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Summer is officially here, says Pagasa
Friday, March 22, 2024, has been declared as the official start of the summer season by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). Dr. Nathaniel Servando, Pagasa chief, announced this during a press briefing, today. READ: Pagasa forecasts two days of 46°C heat index in La Union “Today, we officially declare the start of.....»»
DA chief orders transfer of suspended NFA supervisors’ authority
The transfer of authority of suspended warehouse supervisors of the National Food Authority has been ordered by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday as NFA facilities remain closed amid the suspension order of the Office of the Ombudsman......»»
‘Correction system is window of soul’ — Remulla
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in his speech, “Correction system is the window of the soul of the country”, as the Bureau of Corrections released 949 persons deprived of liberty from its major prison facilities nationwide yesterday. "So, dapat maraming pagbabago ang magawa natin dahil hindi magiging epektibo ang correction system pag congested ang ating mga kulangan,” he added. The DOJ chief continued, “We also have to expedite the release of PDLs if they have already served their maximum sentence and our police force and prosecutors are now working hand in hand to resolve the issue of those accused being detained for so long much more than their sentence.” “Gusto natin na mapalaya sila agad kung nakapag bayad na sila sa lipunan (We want them to be released promptly in the event they already paid their sins in the society),” Remulla said. Those released were from Correctional Institution for Women (90), Davao Prison and Penal Farm (177), Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (23), Leyte Regional Prison (69), New Bilibid Prison (486), Philippine Military Academy (2), Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (33), and San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (71). Of the said numbers, 556 were released due to the expiration of their maximum sentence, 213 were acquitted of the charges against them, 129 were given parole, 29 were granted probation, and two were released on cash bond. This brings to 6,322 the total number of PDLs who have been released under the administration of Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. Catapang has been expediting the release of PDLs as part of his reform agenda. The culminating activity, which coincides with the BuCor's fifth-day celebration of National Correctional Consciousness Week, was attended by Remulla, Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco, Justice Assistant Secretaries Francis John Tejano and Jose Dominic Clavano, PAO chief Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta, Parole and Probation Administration OIC Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez Jr., Board of Pardons and Parole chairman Atty. Sergio Calizo Jr., DOLE-NCR Regional Director Atty. Sarah Buena S. Mirasol, and other BuCor officials led by BuCor-OIC Gil Torralba. Torralba for his part told the PDLs to “(b)ring the good things you learned inside the jail and leave the bad experiences you encountered inside.” He also revealed that BuCor, under the guidance of DG Catapang, has launched an Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Unit (IMEU) wherein BuCor employees can report illicit activities of their co-workers and PDLs who have been released from detention can report via text or call against erring corrections officers. Torralba urged the released PDLs to report their bad and good experiences against corrections officers and assured them of the confidentially of their report. “This is one way that we can improve our services and reward our officers who do good and at the same time get rid of undesirables within our ranks,” Torralba said. The post ‘Correction system is window of soul’ — Remulla appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Energy sector workers run out
Amid the energy transition frenzy, listed Aboitiz Power Corp., or AboitizPower, recognized a growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers. It is thus necessary to develop a workforce that can adapt and implement energy security, affordability, and sustainability. “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,” AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre said. “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,” she said. Power forum held “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., or AmCham, in partnership with AboitizPower. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated 1 million skilled workers in engineering, architecture, and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the most challenging occupations to fill up. 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 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 Engr. 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. “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].” Intimidating STEM “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. 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. The 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 energy sector. The post Energy sector workers run out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
Training modules for winning BSKE candidates eyed
