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Addressing poverty, hunger toward inclusive econ recovery
As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos prepares to deliver his second State of the Nation Address today, I remain hopeful that this can be an opportunity to highlight concrete steps towards a path of full and inclusive economic recovery. I am optimistic that this platform where all branches of government come together to listen to the priorities of the President can strengthen our unity and commitment to uphold the administration’s eight-point Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which includes food security, supply chain management, energy costs, healthcare and social protection, infrastructure development, green economy, market competition, and entrepreneurship. As I always say, “Dapat po ay walang maiwan na Pilipino lalo na po ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Dapat po walang magutom. Importante po ang laman ng tiyan at trabaho po para sa bawat Pilipino (No Filipino should be left behind, especially our poor countrymen. No one should go hungry. Food and work are important for every Filipino).” Amidst the recent lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring food security for all Filipinos must remain a top priority of the Marcos Administration. It is in this light that I fully support President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program”, which was recently launched in Tondo, Manila. As one of the priority programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the FSP seeks to reduce involuntary hunger incidents among low-income households. We also respect the decision of President Marcos, Jr. in lifting the State of Public Health Emergency in our country. We trust that it was arrived at after careful consideration of the present health issue and the need to finally open up the economy. With or without the State of Public Health Emergency, the government should fulfill its obligations to protect the lives of Filipinos, safeguard their health, and give what is due to them, especially to our medical frontliners. As a legislator, I have authored and supported bills that aim to address the most urgent issues faced by our fellow Filipinos today. I have also spearheaded the enactment of several legislations that aim to bring healthcare services closer to those in need, especially at the grassroots. As we all know, health is wealth and must be prioritized to attain a productive citizenry. Among these is the Malasakit Centers Act which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate and was enacted into law in 2019. These centers bring various government agencies under one roof to provide convenient access for indigent patients needing medical assistance. So far, 158 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide and have helped more than seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health. I have recently successfully sponsored the Regional Specialty Centers bill, which I am also a co-author, now awaiting the signature of the President. The bill aims to make available specialized medical facilities in various regions nationwide, benefitting particularly poor and impoverished Filipinos. For example, under the bill, services provided by the Philippine Heart Center, currently located in Quezon City, will also be available in regional DOH hospitals. The enactment of the measure will also include services for a broad range of specialties, including lung care, orthopedics, neonatal care, renal care, cancer care, and mental health, among others, making it a multi-year comprehensive nationwide healthcare improvement plan. Aside from these, we have also continuously supported the establishment of Super Health Centers in strategic locations around the country as a way to provide better access to basic medical services, especially at the grassroots. Through the collective efforts of DOH and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Meanwhile, driven by my passion for public service, I continue to respond to the needs of our fellow citizens, particularly the poor, wherever they may be in the country in my capacity as a senator and public servant. On 18 July, we were in Bulacan to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the San Miguel Super Health Center. Alongside Congresswoman Lorna Silverio, Board Member Raul Marian, and Mayor Roderick Tiongson, we also provided aid to 1,000 impoverished individuals in the town. We then visited the town of Bustos to distribute assistance to 1,000 indigents, in collaboration with Mayor Iskul Juan’s office. I am delighted to announce that on 20 July, we held and witnessed the topping-off ceremony of the New Senate Building in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. This was presided over by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, fellow senators, and other officials. This will be the new home of the Senate once completed. My office continues to deliver aid this week to our fellow citizens facing various crises. We promptly responded to the needs of victims of separate fire incidents. In Brgy. Kasangyangan, Zamboanga City, we helped 419 victims; in Baganga, Davao Oriental, we assisted 299 victims; and in Maco and Laak, Davao de Oro, we aided three victims. We conducted a series of aid distributions in Batangas, bringing smiles to 300 residents of Batangas City in partnership with Board Members Lydia Lopez, Maria Louise Gamo Vale, and Jesus de Veyra; 100 in San Juan in partnership with BM Melvin Vidal; 100 in Lipa City in partnership with BM Aries Mendoza; and 100 in Rosario in partnership with BM Jonas Patrick Gozos. We did not neglect the people of Nueva Ecija, where I am considered an adopted son of the province, and managed to spread joy to 364 beneficiaries from Llanera in coordination with their municipal council, and 166 from the Science City of Muñoz, in collaboration with Mayor Baby Alvarez’s office. We also reached San Fernando City, Pampanga, where we were able to assist 16 indigents alongside Mayor Vilma Caluag. In Quezon City, together with Councilor Aiko Melendez, we were able to assist 163 displaced workers. We also supported 100 individuals in Biñan City, Laguna, in collaboration with Councilor Alvin Garcia. Millions of Filipinos require the support and protection of the government. As a legislator, I can only do so much. However, if each of us does our part, then we can be a powerful force that could help our fellow Filipinos break free from the cycle of poverty and hunger. The post Addressing poverty, hunger toward inclusive econ recovery appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Typhoon-hit health centers get much-needed upgrade
