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High Speed Hitters chalk up win No. 5
PLDT rode on Savannah Davison’s powerful effort as it repulsed Farm Fresh, 25-9, 25-13, 25-21, yesterday to join Creamline on top in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center Antipolo......»»
PLDT, Choco eye share of PVL lead
PLDT and Choco Mucho aim to regain a share of the lead when they face Farm Fresh and Akari, respectively, today in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City......»»
Bolts thwart FiberXers, gain quarters
Meralco shut off Converge’s electrifying rally from 29 to secure a quarterfinals-clinching 105-99 win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup yesterday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo......»»
Bolts turn back FiberXers to enter PBA quarterfinals
The Meralco Bolts clinched a quarterfinals spot in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup after quelling a furious comeback rally by the Converge FiberXers, 105-99, Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo......»»
Beermen thwart Tropang Giga
The San Miguel Beermen pulled all the right stops and halted the two-game winning streak of the TNT Tropang Giga, 98-93, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo......»»
NLEX battles back from 19 points, edges San Miguel in OT thriller
The NLEX Road Warriors stormed from 19 points down to stun the debuting San Miguel Beermen in overtime, 117-113, for their first win in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo......»»
Tiongson takes the wheel for Dyip in win vs Bossing
Juami Tiongson scored 25 points to help steer the Terrafirma Dyip past the Blackwater Bossing, 97-87, for their first win in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo......»»
Beermen return to action
San Miguel Beer surely won’t be wanting in hunger as it launches its bid in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup today against NLEX at the Ynares Center in Antipolo......»»
Hotshots dump Fuel Masters
The Magnolia Hotshots caught fire in the second half and drubbed the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 107-92, Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo to remain unblemished in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup......»»
Batang Pier repulse Elasto Painters
The NorthPort Batang Pier won their second straight game in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup after fending off the gritty Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 113-103, Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo......»»
Braimoh powers Bolts anew in win vs Bossing
Suleiman Braimoh had another monster game for Meralco, towing the Bolts to their second straight victory in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup at the expense of the Blackwater Bossing, 91-84, Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo......»»
TNT escapes Converge
A short-handed TNT Tropang Giga squad pulled out all the stops and survived the Converge FiberXers in overtime, 101-98, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo......»»
Creamline reserves take turn to deliver
Creamline, showcasing the strength of its second six, overpowered a hapless Gerflor side, 25-15, 25-12, 25-10, yesterday to seize the solo lead in the Premier Volleyball League All Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City......»»
LTFRB whistleblower cited for contempt
Whistleblower Jeffrey Tumbado, the erstwhile executive assistant of now-suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Teofilo Guadiz, whom he earlier accused of corruption, will be confined in the halls of Congress after he was cited in contempt. During Monday’s motu proprio of the House committee on transportation into alleged anomaly plaguing the agency, Sagip Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta moved to cite Tumbado in contempt after earning the ire of the panel for providing inconsistent responses to queries posed by lawmakers. “This is the hard part in this kind of hearing, Mr. Chair. You (Tumbado) know you’re not consistent with your answers. Now you just said that you were not threatened, but in the sworn statement that you gave to the NBI, you said, ‘I am worried about my safety and that of my family,’” Marcoleta said. Contrary to his prior statement that he was “pressured” to recant his corruption allegations against his previous boss, Guadiz, Tumbado now asserts that he was not apprehensive about withdrawing his previous claims. Tumbado admitted that he did not have enough evidence to substantiate his corruption claims against Guadiz, conceding that it was solely based on his “opinion.” Nevertheless, he remained resolute in asserting that systemic corruption permeates the entire agency. “The corruption is there because I myself am approached by operators who want to speed up the processing of their papers. I no longer have direct knowledge of the chairman’s corruption… There is indeed corruption in the LTFRB, not particularly chairman Guadiz,” he said, pledging that he would submit the list of complainants to the committee. The corrupt practices plaguing the LTFRB, according to Tumbado, involved the modification of routes, special permits, trafficking and substitutions. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. immediately suspended Guadiz, whom Tumbado said stood at the center of a “lagayan” or bribery system in the LTFRB after the issue made headlines. Manila Rep. Benny Abante, previously claimed the bribery scheme has been in operation since 2009. Before retracting his accusations, Tumbado also dragged Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and no less than the Office of the President into the alleged corruption in the LTFRB. Tumbado told lawmakers that he withdrew his claims against Guadiz due to his lack of firsthand evidence implicating the chairman in the purported corruption, contrary to his previous assertion that Guadiz regularly received as much as P5 million in exchange for the expeditious approval and release of special permits, franchises, and route modifications. “I don’t have direct evidence to prove that chairman Guadiz can be pinpointed in the allegations,” he told the panel. Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, chair of the panel, however, posits a firm conviction that Tumbado had a hand in his own accusations. “For all intention purposes, you are included here. You’re equally guilty if anyone is guilty in the LTFRB. You’re there, so you’re involved,” Acop stressed. Tumbado will be confined within the premises of Congress for a maximum of 10 days. The post LTFRB whistleblower cited for contempt appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More choices for food and shopping at SM Supermalls in the East
The SM Supermalls in the East are buzzing with excitement as they welcome new food and shopping stops in their malls. These fresh additions now cater to the diverse retail and dining needs of shoppers, whether they live in or visit the East. Dine and give in to cravings with family and friends at Kuya J Restaurant at the lower ground level; authentic Japanese cuisine at Botejyu at the upper level, and juicy roasted-chicken meals at Chooks at the second level of SM Center Angono. Much-needed beauty and relaxation breaks are right next to Angono residents’ doorsteps with Gintell Rest N’ Go massage and Lay Bare waxing salon at the mall’s second level. [caption id="attachment_193392" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Botejyu solves that craving for authentic Japanese cuisine located at the upper ground level of SM Center Angono[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193393" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Roasted chicken goodness from the newly-opened Chooks at SM Center Angono[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193395" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Hair-free, silky skin is always achieved at Lay Bare Waxing Salon at SM Center Angono[/caption] Shopping after a nice sweat out playing badminton is now possible as SM Cherry Antipolo opened the first-ever badminton courts in SM Supermalls. Located at the mall’s second level, the SM Cherry Badminton Courts are composed of seven (7) full-sized Badminton courts, a fully-equipped, well-lighted sports facility that ensures optimal playing experience among enthusiasts. Also, the iconic family restaurant Shakey’s opened at the ground level of SM Cherry Antipolo. Healthy desserts and refreshments are also up for grabs from Koomi and Buko ni Juan. Upcoming tenants at SM Cherry Antipolo include Alberto Shoes, Anta, Pickup Coffee, GIB Restaurant, Rollers Skates Hub, Nephromed, IActive, and Christ’s Commission Fellowship. [caption id="attachment_193396" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM Cherry Badminton Courts, the first-ever badminton facility in SM Supermalls, is now open at 2nd level of SM Cherry Antipolo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193397" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Family-favorite pizza place Shakey’s is now open at SM Cherry Antipolo[/caption] SM City Masinag recently opened two (2) tech tenants at its Cyberzone – Laycom and Techfinity, catering to the varied gadget needs (and wants) of shoppers. Miguelito’s Ice Cream and Czaczacza Café also opened with a cozy nook for diners to enjoy their delicious desserts. Bibliophiles can now enjoy thrift books at Biblio located on the 2nd level near Cinema. Dentacare, Metro Wanderer Travel Services, Denz Candee Floss, and Santino’s Supreme Slice Pizza are also set to open soon. [caption id="attachment_193398" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Biblio is a happy place for book lovers located on the 2nd level of SM City Masinag[/caption] Havaianas, Sunnies Studios, and Bluelite have recently set up shop at SM City San Mateo, providing an