DOLE s Bayanihan 1 helps 1,175 workers under CAMP; 675 under TUPAD
SIQUIJOR, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has assisted 1,745 local workers from 144 establishments under its COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) of the Bayani.....»»
New slogan, same tack?
We remember distinctly how students of the seventies were made to sing to the strains of the then-required Bagong Pagsilang hymn, a paean to the newly established New Society of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the incumbent. The march, incorrectly referred to by its chorus Bagong Lipunan (New Society), was commissioned during the presidency of the older Marcos for the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, a movement introduced upon the declaration of martial law in 1972. Its lyrics were written by the legendary Levi Celerio and the music was composed by Felipe de Leon in 1973. “May bagong silang. May bago nang buhay. Bagong bansa, bagong galaw sa Bagong Lipunan!” The new generation may not have much recollection of the song other than the version of the present-day rock band Plethora, whose rendition was used as the campaign anthem by the son, Bongbong Marcos, during last year’s presidential campaign. It was also used by Marcos Jr. during the 78th Leyte Landing anniversary last October and his camp visit to the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City a week later. “Magbabago ang lahat, tungo sa pag-unlad. At ating itanghal: Bagong Lipunan!” The composer’s eldest son, Felipe, recounted that two days after the declaration of martial law, at around 2 a.m., two military trucks came to their house with an officer who asked for a “hymn and a march for the New Society,’’ as requested supposedly by then First Lady Imelda Marcos, to be delivered in a couple of days. “Ang gabi’y nagmaliw nang ganap. At lumipas na ang magdamag. Madaling araw ay nagdiriwang. May umagang namasdan.” The song was first released on radio and television during the early days of martial law as an anthem to trumpet Marcos Sr.’s vision of a new society for Filipinos. It also gave rise to the movement called Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, a political vehicle of the then administration. “Ngumiti na ang pag-asa, sa umagang anong ganda!” Depending on which side of the fence you were on those days, the present-day rendition of the march evokes memories that are either bad or good. Critics see it as nothing but propaganda that brings back chills to their spines, while others consider it a patriotic song that could help guide the country’s progress. That part of history came rushing back to us, particularly when the incumbent came up with his Bagong Pilipinas as the overarching theme of his administration’s brand of governance and leadership. Malacañang says this official branding, as contained in Memorandum Circular 24, calls for a deep and fundamental transformation in all sectors of society and government. The new logo was “produced internally” by the government’s lead communications arm without the use of public funds, according to the Presidential Communications Office. Take note, Bongbong’s new campaign slogan and logo came less than a week following Pagcor’s logo controversy. It’s common for presidential administrations to come up with government slogans, but not so common for them to launch them with a logo. There’s Rodrigo Duterte’s “Change is Coming,” Benigno Aquino III’s “Daang Matuwid,” and Joseph Estrada’s “Erap Para sa Mahirap,” to name a few. The PCO explained that the Bagong Pilipinas logo shows various stages of development in the Philippines’ journey toward the future. The three red stripes refer to the Philippines’ post-war agricultural and rural development, the post-colonial period, and the current metropolitan development. The blue stripes show a “progressive Philippines that leverages technological advancement in pursuing sustainable industrial development.” The rising sun signifies the dawn of a new Philippines, while the weave pattern illustrates the interconnectedness and unity of the Filipino people. “Overall, the Bagong Pilipinas logo embodies the Marcos administration’s vision for the country, emphasizing unity, involvement, and the bayanihan culture as the main fibers and components for its full realization,” the PCO said. We really don’t know if this new vision of the younger Marcos would translate into something similar to what his father started back then. Or would it eventually become a political vehicle just as his father’s was? At any rate, we just hope that the son would live up to the expectations of most Filipinos and that in the future, the memory of it won’t send chills down our spines. *** e-mail-mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post New slogan, same tack? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoLE flagged over CAMP distribution
