New bills filed to amend Universal Health Care Act
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives have called for the deferment of the increase in premium payments to Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). A group of senators on Tuesday filed bills that seek to amend Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act to avert an […] The post New bills filed to amend Universal Health Care Act appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Supporting health care providers through Lawson Health Research Institute
Improving health outcomes for people at risk of substance-related harms and overdose March 25, 2024 | London, Ontario | Health Canada Canada is facing an unrelenting and tragic toxic illegal drug and overdose crisis. No community has been left untouched. The impacts are seen and felt among our friends, family and neighbours. That's why the Government of Canada is leveraging all the tools a.....»»
Asian Study Reveals Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals Found in Personal Care Products from the Philippines
In a press briefing in time for the observance of World Consumer Rights Month, BAN Toxics, a chemical and waste management NGO, discloses the findings of recent laboratory testing indicating the presence of parabens, triclosan, and triclocarban, classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in personal care products sold in the country. The result underscores potential health risks for.....»»
Senate to prioritize LEDAC bills, not Cha-cha
The Senate would rather prioritize bills listed in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council than rush the passage of the proposed measure to amend the 1987 Constitution – at least based on the chamber’s agenda and schedule for the last week of session.....»»
Bong Go assists Talitay displaced workers
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with Mayor Sidik Amiril, provided assistance to residents of the Municipality of Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, 23 October. Go’s outreach staff joined a distribution activity at the Talitay-covered court and provided snacks, masks, and vitamins to 268 indigents, particularly displaced workers. They also gave away shirts, balls for basketball and volleyball, a mobile phone, and shoes to select recipients. The beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after they have completed DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. "Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito na makabuo ng mas maginhawa at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino," he said. To ensure that those who reside in rural areas lacking job opportunities are taken care of, Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420, which seeks to offer temporary employment to eligible members of low-income rural households who are ready to perform unskilled physical labor for a period of time if enacted into law. Meanwhile, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, shared his continuing efforts to bring government health services closer to Filipinos. He encouraged the beneficiaries to make use of the Malasakit Centers if they are in need of assistance in settling their hospital bills. “Kung mayroon po kayong karamdaman, halimbawa masakit ang dibdib ninyo, at kailangan n’yo pong magpaospital at kailangan n’yo pong magpaopera sa Davao o sa Maynila sa Philippine Heart Center, magsabi lang po kayo. Tutulungan ho namin kayong magpaopera, pati pamasahe po ninyo tutulungan ho namin kayo,” Go said. Within Maguindanao del Norte, Malasakit Centers are housed in Sanitarium Hospital in Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. Residents of Maguindanao del Sur can access the Malasakit Center at Maguindanao Provincial Hospital in Shariff Aguak. “Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay ma-cover ang inyong billing. Kaya huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center dahil para po yan sa inyo, mga kababayan kong Pilipino. At ngayon po, meron na po tayong 159 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” he said. As a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients can access government medical assistance, the Malasakit Center was initiated by Go in 2018 and institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 in 2019, a legislation he principally sponsored and authored. The center is home to various agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), ensuring accessibility to medical assistance programs. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has also supported several projects in the province, including the construction of public markets in Buldon and Matanog; and the construction of a multipurpose building in Matanog. The post Bong Go assists Talitay displaced workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The Advantage of Adopting the Right Digital Tools for your Business
Amid the uncertainty in customer behaviors and trends from the crisis, this much is clear: updating the business for a digital-first world, led by purpose, is now a must for almost every company. To do so, they must determine where new business value exists in the new normal, what digital business models will capture it, and which tools and behaviors will support the adaptability and resilience that these models require. On this section, we talked to the creators behind the award-winning platform made for businesses like yours. The Digital Advantage Companies need an understanding of 3rd Platform technologies to capitalize on improved decision-making and to deliver enhanced, customized experiences to stakeholders. The rapid acceleration of 3rd Platform technology adoption means that corporates need to actively be looking for ways to improve their operational efficiency and customer service, otherwise, they will be in danger of falling too far behind digitally-native competitors to ever catch up. Efficiency Past recessions show that controlling costs by improving operational efficiency—a task for which digital solutions are perfectly suited for—is more effective in sustaining businesses through financial turbulence than traditional cost-cutting measures alone. The biggest efficiency play is automation. Streamlining operations and automating manual processes result in greater speed, less waste and more focus on revenue-generating activities. The economics of automation is simple: the same work is performed faster and with fewer mistakes, while human capital resources can be redeployed to higher-value tasks or to fill critical gaps. Convenience Company bank accounts are available in any device, the only things you need are internet connection and a few taps on the screen. This brings about an increase in customer satisfaction as they are able to constantly keep track of their account balances and manage the information on their personal profile (i.e. add new mailing address, e-mails, telephone numbers, etc.). In addition to this, there is no need to go to the bank to get checks as they can be instantly sent via email. 24/7 Reliability Online banking services are available 24/7 all year round, even on weekends. There is no need to line up and wait for the bank to open in order to conduct certain operations. This is a huge advantage that comes with digital solutions Security With all the recent news about data breaches, you might be wondering about the security of mobile and online banking. Security is top priority for banks when choosing whether or not to offer online banking. All banks use “Pentagon-grade” encryption technology and sophisticated firewalls. Mandatory security upgrades are required by bank regulators, so you can be confident that keeping your information secure is one of your bank’s utmost priorities. As digital transactions increase and productivity grow, companies must take proactive steps to protect their data privacy and security and adopt models that give them governance over their data. Today’s Platform Driven Solutions Self-service account management, bills payment and electronic fund transfers are considered the basic banking functions that each business should have. Account management allows viewing of account balances and transaction history without going to the bank. All these were made easy and accessible, by just logging into UnionBank’s The Portal app. Bills Payment, on the other hand, gives businesses access to a large list of billers. They can pay their water, electricity, telco, and other utilities online. BIR ePayment is also available, allowing users to pay taxes