ILOILO CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Western Visayas — through its Local Government Regional Resource Center — is crafting training modules for the soon-to-be elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials. “So, currently that’s our intervention here in Region 6 in partnership with Iloilo Science and Technology University. This is a project with the Local Government Academy since the development of the module involves not only the implementation in Region 6 but this involves the implementation of the whole training nationwide,” said Christian Nagaynay, chief of the DILG Local Government Capability Development Division. He narrated that they started with the conduct of a needs assessment among 3,000 respondents who were asked about their needed competencies to deliver and perform their functions. “For us to test whether the modules we developed are effective and ready for rollout. In case there are changes based on the comments of our barangay captains, then we will incorporate them before its implementation,” Nagaynay said. Representatives from the Local Government Academy will join the first run to also check on the module. The post Training modules for winning BSKE candidates eyed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Army installs new chief for reservist, retiree affairs
The Philippine Army installed Col. Arnel Bautista as the new assistant chief of staff for reservist and retiree affairs (OG-9) on Monday. In a ceremonial change of office at the PA Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Bautista officially replaced outgoing chief Col. Jaime Datuin, who has been leading the office’s affairs and operations since September 2021. Prior to his new appointment, Bautista served as the Group Commander of the 1st Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command prior to his new assignment. He also held various leadership positions in the 9th Infantry Division such as the Commandant of the Division Training School, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, and Commanding Officer of the 49th Infantry Battalion. Bautista is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Bantay-Laya" Class 1994. Meanwhile, Datuin graduated from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Officer Candidate School as a member of Class 11-1993. During his stint as assistant chief of staff for reservist and retiree affairs, Datuin initiated several programs and activities aiming to enhance the welfare of the Army's reservists and retirees. Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano Camba extended his congratulations to Bautista for his new assignment. Camba also encouraged the office personnel to continue their efforts, with the newly installed head, “to develop a more reliable Army Reserve force.” The post Army installs new chief for reservist, retiree affairs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Man on a mission
He has been to hell and back since entering the country’s premier military school, the Philippine Military Academy, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1982, to seeing action as a police officer, and lately to waltzing into the ring of fire by entering politics. Much has been written about the exploits of former police general Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong, Baguio City Mayor, since 2019, with the positive usually outweighing the negative. Love him, hate him, but believe me, Magalong is no lone ranger. He can sustain the hard yards of fighting criminality and corruption that one wonders where he gets all the energy and focus in addressing the challenges that come his way. Last month, Magalong and a few local chief executives launched “Mayors for Good Governance,” a campaign for responsible leadership and anti-corruption in local governments. They signed A2, a manifesto committing local executives to transparency and the rule of law. The movement has already received support from more than 150 city and municipal mayors nationwide, a testament to how much rests on his stewardship. Corruption is like a “communicable” disease that can easily transmit the evils that go with it from the lowest strata to the highest echelon of society. It has many forms and strains — from petty graft to large-scale kickbacks — and affects people from all walks of life, generations, and races. People get used to it until it becomes a way of life, and in the process, they lose their independence of thought because their eyes are shut. Pope Francis described it best: “Some people behave in relation to corruption as they would with drugs. They think they can take it and leave it as they please. They start with something minor: a kickback here, a bribe there. And between this and that, they gradually lose their freedom.” Fighting corruption is like fighting drugs; it is never one-sided. There are hits and misses along the way. Anything is fair game when you put a face into a noble cause. I was a field operative of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency assigned in Region 8 when Magalong was director of PDEA’s Special Enforcement Service, which was responsible for dismantling numerous drug laboratories and causing the dismissal of several police scalawags. Magalong is one straight arrow. He never compromises his name when it comes to fighting drugs and crime. However, he is also a caring leader who always looks after his men like he would his children. He never tolerates shenanigans but lavishes praise and support for a well-done job. That’s why it did not come as a surprise when he was made chairman of the Mamasapano Board of Inquiry in 2015, which investigated the carnage of 44 Special Action Forces in Maguindanao. I have seen firsthand Magalong’s sincerity when it comes to public service. A public servant who goes beyond his comfort zone to give timely and proper assistance to the public, Magalong has the integrity and bravery to stand by his ideals to the detriment of his career because he wants the country to succeed. Like Magalong, I also had my share of fighting the