exciting shopping destination not only for San Mateo, Rizal residents but also for those in nearby communities. Additionally, KyuKyuRamen99 and Taste of Czaczacza are now welcoming customers to savor their delectable specialties. [caption id="attachment_193399" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ice cream, sundaes, and cold desserts are aplenty at Miguelitos Ice Cream in SM City Masinag[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193400" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Trendy and trusty Havaianas flip flops are now available at their store in SM City San Mateo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193401" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Czaczacza Café is now open at SM City Masinag, Lower Ground Level[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193402" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Polly by S8 Concept District at SM Cherry Antipolo brings together products from small businesses in one shop – from trinkets, dinnerware, clothes, stationery, and a lot more[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193403" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Affordable yet delicious ramen is now available at Kyukyu Ramen 99 at SM City San Mateo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193404" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Homey café plus delicious desserts at Czaczacza Café in SM City San Mateo[/caption] The post More choices for food and shopping at SM Supermalls in the East appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go honors educators as modern-day heroes on Teachers’ Day
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and adopted son of the CALABARZON region, personally attended the celebration of Teachers’ Day at the Ynares Sports Complex in Antipolo City, Rizal on Thursday, 5 October. “Alam n’yo ang dapat po nating pasalamatan ngayong araw na ito at bigyan po ng pagpupugay ay ang atin pong mga teachers. Alam n’yo bakit? Kayo po ang isa sa mga hero po ng pandemya. Noong panahon ng pandemya, panahon po iyon na nag-a-adjust po kayo sa distance learning hanggang pabalik sa face-to-face learning,” Go said as he emphasized the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation's future. “Napakalaki po ng challenges na pinagdaanan n’yo. Palakpakan po natin ang ating mga guro. Hindi po natin mararating ito kung hindi po dahil rin po sa inyong sakripisyo. Alam ko ‘yan. Sa tatlong taon po na nilabanan natin ‘yung pandemya, kami ni (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, nandiriyan po kayo,” he continued. The event was also attended by Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares, and Vice Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, among others. Mayor Ynares expressed his gratitude for Go’s continuous efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos. “Sa araw din po na ito, I will make a confession. There is one thing that my teachers taught me which I occasionally do not follow at ito po yun: no copying. Natutunan ko later in public service na kapag may test, magandang mangopya. When one faces difficult tests in life, we can copy. Today, ipapakilala ko po ang isang fellow public servant na hindi niya alam na, quote and quote, kinokopyahan ko. Kinokopya ko po siya for two reasons: first, he has gone through many difficult tests in life; second, he is the kind of person who stands by others, who go through difficult tests in life. Sa mga pinagdaanan niya sa pagsubok ng buhay, dalawang mahahalagang qualities ang lagi kong nakikita at sinisikap na makopya. Una po ay commitment, pangalawa, compassion,” Mayor Ynares said, pertaining to Go. Furthermore, Mayor Ynares commended Go for his steadfast dedication, which serves as an inspiration for public servants and a reminder of the positive impact one can make when motivated by a genuine commitment to the public good. “Hindi po madali ang pinagdaanan ng ating panauhin. Sa panahon na siya ang umaalalay sa isa sa mga naging pangulo ng ating bansa, mula pa nang maging punong-lungsod ang taong pinaglingkuran niya sa Davao (City), hanggang ito ay maging presidente ng ating bansang Pilipinas, humarap sila sa mga panganib, sa mga batikos, sa malalaking suliranin. Sa kabila po nito, laging andun ang ating panauhin… Andun siya para umalalay, para pangalagaan at para ayusin ang landas na dadaanan ng taong pinaglilingkuran niya,” Mayor Ynares further shared. “Nakita ko rin na ang kanyang commitment ay hindi lang sa presidenteng pinaglingkuran niya. He extended his commitment to our countrymen. As he did so, the quality of commitment became the quality of compassion. Tayo pong mga Antipoleño at Rizaleño, pati na ang kapwa nating Pilipino ay naging benepisyaryo ng malasakit na yon,” he added. During the event, Go provided gift packs to 5,902 educators and non-teaching staff. He also extended shirts, bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. “Sa