online. If the company is an accounting firm, they can also pay for their client’s taxes on The Portal app. Electronic fund transfers save companies time and reduce their risk exposure. Just upload the batch crediting file on the platform and it automatically disburses it to their recipients. Clients can also set up their recipients in UnionBank Business Banking so they receive email and SMS notifications every time they are credited. All these are made possible without stepping inside a branch. Batch Electronic Funds Transfer is also now made available for UnionBank Transfers and PESONet. This enables the streamlining of bulk account to account transfers to another UnionBank account or to other bank accounts. This has highlighted the ease and convenience of going digital to corporate clients versus processing transactions through the traditional way of banking over-the-counter or paying via cheques. Going beyond the basic functions of a normal digital banking tool, The Portal’s self-enrollment feature allows businesses to conveniently self-enroll their nominated accounts and users through the simple enrollment steps. Once completed, access to The Portal is granted and clients may enjoy the convenience of processing their funds transfer instructions online. In addition, there is an option to initiate the enrollment of the beneficiary accounts individually or in bulk. This can be essential for clients that need a payee maintenance feature to ensure that the initiated transactions are only credited to enrolled account. With the convenient, hassle-free and straight-through processing in The Portal, businesses can easily push fund transfers in the comfort of their own homes or offices. This pandemic serves as a widespread test case for the effectiveness of these digital solutions, many of which will be permanent fixtures and lead to long-term changes for many businesses. Organizations that embrace digital solutions have greater resiliency in the face of adversity and are way ahead of the competition, which will enable them to recover faster and pivot from playing defense to chasing growth. While many believe it is too idealistic to have a good workplace culture and excellent compensation, many jobseekers significantly consider these two factors when applying for a job, according to two studies. The 2021 Employee Experience Survey by Willis Towers Watson reported that 89 percent of respondents believe a positive employee experience is a crucial driver of engagement, while a 2023 survey from the online recruitment platform JobStreet found that 53 percent of Filipino job seekers would like to know the salary range offered while still in the recruitment process. Aside from great benefits and compensation, employees in the IT industry pointed out that a good work culture and environment, as well as training programs, are the top priorities of job seekers. Vanessa Liwanag, business development director at Yondu, acknowledged the company’s role in her growth, “Yondu has helped me develop my leadership, decision-making, and communication skills through its effective leadership training programs. The company also helped me grow personally because of its hybrid setup. This allows me to have a work-life balance. I can still care for my family and health while contributing to the organization.” Leather, who specializes in securing networks from vulnerabilities, noted that training programs are essential as trends continuously evolve. IT professionals need to keep up in order to be efficient. Steph, a software solutions engineer, echoed this, adding that since the industry is highly competitive and fast-paced, getting equipped with the right skills and knowledge is essential. Grace, a malware researcher, said that one advantage in the IT field is that since it’s a broad industry, there is always much to learn and room for improvement. Yondu, an IT solutions company wholly owned by Globe, offers all these benefits and compensation, a good working environment, and training programs to Yondudes, a nickname for its employees. Competitive pay and benefits are OK for Yondu as the company ensures this through regularly benchmarking market data and best practices. There are also tailor-fitted rewards programs according to talent segments. Yondu also ensures its employees remain competitive and well-equipped by industry standards through various training, reskilling, and upskilling programs to hone their skills in the constantly changing tech industry. Despite the fast-paced sector continuously evolving, Yondu still values work-life balance and provides programs to support Yondudes’ well-being further. “What sets Yondu apart from other organizations is its genuine focus on understanding and supporting its employees,” said Javen Babac, lead application support specialist at Yondu. “The company recognizes that employees perform their best when they feel valued and supported, and this philosophy sets Yondu apart by fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. The organization’s commitment to understanding its employees and providing the necessary resources demonstrates its dedication to employee well-being and sets a strong foundation for professional growth and job satisfaction.” The post The Advantage of Adopting the Right Digital Tools for your Business appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MORE Power Unveils Enhanced E-Billing Program with Exciting Raffle Promo
Iloilo City - In a move that underscores its commitment to customer convenience, MORE Power is elevating its E-Billing Program to new heights. On September 1st, the company officially introduced E-Billing via its Facebook Page, "MORE Power Iloilo”. Gone are the days of hassles associated with paper statements, as MORE Power proudly presents its E-Billing service under the banner of "Less Stress Na, Easy Access Pa." Accessing your electronic statement of account has never been simpler. MORE Power offers customers the choice of utilizing a QR Code or a dedicated link, both readily available on their Facebook Page and various materials including banners strategically placed in different barangays and at their Customer Services Office located in Hotel Del Rio. This initiative marks a significant milestone in MORE Power's ongoing commitment to streamlining its processes and delivering advanced services to its valued customers. With e-Billing, consumers can conveniently access their electricity bills anytime, anywhere, putting their statements at their fingertips. E-Billing offers an electronic rendition of monthly electricity Statements of Account, accessible via email or push messaging. MORE Power's E-Billing offers an array of benefits to its customers: • Convenience - Consumers can effortlessly retrieve their bills at any hour, no matter their location, enabling a hassle-free experience. • Accuracy - E-Billing is delivered directly to your designated email address, accessible through your registered online account, ensuring precision in every transaction. • Environmentally Responsible - By eliminating the need for paper bills, e-Billing contributes to environmental sustainability by conserving precious trees. • BIR Compliance - MORE Power's issuance of e-Billing is fully recognized and certified by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), guaranteeing compliance with government regulations. • Timely Delivery - Customers will receive their bills promptly on the cut-off date, providing ample time to prepare the necessary payment. During the E-Billing launch event, which was an integral part of the "MORE Power at Your Service" initiative, hosted by Miss Joy Fantilaga, Strategic Communication Officer, Miss Maricon Garrido, the Customer Care Manager, discussed a step-by-step walkthrough on how to register for E-Billing. Garrido succinctly explained the straightforward registration process, which entails scanning the QR Code or following the link and providing basic information including a 12-digit account number, email address, and contact number. Upon successful registration, customers receive email and text notifications confirming their enrollment, with electronic billing statements commencing the subsequent billing cycle. Miss Maricris Cabalhin, VP for Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Customer Care, enthusiastically disclosed that registered E-Billing users will have the exciting opportunity to participate in the monthly raffle draw. "All customers who successfully enroll in E-Billing automatically become eligible for our Monthly Raffle. Furthermore, customers who were previously registered for E-Billing and opted to discontinue receiving hard copies of their statements before the promo period are also included in the Raffle Draw," Cabalhin announced. In the Monthly Draws, each month from September to November, 50 fortunate winners will walk away with Php500 worth of E-Gifts, selected through electronic raffle. For the Preliminary Draws in December and January, the stakes are raised, with 50 winners receiving Php500 worth of E-Gifts and an additional 20 winners receiving Php1,000 worth of E-Gifts, all determined through electronic raffle. The Grand Draw, a highlight scheduled for February 2024 during MORE Power's 5th Anniversary celebration, marks the milestone of the franchise granted to MORE Power in February 2019. The Grand Draw promises a grand spectacle, with coveted prizes such as an E-Bike and an E-4wheel vehicle awaiting the fortunate winners. The post MORE Power Unveils Enhanced E-Billing Program with Exciting Raffle Promo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Super Health Center breaks ground in Lian; Bong Go lauds DOH, local gov’t