tentacles of corruption in PDEA and later at the Bureau of Customs, once touted as the most corrupt government agency, during my seven-month stint as a commissioner despite the brickbats and the Sword of Damocles hanging above me. It was a lonely battle indeed, especially since I came to the bureau all alone. Tormentors coming from opposite directions were having a field day — from the not-so-harmless Marites (Mare, ano ang latest?) and Mariposa (Mare, post mo na) to greedy politicians and industry shenanigans. I have no moral qualms regarding Magalong’s mission — to take the arduous and lifelong task of making a difference in people’s lives, especially the poor, who are most hurt by corruption. Taking the high road is never easy, and I am sure that knowing Magalong, he could surmount all the hurdles, including the legal ones, that come in the end. The post Man on a mission appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD, DILG congratulate new Barangay Development Planning trainers
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. led the awarding of Barangay Development Planning national trainers on Thursday in Quezon City. A total of 127 trainers from all regions of the country received their certificates after completing the requirements of the National Training of Trainers for BDP, which was conducted with the help of the Local Government Academy. In his speech, Gatchalian said the BDP training is vital in strengthening the people’s participation in local governance. “Part of the initiative of the DSWD for the longest time is community-driven development or CDD. It is when we empower local government units, all the way to the barangay, sitio level, or community level to decide for their own,” Gatchalian said. “The more the world evolves, the greater the community participation becomes, and we have to capture that in these development plans,” the DSWD chief added. Gatchalian thanked the DILG for their support. “Naniniwala kami na with DILG backing this program, more and more local government units, all the way to the barangays, will embrace the participatory and consultative way of doing things,” he said. In his message of support, Abalos expressed his commitment to help advocate for the CDD approach as “the DILG and the DSWD will be one serving our people on the ground.” The BDP is a mechanism to ensure that barangay projects are inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people. It mirrors the principles of the community-driven development approach, which is the foundation of the DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services program. Aside from the BDP national trainers, the KALAHI-CIDSS program also trained 2,605 regional trainers who will help advocate for the institutionalization and application of CDD in local governance processes. The CDD is an empowering approach that grants communities control over development, including decision-making, and resource management that promotes participation. The post DSWD, DILG congratulate new Barangay Development Planning trainers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA confirms Azurin’s awry Canada issues
The Department of Foreign Affairs shed light on reports that retired Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. had encountered issues with Canadian immigration. During the House 2024 budget deliberations Wednesday, House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan asked Nueva Ecija Rep. Joseph Violago, DFA budget sponsor, if the reports were accurate. Violago confirmed that Azurin encountered issues but added that the Canadian government regretted the “misunderstanding and miscommunication.” Azurin voluntarily returned to the country after traveling to Canada. The DFA was unable to assist him since it was a personal trip. Due to confidentiality issues, the Canadian government has yet to submit an official report to the Philippine government on the incident. “This incident happened a few days ago. General Azurin voluntarily went to Canada and he suddenly returned to the country,” Violago said during the budget debates. Azurin denied he was deported and blamed his former colleague, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, P/Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia for spreading disinformation. In a statement Tuesday, he said Sermonia was the source of the disinformation. “Sermonia had been spreading lies about my alleged deportation. Maybe he knows something that everyone in our country does not know. Maybe it was him who tipped off Canadian Immigration by concocting half-truths and many lies and was hoping that I would be deported. He had been sending messages about my deportation,” Azurin said. He said the truth will come out in due time. He urged current PNP chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda, to investigate Sermonia’s alleged participation in the defamation campaign. Sermonia’s denial Meanwhile, Sermonia denied Azurin’s claim. In a press briefing at Camp Crame Wednesday, Sermonia said he had no idea why his name was being dragged into the controversy regarding the supposed deportation of Azurin. “Former Chief PNP Azurin may have been fed false stories again to drag my name into the unverified reports of his alleged deportation. There is no reason for me to do what I am being accused of,” said Sermonia, whose wife is the sister of Azurin’s wife. He added: “I’d rather not dignify the accusations with a reply that may be construed negatively. My advice is to directly ask the Canadian Embassy what the reason for the questioning was, which made Azurin decide to return to the country as he stated, and not deported.” He said Canada has its own rules and regulations on border control. “So, it is best to secure the report from them. The truth will speak for me,” he added. Sermonia said he plans to discuss the issue with their entire family. Azurin and Sermonia are members of Philippine Military Academy Class 1989. The post DFA confirms Azurin’s awry Canada issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former SC Associate Justice Callejo Sr. passes away
