Private school teachers may financial assistance sa Bayanihan 2
Manila, Philippines – Inaprubahan ng Bicameral Conference committee sa Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) ang probisyon na bigyan ng one –time cash assistance ang lahat ng private school teachers, teaching personnel at non-teaching personnel na hindi nakakuha ng tulong pinansiyal sa Bayanihan 1. Sa impormasyon na ibinahagi ng tanggapan ni Senador Edgardo […] The post Private school teachers may financial assistance sa Bayanihan 2 appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
‘P7 billion senior high vouchers went to non-poor’
Aside from around 19,000 “ghosts” or undocumented students receiving government assistance, more than P7 billion was spent on non-poor beneficiaries of the senior high school voucher program (SHS-VP), according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian......»»
CEB, UFG vow OFWs support
Cebu Pacific on Saturday, 28 October 2023 announced that it has entered into a partnership with United Filipino Global, a non-government organisation that helps Filipino migrant workers, to collaborate on projects aimed at improving the welfare of overseas filipino workers. CEB and UFG on 27 October 2023 signed a memorandum of understanding indicating the provision of free flights for chosen OFW beneficiaries and support for OFW kids’ scholarships. In the event of natural disasters, emergencies, or life-threatening circumstances, the airline will also organise special flights to deliver humanitarian aid and transport to affected OFWs. In addition, CEB will organize informational campaigns to update OFWs on safe and responsible air travel procedures. Internship programs The airline will also provide financial assistance to OFW families so they may be able to send their kids to internship programs for to become future flight attendants and crew members. CEB chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog said that Cebu Pacific looks forward to this partnership with UFG with the objective of assisting OFWs. The partnership of CEB with UFG is a testament to the airline’s commitment to uplifting the lives of OFWs by connecting them to a wide international network and offering the quickest way back to the Philippines. UFG president Gemma Sotto said that with this collaboration, they are “praying” that their upcoming programs will be felt and received. CEB has already mounted several flights in recent years to provide free transport to distressed OFWs back to the Philippines. In 2021 alone, CEB repatriated over 11,000 Filipinos from Dubai and the Middle East affected by Covid-19 lockdowns through a series of Bayanihan flights. The airline currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spanning across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The post CEB, UFG vow OFWs support appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy, but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase Filipinos' talents, skills, and work ethic to the world. I was in London, United Kingdom last week for an official trip upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and co-head of delegation Senator Grace Poe, we embarked on several meetings aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with our counterparts in the UK parliament to exchange best practices in policymaking while enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I also expressed my gratitude to the UK for donating vaccines during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, we thanked them for other development assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines and for their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I also maximized the visit to highlight efforts in promoting the welfare of more than 200,000 OFWs in the UK, particularly the more or less 40,000 Filipino nurses working there. We were able to raise to the UK policymakers the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding their rights to proper benefits, just compensation, and a safe working environment. We should be proud of Filipino medical frontliners in the UK, particularly nurses who are among the world’s finest. Take, for example, May Parsons, a Filipina-British nurse who became known globally for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial and receiving the UK's George Cross Award. I have co-sponsored a Senate resolution earlier recognizing and commending her achievement. After our official meetings, I met with a group of OFWs, some of them were fellow Dabawenyos, Filipino Muslims, Ilonggos, and Ilocanos, among others. The stories they shared were proof of how resilient our OFWs are. Despite their sacrifices, homesickness, and worries about their families in their hometowns, they maintain their cheerfulness and positive outlook. I brought some good news to our OFWs by informing them about the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through Republic Act No. 11641, a legislation for which I am proud to be one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This measure streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration to better address the needs and concerns of migrant workers. I have also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and ensure its continuous operation in San Fernando City, Pampanga, primarily intended for OFWs and eligible dependents. More importantly, a Malasakit Center is operational there to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The establishment of the DMW, the OFW Hospital, and its own Malasakit Center are just a few of our dreams that are now realities for Filipinos to benefit from. These are testaments of our commitment to promote the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents. However, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. That is why we continue to listen to their concerns, serve them to the best of our abilities, and pursue initiatives to further their cause. I have also filed SBN 2414, which seeks to establish OFW wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law. While our efforts continue to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos abroad, our commitment to serve Filipinos facing challenges in their communities remains unwavering. This week, we had groundbreaking ceremonies for Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Labangon in Cebu City; Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; and in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, we continue to advocate for establishing more community health facilities to help bring public health services closer to those needing medical attention. We have also assisted 1,000 indigents in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, with the office of Cong. Jose Padiernos; 500 members from various sectors in Barangay Mintal, Davao City; 1,900 in Caloocan