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, commended the Department of Health and the local government of Lian, Batangas for the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center on Thursday, 31 August. The groundbreaking was also supported by local officials, including Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Mayor Joseph Peji, and Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste. In a video message, Go said the groundbreaking marked a significant step towards bringing quality government medical services closer to Filipinos and strengthening the nation's healthcare system. “Ito po ay isang makabuluhang pagkakataon upang ipahayag ang aking lubos na pagpupugay sa inyong lokal na pamahalaan sa pag-usbong ng Super Health Center dito sa inyong bayan,” said Go. “Ito ay isang malaking hakbang para mapalapit ang gobyerno sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan ng serbisyong medikal. Sa pamamagitan ng Super Health Center, magiging accessible sa inyong komunidad ang primary care, free consultation at early detection ng sakit para maiwasang lumubha pa ito,” he continued. Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial roots in Batangas and Davao, also continues to support the construction of more Super Health Centers in the province. Under the 2022 national budget, Super Health Centers in the province were funded in San Pascual, Agoncillo, Calatagan, Lipa City, Malvar, and Taysan, aside from the one in Ibaan. In 2023, more centers were identified to be established in the towns of San Juan, Tingloy, Lian, and San Jose. In addition, two more Super Health Centers were funded in Lipa City. These centers will 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, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, enough funds have been allocated to build 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, which is the lead agency in implementing the program, identifies the strategic locations for the construction of these centers. Go also emphasized the importance of strengthening the nation's healthcare system, highlighting the lessons learned from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Napagtanto natin sa mga pagsubok na dala ng pandemyang COVID-19 ang kahalagahan ng malakas at handang healthcare system. Kailangan nating ituloy ang paglalagay ng pondo sa ating healthcare infrastructure upang masiguro na may access ang bawat Pilipino sa dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan." he asserted. The Super Health Center in Lian, Batangas, is just one of many initiatives spearheaded by Go to improve healthcare accessibility in the country as he also remains supportive of the continued operations of Malasakit Centers and the establishment of regional specialty centers nationwide. Go also offered to help those with medical concerns. The senator encouraged the public to visit Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery and Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City where there are Malasakit Centers ready to assist with their medical-related expenses. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. The Act aims to provide convenient assistance to indigent patients and help them with their hospital bills and other health-related expenses. To date, there are 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Go also proudly cited the enactment of RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. He played a pivotal role in principally sponsoring and authoring this legislation in the Senate, which was recently signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 24 August. The Regional Specialty Centers Act mandates the establishment of specialized healthcare centers within the existing DOH regional hospitals. On the same day, the Super Health Center in Calatagan was inaugurated. The post Super Health Center breaks ground in Lian; Bong Go lauds DOH, local gov’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Salt maker request: Redeem our dying industry, amend ‘Asin’Law
A gourmet salt manufacturer in Albuquerque, Bohol is asking for the country’s lawmakers to amend Republic Act 8172, otherwise known as the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide or ASIN Law, as the statute continues to kill their industry that has been operating in Albuquerque for more than a century now. In an interview, Nestor Manungas, proprietor of ASINAN ni Tan Inong, the maker of the unique Asin Tibuok, said RA 8172 has been hindering them to manufacture the condiment because the law mandates that salt produced in the country should contain iodine. “We cannot do that in our product because our way of producing Asin Tibuok is completely different from the normal way of making salt. We use direct heat, so minerals, like iodine, will definitely wear out or destroy the product,” he said. Signed into law by late-President Fidel V. Ramos in 1995, RA 8172 seeks to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders by mandating all salt producers and manufacturers to iodize their products. Ease of Doing Business Also, Manungas hit the Food and Drug Administration for being so sluggish in releasing approvals on their product, despite the presence of the Ease of Doing Business Law. “The US FDA is even better, we got it quickly. But here, we got them (FDA permit) more than two years ago. Although the Department of Trade and Industry helped us in the process, but it’s still too long. Other manufacturers have already given up on operating here because of bureaucratic hardships in acquiring business operation permits,” according to Manungas. Manungas’ Asin Tibuok, under the company Tan Inong Manufacturing Corporation, is currently making waves in terms of exports in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States, Europe, Australia, Japan and China. “This year we have a huge demand in Europe. Foreigners appreciate our salt as they find it totally different from Himalayan salt because it has a smoky flavor that they like in the taste of their food. But hopefully, we can sell on a large scale here in the country. I hope the business founded by our ancestors will not be dissolved,” he said. Stringent process Making Asin Tibuok, said to be on the brink of extinction, is not easy as it is very labor-intensive. Traditionally, Asin Tibuok making begins by soaking coconut husks for three months in saltwater coming from pools by the mangrove at the back of the manufacturing house of Manungas in Albuquerque. These husks will go through the burning process in a highly controlled manner. Subsequently, the ashes collected from the burnt are manually poured on large filters and more seawater will be poured through the ashes to make a very highly concentrated brine. After this, specially made clay pots are placed over a wood fire, and the concentrated brine is transferred continuously for eight hours into the boiling pots. Manungas and his assistants usually keep a close eye on evaporation so that the pots will not crack, resulting in a smoky sphere of salt that can weigh as much as one kilo. These pots of rocky salt are priced at P800. Business group support Since last year, the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. has been urging lawmakers to amend Republic Act 8172 to revive the country’s salt production industry. Its president, Danilo Fausto said the country continues to import 93 percent of its salt requirement, even though the Philippines has the second longest shoreline in the world. “We have 36,000 kilometers of shoreline. It’s really embarrassing that we are importing salt from Australia and China, and some also in Thailand and New Zealand,” Fausto said. Fausto added the country in 2021 imported 646,000 metric tons of salt, which is being used as fertilizer for coconut trees. On the other hand, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also pushing for amendments to the Asin Law to help local manufacturers in the country, aside from other monumental reforms that would help micro, small, and medium enterprises to recoup from the ill effects of the pandemic and economic headwinds. But during his second State of the Nation Address, the proposed amendment for the ASIN Law was not included on the priority bills President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. requested for lawmakers of the House of Representatives to focus on. The post Salt maker request: Redeem our dying industry, amend ‘Asin’Law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Shanghai billionaire
