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Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed last Tuesday, Senate Resolution No. 730 seeking an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act amid reports that numerous solo parents are not receiving the benefits mandated by law after its enactment more than a year ago. The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act was signed into law on 4 June 2022, with the aim of supporting Filipino single parents. The law provides various social services and welfare benefits, including a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 for those earning a minimum wage or below and a 10 percent discount along with VAT exemption on essential childcare products for those earning less than P250,000. “More than a year since the enactment of the law, there are reports that several solo parents, who should be recipients of the provisions under the law, are not receiving the expected benefits,” said Go, author and co-sponsor of RA 11861. It was found out that several local government units found it difficult to secure a sufficient budget to implement the provisions of the law. Even much-larger cities do not have the resources to consistently distribute the P1,000 monthly allowance. “This raises serious concerns and necessitates an immediate review to ensure that the support and assistance mandated by the law are being provided,” he added. The resolution has directed the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry to examine the gaps in the provision of benefits under RA 11861. Meanwhile, Go on Wednesday, stressed the need for accountability, strategic prioritization, and long-term solution to address recurring problems in flood-prone areas during a Committee on Public Works hearing on the country’s flood control master plan and outstanding projects. Go asked DPWH for an accomplishment report detailing the flood control initiatives undertaken during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term. He also requested a copy of the master plan outlining both current and upcoming projects. The senator said the budget allocated for flood control continues to increase from P82 billion in 2019, P80.7 billion in 2020, P90.9 billion in 2021, P127.4 billion in 2022, P182 billion in 2023, and now with a proposed budget of P215.6 billion for 2024, not including foreign assisted projects and those funded by the private sector. The post Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go asks for accomplishment report of DPWH’s flood control projects
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stressed on August 9, Wednesday, the need for accountability, strategic prioritization, and long-term solutions to address recurring problems in flood-prone areas during a Committee on Public Works hearing on the country's flood control master plan and outstanding projects. “Yun lang po sir ang tatlong hiningi ko: (1) accomplishment report, (2) copy of master plan at (3) prioritization dito sa mga flood control projects ninyo po na dapat po’y makinabang yung mga lugar na dapat makinabang – yung mga flood prone areas,” he asked during the hearing. Go asked DPWH for an accomplishment report detailing the flood control initiatives undertaken during former president Rodrigo Duterte's term. He also requested a copy of the master plan outlining both current and upcoming projects. The senator said the budget allocated for flood control continues to increase from P82 billion in 2019, 80.7 billion in 2020, 90.9 billion in 2021, 127.4 billion in 2022, 182 billion in 2023, and now with a proposed budget of P215.6 billion for 2024, not including foreign assisted projects and those funded by the private sector. “Ibig sabihin, tumataas po ‘yung budget ninyo for flood control. Pero ‘di pa rin po nabibigyan ng solusyon ang problema sa pagbaha,” he stated, indicating a broader concern about the strategy and effectiveness of flood control projects in the country. The senator also expressed confusion and concern over the prioritization of some flood control projects, questioning why some areas with little or no population receive flood control measures while highly populated areas still suffer from recurring floods. “Despite having flood control projects initiated or requested by legislators and local officials, ang expertise ay nasa DPWH. Kayo dapat ang magsabi kung ano ang tama at mali, kung saan ba dapat ilagay ang flood control, slope protection at iba pang proyekto, at kayo ang dapat nakakaalam paano masolusyunan ang paulit-ulit na pagbaha sa bansa,” Go stressed. In response, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said there is a need to protect the environment and production areas but agreed that populated areas should be prioritized. Go said “yung nakikita ko minsan, maraming mga flood control, eh, may bundok namang nagpo-protection sa kanila.” “Eh, dito sa mga patag na lugar — halimbawa itong Bulacan — halos walang bundok ito. Walang nagpo-protect sa kanila sa mga umaagos na malalakas na tubig mula sa taas ng bundok. Eh, ‘yun pa ang kulang-kulang sa flood control. Maybe just check your prioritization plans,” added Go. The senator's call for action originated not only from a practical perspective but also from a compassionate stance. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the citizens affected by flooding and said "ang hirap mabahaan, parang back to zero na naman po sila," underscoring the challenges of recovery. “Para po silang nasunugan, kaya lang pinagkaiba, makalabas pa rin sila, pero mahirap, sira yung gamit, basa dito, sasakyan, basa yung mga telebisyon nila, parang nag-umpisa po muli sila,” added Go. Go recalled how, during the time of former president Duterte, the administration had insisted on an equitable distribution of the budget for all regions, whether for flood control or any infrastructure. “Talagang gusto niya, hinayaan niya po ang departamentong mag-determine kung saan ‘yung priority niya talaga at nangangailangan,” said Go. “Pakiusap ko lang po sa inyo, full support naman po ako sa inyong opisina, ever since noon pa. Ayusin lang po ‘yung prioritization at ‘wag pong mapabayaan itong mga lugar na flood prone po talaga,” he added. Meanwhile, Go also highlighted the need to address compensation for right-of-way claims, especially for those who are less wealthy and struggle to have their claims recognized. “In relation to DPWH projects… gusto ko lang po malaman, itong prioritization ng pagbabayad ng right-of-way… kase ‘yung mayayaman, balewala sa kanila ‘yun. May mga may hawak ng titulo, halos namamatay na lang na hindi na-claim. Mga isang kahig, isang tuka, nasa bundok, natatamaan ‘yung kalye nila, ‘yung hindi binabayaran,” said Go. “Ano po ba ang prioritization rito sa right-of-way? Lalo na ‘yung mga maliliit. ‘Yun ang napansin ko. Pabalik-balik na, years hindi pa nababayaran,” he added. Bonoan acknowledged the importance of prioritizing all acquired properties and explained the challenges in budgeting for right-of-way compensations. He revealed that the allocated budget for these compensations has been very minimal over the past three years, with only a fraction of the requested amount being granted. Go’s demands for transparency and prioritization in flood control projects were made considering recent flooding incidents across Luzon due to heavy rains brought by tropical cyclones Egay and Falcon as well as the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. His teams have been going around these areas to provide relief to affected communities particularly in Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Zambales, Pampanga, and Bulacan. “Ang suliraning ito ay nagpapakita lamang ng kahalagahan ng masusing pag-aaral at aksyon upang maisaayos ang flood control strategies sa ating bansa. Sa likod ng mga hamong ito, patuloy tayo sa paghahanap ng mga karampatang solusyon para sa matagal nang problemang ito,” he said. #### The post Bong Go asks for accomplishment report of DPWH’s flood control projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA favors BFP modernization thrust
The Commission on Audit report favored the action of the Bureau of Fire Protection about the fact that the BFP should have a modernization program to keep up with the modern era. According to the COA report, there is nothing wrong with the action taken by the BFP in placing the technical requirements that the Bureau of Fire needs to keep up with the modern methods and modernization program of the BFP. The COA report further stated that this past 2010 the BFP launched its Modernization Program following the Comprehensive Fire Code of 2008 of the government. The main goal is for the government to upgrade its firefighting capability with adequate personnel and equipment to protect people from dangerous fires. It was further noted in the COA report that the total funds of the Modernization Program amounted to P13.17 Billion from 2011 to 2017. Before this last 2019, Senator Bong Go filed a bill in the Senate requiring the BFP to implement the modernization program of the Bureau of Fire Protection, which includes purchasing modern fire equipment, hiring personnel, and conducting specialized training programs. It was added in the COA report that the technical requirements placed for the modernization program are correct because it is in line with the COA report in the performance audit of the COA. In this regard, based on the investigation conducted by Congress regarding the modernization program of the BFP, Congress did not find anything wrong with what the BFP did because it is said to be in line with the technical requirements stated in the COA. The COA further said that the main objective of the audit report is to identify the gap between the program's target and the achievement of the BFP to assess it. The COA also believes that the government should strengthen its fire suppression campaign with its ongoing modernization program. The report also said it is necessary to strengthen the information awareness campaign to educate people on fire prevention and what should be done to prevent it. In this regard, the COA is reviewing the program documents and accomplishment report conducted by the technical and visual inspections of the various fire protection services. The post CoA favors BFP modernization thrust appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jhong Hilario graduates magna cum laude at 46
Celebrity dad Jhong Hilario, an actor, dancer, television personality and city councilor, has added another accomplishment to his already fat résumé. Hilario, 46, graduated with a Political Science degree from Arellano University on Thursday — magna cum laude. In a TV Patrol interview, Hilario said the completion of his studies was his gift to his parents. “Ito yung bayad ko sa utang ko sa mga magulang ko,” he said. “Lahat ng parents, gusto makapagtapos ang anak nila. Lahat ginawa nila. Nagtatrabaho sila marangal para makapagtapos ang mga anak (All parents want their kids to finish school. They would do everything, work honestly so their kids can graduate),” he added. Better yet, Hilario said he was able to fulfill his parents’ wish while they are still alive. How did he do it given his extra-busy schedule and multiple jobs? “Time management lang. For me napaka-igsi ng buhay para walang gawin (Life is too short to not