Perks and woes of membership in homeowners& rsquo; associations
Living in a subdivision, village or government socialized housing comes with both benefits and troubles. There are neighbors who disagree with each other, while there are others who blatantly violate the deeds of restriction on such things as the height of the house, color, design, distance from the perimeter, and floor area requirements, among others. There are those who refuse or neglect to pay association dues but nonetheless like to enjoy the common services and facilities like 24-hour security, garbage collection, and use of the clubhouse and sports facilities......»»
Samal residents rally vs power woes
Electricity consumers in the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte province joined an interfaith prayer rally over the weekend to protest the continued power woes in their area......»»
Proposed EU Forced Labor Regulation Should Focus on Workers
European Union governments meeting today in Brussels to discuss a proposed ban on products linked to forced labor, should allow forced labor victims in companies' supply chains to receive remediation. Companies and business associations have called for remediation to be included in the draft.....»»
Insurance complaints rise in 2023
Insurance complaints rose by nearly eight percent to 5,400 last year, largely coming from mutual benefit associations and health maintenance organizations......»»
PBBM visits booths of DSWD livelihood program at Serbisyo Fair in Malacanang
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. makes the rounds of the different booths set up by some 17 livelihood associations under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during the Serbisyo Fair at the Malacanang grounds on Saturday (December 2). DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, accompanied by Assistant Secretary for […].....»»
Farm, fishery summit features Northern Mindanao s farmer associations
Farm, fishery summit features Northern Mindanao s farmer associations.....»»
MCWD general manager to keep post despite Rama’s call for removal
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The MCWD general manager has refused to step down from his post despite Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s call for his removal. Engineer Edgar Donoso, Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) general manager would still likely retain his position after he and leaders of MCWD employees’ associations unanimously signed a statement on.....»»
Milestones
I was recently invited to speak at the National Convention and Housing Expo of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations, Inc., more popularly known as CREBA, on its Golden Anniversary......»»
‘Be BIDA ambassadors’: Abalos told Asiad medalists
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday urged the 33 Filipino medalists at the recent 19th Asian Games in China to serve as ambassadors of the government's flagship anti-illegal drugs advocacy program "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan" (BIDA). The call was made by Abalos to encourage and inspire more Filipino youth to focus on sports and other healthy and productive activities and turn away from the scourge of illegal drugs. Abalos appealed as he joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the "Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino" ceremony held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. “Inaanyayahan namin kayo na makibahagi at tumulong sa programang BIDA bilang mga ambassador. Kayo ang magiging boses ng BIDA para himukin ang mga kabataan na maging aktibo sa sports at ayawan ang droga,” he said. Abalos said the 33 Filipino athletes who brought home medals from the recent 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China can serve as positive and effective role models for the Filipino youth, “as they have shown that engaging in sports can both be rewarding and beneficial for one’s health and well-being”. "One of the strategies of the BIDA program is to promote health and wellness activities to encourage people, especially the youth to lead healthy lives. At nakakasigurado ako na malaki ang maitutulong ng ating mga atletang Pilipino sa bagay na ito,” he said. For his part, President Marcos said that the victorious Filipino athletes made the country proud and boosted the morale of the entire nation. “To our hardworking coaches, the leaders of various sports associations, and of course, to our athletes, congratulations. On behalf of a proud and grateful nation, I salute and recognize the excellent performances that you displayed in the 19th Asian Games,” he said after conferring Presidential Citation Awards to the medalists. He also promised to increase the national government’s funding support for the athletes going forward, in pursuit of achieving better results in future international competitions. The post ‘Be BIDA ambassadors’: Abalos told Asiad medalists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dev’t, capacitybuilding for cities