Author’s Note. This story is inspired by true events in Manila, Philippines in the early 1950s. Mawan is a rags-to-riches guy, like a few other famous Filipino Taipans. He stowed away on a cargo ship in Shanghai bound for Manila. Upon reaching Manila, he jumped ship in the dark of night and found his freedom from great poverty to less poverty. He slept in front of a bank on Plaza Cervantes until the police shooed him away. He was forced to sleep under a nearby footbridge along the bank of the Pasig River. For six months, he survived by trading in junk, old newspapers, and empty bottles (dyaryo-bote). He was a “no-English-no-read-no-write” kid. Maning, the bank manager, who often saw Mawan loitering outside the bank and was getting annoyed, asked him in Pilipino where he was from. Mawan answered in Cantonese. It was the beginning of an instant friendship as the manager was once a Shanghai boy himself. Mawan blurted out his story of adventure. Maning adopted Mawan as his own son and gave him a job as a janitor at the bank. He slept in the garage of the manager’s Chinatown home. To cut the story short, in 10 years, Mawan graduated from janitor to clerk to supervisor at the bank. He later resigned, and in another 10 years, graduated from junk shop owner to stockbroker. He became a billionaire at the age of 33. At that time, China bought most of the global supply of coal, which was fuel for cement plants, inducing a nationwide coal shortage. Cement stocks fell to their lowest point and that was when Mawan used all his savings to purchase stocks of the largest cement plant in the country. He ignored Maning’s warnings that it was a dangerous move. When the shortage was over and coal was once again available for cement production, Mawan’s stocks soared to the stratosphere and, at their peak, he unloaded at 55 times their purchase price. He, in fact, caused the stock to take a deep dive as many investors followed his move. He married the daughter of a Chinese billionaire and had a daughter, Melissa. Mawan spoiled her, but he knew that she would not be able to survive in a cruel world with a silver spoon in her mouth. So, he yanked her out of her comfort zone and immersed her in mud, sending her to live with the laborers he had contracted to build a huge mall in Cebu City. MELISSA: Papa, thank you for letting me help your workers. I’m so bored reading books, I’m going crazy. MAWAN: Can you manage to live in a small beach shack with no maid and no car? MELISSA: I am so happy helping the workers, I can take any kind of discomfort. But I got a worker’s daughter as my maid. I’m on top of the world, Papa. Melissa grew in the spirit in her whole new world. From her pocket money, she gave small loans to the beleaguered workers and paid their hospital bills when they got sick. MAWAN: Be careful, Melissa. The workers may not pay you back. MELISSA: I don’t have a problem. They know that if they don’t pay me back, they will lose their jobs. I hired a micro-lending consultant to teach them how to save money to pay off their loans. So far, I have zero bad debts from loans of half a million pesos, Papa. Mawan was so happy that his daughter had turned out so well after he had dipped her in the mud. Then, suddenly, he developed cancer of the prostate, stage 1. He had it cured immediately, but the doctor warned that he needed to rest to strengthen his immune system. MAWAN: Melissa, I want you to drop everything and take over. I need to rest. MELISSA: Go on a world tour, you and Mama. Take a slow tour of the Yangtze River for a month. Visit the ancient Buddhist temples outside Shanghai. I will take care of business. The hardship she experienced in Cebu strengthened Melissa’s spirit. She was ready to be the youngest CEO in Chinatown. MAWAN: (Upon returning home after two months in China.) Our immersion in China was the greatest gift you gave us, Melissa. It opened my eyes. We met so many people who made us happy. Now I know. The world is not just about building corporate empires but also spiritual empires. MELISSA: My world with the workers was your greatest gift to me. Your wisdom opened my heart. It was a great exchange gift. Somehow, happiness healed Mawan’s cancer. He adopted Melissa’s style, immersing himself in the workers as the key to his healing. eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post Shanghai billionaire appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davao co-op hits expansion bills
Northern Davao Electric Cooperative or NORDECO blasted the proposed House Bills 5077, 6740, 6995 and 7047, all seeking to expand the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company Inc. as a possible source of a “constitutional crisis.” In a press statement on Tuesday, NORDECO legal counsel Atty. Jeorge Rapista lamented that these four bills, if passed into law, might substantially amend the existing franchises of electricity distributors in Mindanao, including the one it is maintaining. “The constitution does not allow laws that impair contracts. With HBs 5077, 6740, 6995 and 7047, existing contracts of NORDECO will be substantially impaired. For example, power supply contracts will be servicing a much smaller franchise area,” Rapista explained. The bills were recently deliberated upon by lawmakers on the possible violation of the Constitution and Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. As such, instead of a franchise area amendment that may adversely affect the industry, some policymakers recently pointed out that what Mindanao needed is a measure to help improve the services of the island’s power distributors. Congressmen APEC Partylist Rep. Sergio Dagooc and PHILRECA Partylist Rep. Presley de Jesus, at a recent hearing, proposed that the House should work on creating measures that will protect the existing contracts of electric cooperatives. Project areas reviewed Likewise, they agreed that policymakers should adopt a bill instituting proper administrative processes to review franchise areas. It can be recalled that in July 2022, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., vetoed the bill proposing to expand the franchise of the Davao Light “due to, among others, its susceptibility to infringe on the franchise coverage area of the NORDECO.” NORDECO currently serves most of the municipalities and cities that were proposed to be transferred to Davao Light. Meanwhile, Davao Light’s franchise area covers Davao City, areas of Panabo City, and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali and Santo Tomas in Davao del Norte. MBr The post Davao co-op hits expansion bills appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davao power coop hits pending franchise change
