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Village chiefs no say over 4Ps list removal
General Santos City — The City Social Welfare Development Office on Wednesday clarified that barangay officials and other local leaders have no power or authority to remove any 4Ps member in the official list from the DSWD. Sarah Kate Batilong of the CSWDO disclosed to the city council that barangay officials who are candidates in the upcoming BSKE next month must prohibit themselves in trying to intimidate or threaten beneficiaries with disenfranchisement if they are being found out not supporting a candidate. She added that only the DSWD can remove a beneficiary from the official list once they violate certain guidelines and provisions of the said program after thorough investigation and verification. To recall, the city councilors has invited the CSWDO to air some concerns they have received from the barangays saying that allegedly some barangay officials used the DSWD programs such as TUPAD and AICS to their leverage to solicit votes in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023. When pressed by city councilor Elizabeth Bagonoc if there are any orders or memo addressed to the CSWDO on the event of inviting local officials to serve as witnesses during the releasing of payouts, Batilong said that there was none. However, she disclosed that “social workers should be able to understand the limits of involving candidates in their activities.” The post Village chiefs no say over 4Ps list removal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims
The office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go spearheaded a relief operation for fire victims in Barangays Kasambagan, Duljo Fatima, and Inayawan in Cebu City on Thursday, 21 September, as part of the senator’s efforts to ensure that the communities fully recover from the incident. The relief operation was held at Brgy. Kasambagan Hall. The senator’s team, together with Brgy. Kasambagan Captain Franklyn Ong, distributed snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 102 fire victims. They also gave away shoes, watches, and mobile phones to select recipients. Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) provided housing assistance to each qualified family. “Isinulong din natin na mabigyan sila ng National Housing Authority ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero at iba pa upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan,” Go said in a video message. “Isinulong ko ito noon at patuloy na sinusuportahan ang programa ng NHA ngayon upang mas marami pang mga biktima ng sakuna ang makapagpatayo ng maayos na bahay at makabangon muli mula sa trahedya,” he added. Go also highlighted Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021. This legislation, principally authored and co-sponsored by Go, is designed to bolster BFP’s capacity through a decade-long modernization initiative. This program encompasses the enlistment of additional firefighters, procurement of more firefighting equipment, and the provision of specialized training. “Alam ko pong mahirap ang masunugan pero magtiwala lang po kayo sa gobyerno at tayo po ay makakaahon muli. Ang importante ay walang nasaktan. Ang pera ay kikitain naman po natin yan pero ang buhay ay hindi nabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat tayo,” said Go. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also encouraged residents to take advantage of the services offered by the Malasakit Centers nationwide, including the centers located at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, all in Cebu City. The Malasakit Center is a convenient one-stop shop that brings together relevant agencies to provide medical aid to indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which has successfully assisted over seven million Filipinos through the 159 operational centers nationwide. “Ako po ay nasunugan at tinulungan po ako ng mahal na mayor at mahal na Senator Bong Go... Ako rin po ay nanganak at tinulungan ng Malasakit Center sa aking bill. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go sa programa niya dahil ako ay natulungan ng Malasakit Center,” Manilyn Sarmiento, one of the beneficiaries, expressed. Other Malasakit Centers in the province are available at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. Go also expressed his support for the construction of Super Health Centers in strategic locations as identified by DOH nationwide. Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. Go emphasized the critical role that Super Health Centers play in decongesting hospitals, facilitating early disease detection, and providing essential healthcare services such as primary care and medical consultations directly to the community. These centers are designed to offer a wide range of basic health services, database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was recently enacted into law. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday ordered an investigation on reports that a religious cult is collecting the cash grant of its members who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The DSWD chief ordered the probe following the privileged speech of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, 18 September, which detailed the activities of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which the senator alleged to be a religious cult in Surigao del Norte. “We have taken stock of the privilege speech of the good senator, Madame Chair, and we took inventory immediately of how many 4Ps households we have there. But obviously, these are initial numbers because it could not be in just one sitio but in more sitios,” Secretary Gatchalian told senators during the hearing on the DSWD’s proposed P207.37 billion on Wednesday, 20 September. Secretary Gatchalian said that in Sitio Kapihan in the Municipality of Socorro, there are 74 households which are 4Ps beneficiaries. “In that barangay itself, Barangay Siring, we have 503 households,” he said. “We’ve already spoken about getting our city links and our municipal links to pry into the well-being of these 4Ps beneficiaries in that area,” the DSWD chief said as he promised to provide the Senate with an update on the investigation. The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0 to 18. Gatchalian maintained that as a matter of practice in the DSWD, “What is for the beneficiary is for the beneficiary.” “It’s against the creed of the Department when may tumabas, no matter kung sino man yan (whoever violates, no matter who it is), no government official, no private individual can take what is given directly to the beneficiary,” Gatchalian told senators during the budget hearing. Gatchalian told the senators that the Department will also look into the beneficiaries of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) in the Caraga Administrative Region (Region 13), with a focus on those barangays and sitios that are within the area of influence of the religious cult. “Whenever we get allegations of AICS misuse, we take it seriously, and even here in the Central Office, in any of our Field Office,” the DSWD chief said, adding that the Department’s Caraga regional director is already looking into the AICS track distribution in the area. “And then we can do backtracking and our standard investigation tracks also… We will immediately copy furnish the office of the committee as well as the office of the good senator on the findings of the 4Ps as well as the AICS clusters,” Gatchalian said. Senators Hontiveros and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, each filed a resolution calling for a Senate investigation into the activities of the alleged religious cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which is based in Surigao del Norte. The post DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists ‘sakadas’ in Antique