In fulfilling this mission, SM Foundation recently collaborated with UNIQLO Philippines to provide much-needed assistance to communities hit by typhoon “Paeng”, particularly health centers that provide basic health care services to low-income communities. SM Foundation Inc. executive director for Health Wellness Program Connie Angeles led the turnover of the renovated Canlalay Barangay Health Station and Rosario Rural Health Unit–Annex, the 192nd and 193rd SMFI Wellness Center and the 20th and 21st centers under the collaboration for social good with UNIQLO, respectively. Through this collaboration, the “Paeng”-affected health centers were able to address challenges that had long impeded their safety and functionality, from lack of appropriate medical equipment and facilities to worn-out structures. With the repair and rehabilitation, both health stations are now made more conducive to dispensing their services. Each center was fitted with new signage, medical equipment and tools, such as delivery beds, dressing carriage, vaccine refrigerator and breastfeeding areas. Aside from revitalizing the centers from floor to ceiling, SMFI also equipped them with glass doors to replace termite-infested doors and windows, new bathroom fixtures, television sets, filing and medicine cabinets, tables, chairs as well as inverter-type air-conditioning units and LED lights. “Thank you very much to SM Foundation and UNIQLO Philippines for the renovation of the health facility and new equipment to be used for patient care and services as these would be a great help for the communities that we serve,” said Dr. Noriel Emelo of Rosario Health Unit-Annex. Biñan City health officer Dr. Mirabelle Benjamin also shared: “In our community, we have a school that serves as an evacuation center. So, when a typhoon hits, it’s strategic that we have a reliable health center nearby. We are also thankful because we have partnered with SM, who helps us ensure the long-term functionality of our health centers.” Earlier this year, the partners provided Emergency GoKit+ to 43 flood-prone communities hit by Paeng in Zamboanga del Sur, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, Bulacan, Isabela and Cagayan, enabling them to provide immediate first-aid responses during disasters. Over 2,400 typhoon-affected families also received dinner sets through the collaboration. [caption id="attachment_155657" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SM FOUNDATIONAside from other preventive care, patients receive quality dental health care inside the renovated Rosario Rural Health Unit-Annex.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_155654" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Inside the newly refurbished Barangay Canlalay Health Station, Biñan, Laguna.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_155655" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Health workers attend to the needs of residents of Barangay Canlalay.[/caption] The post Typhoon-hit health centers get much-needed upgrade appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Power transmission strife probe sought
A lawmaker on Monday is seeking an investigation into the country’s series of power interruptions and electrical disturbances for the past weeks, insisting that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines should be held liable. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian — who is also the vice-chairperson of the committee on Energy — filed Resolution 607 calling for a Senate inquiry into the series of disturbances in the country’s power transmission system “in the hope of ensuring a reliable and continuous electricity supply.” “These successive transmission system disturbances caused inconvenience to communities and losses to businesses,” said Gatchalian. “The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines as the operator of the transmission system in the country should be held to account for the root cause of these disturbances.” The senator made the call after the NGCP placed the Luzon grid under red and yellow alerts after reporting the power plant outages due to the tripping of the Bolo-Masinloc 230kV Line 2 on 8 May. He also cited that it led to the tripping of 2 units of the Masinloc Coal Power Plant which, in turn, caused a power loss of 659 megawatts in the Luzon grid. “Such disturbances brought power interruptions in the franchise areas of various distribution facilities across Luzon island,” said the senator, adding that in the Meralco franchise, in particular, more than 300,000 customers in Paco and Sta. Mesa in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Batangas, Antipolo in Rizal, San Pedro and Biñan in Laguna, and San Rafael and Pulilan in Bulacan were affected by the tripping activity. To recall, Meralco on 9 May reported power supply cuts due to a temporary system imbalance caused by a sudden plant outage, saying that the power supply disruption was caused by an automatic load dropping of approximately 290 MW as a result of the tripping of the Duhat-Hermosa 290kV line. On 27 April, the NGCP reported a system disturbance in the Visayas, causing a loss of 322.3 MW and power interruptions that persisted until 30 April. More than 1.5 million households were affected by the power interruptions in the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros. The power outages last up to 12 hours. Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito is seeking to review the NGCP’s franchise and assessment of its performance after receiving reports that foreign shareholders have more control of the company. “Utilities that are concerned with national security should remain with the national government, controlled by the Philippines,” Ejercito said. As this developed, more senators on Monday expressed their openness to the call to review the Congressional franchise given to the NGCP due to the recent power outages in several parts of the country. Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said that her panel is open to the review of the congressional franchise of the NGCP “as it concerns a critical need of Filipinos.” “The recurring power outages being experienced by millions of households amid the scorching months should not be the norm,” Poe said. “We must also exercise vigilance when it comes to our power lines, to ensure that electricity running from Luzon to Mindanao remains under the control of Filipinos amid security concerns raised by senators.” Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed the same sentiment, saying there is nothing wrong with the Upper Chamber if it would review the franchise of the privately-owned corporation. “Even during the previous Congress, we have started, in a way, the review of at least some provisions in the franchise because the government is not only one that has an obligation in this contract but the corporation itself,” Hontiveros said. In other developments, the Energy Regulatory Commission is already doing its part by auditing the NGCP on the completion of the transmission projects as part of the ongoing rate reset process of the grid operator, ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta told Daily Tribune. Dimalanta’s remark came in response to Albay Rep. Joey Salceda’s call to ERC to use its powers under Republic Act 9511 or the NGCP franchise to mandate performance improvements in the transmission company following blackouts caused by delays and damage to the company’s transmission lines. “If you recall, NGCP’s allowable revenues are set on a 5-year cycle supposedly, but the last one happened back in 2010, which set NGCP’s allowed revenues and corresponding rates for 2011-2015,” Dimalanta said. She added that the power regulator is already “conducting the review and reset now for the past years (2016-2022) and in parallel the process to set their revenues based on forecasted expenses for 2023-2027.” Salceda tapped the ERC to conduct a performance audit on the NGCP after its supposed deadline for its major three major projects -- the Cebu-Negros-Panay connection and the Mindanao-Visayas interconnection -- that was due by August this year. With Edjen Oliquino The post Power transmission strife probe sought appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate seek probe into power transmission fails
Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking an investigation into the country’s series of power interruptions and electrical disturbances in the past weeks, insisting that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines should be held liable. Gatchalian, who is also the vice-chairperson of the committee on Energy, filed Resolution 607 on Monday, calling for a Senate inquiry into the series of disturbances in the country’s power transmission system “in the hope of ensuring a reliable and continuous electricity supply.” “These successive transmission system disturbances caused inconvenience to communities and losses to businesses,” he said. “The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines as the operator of the transmission system in the country should be held to account for the root cause of these disturbances,” Gatchalian maintained. The senator made the call after the NGCP placed the Luzon grid under red and yellow alerts after reporting power plant outages due to the tripping of the Bolo-Masinloc 230kV Line 2 on 8 May. Gatchalian cited that this incident also led to the tripping of two units of the Masinloc Coal Power Plant which, in turn, caused a power loss of 659 megawatts (MW) in the Luzon grid. “Such disturbance brought power interruptions in the franchise areas of various distribution facilities across Luzon island,” he said. In the Meralco franchise, in particular, more than 300,000 customers in Paco and Sta. Mesa in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Batangas, Antipolo in Rizal, San Pedro and Binan in Laguna, and San Rafael and Pulilan in Bulacan were affected by the tripping activity, according to Gatchalian. On 9 May, Meralco reported power supply cuts due to a temporary system imbalance caused by a sudden plant outage. Meralco said the power supply disruption was caused by an automatic load dropping of approximately 290 MW, as a result of the tripping of the Duhat-Hermosa 290kV line. On 27 April, the NGCP reported a system disturbance in the Visayas, causing a loss of 322.3 MW and power interruptions that persisted until 30 April. More than 1.5 million households were affected by the power interruptions in the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros. The power outages lasted up to 12 hours. Gatchalian stressed that the NGCP is mandated under Section 3 of Republic Act 9511, to operate and maintain the transmission system, grid and related facilities at all times in accordance with industry standards. Review NGCP performance, franchise Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito is seeking to review the NGCP’s franchise and assessment of its performance after receiving reports that foreign shareholders have more control of the company. “Utilities that are concerned with national security should remain with the national government, controlled by the Philippines,” he said in a press briefing on Monday. Ejercito eyes the reduction of foreign shares in NGCP operations. However, he admitted that it requires more budgetary expenditures. Still, “Even if only 40 percent is owned by the Chinese entity, it seems that they are controlling the entire operations,” he said. Forty percent of the NGCP is owned by a Chinese corporation, while the remaining 60 percent is owned by a group of Filipino businessmen led by tycoons Henry Sy Jr. and Robert Coyiuto Jr. Asked what the government should do to take back control of the energy transmission system, Ejercito said: “That I do not know yet, we have to find a solution. There is a way if we really want to take back control of it.” “We have to put national interest, patrimony and national security first so that we can have peace of mind as Filipinos,” he added. The NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the country's state-owned power grid. The post Senate seek probe into power transmission fails appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Power update: yellow alerts up ahead, red alert possible
