DTI insists Phl can’t afford stricter lockdown
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Thursday insisted that the country cannot afford sterner quarantine classification amid calls to impose a stricter lockdown due to the resurgence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases this Christmas season. During the weekly Laging Handa forum, Lopez said that he is supporting granular lockdown, but not to the extent of closing […] The post DTI insists Phl can’t afford stricter lockdown appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Masking, lockdown not needed for rising pertussis cases – DOH
Despite the alarming increase in pertussis cases in the country, an official of the Department of Health said there is no need for a lockdown or mandatory wearing of face masks......»»
Earthquake summit highlights engineering solutions, stricter policy implementation
A recent earthquake summit, organized by the Office of Civil Defense, highlighted the need for enhanced coordination mechanisms, engineering solutions alongside maximum utilization of available technologies and stricter policy implementation to strengthen the country’s preparedness......»»
DOE, PNP vow stricter LPG regulation
The Department of Energy has tapped the Philippine National Police for the stricter regulation of the liquefied petroleum gas industry......»»
Japan policy paper to focus on US, Philippines to counter China
Tokyo [Japan], March 23 (ANI): Japan released a draft of its annual foreign policy report stating that it will pay attention to the importance of boosting collaboration with the United States and the Philippines to counter China's assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region, Kyodo news reported on Thursday. The Diplomatic Bluebook for 2024 will also underscore that Tokyo "cannot afford to waste even a moment" to solve.....»»
DA, DTI urged to enforce stricter price monitoring during Holy Week
A lawmaker has called on the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to keep an eye on possible price surges during the Holy Week and set suggested retail price on basic commodities......»»
Japan policy paper to focus on US, Philippines to counter China
Tokyo [Japan], March 23 (ANI): Japan released a draft of its annual foreign policy report stating that it will pay attention to the importance of boosting collaboration with the United States and the Philippines to counter China's assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region, Kyodo news reported on Thursday. The Diplomatic Bluebook for 2024 will also underscore that Tokyo "cannot afford to waste even a moment" to solve.....»»
Living wage: A social obligation
The term living wage refers to the income level that allows individuals or families to afford adequate shelter, food, health care, education and other necessities......»»
Neri calls on Jerwin to pour it on
Jerwin Ancajas can’t afford to be stingy with his punches, and well-known boxing trainer Nonoy Neri’s advice is to let his hands go every single round against WBA bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue in Tokyo tonight......»»
‘Philippines tourism alive again’
With more Filipinos able to afford traveling around the country and even overseas, a travel executive declared that the Philippines’ tourism industry is alive again amid continuous easing of pandemic restrictions......»»
Hong Kong leader starts push for new security laws, says city ‘can’t afford to wait’
Chief Executive John Lee says the Hong Kong government will attempt to pass the laws 'as soon as possible' but did not give a precise timetable for them to be approved by the city's legislature.....»»
President Marcos upset but won’t seek China envoy’s recall
While he may be personally “upset” by what has been described as the “hostile” behavior of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, President Marcos said he won’t seek the recall of the envoy because the Philippines cannot afford to commit mistakes that may cause “huge trouble.”.....»»
Treasurer says city can afford P35K bonus
Treasurer says city can afford P35K bonus.....»»
Finally, a cancer care center for Filipinos
Ayala Corp., under its AC Health unit, has pioneered the first specialty hospital for Filipinos seeking cancer treatment at a “most-cost competitive price” that (for some who can afford it) may spend to seek the best cancer treatment here or abroad......»»