Northern Davao Electric Cooperative or NORDECO has warned that proposed House Bill Nos. 5077, 6740, 6995, and 7047 — all seeking to expand the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. — might trigger a “constitutional crisis” that may be detrimental to end-users. NORDECO legal counsel Atty. Jeorge Rapista lamented that these four bills, if passed into law, might substantially amend the existing franchise rules in Mindanao, including the one it is maintaining. “The Constitution does not allow laws that impair contracts. With HBs 5077, 6740, 6995, and 7047, existing contracts of NORDECO will be substantially impaired. For example, power supply contracts will be servicing a much smaller franchise area,” Rapista said in a press statement on Tuesday. The bills were recently deliberated upon by lawmakers for their alleged violations of the Constitution and the Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. As such, instead of a franchise area amendment that may adversely affect the industry landscape, some policymakers recently pointed out that what Mindanao needs is a measure to help improve the services of the island’s power distributors. APEC Partylist Rep. Sergio Dagooc and PHILRECA Partylist Rep. Presley De Jesus, at a recent hearing, proposed that the House should work on creating measures that will protect the existing contracts of electric cooperatives. Likewise, they agreed that policymakers should adopt a bill instituting proper administrative processes to review said franchise areas. In July 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., vetoed the bill proposing to expand the franchise of the Davao Light “due to, among others, its susceptibility to infringe on the franchise coverage area of the NORDECO.” NORDECO currently serves most of the municipalities and cities that were proposed to be transferred to Davao Light. Meanwhile, Davao Light’s franchise area covers Davao City, areas of Panabo City, and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali and Santo Tomas in Davao del Norte. The post Davao power coop hits pending franchise change appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Singapore honors Pinoy digital whiz
A Filipino has been considered a shining star in the digital technology space, primarily in the field of financial inclusion. Australia-based Filipino entrepreneur and founder and CEO of SAM Digital Technologies Rommel Santos received an Honorary Doctorate in Business Innovation in Advance Financial and Digital Technology from the Universal Institute of Professional Management, or UIPM. The recognition comes considering Santos’ exceptional contributions to the field of business and his expertise in driving innovation in the ever-evolving financial and digital technology landscape. “This honorary doctorate is a recognition by the international community of the Filipinos’ contribution to providing financial freedom to the unserved and the underserved sectors by leveraging technology to provide better economic opportunities,” Santos said. List of good projects Some of the current projects of SAM Digital are the Green Atom, a Department of Energy-accredited renewable energy developer company; Haebara, which is involved in chicken breeding; Remjon Petroleum, an independent oil company engaged in trading and the supply of high-quality petroleum products and lubricants; and SAM Pay, an online platform to pay all your bills. It also invests in hotels, poultry, food processing, dental care, organic fertilizer production, shrimp farming, etc. With a career spanning over two decades, Santos is revolutionizing the investment world by introducing a new dimension that combines digital and conventional business strategies. SAM Digital provides innovative solutions in various sectors with a dynamic and hybrid approach. Their priority projects include financial technology and waste to energy, and he has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of emerging trends and technologies, making him a frontrunner in the field. His visionary leadership and strategic thinking have propelled numerous organizations toward success, significantly impacting the business world. The post Singapore honors Pinoy digital whiz appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go commends Phl Para teams
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed Senate Resolution no. 713, commending and congratulating members of the Philippine Para Teams for their exceptional performance in the 2023 Southeast Asian Para Games held in Cambodia from June 3 to 9. The resolution recognizes the athletes’ dedication and talents, which led to the outstanding achievement of securing the 5th overall championship in the prestigious regional multi-sport event, which brought together para-athletes from across Southeast Asia. “Through your remarkable achievements, you have not only shown your remarkable abilities as athletes but have also inspired countless individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams and break barriers. Your participation in this prestigious regional event exemplifies the true spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unity,” said Go. The resolution highlighted the remarkable achievements of the Philippine Para Teams, who displayed grit and determination throughout the competition. The country has successfully obtained 117 medals, with an impressive tally of 34 gold medals; 33 silver medals; and 50 bronze medals. This remarkable feat has brought the country to the 5th overall champion ranking. “As a nation, we are grateful for the countless hours of training and sacrifices you have made to represent the Philippines in the international arena. Your achievements serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for others, proving that with perseverance and hard work, anything is possible,” he said. The resolution encouraged the Philippine government to continue its commitment to para-sports development as well as increase funding and support for para-athletes to further hone their skills and represent the nation in future international competitions. Meanwhile, Go continues to strengthen the sports sector in the country through proposed legislation. His initiatives aim to establish the Philippine National Games and expand benefits for para athletes, with the vision of transforming the nation's sporting landscape and providing a solid foundation for athletes to excel in national and international platforms. The proposed Senate Bill No. 423, known as the Philippine National Games Act, seeks to create a platform for athletes, especially young individuals, to showcase their skills and compete at the national level. The goal is to promote inclusivity, encourage grassroots participation, and discover and nurture exceptional talents in various sports disciplines. Through this nationwide multi-sport event, the Philippines aims to cement its status as a "Sports Powerhouse in Asia" and engage the youth in sports to steer them away from drugs. Go has filed SBN 2116 in a bid to amend Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10699 or the "National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act." The proposed legislation aims to enhance benefits for para athletes, recognizing the challenges they face and aiming to make sports development more inclusive and supportive. If approved, the bill will provide equal opportunities and recognition to para athletes, ensuring they receive incentives comparable to other national athletes competing in international competitions. Go emphasized that government support is crucial, especially for athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds, as it helps ease the financial burden of training, equipment, and participation in competitions. His proposed measures aim to create a sustainable and supportive environment for athletes, empowering them to focus on their athletic pursuits and achieve their full potential. “I urge my fellow lawmakers for their support. These proposed bills bolsters our sporting landscape in the country by fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and support for athletes at all levels,” Go stressed. “By providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and by offering comprehensive support, we can nurture a new generation of world-class athletes and para athletes who can bring honor and pride to the nation,” he said. The post Bong Go commends Phl Para teams appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MORE Power forges deal to promote green energy in Iloilo