City, with the office of Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy. In Cebu City, we also distributed aid to 1,700 residents of the South District with Congressman Edu Rama; 450 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador; and 333 in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Malasakit@Bayanihan group. We also aided 1,000 United Senior Citizens Association members of Quezon City, with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, Senator Robin Padilla, and private sector volunteer organizations. My office also extended additional aid to 93 displaced workers in Lumban, Laguna; 210 in Pilar; 217 in Carmen and Batuan in Bohol. DOLE also gave qualified beneficiaries temporary employment. We also supported 200 scholars during their TESDA Orientation in Daet, Camarines Norte. There are also 43 residents of Davao City and nine in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who were victims of fires and 32 victims of flooding in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. They were provided separate assistance and the livelihood kits they received through the DTI program, which we advocated for before and continue to support. We also supported 283 victims of past fires in Cagayan de Oro City by giving separate aid in addition to the emergency housing assistance received from the NHA through a program we pushed for so that they could buy materials like nails, roofing, and other necessities for home repairs. My office also provided immediate help to victims of recent fires, such as 50 families in Baseco, Manila City, and 11 families in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City. No one is exempt from facing life’s hardships. However, our OFWs have shown us how resilient Filipinos can be. Let us learn from them and, more importantly, do our part in uplifting their lives by advocating for their welfare, promoting their rights, protecting their families, and providing the genuine public service they deserve. The post Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
San Mateo fetes Go on 451st anniversary
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go had been honored with the Gawad Pagkilala Award at the San Mateo Municipal Stadium in recognition of his contributions to the community. “On this day, as we celebrate the 451st founding anniversary of San Mateo, Rizal, I am overjoyed to be a part of this historic occasion,” he said on Thursday. Go then emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in the community’s progress. “Bayanihan is not just a simple word; we live it and it is what strengthens our community and inspires us all to face challenges together,” he said. Go also commended the local government led by Mayor Bartolome Rivera for their service to the community. He also extended support to residents who may need medical assistance from the government. He told them that there are Malasakit Centers in the province that they can reach out to if they need support with their medical-related expenses. “Patients, please approach the Malasakit Center because it is for you. If you have a hospital bill, government agencies are there to help pay for it,” Go said. The Malasakit Centers program, a brainchild of Go, is designed to help ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partner agencies. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, there are 159 operational centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health. In Rizal, the Malasakit Centers are located at Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital, and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan. The post San Mateo fetes Go on 451st anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go honored with Gawad Pagkilala Award at San Mateo’s 451st Founding Anniversary
On the 451st Founding Anniversary of San Mateo, Rizal, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go was honored with the Gawad Pagkilala Award at the Municipal Stadium on September 21, in recognition of his significant contributions to the community. In his speech, Go extended his gratitude to the residents of San Mateo for their warm welcome, saying, “Sa araw na ito, sa pagdiriwang ng ika-451 na anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng San Mateo, Rizal, ako po ay lubos na nagagalak na maging bahagi ng makasaysayang okasyon na ito.” "Nais kong magpasalamat sa inyong lahat, sa mga kababayan ko dito sa San Mateo, sa mainit na pagtanggap at pagsalubong sa amin sa inyong bayan. Salamat rin sa parangal na iginawad ninyo sa akin. With or without award ay patuloy lang akong magseserbisyo sa aking mga kapwa Pilipino sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he added. Go then emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in the progress of the community. "Ang bayanihan ay hindi lamang simpleng kataga, ito ay isinasabuhay natin at ito ang nagpapalakas sa ating komunidad, at nagbibigay inspirasyon sa ating lahat upang magkasama tayo sa pagharap ng mga pagsubok at hamon," he stated. Go also lauded the local government led by Mayor Bartolome Rivera for their service to the community, saying, "Nais kong bigyan ng papuri ang aking mga kapwa lingkod-bayan, sa inyong walang sawang serbisyong ibinibigay sa inyong bayan.” Go extended further support to residents who may need medical assistance from the government. Go mentioned that there are Malasakit Centers in the province that they can reach out to if they need support with their medical-related expenses. “Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to help ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partner agencies. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, there are 159 operational centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health. In Rizal, the Malasakit Centers are located at Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital, and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan. On the same day, Go also personally attended the Super Health Center groundbreaking ceremony in the town. The event was also attended by local officials, including Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, Mayor Rivera, Vice Mayor Jaime Romel Roxas, and Municipal Health Officer Dr. Nyl Jarem Amorsolo, among others. Super Health Centers shall provide convenient access for basic healthcare delivery, offering a wide range of medical services to communities. These Super Health Centers provide services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, diagnostic services (including laboratory, X-ray, and ultrasound), pharmacies, and ambulatory surgical units. Additional services include eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, as well as telemedicine for remote diagnosis and treatment. Aside from San Mateo, more Super Health Centers are funded across Rizal, including two in Antipolo City and