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s team visited Sibalom, Antique on Friday, 25 August, to provide assistance to sugar migrant workers, or sakadas. The said relief activity not only highlighted his dedication to public service but also underscored the importance of strengthening the agricultural sector in the country. Recognizing the important role of farmers in upholding food security, Senator Go, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, has consistently championed the reinforcement of agricultural support systems. He stood as one of the authors behind Republic Act No. 11901, which broadened the scope of the financing system for agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. Go also co-sponsored and co-authored in the Senate the measure that became RA 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. The law condones loans incurred by agrarian reform beneficiaries, including interests, penalties, and surcharges. Furthermore, the senator also filed SBN 2117, which aims to provide full crop insurance coverage for agrarian reform beneficiaries, as well as SBN 2118 which aims to provide better insurance coverage and services to farmers and help mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the agricultural sector, if enacted into law. "Nais kong hikayatin ang lahat ng mga lingkod-bayan na makiisa sa pagtulong sa ating mga magsasaka. Ang kanilang mahalagang papel sa ating pagkain at ekonomiya ay di-matatawaran. Suportahan natin sila sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalakas ng kanilang sektor at pagpapalaganap ng mga programa na tutugon sa kanilang mga pangangailangan. Sa pagkakaisa, makakamit natin ang mas maunlad at masaganang buhay para sa ating mga magsasaka,” Go urged in his video message. Go’s team, together with the team of Governor Rhodora Cadiao, held the distribution at the University of Antique, where 1,000 sakadas received masks and shirts from Go while select recipients received shoes, mobile phones, and balls for basketball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided financial assistance. Continuing his message, Go expressed his concern that access to medical assistance programs remains a pressing issue in many regions, especially in rural areas. It is for this reason that the senator mentioned that there is a Malasakit Center at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose de Buenavista if they may need medical assistance from the government. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from DSWD, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support poor and indigent patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. According to DOH, the Malasakit Centers program has already benefitted over seven million Filipinos, with 158 Malasakit Centers established all over the country. The senator then mentioned that there will also be a Super Health Center set to be established in the town. Super Health Centers offer basic health services, including database management, outpatient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and an ambulatory surgical unit. Other services available include eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. DOH has identified more locations in Antique to build Super Health Centers, in addition to Sibalom. These include Culasi and San Jose de Buenavista. Acknowledging the necessity for specialized care, Go has championed the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers. These centers focus on specific medical fields, ensuring that patients receive expert care without the need to travel long distances to urban centers. In the Senate, Go served as a principal sponsor and co-author of the Regional Specialty Centers Act. This legislation has been recently approved into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported the acquisition of a motor vehicle in Sibalom, multi cabs in Laua-an, and an ambulance unit in San Jose. The senator likewise supported the expansion of a water system in Libertad, improvement of the Tobias Fornier Municipal Hall, flood control projects in Hamtic, San Jose and Laua-an, construction of solar streetlights in various barangays in Barbaza, improvement of a public park in Belison, construction of a covered court in San Remigio, construction of a bridge in Patnongon, and road improvements in Laua-an, San Remigio, Sebaste, Sibalom, and Valderrama. On 23 August, Go’s team was in Tobias Fornier, where they provided assistance to the beneficiaries of the medical and dental mission held in the town. The post Bong Go assists ‘sakadas’ in Antique appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Navotas fire victims get P13.28-M aid
The National Housing Authority reported Friday that it has distributed a total of P13.28-million financial aid to 1,328 Navotas fire victims, in an activity held at the Navotas Sports Complex last Tuesday, 22 August. NHA-NCR North Sector regional manager Engr. Jovita G. Panopio represented NHA General Manager Joeben Tai during the distribution of cash assistance to the beneficiaries, together with Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, Navotas City Mayor John Reynald M. Tiangco, Vice Mayor Tito M. Sanchez, and NHA MaNaVa district manager Engr. Nora E. Aniban. Each beneficiary from Barangays North Bay Boulevard North, Bagong Bayan North, Tangos North, Tangos South, Navotas West, San Roque, Sipac Almacen, Bangkulasi, and Daanghari received P10,000 cash assistance through the NHA’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program . They were victims of fire incidents which occurred between October 2019 to May 2023. The NHA EHAP aims to provide financial assistance to families affected by calamities such as fire, flood, earthquake and typhoon, to help them recover from the tragedy. The post Navotas fire victims get P13.28-M aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati City scores anew
Six days after taking over the management and supervision of the 14 schools affected by the dragging boundary dispute between Makati and Taguig City, the Department of Education gave Makati City the go-signal to distribute school supplies to the affected students in 10 EMBO barangays the Supreme Court had ordered transferred to Taguig City. In a letter to Makati City Mayor Abby Binay dated 22 August, DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Michael Wesley Poa said Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte had approved the former’s request to distribute the school supplies, including the use of the school facilities. Binay earlier wrote to Vice President Duterte seeking permission to distribute school supplies in the 14 public schools to alleviate the financial burden on parents who would otherwise have to purchase new school supplies. “On behalf of the city government and all the intended beneficiaries in the 14 public schools, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte. We are thankful that she has the best interest of the students at heart in making a prudent and just decision,” Binay said, adding that the distribution would go on until 29 August when classes start. The 14 public schools are Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, South Cembo Elementary School, Pitogo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Comembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Makati Science High School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School and Pitogo High School. Parents, school kids cheer Mayor Binay, accompanied by her husband, Makati 2nd District Rep. Luis Campos, distributed