MORE Electric and Power Corp., Iloilo City’s exclusive electricity provider owned by the group of businessman Enrique K. Razon Jr., teamed up with government partners to boost renewable energy promotions within its franchise area. The power firm announced on Friday that it signed a tripartite agreement with the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Iloilo City Government — a move that will allow the establishment of a one-stop. The one-stop shop will offer renewable energy technologies such as Net Metering and Distributed Energy Resources or DER to give consumers the option to cut their power bills. “One of the obligations under the agreement is to have a one-stop shop where applicants and interested parties can come. Our collaboration with the city government has been active for the past three years, and we warmly welcome the involvement of ERC. Being the first in the Visayas to enter into this agreement showcases our strong support for the government,” MORE Power president and CEO Roel Z. Castro said. Under the collaboration, the ERC will provide the technical and regulatory expertise to streamline the documentary submission, installation, payment, and permitting processes of the Net-Metering and DER. It will support an information drive to increase awareness of renewable energy among the electricity consumers in Iloilo. ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta pointed out that Iloilo is the second pilot local government unit with the ERC for Net-Metering and greater renewable energy programs. “With this partnership, we aim to promote green practices, aligning with the national government’s targets. In Iloilo, our efforts include solar panels at the national high school, city hall, dialysis centers, and eye care facilities,” Dimalanta said. According to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, the partnership will help facilitate collaboration opportunities to encourage the use of renewable energy locally. He noted that Net Metering and DER can also benefit the local economy by helping households and small businesses lower energy consumption. As of June, the ERC has issued Certificates of Compliance to 72 qualified end-used NET Metering programs in Iloilo with a total capacity of 985.37 kilowatt-peak. The post MORE Power forges deal to promote green energy in Iloilo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tobacco on list of agri products in proposed economic sabotage law, says Villar
Senator Cynthia Villar assured that tobacco is included in the list of agricultural products covered by her proposed Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2023. She said the proposed measure would amend the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act to include hoarding, profiteering, and a cartel of agricultural products as "economic sabotage." “Tobacco will be included in the agricultural products covered by this law,” Villar, who is chairperson of the Senate Agriculture and Food Committee, made the assurance during the International Tobacco Agricultural Summit held at Shangri-La Hotel in Taguig City on Thursday, where she was the guest speaker. Citing a report from the National Tobacco Administration, Villar noted that the tobacco industry contributes to employment and revenue generation in the country, supporting around 2.2 million Filipinos directly or indirectly. The lawmaker added that tobacco has contributed nearly P16 billion to the country's gross domestic product in 2021. The Oxford Business Group's Economic Impact Report showed that tobacco cultivation was present in 23 provinces across 12 regions in the Philippines, with the Ilocos Region being the top producer at 69 percent, followed by Cagayan Valley at 23 percent, and Northern Mindanao ranking third, as of April 2022. Villar underscored the industry's significance to rural economies is highlighted by a 47.8 percent increase in the area planted for tobacco between 2019 and 2022. Since 2013, she said the implementation of sin taxes for tobacco and alcohol, resulted in additional funds for the national health budget, including Universal Health Care. The sin tax revenue, primarily from tobacco collections (mainly cigarettes), accounted for 58 percent of all sin tax collections and comprised 54 percent of the health budget in 2020. "Tobacco-producing provinces receive shares from tax collected to be used in funding livelihood programs, infrastructure projects, and promote economically viable alternative agricultural products for the farmers," she said. However, Villar noted that tobacco—like any other agricultural product— is not spared from criminal activities like smuggling and tax evasion. Such crimes, she said, undermine the livelihood of farmers by "saturating the market with cheap, adulterated, and untaxed products.” The Bureau of Customs earlier reported an estimated P3 billion loss in excise taxes from illicit cigarette operations between 2019 and 2022. As reported by Euromonitor, the incidence of illicit cigarette trade is projected to increase from 12.2 percent in 2020 to 18.5 percent in 2023. “This illicit competition leads to reduced prices and demand for locally grown tobacco, resulting in income loss among our farmers,” she lamented. Villar recalled the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act was passed in 2016, unfortunately, not a single smuggler has been imprisoned since then. Thus, seeking to amend the law will further strengthen policies and punishments against smuggling acts. The post Tobacco on list of agri products in proposed economic sabotage law, says Villar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 PBBM priority bills pressed for House okay
Two bills President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. listed in his wish list in Congress have been lobbied in the House of Representatives a day after the Chief Executive named it in his second State of the Nation Address. The proposed Tatak-Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) law and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, among Mr. Marcos’ 17 priority legislation that he asked Congress to enact, were embodied in House Bills 8601 and 8600, respectively, filed on 25 July by Quezon Rep. Keith Micah Tan. Marcos, during his second SoNA on Monday, bared before Congress his 17 priority bills in his second year in office, seeking its legislative power for its enactment. Seven of the total measures have already hurdled the lower chamber, with the remaining ten expected to be passed in October and December, confirmed by Speaker Martin Romualdez. Tan’s HB 8601 calls for the creation, funding, and implementation of the Tatak Pinoy Strategy by the Tatak Pinoy Council composed of the National Economic and Development Authority’s director general and Departments of Trade and Industry and Finance’s secretary. “The goal is to make the country competent in producing and offering complex or sophisticated products and services in order to empower the economic sector to branch out into other forms of complex production and economic activity towards jumpstarting national development that is anchored in the ingenuity of the Filipinos,” the lawmaker said in filing the bill. The proposal aims to make Filipino-made products, goods, and services competitive in the global market. Meanwhile, HB 8600, among other similar bills filed in the House, intends to amend Republic Act 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016. Among the provisions is the imposition of harsher penalties s on anyone found to have smuggled agricultural goods into the country, considering that no one has been prosecuted under existing laws despite the widespread smuggling of rice, sugar, onions, carrots, garlic, fish, and pork, Tan said. Last year, the government seized P1.2-billion of smuggled agricultural products. Also last year, the country experienced an agricultural shortage, primarily in onions, which soared as high as P500 to P700 per kilo during the last quarter of 2022. Earlier this week, Speaker Martin Romualdez has vowed that the House will approve four bills, including the Tatak Pinoy and Anti-Agricultural Smuggling before Congress goes into its first recess in October in the 10 priority measures that the chamber has yet to pass. The post 2 PBBM priority bills pressed for House okay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Largesse