one of each in Binangonan, Jala-Jala, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Taytay, Tanay, Angono, Cainta, and Cardona. Moreover, the senator also shared that he is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the recently passed Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. Meanwhile, as an adopted son of CALABARZON, Go assured the residents of his continued support. "Ako naman po bilang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go at bilang adopted son ng CALABARZON, asahan niyo patuloy akong tutulong sa inyong pag-asenso sa abot ng aking makakaya," he said. "Sa pagbibigay ng oportunidad sa ating mga mamamayan, patuloy nating pinatutunayan na ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ay isang epektibong daan patungo sa ating pagbangon muli mula sa mga pagsubok na ating hinaharap,” he added. Go concluded his speech with a call for continued unity and compassion for others, saying "Nawa'y magtuloy-tuloy ang inyong pag-unlad. Nawa'y patuloy tayong magkaisa, magtulungan, at magbayanihan upang maging inspirasyon sa iba't ibang komunidad sa buong bansa.” The post Bong Go honored with Gawad Pagkilala Award at San Mateo’s 451st Founding Anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday ordered an investigation on reports that a religious cult is collecting the cash grant of its members who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The DSWD chief ordered the probe following the privileged speech of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, 18 September, which detailed the activities of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which the senator alleged to be a religious cult in Surigao del Norte. “We have taken stock of the privilege speech of the good senator, Madame Chair, and we took inventory immediately of how many 4Ps households we have there. But obviously, these are initial numbers because it could not be in just one sitio but in more sitios,” Secretary Gatchalian told senators during the hearing on the DSWD’s proposed P207.37 billion on Wednesday, 20 September. Secretary Gatchalian said that in Sitio Kapihan in the Municipality of Socorro, there are 74 households which are 4Ps beneficiaries. “In that barangay itself, Barangay Siring, we have 503 households,” he said. “We’ve already spoken about getting our city links and our municipal links to pry into the well-being of these 4Ps beneficiaries in that area,” the DSWD chief said as he promised to provide the Senate with an update on the investigation. The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0 to 18. Gatchalian maintained that as a matter of practice in the DSWD, “What is for the beneficiary is for the beneficiary.” “It’s against the creed of the Department when may tumabas, no matter kung sino man yan (whoever violates, no matter who it is), no government official, no private individual can take what is given directly to the beneficiary,” Gatchalian told senators during the budget hearing. Gatchalian told the senators that the Department will also look into the beneficiaries of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) in the Caraga Administrative Region (Region 13), with a focus on those barangays and sitios that are within the area of influence of the religious cult. “Whenever we get allegations of AICS misuse, we take it seriously, and even here in the Central Office, in any of our Field Office,” the DSWD chief said, adding that the Department’s Caraga regional director is already looking into the AICS track distribution in the area. “And then we can do backtracking and our standard investigation tracks also… We will immediately copy furnish the office of the committee as well as the office of the good senator on the findings of the 4Ps as well as the AICS clusters,” Gatchalian said. Senators Hontiveros and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, each filed a resolution calling for a Senate investigation into the activities of the alleged religious cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., which is based in Surigao del Norte. The post DSWD chief orders probe of 4Ps cash grants going to ‘Socorro cult’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Digido and UnaCash bolster commitment to education
Bolstering its unwavering commitment to education and bayanihan (working together), Digido Finance Corp. or DFC, operator of award-winning consumer finance platform Digido and in-app and in-store installment solutions provider UnaCash, organized a dispatch of back-to-school essentials in support of the country’s annual “Brigada Eskwela” campaign. Held last 24 August 2023, the initiative saw DFC management and employees provide school supplies, including notebooks, writing and coloring materials, and a variety of other supplementary materials to 230 students of Malanday Elementary School in Marikina City, which was affected by recent typhoons. Company employees also demonstrated their premium on early education by contributing in-kind items. The undertaking seamlessly aligns with two pivotal Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations: “Quality Education” and “Reducing inequalities,” which encapsulate the essence of sustainable development through proactive measures. The Department of Education kicked off this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” earlier this month. “One’s education is directly correlated to one’s degree of participation in the financial ecosystem. We aim to make change through this initiative by removing immediate barriers to students focus on learning and upskilling,” Digido country manager Farit Shakirov said. “Endeavors such as Brigada Eskwela are an opportunity to invest in the bedrock of enduring education and, by extension, holistic maturation. The organization is more than pleased to offer its assistance for such initiatives to the best of our abilities,” added Aleksei Kosenko, president of UnaCash. The post Digido and UnaCash bolster commitment to education appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ilocos Norte lauds Meralco for assistance to ‘Egay‘-hit communities
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc (in photos, middle) recently expressed his gratitude toward the Manila Electric Company after Meralco deployed a 44-man contingent, including 32 engineers and linecrew, to conduct clearing operations, power restoration and relief operations following the onslaught of super typhoon ‘Egay’ (international name: Doksuri). ‘Ilocos Norte is very thankful for all the help and assistance you wholeheartedly extended to us. We salute everyone who joined the bayanihan efforts to help us Ilocanos recover from this challenging time. Agyamankami,’ Manotoc said. [caption id="attachment_176355" align="aligncenter" width="1298"] Photographs Courtesy of Meralco[/caption] The post Ilocos Norte lauds Meralco for assistance to ‘Egay‘-hit communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clip OWWA’s wings
