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Nueva Ecija isinailalim sa state of calamity
MANILA, Philippines – Idineklara na sa ilalim ng state of calamity ang probinsya ng Nueva Ecija. Ito ay dahil sa matinding epekto ng bagyong Karding sa naturang probinsya. Sa ilalim ng Resolution No. 82-S-2022, inirekomenda ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan na isailalim sa state of calamity dahil sa malawakang […] The post Nueva Ecija isinailalim sa state of calamity appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
3 provinces in state of calamity
President Rodrigo Duterte will most likely place the entire Bicol region, Mimaropa, and Calabarzon under a state of calamity due to the damage caused by super typhoon “Rolly,” Malacanang said Monday, enabling them to tap emergency funds......»»
Bong Go honors educators as modern-day heroes on Teachers’ Day
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and adopted son of the CALABARZON region, personally attended the celebration of Teachers’ Day at the Ynares Sports Complex in Antipolo City, Rizal on Thursday, 5 October. “Alam n’yo ang dapat po nating pasalamatan ngayong araw na ito at bigyan po ng pagpupugay ay ang atin pong mga teachers. Alam n’yo bakit? Kayo po ang isa sa mga hero po ng pandemya. Noong panahon ng pandemya, panahon po iyon na nag-a-adjust po kayo sa distance learning hanggang pabalik sa face-to-face learning,” Go said as he emphasized the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation's future. “Napakalaki po ng challenges na pinagdaanan n’yo. Palakpakan po natin ang ating mga guro. Hindi po natin mararating ito kung hindi po dahil rin po sa inyong sakripisyo. Alam ko ‘yan. Sa tatlong taon po na nilabanan natin ‘yung pandemya, kami ni (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, nandiriyan po kayo,” he continued. The event was also attended by Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares, and Vice Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, among others. Mayor Ynares expressed his gratitude for Go’s continuous efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos. “Sa araw din po na ito, I will make a confession. There is one thing that my teachers taught me which I occasionally do not follow at ito po yun: no copying. Natutunan ko later in public service na kapag may test, magandang mangopya. When one faces difficult tests in life, we can copy. Today, ipapakilala ko po ang isang fellow public servant na hindi niya alam na, quote and quote, kinokopyahan ko. Kinokopya ko po siya for two reasons: first, he has gone through many difficult tests in life; second, he is the kind of person who stands by others, who go through difficult tests in life. Sa mga pinagdaanan niya sa pagsubok ng buhay, dalawang mahahalagang qualities ang lagi kong nakikita at sinisikap na makopya. Una po ay commitment, pangalawa, compassion,” Mayor Ynares said, pertaining to Go. Furthermore, Mayor Ynares commended Go for his steadfast dedication, which serves as an inspiration for public servants and a reminder of the positive impact one can make when motivated by a genuine commitment to the public good. “Hindi po madali ang pinagdaanan ng ating panauhin. Sa panahon na siya ang umaalalay sa isa sa mga naging pangulo ng ating bansa, mula pa nang maging punong-lungsod ang taong pinaglingkuran niya sa Davao (City), hanggang ito ay maging presidente ng ating bansang Pilipinas, humarap sila sa mga panganib, sa mga batikos, sa malalaking suliranin. Sa kabila po nito, laging andun ang ating panauhin… Andun siya para umalalay, para pangalagaan at para ayusin ang landas na dadaanan ng taong pinaglilingkuran niya,” Mayor Ynares further shared. “Nakita ko rin na ang kanyang commitment ay hindi lang sa presidenteng pinaglingkuran niya. He extended his commitment to our countrymen. As he did so, the quality of commitment became the quality of compassion. Tayo pong mga Antipoleño at Rizaleño, pati na ang kapwa nating Pilipino ay naging benepisyaryo ng malasakit na yon,” he added. During the event, Go provided gift packs to 5,902 educators and non-teaching staff. He also extended shirts, bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. “Sa ating mga guro, Happy Teachers month, Happy Teachers’ Day. Lubos po ang aking saludo sa ating mga guro sa araw na ito at sila po’y mga heroes rin po natin sa panahon ng pandemya,” said Go in an interview after the event. “Hindi biro maging isang guro. Dapat talaga mahaba ang iyong pasensya sa pagtuturo. At hindi po natin mararating ito, itong kinatatayuan natin ngayon. Ako mismo hindi po ako magiging senador kung hindi po dahil sa ating mga guro dahil diyan tayo nag-umpisa… Sila po ang nagturo sa atin ng mga tamang kaalaman at gabay kaya po tayo naririto na atin rin namang isini-share po sa ating mga kababayan sa ngayon,” he shared. In the Senate, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1964, also known as the "Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act," which seeks to establish a system for providing teaching allowances to public school teachers. The proposed measure was approved on the third and final reading last May. In 2019, Go also authored and co-sponsored RA 11466, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law 5, which gives civilian government employees, including public school teachers, another round of salary increases broken down in tranches. Go likewise expressed his support for the proposed Salary Standardization Law 6, saying, “As co-sponsor and author of Salary Standardization Law 5 during the 18th Congress, sana po ay magkaroon pa ng bagong Salary Standardization Law 6. I’m one with the government in seeking to provide another increase in salaries for those working in the public sector.” Earlier, the senator also filed SBN 1190, which proposes expanding the use of the Special Education Fund, if enacted into law, to cover the operation and maintenance of public schools, payment of salaries and benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel, and competency training for teaching personnel, among others. On the same day, Go provided assistance to indigents and inspected the San Isidro Super Health Center and the Antipolo City Hall of Justice which he supported in the past years. The post Bong Go honors educators as modern-day heroes on Teachers’ Day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ilang lugar sa Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Metro Manila 'WalangPasok dahil sa volcanic smog
DAHIL sa volcanic smog o vog mula sa Bulkang Taal, nagsuspinde na ng mga klase ang ilang lugar sa Batangas at kalapit na lugar ngayong Biyernes, September 22. Para sa kaalaman ng marami, ang volcanic smog ay isang “toxic gas” na may masamang epekto sa kalusugan na posibleng magdulot ng lubhang pagkairita sa mata, lalamunan,.....»»