school supplies at Pembo Elementary School and Pitogo High School yesterday. School supplies will be given to all 45,000 students in the 14 public schools in 10 former barangays within Fort Bonifacio — Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Northside and Southside. Upon arriving at the Pembo Elementary School, Binay and her entourage were cheered by the parents and students who had been waiting for her since 10 a.m. Her arrival at 2 p.m. elicited applause and shouts of “Abby, Abby” from the crowd, many of whom were crying, including the children who rushed to hug the mayor. The parents were particularly ecstatic because they said the school supplies they received from Taguig were not comparable to what they received from Makati. Package contents Under the expanded Project FREE (Free Relevant and Excellent Education) of Makati, public school students from kindergarten to senior high school, including Special Education students in elementary and high school, receive school uniforms and supplies. Students in all levels each receive school uniforms, PE T-shirts and jogging pants. School bags, caps and anti-dengue kits are also given to kindergarten pupils. Elementary students each receive a pair of black leather shoes, three pairs of white socks, Randoseru bags (Grades 1 and 4), dengue kits, and school supplies consisting of 10 notebooks, five intermediate pads, and five ballpoint pens and pencils. Junior and senior high school students receive black shoes and socks, and the same school supplies package given to elementary students, with a Math graphing notebook added. Grades 11 and 12 students also get a jacket with hoodie. For SPED students in elementary and high school, the city provides a school supplies package, uniforms, leather shoes and three pairs of socks, and anti-dengue kits for elementary SPED. Schools to be rented out Asked what would happen to the 14 schools formerly under Makati City, Binay said they would be rented out to Taguig as the former held the titles to them. In a Facebook post, Binay said there was a “last-minute attempt” by the Taguig City government to halt the distribution even if Makati had written authorization to carry it out. Taguig City has also started distributing school packages to the students of the city, including those at the EMBO schools. Duterte issued DepEd Order No. 023 last week, titled “Assumption of authority of the Department of Education over the 14 public schools affected by the Supreme Court decision in G.R. No. 235316.” According to the order, DepEd is mandated to promote every Filipino’s right to accessible, equitable, and quality education which is consistent with its mandate to provide a safe and enabling environment for learners, teachers, and personnel. Duterte, in her order, said that relative to the SC’s final and executory decision in the case titled Municipality of Makati vs Municipality of Taguig (G.R. No. 235316), the Department of is cognizant of the increasing tension present in the 14 schools affected by the ruling, that caused uncertainty as to the peaceful and orderly reopening of schools on 29 August 2023. It further stated that in the pursuit of protecting the best interest and welfare of the learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel, “the Office of the Secretary shall directly supervise the management and administration of all 14 schools, pending a transition plan, effective immediately.” Duterte created a transition committee composed of the regional director (assigned outside of the National Capital Region); DepEd Schools Division Superintendent of Taguig-Pateros; the DepEd Schools Superintendent of Makati City; City Legal Officer of Makati and City Legal Officer of Taguig. Binay has since stood her ground that all 14 public schools are titled to Makati City and therefore Taguig City has no jurisdiction over it, though Mayor Lani Cayetano refuted the claim saying it was included in the SC order that is final and executory. The post Makati City scores anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go visits Navotas City to aid vulnerable sectors
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, together with Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Vice Mayor Kap Tito Sanchez, led a relief operation on Tuesday, August 22, for 800 Navotas City residents, consisting of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and indigents at San Roque Elementary School. All beneficiaries received support personally from Go through grocery packs, vitamins, masks, and meals while select recipients were given bicycles, mobile phones, shirts, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) then extended financial assistance to the qualified beneficiaries. “Tuwing may kalamidad, tuwing may sunog, tuwing may problema po tayo, hindi niya tayo nakakalimutan…Talagang inaalala tayo, iniinisip niya tayo, at patuloy na nagmamalasakit sa inyo,” Tiangco said, referring to Go’s efforts. In addition to the 800 beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors, Go’s team is set to return today, August 23, to provide additional assistance to 200 more residents. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, stressed the importance of prioritizing one's health and said “Mga kababayan ko, palagi tayong mag-iingat at alagaan natin ang mga sarili. Napaka importante po talaga unahin muna natin ang kalusugan natin.” Go principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. This law mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all hospitals under the Department of Health (DOH), including the Philippine General Hospital in Manila City. He encouraged individuals with health concerns to visit any of the 31 hospitals in Metro Manila, including the Navotas City Hospital, that house Malasakit Centers. These centers offer a one-stop shop for assistance from four government agencies – DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Currently, there are 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide and, according to DOH, these centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide. “Huwag kayong matakot pumunta sa ospital kung wala kayong pera. Nasa loob na ng isang opisina ang mga ahensya na tutulungan kayo sa inyong babayaran,” Go said. Moreover, Go said Congress has allocated the necessary funds for DOH to construct Super Health Centers (SHCs) across Metro Manila, including the one in the city. “Mayroong 307 na itatayo na Super Health Center sa year 2022 sa buong Pilipinas at 322 na Super Health Center sa year 2023 sa buong Pilipinas. Bilang chairman sa Committee on Health sa Senado, sisikapin ko na maimprove ang ating healthcare system at ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan,” Go said. SHCs are medium versions of polyclinics and are bigger than rural health units. The centers offer basic services such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory, x-ray, and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine. In line with his vision for a more progressive urban community, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported various projects, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in various barangays; construction of floodwall structure along Chungkang River, floodgates along Navoyas Coastal Dike; improvement of drainage canals. He also helped secure funding for the acquisition of ambulance units, trucks, and multicabs. Aside from the said projects, the senator also supported several projects to bolster the city’s education sector, such as the rehabilitation of some facilities in Navotas Polytechnic College and additional buildings in Kaunlaran High School, Daanghari Elementary School, North Bay Boulevard Elementary School, Navotas National High School, Tangos Elementary School, San Roque Elementary School, San Rafael Village Elementary School, Tanza Elementary School, and Dagat-dagatan Elementary School. “Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yung pagkakataong ibinigay n’yo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino sa abot ng aking makakaya. Iyan po ang pwede kong ialay sa inyo, ang aking kasipagan. Kung trabaho po ang pag-uusapan sanay po ako sa trabaho,” said Go. “Alam n’yo parati kong naririnig na pinapasalamatan kami ni dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte sa mga tulong (at) sa mga programa. Huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Sa totoo lang po kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil kami po’y mga probinsyano na binigyan n’yo po ng pagkakataon na makapagseribsyo po sa inyong lahat. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat,” he concluded. After the said activity, Go proceeded to lead another distribution effort in the city for recovering fire victims on the same day in coordination with the National Housing Authority which provided emergency housing assistance to qualified beneficiaries. The post Bong Go visits Navotas City to aid vulnerable sectors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Annual social outreach benefits more than 1,500 Davaoeños
Anchored on its mission of uplifting communities, Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (Apo Agua) supports the health and wellness needs of its five host communities through its annual medical, dental and legal outreach program, now on its seventh year. The outreach recently provided free medical and dental consultations as well as legal assistance to over 1,500 residents, particularly members of the Indigenous Peoples communities of Barangays Gumalang, Wines, Tawantawan, Tambobong and Tamugan in Davao. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="170577,170574"] These essential services were made available through partnerships with the City Health Office, Baguio District Health Office, Marilog Health Office, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region XI, Armed Forces of the Philippines 27th Infantry Battalion- Alpha Company, Davao City Police Office-Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay Cluster 6 and 13, City Council Committee on Health and District 3 councilors. Aside from the medical and dental checkups and legal consultations, the beneficiaries from the host barangays were also given free prescribed medicines and vitamins, along with free circumcision services for boys conducted by volunteer doctors. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region XI provided medical and legal services to members of the communities particularly the Obu-Manuvu and Bagobo-Klata indigenous peoples in the five barangays. “This collaborative effort between government agencies and the private sector demonstrates a commitment to address healthcare and legal challenges faced by the indigenous peoples. This annual initiative spearheaded by Apo Agua is crucial in promoting health equity and improving health and well-being of indigenous cultural communities,” said NCIP RXI Regional Director Mumar M. Mamukid. Apo Agua president Anna Lu also emphasized how this program affirms the company’s commitment to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, namely SDG 3, focusing on good health and well-being, and SDG 6, centered on clean water and sanitation. “Now in its seventh year, this annual initiative is a testament to our commitment to uplift communities by improving access to primary health care for our communities, especially for mothers and children. We are thankful to all our volunteers, medical personnel, barangay council and functionaries, and our team members for their dedication to serve our partner communities. At Apo Agua, we are committed to being part of the solution in producing safe, reliable and sustainable water to augment the growing water demand of Davao City,” Lu said. Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. is building one of the Philippines’ largest private bulk water supply facilities in the country that can supply over 300 million liters daily of safe and sustainable water to the Davao City Water District for the people of Davao City. The post Annual social outreach benefits more than 1,500 Davaoeños appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAR approves Midsayap, N. Cotabato as agrarian reform community
The Department of Agrarian Reform on Friday announced that its National Agrarian Reform Community Task Force recently approved Midsayap, North Cotabato as an agrarian reform community that will be eligible to receive various support services from the government. An ARC is a barangay or cluster of contiguous barangays within a municipality where a majority of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program or CARP-covered lands have been awarded to a critical mass of agrarian reform beneficiaries. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Evangeline Bueno said the ARC, named Western Midsayap Agrarian Reform Community, would help bolster the livelihood of the ARBs living in this area. "More development interventions are expected to be poured in to help this new ARC become more resilient, dynamic, and progressive in the years to come, which would help improve the economic lives of our farmers," she said. The Western Midsayap ARC is composed of three barangays -- Salunayan, Bagumba and Palongoguen -- and would be the only existing ARC in the municipality of Midsayap. Bueno further explained that the ARC Development Strategy, created in 1993, was adopted to focus on priority agrarian reform areas to maximize resource allocation, complementation and mobilization for greater efficiency and impact, taking into consideration the limited financial and material resources of the government. This undertaking is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the leadership of DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, to uplift the lives of the farmers. The post DAR approves Midsayap, N. Cotabato as agrarian reform community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MORE brings lifeline rollout to each home
MORE Electric and Power Corp., Iloilo City’s exclusive electricity provider owned by the group of businessman Enrique K. Razon Jr., complements the national government’s efforts to enlist more lifeline power customers by mobilizing an on-site registration drive. MORE Power President and CEO Roel Castro, in a statement on Monday, said that the company wants to directly communicate with customers to ensure that those qualified can avail of the program. “In addition to accepting applications in our office, we also deploy personnel to barangays for on-site registration,” Castro said. As of 2 August, MORE Power has already received 1,519 lifeline applications from 42 barangays. In response to the clamor, the company holds a five-day onsite application, from 7 to 11 August, across 10 different locations. Due to low application turnout, the full rollout of the subsidy application has been extended by the Department of Energy until September. “There are 4.2 million household beneficiaries of 4Ps, and the registration for lifeline subsidy remains very low. Only those who register will continue to receive a reduction in their electricity bills beginning August 2023,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla earlier said. “If they do not avail of the program through Meralco, they will have to shell out more or less P250, an amount which could otherwise be spent for their other needs such as food,” Lotilla explained. A lifeline rate is a subsidized rate given to low-income users consuming electricity below 