As the pandemic is over, the Commission on Audit should go into a more detailed scrutiny of the huge amount that the government allotted to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration totaling P17.36 billion in the Emergency Repatriation Fund or ERF. State auditors did not question the use of the ERF and even commended OWWA for the use of the fund in response to the coronavirus plague. As a result of the urgency of the situation and the provisions of the Bayanihan laws exempting purchases from the Government Procurement Reform Act, the CoA did not have the full accounting arsenal to look into the purchases. The huge amount involved and the previous experiences with the OWWA should require a double-check. According to the CoA 2022 report, of the P17,367,559,655.88 OWWA received for the ERF, P17,367,559,406.09 or 99.9999986 percent was utilized for accommodations, transportation, financial assistance, and other Covid-19 incidental expenses of repatriated overseas Filipino workers or OFWs. In several instances, OWWA even exceeded its budgeted ERF and had to draw from the succeeding year’s budget. CoA indicated that P2.3 billion was used to pay for expenses incurred in 2020 that were not covered by that year’s budget. The overshoot increased to P5.035 billion for 2021 since CoA said the expenses were not obligated and were paid through the 2022 budget. CoA, initially in the 2020 report that looked into 2019 transactions not covered by the Bayanihan law’s procurement law exemptions, questioned the purchase of hygiene kits and sanitary napkins totaling P822,420 from a construction store in Pasay City “which cannot be found in the address stated.” Upon further probe by the CoA, it was found that the supposed hardware store was fictitious and the address was that of a private residence. Then OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac had a hard time explaining the purchase of the feminine kits from a hardware store, more so that it couldn’t be found at the address. CoA also found that the procured hygiene kits, which were not itemized, were outrageously priced at P160 each, while the sanitary napkins were priced at up to P35 per pad. Cacdac promised an internal investigation which was something that was lost in the swirl of the global emergency that erupted in early 2020. That was when the ERF was bolstered with allocations from the national budget and Bayanihan laws 1 and 2. The ERF was extensively used previously to repatriate OFWs from war zones. According to the CoA 2022 report, of the P17.37 billion ERF, P13.3 billion was used for hotel accommodations, P449 million for food, P3.6 billion for travel expenses, P9.7 million for subsidies, P5.5 million for supplies, P2.4 million for hospitalization, drugs and medicine, P15.1 million for cremation services, and P90,200 for other expenses. OWWA, in a long-winded acknowledgment of the initial CoA clearance of the use of the funds, was quick to give credit to its suppliers who, it said, “were a huge help to us in the government in extending help to all Filipinos.” It then concluded, without CoA’s express acknowledgment, that the ”payables in 2020 are legal.” Several of the items in the ERF, however, would have to be checked as returning workers during the pandemic did not benefit from the program as they had to pay through their noses the hotel bills and other myriad health processes during the quarantine period as the pandemic raged. No one could recall travel expenses being paid for by OWWA to bring those in distress home. Even the pernicious nasal tests had to come out of the pockets of the migrant workers, at an overprice, as some had to shell out P10,000 for a single test. Also, overspending the ERF budget for a year should be checked since OWWA collects billions of pesos yearly with its membership fee of $25 paid every two years by each OFW. The catch in the OWWA collections is that you’ll never know the privileges and benefits due a member unless you spend time researching it which the busy migrant workers don’t have. OWWA membership is mandatory as the fee is a required item on the departure slip of an OFW. Most overseas workers will attest that they never interacted with CoA unless it involved the payment of fees and, of course, making them go through the expensive quarantine process during the health emergency. There was a plan to abolish the OWWA since its functions overlap with agencies such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency and the Department of Labor and Employment. It is time to hold an earnest review of the abolition proposal. The post Clip OWWA’s wings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go calls for vigilance, continued bayanihan
Recognizing the heightened vulnerability that comes with the onset of the typhoon season, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance of preparedness and cooperation during typhoon season, urging citizens to stay informed about weather updates and heed the advice of local authorities to ensure their safety and that of their families. Go made the remarks as his team provided grocery packs to 500 typhoon “Egay” victims in Kalinga on Thursday, 10 August, in coordination with Governor James Edduba. In Tabuk City, Kalinga, the relief operations were held at Purok Isla and Purok 2 in Barangay San Juan, and Purok Vicente in Barangay Magsaysay As part of his commitment to ensure the welfare of Filipinos, Go reminded the beneficiaries that there are six Malasakit Centers in the Cordillera Administrative Region if they require assistance to cover their medical expenses. These Malasakit Centers are located at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad, Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center and Conner District Hospital in Apayao, and Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital and Bontoc General Hospital in Mountain Province. With a total of 158 centers established nationwide, the Malasakit Centers program has already provided assistance to more than seven million indigent patients. This initiative was spearheaded by Go and later formalized under Republic Act 11463, a legislative measure he principally authored and sponsored. Meanwhile, Go called on the government to provide the structure for a truly integrated and comprehensive national sports program linking grassroots sports promotion to elite sports development, and encourage all local government officials to promote the development of sports in the countryside. Go made the remarks during the public hearing of the Committee on Sports Monday, 14 August where he tackled the Philippine National Games Bill and the upgrading of incentives for Para Athletes Bill. The Philippine National Games bill seeks to institutionalize a truly comprehensive national grassroots sports program that will harness the vast potential of Filipinos in discovering and developing champion athletes who could excel in international sports competitions. “Through the years, we have witnessed how the Filipino athletes stand out in various international sports competitions, such as the Southeast Asian Games, the Asian Games, para games, world championships and Olympics. The accomplishments of our athletes have inspired and brought pride to the Filipino people, demonstrating that we can excel in sports with hard work, perseverance and determination,” Go said. The post Go calls for vigilance, continued bayanihan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hedcor, Luzon Hydro aid ‘Egay’-stricken communities