Ombudsman vindicates (2)
The Ombudsman was correct in his unsolicited recommendation that Audit Observation Memorandum or AOMs should not be published to prevent prejudging those involved. But AOMs with biased, political undertones and color, if released within a conspired time frame and raising issues as critical as huge Department of Health or DoH money intended to combat Covid-19 being stolen, can cause a rebellion. More than ever, these justify graft buster Martires’ anger over the publication of AOMs. Amazingly, this scenario reappeared with an almost repeat performance by the same personalities like the lady who poured out her tears over the plea bargaining agreement, Heidi Mendoza, who suddenly appeared from nowhere crying again and asking everyone to pray for the soul of her colleague, UN Auditor, Atty. Jake Cimafranca, who worked hard on the DoH report, died of a heart attack. She posted about it in time for Cimafranca’s burial. Also suddenly appearing was Grace Pulido Tan of the “kahindik-hindik (hideous)” PDAF audit report, echoing the same statement of her tandem Heidi that the release of the DoH audit report was regular and not premature. Astonishing everyone, including CoA state auditors, was the rebuff by no less than CoA Chair Michael Aguinaldo of the directive of President Duterte telling him to audit the Philippine National Red Cross. He said the CoA needed more authority to audit the PNRC. State auditors were shocked by the answer of their chief to a presidential order. Something must be cooking. And there emerged the resounding call for an immediate investigation by the senators of the Republic on the DoH’s P67.32- billion fund intended to fight Covid-19. Soon, the call for an inquiry sounded worldwide. The internet showed news flashes in the world’s capital cities of allegedly massive Department of Health funds of the Philippines intended to protect the people of the archipelago from the onslaught of Covid-19 being stolen. But former fiscal and President Rodrigo Duterte could not be intimidated. “Pure bullshit”: Duterte says CoA-flagged DoH funds not stolen. Duterte tells Cabinet secretaries to ignore CoA reports: “Nothing will happen there.” All probes against DoH “can continue,” Palace says after Duterte scores CoA. In effect, Fiscal Digong was saying, you can go on with your investigation. Catch the crooks, but do not hinder government efforts to provide our people with the supplies they need to protect them from Covid-19. Here is how it all started. The annual audit report on the accounts and financial operations of the Department of Health for the calendar year ending 31 December 2020 disclosed, among other things, the following most significant observations contained in one of the collections of AOM released as an annual audit report on 11 August 2021: “1. Various deficiencies involving some P67,323,186,570.57 worth of public funds and intended for national efforts of combatting the unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 crisis were noted. These deficiencies contributed to the challenges encountered and mixed opportunities by the DoH during the state of calamity and national emergency and cast doubts on the regularity of related transactions. “We requested that the SoH (Secretary of Health) implement the recommendations contained in the Consolidated Management Letter on the audit of Covid-19 funds for the year ending 31 December 2020 and submit a status report on the actions taken on the audit recommendations stated therein.” On 11 August 2021, the preceding observation was reported by a local stream media as a blazing headline: “CoA finds DoH lacking in managing P67.32-B Covid funds.” “The Commission on Audit found deficiencies in how the Department of Health managed the P67.32 billion fund to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that it contributed to challenges that the country faced during the crisis. “CoA’s annual audit report for DoH in 2020 revealed that the deficiencies are caused by non-compliance with pertinent laws and regulations, which led to missed opportunities for the department primarily tasked with managing the pandemic.” (To be continued) The post Ombudsman vindicates (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go joins Asian Games send-off; renews advocacy for athletes’ welfare
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go recognized athletes, coaches, and sports officials for their contributions to Philippine sports and their crucial roles in representing the nation on the international stage, during the send-off ceremony on Monday, 18 September, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, for Filipino participants in the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. “Today, we gather here not only to celebrate the excellence of our athletes but also to bid them the best of luck as they embark on a journey to represent our great nation at the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China," said Go. Go took the opportunity to shed light on his proposed Senate Bill No. 2116, which aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. "This bill which I authored carries the potential to bring about positive change in the lives of our athletes, particularly our para-athletes," he said. Go emphasized the need to increase the incentives for para-athletes, stating, "Sana po’y ma-increase naman rin po ang kanilang incentives na natatanggap dahil ‘yung honor po na dala nila sa ating bayan, pareho naman po ‘yong gold, silver, bronze at pinaghirapan rin po nila." The proposed measures seek to upgrade the incentives for para-athletes. This bill intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports. "The heart of this legislation is inclusivity and equality. It aims to elevate or increase the incentives for our para-athletes," he mentioned. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance said he continues to advocate for additional budget for sports programs under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). "During the budget deliberation last year, ang ipinasa po na budget ng PSC more or less about P200 million. Ako po mismo sa Senado bilang inyong chairman po ng Committee on Sports and as vice chair ng Committee on Finance, isinulong ko talaga na madagdagan po ng P1 billion po ang pondo ng Philippine Sports Commission," he said. He revealed that during the budget deliberations last year, he sponsored and successfully secured financial support for athletes participating in international competitions such as the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, which took place in Cambodia, and the forthcoming Asian Games in China. He also disclosed the allocation of P50 million through the PSC for the Asian Games, along with P30 million specifically for Asian para-games. Go also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in achieving sports excellence. "’Pag nagsama ang gobyerno at pribadong sektor, walang imposible.” Meanwhile, in his speech, the senator also touched on the state of sports facilities in the country, emphasizing the need for comfortable training grounds for athletes. "Ako, sa abot ng aking makakaya ay tutulong po ako sa ating mga sports program ng ating bansa," he assured. In line with his focus on grassroots sports development, Go also spoke about the National Academy of Sports (NAS), a fully operational institution located in New Clark City in Tarlac. "Ngayon po pwede na pong mag-aral at the same time mag-training, training at the same time mag-aral diyan po sa National Academy of Sports," he said. This initiative aims to ensure that athletes do not have to sacrifice their education for their sports careers. Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11470 in June 2020, which provides for the establishment of the NAS System and its main campus. Go was an author and co-sponsor of the measure. Go is also prioritizing the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games (PNG) as a platform to scout and recruit athletes for the national pool. He filed SBN 423, or the proposed PNG Act, which seeks to create a nationwide platform for athletes, particularly the youth, to display their abilities. During the ambush interview, Go also emphasized the importance of grassroots programs in encouraging youth to engage in sports and lead a healthy lifestyle. "Grassroots program, it's one way na ma-e-engganyo natin ang ating mga kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs, and to keep us healthy and fit," he said. He further elaborated on the connection between sports and health, saying, "Malaking bagay na fit tayo. Ang importante rin sa akin bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Health, dalawa po 'yan. Importante sa akin ang sports at health. Magka-connect ang dalawang ito dahil para sa akin, kapag fit ka, healthy ka. Pangalagaan po natin ang kalusugan ng bawat isa. Katumbas ng kalusugan ay buhay ng bawat Pilipino." Toward the end of his speech, Go expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his unwavering support for Filipino athletes. "Salamat po mga athletes. And of course, gusto ko rin pong pasalamatan ang suporta po sa atin ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa suporta niya sa SEA Games, sa Asian Games, at sa lahat pa po ng future competition," he said. Go likewise extended his thanks to PSC Chairman Dickie Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, and the Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo for their ongoing support and contribution to the athletic community. He likewise thanked the athletes, para-athletes, and coaches for their dedication and sacrifices in training. "Athletes, para-athletes, coaches salamat po sa inyong lahat, sa inyong sakripisyo sa pagte-training. Alam kong ito na po ‘yung panahon na inaantay natin," Go said. As the athletes prepare for their journey to Hangzhou, China, Go assured them of his full support. "To our athletes, I know that we stand with you every step of the way. We believe in your potential, and we are confident that you will make our country proud on the international stage," he concluded. The upcoming Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8. The event was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See more photos here: The post Bong Go joins Asian Games send-off; renews advocacy for athletes’ welfare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Habagat’ onslaught leaves 2 dead
The Office of Civil Defense on Sunday disclosed that two individuals reportedly died due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat which was enhanced by typhoons “Goring” and “Hanna.” According to OCD spokesperson Edgar Posadas, the fatalities — which were still being validated — came each from the Cordillera Administrative Region and Western Visayas, adding that the inclement weather has also affected more than 418,000 people all over the country. “More than 418,000 people have been affected by the combined effects of ‘Goring,’ ‘Hanna,’ and habagat. This translates to more than 114,000 families in 1,469 barangays,” said Posadas in a radio interview. He added that at least 21,700 people or 5,100 families have also remained at 272 evacuation centers, while 30,000 people or 7,400 families were staying in other places, based on the latest situational report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. “Our data for damaged houses has increased a bit — it’s at 501 now. Ninety-six houses were totally damaged, while 405 were partially damaged in CAR, Regions 1, 2, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Region 6,” Posadas said. The OCD spokesperson also revealed that damage and losses to agriculture stood at P421,195,721. The damage to infrastructure amounted to P130,251,200 and two localities in the Western Visayas also declared a state of calamity because of the recent typhoons and habagat. Meantime, a total of 98 seaports were affected in the Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Western Visayas, resulting in canceled trips. Classes in 298 cities and municipalities were also suspended. Twenty-five roads and nine bridges were also not passable, according to the NDRRMC. In other developments, three Luzon dams continued to release water on Sunday morning after heavy rains from the habagat. Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan had one gate open at 0.15 meter at 6 a.m. as the reservoir water level of Ipo Dam was at 101.07 meters at 6 a.m., which is over the 101-meter normal high water level. Meantime, the Ambuklao Dam in Benguet had five gates open on Sunday morning at 2.5 meters as the the dam’s RWL was at 751.53 meters, nearing the NHWL of 752 meters. Binga Dam in Benguet, on the other hand, six gates remained open on Sunday, same as on Saturday. The gate opening, however, was slightly bigger on Sunday at 3.3 meters. Binga Dam’s RHWL was at 573.23 meters on Sunday, just a few meters away from the NHWL of 575 meters. The post ‘Habagat’ onslaught leaves 2 dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Hanna’ intensifies; typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’ brings heavy rains
Typhoon "Hanna" slightly intensifies as it accelerates west-northwestward towards the sea east of Taiwan while enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat" will bring heavy rains over the western portion of Luzon in the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Saturday. PAGASA said the southwest monsoon currently enhanced by “Hanna” and two other typhoons, "Saola" (formerly "Goring") and Severe Tropical Storm “Kirogi”, will cause gusty conditions over the following areas not under any Wind Signal, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds in Batanes, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and the northern portion of Eastern Visayas until Saturday. Typhoon "Hanna" has already affected 112,384 families or 408,053 individuals residing in 1,445 barangays within the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Central Luzon, and Cordillera Administrative Region. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported more than P421.19 million worth of damages in the agricultural sector, affecting some 10,196 farmers and fisherfolk operating in 18,470.25 hectares of crop areas. The estimated cost of damage to infrastructure amounting to P130,251,200 was reported in Region 2, MIMAROPA, Region 6, and CAR. The NDRRMC accounted for a total of 502 damaged houses in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and CAR with 25 roads and nine bridges remained not passable. Two areas in CALABARZON and Western Visayas are still experiencing water supply. There were 89 seaports that have canceled operations in Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Western Visayas amid the continuing inclement weather. Some 234 passengers have been stranded in CALABARZON and Western Visayas. The six domestic flights that have been affected have now resumed operations. NDRRMC said two municipalities have already declared under a state of calamity due to the cyclones and intensified southwest monsoon. The government said it has already provided a total of P17.68 million worth of assistance, which came in the form of family food packs, family kits, financial aid, and many more. Meanwhile, PAGASA said "Hanna" is forecast to move west-northwestward or westward while intensifying until it makes landfall along the east coast of southern Taiwan on late Sunday. "Hanna" is considerably weakening is expected as a result of crossing the rugged landmass of Taiwan. PAGASA said "Hanna" will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility and emerge over the Taiwan Strait around Monday morning or afternoon. Outside the PAR region, the weather disturbance is forecast to move erratically and may even become slow-moving or almost stationary over the Taiwan Strait while continuously weakening due to land interaction and an increasingly unfavorable environment. PAGASA forecast ‘Hanna’ will have weakened into a tropical depression by Wednesday or Thursday. It was last tracked over 455-kilometer east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph while moving west-northwestward at 15 kph. The post ‘Hanna’ intensifies; typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’ brings heavy rains appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go inspects Siniloan isolation facility
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, personally inspected the isolation facility at the Siniloan Infirmary Hospital in Siniloan, Laguna on Friday, 25 August. Go, also the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported the said project during the Duterte administration. The senator, an adopted son of CALABARZON, was also joined by Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, and Councilors Carl Anthony Puño, Regie De Jesus, and Councilor Ronald Valeroso, among others. "Maraming salamat po Kuya Bong. Ang bayan po ng Siniloan ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong pagdalaw at kami po ay binibigyan niyo ng suporta. Ang sarili naming Infirmary Hospital ay parang Malasakit Center na rin dahil ang mga kapos nating kababayan na lumalapit doon ay nabibigyan natin ng direktang libreng pag-gagamot. Kaya Kuya Bong, maraming maraming salamat po. Talagang 'Go cares'," Mayor Go expressed. Go’s visit not only underscored his dedication to serving the Filipino people but also highlighted the critical need to bolster the nation's health sector, particularly in the wake of the devastating effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the inspection, the senator engaged in conversations with the local officials and even healthcare workers to gain firsthand insights into the challenges faced by the health sector. “Sinusuportahan naman natin ang inyong Infirmary Hospital dito po sa Siniloan at gaya ng sinabi ko kung ano po ang makakatulong sa Siniloan sa pag-unlad ng inyong bayan at makatulong po sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan dito po sa Siniloan ay handa po akong tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya ay tutulong po ako dito po sa inyong bayan,” said Go in an interview after his visit. Go has consistently stressed the importance of continuous investments in healthcare infrastructure, personnel, and equipment especially in the community level. He pointed out that the pandemic had exposed vulnerabilities in the health sector and underscored the need for proactive measures to ensure that the country is better equipped to handle future health crises. Through a series of innovative initiatives, including Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers (SHCs), and Regional Specialty Centers (RSCs), Go underscored his unwavering commitment to ensuring that all Filipinos have access to quality medical assistance and services. Malasakit Centers, a brainchild of Senator Go, act as one-stop shops that consolidate the available medical assistance programs of various government agencies, ensuring that poor and indigent patients can readily access the support they need. Since its inception in 2018, Malasakit Centers have provided invaluable assistance to more than seven million patients, alleviating the financial burdens that often accompany medical treatments. There are currently 158 operational centers nationwide, including those at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Meanwhile, Go’s vision of a more improved healthcare sector extends to the establishment of SHCs, which aim to offer comprehensive healthcare services to communities, especially in underserved areas. Such centers are set to be established in cities such as Calamba, Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, San Pedro, San Pablo, and Biñan, as well as in the towns of Alaminos, Mabitac, Calauan, Los Baños, and Sta. Maria. The SHCs will offer a wide range of services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and 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, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Through the concerted efforts of the Department of Health (DOH) and lawmakers, adequate funding has been allocated in the national budget for the establishment of 307 SHCs in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. “Ang maganda po diyan early detection, primary care, checkup, konsulta. Diyan ho kayo magpakonsulta sa Super Health Center na itinatayo sa inyong lugar. Early detection (para) hindi lumala ang sakit. It will help decongest sa hospitals, madi-decongest po ang mga hospitals dahil diyan na po gagamutin sa mga Super Health Center,’ Go said. Recognizing the need for specialized care, Go has also championed the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers. These centers focus on specific medical fields, ensuring that patients receive expert care without the need to travel long distances to urban centers. In the Senate, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2212, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was recently approved and signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. into law. “Pangatlong prayoridad ko po bilang chairman ng Committee on Health ito pong establishing regional specialty center. Maglalagay po ng mga specialty center sa mga DOH regional hospital sa buong Pilipinas. It’s a multiyear plan po. Halimbawa, (kung may problema sa) heart, kidney, lung, neonatal, mental, ito pong mga ortho sa mga may karamdaman sa buto, cancer. Ilalagay na po sa lahat ng DOH regional hospital sa buong Pilipinas para ilapit po natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan,” explained Go. “Ako po ang (isa sa mga) author at (principal) sponsor niyan sa Senado at pasado na ‘yan, napirmahan na po ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos dahil priority po ito ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos. Establishing specialty center in every DOH regional hospital all over the country,” he added. On the same day, Go personally inspected the town’s Sports Complex and provided assistance to 500 struggling residents. The post Bong Go inspects Siniloan isolation facility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides aid to Siniloan indigents