The Supreme Court yesterday announced the passing on Tuesday, 19 September, of retired Associate Justice and Chairperson of the Judicial Integrity Board Romeo J. Callejo Sr., 86. Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said Justice Callejo Sr. will always be remembered as one of the members of the Court who, for close to four decades, ‘tirelessly and selflessly devoted his life in the service of the Judiciary.” Justice Callejo Sr.’s remains lie in state at Loyola Memorial Chapels along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Public viewing started at 3 p.m. on 20 September and will be held until noon of 23 September. A necrological service will be held at Loyola Memorial Chapels on Friday, 22 September starting at 4 p.m. Justice Callejo Sr. served as judge of the Manila City regional trial court starting in 1986. As RTC judge, he was awarded twice as Outstanding Judge of Manila in 1991 and 1994. In 1992, he was awarded the Cayetano Arellano Award for Judicial Excellence. In 1994, he was promoted associate justice of the Court of Appeals. In 2002, he was elevated as SC associate justice, a post he held until his mandatory retirement in 2007. Justice Callejo Sr. was part of the Philippine Judicial Academy Corps of Professor, and was appointed as PhilJA Vice Chancellor in 2015. In 2020, he was appointed the first JIB chairperson. He is survived by his wife Filipinas V. Callejo; children Michel and Geraldine Geday, and Romeo and Ivy Callejo; and grandchildren Jacqueline Callejo-Geday and Amelie Callejo. The post Former SC Associate Justice Callejo Sr. passes away appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR changing for better, says solons
A sea change in the gaming industry is coming as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. or PAGCOR, transitions into a “purely regulatory” body. Senator Win Gatchalian said PAGCOR’s move will effectively prevent a “conflict of interest” within the agency’s dual functions as a regulator and operator. “Its decision to transition to becoming a purely regulatory body is commendable, representing a significant stride towards improving the governance of the gaming industry,” Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ways and Mens, told reporters. Senator Grace Poe cited the PAGCOR’s move as a “step in the right direction” as it cannot “wear two hats at a time” at the same time. “It gives the agency a conflicting role that has raised misgivings about its capability to effectively regulate the gaming industry,” she said. Poe stressed the need to regulate the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and other unauthorized gambling operations, which have brought social ills to the country and deprived the government of earnings. Benefits of improved regulation “If PAGCOR can effectively regulate the gaming industry and weed out unscrupulous activities, then it could even generate better revenues to help fund more government projects,” she added. PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer, Alejandro Tengco, said the move is part of the agency’s goal to “level the playing field and ensure future growth and viability for all gaming industry players.” “We have started preparing for this transition in earnest, and we are starting where it matters most — within PAGCOR itself,” he said in his remarks during the opening of the IAG Academy Summit at the Hilton Manila last 13 September. Tengco said the transitioning process is expected to be completed by 2025. Gatchalian said he believes that the separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and commercial functions “will not only attract more private sector investments but also elevate the country’s stature as a premier gaming destination in the region.” “Consequently, this is poised to significantly boost government revenues derived from the gaming industry,” he added. Gatchalian wants PAGCOR to impose stiffer penalties against illegalities perpetrated by the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in the country. The post PAGCOR changing for better, says solons appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lacuna is now a ‘Lakan’
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna was inducted as the first lady member of the Manila Police District’s Lakan-MPD, a prestigious group of Philippine National Police Academy alumni assigned in the city of Manila. With the title, the Manila mayor vowed to do her best to give meaning to her being a “Lakan”, saying that it means being a supreme leader that will lead in establishing the welfare of her own kind, responding to the needs of those falling under her jurisdiction and using her strength and courage to defend her community. The mayor also praised MPD chief Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon as a public official who is always readily available and approachable, with a call for all those present to emulate him. She also expressed gratitude to Dr. Arnold Pangan, Chief Manila Health Department who was also chosen as another new member of the LAKAN group for his dedication to service particularly during the pandemic period. Lacuna said that she and all Lakan members have chosen the path of public service or rendering service for fellow Filipinos and the country in general. She also conveyed her gratitude for being chosen as an honorary member of the LAKAN-MPD and said that she will work with them to ensure the safety and security of all Manileños. The post Lacuna is now a ‘Lakan’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solaire shines at prestigious IAG Academy Awards