Aboitiz Power Corporation subsidiaries Hedcor and Luzon Hydro Corporation, together with Aboitiz Foundation Inc., recently donated rice and fuel to its host communities hit by super typhoon “Egay.” “Egay,” known internationally as Doksuri, devastated communities in northern parts of Luzon after its landfall on 26 July, destroying crops, displacing entire villages and leaving many roads impassable. Responding to requests from LGUs for assistance, Luzon Hydro distributed 150 sacks of 50-kilogram rice, benefiting 750 families in Ilocos Sur. [caption id="attachment_167827" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Hedcor Group’s external relations manager for Luzon Geraldine Ronquillo (center) turning over the company’s rice donation to Ilocos Sur Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Officer Rhon Arquelada (left) and staff member Tereza Zaragosa (right).[/caption] Hedcor, on the other hand, extended over 1,700 liters of fuel to the municipalities of La Trinidad, Tuba, Sablan, Itogon and Bakun in Benguet, while Hedcor Sabangan aided the municipalities of Bauko and Sabangan with 780 liters of fuel. The fuel is intended for heavy equipment vehicles and chainsaws that will help clear debris in affected roads, ensuring faster mobilization of relief goods, and for generators in sitios without electricity. “Hedcor is honored to contribute to the rebuilding of our communities. Our bayanihan spirit furthers our cause to help each other during this period of recovery,” said Hedcor president and COO Rolando Pacquiao. “We join hands with the local government to provide essential aid and relief. We stand in solidarity with our kababayan.” Previously, Hedcor helped strengthen the disaster preparedness and risk management capabilities of Benguet by providing training and donating first aid equipment. Through this, community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management offices were established in localities to improve the resiliency and prompt response capability of authorities in times of emergency. “Hedcor is driven by its strong sense of responsibility. By collaborating closely with the different host communities, we are better equipped to support each other,” Pacquiao added. Earlier this month, Hedcor and fellow AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South Inc. also mobilized relief efforts for over 560 families in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, after the municipality was hit by flash floods due to rain showers and thunderstorms. The post Hedcor, Luzon Hydro aid ‘Egay’-stricken communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBP unloads P1-B LGUs debt support
State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines or DBP has completed the disbursement of funds under the P1-billion interest rate subsidy program covering local government units or LGUs in the implementation of response and recovery interventions during the pandemic, a top official said. DBP president and chief executive officer Michael de Jesus said a total of 264 LGUs, of which, 69 percent belong to the 2nd to 6th income class, benefited from DBP ASENSO-Bayanihan Interest Subsidy Fund or ISF program, which was part of the menu of financial assistance of the national government under Republic Act 11494 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.” “DBP is honored to be a responsive partner of our LGUs as they continue to build back more from the ill effects of the pandemic,” De Jesus said. “The bank remains steadfast in our commitment to advance the programs of the national government that seeks to strengthen and fortify the resiliency of our LGUs against future challenges,” according to the official. Support to 4 sectors DBP is the eighth largest lender in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors which are infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development. RA 11494 mandates government financial institutions to provide subsidies to LGUs for new and existing loans availed for the implementation of their respective Covid-19 response and recovery interventions such as permanent working capital and acquisition of agricultural equipment and construction. De Jesus said that through the DBP ASENSO-Bayanihan ISF program, LGUs were able to conserve financial resources for interest payments, which were channeled to other essential developmental projects that helped create opportunities amidst the slowdown in the national economy. He said most of the projects supported by the program covered infrastructure development such as the construction of roads and bridges, multipurpose buildings, acquisition of heavy equipment units, and Covid-related infrastructure. “As the disbursement phase of the ISF concludes, DBP remains determined to sustain its support for the nation’s economic recovery efforts and explore avenues that will contribute to our country’s overall progress,” De Jesus said. The post DBP unloads P1-B LGUs debt support appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poor communities in Balanga City assured of Bong Go’s support
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go took the initiative to visit Balanga City, Bataan on Thursday, 1 June, where he personally led a relief operation to assist disadvantaged families living in the area. Addressing the beneficiaries, the senator emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and dedicated service in improving the lives of the Filipino people. "Sa ating pagtulong sa isa't isa, nagbibigay tayo ng pag-asa at nagpapalakas sa ating komunidad,” said Go. “Kaya't ako, bilang inyong lingkod-bayan, ay nananawagan sa inyo na patuloy tayong magkaisa at magtulungan. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pag-abot ng tulong at serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” he added. Go also underscored his role as a public servant focused on genuine service rather than making empty promises. He called for collaboration among citizens, emphasizing that through collective effort, they could bring hope and strengthen their communities. “Alam n'yo, sa tulong ninyo sa akin noon, walang masasayang na oras. Ako po'y magtatrabaho para sa Pilipino. Sanay po ako sa trabaho at iyan po ang pwede kong ialay sa Pilipino, ang aking pagseserbisyo sa inyo. Hindi po ako pulitiko na mangangako, pero mapapansin n'yo po, ginagawa ko lang po ang aking trabaho,” said Go. The relief operation was mounted at the People’s Center in Balanga City where Go and his team assisted a total of 1,008 indigents. They distributed grocery packs, vitamins, masks, shirts, and snacks to the residents. Go also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance. Continuing his remarks, Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged residents with medical concerns to visit the Malasakit Centers in the province, including those at Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in the city, and at Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital. An initiative of Go aimed at providing accessible healthcare assistance to all, particularly for poor and indigent patients, the Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops that house concerned agencies with available medical assistance programs, such as the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. "Mayroon na po tayong 157 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong (sa inyo). Pinirmahan ni (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte noong naging senador na po ako. Nasa loob na po ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno: PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD. Lapitan n'yo lang po ang Malasakit Center," cited Go. "Hindi niyo na kailangan umikot at pumila pa sa iba't ibang opisina para humingi ng tulong mula sa gobyerno. Nasa isang kwarto na po sa loob ng ospital ang Malasakit Center kung asan nandoon ang mga ahensyang handang magbigay ng medical assistance para sa inyong pagpapagamot," he explained. The Malasakit Centers Act was principally authored and sponsored by Go in 2019. To date, 157 centers have been established and have benefitted over seven million particularly poor and indigent Filipinos nationwide, according to DOH. Likewise, one of the key initiatives mentioned by Go was the establishment of Super Health Centers. He praised the groundbreaking ceremony of a Super Health Center in Samal town which he attended earlier that day and also aided indigents in that town. He revealed plans of the government, in partnership with LGUs and fellow lawmakers, to build similar facilities in other municipalities of Bataan. Such centers would offer basic medical services, including prenatal care and childbirth facilities. As part of his unwavering commitment to bolster the province's development amid crisis situations, Go, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported several projects in the province. These include the construction of a drainage canal in Abucay and Dinalupihan; the construction of Orani District Hospital with 150-bed capacity; construction of multipurpose buildings in Bagac, Balanga City, Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Limay, Orion and Pilar; acquisition of ambulance units in Pilar and Samal; and construction of a slaughterhouse in Hermosa. He then recognized local officials for their untiring service. Among them were 3rd District Bataan Representative Gila Garcia, Governor Joet Garcia, Balanga City Vice Mayor Vianca Gozon, among others. Drawing inspiration from the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, Go encouraged everyone to continue embodying solidarity and compassion. “Sa ating mga kababayan, nawa'y patuloy nating ipakita ang diwa ng bayanihan. Magtulungan tayo sa ating mga pamilya, mga kapitbahay, at mga kaibigan. Sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa at pagmamalasakit, malalagpasan natin ang anumang pagsubok na ating haharapin,” concluded Go. The post Poor communities in Balanga City assured of Bong Go’s support appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoLE flagged over CAMP distribution
The Department of Labor and Employment has been tagged by the Commission on Audit over the distribution of their one-time financial support program dubbed as the “Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program” or CAMP. CAMP, which was first launched during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, was intended to provide one-time P5,000 cash assistance to workers in the private sector displaced by business closures brought on by the health crisis. The audit agency, however, said more than P70 million funds in CAMP-Bayanihan 2 went to 14,052 beneficiaries who were reported to have also received other forms of financial assistance which, as per guidelines, should have been excluded from the list of beneficiaries. The program was funded with a P10.89-budget allocation divided into CAMP-Bayanihan 1 and CAMP-Bayanihan 2, with the latter intended as an expansion of the first distribution period. CoA, in its performance audit report of the program, reported a 100-percent progress toward its target to distribute cash aid to 2.17 million workers, and a 100-percent and 99.87-percent in its disbursement of cash assistance in CAMP-Bayanihan 1 and Bayanihan 2, respectively. The audit agency, however, said more than P70 million funds in CAMP-Bayanihan 2 went to 14,052 beneficiaries who were reported to have also received other forms of financial assistance which, as per guidelines, should have been excluded from the list of beneficiaries. These include 6,181 who have also received a Small Business Wage Subsidy or SBWS, and 33 who received both SBWS and the Social Amelioration Program or SAP. Another batch of 7,838 beneficiaries was tagged by COA as “probable ineligible beneficiaries,” with 5,260 people who have received both CAMP-Bayanihan 2 and SAP, and 2,578 people whose salaries are above P40,000. “Based on the interview, DoLE only relied on applicants’ self-declaration since there was no available and complete centralized database that would serve as a basis for determining whether an applicant already received financial assistance from other programs,” CoA said in the report. “Only the DoLE, Department of Finance, and the Social Security System were able to have a data sharing agreement on their beneficiaries,” it added. It said the existence of ineligible beneficiaries, among other things, was because of manual cross-checking of SBWS recipients and lack of awareness among some DoLE regional offices over the SBWS program. “The evaluators of the said (regional offices) only relied on the attestation of the applicant,” CoA said. Of at least 147 CAMP beneficiaries, for instance, more than 120 said they have also received aid through SAP by the Department of Labor and Employment, while 10 are reportedly part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps. The rest were beneficiaries of other programs, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation or AICS and the DoLE-AKAP for Overseas Filipino Workers, as well as the Department of Agriculture’s own SAP program and the Barangay Financial Assistance. Daily Tribune sought DoLE’s comment regarding the CoA observations but has not yet responded as of writing. The post DoLE flagged over CAMP distribution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec disqualifies Legazpi councilor
