Sinulog 2021 contingents to get P150K assistance after festival postponement
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Sinulog 2021 contingents will get P150,000 each as reimbursement or financial aid after the festival was canceled to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vice Mayor Michael Rama said that the choreographers and their contingents will receive the aid amid the postponement of Cebu’s premier festival. The […] The post Sinulog 2021 contingents to get P150K assistance after festival postponement appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Bong Go helps recovering fire victims rebuild in Valenzuela City
The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go led a relief operation for fire victims in Valenzuela City on Tuesday, September 5, as part of the senator’s efforts to help disaster-affected households rebuild and recover. The distribution was held at Arkong Bato National High School in coordination with Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian. The senator’s team provided grocery packs, masks, shirts, vitamins, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 225 recovering fire victims. They also gave away shoes and mobile phones to select individuals. Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) provided housing assistance to each affected family through the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP). “Isinulong din natin na mabigyan sila ng National Housing Authority ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero at iba pa upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan,” Go highlighted. “Itong EHAP program, isinulong ko ito noon at patuloy na sinusuportahang mapondohan ang programa ngayon upang mas marami pang mga biktima ng sakuna ang makapagpatayo ng maayos na bahay at makabangon muli mula sa trahedya,” he added. The relief activity was attended by several officials, including NHA Assistant General Manager Alvin Feliciano, who expressed his appreciation for the senator, saying, “Senator Bong Go, ang buong barangay po ng Arkong Bato ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong biyaya. Napakalaking tulong po nito sa amin. Lalo na para makaahon sila sa buhay. Mr. Malasakit, saludo po kami sa inyo.” Meanwhile, Go highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021. The law, which was authored and co-sponsored by Go, aims to enhance the capabilities of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) through a ten-year modernization program, which includes the recruitment of more firefighters, acquisition of new fire equipment, and specialized training. “Alam ko pong mahirap ang masunugan pero magtiwala lang po kayo sa gobyerno at tayo po ay makakaahon muli. Ang importante ay walang nasaktan. Ang pera ay kikitain naman po natin yan pero ang buhay ay hindi nabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat tayo,” said Go. The lawmaker likewise continues to push for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 192, which seeks to institutionalize the Rental Housing Subsidy Program. Under the proposed measure, a housing and social protection program will be developed to provide disaster victims better and more affordable access to the formal housing market through the provision of rental subsidies provided by the government. Meanwhile, Go filed SBN 193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which aims to ensure that disaster victims will have temporary shelters that will guarantee their safety and welfare while they recover and rebuild their lives. The senator also encouraged residents to take advantage of the services offered in Malasakit Centers nationwide, including those established in Valenzuela Medical Center and Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital, which are both located in the city. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together relevant agencies to provide medical aid to poor and indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which has successfully assisted over seven million Filipinos through its 158 operational centers nationwide. “Ako po ay nasunugan at tinulangan po ako ng mahal na mayor at mahal na Senator Bong Go sa kahirapan. Ako rin po ay nanganak at tinulungan ng Malasakit Center sa aking bill. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go sa programa niya dahil ako ay natulungan ng Malasakit Center,” Manilyn Sarmiento, one of the beneficiaries, expressed. Go also expressed his support for the construction of 28 Super Health Centers in strategic locations across Metro Manila, in collaboration with the Department of Health. These centers are designed to offer a wide range of basic health services, 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 center; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go has successfully sponsored in the Senate the Regional Specialty Centers Act which he also filed as one of its authors. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has been a staunch supporter of various initiatives in the city. These include the construction of the Valenzuela Center for Academic Excellence, acquisition of ambulance units for the city government, and the construction of a multipurpose building in Brgy. Canumay West. The post Bong Go helps recovering fire victims rebuild in Valenzuela City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN leaders agree on 5PC to address Myanmar crisis
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called for the complete implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) in Myanmar, a set of principles agreed upon by the Association of the Southeast Asian Nation leaders in April 2021 to address the political crisis in the country. Speaking at the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) here, Marcos said that the Philippines believes that the key to any solution in Myanmar is the inclusive participation of all parties. He also reiterated the Philippines' support for the Special Envoy of ASEAN in pushing the Five-Point Consensus forward. "We maintain that endeavors by other parties to address the crisis should support and complement ASEAN's efforts, and should be done in consultation with the ASEAN Chair," Marcos said. The Five-Point Consensus calls for an immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among all parties, an inclusive political process, the appointment of a Special Envoy of ASEAN, and the provision of humanitarian assistance. Marcos also called for the urgent realization of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) to help countries address the impacts of climate change. He said that countries with the smallest carbon footprints disproportionately bear the heaviest burden of climate change. "Climate financing, complemented by viable and effective technology transfer and country-specific capacity-building, is needed to expedite a just transition to a climate-resilient economy," Marcos said. He also sought the support of other EAS leaders for the development of the Philippines' strategic minerals supply and value chains. He said that this would boost the Philippines' efforts to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for the region. Marcos concluded his intervention by reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to an open and inclusive regional order where the rule of law and ASEAN Centrality remain the bedrock of an evolving regional architecture. The East Asia Summit is a regional forum held annually by leaders of, initially, 16 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Oceanian regions, based on the ASEAN Plus Six mechanism. Membership expanded to 18 countries including Russia and the United States at the Sixth EAS in 2011. The post ASEAN leaders agree on 5PC to address Myanmar crisis appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lapid eyes credit assistance program for OFWs
Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid is rallying for the establishment of a credit assistance program for Overseas Filipino Workers to recognize their contributions to the country’s economy. Lapid filed Senate Bill 2390 or an Act Establishing a Credit Assistance Program for Overseas Filipino Workers, which allows beneficiaries to avail themselves of a loan of up to P50,000 from the Overseas Worker and Welfare Administration. “It is not enough that we acknowledge the contributions of OFWs to the country. A word without corresponding action is nothing. In recognizing their immense role in our economy, we must respond to their needs to repay their sacrifices,” he said. Lapid explained the program targets to defray the living expenses of OFWs’ dependents during the first three months of absences, as well as recruitment expenses, including placement fees, documentation costs, and plane tickets. Under the bill, the loan shall be paid in 12 equal monthly installments or more but not exceeding 24 months at a preferred interest rate not to exceed six percent per annum. “It cannot be overly stressed how important the role OFWs play in the shaping of the country's economy,” Lapid said, noting that cash remittances from OFWs hit a record high in 2021, while the world was reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Records from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that cash remittances coursed through banks rose by 5.1 percent to $31,418 billion in 2021 from $29,903 billion in 2020. “For this reason, the least that we can do to repay them is to craft programs that would allow access to services more easily and without the rigorous processes which are laden with bureaucratic runarounds,” Lapid pointed out. The post Lapid eyes credit assistance program for OFWs 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......»»