ating mga guro, Happy Teachers month, Happy Teachers’ Day. Lubos po ang aking saludo sa ating mga guro sa araw na ito at sila po’y mga heroes rin po natin sa panahon ng pandemya,” said Go in an interview after the event. “Hindi biro maging isang guro. Dapat talaga mahaba ang iyong pasensya sa pagtuturo. At hindi po natin mararating ito, itong kinatatayuan natin ngayon. Ako mismo hindi po ako magiging senador kung hindi po dahil sa ating mga guro dahil diyan tayo nag-umpisa… Sila po ang nagturo sa atin ng mga tamang kaalaman at gabay kaya po tayo naririto na atin rin namang isini-share po sa ating mga kababayan sa ngayon,” he shared. In the Senate, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1964, also known as the "Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act," which seeks to establish a system for providing teaching allowances to public school teachers. The proposed measure was approved on the third and final reading last May. In 2019, Go also authored and co-sponsored RA 11466, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law 5, which gives civilian government employees, including public school teachers, another round of salary increases broken down in tranches. Go likewise expressed his support for the proposed Salary Standardization Law 6, saying, “As co-sponsor and author of Salary Standardization Law 5 during the 18th Congress, sana po ay magkaroon pa ng bagong Salary Standardization Law 6. I’m one with the government in seeking to provide another increase in salaries for those working in the public sector.” Earlier, the senator also filed SBN 1190, which proposes expanding the use of the Special Education Fund, if enacted into law, to cover the operation and maintenance of public schools, payment of salaries and benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel, and competency training for teaching personnel, among others. On the same day, Go provided assistance to indigents and inspected the San Isidro Super Health Center and the Antipolo City Hall of Justice which he supported in the past years. The post Bong Go honors educators as modern-day heroes on Teachers’ Day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teacher who slapped student probed
The Schools Division Office of Antipolo City on Tuesday said it is taking “appropriate actions” to address the alleged child abuse incident at an elementary school in Antipolo City. “We have forwarded the required intake sheet, incident report, and narrative report to the Office of the Regional Director, DepEd Region IV-A, for information and appropriate action,” DepEd Antipolo said in a statement. DepEd Antipolo added that the Office of the Regional Director had issued an order designating a fact-finding team. Last 20 September at about 9 a.m., 14-year-old Francis Jay Minggoy Gumikib, a Grade 5 student at the Peñafrancia Spring Valley Elementary School in Barangay Cupang, Antipolo City, was allegedly slapped by his teacher, Mirasol Sison. Gumikib reportedly developed a severe headache after the incident and was brought to the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City for treatment only on 26 September. He died at the hospital on Monday, 2 October. A complaint of homicide in relation to the Anti-Child Abuse Law would be filed against the teacher. An autopsy of the student’s remains was requested to determine the cause of death. “Currently, the school principal has assigned an alternate teacher to handle the classes of the teacher concerned who is on official leave,” it added. DepEd Antipolo has formed a team of selected registered guidance counselors, school health nutrition unit representatives, and youth formation development coordinators to help avert a repeat of the incident. The post Teacher who slapped student probed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
San Mateo fetes Go on 451st anniversary
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go had been honored with the Gawad Pagkilala Award at the San Mateo Municipal Stadium in recognition of his contributions to the community. “On this day, as we celebrate the 451st founding anniversary of San Mateo, Rizal, I am overjoyed to be a part of this historic occasion,” he said on Thursday. Go then emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in the community’s progress. “Bayanihan is not just a simple word; we live it and it is what strengthens our community and inspires us all to face challenges together,” he said. Go also commended the local government led by Mayor Bartolome Rivera for their service to the community. He also extended support to residents who may need medical assistance from the government. He told them that there are Malasakit Centers in the province that they can reach out to if they need support with their medical-related expenses. “Patients, please approach the Malasakit Center because it is for you. If you have a hospital bill, government agencies are there to help pay for it,” Go said. The Malasakit Centers program, a brainchild of Go, is designed to help ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partner agencies. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, there are 159 operational centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health. In Rizal, the Malasakit Centers are located at Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital, and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan. The post San Mateo fetes Go on 451st anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go honored with Gawad Pagkilala Award at San Mateo’s 451st Founding Anniversary