A member of Legazpi City, Albay’s Sangguniang Panglungsod on Tuesday received a disqualification ruling from the Commission on Elections over a two-day cash assistance payout to tricycle drivers which was held before the national and local elections last year. The SP member — identified as Al Barizo who placed fifth in last year’s polls — has been disqualified by the Comelec Second Division over violation of public spending as stated in Section 261(v)(2) of the Omnibus Election Code. Part of the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino slate, he is party-mates with former Albay Governor Noel Rosal and her wife, Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal — both implicated in the cash assistance activity ahead of the polls. Barizo and the Rosals are facing three individual petitions by a certain Joseph Armogila, a defeated candidate in the same councilor race that Barizo was also part of. The petition filed against Barizo in 11 April last year aimed to disqualify him from the race over vote buying or Section 68(a) and (e) of the OEC. However, the Second Division ruled out vote buying due to insufficient evidence that Barizo directly took part in the distribution based on text messages and Facebook posts about the event which was used as basis in the petition. “Even if he is not proven to have had a hand in the illegal release or distribution of public funds during the prohibited period, he surely was a prominent figure in the expenditure of the said funds when those were handed out to the tricycle driver-beneficiaries,” the poll body’s resolution read. It also indicated that Barizo argued that the cash assistance was “a continuation of the previous batches of cash assistance” since August 2021. The Rosals also previously defended the payout, saying that it was part of the then pandemic response subsidy known as “Bayanihan 1.” The post Comelec disqualifies Legazpi councilor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists indigents in Indigents in Zambales
Amid the World Health Organization’s lifting of the global health emergency status of COVID-19, Senator Bong Go reminded the public to make health their top priority while the government continues to exert great efforts to recover from the pandemic. In a video message during the relief efforts in Botolan and Iba, Zambales on Monday, 8 May, Go, head of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged the public to remain vigilant and still follow health protocols. He underscored that while the threat of COVID-19 continues, the Filipinos’ ‘bayanihan’ spirit must continue as well. He urged the eligible public to remain supportive of the government’s pandemic efforts by participating in the national vaccination drive. “Mga kababayan ko, ilang taon na po tayong nasa pandemya. Kaya nakikiusap po ako sa inyo na huwag po maging kumpiyansa. Kahit ni-lift na ng WHO ang global health emergency, andiyan pa rin po ang banta ng COVID-19. Magpabakuna at magpabooster shots na po kayo dahil ang bakuna po ang tanging susi sa ngayon para makabalik tayo sa normal na pamumuhay,” said Go. He then offered to help those with medical issues. The senator advised them to visit President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba where there is a Malasakit Center to assist them with their medical expenses. The Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. The Act aims to provide convenient access to various government assistance to particularly poor and indigent patients and help them with their hospital bills. Go’s team distributed snacks to a total of 390 struggling residents at Barangay Panan Hall in Botolan and the Sports Complex gymnasium in Iba. The senator also gave away cellular phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Continuing his message, Go maintained that necessary funds have been allocated by last year for the Department of Health to construct Super Health Centers in Iba, Botolan, and Castillejos. Advocated by Go, Super Health Centers are medium versions of polyclinics and are bigger than rural health units, which offer basic services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Through the collective efforts of 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. In its Resolution No. 205 dated 8 August 2022 the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zambales pronounced Go as its adopted son, noting that the senator has "embodied the spirit of good governance and public service" by exerting great efforts to help the whole province. Meanwhile, in a resolution adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan on June 23, 2022, Go was also proclaimed as an adopted son of Iba, citing that Go has shown a big heart for the country, especially to local government units where he poured government resources to empower LGUs. In line with his commitment to helping build back the city and the rest of the province, Go supported the rehabilitation of roads in Botolan, Masinloc, San Felipe, San Marcelino, and Olongapo City; rehabilitation of the public market in San Antonio; construction of a seawall in Masinloc; and construction of two multipurpose buildings and installation of solar powered street lights in Botolan. “Mga kababayan ko, mag-ingat po tayo. Magdasal po tayo, magtulungan po tayo, magbayanihan po tayo, magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Magtiwala lang po kayo sa gobyerno at makakaahon din po tayo bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” encouraged Go. The post Bong Go assists indigents in Indigents in Zambales appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec to adhere SC’s status quo order on Rosal