Biden widens web of US alliances faced with China, Russia, Trump
With a historic three-way summit with Japan and South Korea, President Joe Biden has further deepened the web of US partnerships in a determined signal to adversaries despite question marks on the political climate at home. Since Biden took office in 2021, NATO has expanded and mostly closed ranks over Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- and, in clear if unstated responses to an assertive China, the United States forged a new three-way defense pact with Australia and Britain and ramped up work through the four-way Quad involving Australia, India and Japan. The United States already has security alliances with Japan and South Korea, together the bases for some 84,500 troops, but will now also plan three-way, multi-year military exercises across all domains along with real-time information-sharing and a crisis hotline. Jon Alterman, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that alliances were "baked" into the mindset of Biden, who was a senator at the end of the Cold War. Partnerships can increase other countries' faith in the direction of the United States, Alterman added. "This administration believes deeply in the centrality -- not the importance, the centrality -- of partnerships," he said. "The challenge is, all of our partners remember the previous administration, they look at the polling numbers, and they have absolutely no confidence in where the US is going to be in two years' time, five years' time or 10 years' time," he said. Previous president Donald Trump loudly questioned the value of alliances, insisting that countries such as Germany and South Korea were not paying enough for the US troop presence and scoffing at NATO's commitments of mutual defense to all allies. Trump is again seeking the White House and recent opinion polls have also shown softening support for US military assistance to Ukraine, which has totaled $43 billion since Russia's attack. Asked about Trump at a news conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Camp David presidential retreat, Biden said that his predecessor's "America First policy, walking away from the rest of the world, has made us weaker, not stronger." "America is strong with our allies and our alliances, and that's why we will endure," Biden said. Tougher task in Asia Whereas in Europe the United States has led a common defense for decades under NATO, in Asia -- seen by Biden as the critical region -- Washington has navigated individual alliances with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and Thailand. One reason for the hodgepodge has been historical animosity between Japan and South Korea, with the Camp David summit until recently unthinkable. Yoon has turned the page by resolving a dispute over Japan's wartime forced labor of Koreans. Yoon, Kishida and Biden said they shared the same vision of a "rules-based international order" -- a nod to China's muscle-flexing in Asia but also to Ukraine, of which Japan and South Korea have been prominent non-Western supporters. China denounced the Camp David initiative, with state media saying the United States was raising tensions by creating a "mini-NATO," although there was no three-way mutual defense promise. Shihoko Goto, acting director of the Asia program at the Wilson Center, doubted that the three countries were even aspiring to collective self-defense but said their new cooperation was part of an "interweaving" with existing alliance arrangements. "As a single thread it may be weak, but because it is going to be part of that fabric and making it into a multi-layered approach, it would actually be really strong," she said. Risks await Biden has also moved bilaterally with countries concerned about Russia and China. He has said he plans to travel shortly to boost ties with Vietnam, whose tensions with Beijing run deep. But one of his big bets, India, has stood firm on its historic refusal to join alliances and is also taking part this week in a summit with Russia and China of the BRICS bloc of emerging economies. Trump is not the only wild card for the future. In South Korea, Yoon is only allowed a single term, which ends in 2027. "If an ultra-leftist South Korean president and an ultra-right wing Japanese leader are elected in their next cycles, or even if Trump or someone like him wins in the US, then any one of them could derail all the meaningful, hard work the three countries are putting in right now," said Duyeon Kim, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. The post Biden widens web of US alliances faced with China, Russia, Trump appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First country workshop for local insurance industry stakeholders
The Insurance Development Forum and its partner Microinsurance Network recently organized the first country workshop for local insurance industry stakeholders to advance an inclusive insurance-focused strategy in the Philippines. IDF Inclusive Insurance Working Group coordinator Pedro Pinheiro said that the objective of the country workshop was to close the protection gap of the low-income population through accessible and affordable insurance. “We want to increase the uptake of insurance among the low-income population who can benefit from affordable and accessible insurance products developed by local insurers,” Pinheiro said. MiN Chairman and Pioneer Group head Lorenzo Chan said that IDF partnered with MiN as a natural step to implement its inclusive insurance strategy. “The partnership allows the IDF to capitalize on the grassroots reach and wealth of resources the MiN has accumulated in the last 20 years,” Chan said. Chan said the workshop marked the kick-off engagement of the IDF in the Philippines and the establishment of a country task force. “The country task force in the Philippines will effectively allocate financial resources and technical assistance from the IDF membership to local inclusive insurance programs. Together, we will seek to address the gaps that were identified in the workshop,” Chan said. Pinheiro said that the Philippines has been selected as one of the priority countries by the inclusive insurance working group of the IDF. “The Philippines is identified as a crucial market because it is very vulnerable to climate risks and has a real need for insurance solutions. The Philippines is also advanced in the development of a regulatory framework for inclusive insurance with a thriving private sector and a very engaged government body,” Pinheiro said. Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado expressed his full support for the 1st IDF-MiN Country Workshop for Inclusive Insurance in the Philippines. “The Insurance Commission will continue to work collaboratively with microinsurance providers, non-government organizations and other stakeholders to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that will further cater to the needs of the low-income sector of the society. We commit to crafting policies that will further enhance financial inclusion in the country,” Regalado said in a statement. “IC recognizes the significance of inclusive insurance in fostering resilience and promoting economic stability in the Philippines. Inclusive insurance empowers individuals and communities by providing the same protection needed against unexpected shocks and calamities,” he added. The IDF is a public-private partnership supporting the growth and development of insurance-related resources and capabilities to help achieve the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global 2030 Agenda. It was first announced at the United Nations Conference of the Parties Paris Climate Summit in 2015 and then formally launched by leaders of the insurance industry, the United Nations and the World Bank in 2016. The MiN, based in Luxembourg, is the only non-profit global multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to