100 kilowatt-hours who cannot afford to pay their bills at full cost. The scale of rate reduction varies depending on the prevailing rates of the DUs. For instance, lifeline end-users in the Meralco franchise area with zero to 20 kilowatt-hours monthly consumption will be granted a 100 percent discount on the generation charges, except for the fixed metering charge of P5. Typically, they only pay P20 for their electric bills. Other marginalized end-user applicants who are not 4Ps beneficiaries but belong to a household of at least five members with a combined monthly income of P12,030 must submit to their DUs a certification by their local Social Welfare Development Office issued within six months before application. The monthly income threshold may change and vary for each DU franchise area as may be determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority. In another related development, MORE Power has implemented its third installment of Bill Deposit Refund to 28 eligible consumers amounting to P173,000 — in compliance with the provision of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers. Consumers who have consistently paid their electric bill for 36 months are qualified for bill deposit refunds. MORE Power targets to complete a refund of P5 million to customers by the end of the year. The post MORE brings lifeline rollout to each home appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sign up for subsidy, Iloilo low-income power users urged
MORE Electric and Power Corp., Iloilo City’s exclusive electricity provider owned by the group of businessman Enrique K. Razon, Jr., is mobilizing an onsite registration drive to enlist more lifeline power customers in the subsidy program offered by the Department of Energy. A lifeline rate is a subsidized rate given to low-income users consuming electricity below 100 kilowatt-hours who cannot afford to pay their bills at full cost. MORE Power President and CEO Roel Castro, in a statement on Monday, said that the company wants to directly communicate with customers to ensure that those qualified can avail of the program. “In addition to accepting applications in our office, we also deploy personnel to barangays for on-site registration,” Castro said. As of 2 August, MORE Power has already received 1,519 lifeline applications from 42 barangays. The company is holding a five-day onsite application drive from 7 to 11 August across 10 different locations. Due to low application turnout, the full rollout of the subsidy application has been extended by the Department of Energy until September. “There are 4.2 million household beneficiaries of 4Ps, and the registration for lifeline subsidy remains very low. Only those who register will continue to receive a reduction in their electricity bills beginning August 2023,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla earlier said. “If they do not avail of the program through Meralco, they will have to shell out more or less P250, an amount which could otherwise be spent for their other needs such as food,” Lotilla explained. The scale of rate reduction varies depending on the prevailing rates of the DUs. For instance, lifeline end-users in the Meralco franchise area with zero to 20 kilowatt-hours monthly consumption will be granted a 100-percent discount on the generation charges, except for the fixed metering charge of P5. Typically, they only pay P20 for their electric bills. Other marginalized end-user applicants who are not 4Ps beneficiaries but belong to a household of at least five members with a combined monthly income of P12,030 must submit to their DUs a certification by their local Social Welfare Development Office issued within six months before application. The monthly income threshold may change and vary for each DU franchise area as may be determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority. In another related development, MORE Power has implemented its third installment of Bill Deposit Refund to 28 eligible consumers amounting to P173,000 — in compliance with the provision of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers. Consumers who have consistently paid their electric bill for 36 months are qualified for bill deposit refunds. MORE Power targets to complete a refund of P5 million to customers by the end of the year. The post Sign up for subsidy, Iloilo low-income power users urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security
Asia is the world's largest rice consumer, accounting for 90 percent of global rice consumption. According to a business website that made use of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, the Philippines is among the top 20 countries with the highest rice consumption per capita. Data shows that the country's almost 113 million population consumes around 16.50 million metric tons of rice every year. The affordability and availability of rice have been cited as the primary reasons for Filipinos' penchant for eating rice. Thus, the proliferation of restaurants in the country serving "unlimited rice" has always been a fool-proof marketing strategy to entice customers. India's announcement in July that it would restrict the export of non-basmati rice has jolted not just the country but the global rice market. India is the world's largest rice exporter, accounting for over 40 percent of the global rice trade. It is on this note that I am calling for stronger government interventions in the agricultural sector. Unfortunately, India's decision comes at a time when the country is grappling with flooded rice fields as a result of recent calamities. But we cannot blame India for its decision to prioritize its domestic market. We have to be prepared as this could trigger a rice crisis affecting millions of Filipinos who consider rice a staple food. It is high time that we provide our local farmers with much-needed support to boost domestic rice production by offering them drought-resistant rice seeds, more fertilizers, additional irrigation, increased training, and easy access to credit facilities with low-interest rates. Our government must focus on short-term remedies such as exploring alternative sources like Vietnam and Thailand. But more importantly, we must implement long-term interventions that will lead to sustainable rice production. I have always been an advocate of sustainability and self-sufficiency to achieve food security which is a top priority of the current administration. Meanwhile, I have remained committed to visiting various parts of the country, not only to provide assistance but also to address the concerns of our people. On 5 August, we attended the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the two-storey Malasakit Center Building at Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. We aided 647 patients and 2,535 medical frontliners including security guards, utilities, and other hospital staff. Meanwhile, qualified beneficiaries were given financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Joining us were CRMC Chief of the Hospital, Dr. Ishmael Dimaren, Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura, Matnog Mayor Zohria Bansel-Guro, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tucao Mastura, and Vice Mayor Shameem Mastura. We also participated in the inauguration of the new Super Health Center (SHC) in the town of Libungan, where we assisted 1,000 indigent beneficiaries together with Vice Governor Efren Piñol, former vice governor Shirlyn Macasarte, Mayor Angel Rose Cuan and Vice Mayor Jims Fullecido. At the invitation of Mayor Angel Rose Cuan, we attended the town's Inter-Barangay Basketball Championship as part of its 62nd Founding Anniversary and 8th Katambolit Festival. We then headed to Midsayap to