It is a French word for extreme generosity. Generosity is a Christian virtue of being liberal in giving. It is a virtue from within a person that leads him to GIVE to another person SOMETHING HE HAS OR OWNS as an act of free will, without obligation, duress, or imposition from without. But Senate Bill 2002 raising wages across the board in all regions for all workers is perceived by a great number of citizens as a contrived largesse or false generosity by legislators who will be GIVING SOMETHING NOT THEIR OWN. This prevailing sentiment may be unfair but difficult to deny due to the author’s dogmatic defense of SB 2002. Employers tirelessly tried to reach out to the author and his partisans to warn them that this kind of “gift” will trigger widespread business closures and disincentivize new investments resulting in massive job losses and economic decline. Such a legislated wage adjustment undermines established processes and standards in determining the equitable determination of wage levels for each region, a tripartism function of the regional wage boards as created by law. Another persistent perception is that these legislators are misinformed, misguided, or simply don’t care a fig. Repeatedly, the employers who directly contribute to the attainment of that elusive dream of growth and total development have been trying with might and main — and a whole lot of good intentions — to convince legislators of the need to look at the bigger picture, the greater common good, and not to miss the forest for a few trees. Probably, the Comelec’s strict rule on election overspending and the difficulty of raising political contributions may have driven the reelection or promotion-seeking legislators to resort to electoral clientelism and patronage politics by filing populist bills that cost them nothing with the hope that the voters will be impressed and remember to shade their names on the ballots during election day. Unfortunately, there is unintended damage to millions of workers, namely, workers in the informal sector, fisherfolk, farmers, street vendors, market vendors, public transport drivers, and countless nameless part-time workers, who never benefit from any mandated wage increase. They will fall victim to the ensuing inflation caused by the wage adjustment. Interestingly, they far exceed the number of beneficiaries of the legislated minimum wage by a ratio of 10 to 1. All of these victims are franchised voters. The ruinous impact of this wage bill will make economic recovery a hopelessly futile exercise. The sad part is that despite the frantic effort of economic managers and businesses to compete globally after the pandemic, a legislated wage hike across the board nationwide is like hanging a dead albatross around our necks. And sadder still is the fact that even if we hope to survive the folly of this self-destructive wage adjustment, it will merely bring the country back to the bottom rank of the world economy as all of our global competitors are unhampered by a similar investment-killing legislative audacity. The ruinous impact of this wage bill will make economic recovery a hopelessly futile exercise. Maybe our honorable lawmakers could be persuaded to recognize the crippling impact of this wage bill that will irreparably harm the present and future generations of employed and new entrants to the labor market. Hopefully, employers, labor and legislators could agree to see the bigger picture, gloss over each one’s selfish and vested self-interest, and champion the common good that serves the best interests of all in the long run, especially for the country’s financial health and economic development. The voluntary withdrawal of SB 2002 by its author will be a real largesse and a most generous gift to the nation and all its workers, and we can move forward towards inclusive economic prosperity where everyone will be lifted out of poverty. The post Largesse appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos seeks Congress support on 12 key bills
In his second State of the Nation Address delivered at the House of Representatives on Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sought Congress' support to pass 12 pieces of legislation that would influence the economy, agriculture, fisheries, local government as well as transparency in government. He asked for support from the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass and amend the excise tax on single-use plastics, VAT on digital services, rationalization of mining fiscal regime, motor vehicle user’s charge/road user’s tax, and military and uniformed personnel pension that all fall under the country’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework. Congress, Marcos said, should also amend the Fisheries Code (RA 8550), the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act (10845) and the Cooperative Code (RA 9520) to combat the woes that hound the agriculture sector and direct affects the Filipino consumers. “Our Fisheries Code must be revised to incorporate and strengthen science-based analysis and determination of fishing areas. This approach will protect both the interests of our fisherfolk and our fisheries and aquatic resources,” Marcos said. “To this end, we will seek the support of Congress to amend the Code to guarantee the sustainable development of our fisheries sector in harmony with environmental balance,” he added. The Chief Executive also vowed to intensify efforts to prevent agricultural smuggling and hoarding, which he said continue to hurt Filipinos’ pockets. During the last quarter of 2022, prices of agricultural products, particularly onion, soared to as high as P500 to P700 per kilo. This prompted the House to to start a probe in January and to expedite the passage of a bill that would amend the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act. Meanwhile, the legislature must also enact a New Government Procurement Law and New Government Auditing Code, “ to make government procurement and auditing more attuned to these changing times,” Marcos said. “We will give effect to the mandate of the Constitution and the Local Government Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court, very soon. Almost all the required Devolution Transition Plans of the LGUs are done. To fully prepare them for optimal devolution, the necessary technical and financial assistance is being extended to our local governments,” he added. The other priority bills he laid out during his speech were on anti-financial accounts scamming, the Tatak-Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) law, The Blue Economy law, ease of paying taxes, LGU income classification and The Philippine Immigration Act. The post Marcos seeks Congress support on 12 key bills appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
Phl cinema in the first year of BBM
Here, we look back at the state of the Philippine film industry since he took the seat of power 13 months ago. When President Marcos Jr. became the 17th leader of the nation, the country was on the brink of the “new normal.” The campaign elections even saw multitudes of crowds in the streets, the Filipinos’ political passion overpowering the fear of a Covid-19 infection. Covid-pandemic viewing By May 2022, the month of the presidential campaigns, the Department of Health said the country was at “minimal-risk case classification” with an average of only 159 cases per day. By June 2022, when the President took his oath, 69.4 million Filipinos had been fully vaccinated. Along with the country, the Philippine film industry started healing. On the same month, the country went under Covid-19 Alert Level 2, with 50-percent allowed capacity in indoor cinemas. Live film festivals The Marcos administration saw the return of Filipino film festivals in theaters. On Marcos’ fifth month as president, the QCinema International Film Festival, with the theme “in10City,” held hybdrid screenings — in-person and online. The Metro Manila Film Festival in December 2022, six months into the new presidency, went full force in cinemas for the second time during the pandemic. Earlier, in 2020, during the Duterte administration, the festival was held online for the first time, and the following year, in December 2021, after level alert measures in the Philippines were relaxed, the MMFF finally went back to the cinemas. However, only around 300 cinemas (down from the usual 900) were allowed to screen the MMFF entries. Meanwhile, the 18th edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival was held from 5 August to 31 October 2022 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in select mall cinemas and online. But what made a mark during the Marcos administration’s first year was the inaugural edition of the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival. The SMMFF was held in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines. Organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in partnership with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines, the first MMFF was supposed to be held in 2020, but was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, held from 8 to 18 April 2023 with the theme “Tuloy-tuloy ang Saya,” the summer festival featured eight entries and, like its December counterpart, even held a Parade of Stars. About Us But Not About Us by Jun Lana, produced by The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films and Quantum Films, emerged as the first Best Picture of the summer festival. [caption id="attachment_161372" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] About Us But Not About Us by Jun Lana[/caption] The Film Development Council of the