promoting inclusive insurance to low-income people and households worldwide. Chan is the first Asian and insurance practitioner elected as MiN Chairman in 2021. The workshop was attended by insurance industry stakeholders representing the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association, Philippine Life Insurance Association, Microinsurance Intermediaries and Practitioners Association of the Philippines, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, GIZ Philippines and several other organizations in the inclusivity ecosystem. ### The post First country workshop for local insurance industry stakeholders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed last Tuesday, Senate Resolution No. 730 seeking an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act amid reports that numerous solo parents are not receiving the benefits mandated by law after its enactment more than a year ago. The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act was signed into law on 4 June 2022, with the aim of supporting Filipino single parents. The law provides various social services and welfare benefits, including a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 for those earning a minimum wage or below and a 10 percent discount along with VAT exemption on essential childcare products for those earning less than P250,000. “More than a year since the enactment of the law, there are reports that several solo parents, who should be recipients of the provisions under the law, are not receiving the expected benefits,” said Go, author and co-sponsor of RA 11861. It was found out that several local government units found it difficult to secure a sufficient budget to implement the provisions of the law. Even much-larger cities do not have the resources to consistently distribute the P1,000 monthly allowance. “This raises serious concerns and necessitates an immediate review to ensure that the support and assistance mandated by the law are being provided,” he added. The resolution has directed the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry to examine the gaps in the provision of benefits under RA 11861. Meanwhile, Go on Wednesday, stressed the need for accountability, strategic prioritization, and long-term solution to address recurring problems in flood-prone areas during a Committee on Public Works hearing on the country’s flood control master plan and outstanding projects. Go asked DPWH for an accomplishment report detailing the flood control initiatives undertaken during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term. He also requested a copy of the master plan outlining both current and upcoming projects. The senator said the budget allocated for flood control continues to increase from P82 billion in 2019, P80.7 billion in 2020, P90.9 billion in 2021, P127.4 billion in 2022, P182 billion in 2023, and now with a proposed budget of P215.6 billion for 2024, not including foreign assisted projects and those funded by the private sector. The post Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM to tobacco industry: Innovate, be sustainable
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for innovation in the tobacco industry to protect the livelihoods of thousands of tobacco farmers and safeguard the environment. In a speech at the International Tobacco Agricultural Summit on Wednesday, Marcos Jr. said that the tobacco industry had been a "vibrant catalyst for economic growth" in the country, particularly in parts of Northern Luzon and Mindanao. Marcos said that the industry became an indispensable bedrock that generates income, livelihood, opportunities and employment for many Filipinos. However, Marcos Jr. acknowledged that the tobacco industry has also been affected by changes in health policies in recent years. "As such, we must seek ways to protect the livelihood of thousands of our tobacco farmers," he said. Marcos Jr. urged the Department of Agriculture, the National Tobacco Administration, the academe and the private sector to explore other crops that can be grown alongside tobacco to help address food security. "So, together, let us embark on a journey of continuous exploration and engage in profound, future-driven discussions that would help bring tobacco farming and its allied industries into the future," he said. Marcos Jr. also said that he wants the tobacco industry to be "responsible" and "sustainable." "I urge the industry to adopt innovative and sustainable practices that will protect the health of our people and the environment," he said. Meanwhile, Michael Tan, Director of LT Group, which owns and distributes most cigarette brands in the Philippines, says the tobacco business needs assistance. He said that the sector's earnings support the construction of infrastructure, medical care and educational programs in areas where tobacco is grown. "The economic impact of tobacco farming extends beyond the farmers themselves as it supports a network of suppliers, traders and manufacturers involved in production and distribution of tobacco products," said Tan. The Philippines exports 53 percent of its tobacco, while 47 percent is sold to domestic manufacturers, according to NTA data for 2021–2022. The post PBBM to tobacco industry: Innovate, be sustainable appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCSO props OVP med aid program
The Office of the Vice President and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement for supplemental funding to support the OVP’s Medical Assistance Program amounting to P10 million. The grant was provided by the PCSO through its “Operational Guidelines on the Supplemental Funding Assistance for the Medical Assistance Program of the OVP” through Board Resolution M-0087. The MoA was signed by OVP Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez and PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles, which was witnessed by Vice President Sara Duterte and PCSO members and officials at the OVP Central Office in Quezon City. The grant will be used by the OVP for the sole purpose of providing assistance for healthcare services to clients under the MAP covering hospital bills, dialysis treatment, medicines, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, implants and other medical and assistive devices, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, radiation, physical, speech, and occupational therapy. From July 2021 to July 2022, the Medical and Burial Assistance program has already served 82,353 beneficiaries and processed the amount of P764,802,065. The aid can be accessed through the OVP Central Office, OVP Extension Offices in Lipa, Batangas, and Tondo, Manila, and 10 OVP satellite offices in the cities of Davao, Zamboanga, Cotabato, Surigao, Cebu, Bacolod, Tacloban, Isabela, Dagupan and Legazpi. The OVP has a total of 756 partners, composed of public and private hospitals, and dialysis centers nationwide. The Medical and Burial Assistance Program, which is the OVP’s banner social services, has continuously been providing aid to indigent Filipinos across the country. The post PCSO props OVP med aid program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos: Learning recovery at the forefront of education agenda