Half cup of rice? | New agri chief told to address high cost of rice production
“Many Filipinos cannot afford to eat rice for every meal. No more wasted rice on the tables of farmers and workers?" The post Half cup of rice? | New agri chief told to address high cost of rice production appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Nearly 29,000 people flee southern Lebanon
Nearly 29,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon amid deadly exchanges between Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli army, a United Nations agency said Friday. A total of 28,965 people have been displaced, mainly in the country’s south, the International Organization for Migration said in an update, adding that the figure had risen by 37 percent since 23 October. Some have found refuge with family members elsewhere in the country, while those who can afford it have been able to rent apartments on a short-term basis. But with Lebanon in the grips of an economic crisis that has plunged most of the population into poverty, many are living in makeshift shelters in the south’s larger towns. Since Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, Lebanon’s southern border has seen tit-for-tat exchanges between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, a Hamas ally. At least 58 people have been killed in the cross-border exchanges of fire, most of them Hezbollah fighters but also including at least four civilians, one of them Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah. Soldiers and volunteers on Thursday were battling a blaze on Lebanon’s southern border caused by Israeli bombing overnight, local officials said. Mayor of the border village of Alma al-Shaab, Jean Ghafari, said fire broke out after Israeli bombing late Wednesday. “The blaze reached the edges of the village after midnight” and is still burning, he told Agence France-Presse, adding that it “has come close to houses.” The municipality said some 70 percent of the village’s population had fled due to Israeli attacks. The post Nearly 29,000 people flee southern Lebanon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go reminds public to observe proper hygiene amid typhoid surge
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged Filipinos to be more vigilant and prioritize their health by observing proper hygiene in the wake of an alarming increase in typhoid cases across the country. According to the Department of Health (DOH), at least 17,531 cases of typhoid have been recorded this year. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed his concern for the growing number of typhoid cases and called upon the Filipino people to take immediate action to protect their health and that of their loved ones. “Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na maging mapanuri sa ating kalusugan. Huwag tayong mag-atubiling magpatingin sa mga doktor kung may mga sintomas tulad ng lagnat o pagsusuka,” Go underscored. “Mahalaga ring magtulungan tayo para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng mga sakit na ito. Huwag nating kalimutan ang tamang kalinisan at sanitation sa ating mga tahanan. Siguruhing laging malinis ang ating mga paligid at inumin ang ligtas na tubig,” he added. Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily spreads through contaminated food and water. Its symptoms, which include high fever, abdominal pain, and severe weakness, can be severe and even life-threatening if left untreated. Therefore, the recent increase in cases is a cause for significant concern, stressed Go. According to the most recent disease surveillance report from DOH, there has been a 38 percent increase in reported cases of the disease from 1 January to 30 September compared to the same period last year, with 12,693 cases. The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) reported the highest number of cases at 2,861 followed by Northern Mindanao with 1,932 cases, and Mimaropa Region (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) with 1,413 cases. Cases in SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) increased by 119 percent from 512 cases to 1,123. Central Luzon saw the most significant increase in cases, with a 192 percent increase from 334 cases last year to 975 cases this year. "Typhoid fever is a preventable disease, and it is disheartening to see the numbers continue to rise," Go said, adding "We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to our health. It is our responsibility to stay informed and practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of this disease." Go also urged the government and health agencies to intensify their efforts in raising awareness about typhoid prevention, enhancing healthcare services, and implementing strict measures to ensure food and water safety. Go then highlighted the importance of Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers as crucial components of the country's healthcare system, saying, “As the nation battles the increasing number of typhoid cases, it is essential for Filipinos to be aware of the facilities designed to provide quick and efficient medical services and assistance.” The Malasakit Centers program, a brainchild of Go, serves as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs. These centers bring together key government agencies to streamline the process of availing medical aid. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – ‘yung DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo sa inyong billing,” said Go. The program was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, which was principally sponsored and authored by Go. To date, there are 159 operational centers that have successfully helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide. “Sa ating pag-iikot sa buong bansa kapag naghahatid tayo ng serbisyo sa mga komunidad, lagi nating ipinapaalala sa ating mga kababayan—lalo na ang mga mahihirap—na unahin ang kanilang kalusugan. Huwag dapat silang matakot magpagamot dahil kung kailangan nila ng tulong pang-medikal ay nandiyan ang Malasakit Center sa kanilang lugar na handang tumulong sa kanila. Para sa taumbayan iyan. Kahit sino ay maaaring lumapit dito. Basta Pilipino ka, qualified ka sa Malasakit Center,” Go explained. Moreover, the Super Health Centers offer a wide array of medical services, including consultations, and diagnostic tests, among others, ensuring that more Filipinos receive proper medical care close to their homes. “Malaking tulong po ito na ma-decongest ‘yung mga hospitals. Makakatulong rin sa early disease detection para maagapan ang sakit. Pwede na sa Super Health Centers ang primary care at pagkonsulta sa doktor,” he added. Super Health Centers 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 centers; and telemedicine. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers and local government units, sufficient funds have been allocated under the DOH for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. "In times like these, we must come together as a nation. Let us be vigilant, look out for one another, and ensure that proper hygiene practices are consistently followed. By working together, we can combat this outbreak and protect the health and well-being of our fellow Filipinos,“ stressed Go. The post Bong Go reminds public to observe proper hygiene amid typhoid surge appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Market Watch | Farmers cannot afford rice these days, says group