The Department of Labor and Employment has been tagged by the Commission on Audit over the distribution of their one-time financial support program dubbed as the “Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program” or CAMP. CAMP, which was first launched during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, was intended to provide one-time P5,000 cash assistance to workers in the private sector displaced by business closures brought on by the health crisis. The audit agency, however, said more than P70 million funds in CAMP-Bayanihan 2 went to 14,052 beneficiaries who were reported to have also received other forms of financial assistance which, as per guidelines, should have been excluded from the list of beneficiaries. The program was funded with a P10.89-budget allocation divided into CAMP-Bayanihan 1 and CAMP-Bayanihan 2, with the latter intended as an expansion of the first distribution period. CoA, in its performance audit report of the program, reported a 100-percent progress toward its target to distribute cash aid to 2.17 million workers, and a 100-percent and 99.87-percent in its disbursement of cash assistance in CAMP-Bayanihan 1 and Bayanihan 2, respectively. The audit agency, however, said more than P70 million funds in CAMP-Bayanihan 2 went to 14,052 beneficiaries who were reported to have also received other forms of financial assistance which, as per guidelines, should have been excluded from the list of beneficiaries. These include 6,181 who have also received a Small Business Wage Subsidy or SBWS, and 33 who received both SBWS and the Social Amelioration Program or SAP. Another batch of 7,838 beneficiaries was tagged by COA as “probable ineligible beneficiaries,” with 5,260 people who have received both CAMP-Bayanihan 2 and SAP, and 2,578 people whose salaries are above P40,000. “Based on the interview, DoLE only relied on applicants’ self-declaration since there was no available and complete centralized database that would serve as a basis for determining whether an applicant already received financial assistance from other programs,” CoA said in the report. “Only the DoLE, Department of Finance, and the Social Security System were able to have a data sharing agreement on their beneficiaries,” it added. It said the existence of ineligible beneficiaries, among other things, was because of manual cross-checking of SBWS recipients and lack of awareness among some DoLE regional offices over the SBWS program. “The evaluators of the said (regional offices) only relied on the attestation of the applicant,” CoA said. Of at least 147 CAMP beneficiaries, for instance, more than 120 said they have also received aid through SAP by the Department of Labor and Employment, while 10 are reportedly part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps. The rest were beneficiaries of other programs, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation or AICS and the DoLE-AKAP for Overseas Filipino Workers, as well as the Department of Agriculture’s own SAP program and the Barangay Financial Assistance. Daily Tribune sought DoLE’s comment regarding the CoA observations but has not yet responded as of writing. The post DoLE flagged over CAMP distribution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOLE-7 has disbursed P25M for displaced workers under Bayanihan 2
CEBU CITY, Philippines– Around 5,131 workers in Central Visayas who were displaced and temporarily laid-off due to the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), have already received the P5,000 financial assistance under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Program (CAMP)-Bayanihan 2. According to Luchel Taniza, information officer of DOLE-7, the agency has already disbursed a total […] The post DOLE-7 has disbursed P25M for displaced workers under Bayanihan 2 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
DOLE s Bayanihan 1 helps 1,175 workers under CAMP; 675 under TUPAD
SIQUIJOR, Nov. 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has assisted 1,745 local workers from 144 establishments under its COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) of the Bayani.....»»