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized learning recovery as the top priority of his administration’s education agenda in his second State of the Nation Address on Monday. In 2021, the Department of Education (DepEd) released a report stating that nearly four million students could not enroll due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. With some 28.4 million learners returning to school this year, the President highlighted the need to implement the MATATAG educational agenda, which focuses on ensuring curriculum relevance, efficient and prompt delivery and the welfare of both students and teachers. Addressing another pressing concern, Marcos cited the insufficient number of classrooms and facilities during his speech. A Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian cited the lack of classrooms as the top issue that should be prioritized by DepEd, with 52 percent of the 1,200 respondents voicing this concern, closely followed by the deficiency in school learning resources. “Through the DepEd partnership assistance portal, private sector partners continue their assistance in the rehabilitation and improvement of schools as part of their corporate social responsibility programs,” Marcos said. He also said the administration is exerting efforts to keep young people away from negative influences. “We are making their participation in formal schooling, alternative learning, non-diploma courses, or technical-vocation education and training available to them,” he stressed. This year, 52 Philippine higher education institutions have been included in the World Universities Rankings, compared to 15 institutions the previous year. Among the HEIs included in the rankings are Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines, De La Salle University and MAPUA University. The post Marcos: Learning recovery at the forefront of education agenda appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Exemplar firm delivering critical energy
Because the Philippines needs more energy resources, the country is almost dependent on imports of coal and fossil fuels to feed its energy requirement. Since 2021, petroleum prices have significantly increased because of the post-pandemic recovery and ongoing geo-politics tension in Europe with the war in Ukraine. The scenario exposes power consumers to corporate greed, with the energy market dominated by big players with eyes fixed on maximizing profits from their investments. Sounds fair. The same is particularly true in rural communities where Power is served by the more than 100 electric cooperatives nationwide, with higher power rates in Metro Manila. As a result, Congress did not renew the franchise of Panay Electric Company when it expired on 18 January 2019, paving the way for the Enrique Razon-owned MORE Electric and Power Corporation or MORE Power, which was granted a 25-year contract to serve and operate Iloilo city’s electricity distribution system. The decision brought relief to Iloilo consumers, with Sen. Grace Poe, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, boasting of the benefits experienced by consumers in Iloilo enjoying lower power rates. MORE Power invested P1.5 Billion to replace the ‘aging, obsolete and dilapidated’ power distribution facilities in Iloilo City. Hence, in its first year of operation, MORE Power managed to address the frequent brownout, high electricity bills, significant system losses, and other power-related problems in the city. Residents in Iloilo City experienced a dramatic reduction in their electricity bills. From the previous P13 per kilowatt hour, the power rate significantly dropped to P6.40 kwh, and this is one of the lowest electricity rates in the entire country. MORE Power’s effort in rehabilitating the power facilities had brought remarkable progress as they addressed the systems loss factor, illegal connection, power interruptions, and overloading. MORE Power is living proof that modernization funds will provide accurate and efficient solutions to the problems in the power sector. This glaring reality haunts the 121 electric cooperatives in the country, which practically have no funds for modernization. Their facilities must keep up with the current demand resulting in better service. The power supply crisis is serious and widespread in the country. The Senate Committee on Public Services and the Committee on Energy are conducting a joint investigation into the rotational brownouts experienced in Panay, Negros, Nueva Ecija, Northern Samar, Pampanga, San Isidro, and San Jose in Nueva Ecija, Calaca in Batangas, Quezon province, Tabuk City in Kalinga, South Cotabato, Maguindanao, Ozamiz, Lumban in Laguna, Zamboanga City, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Marinduque, Camarines Norte, Echague in Isabela, Zamboanga Sibugay, Masbate, Davao Oriental, Southern Leyte, Casiguran in Aurora and Bicol. Most people ignore the problem unless the energy price shoots up and there are long queues at the gas station. During the Senate inquiry, Sen Poe pointed out that the electric cooperatives were being loaned with government funds. They were also given incentives to improve the service in rural communities. However, cooperatives still need to catch up with the demand. And this is unacceptable, for I could not fathom and comprehend why local government units still gave those electric cooperatives subsidies worth millions to operate. In the investigation, one essential thing has prevailed — modernization is necessary to address the decades-long power supply problem. Electric Cooperatives or ECs, are managed by the National Electrification Administration. Based on their website, as of June, NEA had extended P560.66 million in loan assistance to 18 Electric Cooperatives. But despite the large number of loans extended to the cooperatives every year to strengthen the technical, managerial capability, and financial viability of the ECs, the fact remains that their resources for infrastructure development still need to be increased and expanded. And because of limited resources, it is difficult for ECs to implement new technologies and innovations compared to significant private sector utilities with considerable financial resources. Hence, it is no surprise that the private sector has more capacity to implement immediate infrastructure upgrades, technological advancements, and operational efficiencies with reliable results and quality service. So one of the solutions that Sen. Poe sees is the entry of private players like MORE Power — for her, this is the key to improving the power service because of their large capitalization. The energy crisis is a complex and broad issue. Most people ignore the problem unless the energy price shoots up and there are long queues at the gas station. The energy crisis is ongoing and will worsen, despite all stakeholders’ concerted efforts. We must welcome all initiatives to manage the situation’s impact, including the privatization of electric cooperatives, because the Energy Regulatory Commission has regulatory oversight power to ensure quality standards and fair pricing and that monopolistic practices are avoided. The post Exemplar firm delivering critical energy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM StartUp Market launches 2nd batch of MSMEs in SM City Fairview
Eight micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) were launched as the second batch of the SM Fairview StartUp Market at the mall’s Lower Ground Level, Central Walk last 17 July 2023. The SM StartUp Market features businesses such as Crave Box Patisserie, Earthy Kit, The Stamp Studio, Ambi’s Seaweed Chips, Cacaomistry, The Seasalt Brownie, Wick It Candles, and Gab’s Happy Plant Macrame until 31 January 2024. Comfort food partners Crave Box Patisserie offers freshly baked custom-made pastries for every occasion; Ambi’s Seaweed Chips specializes in homemade crispy seaweed chips; The Seasalt Brownie sells handcrafted artisanal brownies and dolce desserts made from high-quality natural ingredients; while Cacaomistry focuses on handcrafted plant-based cacao mix sourced from local farmers in Batangas and Davao. [caption id="attachment_160463" align="aligncenter" width="408"] Cupcakes from Crave Box Patisserie[/caption] [caption id="attachment_160465" align="aligncenter" width="380"] Sour cream-flavored seaweed chips from Ambi’s Seaweed Chips[/caption] [caption id="attachment_160466" align="aligncenter" width="331"] Brownies from The Seasalt Brownie[/caption] [caption