attend the groundbreaking of the SHC and assist 1,000 struggling residents together with Rep. Samantha Santos, Vice Gov. Efren Piñol, Mayor Rolando Sacdalan, and Vice Mayor Vivencio Deomampo Jr. On 4 August, we witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC to be built in Monkayo, Davao de Oro. We visited the construction and renovation of the public market funded through our efforts. We also distributed assistance to 1,000 indigents in the area accompanied by Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora, Vice Governor Jayvee Uy, and Board Member Herv Apsay, among others. On 3 August, we were in Batangas to witness the groundbreaking of the Batangas Provincial Medical Center (New Provincial Hospital) in the municipality of Tuy. We also led the distribution of aid to 1,700 residents, with the support of Governor Dodo Mandanas. We were joined by Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, Congressmen Eric Buhain and Ray Reyes, Tuy Mayor Jose Jecerell Cerrado, San Luis Mayor Oscar Lito Hernandez, Vice Mayor Maan de Gracia, Lian Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste, and other local officials. We then went to Davao City to attend the 1st General Assembly of the Philippine Councilors League-Occidental Mindoro. On 2 August, we visited Caloocan City and witnessed the groundbreaking of the SHC, along with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy, Congressman Oca Malapitan, Mayor Along Malapitan, and Vice Mayor Karina Teh. We distributed aid to 980 impoverished residents in collaboration with the offices of Cong. Cajayon-Uy, Councilor Ed Aruelo, and Councilor Wewel De Leon. For those affected by Typhoon Egay, we distributed food packs and assisted 5,000 beneficiaries in Minalin, Arayat, and various towns in Pampanga; 500 in Bauang, La Union; 700 in Calumpit, and 1,700 residents from Hagonoy, Guiguinto, and San Miguel in Bulacan; 900 in Dagupan City, San Fabian, and Calasiao in Pangasinan; 200 in Binangonan, Rizal; and 200 in San Antonio, Zambales. We also assisted 89 fire victims in various barangays in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided help to 1,200 impoverished residents of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; 1,049 in San Pedro City, Laguna; 800 in Tabaco City, Albay; and 67 more in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. We also helped people in Bulacan, including 66 in Santa Maria, 66 in Paombong, 66 in Baliwag, 66 in Bustos, 66 in Obando, and 66 in Norzagaray. In Batangas, we also assisted 500 beneficiaries from Calaca, 400 in Tanauan City, and 57 more in Batangas City. The post Pursuing sustainable dev’t, food security appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAR bolsters ARC dev’t program
The Department of Agrarian Reform announced over the weekend that it is strengthening its agrarian reform communities' (ARCs) development program by evaluating the framework and proposed programs for approval and integration. To achieve this goal, DAR has planned two batches of the "National Agrarian Reform Community Task Force (NARCTF) Deliberations on ARCs/ARC Clusters for Confirmation and Approval for 2023" to assess the proposed ARCs and ARC clusters. The first batch is scheduled from 7 to 11 August 2023, and the second batch will take place from 4 to 8 September 2023. DAR Undersecretary for Support Services, Atty. Milagros Isabel Cristobal, said the activity focuses on the level of development of potential ARCs and ARC clusters, taking primarily into account their social capital or organizational cohesion and human and financial resources. “We need to gauge their capacity, preparedness, and readiness to handle new responsibilities and obligations to ensure that they are up for the new challenges,” Cristobal said. So far, DAR has launched a total of 2,156 ARCs and 193 ARC clusters under its agrarian reform communities’ development program. On the other hand, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has confirmed and approved the applications of 96 ARCs. The ARC development strategy was adopted in 1993. It has been focusing on priority agrarian reform areas to maximize resource allocation, complementation, and mobilization for greater efficiency and impact taking into consideration the limited financial and material resources of the government. An ARC is a barangay or cluster of contiguous barangays within a municipality where the majority of the CARP-covered lands have been awarded to a critical mass of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). The ARC strategy applies the integrated area development approach where the ARBs and their communities are the primary focal points of development interventions. The post DAR bolsters ARC dev’t program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ifugao farmers receives land titles
The Department of Agrarian Reform on Friday reported that 51 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Ifugao province received a total of 54 land titles covering 51.28 hectares of agricultural lands to boost the economic lives of these farmers in the province. DAR-Ifugao Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, Joselito Nathaniel Diaz, said the ARBs were from Barangays Pinto, Busilac, Laya, Sta. Maria, Ngileb, and Sto. Domingo. “Among the distributed land titles, 15 were regular titles issued through the regular re-documentation under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), while 35 electronic land titles (e-titles) were distributed through the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project,” Diaz said. SPLIT Project is a DAR initiative program funded by the World Bank, where it aims to subdivide landholdings of ARBs who were previously awarded lands under the collective certificate of land ownership award (CCLOA) for the eventual issuance of individual land titles. Diaz divulged that the distribution of land titles is in consonance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the leadership of DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, to provide farmers with agricultural lands to till and also in line with the celebration of CARP’s 35th anniversary. "Nurture, enhance, and make the lands productive. I encouraged you to collaborate with the DAR in enriching your lands that would help improve your economic lives,” he told the ARBs. An open forum concluded the event, addressing complex concerns including lost mother titles, name of transfer of titles, inaccurate names, and donated cemetery lot titles. Each concern received careful attention and was successfully resolved, ensuring the satisfaction of all participants. The post Ifugao farmers receives land titles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA flags Cebu City on aid anomalies