Go urges BFP to push modernization efforts
Senator Christopher ‘’Bong’’ Go on Friday urged the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to continue its efforts to modernize and enhance its ranks by acquiring more fire trucks and equipment especially for the remote areas in the country. Sen. Bong Go (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Go issued the statement after attending yesterday the ceremonial turnover at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City of the recently procured equipment of the BFP, including 84 units of 1,000 gallons capacity fire trucks, five units of aerial ladder, and three units of rescue trucks to be distributed by BFP to various local government units around the country. “All over the country po ito ipapamahagi. Natutuwa po ako dahil ang gusto naman po natin ay mabigyan ng sapat na kagamitan laban sa sunog ang mga iba’t ibang lugar — hopefully sa lahat ng sulok po ng bansa ay handa po tayo,” Go said. (These will be distributed all over the country. I am happy because we want to give the appropriate fire-fighting equipment to different parts of the country.) Go said there are many municipalities that have no financial capabilities to buy such an equipment. “Hopefully, patuloy pa ang pag-acquire nila ng mga panibagong equipment. Kinausap ko rin po si Dir. Embang na ikonsidera rin nila ‘yung mga maliliit na fire trucks na puwedeng pumasok sa mga liblib o masisikip na lugar kasi doon po madalas nagkakasunog,” Go said, referring to BFP Chief Jose Embang, Jr. (Hopefully, their acquisition of fire-fighting equipment will continue. I told Director Embang that BFP should consider buying small fire trucks that can enter narrow roads and congested areas where fires usually originate from.) Last February 11, 2020, Go joined President Duterte in witnessing the turnover of 74 fire trucks. The Senator also continues to provide aid to fire victims in different parts of the country. “Mahirap po mawalan ng bahay at kagamitan dahil sa sunog at iba pang sakuna. Kaya po patuloy akong nagbibigay ng tulong sa mga biktima at nag-iiwan ng ngiti sa oras ng kanilang pagdadalamhati,” Go said. (It is hard to lose a house and personal belongings due to fires. That is why I continue to extend help to fire victims and give them a reason to smile during a time of grief.) “Bilang isang Senador at public servant, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo, lalo na sa mga mahihirap at nangangailangan na apektado ng krisis tulad ng sunog. Kasabay nito ay pagsisikapan ko bilang mambabatas na mas palakasin pa ang ating fire prevention and protection measures,” he added. (As a senator and a public servant, I continue to be of service, particularly to victims of crises like fires. As a lawmaker, I continue to help to strengthen our fire prevention and protection measures.) As vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Peace and Order and as a main advocate of fire protection modernization initiatives, one of Go’s priority bills is Senate Bill 204 which is now consolidated under Committee Report No. 111, otherwise known as BFP Modernization Act of 2020. The measure is currently undergoing the period of interpellation in the Senate. The bill aims to ensure the hiring of more personnel, acquisition of modern fire equipment, and the conduct of training for firefighters of the BFP. The bill will also empower local communities in preventing fire incidents by mandating the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in all local government units (LGUs), especially in vulnerable areas. Go said President Duterte fully supports the modernization efforts of the BFP. “Ang sabi ng Pangulo, sabihin mo sa kanila huwag na nila ako unahin, ‘yung kagamitan ng mga sundalo at kapulisan at bumbero ang unahin natin,” he said. (The President said the equipment of soldiers, policemen, and firemen should come first.) During the event, Go expressed his and Duterte’s full support for the country’s fire personnel, citing the government’s recent effort to increase the salaries and promote the welfare of the military and uniformed personnel. “Full support po kami sa inyo. Unang-una po, ‘yung pangako niya pagkaupo pa lang niya bilang Pangulo, tinupad niya agad ang pangako niya,” Go said, referring to the increase in salaries provided to uniformed personnel, including firefighters. (We give our full support to you. The President fulfills his promises when he took over the presidency in 2016.) Go also said that he supports the President’s position of arming BFP personnel so they can help in the fight against criminality. “We are currently studying this added measure of arming firefighters. Nabanggit na rin ito ng Pangulo. Makakatulong din sila sa paglaban ng kriminalidad at para rin maproteksyunan ang kanilang mga sarili. Pati sa kampanya laban sa droga, makakatulong din sila,” Go said. (This was mentioned by the President. They can help fight criminality and also protect themselves. They can also help in containing the spread of dangerous drugs.) In addition to fire trucks and other modern equipment, Go also said that he is coordinating with BFP officials, government finance managers, and concerned agencies on how to also provide additional ambulance units to the BFP. He said that providing ambulances will make the BFP more responsive in fulfilling its mandate and will be useful, especially in times of national emergencies given that their personnel are well-trained frontliners. “Kapag mayroon nang vaccine kontra COVID-19, pwede pong tumulong ang BFP para mabakunahan ang mga tao. Nagtutulungan po lahat ng ating uniformed personnel, mula military, pulis, bumbero, at iba pa para maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan,” Go explained. (Our firemen can also help in the vaccination of our countrymen to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Our uniformed personnel, from the military, policemen, firemen and others can help in protecting the interests of Filipinos.) Go thanked officials for their efforts to modernize the BFP and for their continuing service, especially during the pandemic, specifically Department of the Interior and Local Government officials led by Secretary Eduardo Año and BFP officials led by Embang, Jr. Go also acknowledged local officials and district representatives who were present, including Congressman Onyx Crisologo of the 1st District of Quezon City, Congresswoman Angel Amante-Matba of the 2nd District of Agusan del Norte, Mayor Marcy Teodoro of Marikina City, and Mayor Judy Amante of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte and thanked them for their support to the national government in the bayanihan efforts to overcome the pandemic. “Dahil mahirap ang panahon ngayon, we have to adjust to the new normal pero konting tiis lang po. Alam kong hirap po kayo. Kami ni Pangulong Duterte, hindi kami nawawalan ng pag-asa, magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kundi tayong kapwa Pilipino,” he said, (Because times are hard, we have to adjust to the new normal. Please bear with us. I know you are suffering. I and President Go have not lost hope. We should help one another.).....»»