id="attachment_160467" align="aligncenter" width="333"] Cacao mix from Cacaomistry[/caption] Purveyors of home hobbies and at-home experiences Meanwhile, Earthy Kit offers diverse eco-friendly personal and home care products; The Stamp Studio specializes in a wide array of custom-made stamps and stickers, perfect for school and office use; Wick It Candles focuses on candles in retro enamel cups filled with 100% natural vegan soy wax and premium fragrance oils; and Gab’s Happy Plant Macrame sells Macramé (a form of textile produced using knotting techniques) plant hangers to support the livelihood in the Payatas community. [caption id="attachment_160468" align="aligncenter" width="243"] Eco-friendly toothbrushes from the Earthy Kit[/caption] [caption id="attachment_160469" align="aligncenter" width="263"] Custom-made stamps from The Stamp Studio[/caption] [caption id="attachment_160470" align="aligncenter" width="295"] A candle in a retro enamel cup from Wick It Candles[/caption] [caption id="attachment_160471" align="aligncenter" width="224"] Macramé (a form of textile produced using knotting techniques) products from Gab’s Happy Plant Macrame[/caption] The goal of SM is to help online businesses bloom to the next level with the SM StartUp Package. “It is part of SM’s MSME program supporting start-ups who started with an online store and want to transition to a physical shop, and SM is the best place to do this with its high foot traffic and diverse customer base,” said SM Supermalls Regional Operations Manager Lea Sta. Ana. SM StartUp Package Through the SM StartUp Market, online MSMEs are offered the valuable support they need to set up shops at SM malls. By joining the SM StartUp Package, MSMEs are given assistance in opening their first brick-and-mortar shops. Launched last October 2021, the SM StartUp Market tenant package features start-up-friendly rental rates and use of kiosks or carts free of charge; marketing assistance to give the brand free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside malls; financial assistance with BDO Network Bank; and mentorship from SM experts on operations and marketing. SM StartUp Market’s first batch was launched last December 2021 in SM Megamall. Overall, there are malls that have StartUp Markets from Clark and Pampanga in North Luzon to Cagayan De Oro and Davao in the South with new concepts and fresh products under various categories such as Health and Wellness, Home Hobbies and At-Home Experiences, Smart Gadgets for Productivity, Functional Fashion, and Comfort Food. To know more about the SM Startup Market and MSMEs, log on to www.smsupermalls.com, email startup@smsupermalls.com, or follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms. The post SM StartUp Market launches 2nd batch of MSMEs in SM City Fairview appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Afghan women protest against beauty parlor ban
Security officials shot into the air and used firehoses to disperse dozens of Afghan women protesting in Kabul Wednesday against an order by Taliban authorities to shut down beauty parlors, the latest curb to squeeze them out of public life. Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban government has barred girls and women from high schools and universities, banned them from parks, funfairs and gyms, and ordered them to cover up in public. The order issued last month forces the closure of thousands of beauty parlors nationwide run by women -- often the only source of income for households -- and outlaws one of the few remaining opportunities for them to socialize away from home. "Don't take my bread and water," read a sign carried by one of the protesters on Butcher Street, which boasts a concentration of the capital's salons. Public protests are rare in Afghanistan -- and frequently dispersed by force -- but AFP saw around 50 women taking part in Wednesday's gathering, quickly attracting the attention of security personnel. Protesters later shared videos and photos with journalists that showed authorities using a firehose to disperse them as shots could be heard in the background. "Today we arranged this protest to talk and negotiate," said a salon worker, whose name has not been published by AFP for security reasons. "But today, no one came to talk to us, to listen to us. They didn't pay any attention to us and after a while, they dispersed us by aerial firing and water cannon." The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned the protest breakup. "Reports of the forceful suppression of a peaceful protest by women against the ban on beauty salons – the latest denial of women's rights in #Afghanistan – are deeply concerning," it said in a tweet. "Afghans have the right to express views free from violence. De facto authorities must uphold this." In late June the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice gave salons a month to close down, saying the grace period would allow them to use up stock. It said it made the order because extravagant sums spent on makeovers caused hardship for poor families, and that some treatments at the salons were un-Islamic. Too much make-up prevented women from proper ablutions for prayer, the ministry said, while eyelash extensions and hair weaving were also forbidden. A copy of the order seen by AFP said it was "based on verbal instruction from the supreme leader" Hibatullah Akhundzada. - Safe place - Beauty parlors mushroomed across Kabul and other Afghan cities in the 20 years that United States-led forces occupied the country. They were seen as a safe place to gather and socialize away from men and provided vital business opportunities for women. A report to the UN's Human Rights Council last month by Richard Bennett, the special rapporteur for Afghanistan, said the plight of women and girls in the country "was among the worst in the world". "Grave, systematic and institutionalized discrimination against women and girls is at the heart of Taliban ideology and rule, which also gives rise to concerns that they may be responsible for gender apartheid," Bennett said. Akhundzada, who rarely appears in public and rules by decree from the Taliban's birthplace in Kandahar, said last month Afghan women were being saved from "traditional oppressions" by the adoption of Islamic governance and their status as "free and dignified human beings" restored. He said in a statement marking the Eid al-Adha holiday that steps had been taken to provide women with a "comfortable and prosperous life according to Islamic Sharia". Women have also mostly been barred from working for the UN or NGOs, and thousands have been sacked from government jobs or are being paid to stay at home. bur-fox/ecl/dva © Agence France-Presse The post Afghan women protest against beauty parlor ban appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA flags Cebu City on aid anomalies