“We are justified in opposing high rice prices that burden consumers and even farmers who cannot afford it anymore. The public must strongly oppose and protest against exorbitant rice and food prices. However, Marcos Jr’s price ceiling and other palliative measures do not explain why rice is expensive in the country, and more importantly, none of these address the most basic problems of rice farmers." The post Market Watch | Farmers cannot afford rice these days, says group appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
DSWD assists bereaved family of Criminology student who died of hazing
The Department of Social Welfare and Development through its Field Office CALABARZON, expressed condolences and provided cash aid to the grieving family of Ahldryn Bravante, a criminology student who lost his life after undergoing fraternity-related hazing on Monday evening, 16 October. The DSWD CALABARZON extended P10,000 worth of cash assistance to the bereaved family and issued a guarantee letter to the funeral service provider, covering the hazing victim’s burial expenses amounting to P40,000 on Thursday, 19 October. DSWD CALABARZON Regional Director Dr. Barry Chua also offered educational assistance for Ahldryn’s two siblings and his 6-year-old daughter. “The loss of a loved one is an incredibly distressing and overwhelming experience, and the DSWD is committed to supporting families in their time of need,” Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez, who is also DSWD spokesperson, said. Digna Esguerra-Cabrera, Ahldryn’s grandmother, expressed her gratitude to the DSWD for providing necessary support to the family in the untimely demise of Ahldryn. “Malaking tulong po sa kanila yun sa gastusin. Hindi naman nila kakayanin yung gagastusin...talagang walang pagkukuhanan (That is a big help for them with the expenses. They would not be able to afford the costs...there’s really no other source.),” a teary-eyed Cabrera said. Aldhryn, a 25-year-old student of the Philippine College of Criminology and resident of Imus, Cavite, was subjected to hazing by a fraternity group in an abandoned building in Quezon City, based on the investigation report of the Quezon City Police Department. According to the DSWD spokesperson, the Department is committed to providing further assistance and support to the Bravante family and is working in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure that the family receives the necessary interventions. The post DSWD assists bereaved family of Criminology student who died of hazing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tourism, agribusiness need prioritization — PCCI
The country’s biggest congregation of business owners in the country, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Marcos Jr. administration must focus on the industries of tourism and agribusiness as they provide opportunities to Filipinos. Apart from the two, PCCI president George Barcelon said other industries that need further push and support are IT-BPO and creative industries, manufacturing, mining, and mineral resources, considered to be ideal and attractive for local and foreign investments and could amplify the economic growth and competitiveness of the country. “Some of our neighboring countries in ASEAN have really moved fast over the past 10 years. We had been lagging them in terms of exports, investments, and trade and we could not afford to be in this situation, so we really need to review our policies for us to be attractive to local and foreign investors,” Barcelon said. He said this will be the center of discussions at the upcoming 49th Philippine Business Conference & Expo set this month, which will gather industry leaders and practitioners to provide insights and share some prospects in what an interesting discussion on policies and regulations could be to attract investors and stimulate investments in these sectors. He said tourism and agribusiness are low-hanging fruits that the government should seriously prioritize and develop as it provides many opportunities for Filipinos. In 2022, the tourism and travel industry only contributed 6.2 percent to the country’s GDP lower than 12.7 percent in 2019 prior to the pandemic. The latest data from the Department of Tourism said that from 1 January to 29 September 2023, a total of 4,005,465 visitors arrived in the country, bringing in a total of P316 billion in revenue into the government coffers and hiring 5.35 million Filipinos in tourism-related jobs. The Philippine agribusiness, on the other hand, contributed only around 8.9 percent to GDP in 2022 where in fact its contribution could actually reach 35 percent. The mining and mineral sector, meanwhile, was able to boost the country’s growth by P102B in 2020 during the pandemic while the manufacturing sector contributed 17.2 percent in 2022. “As the private sector takes the lead in mapping out plans for Vision 2050, we hope our government will focus its attention on harnessing these sectors and address the challenges that hinder the country’s economic growth. We have the competitive advantage to become a first world economy by 2050, we just have to do extra work to achieve it,” said Architect Felino Palafox Jr., who chairs the 49th PBC&E happening on 25-26 October at The Manila Hotel. This year’s conference carries the theme Vision 2050: The Philippines A First-World Economy. It will initiate discussions and gather insights from visionary leaders and policymakers on how the country, given its strategic location, natural and human capital resources, and the many advantages it has, can become one of the industrialized and developed economies by 2050. The two-day event will interestingly gather prominent business personalities, national and local executives, and international leaders. The post Tourism, agribusiness need prioritization — PCCI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Teacher item for sale’ allegations to be probed
General Santos City — The Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has created a special investigation committee to look into the alleged extortion and selling of position for teachers that amounted to at least P300,000. In a statement, MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal stressed that the allegations are tainting the reputation of the Ministry. This comes after Kapatagan town, Lanao del Sur Mayor Raida Maglangit through her Facebook account divulged that a P300,000 fee is allegedly collected just to get a teacher position. She even said that despite of the qualifications and even with masters’ degree, some candidates are being dropped because they could not afford the fee. “I have created a special committee to ferret out the truth…We are not saying that this is happening in the Ministry, we are not also saying that it is happening outside the Ministry, but we will assure you that we shall give teeth to the committee to investigate and find the truth in and outside the Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education. We will leave no stones unturned, we will find the truth,” Iqbal said. The minister also lamented that being a cum laude is not only the basis of being hired and there are processes needed to be followed, adding that a candidate must possess the basic requirements such as relevant course graduated, the relevant Civil Service qualifications, trainings, oral and written results, among others. Iqbal added that all applicants aspiring for a position gone through rigorous competitive processes before they will be ranked. He firmly believed that there are no irregularities in getting of teachers by MBHTE, however, it is important for the truth to come out and punish those who are found out to be doing the illegal acts. The post ‘Teacher item for sale’ allegations to be probed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»