when Malacañang hosted the awarding of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Philippine Heritage Award and the Order of National Artist, then President Rodrigo Duterte noted the role that cultural heritage plays in the formation of the Filipino identity. “We must recognize and fulfill our duty to stay true to who we are, remember where we came from and honor the timelessness of our culture and traditions,” he said. His commitment was evident as the pandemic went on, with the NCCA offering assistance to the affected workers in the arts and culture sector. The unspoken benefit from that experience was that the arts community bounced back immediately, as artists and cultural workers continued to create, to entertain, to impart insights, to provoke and stimulate, to inspire. Creativity might have taken a pause during the pandemic but not for long as artists began to turn to cyberspace to share their works and interact with their audiences mainly in their social media accounts. Taking this cue, cultural institutions and companies, arts organizations and culture-related groups took the online route, creating virtual events such as online galleries, webinars and talks, film showings, workshops and tutorials, live-streamed musical shows and even presentations of recorded theatrical and dance performances. The digital arts have blossomed and traditional artforms have found themselves increasingly and suddenly in the digital world. Post-pandemic, establishments reopened, but cultural spaces such as museums, galleries and theaters were among the last ones to reopen. Local artistry In the first year of Marcos’ presidency, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took on the role of promoting Filipino culture by spearheading projects like the Malacañang museums and Likha exhibits, which shone the limelight on local artistry and craftsmanship. One of the legacies of the pandemic that will continue in the coming years is incorporation of streaming or recording for posting and sharing in social media and other mediums. This is true for certain events such as launchings and talks. We have discovered the far-reaching reach of online platforms as well as the convenience of it, saving us time and money. With online platforms, we can reach thousands and disseminate information further beyond borders. Our audiences are not limited to certain geography, certain spheres. However, for theatrical productions, dance, films and music, we have to devise ways to monetize them so that the creatives involved can make a living out of their crafts. That is one of the challenges that the sector will be facing, which is part of the recovery process from the pandemic. One other important factor to be considered is the creative industries or creative economy. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 was launched in 2017, and for the first time, arts and culture and the creative industries are included in the national agenda. An inter-agency board has been created focusing on the creative industries, with the NCCA as one of the key agencies. This entails creating a collective vision and aspiration of Filipinos for themselves and for the country, and is an acknowledgment of the power of arts and culture to shape and elevate consciousness and ways of life and inspire communities. In that chapter, the government promises to “boost the development of Filipino creativity as tool for social cohesion and impetus for culture-based industry and creative economy.” Let’s not forget that a thoughtful and caring governance and industry would indeed include arts and culture in order to prosper in all aspects, recognize the important roles of their artists and cultural workers, and would preserve their cultural legacy, which contribute to realizing a deeper sense of self and national identity. True prosperity does not dwell on the material level but must include the nourishment and nurturing of the soul. The post Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NHA ground breaks housing for Cotabato quake victims
National Housing Authority General Manager Joeben Tai led the groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremonies at a project site for earthquake victims in Makilala, Cotabato last Thursday, 13 July. Tai said the project is under the NHA’s Housing Assistance Program for Calamity Victims which is aimed to respond to the housing needs of families affected by calamities like earthquakes, floods, fires, landslides, and typhoons. A total of 1,329 families whose homes were destroyed by a series of 6.1 to 6.9-magnitude earthquakes in Cotabato in the last quarter of 2019 benefitted from the project. The family beneficiaries come from nine barangays of Makilala, namely, Bato, Buenavida, Buhay, Cabilao, Indangan, Luayon, Malabuan, Malasila, and Sto. Niño. Tai shared his sentiments on how devastating it is to be a victim of disasters as it leads to loss of homes, property, communities, and even loved ones. Assuring that the structures built by the NHA are of quality and can withstand up to 7-magnitude earthquakes, Tai further added that under his leadership, “the NHA will continue to partner with other government agencies and the private sector to fulfill the agency’s mandate to provide quality homes and progressive communities for low-income and marginalized Filipino families.” Joining Tai in the ceremonies were NHA Region XII Manager Engr. Zenaida M. Cabiles, Cotabato 2nd District Representative Rudy S. Caoagdan, Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, Makilala Mayor Armando M. Quibod and Vice Mayor Ryan D. Tabanay; Office of Civil Defense Region XII Director Raylindo S. Aniñon, Opusland Inc. President Ramon “Shintaro” Valdez, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Region XII Officer-in-Charge Engr. Gifaril Martinez-Cabalquinto. The post NHA ground breaks housing for Cotabato quake victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Public warned vs ASF-infected meat
THE BUNKER, Bataan — Provincial Health officials had advised the public to refrain from eating meat infected with African swine fever. In their meeting with Gov. Joet Garcia, live over the Facebook page of the governor for the information of the public, officials of the Provincial Veterinary Office led by Dr. Albert Venturina, urged the public to avoid eating pigs contaminated with ASF. Although the ASF virus cannot affect human’s health, PVO officials appealed to the public to avoid eating it since the cause of death of these hogs is the virus. Earlier, Garcia and the members of the provincial board declared Bataan under a state of calamity following the outbreak of ASF in the province. Garcia said they are now coming up with various forms of assistance to farmers engaged in hog raising. According to the PVO, five towns have been severely affected by the ASF outbreak affecting 18 backyard farms in the province. The post Public warned vs ASF-infected meat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»