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has personally reached out to assist hundreds of struggling residents in Siniloan, Laguna, on Friday, 25 August. As a legislator and public servant, Go has been consistent with his efforts to help ensure grassroots communities get the services they need from the government. “Kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. Iyan po ang aking ipinangako sa Pilipino. Hindi ko po matiis na nakaupo lang po sa opisina habang ang mga kababayan natin dito ay nangangailangan po ng tulong,” he said. “Tayo po na nasa gobyerno, sikapin nating ilapit ang serbisyo sa mga tao. Tayo na mismo ang maghatid sa kanila ng tulong na kanilang kinakailangan upang makaahon sa hirap. Siguraduhin nating walang maiiwan sa ating muling pagbangon,” he added. An adopted son of CALABARZON, Go took the opportunity to praise the local officials for their unwavering efforts to ensure the well-being of their constituents. He expressed his admiration and gratitude to those in attendance, including Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, and Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, among others. During the event held at Siniloan Plaza covered court, Go's team distributed food packs, masks, vitamins, snacks, and shirts to 500 indigent residents. In addition, select individuals received pairs of shoes, watches, cellphones, and balls for basketball and volleyball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) complemented these efforts by providing financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program to qualified beneficiaries. Aside from the 500 beneficiaries that day, Go’s team will continue to aid other indigents in Siniloan in the coming days. Advocating for improved access to quality healthcare services, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged residents to utilize the services of the Malasakit Centers in the province, located at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City. The Malasakit Center, an initiative instituted through Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored, consolidates the medical assistance programs of various government agencies including DSWD, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). To date, more than seven million poor and indigent patients have benefited from the 158 established Malasakit Centers, as reported by DOH. On the same day, Go also inspected some of the projects he supported in the town as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, including the isolation facility at the Infirmary Hospital and the Siniloan Sports Complex which were both initiated during the Duterte administration through Go’s efforts. Understanding the importance of sports in fostering community well-being, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, emphasized the need for modern and accessible facilities to promote grassroots sports development. “Bahagi ng ating layunin bilang Chair ng Senate Committee on Sports na mapalaganap ang grassroots sports development, at mailayo ang iba pang kabataan sa masamang bisyo gaya ng iligal ng droga. Kaya ang payo ko palagi sa lahat lalo na sa mga kabataan, get into sports and stay away from drugs,” Go said. In Siniloan, Go also supported the construction of a multipurpose building. Throughout the province, Go was instrumental in the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of various roads, bridges, and farm-to-market roads in Famy, Luisiana, Nagcarlan, Paete, and Majayjay. Additionally, the acquisition of ambulances in Liliw, Magdalena, and Nagcarlan, and a garbage truck in Bay, has enhanced transportation and sanitation services. Environmental protection has also been a priority of the senator as he earlier pushed for the funding of flood control projects and lakeshore protection in Bay, drainage canals in Biñan City and Cabuyao City, and river protection structures in Biñan City. Community development is also advocated by Go through the support of the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of various multi-purpose buildings, covered courts, public markets, and slaughterhouses in Cavinti, Famy, Kalayaan, Liliw, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Majayjay, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pangil, Pila, Rizal, San Pablo City, San Pedro City, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa City, Siniloan, and Victoria. Through his efforts, urban development has also been enhanced in the province through the installation of LED streetlights in Biñan City, street lighting in Lumban and Magdalena, and the modernization and upgrading of the public market in Nagcarlan. During the Duterte administration, special attention has also been given to specific projects such as the construction of a pathway and a multi-purpose hall in Bay, the construction of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region IV-A Office, and a satellite evacuation center/isolation facility in Calamba City, and the construction of a two-story Calumpang Public Market in Liliw. "Mga kababayan ko, tandaan n’yo po, mahal na mahal ko po kayo. Maraming salamat. Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito, kung anuman pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he said. “Ako ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” concluded Go. The post Bong Go provides aid to Siniloan indigents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go visits ‘egg basket of the Philippines’ to conduct relief ops
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the paramount significance of stronger government interventions for supporting impoverished Filipinos adversely affected by various crises as he personally led a relief activity for struggling Batangueños in San Jose town on Thursday, 17 August. In 2022, former president Rodrigo Duterte approved a law declaring San Jose town in Batangas as the country's "egg basket” through Republic Act No. 11707, which recognizes the local and national "economic significance" of San Jose's egg industry. Recognizing the urgent need for support, Go for his part has tirelessly championed the cause of the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that essential government aid reaches those who need it the most. In partnership with the local government of San Jose, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Go assisted 1,558 fellow Batanguenos at the Vanolato Realty basketball court. Go and his team provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and meals to each beneficiary. He likewise gave away bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, watches, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. A team from the DSWD extended financial assistance to 1,000 qualified Batangueños through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, while DOLE provided livelihood support to 558 individuals through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. “Mga kababayan ko nandirito po kami ngayong araw na ito (at) may dala lang po kaming kaunting tulong. Mayroon po akong dala mula sa aking opisina. (Bukod pa rito,) ang DSWD po mayroong programa na AICS. Kayo po ang napili na bibigyan po na mga beneficiaries ngayong araw na ito… Iba naman po ang TUPAD ng DOLE. Ito pong programang ito pansamantalang trabaho po ito,” Go said. “Ako po bilang senador ay nagsulong nito para maging benepisyaryo kayo ng mga programang ‘yan sa pakikipag-ugnayan po kay Mayor Ben Patron. Suportado ko po ang mga programa ng gobyerno tulad nito na nakakatulong sa mga mahihirap,” shared Go. Go, who is an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial roots in Batangas and Davao, likewise praised the collective efforts of all local officials, including Mayor Valentino “Ben” Patron and Vice Mayor Noel Virtucio. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team captain Lewis Alfred "LA" Tenorio, a Batangueño, was also present during the visit. “Minsan ako ay pumunta sa kanyang opisina para hingan kayo ng tulong. Ang sagot niya sa akin, at napagalitan pa ako dahil sabi, Mayor, kahit hindi ka pumunta dito, ako ay Batangueño at bilang Batangueño, una sa puso ko ang mga taga-San Jose,” referring to Go, Mayor Patron recalled during his speech to the beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the senator, who chairs the Committee on Health and Demography in the Senate, reiterated his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and medical services for the poor and reminded the public to take advantage of the services offered in Malasakit Centers. As a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients can access government medical assistance, the Malasakit Center was initiated by Go in 2018 and institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 in 2019, a piece of legislation he principally sponsored and authored in the Senate. As attested by the Department of Health (DOH), the program has already aided over seven million patients nationwide with 158 existing Malasakit Centers all around the country. The Malasakit Centers in the province are located at the Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and at Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery. In addition to his commitment to the Malasakit Center program, Go has conveyed his support to establish more Super Health Centers (SHCs) throughout the country. Under the 2022 national budget, SHCs in Batangas were funded in Ibaan, San Pascual, Agoncillo, Calatagan, Lipa City, Malvar, and Taysan. In 2023, more centers were identified to be established in the towns of San Juan, Tingloy, Lian, and San Jose. In addition, two more SHCs were funded in Lipa City. The SHC is an improved version of a rural health center and offers basic health services such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and 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, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. “Sa kakaikot ko po sa buong Pilipinas, marami pong lugar walang health facilities. Yung mga buntis nanganganak sa tricycle (o kaya) sa jeepney dahil napakalayo po ng ospital. Ngayon magkakaroon na ng Super Health Center at pwede po itong i-expand ni Mayor. Kaya yung mga buntis pwede nang manganak dyan,” Go cited. “Kapag meron na pong Super Health Center dito sa lugar ninyo, dyan na po pwede magpakonsulta, importante ang early detection ng diseases para hindi lumala ang sakit, at makakuha kayo ng primary care. This will help decongest the hospitals dahil dyan na po pwede na magpagamot. Malaking tulong po nun,” he continued. To help with the economic recovery of the town, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of multipurpose buildings, road improvements, rehabilitation of drainage facilities and water systems, and a street lighting project. On the same day, Go attended the blessing and opening of the Malaquing Tubig Bridge and inspected the ongoing road construction in Barangay Palanca going to Barangay Natunuan. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go was instrumental in securing funding for these projects. The post Bong Go visits ‘egg basket of the Philippines’ to conduct relief ops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists fellow Batangueños in Calaca, Tanauan towns
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's office, in coordination with the local officials, spearheaded on 2 August, Wednesday, relief activities for less privileged fellow Batangueños in the towns of Calaca and Tanauan. The relief activities, which took place at Tanauan Institute Inc. and Calaca City gymnasium, benefitted 900 residents. The beneficiaries received essential items such as masks, and shirts, while select individuals were given additional items like shoes, basketballs, and volleyball balls. “Magtulungan lang po tayo. Ginagawa po ng gobyerno ang lahat, binabalanse ang ekonomiya habang sinisigurado po na tayo ay ligtas mula sa pandemya. Unti-unti naman pong sumisigla ulit ang ekonomiya pero importante po dito ang buhay ng bawat isa,” Go said in a video message. “Hinihikayat ko rin kayong lahat na ipagpatuloy niyo lang ang inyong suporta sa gobyerno. Ako naman ay magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Hindi namin magagawa ang lahat ng ito kung wala ang inyong suporta at malasakit sa bawat isa,” he continued. Go, who is an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial roots in Batangas and Davao, remains steadfast in his advocacy for improved healthcare services. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, he also offered to assist those with health issues and encouraged them to reach out to the Malasakit Centers at Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and at Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partner agencies. Currently, there are 158 operational centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – ‘yung DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo sa inyong billing,” said Go, who principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463. “Lapitan n’yo lang po ang Malasakit Center, para po iyan sa mga Pilipino lalo na sa mga poor and indigent patients. Batas na ‘yan na isinulong ko at pinirmahan ni (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte noon,” he added. To help boost economic progress in the province, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alitagtag, Batangas City, Ibaan, Lemery, Lipa City, Mabini, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, San Nicolas, Santo Tomas and Taal; concretion of farm-to-market roads in Agoncillo, Laurel, Nasugbu and Tuy; acquisition of ambulance units in Ibaan and Lemery; and the acquisition of multipurpose vehicles in Lipa City and San Juan. The post Bong Go assists fellow Batangueños in Calaca, Tanauan towns appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SBG hails lifting of state of national emergency in Mindanao