An attractive proposition and a necessary goal to further improve the state of the Philippines is to accelerate and sustain inclusive growth in the country. But what exactly needs improvement? How can this be achieved? What does it entail? How will it benefit the Philippines? Metro Manila is already developed and, in my opinion, not the priority in making more improvements. The cities outside Metro Manila are, however, a different story altogether. The economic competitiveness and resilience of said cities require much improvement. The development of these cities as engines of growth that are inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and strong is the foundation with which to realize these improvements. Specific areas may need financial inputs, and technical support varies from city to city. Examples of sectors to focus on are energy, environment, governance, health, local economy, small to medium entrepreneurship, taxation, technology and education. The enumeration is not exclusive and may be expanded. Generally, the growth trajectories of nations are closely linked to their urban environment, where cities act as propulsions of growth and lay the groundwork for their foundation. At first glance, it may seem like a tall order, but with proper planning, preparation, and stakeholder cooperation, it becomes achievable. If urban growth is well planned, cities can accelerate regional economic growth, innovation, and the end goal of prosperity for all. Circling back to my initial point on why cities outside Metro Manila are important to focus on for development, these smaller cities have a relatively high urban population concentration and hold the most growth potential. Although varying in size and level of development, they are equally important in ensuring the country’s success. To achieve this would require the cooperation and participation of various sectors and stakeholders. Government agencies, various leagues of local government units, civil society groups, non-government organizations, and the private sector, which may include corporations, business chambers, and trade associations, must all be involved. Implementing this undertaking will be an opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of the “whole-of-nation” approach. Government agencies that top the list of entities expected to shore up this collective effort include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Economic and Development Authority, Anti-Red Tape Authority, Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, and Department of Education. The participation of the Philippine National Police is also crucial, as business can thrive only in an atmosphere of peace and security. The benefits of capacity building for cities are many. Initially, the more apparent recipients are the affected cities themselves and their inhabitants. However, increased capability will lead to a more efficient and equitable distribution of resources and delivery of services to the specific sectors we have mentioned. This will support decentralization and public financial management by helping cities widen their own-source revenue bases. It also helps cities enhance tax collection efficiency, access debt capital markets, and strengthen their public financial systems to create a more equitable fiscal framework geared towards inclusive growth. Decentralization also improves governance, with cities becoming more accountable and transparent to their constituencies. With accountability and transparency, the city becomes an attractive destination for investments. Local entrepreneurs will be one of many who will seize upon these attractions, but foreign investors as well. The different benefits and positive impact foreign direct investments provide a country deserve another article in the future. For now, let us all call on our government and the private sector to join hands in developing and building capacity for all cities in the Philippines. Let us contribute to moving our country forward and taking it to new heights. The post Dev’t, capacitybuilding for cities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pacquiao’s gambling gambit
Former Senator Manny Pacquiao found himself in the 10th to 13th position in a 30 September to 4 October survey for the upcoming 2025 national elections. As he is eligible to run again for senator, he appears determined to do so after completing a six-year tenure in the Upper Chamber. Pacquiao’s political ambitions were dealt a blow in the 2022 presidential elections, a predictable outcome given the overwhelming popularity of Bongbong Marcos at the time. However, if there’s one thing Pacquiao is known for, apart from being one of the greatest Filipino athletes, it’s his penchant for taking high risks and gambling with his future. It’s evident that gambling has permeated his public image by endorsing various betting platforms. Post-2022 elections, the boxing legend became associated with M88 Mansion, a company that boasts the “largest and most diversified collection of sports betting offers, casino slot games, table games, and live dealer casino games” on its Facebook page. In light of Pacquiao’s uncertain chances of returning to public service in 2025 it raises the question of whether he inadvertently promotes the erosion of Filipino morals and values by aligning himself with gambling firms and their owners. He has allowed his name and image to be featured prominently in online casino and betting ads. Whether he explicitly authorized such usage is unclear, but what is apparent is that he has aligned himself with this vice, a paradox given his Christian identity. Proverbs 13:11 warns, “Wealth won quickly dwindles away, but gathered little by little, it grows.” Pacquiao still has an opportunity to reverse this image within the two years leading up to the 2025 polls. He can choose to dissolve his partnership with Mansion and distance himself from gambling and even POGO firms. Additionally, he can demonstrate honor by disassociating himself from casinos and any activities that dehumanize Filipinos and harm families. If he secures re-election while maintaining associations with gambling companies, it’s expected that he will prioritize their interests. Pacquiao has been instrumental in passing more than 20 laws since 2010, many of which have been commendable and beneficial to the country. However, unless he takes corrective action soon, Pacquiao risks succumbing to the influence of gambling magnates and submitting to their interests, potentially overshadowing his legislative accomplishments......»»