On the 451st Founding Anniversary of San Mateo, Rizal, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go was honored with the Gawad Pagkilala Award at the Municipal Stadium on September 21, in recognition of his significant contributions to the community. In his speech, Go extended his gratitude to the residents of San Mateo for their warm welcome, saying, “Sa araw na ito, sa pagdiriwang ng ika-451 na anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng San Mateo, Rizal, ako po ay lubos na nagagalak na maging bahagi ng makasaysayang okasyon na ito.” "Nais kong magpasalamat sa inyong lahat, sa mga kababayan ko dito sa San Mateo, sa mainit na pagtanggap at pagsalubong sa amin sa inyong bayan. Salamat rin sa parangal na iginawad ninyo sa akin. With or without award ay patuloy lang akong magseserbisyo sa aking mga kapwa Pilipino sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he added. Go then emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in the progress of the community. "Ang bayanihan ay hindi lamang simpleng kataga, ito ay isinasabuhay natin at ito ang nagpapalakas sa ating komunidad, at nagbibigay inspirasyon sa ating lahat upang magkasama tayo sa pagharap ng mga pagsubok at hamon," he stated. Go also lauded the local government led by Mayor Bartolome Rivera for their service to the community, saying, "Nais kong bigyan ng papuri ang aking mga kapwa lingkod-bayan, sa inyong walang sawang serbisyong ibinibigay sa inyong bayan.” Go extended further support to residents who may need medical assistance from the government. Go mentioned that there are Malasakit Centers in the province that they can reach out to if they need support with their medical-related expenses. “Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to help ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partner agencies. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, there are 159 operational centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health. In Rizal, the Malasakit Centers are located at Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital, and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan. On the same day, Go also personally attended the Super Health Center groundbreaking ceremony in the town. The event was also attended by local officials, including Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, Mayor Rivera, Vice Mayor Jaime Romel Roxas, and Municipal Health Officer Dr. Nyl Jarem Amorsolo, among others. Super Health Centers shall provide convenient access for basic healthcare delivery, offering a wide range of medical services to communities. These Super Health Centers provide services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, diagnostic services (including laboratory, X-ray, and ultrasound), pharmacies, and ambulatory surgical units. Additional services include eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, as well as telemedicine for remote diagnosis and treatment. Aside from San Mateo, more Super Health Centers are funded across Rizal, including two in Antipolo City and one of each in Binangonan, Jala-Jala, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Taytay, Tanay, Angono, Cainta, and Cardona. Moreover, the senator also shared that he is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the recently passed Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. Meanwhile, as an adopted son of CALABARZON, Go assured the residents of his continued support. "Ako naman po bilang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go at bilang adopted son ng CALABARZON, asahan niyo patuloy akong tutulong sa inyong pag-asenso sa abot ng aking makakaya," he said. "Sa pagbibigay ng oportunidad sa ating mga mamamayan, patuloy nating pinatutunayan na ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ay isang epektibong daan patungo sa ating pagbangon muli mula sa mga pagsubok na ating hinaharap,” he added. Go concluded his speech with a call for continued unity and compassion for others, saying "Nawa'y magtuloy-tuloy ang inyong pag-unlad. Nawa'y patuloy tayong magkaisa, magtulungan, at magbayanihan upang maging inspirasyon sa iba't ibang komunidad sa buong bansa.” The post Bong Go honored with Gawad Pagkilala Award at San Mateo’s 451st Founding Anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»