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go highlighted the economic and societal benefits that would come with the lifting of the state of emergency in Mindanao by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a testament to the continuing campaign against terrorism in the region. "With the lifting, mas lalong mano-normalize na po ang ating pamumuhay sa Mindanao at makapag-engganyo na tayo ng investors, turista, mas sisigla na ang ating ekonomiya, at karagdagang trabaho na po ito,” Go said in an interview on Saturday, 29 July in Davao City. Go said the lifting of the state of emergency was a testament to the successful law enforcement efforts in the region. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order credited the efforts initially initiated under former President Rodrigo Duterte and continued further by the present administration. "Inumpisahan po ito ni dating Pangulong Duterte na labanan po ang terorismo... nagkaroon ng proclamation si dating pangulong Duterte noong 2016 dahil magulo talaga, may bombings, at nando'n pa ang Marawi Siege," explained Go. Marcos’ decision to lift the state of national emergency on 25 July was based on the improved peace and order situation in the region. His proclamation highlighted "successful focused military and law enforcement operations and programs that promote sustainable and inclusive peace," contributing to the restoration of peace in the region. The President expressed optimism that lifting the proclamation would "boost economic activity and hasten the recovery of the local economy." The post SBG hails lifting of state of national emergency in Mindanao appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go lauds holistic approach against illegal drugs
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go echoed the importance of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ initiative to combat illegal drugs, which was highlighted during the second State of the Nation Address on Monday, 24 July at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. The senator, in an interview, praised the President's commitment to continuing the war on drugs campaign initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte. This move comes as the nation continues to face challenges in tackling the drug menace and maintaining the strides made by the previous administration. “I'm hopeful na ‘yung kanyang mga binitawang salita, mga pangako ay maisakatuparan… yung kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, though different approach nga po ito, ang importante po’y labanan natin ang iligal na droga at ayaw natin na masayang ‘yung inumpisahan ni dating Pangulong Duterte na labanan po ang iligal na droga. Dahil ‘pag bumalik po ang iligal na droga babalik po ang korapsyon sa gobyerno, babalik po ang kriminalidad,” said Go. The senator expressed confidence that with the continued commitment to the war on drugs, the nation can provide a safer and more secure environment for its citizens. Go highlighted the need for a collective effort in addressing the drug issue, calling for unity among government agencies, local communities, and citizens. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation in reporting drug-related activities and assisting law enforcement in their operations. Marcos highlighted the revamped campaign against illegal drugs, the progress made toward peace and development, and the importance of unity and diplomacy in pursuing the country's interests. The President introduced the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA Program, which has led to the establishment of 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers across the country. These centers are aimed at providing holistic support to drug dependents, helping them reintegrate into society as productive members, and breaking the cycle of addiction. “The campaign against illegal drugs continues—but it has taken on a new face. It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence amongst our affected citizenry… We will (also) relentlessly continue our fight against drug syndicates, shutting down their illegal activities and dismantle their network of operations,” Marcos said. “Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations. In their stead, we will install individuals with unquestionable integrity, who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse. We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government,” the President shared. The post Bong Go lauds holistic approach against illegal drugs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go hopeful for PBBM’s expanded infrastructure development plans
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is optimistic that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program can further enhance the country’s development towards full and inclusive economic recovery. President Marcos, Jr. recently laid down his administration's key priorities and policy directions during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, 24 Jul, held at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. One of the central pillars of his vision for the nation's progress is infrastructure development, which seeks to build upon the foundation laid by former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build Build Build” program. In an interview after the SONA, Senator Go expressed his hopes in President Marcos' commitment to advancing infrastructure development. He emphasized that sustaining and expanding the program would not only drive economic growth but also create more job opportunities for the Filipino workforce. “After Build, Build, Build noong nakaraang administrasyon, very hopeful tayo dito sa Build Better More ngayon na karagdagang mga infrastructure projects,” Go said. According to Go, the continuation of the BBB program under the Marcos Administration now known as the BBM Program, holds great promise for the country’s future, underscoring that the government is paving the way for increased economic efficiency and sustainable development. “Maraming na accomplish ang Build, Build, Build program noong panahon ni dating pangulong Duterte. Masaya tayo na ipinagpatuloy ito sa ilalim ng Build, Better More. Infra projects create jobs. They generate employment, lalo na sa mga nawalan ng trabaho dahil sa pandemya,” Go highlighted. To finance high-priority projects without incurring additional debt, President Marcos said in his SONA that the government has established the Maharlika Investment Fund, saying, “In pooling a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized government funds, the Fund shall be used to make high-impact and profitable investments, such as the Build-Better-More program. The gains from the Fund shall be reinvested into the country’s economic well-being.” Go, for his part, emphasized the need to ensure that no public fund is wasted and must be accounted for to benefit the Filipino people. “Importante rito sa Maharlika Fund dapat po maimplementa ang safeguards at maayos ‘yung paggamit ng pondo at ‘yung sa kanyang ipinangako, gagamitin sa mga infrastructure yung mga natutulog naman po na pondo,” said Go. “Pero kahit na natutulog itong pondong ito dapat po’y maayos ang paggamit nito, wala pong masayang ni piso na pondo po ng ating mga kababayan, ng ating bayan,” the senator added. In his second SONA, President Marcos Jr. assured the Filipino people that infrastructure development would remain a top priority throughout his term. The President mentioned that the heart of the BBM Program lies in its eight-point plan, covering investments in physical connectivity, water resources, agriculture, health, digital connectivity, and energy. A significant portion, 83 percent, of the program's budget is allocated to physical connectivity infrastructure, including roads, bridges, seaports, airports, and mass transport. The post Bong Go hopeful for PBBM’s expanded infrastructure development plans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Egay’ exits after trail of destruction