Coops strengthens local rice production — PBBM tells DA
Cooperatives could be a fundamental tool of agricultural development to attain food security at farmer's level. This is how President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who concurrently heads the Department of Agriculture, would like to see the agency develop in overall efforts to strengthen local rice production. The President said farmers as members of cooperatives have high participation in supporting their groups to make products or business activities. Let’s start the process of consolidating our farmers’ associations, all that up to the point that we could plant on larger tracts of land. That is what we are trying to do,” the president said while tapping the Cooperative Development Agency to consolidate rice farmers' cooperatives in enhancing local rice production. Marcos has instructed the DA to spearhead the provision of training in management, business planning, accounting, bookkeeping and other programs to rice farmers cooperatives. Farmers’ training “Give the farmers training, and let’s provide techno-demo; the farmers know how to plant but they don’t know management, business planning, accounting, bookkeeping” he added. This way, the President explained, farmers get benefits from the business activity of cooperative in the forms of inputs supply (fertilizer, pesticide, etc.), credit or loan provision; and collective marketing. Finding farmer leaders “Let farmers organize in places where there are no cooperatives. The most important thing is to find a farmer leader whom the cooperative members will follow,” the President ordered. “The cooperatives are going to play a large part because you cannot talk to each farmer, but you can talk to the farmer leaders,” he farther explained. Marcos said he believes that increased productivity should be taken by farmers through the application of recommended technologies. Technology practices could be managed under the farmers' cooperative. Cooperatives, according to the President, could respond to the market demand for production (certified seed) and the needs of farmers on agricultural inputs as he sees cooperatives have been successful in providing profit share with members aside from supporting food security through increased productivity. During his campaign, the President said he is a “great believer” in cooperatives, because they served as the fastest way for information, programs and benefits to reach the farmers. The post Coops strengthens local rice production — PBBM tells DA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Time to reflect
Several private school associations are up in arms against proposals in Congress to pass a law that will prohibit educational institutions from imposing a “no permit, no exam” policy......»»
Free ride at Edsa Bus Carousel back next month
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III on Monday happily announced that Libreng Sakay (free ride) for Edsa Bus Carousel and jeepneys will return this November until the end of 2023. At a press conference in Quezon City where jeepney associations are supposed to air their grievances over the government subsidy, Guadiz said the free ride program for jeepneys and buses will return on 1 November. Guadiz said this was after the joint circular for releasing the P1.3 billion fund for the service contracting program had been approved. The particular vehicles offering free rides will ply across the National Capital Region, and not just along Edsa. "This month we will release the budget. We will bring back Libreng Sakay. We will start with Metro Manila. It will include jeepneys," he said. "Iyong P1.3 billion tapos na po iyong joint memorandum circular. Ibaba na po ang pera. Alam mo ang hinahabol namin doon November-December para maagang pamaskong handog ng LTFRB," he added. The fund he explained is intended to pay the service contracting program. “Kung dati po, hanggang sa mga bus sa Edsa Carousel, ngayon pati mga jeepneys," the LTFRB Chair said. The post Free ride at Edsa Bus Carousel back next month appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LPG Expo to tackle industry trends
As industries and nations across the globe find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, liquified petroleum gas is likely to gain attention as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. All data show LPG emits lower amounts of carbon dioxide than diesel and coal, making it a better option for transportation, cooking, and power generation. To explore the ever-evolving world of LPG, the Liquified Petroleum Gas Industry Association, the Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketers Association, the World LPG Association, and several regional associations will host the 4th Asia Pacific LPG Expo is set to make waves in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas from 10-11 October 2023 at the Marriott Hotel. With a diverse lineup of over 30 international and local companies exhibiting, the Asia Pacific LPG Expo continues to be the cornerstone for LPG professionals and industry enthusiasts, offering an invaluable platform to connect, learn, and explore the ever-evolving world of LPG. It is the gateway for esteemed international and local LPG companies to showcase their industry-leading practices and cutting-edge products and services. Beyond the expansive exhibition, the Expo hosts a dynamic conference featuring influential figures in the LPG industry and government representatives who will deliver insightful presentations on policy frameworks, safety standards, cutting-edge technologies, market trends, and investment prospects. These discussions will be led by renowned industry experts and innovators, providing attendees a competitive edge in navigating the dynamic LPG landscape. Local stakeholders and regulators such as former Congressman Arnel Ty from the LPGMA, Mercedita Pastrana from the LPGIA, director Rino E. Abad from the Department of Energy, and director Neil P.Catajay from the Department of Trade and Industry will be on site to share and discuss in details the on the latest regulations. Representatives from the various leading LPG Companies in the Philippines will also present to share more about the landscape of the local LPG industry. Be part of this momentous occasion at the esteemed Marriott Grand Ballroom Convention Center and attend with the participation of thousands of local and international delegates, along with government representatives and distinguished LPG professionals. Experience an event that will redefine the trajectory of the LPG industry in Asia Pacific. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey of limitless possibilities. The post LPG Expo to tackle industry trends appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM distributes rice, cash to Capiz residents
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of rice and cash aid to the vulnerable sector in the province of Capiz on Friday. In his speech, the President said that the government is taking steps to improve the lives of Filipinos by strengthening the country’s agriculture and expanding the benefits provided by other sectors. The President and the DSWD chief personally handed out the rice assistance and livelihood grants to the program beneficiaries of the Department at the Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City. Some 1,000 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program — 679 of whom were also affected by the red tide incident in the province — each received a 25-kilo sack of premium rice. The distributed rice is still part of the more than 42,000 sacks of rice seized by the Bureau of Customs, which was later donated to the DSWD for distribution to the “poorest of the poor.” “I am happy that our project is able to help many people. This simply means that our leadership is heading in the right direction,” said Marcos. Aside from the rice assistance, Marcos and Gatchalian distributed more than P1.7 million in seed capital funds to six Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations in the province of Capiz. The post BBM distributes rice, cash to Capiz residents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Young Cubans spurn role as guardians of the revolution
In Cuba, thousands of neighborhood cells set up as the eyes and ears of Fidel Castro's communist revolution are trying to find ways to lure young people who have little interest in the cause. It has been six decades since Castro created the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution to keep watch for his then-shaky government, and the 138,000 CDR remain an enduring symbol of communism on the island. However, enthusiasm for the neighborhood associations has waned in recent years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, the boosting of American sanctions, and a severe economic crisis that has eroded purchasing power. "The new generation wants nothing to do with all that," a female student told AFP, asking not to be named. Every citizen automatically becomes a member at 14, but getting them to engage is a challenge. "Today, young people sleep with their phone in their pocket, and as soon as they turn it on, there is a media bombardment against our (socialist) process," CDR national coordinator Gerardo Hernandez, 58, told AFP. He was one of the "Cuban Five" spies who were imprisoned in the United States in 1998, and whose release helped pave the way for a 2014 thaw in ties between the Cold War foes. A local hero, he has been given the tricky task of revitalizing the CDRs, at a time when the island is undergoing a transformation, opening up to private small businesses, allowing citizens to buy and sell houses, and the arrival of internet access. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of Cubans have fled the economic crisis. "We are trying to reverse this situation and make young people understand that the CDRs offer them an extraordinary opportunity to develop their vocation and to have an influence on their community," said Hernandez, as the CDR held its tenth annual congress in September, at which it held a debate on how to make the cells "attractive to young people". 'More pragmatic' Initially set up as a surveillance network to denounce "counter-revolutionaries," the CDRs organize community projects and coordinate services like vaccination campaigns and blood drives. The defense committees are particularly visible during elections, presiding over neighborhood meetings and scrupulously controlling citizens' participation. Surveillance is still a key part of their work, and they keep a lookout for drug trafficking, tax evasion, and other crimes. Cells exist in every neighborhood and village, and the government counts around eight million members -- more than three-quarters of the island's population -- including those who are not active. Manuel Cuesta Morua is a dissident who suffered "acts of repudiation" in the 2000s, when large groups of CDR members would verbally and physically abuse opponents. "Young people today are much more pragmatic, much more transactional," Cuesta Morua told AFP. "They participate when it is to their advantage." "The youth are apolitical, they don't identify with the government, which they associate with the CDR." He said no-one in his family had taken over from his mother, who he described as a "CDR activist". Seated at a cafe in Old Havana, Lazaro, 43, who did not want to give his last name, criticizes the association: "The CDR has never helped me. I always had to get by on my own." Every year, on the night of September 27, CDR members get together in their neighborhood for a party around a stew cooked on an open fire. Everyone brings what they can. Ernesto Lemus, 56, president of a CDR in Old Havana, said the party was an important "continuity" of the 1959 revolution which saw a radical shift to communism, heightening tensions with the United States during the Cold War. "A few years ago, it was a party, but not anymore. Today there is nothing and everything is expensive, there is no more unity in this regard," said gardener Rafael Caballero Lopez, 35, who is planning to emigrate to Colombia. The post Young Cubans spurn role as guardians of the revolution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Countless proclamations yet no action – HPFPI President