The Commission on Audit on Tuesday revealed that it has found irregularities on the local government of Cebu City’s disbursement of financial assistance for victims of typhoon “Odette” worth P791.8 million and other alleged irregularities. The CoA also found that the local government allegedly had unnecessary purchases of T-shirts for different associations and activities amounted to P1.1 million and lapses on granting financial assistance to senior citizens valued at P922.7 million. It added that more than P4.5 billion from delinquent real property taxes could have been collected if tax collection has been efficient and effective. The state auditor also questioned the regularity and validity of the financial assistance for typhoon “Odette” victims as there were deficiencies including signatures opposite the names of some constituents who claimed to have not received the cash assistance, duplication of names and payments and non-submission of complete supporting documents. In December 2021, Cebu City including parts of Cebu Province and the Visayas was hit by typhoon “Odette.” Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama issued Executive Order 149 to set rules and regulations on financial assistance to “Odette” victims. Based on the record of the City Accounting Department, a total of P791.835 million was disbursed in 2022 to 158,367 beneficiaries including P5,000 subsidies for homeowners whose houses were either damaged or destroyed. As part of the audit procedure, the CoA conducted audit survey on whether 241 respondents received the financial assistance. The result 91 said yes while 150 respondents said they have not received the financial assistance. The agency cited 296 names with P1.480 million amount while some beneficiaries were twice or thrice mentioned with 70 having the same barangay and 226 from different barangays. It also noted that distribution was delayed three to 12 months with P138.620 million or 14.90 percent of available funds which remains undistributed. Observations include names lacking the complete information such as middle names and the names of their sitios of residence, duplication of misspelled or interchanged names which may refer to one, and non-submission of the endorsement letter or barangay certificate of residence and copies of the valid identification card with specimen signatures of the beneficiaries. The City agreed to CoA’s recommendation to further investigate the noted deficiencies. The post CoA flags Cebu City on aid anomalies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides relief aid to Davao fire victims
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided assistance to fire victims in Davao City on Friday, 14 July. The relief activity took place at Barangay 23-C gymnasium, where his team led the distribution of relief goods to 109 affected families. Together with Barangay Captain Alimodin Usman, Go’s team extended grocery packs, masks, shirts, and snacks to all households. They also gave away bicycles, cellular phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance to help with the damages. “Mga kababayan, gusto kong pasalamatan ang mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno. Mayroon lang akong sasabihin sa inyo. Palagi kasi akong nakakarinig ng pagpapasalamat. ‘Salamat (dating) presidente (Rodrigo) Duterte, salamat Senador Bong Go' sa mga programa na makakatulong sa mga mahihirap," Go said in a video conference call. “Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Sa totoo lang kami ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Maraming salamat sa inyo. Sanay ako sa trabaho,” he continued. Go also cited that he primarily authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11589, otherwise known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021. Under the law, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) undergoes a ten-year modernization program to help improve the capabilities of the agency. The program includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training, among others. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go likewise urged those with health concerns to visit the Malasakit Center at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city, where they can seek assistance for their medical-related expenses. Designed to assist poor and indigent Filipinos, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop, where all relevant agencies are brought together under one roof to ensure the accessibility of medical assistance programs. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, principally sponsored and authored by Go, has successfully assisted more than three million Filipinos with 158 operational centers nationwide. In addition to the Malasakit Centers, Senator Go maintained that the construction of 11 Super Health Centers across Davao City is underway, in coordination with the Department of Health. Super Health Centers will be strategically built in rural communities to ensure basic health services are accessible to more Filipinos. The centers 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 center; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. “Higit 600 na Super Health Center ang itatayo sa buong Pilipinas sa tulong ng aking mga kasamahan sa Kongreso at sa DOH. Iyan ang Super Health Center. ‘Yung mga buntis pwede nang manganak diyan, hindi na kailangan (lumayo) pa (at) pumunta ng ospital,” the senator explained further. “Sa pamamagitan nito, mailalapit natin ang pangunahing serbisyo medikal mula sa gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito lalo na sa mga nasa malalayong lugar,” he added. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported several initiatives in Davao City, including the construction of various multipurpose buildings and local roads, rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems, and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city, the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for SPMC and the acquisition of ambulances. “Lahat ng tao sa mundo ay may bisyo. Ang bisyo ng social worker tulungan ang mga mahihirap. Ang bisyo ng mga pulis hulihin ang mga kriminal. Ang bisyo ng doctor gamutin ang mga pasyente. Ako may bisyo rin. Ang aking bisyo ay magserbisyo sa inyong lahat,” Go reiterated. “Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Ako po ang inyong Senador kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako’y naniniwala na ang serbisyo po sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” he concluded. On the same day, Go personally provided additional support while the National Housing Authority extended emergency housing assistance for recovering fire victims from various barangays in Davao City. The post Bong Go provides relief aid to Davao fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA flags 2 Compostela infra projects
Another Cebu Town is being questioned by the Commission on Auditon on two infrastructure projects that were not constructed despite having received the budget. This time, it’s the Municipality of Compostela in northern Cebu. In its 2022 Audit Report, the CoA disclosed that Compostela has not implemented the construction of the Community College despite receiving P6 million in funding assistance from the Provincial Government. It did not utilize as of the end of 2022 the P3 million in Local Government Support Fund it received for the building of a multi-purpose hall in Barangay Poblacion. CoA also cited the insufficiently detailed engineering design that caused the delay in the construction of Phase 1 of the multi-purpose building. The non-implementation and non-utilization of these funds have deprived the constituents of the use and benefit of the projects, CoA stressed. The report found that the contractor for the project had zero accomplishments. The project was procured and awarded to a contractor on 29 February 2022, and a notice to proceed was issued on 3 March 2022 by the previous administration of Mayor Froilan Quino. There were two suspension orders issued on 7 March and 25 March last year due to the relocation of the site and the election ban. Two resumption orders were then issued on 11 March 2022 and 1 July 2022. As for the multi-purpose building, CoA said this contradicts the Guidelines on the release and the Utilization of the LGSF-Other Financial Assistance to LGUs in the Fiscal Year 2020 General Appropriations Act provided under the Department of Budget and Management Legally Binding Contract122 dated 31 January 2020. According to item 3.15 of the LBC, if at any point before December 31, 2021, the LGU determines that the funds can no longer be utilized, it should be immediately reverted to the National Treasury. The project was awarded on 15 February 2022 with notice to proceed on 21 February 2022 for Phase 1 of the multi-purpose building. But the municipal engineer failed to present necessary data on the project and upon deeper inquiry, the Municipal Engineering Office claimed the project was 80 to 90 percent finished. The Compostela LGU said it is preparing the documents for the termination of the contract for the proposed Community College, citing its infeasibility and its requirement of more funds for completion. The LGU will request for its realignment. Compostela Mayor Felijur Quino agreed that the LGU will request for an extension on the multi-purpose building project, from the source agency for the utilization of the funds and project implementation, or else the funds must be returned to the source agency. COA recommended that Compostela LGU examine the extent of the delay and consider imposing liquidated damages or terminating the contract with the contractor for the unimplemented construction of the Community College pursuant to Section 9 of Annex E of the Revised IRR of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003. The post CoA flags 2 Compostela infra projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Divided ASEAN condemns Myanmar violence again, supports five-point plan