Philippines’ sixth edition of its own mini-film festival, held during the Marcos administration’s third month, headed back to cinemas, offering free access to award-winning classic films of the new National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts at TriNoma Cinema in Quezon City and in all Cinematheque centers nationwide (Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Davao and Nabunturan). CCP closes for renovations On 1 September 2022, CCP president Margarita Moran-Floirendo announced during a hearing of the Senate committee on cultural communities, that The Cultural Center of the Philippines — home to the Cinemalaya festival — will close its doors starting January 2023 for renovation and structural retrofitting works, and will reopen in March 2025. This marks the first time that Cinemalaya, on its 19th year, which has the theme “ilumiNasyon,” will be held at various venues inside the adjacent Philippine International Convention Center, from 4 to 13 August 2023. The rise of political films With the country deeply driven by polarized political views, the Marcos administration saw a war between political commercial films. [caption id="attachment_161370" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] ‘MAID in Malacanang’ stars Cristine Reyes, Diego Loyzaga and Ella Cruz. | Photograph courtesy of viva[/caption] On 29 July 2022, Darryl Yap’s period drama Maid in Malacañang, touted as “the most controversial film of the year,” was released to packed cinemas. The movie, about the Marcos family’s last three days in Malacañang Palace before they were forced into exile, premiered at SM North EDSA and was released nationwide on 3 August 2022. Yap, who passionately campaigned for Marcos, became a controversial filmmaker with the release of his Marcos film. Leni Robredo supporters tried to boycott the film, with some Filipino movie critics exposing themselves as heavily political and non-neutral with their reviews, accusing the film of propaganda and historical revisionism. The attempt to quash the movie’s release failed and it became a box-office hit, with producer Viva Films releasing a statement that it earned a whopping P21 million on its opening day and P63 million three days after its release. It was the first time in Philippine cinema history that local theaters nationwide saw a deluge of moviegoers lining up to watch a movie on the big screen, mostly driven by political affiliation. Another unsuccessful political attempt to diminish the film’s release was Vince Tañada’s re-release of his Martial Law film Katips to counter Maid in Malacañang. Tañada’s film eventually won Best Picture at the Famas Awards. MIM actress Ella Cruz’s remark during a press conference, that “history is like tsismis,” further fanned the flames of political debate online. Eight months later, in March 2022, Viva released Yap’s second installment in his Marcos trilogy, Martyr or Murderer, which now focused on Ferdinand Marcos and the assassination of Ninoy Aquino. Two anti-Marcos movies rose to combat the film — Joel Lamangan’s Oras de Peligro, released on the same day, and Tañada’s movie adaptation of his musical play Ako Si Ninoy, released one week earlier. Movie buffs, political analysts, film critics, the press and social media influencers dove into feverish commentaries on the three films, and Philippine cinemas were ignited and, for a while, became alive with social discourse. New FDCP head On 21 July 2022, Tirso S. Cruz III officially assumed his position as the head of the country’s national film agency, the Film Development Council of the Philippines. He replaced Liza Diño, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as FDCP chairperson on 12 August 2016. [caption id="attachment_161368" align="aligncenter" width="736"] FDCP chair Tirso Cruz III. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FDCP[/caption] Cruz, a veteran actor, said that the target of the FDCP under the Marcos administration was to support local films, not just in Metro Manila, but also from regional filmmakers. He also professed support for film students and highlighted archiving as part of the FDCP’s agenda, with 42,000 materials in its archives to be salvaged. MTRCB In September 2022, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board released a statement addressing the controversy about its proposal to expand its jurisdiction to online streaming services like Netflix, Vivamax, Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms. The MTRCB said it was responding to multitudes of complaints from parents and other concerned groups demanding that the agency regulate movie and TV online platforms to protect children from harmful viewing. The Marcos administration has seen a continuous boom in streamers, which began during the pandemic, with Vivamax becoming one of the leading local streamers due to the popularity of Filipino sexploitation films. On 23 February 2023, MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio expressed her gratitude to Senators Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Grace Poe and Sherwin Gatchalian for the separate bills they filed that would amend and expand the board’s mandate. “We welcome the move to amend the charter of the MTRCB as it will allow the agency to adequately adapt to changes in technology and the ever-evolving needs of the viewing public and our other stakeholders,” Sotto-Antonio said before the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Senator Robinhood C. Padilla. Eddie Garcia Act In January 2023, the chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 1270, or the proposed Eddie Garcia Act, at the House plenary session. [caption id="attachment_161367" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] HOUSE Bill 1270 has been proposed in honor of the late actor Eddie Garcia. | Photograph courtesy of gma-7[/caption] Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte authored the bill, which aims to provide workers in the movie, television and radio entertainment industry opportunities for well-paid employment and protect them from economic exploitation, abuse and harassment, as well as hazardous working conditions. The bill was named after the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who died in 2019 after suffering a neck injury while shooting the television series Rosang Agimat, produced by GMA Network. According to Villafuerte, productions would go from 16 to 24 continuous work hours per set and would rush productions to save costs. The proposed law mandates that normal work hours of the worker or talent shall be eight hours a day; overtime work should not exceed more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period; and the total number of work hours shall not exceed 60 hours in a week. Paul Soriano Relatively unknown to most Pinoy moviegoers, filmmaker Paul Soriano was put on the limelight as the man behind the President’s advertisements — way back from campaigns since Marcos started out as vice governor, and then, governor of Ilocos Norte, up until his senatorial campaign, and eventually his campaign for the vice presidency and presidency. [caption id="attachment_161371" align="aligncenter" width="781"] PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ig/PAUL SORIANO[/caption] Of course, the opposition in the film industry predictably canceled Soriano, the blood nephew of First Lady Liza Cacho Araneta-Marcos. Dolly de Leon It was also during the BBM era that Filipina actress Dolly de Leon gained international fame for her performance in the 2022 Cannes Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness. [caption id="attachment_161366" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Dolly de Leon gained international fame for her performance in the 2022 Cannes Palme d’Or winner ‘Triangle of Sadness.’ | Photograph courtesy ofig/dolly de leon[/caption] The 54-year old film, television and theater actress made history by becoming the first Filipino actor to be nominated at the British Academy Film Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Filipino movie fans and critics, having been exposed to global content since the rise of the streamers, plus the proliferation of self-published movie reviews, are generally still disappointed with the output and system of the Philippine film industry, but filled with hope that, with full support from the government, Philippine cinema will finally become truly internationally competitive, sustainable and recognized. The post Phl cinema in the first year of BBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»