The Commission on Audit on Tuesday revealed that it has found irregularities on the local government of Cebu City’s disbursement of financial assistance for victims of typhoon “Odette” worth P791.8 million and other alleged irregularities. The CoA also found that the local government allegedly had unnecessary purchases of T-shirts for different associations and activities amounted to P1.1 million and lapses on granting financial assistance to senior citizens valued at P922.7 million. It added that more than P4.5 billion from delinquent real property taxes could have been collected if tax collection has been efficient and effective. The state auditor also questioned the regularity and validity of the financial assistance for typhoon “Odette” victims as there were deficiencies including signatures opposite the names of some constituents who claimed to have not received the cash assistance, duplication of names and payments and non-submission of complete supporting documents. In December 2021, Cebu City including parts of Cebu Province and the Visayas was hit by typhoon “Odette.” Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama issued Executive Order 149 to set rules and regulations on financial assistance to “Odette” victims. Based on the record of the City Accounting Department, a total of P791.835 million was disbursed in 2022 to 158,367 beneficiaries including P5,000 subsidies for homeowners whose houses were either damaged or destroyed. As part of the audit procedure, the CoA conducted audit survey on whether 241 respondents received the financial assistance. The result 91 said yes while 150 respondents said they have not received the financial assistance. The agency cited 296 names with P1.480 million amount while some beneficiaries were twice or thrice mentioned with 70 having the same barangay and 226 from different barangays. It also noted that distribution was delayed three to 12 months with P138.620 million or 14.90 percent of available funds which remains undistributed. Observations include names lacking the complete information such as middle names and the names of their sitios of residence, duplication of misspelled or interchanged names which may refer to one, and non-submission of the endorsement letter or barangay certificate of residence and copies of the valid identification card with specimen signatures of the beneficiaries. The City agreed to CoA’s recommendation to further investigate the noted deficiencies. The post CoA flags Cebu City on aid anomalies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go’s office assists conflict-affected residents in Libmanan, Camarines Sur
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s office extended assistance to conflict-affected and Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in Libmanan, Camarines Sur on Friday, 14 July. The initiative reflects Go’s continuing commitment to assist the most vulnerable communities in the country, particularly barangays where the distribution of government assistance is hampered due to their geographical locations and the existence of local conflicts. “Our goal is not just to address immediate needs, but also to create long-lasting impacts. We are extending our hand to the communities often neglected and forgotten due to their geographical location or internal conflicts. Everyone deserves equal access to government aid and support, regardless of where they live,” said Go. Go also reminded the residents about the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming challenges. “In these times of crisis, it is paramount that we come together as one nation. Our strength lies in our unity and collective action,” he stated. During the activity held at Brgy. Villasocorro covered court, Go’s team distributed masks, vitamins, snacks and shirts to 108 beneficiaries. The team also provided several individuals with balls for basketball and volleyball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended financial assistance to the beneficiaries in coordination with the 81st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reached out to individuals with medical issues. Through a video message, he urged them to visit the Malasakit Centers located at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City and the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in Cabusao. The Malasakit Centers program was initiated by Go in 2018 and was later institutionalized through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he principally authored and sponsored. The program aims to facilitate easy access to various medical assistance programs provided by DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are currently 158 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide, successfully aiding over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Go also stressed the significance of the Super Health Centers, which he initiated, in bridging the healthcare gap especially in communities. Through the concerted efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funding has been allocated for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and additional 322 centers in 2023. The DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built. In Camarines Sur alone, 18 Super Health Centers have been funded for construction in 2022 and 2023. Super Health Centers are designed to provide basic health services, including database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, diagnostic services (such as laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacies, and ambulatory surgical units. In addition, specialized services like eye, ear, nose, and throat care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine capabilities for remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will also be available. Go, in his capacity as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported a range of projects aimed at improving infrastructure in the province, including the construction of the Mabolo-Almeda Bypass Road in Naga City. Go was also instrumental in the enhancement of the San Fernando Sports Complex in San Fernando town, improvement of the Bula and Nabua Section channel, and construction of the Lalud-Garchitorena Road, among others. On July 13, Go also provided assistance to poor transport sector workers in the town of Calabanga in the province. His office also provided assistance to poor families in Ragay and Libmanan, on 4 and 5 July, respectively. ### The post Bong Go’s office assists conflict-affected residents in Libmanan, Camarines Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go leads NHA housing turnover to Davao fire victims
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go reiterated his ongoing commitment to improving housing conditions for Filipinos, particularly those displaced by natural and man-made disasters, during the emergency housing assistance turnover conducted by the National Housing Authority (NHA) to fire victims in his hometown Davao City, on Friday, 14 July. Go first underscored the significance of the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) run by the NHA, which provides support to families who have lost their homes. The program extends financial assistance for building materials to expedite their rebuilding and recovery process. “Nitong July 14, nagbigay tayo ng dagdag na tulong sa mga biktima ng sunog noon mula sa iba’t ibang barangay. Personal nating sinaksihan ang ipinamahaging emergency housing assistance ng National Housing Authority sa mga benepisyaryo, sa pakikipagtulungan kasama ang tanggapan nina Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte at NHA Regional Manager ng Davao Region na si Engr. Clemente Dayot,” Go shared. “Itong programang EHAP, (nasimulan) panahon pa ni dating Presidente Duterte. Isa ako sa nagsulong nito noon. Ngayon, ito ay aking pinapondohan para maipagpatuloy, para may maibili ng housing materials ang mga nasunugan,” he explained further. Aside from the assistance provided by NHA to the beneficiaries during the relief activity at Rizal Park, Go and his team also distributed grocery packs, masks, and snacks to 1,272 recovering fire victims. Shoes, bicycles, and cellular phones were also given to several recipients. “Mula sa iba't ibang barangay ito na inikot ng aming opisina noon at kayo ‘yung napili ngayon na bibigyan ng assistance mula sa EHAP program. ‘Yung matatanggap ninyo ngayon, ibili ninyo ng housing materials o ano pa man na makakatulong sa pagbangon ninyo,” he said. Recounting his experiences with fire and disaster victims across the country, Go expressed his commitment to helping address the housing needs of affected households to promote resilience and rebuild communities in the