Speaking during the Philippine Forum 2023 at the PICC, People’s Federation of the Philippines Incorporated National President Maria Theresa Carampatana lamented the seeming inaction to address housing problems. She claimed that they have yet to see the implementation of several government programs. “There are so many proclamations that have not been taken care of, so if there is a solution, why not implement it immediately?” Carampatana said. She added: “If we are slow to come up with solutions and slow to take action, we will not achieve anything.” Carampatana outlined the primary issues and problems of poor citizens who have remained stigmatized due to insecurity of land and housing tenure, irregular jobs, and limited participation in development planning. Housing programs, she said, are equally important as appropriating funds for education and basic services. “If housing is not given the same focus as education and basic services, and if that continues, the problem of house deficits will increase,” she said. Carampatana presented priority actions and solutions: People-led Housing and Urban Development, Diversified Housing Modalities and Finance Mechanisms, and Security of Tenure for Urban Poor Communities. Warlito G. Quirimit, chief of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Public Housing and Settlements, said the department has outlined resettlement housing options as a solution to the existing problem. “Under this framework, we are building resettlement housing options that must be available and affordable to the affected families. Included in this framework it also requires community development,” Quirimit said. Quirimit also added that the purpose of the community-based initiative is to promote the participation of the affected families in the urban poor community. “The community-based initiative approach, which was issued under the Memorandum Circular 2019-714 under this strategy is designed to build on community initiative and promote the participation of the affected families through their community associations in relation to the resettlement decision-making process. The community association participates in the project planning and in the implementation, particularly in the choice of permanent housing in resettlement projects, through financing in the selected sites and other commitments to participate in the project implementation process,” He said. The 4PH program, a centerpiece of the Marcos Administration, calls for the development of one million housing units annually until 2028 to address the housing needs and backlogs, while also improving target beneficiaries’ affordability by lowering the affected families’ monthly amortization and facilitating access to both end-user financing and developmental loans. The Philippine Urban Forum 2023 tackled issues fostering meaningful dialogues, exchanging ideas from urban experts, promoting innovations and best practices, and finding solutions to the complex challenges that urban centers face. The post Countless proclamations yet no action – HPFPI President appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go shows full support to Filipino athletes in 19th Asian Games
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, articulated his deep sense of pride for Filipino athletes participating in the 19th Asian Games being held in Hangzhou City, China, from 23 September to 8 October. The senator personally traveled to China to show his full support for the Philippine delegation early this week. He also attended live competitions, including the recent match between Gilas Pilipinas and Iran at Zijingang Gymnasium, Zhejiang University on 3 October. “Nakapanood din tayo ng ilang live competitions, gaya na lang ng nakaraang laban ng Gilas Pilipinas kontra sa Iran," he said. “Masarap talaga ang pakiramdam bilang isang Pilipino dahil muling nagwagi ang pambato natin sa basketball na Gilas Pilipinas,” he shared. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, expressed his appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the athletes, coaches, national sports associations and staff, as well as the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and other agencies who worked hard to support the Philippine delegation. "Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Sports, taus-puso kong pinupuri at pinasasalamatan ang mga manlalaro nating ibinibigay ang lahat para itaas ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa ginaganap na kumpetisyon," he said. Meanwhile, Go also congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for their historic win over China in the semifinals on October 4, which secured their spot in the gold medal match against Jordan. He praised Justin Brownlee for his clutch performance that led the team to a stunning comeback from a 20-point deficit. The senator also expressed his excitement for the upcoming gold medal match between Gilas Pilipinas and Jordan. He said he will be cheering for the team as they aim to win the country’s first-ever Asian Games gold in basketball. The match is scheduled for 6 October. Go then lauded jiu-jitsu fighter Margarita "Meggie" Ochoa for winning the second gold medal for the Philippines on 5 October. Ochoa defeated Balqees Abdulla of the United Arab Emirates in the final match of the women's –48 kg division. She joined pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena as the country's gold medalists in this edition of the Asian Games. “Samantala, ang boxer na si Eumir Marcial ay pasok na rin sa Asian Games finals matapos niyang ma-knockout ang Syrian boxer na si Ahmad Ghousoon sa men's 80kg weight class nitong October 4. Dahil dito, haharapin ni Eumir sa finals si Tanglatihan Tuohetaerbieke ng China para sa gold medal. Pasok na rin si Eumir sa 2024 Paris Olympics,” Go also mentioned. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also been a strong advocate for increased funding for sports programs. He revealed that last year's proposed budget for the Philippine Sports Commission was approximately P200 million. However, he pushed for an additional P1 billion, thereby significantly enhancing the financial support for athletes in international competitions. "Dahil dito, nakapagbigay tayo ng pinansyal na suporta para sa mga atletang lumahok sa mga international competitions," he added. This move paved the way for the provision of financial support for athletes participating in international competitions, including the recent 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and the ongoing Asian Games in China. Go also emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development, saying, “Tinututukan din natin ang grassroots sports development upang mahubog ang mga kabataan nasaan man sila sa bansa na nagnanais na sumabak sa mga pambansa at pandaigdigang palaro.” In line with this, he highlighted his role as the author and co-sponsor of RA 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Tarlac. "Ang NAS ay nagbibigay ng de-kalidad na edukasyon at sports training sa mga batang may potensyal na maging world-class athletes," he added. Additionally, Go filed SBN 423, or the Philippine National Games (PNG) Act, to institutionalize a national platform for athletes, especially the youth, to showcase their talents. "Sa pamamagitan ng PNG, mas maraming talento ang mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makilala at mapabilang sa ating mga national team," he said. The senator also continues to support the implementation of sports clinics, community leagues, and the provision of sports equipment in rural areas. "Sabi ko nga palagi, ‘get into sports and stay away from drugs!’" he advised. Go called on all Filipinos to continue supporting and praying for all athletes competing in the Asian Games and other competitions. "Ang kanilang tagumpay ay tagumpay ng buong sambayanang Pilipino! Laban, Pilipinas! Ipakita natin ang puso ng Pilipino na lumalaban hanggang dulo!" he exclaimed. "Go, go, go for the gold!" he cheered. As of 5 October, the Philippines has two golds, one silver, and nine bronze medals in the ongoing Asian Games. The post Bong Go shows full support to Filipino athletes in 19th Asian Games appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Karapatan: Only human rights violators, NTF-ELCAC are afraid of HR Defenders Bill
Palabay reiterated how the proposed bill enumerates and clarifies the definition of the rights of human rights defenders, particularly the right to form associations, groups and organizations......»»
Marcos OKs P12.7-B cash aid to rice farmers
Malacañang on Saturday announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the release of P12.7 billion worth of cash aid to farmers under the government's Rice Farmers Financial Assistance program. Marcos also ordered the immediate distribution of assistance to augment the productivity challenges confronting rice farmers in the country. “[This would] help them cope with the increasing cost of production and sustain their productivity even in the face of challenges like the coming El Niño [phenomenon],” P Marcos said. Under the RFFA, the government has identified about 2.3 million small-time rice farmer beneficiaries, who signed up to the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, on 30 June 30, 2023. Each beneficiary will receive P5,000 in financial assistance, which will sourced through the excess tariff collection from rice importations in 2022, amounting to around P12.7 billion. Among the qualified RFFA beneficiaries include farm cooperatives associations, irrigators associations, agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations, small water impounding systems associations, and other farm groups. RFFA is an unconditional financial assistance for farmers tilling below two hectares of land, as mandated under Republic Act 11598 or the Cash Assistance to Filipino Farmers Act of 2021. Marcos also approved the utilization of P700 million in excess tariff collections for the “Palayamanan Plus” conditional cash transfer under the Household Crop Diversification Program. This targets to ensure "food, nutrition and income security" to be provided to RSBSA-registered farmers, who are also listed in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Around 78,000 beneficiaries are expected to each receive P10,000 from the Palayamanan Plus conditional cash transfer program. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the two proposed financial assistance packages support the government's Masagana Rice Industry Development Program. Marcos earlier said his administration would be "relentless in finding sustainable solutions to address the agricultural issues in the country gearing toward a New Philippines.” "The President also emphasized that providing financial assistance to affected farmers is just one of the steps of the administration to sustain their source of income," said Garafil. The post Marcos OKs P12.7-B cash aid to rice farmers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»