Jovelyn Gonzaga: A soldier s heart
National team star Jovelyn Gonzaga continues to fulfill her duty as a soldier serving the locally stranded individuals (LSI) inside the Philippine Army camp in Taguig. Since the start of the lockdown, Gonzaga as well as other volleyball players and coaches, who are also enlisted military personnel, heeded the call in the war against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in different fronts as frontliners. The opposite hitter of the Army Lady Troopers in the Premier Volleyball League and Cignal in the Philippine Superliga has been on duty in Fort Bonifacio since the start of the community quarantine four months ago. Gonzaga in a lengthy but heartwarming post on her Instagram account shared her experience and realizations while on her tour of duty. “With this pandemic crippling our nation. I once again feel the importance and value of what we do as soldiers serving the country,” she wrote. “We are tasked to take care of the LSIs. And the inspiration I am getting every day on duty from our displaced countrymen despite of all the challenges surrounding their conditions is really remarkable.” View this post on Instagram 1/2 PROUD ARMY.. I remember the days when I was just starting my playing career. I was hesitant and full of doubt until I find my niche and understand my deeper why? Why am I doing these things? And where is passion coming from. All my life since I started playing volleyball, I always make it a point that my resiliency is always in check. Though there were some instances that I intend to give up? However, the desire in me to do better withstand all these challenges. That same resiliency and passion is what keeps me going until now. As a professional volleyball player and as a soldier. Serving the country is in my DNA, while playing for the country and as a soldier serving my countryman. With this pandemic crippling our nation. I once again feel the importance and value of what we do as a soldier in serving the country. We are tasked to take care of the LSI’s. And the inspiration I am getting every day on duty from out our displaced countrymen despite of all the challenges surrounding their conditions is really remarkable. And instead of me writing about them? I would rather write something from me and the lessons I’ve learned meeting them first hand. And this is my story. My regular day is training, duty and training. Sometimes go out for other stuff but most often times it’s me being a soldier and an athlete altogether. When we were call to duty in taking care of the LSI’s? Mixed emotions hit me. There’s excitement, pity and I would say fear of the unknown as we took on our new tour of duty within our territory. As we received our first batch of LSI’s. You can see in their eyes the struggles they’ve been through. However, you can also sense the sigh of relief from their actions that things will be better compared to their previous conditions. You can feel in the air the longingness of our LSI’s to go home and be with their families. Regardless of their uncertainties with regards to the acceptance of their home provinces on returning LSI’s. We all know that not all provinces are welcoming their LSI’s due to the danger of spreading Covid-19 in their respective places. @yourphilippinearmy To be continued..... A post shared by Jovelyn Gonzaga (@bionic_ilongga) on Jul 12, 2020 at 6:34pm PDT The Ilongga spiker said that she can also relate to the plight of the LSIs holed up in the camp while waiting for clearance to get back to their homes. “I remember when I was just new here in Manila. I am always looking forward to that opportunity that I can go home and visit my family. I know the struggle of being far from your family. But then again, I think, my condition is far away better than their current situation,” Gonzaga posted. Gonzaga continued by saying that the resiliency and the spark of hope in the eyes of the LSIs serves as her inspiration. View this post on Instagram 2/2 PROUD ARMY Longing to go home is somewhat I can personally relate. I remember when I was just new here in Manila. I am always looking forward to that opportunity that I can go home and visit my family. I know the struggle of being far from your family. But then again, I think, my condition is far away better than their current situation. This is where I draw my inspirations. These LSI’s desire to come home notwithstanding all the hassles and challenges are very admirable. This is where you will feel the value of having a family to come home to. The strong family ties we Filipinos have will always be the reason and the foundation of each and every LSI’s I met and will be meeting in the next coming days. The Filipino bayanihan spirit is very evident since no one is too selfish not to share what they have to help others. The resiliency I have and the toughness these LSI’s are showing is what made us Filipinos invincible amidst any circumstances. This experience I am in right now will always be my driving force in serving my country more. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay tayong mga Filipino. @yourphilippinearmy Collab w/ @iamjlac ♥? A post shared by Jovelyn Gonzaga (@bionic_ilongga) on Jul 12, 2020 at 6:38pm PDT With positive cases still on the rise, LSIs in different holding facilities could be looking at an extended time away from their families. But rest assured that military personnel like Gonzaga will always be there to serve......»»