face of adversity. “Sa pag-iikot ko ng bansa, nakita ko po kung gaano kahirap sa ating mga kababayang nasunugan o tinamaan ng bagyo o kaya naman pagputok ng bulkan ang makakuha ulit ng matitirhan,” said Go “Napakaimportante na magkaroon sila ng maayos at ligtas na tirahan upang tuluyang makabangon muli,” he added. As a legislator, Go is actively advocating for the passage of Senate Bill No. 192, which aims to establish the Rental Housing Subsidy Program as a means of institutionalizing housing and social protection initiatives. This program intends to provide disaster victims with improved and affordable access to the formal housing market by offering rental subsidies. Go also cited that the enactment of Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, has enabled the agency to enhance its capabilities in addressing fire-related emergencies. RA 11589, which Go principally authored and co-sponsored in the Senate, mandates a ten-year modernization program for the Bureau of Fire Protection, which includes the acquisition of modern fire equipment, recruitment of more firefighters, and provision of specialized training, among others. “Huwag kayong mag-alala, ang importante buhay tayo at walang nasaktan. Iyan ang importante. Ang gamit mabibili natin ‘yan, ang pera kikitain natin ‘yan. Pero ang pera na ating kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Ang importante buhay tayo. Kaya pag-ingatan natin ang buhay na ibinigay sa atin ng Panginoon,” Go said. Meanwhile, the senator, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, urged those who have health issues to seek assistance from the Malasakit Center at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored, brings together various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, under one roof to provide a convenient process for availing medical assistance, particularly for poor and indigent patients in public hospitals. According to the DOH, there are currently 158 Malasakit Centers across the country that have benefited over seven million Filipinos so far. Go also continues to support the construction of more Super Health Centers nationwide. DOH has identified 11 strategic locations in Davao City for the centers, which will offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, enough funds have been allocated for the DOH to build 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The DOH, which is the lead agency in implementing the program, identifies the strategic locations for the construction of these centers. To help improve the quality of public service delivered to his fellow Davaoeños, Go, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the construction of various multipurpose buildings and local roads, rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems, and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city, the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for SPMC and the acquisition of ambulances. Go then recognized the leadership and service of fellow Davaoeño officials, particularly Vice President Sara Duterte, Congressman Paolo Duterte, and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, as well as city councilors and barangay leaders, present during the activity. He expressed his support for their efforts in bringing government services closer to the people and promoting development in the region. “Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin dahil sa totoo lang, kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo po kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Mahal na mahal ko po kayong lahat. Salamat po,” he said. On the same day, Go conducted a separate relief activity for 109 fire victims in Barangay 23-C, Davao City. The post Bong Go leads NHA housing turnover to Davao fire victims 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......»»
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 on 13 July 2023. 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 the 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 said 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......»»
Bong Go extends assistance to Davao City PWDs
On Wednesday, 12 July, the office of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go provided assistance to persons with disabilities in Barangay Cabantian, Davao City, as part of his ongoing commitment to serving and supporting Filipinos, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sectors such as the PWD community. In his message, Go emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that no one should be left behind in the journey toward progress. He asserted the need for all citizens, including PWDs, to have equitable access to government services. “Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin dahil sa totoo lang, kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo po kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Mahal na mahal ko po kayong lahat,” he said. The senator’s outreach team conducted the relief activity at Brgy. Cabantian covered the court, where they handed out vitamins, masks, shirts, snacks, caps, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 75 beneficiaries. The assistance is in line with Go's broader initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life of Filipinos, including PWDs. In the 19th Congress, he championed proposed measures to bolster the public health system and expand access to healthcare services. These include Senate Bill No. 198, which aims to provide free annual medical check-ups to all Filipinos, and SBN 190, designed to provide a comprehensive dialysis benefit package for all Philippine Health Insurance Corporation members. Further evidencing his commitment to inclusive education, Go co-authored Republic Act No. 11650 during the 18th Congress. The law seeks to augment the quality of education in the formal learning sector by providing free support services and programs that are specially tailored to the needs of learners with disabilities. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also advised those with health issues to get assistance from the Malasakit Center at Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city. Principally authored and sponsored by Go, the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 provides for the establishment of one-stop shops where indigent patients may conveniently avail medical assistance from various agencies including DSWD, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers that have assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Go also continues to support the construction of additional Super Health Centers nationwide. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, enough funds have been allocated for the DOH's Health Facilities Enhancement Program to build 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The DOH, which is the lead agency in implementing the program, identifies the strategic locations for the construction of these centers. To help improve the quality of public service delivered to his fellow Davaoeños, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the construction of various multipurpose buildings and local roads, rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems, and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city, the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for the SPMC and the acquisition of ambulances. “Mga kapwa kong Davaoeños, andirito lang po ako para makapagserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot nang aking makakaya. Andirito lang po ang inyong Kuya Bong Go na handa pong tumulong sa inyo,” Go reaffirmed. The post Bong Go extends assistance to Davao City PWDs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»