Bloomberry Resorts Corporation’s Solaire Resort Entertainment City is pleased to announce a successful evening at the IAG Academy Awards, held last night. The resort garnered significant recognition, including winning the much-coveted awards for Best Regional Asia-Pacific Integrated Resort, Outstanding CEO, and Best Gaming Floor. These accolades are an affirmation of Solaire’s relentless pursuit of excellence and a testament to its commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to its customers. In a glittering ceremony that brought together the most illustrious names in the industry, Solaire shone brightly, further cementing its position as a leader in the gaming and hospitality sectors. The Hall of Honor Outstanding CEO award was a nod to the visionary leadership of Enrique K. Razon, who has been steering Solaire’s course in the industry, consistently directing the organization towards growth and innovation. Superior gaming environment Meanwhile, the Best Gaming Floor accolade acknowledges the resort’s superior and vibrant gaming environment that offers a unique blend of excitement and sophistication to both seasoned and novice players alike. The highlight of the evening was when Solaire Resort was conferred with the Best Regional Asia-Pacific IR award, a prestigious recognition that highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing an integrated and holistic entertainment experience to guests from all over the world. This award is a validation of the exceptional quality of facilities and services that Solaire has to offer, setting a benchmark in the region for luxury, entertainment, and hospitality. Collective efforts of the Solaire team Speaking on the wins, Thomas Arasi, president and chief operating officer, said, “These accolades reflect the collective efforts of the passionate and dedicated team at Solaire. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and our continuous pursuit to redefine luxury and entertainment in the region have brought us here. I dedicate these awards to every member of the Solaire family who works tirelessly to create magical and memorable experiences for our patrons.” As Solaire continues to pave the way in redefining world-class standards, these awards serve as both an honor and a responsibility to further elevate the level of service and experience offered to its clientele. The resort reaffirms its commitment to its patrons by promising to consistently innovate and offer unrivaled experiences that exceed expectations. The post Solaire shines at prestigious IAG Academy Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kim meets Russian defence minister, inspects missile and warship
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vladivostok on Saturday where he met Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and inspected a hypersonic aircraft missile system before boarding a warship. Kim's first official visit abroad since the Covid-19 pandemic has fanned Western fears that Moscow and Pyongyang will defy sanctions and strike an arms deal. Moscow is believed to be interested in buying North Korean ammunition to continue fighting in Ukraine, while Pyongyang wants Russia's help to develop its missile program. The Kremlin has said no agreement has or will be inked. Kim's extended tour of Russia's far eastern region, which began Tuesday, has leaned heavily martial, including his military-dominated entourage, symbolic exchange of rifles with President Vladimir Putin and tour of a fighter jet factory in engineering hub Komsomolsk-on-Amur. After meeting Kim on Wednesday at the Vostochny cosmodrome roughly 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) from Moscow, Putin talked up the prospect of greater cooperation with North Korea and said there were "possibilities" for military ties. Upon arriving in Vladivostok, a large coastal city near the Chinese and North Korean borders, Kim was greeted by Shoigu and an honor guard, state news agency TASS reported. At the Knevichi airfield, Shoigu showed Kim "the Kinzhal missile system on the MiG-31I missile carrier", TASS said, adding that its "flight and technical capabilities" were outlined to Kim by a top military official. Kim and Shoigu then boarded frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov where the "Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Admiral Nikolay Evmenov, spoke about the characteristics of the ship and anti-submarine weapons - four-tube torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers," TASS said. Kim is expected to visit the Far Eastern Federal University and marine biology laboratories at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Vladivostok. Colleges in Russia's Far East have historically accepted North Korean students. 'Troubling' cooperation Kim is visiting Russia as Putin seeks to bolster alliances with other world leaders ostracized by Western countries. The longtime allies are both under a raft of international sanctions, Moscow for the Ukraine conflict and Pyongyang for its nuclear tests. Kim and Putin's gifting each other rifles at the spaceport summit on Wednesday further fueled speculation that an arms export deal could be on the table, despite Western warnings. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday however, that no agreements had been signed during Kim's ongoing trip, and "there was no plan to sign any". While meeting Kim, Putin accepted an invitation to visit North Korea, according to the Kremlin, and he reportedly offered to send a North Korean to space, which would be a first. Moscow also mentioned the possibility of helping North Korea to manufacture satellites, a prospect that has alarmed Washington. The cooperation announced during Kim's Russia is "quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions", State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reports following the leaders' summit. North Korean satellites, he noted, have been used to develop Pyongyang's ballistic missiles. Pyongyang recently failed twice in its bid to put a military spy satellite into orbit. The post Kim meets Russian defence minister, inspects missile and warship appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Net metering catches on among power users