EXPLAINER: Why did the Baltimore bridge collapse and what is the death toll?
(Reuters) -Divers recovered the remains of two of the six missing workers more than a day after a cargo ship smashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bodies of two men were found in a red pickup truck submerged in the icy waters of the Patapsco River. Rescuers pulled two workers from the water.....»»
Double pay for workers reporting on Holy Week
Workers nationwide may opt to enjoy a long holiday break or hefty pay this Holy Week......»»
2 activists kidnapped in Pangasinan
The Commission on Human Rights has called for a search for two environmental rights defenders and church workers who were reportedly kidnapped in Pangasinan last weekend......»»
New DCPO chief to focus on personnel morale, asset optimization
THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) bid farewell to PCol. Alberto Lupaz and welcomed its new City Director, PCol. Richard Bad-ang, in a turn-over ceremony at the Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor on March 22......»»
200 brgy workers, children affected by DavNor floods receive assistance
200 brgy workers, children affected by DavNor floods receive assistance.....»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 25 March 2024
Senate eyes probe of resorts within the slopes of Mt. Apo Following the controversy involving the establishment of a resort reportedly within the famed Chocolate Hills in Bohol province, Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committees on Energy and Migrant Workers, is setting his sights on the resorts located on the slopes of Mt. […].....»»
Braving the Heat
BRAVING THE HEAT. Workers install a platform in front of the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Monday, 25 March 2024. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that the city's heat index reached 43 degrees Celsius at 1 p.m. the same day. The platform is in preparation for Easter Sunday's "Salubong" mass. MindaNews photo.....»»
Is your salary enough?
The most awaited day for employees is the 15th of the month. On this day, the ATMs become the popularly sought-after machine for salaried employees and workers who must eventually remit their hard-earned cash to their homes......»»
Workers hold pro-wage hike rally today
Workers will mount a protest action today to push for the immediate granting of salary increases whether through legislation or wage order......»»
Golden Haven launches international campaign for OFWs
Golden Haven, the country’s leading memorial park developer, has launched its GO! International campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to help overseas Filipino workers secure their financial future......»»
Nexperia workers decry mass ‘lay-offs’, claim union-busting
The lay-offs are set to begin while Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are underway. The post Nexperia workers decry mass ‘lay-offs’, claim union-busting appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Austria leads Grumpy Joe to CJHGC Corporate Cup triumph
Jonar Austria recorded a consecutive 54 points to anchor Grumpy Joe to victory in Group 1 at the close of the 18th Corporate Cup at Camp John Hay Golf Club here Friday......»»
Workers seek Church help on wage hike
The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) is seeking the intervention of the Catholic Church for immediate passage of the pending P150 legislated nationwide wage hike......»»
NCAA juniors champ, Finals MVP Manalili basks on day full of wins
Finals MVP Jonathan Manalili helps power Letran to the NCAA juniors basketball championship, then scores another winning romp in the NBTC All-Star just a few hours later.....»»