The Commission on Elections on Thursday said that it will comply with the Supreme Court’s Status Quo Ante Order decision that effectively reinstates Carmen Rosal as mayor of Legazpi City, Albay a day after the poll body certified her disqualification as “final and executory.” “The Commission on Elections, through the Clerk of the Commission, received from the Supreme Court its Status Quo Ante Order in the Carmen Rosal Disqualification Case. As we have consistently committed, the Commission on Elections will abide by and comply with any order, ruling or directive of the Highest Court of our Land,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said. Comelec’s statements come as the Supreme Court acted on the two petitions for certiorari under Rule 65 in relation to Rule 64 of the Rules of Court assailing the Comelec resolutions that disqualified Rosal as candidate for mayor of Legazpi City, Albay in the 2022 polls. The assailed resolutions — dated 4 October 2022 and 4 May 2023 in SPA 22-032 (DC) — directed the Special City Board of Canvassers of Legazpi City to proclaim second placer Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. as the duly-elected mayor of Legazpi City. The SC en banc — in its Status Quo Ante Order dated 11 May 2023 given by authority of Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, upon the written recommendation of the Member-in-Charge — deemed it necessary and proper to consolidate the two petitions docketed as G.R. 266775 (Oscar Robert H. Cristobal v. Comelec, Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr., Joseph San Agustin Armogila, and Carmen Geraldine Rosal) and G.R. 266796 (Carmen Geraldine Rosal v. Comelec, Joseph San Agustin Armogila, Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. and Oscar Robert H. Cristobal); require respondents Comelec, Garbin, Armogila, Rosal, and Cristobal to file a consolidated comment within 10 days from notice; and issue a status quo ante order requiring the parties to observe the status quo prevailing before the issuance of the Comelec resolutions. Armogila and Rosal were candidates for councilor and mayor of Legazpi, respectively, in the 2022 national and local elections. Armogila filed a petition for disqualification against Rosal before the Comelec on the grounds of vote buying under Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code and violation of the prohibition on release, disbursement, and expenditure of public funds under Section 261(v) of the same law. A ’status quo ante order’ calls for a return to previous affairs, which effectively sets aside the poll body’s decision to disqualify Rosal over violation of Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code, or on ‘giving money to influence, induce and corrupt the voters.’ Rosal announced on Wednesday that he filed a petition before the Supreme Court to stop the poll body’s execution of their decision to disqualify her. In a press conference, she questioned Comelec on their ruling which said that she violated a provision on the Omnibus Election Code on ‘calling the decision ‘arbitrary.’ Her husband, disqualified Albay Governor Noel Rosal, insisted that the act in question – the cash assistance payout to tricycle drivers – was not vote buying as it was part of the ‘ayuda’ mandated in Bayanihan 1. The post Comelec to adhere SC’s status quo order on Rosal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rosal disqualification final, says Comelec
The Commission on Elections on Wednesday certified their 4 May decision to disqualify Carmen Rosal as mayor of Legazpi City, Albay over ‘giving money to influence, induce or corrupt the voters’ as ‘final and executory.’” This comes as no temporary restraining orders were issued by the Supreme Court in the last five days, which would have directed the stoppage of the implementation of the disqualification. The certification was issued by the poll body despite Rosal’s declaration that she filed a petition for the Supreme Court to issue a TRO on the said ruling earlier in the day. In the same document, Comelec ordered the six members of the special board of canvassers in Legazpi City, Albay to declare ex-Ako Bicol representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. as the city’s new mayor ‘within ten days’ after the certification of the decision as final. To recall, Garbin was behind Rosal in last year’s mayoral race in Legazpi City with a slim margin of only 550 votes between the two candidates. In a message to Daily Tribune, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that certification will still push through as no TROs were issued. “Per our conversation with the Clerk, there were no TRO issuances and we haven’t received any from the Supreme Court. It’s not automatic that the SC will issue a TRO after filing. It’s SC’s full discretion and authority whether or not they’ll issue a TRO,” Laudiangco said. He also cited an election provision which states that such decisions ‘shall become final and executory after the lapse of five days from their promulgation, unless restrained by the Supreme Court. In a Viber message, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said that the writ of execution will be issued on Thursday. Meantime, Rosal led a press conference at the Manila Yacht Club before noon on Wednesday where she announced that she filed a petition for the issuance of a TRO before the High Court. She argued that the decision to declare her election offense as Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code was arbitrary. Previously, a decision by the Comelec Second Division October last year stated that she violated Section 261(v) of the OEC, referring to violation of public spending during the election period, with the act in question being the two-day cash assistance payout for tricycle drivers. However, in a Commission En Banc decision on 4 May which affirmed the previous decision to disqualify her, the poll body said that Rosal is not liable under Section 261(v) as she was not a public official at the time. “I reiterate, how can I be disqualified by the Comelec En Banc for vote buying when this was dismissed by the Comelec Division and such issue was not brought up to the Commission En Banc?” Rosal said. Rosal filed the petition before the SC through Attorney Romulo Macalintal. Also present during the press conference was Carmen’s husband, disqualified former Albay governor Noel Rosal, whose situation was similar to hers when he was slapped with a decision to relinquish his position over the same financial aid distribution to tricycle drivers. The petitions filed against Carmen and Noel Rosal, in this case, were both filed by Joseph Armogila. Former governor Rosal insisted that the cash payout for tricycle drivers were part of the country’s then economic assistance program amid the Covid-19 Pandemic dubbed “Bayanihan 1.” Speaking to Daily Tribune, the former governor suspected someone else behind the petitions that led to their disqualifications. “It’s not Armogila. Someone’s behind it. If it’s just him, the case would have been dismissed earlier,” Noel Rosal said. The post Rosal disqualification final, says Comelec appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL - Ayuda distribution
First there was the report of P9 billion under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 that the government failed to utilize as ayuda or assistance to those adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic......»»
DTI backs passage of Bayanihan 3
The Department of Trade and Industry is supporting the passage of Bayanihan 3 or the third batch of assistance to households and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic......»»