The Manila Electric Co. or Meralco reported a spike in the number of customers joining the net-metering scheme, which empowers them to generate their electricity for consumption and export any excess generation to the distribution grid. In his speech on the second day of the three-day Giga Summit organized by Meralco Power Academy, Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz said the annual number of net-metering customers and its capacity are “increasing rapidly.” “To date, we have 8,544 net-metering customers with 50.3 megawatts of installed capacity. Year-on-year net-metering numbers and capacity are increasing rapidly,” Geluz said. “For the whole of 2022, these customers exported 20.3 GWh, while as of July this year, 16.2 gigawatt-hours in energy export was already generated and can be projected to exceed last year’s aggregate number,” he added. Energy-efficient practice Geluz also noted that the boost in net-metering initiatives complemented Republic Act 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which institutionalizes energy efficiency and conservation, enhances the efficient use of energy, and grants incentives to energy efficiency and conservation projects. The net-metering program allows customers to export their excess electricity to the grid in exchange for electricity bill credits. To further encourage the use of cleaner and cheaper energy, the government previously said it will expand the program to more areas — especially in far-flung provinces that are not yet connected to the grid. Last Monday, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla said the adoption of modern technologies, smart grid systems, and demand-side management to bring down overall energy consumption and cut down greenhouse gas emissions will be included in the 2023-2050 Philippine Energy Plan or PEP supposed to be out this month. Lotilla disclosed that public consultations on the draft PEP are ongoing. The post Net metering catches on among power users appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI
Led by Transportation Undersecretary Cesar B. Chavez, the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc. took their oath before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on Monday. Chavez, a consistent appointee to various government agencies by seven successive presidents, was elected president of the NDCPAAI for 2023-2025. He is currently Undersecretary for Railways under the Department of Transportation. “Grateful to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for administering our oath in Malacañang this morning as the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc.,” Chavez said. “Our association will strive to be more meaningful and relevant for its members and the country. We will actively foster a platform that encourages greater collaboration between the NDCP, its alumni, and stakeholders, contributing to the national discourse and policy development on all aspects of national security,” he added. Chavez pursued a military and national security education, completing courses such as basic and advance intelligence, psychological warfare, and command and general staff management. He earned a Master’s degree in National Security Administration at NDCP, a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Administration from Bicol University, and a Senior Executive certificate on national and international security from Harvard Kennedy School. He also finished the Strategic Management Program at the National University of Singapore. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus “Gary” Domingo was elected vice president. Domingo has served as ambassador to New Zealand and held positions in the Philippine Missions to the UN, in New York and Geneva, as well as the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. NDCP executive vice president Aldrin Cuña was elected secretary general of the association. Captain Luidegar “Lloyd” Casis will head the committee on military affairs. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy. Casis is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992. He is currently chief of the capabilities and weapons systems division of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, OJ5, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Aboitiz InfraCapital first vice president Christopher Camba will chair the Committee on Ways and Means. With over 20 years of corporate experience within the Aboitiz Group, he has had diverse roles spanning audit, finance, operations, marketing, risk management, and government relations. Commission on Appointments director and NDCP professor Vladimir Mata was elected head of the Homecoming Committee. He is a lieutenant colonel and currently acting commander of the Marine Reserve Brigade in Northern Luzon. Zamboanga del Sur First District Rep. Divina Grace Yu will serve as chairperson of the Committee on Chairmanship. She has been serving as Deputy House Speaker since 2020. Morong, Rizal RTC Branch 79 Judge Maria Josefina San Juan-Torres was chosen to chair the Committee on Awards. She is vice president of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (Asia Pacific Chapter). Valenzuela City Administrator Atty. Jaime De Veyra will join Judge San Juan-Torres in the Awards Committee. He has held roles in the Public Estates Authority and the Philippine Mining Development Corporation as chief legal counsel and CEO. CGA Capt. Jeremias “Jerry” Simon will chair the Committee on Membership. The post Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Intramuros, citadel of an empire (1)