ASEAN foreign ministers on Thursday condemned violence in Myanmar again and repeated support for a peace plan ignored by its junta rulers, as the divided bloc struggled to find unity over the protracted crisis. Myanmar has been ravaged by deadly violence since a military coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February 2021, unleashing a bloody crackdown on dissent. A joint communique finally arrived late Thursday, more than a day after a two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations ministerial meeting ended as the fractured group wrangled over its content and wording. It said a five-point plan agreed with Myanmar's junta two years ago -- which they have failed to implement -- remained the bloc's best hope of solving the crisis, despite Thailand launching a separate track to ASEAN efforts in recent months. "We... reaffirmed our united position that the five-point consensus remains our main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar," it said. "We strongly condemned acts of violence, including air strikes, artillery shelling, and destruction of public facilities and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence (and) denounce any escalation." It asked all sides of the Myanmar conflict to "create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue." ASEAN chair Indonesia had on Wednesday urged a political solution to the crisis at two-day foreign minister talks. But more than two years after the coup, the divided 10-member bloc's peace efforts remain fruitless, as the junta ignores international criticism and refuses to engage with its opponents. A Southeast Asian diplomat attending the meetings told AFP on condition of anonymity the delay was because they were "working on the language on Myanmar". An early draft seen by AFP on Tuesday had left a section on Myanmar blank. The diplomat said some countries wanted outright re-engagement with the junta, while others said the five-point plan that aims to end the violence and renew talks must remain the basis for re-engagement. This confirmed the "deep divisions within ASEAN on the Myanmar issue", the diplomat added. Thai dialogue track Thailand has made its own initiative to speak directly with the Myanmar junta and other actors in the conflict. Last month, Bangkok hosted the junta's foreign minister for controversial "informal talks" that further split the bloc. Then on Wednesday, on the second day of ASEAN talks, Thailand's top diplomat announced that he met last week with Suu Kyi -- who has been detained since the coup, and jailed by a junta court for a total of 33 years. Don Pramudwinai said he met the Nobel laureate on Sunday in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw and that she was in "good health" and "encouraged dialogue". Don "freely discussed what he wanted" with Suu Kyi, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said in an audio statement posted by the military's information team Thursday, adding that her health was "good". On Thursday, Don told reporters: "It has been two years now, (and) not much improvement. So there must be re-engagement with Myanmar." 'Safe, stable, prosperous' Indonesia has said any other efforts must support ASEAN's existing five-point peace plan. Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir told reporters that all members were working towards the "same issue", which was ensuring that Southeast Asia was "a region that is safe, stable and prosperous". Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Jakarta had engaged in "quiet diplomacy" with all sides of the conflict, and in its seven months as chair had held more than 110 engagements concerning Myanmar. But analysts said Thailand was taking the lead on the crisis, undercutting ASEAN efforts and shifting the centre of negotiation to Bangkok. A Thai foreign ministry official declined to comment on Indonesia's work as ASEAN chair. The post Divided ASEAN condemns Myanmar violence again, supports five-point plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go gives aid to Quezon City fire victims
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go highlighted on Monday, 10 July, the importance of strengthening fire prevention measures in communities and delivering prompt aid to the victims of a fire incident in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City, which affected 55 residents. Held at the barangay hall of Brgy. Pasong Tamo, his office distributed grocery packs, vitamins, masks, snacks and shirts to the affected households. They also gave away shoes, bags, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select beneficiaries. “Ang gamit naman po nabibili natin ‘yan. Ang damit, labhan lang natin ‘pag nadumihan, kung gusto nating bumili ng bagong pantalon, nabibili natin ‘yan. Ang pera po’y kikitain natin ‘yan. Subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay kaya mag-ingat tayo parati,” Go said in a video message. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial aid to the victims. On the same day, Go personally extended his assistance to yet another group of fire victims and impoverished residents in Brgy. Bagabas, Quezon City. As part of his efforts to bolster fire safety and prevention programs in the country, Go primarily authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, to enhance the firefighting capability of the agency. Under the Act, the bureau is undergoing a ten-year modernization program, which includes acquiring new modern fire equipment, hiring additional personnel, and providing specialized training for firefighters, among others. Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also reminded the beneficiaries to look after their health and encouraged them to seek the services of any of the 11 Malasakit Centers in the city. Initiated by the senator in 2018, the Malasakit Centers program provides one-stop shops where indigent patients may get more convenient access to the medical assistance programs of DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go is also the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program. In Quezon City, Malasakit Centers are located at the Lung Center of the Philippines, Novaliches District Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine National Police General Hospital and Quirino Memorial Medical Center. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Go was also instrumental in pushing for the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide. Super Health Centers are designed to make basic health services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit, more accessible to Filipino patients. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Through the support of fellow lawmakers, 307 SHCs were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. DOH has identified six locations for Super Health Centers in Quezon City. Likewise dedicated to help in the development of Quezon City, Go, as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of several multipurpose buildings, flood control structures, and drainage systems in the city. He also supported the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center and VMMC road networks, road and drainage improvement works along the Quirino Highway and P. Dela Cruz Road, construction of an advanced cardiac catheterization laboratory and expansion of the new emergency room building at the EAMC, and construction of a five-story multipurpose building at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo. The post Bong Go gives aid to Quezon City fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go files bill to modernize coast guard, strengthen maritime protection