do anything),” he said. He also offered encouragement to people who may think it’s too late to go back to school. “Sa lahat ng gusto makatapos ng pag-aaral kahit late na, meron talaga pagkakataon. Meron talaga paraan, kahit na sobrang busy tayo (To anyone who wants to finish school, there is always a chance and a way, even if we’re too busy),” he stressed. While hwwe started out as a member of the famed dance group Streetboys, Hilario gained fame for his noteworthy “kontrabida” portrayals in TV shows. Fans remember him as Gary David in the 2010 remake of Mara Clara and as Homer “Alakdan” Adlawan in the hit television series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. He also co-hosts ABS-CBN’s noontime variety show, It’s Showtime and, inspired by his father’s previous nine-year tenure as a city councilor, has also dabbled in politics He ran for councilor of Makati’s first district in 2016, and won reelection in 2019 and 2022. On top of all that, he is a hands-on father. Recently, Hilario and his partner Maia Asorez celebrated the second birthday of their daughter, Sarina Oceana. The post Jhong Hilario graduates magna cum laude at 46 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Region 7’s vaccine success rate still below 50%
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Central Visayas, as of March 18, is yet to achieve a 50 percent success rate in the vaccination of all healthcare workers against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In a recent press conference, the Department of Health here (DOH-7) reported that the region posted an accomplishment rate of 39.2 percent in its […] The post Region 7’s vaccine success rate still below 50% appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Biliran gov, wife test positive for COVID-19
Biliran Gov. Roger Espina and his wife Cecil, a physician, have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19......»»
DPWH-BDEO constructs quarantine facilities for covid-19 cases in Biliran
DPWH-Biliran District Engineering Office (BDEO) is constructing quarantine facilities in two locations in Naval town for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive cases......»»
DPWH-Biliran DEO posts 47.64 percent accomplishment of CY 2020 projects
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office achieved 47.64 percent accomplishment of its CY 2020 implementation as of May 31, 2020......»»
Belmonte, Binay call for climate action funding from development banks
The C40 coalition of cities, a network of nearly 100 mayors, asked MDBs to increase urban climate investment, integrate urban climate action into their strategies, and implement tailored programs to support city projects. .....»»
PLDT, Smart named among world’s leading employers
PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have been named among the Top One Percent of Leading Employers of 2023 by German firm Institute of Research and Data Aggregation......»»
Milk tariff collections rise by 31% to P2.4 billion
Revenues raised by the government from various imported milk products jumped by 31 percent to P2.36 billion in 2023, the highest in at least eight years, from P1.8 billion in 2022......»»
Jollibee invests $28 million in beverage tech firm
Filipino-owned Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. is investing $28 million for a 10 percent stake in beverage technology company Botrista Inc. to support the growth of its coffee and tea business......»»
ANZ raises Philippine inflation forecast to 3.8% this year
ANZ Research hiked its inflation forecast for the Philippines to 3.8 percent this year, from 3.5 percent previously, as risks may drive inflation up to above the central bank’s two to four percent target in the coming months......»»
Infrastructure projects get better loan terms from Japan
The Philippines has secured better financing terms for two big-ticket infrastructure projects funded by the Japanese government aimed at improving public transport and road connectivity......»»
S& P: Philippines may miss growth goal this year
S&P Global Ratings sees the Philippines again missing its growth targets this year as it kept its gross domestic product growth forecast at 5.9 percent. While the projection is better compared to other economies in the region, it is again below the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth target......»»
Mayor Uy posts cryptic messages amid Igacos power problems
ISLAND Garden City of Samal (Igacos) Mayor Al David Uy posted cryptic messages regarding the power crisis in Igacos......»»
Marian Rivera takes on projects that her children can watch
With her upcoming primetime show, “My Guardian Alien,” Marian Rivera has added sci-fi to the growing array of genres — from drama, fantasy, romance, and action to historical and comedy — that the Kapuso actress has successfully ventured into thus far......»»
NewJeans prepares for comeback with Japanese debut, teases world tour
K-pop girl group NewJeans is gearing up for a number of comeback projects this year, including a Japanese debut eyed to kick off a world tour......»»
Arayat-Magalang bypass road 80 % complete: DPWH
Arayat-Magalang bypass road 80 % complete: DPWH.....»»
Man-made disasters cost Philippines 164.87 mln USD in 2023
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Man-made disasters caused the total damage in the Philippines worth 9.29 billion pesos (164.87 million U.S. dollars) in 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Tuesday. The agency said that out of the total annual damage, 4.93 billion pesos (87.5 million dollars), or 53.1 percent, was due to the oil spill. "The reported oil spill in various regions resulted in dam.....»»