My appreciation of arts and culture began when I was assigned by the Commission on Audit as the first resident auditor of the Intramuros Administration, or IA, then headed by Dr. Jaime C. Laya. It was our distinct honor and privilege to have worked with Dr. Laya, who was highly admired for his honesty and integrity. His presence in the workplace brought trust, grace and efficiency. He was the chief implementor of the mandates to restore and develop Intramuros as a monument to the Hispanic period of Philippine history, to restore its general appearance to conform to the Spanish architecture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, and to sponsor, conduct or otherwise assist and support festivals and cultural activities. Knowing the functions of the agency under audit helped me to review intelligently the economy and effectiveness of the utilization of government resources in the implementation of the mandates to restore the walls of Intramuros, the authenticity of the works it was acquiring, and the cost-effectiveness of the acquisitions. The continuing process of examining things of the past and imbibing into my consciousness bits of knowledge about the makings, the ages, and colors of the porcelain antiques of the Ming and Sung dynasties, the religious relics, the artifacts, the paintings of Luna, Hidalgo, Amorsolo and Castañeda, the archaeological findings, of the rare and ancient books, of the music of various ages and classes of our indigenous peoples, of the architectural and sculptural designs displayed by our own artists in this particular form of discipline — in totality constituted a singular quality of distinction that was uniquely beautiful and globally interesting to behold. The whole process of assimilation enabled me to equip myself with the necessary tools to create my own forms of art out of the stored knowledge that is both teachable and writable for the education and pleasure of man and the Greater Glory of God. President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos founded the Intramuros Administration on 10 April 1979, not only to restore the walls of the oldest city of Intramuros but to perpetuate the memory of the citadel of the only Catholic Empire in Asia. Intramuros was primarily a fortress. How it was built and how it withstood the battle during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War is a fascinating story. The decision of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War to make their last stand in Intramuros against the Allied Forces in the Philippines was a tribute to the formidability of the old walled city as the strongest fortification built by Spain in Asia. The Japanese Army had a worthy commander, Rear Admiral Sanji Iwabuchi, a graduate of the Imperial Japanese Navy Academy in 1915. In 1937, he was promoted to captain and given command of the battleship Kirishima on 20 April 1942. On 15 November 1942, his forces engaged the US Navy in the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal where his battleship Kirishima was sunk but not after it had sunk two US battleships and eight cruisers — a major one-sided triumph for the Japanese Imperial Naval Command which promoted Iwabuchi to Rear Admiral. He was given command of the 11th fleet, in charge of the Japanese defense of Guadalcanal against the United States. General Yamashita later gave him a direct order to withdraw and report to him and not to proceed to Manila. He refused, citing his shame over having lost his Kirishima. He believed he could redeem that loss by holding his position in Intramuros to the death. Before the start of hostilities, Rear Admiral Sanji Iwabuchi addressed his men: “We are very glad and grateful for the opportunity to serve our country in this epic battle. Now with what strength remains, we will daringly engage the enemy. Banzai to the Emperor! We are determined to fight to the last man.” (To be continued) The post Intramuros, citadel of an empire (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM designates Crespillo as new WesMinCom chief
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. designated MGen. Steve Crespillo as the 17th Commander of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense announced Saturday. Crespilllo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990. Before his new designation, Crespillo served as the vice commander of the Philippine Army. He also chaired various boards and committees of the Philippine Army and performed oversight functions on the Army’s key policies, plans, and programs. Crespillo was a former commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade, leading troops in efforts to end the local communist armed conflict in Apayao and Cagayan. He was also designated as chief of staff and assistant division commander for reservist and retiree affairs of the 6th Infantry Division, and acting commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade. Crespillo previously served the WesMinCom as the chief of the Unified Command Staff—overseeing operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The post PBBM designates Crespillo as new WesMinCom chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»