The Department of Energy warned that the Luzon grid may be placed anew on red alert — an occurrence when supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand, prompting intermittent power — if a transmission line tripping incident happens again. At a press conference on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla said about 15 yellow alerts are also expected to occur for the rest of the year due to thin power supply. However, Lotilla noted that the power outlook may improve significantly once the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan Natural Gas Plant goes online this month to help augment the country’s power supply as demand increases. The Ilijan Plant, which is expected to go online by 26 May, has historically contributed up to 10 percent of Luzon’s net reliable capacity. Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra, meanwhile, pointed out that the government’s supply and demand scenario was computed considering the absence of the Ilijan plant. “We have potential yellow alerts for the entire month of May. Now the way that was computed was in the worst-case scenario. We assumed that Ilijan will be on an extended shutdown,” Guevarra said. “If that power plant comes in, the yellow alert occurrences will be slashed,” she added. A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s regulating and contingency requirement, which is at 668 megawatts each. A red alert status is issued when supplies are insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement. On Monday, hundreds of thousands of consumers in Luzon were affected by a power interruption after five power plants went on forced outages, while three other plants went on derated capacities. The incident stripped a total of 1,354 megawatts of capacity from the grid. The available capacity of 12,186 MW was not enough to cover the peak demand, which clocked in at 12,468 MW on that day. This afternoon, the Manila Electric Co. or Meralco, reported anew an automatic load dropping or ALD occurred due to the tripping of the Duhat-Hermosa 230kV line. Service was restored immediately by 3:57 p.m. “This affected more than 200,000 Meralco customers in portions of Paco and Sta. Mesa in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Batangas, Antipolo in Rizal, San Pedro and Biñan in Laguna, and San Rafael and Pulilan in Bulacan,” Meralco said. The post Power update: yellow alerts up ahead, red alert possible appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Property prices slow in Q4
The growth in property prices has been sustained for 10 straight quarters, albeit at a slower pace in the fourth quarter last year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas......»»
Canino claims women’s chess crown
Ruelle Canino, the 16-year-old chess wonder, shook the current order and slew some of the country’s giants of the game in conquering the National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan over the weekend......»»
Blow-By-Blow Okada: Bacosa posts 3rd straight KO victory
Tall and rangy lightweight Eman Bacosa posted a third-round stoppage over Jan Clyde Langahin during a special presentation of Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-By-Blow Sunday at the Okada Manila......»»
Korda triumphs in sudden death anew; Saso, Pagdanganan waver
Yuka Saso failed to sustain a third round 69 as she struggled with five bogeys against three birdies, while ICTSI stablemate Bianca Pagdanganan also faced difficulties, limping with a 78 to end up at tied 55th with 290......»»
Canino is Olympiad bound
It was sealed by an 83-move draw with Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia of a Sicilian in the 10th and penultimate round of the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship at the Malolos City Hall in Bulacan......»»
2 carjack suspects killed in Bulacan ‘shootout’
Two suspected carjackers were killed in an alleged shootout in Bulacan on Saturday night......»»
AEBC Corporate Cup: Deo tows CBM Engineering past Davies Paints
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The CBM Engineering cruised to its second straight win behind Ivan Deo’s 30-point game against Davies Paints, 88-77, in the Architects and Engineers Basketball Club (AEBC) 7th Corporate Cup 2024 on Friday evening, March 22, at the University of San Carlos (USC) main campus gymnasium. Deo erupted for 30 points, and.....»»
Lady Spikers repeat over Lady Tamaraws
The La Salle Lady Spikers won their fifth straight match in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament after sweeping their season series with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-19, 25-21, 25-18, Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City......»»
National women s chess tilt: Frayna stops Canino to stay in title contention
Janelle Mae Frayna restored some order in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship after she stopped wonder girl Ruelle Canino in the ninth round Friday to remain in the title race in Malolos, Bulacan......»»
UAAP men’s volleyball: Tamaraws win 3rd straight; Falcons sweep Red Warriors
Far Eastern University Tamaraws won their third straight game in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament after carving out a five-set victory over the La Salle Green Spikers, 16-25, 25-21, 34-32, 20-25, 15-8, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum......»»
Celtics beats Pistons 129-102 for 8th straight win
Celtics beats Pistons 129-102 for 8th straight win.....»»
Canino back on top
Prodigious Ruelle Canino, regarded as the future of Philippine women’s chess, sustained her fine form in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan.....»»
Insurance penetration rate slips further to 1.6 percent
The insurance industry saw its net income rise to P48 billion last year, but its contribution to the overall economy slipped further for the second straight year to only 1.6 percent......»»
March inflation may pick up amid high food prices
Inflation likely accelerated for the second straight month in March, mainly driven by high rice prices, prompting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep borrowing costs unchanged at its next policy review in April, analysts said......»»
Canino reclaims solo lead in national women s chess tiff
After seven rounds, the six-time Asian Age Group titlist has reclaimed the solo lead by scoring his sixth win over reigning national junior girls champion Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian......»»