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has filed a measure to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard and strengthen its capabilities in safeguarding the country’s maritime resources. The proposed Senate Bill No. 2112 seeks to enhance the PCG’s capacity by providing the service with vital assets and resources that will help in the efficient fulfillment of its duties and responsibilities. The bill's primary objective is to upgrade the coast guard's vessels, aircraft, and equipment to international standards. This will significantly improve response time during maritime incidents and emergencies. "Our coast guard serves as the frontline defense against threats like smuggling and terrorism. Additionally, they provide invaluable assistance during natural disasters and emergencies.” Go said. "However, our coast guard faces several challenges that hamper their effectiveness including outdated equipment, inadequate training, and insufficient funding. Hence, I am proposing this bill to address these issues and modernize our coast guard to better protect our country and our people," he added. If enacted into law, it will allow the PCG to undergo a comprehensive modernization program designed to eliminate accidents at sea, expedite response times during search and rescue operations, and bolster national security efforts. The proposed legislation will also help in the enforcement of Philippine laws in the maritime zone, minimize pollution, and improve response times for recovering and mitigating spills. In a recent incident that highlights the importance of modernizing the PCG, it was reported that on June 30, Chinese Coast Guard vessels and militia aggressively followed and chased two Philippine ships during a resupply mission. The PCG ships, BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua, were providing escort to a small boat delivering supplies to the Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre. The mission encountered a significant number of Chinese Coast Guard militia vessels, described as an "armada." To address such situations effectively, the bill emphasizes the need to enhance training and capacity-building programs for the PCG, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared for any challenges that may arise. As the implementing agency, the Department of Transportation will have the authority to enter into multi-year contracts, subject to approval by Congress and the President. "Moreover, this bill will establish a system of accountability and transparency in managing the coast guard's resources and operations. It guarantees efficient and effective use of the allocated funds for the modernization of our coast guard," Go said. He further emphasized that “the modernization of our coast guard is crucial for our national security and the safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly those whose livelihood depends on our seas and waterways. We must ensure that our PCG is fully equipped and prepared to protect our waters and our people." As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Go stressed the timeliness and significance of passing this bill, considering recent events concerning the PCG. He said the legislation represents a significant step towards establishing a more modern and capable coast guard capable of effectively safeguarding the country's maritime interests. The measure will be deliberated in the Senate Committee on Public Services. Similarly, Go's instrumental role in the passage of the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which addresses fire-related incidents nationwide, underscores his commitment to prioritizing Filipinos’ safety and security. The said law, primarily authored and co-sponsored by the senator, mandated measures that will help improve the BFP including the recruitment of more firefighters, acquisition of state-of-the-art fire equipment, and implementation of specialized training programs. The post Bong Go files bill to modernize coast guard, strengthen maritime protection appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NEDA: Establishing MIF preparatory for Phl’s upgrade to ‘upper middle income’ status
The National Economic and Development Authority believes that the establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund will prepare the Philippines to sustain and complete its development programs while targeting to become an “upper middle income country” by 2025. In a news forum on Saturday, NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the MIF could be a gateway for the Philippines to upgrade its current lower-middle income classification—a goal that has been outlined in the Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028. “This transition will have significant implications for the country’s fiscal situation and access to concessional loans, like the Official Development Assistance,” she said. Based on the 2021 Philippine Statistics Authority data, the Philippines is under the lower-middle income classification with $3,000 or P182,438 gross national income per capita. The GNI per capita of lower middle-income status ranges from $1,086 to $4,255. Once the Philippines transitioned to upper middle-income status, Edillon said the country will no longer be qualified for concessional loans. According to NEDA official, concessional loans offers low-interest rates and extended grace periods to countries with below upper middle-income status. Once the Philippines achieves its target status, Edillon said the country will have to rely on market rates for debt financing, which she pressed “would be challenging for the government.” Citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, Edillon said the Philippines were not able to raise its credit rating “to achieve the desired creditworthiness, which could have improved debt financing conditions.” Hence, the Philippine government came up with exploring innovative ways to push for financing income-generating programs and attracting investments. Edillon said, one of which is the establishment of the MIF. She underscored that the “MIF aims to attract equity financing rather than debt financing”— which allows investors to become partners in projects, sharing in the risks and rewards of the venture, such as the flagship infrastructure programs of the Marcos administration. The MIF law is currently an enrolled bill, which will undergo legal scrutiny and awaits the President’s approval. Once enacted, Edillon said the MIF will provide an additional avenue for development financing, particularly for projects that are considered risky “but strategically important and have the potential for long-term returns.” Edillon also noted that the government is now working on the implementing rules and regulations of the MIF, which will help facilitate its operation and contribute to the country’s future investment and expenditure needs. The post NEDA: Establishing MIF preparatory for Phl’s upgrade to ‘upper middle income’ status appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»