The number of persons affected by the combined effects of typhoon “Egay” (international name: “Doksuri”) and the southwest monsoon or habagat has climbed to more than 309,909, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Wednesday. The NDRRMC said the typhoon battered 460 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and CALABARZON. In a public briefing, NDRRMC chairperson and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said they were still validating the total number of casualties. The government, he added, is still in the process of assessing the damage wrought by the typhoon in communities. “We are still in the period of rapid response, number one, to serve our displaced countrymen; number two is to ensure that basic services are restored as soon as possible; and the most important is to ensure that everybody as much as possible is safe,” he said. In Cagayan Valley, the typhoon affected 4,925 families, or 16,031 individuals, residing in 22 towns. In Ilocos Norte, the provincial government declared a state of calamity after pre-emptively evacuating 203 families affected by a landslide and flooding in Bangui, Badoc, Bacarra, Pagudpud, Banna, Adams, Solsona, Piddig, Burgos, Paoay, Batac and Laoag. The latest update from the state weather bureau, PAGASA, showed that Egay was last monitored over the coastal waters of Calayan (Dalupiri Island), Cagayan, moving west-southwestward at 10 kilometers per hour. The typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center with gustiness of up to 240 kph. Egay will continue to affect the northwestern portion of Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Ilocos Sur, the rest of Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Zambales, the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region and the Ilocos Region. Meanwhile, the habagat or southwest monsoon enhanced by “Egay” will continue to bring occasional rains over the western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon and the Visayas until the weekend. Gusty conditions will prevail in areas under any wind signal, especially in coastal, upland, and mountainous areas exposed to wind in Luzon and the Visayas due to the typhoon and the enhanced southwest monsoon. In an interview, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian ordered the regional director of the DSWD MIMAROPA Field Office to augment the local government units in the area and assist the evacuees from at least three towns in Occidental Mindoro. “We have to help the Occidental Mindoro LGUs and their evacuees with a continuous supply of family food packs as well as non-food items,” Gatchalian said. With Mar Supnad @tribunephl_Lade The post ‘Egay’ exits after trail of destruction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless
Reduced budgets against big, supportive words paint a grainy picture of how the Marcos Jr. administration is prioritizing the arts and culture sector of the Philippines. In 2022, “proposed budget cuts for four key agencies tasked with preserving history and culture,” as said in a report, got critics’ hackles up, implying that the Marcoses had no love lost for history as it was allegedly bent on revisionism. However, a source from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts acknowledges that this has been a “period of recovery,” and that “the administration has continuously supported and assisted in the recovery of the sector, which is one of most adversely affected by the pandemic. Through the government’s cultural agencies, support to the culture still continues” to this day, one year into the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. For its part, the Duterte government, at the height of the pandemic, took steps to alleviate the needs of all those affected in the arts and culture sector. Assistance Data from the Cultural Center of the Philippines reveals that during that time, about 800 events were canceled, losing about 800,000 audiences or participants, and at least P90 million in revenues. About 3,000 artists, cultural workers and other kinds of workers were affected. This was the same all over the country and the world. The NCCA’s Assistance Program for Cultural Workers Under the State of Calamity aimed to provide quick cash assistance in the amount of P5,000 to around 800 beneficiaries. Artists and cultural workers who were not under an employer-employee relationship, without regular income or were working freelance, with no benefits, and/or had no employers to run to, and those whose source of income were gone due to the pandemic, were prioritized. The executive council members of the NCCA’s 19 national committees, which represent the different fields of culture and the arts, were tasked to list 35 priority beneficiaries. The NCCA “is the overall policy-making body, coordinating and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and tasked to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts — a fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs and projects.” Executive Order 80’s. 1999, under then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, put the NCCA on top of other cultural agencies: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), National Museum, The National Library (now, The National Library of the Philippines) and the Records, Management and Archives Office (now, the National Archives of the Philippines). In 2001, Section 8 of Republic Act 9155 added the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino/Commission on the Filipino Language under the NCCA umbrella tied up with education goals. It states: “The Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, National Historical Institute, Record Management and Archives Office and the National Library shall now be administratively attached to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and no longer with the Department of Education. The program for school arts and culture shall remain part of the school curriculum.” Putting these cultural agencies together was meant to synergize efforts to strengthen the Filipinos’ sense of heritage and nationhood. Budget allocations In 2023, a year after President Marcos first stepped into office, what “resources” are we talking about? When budgets were being deliberated on in 2022, reports came out on calls for an increase in the proposed budget for arts and culture. At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance, NCCA chairman Rene Escalante said, “…we are proposing additional funding of a total of P33 million” to cover expenses for “more manpower and space as some regulatory functions of the National Museum of the Philippines were transferred to it.” Department of Budget Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in her newspaper column wrote last 31 May: “For 2023, DBM has released funding for our cultural agencies to sustain their projects. It has allocated P212 million for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; P33 million for NCCA; P164 million for the National Archives; P70 million for the Commission on the Filipino Language; P356 million for CCP and P444 million for the National Museum.” ‘Full support’ Prior to his State of the Nation Address this year after one year in office, expressed his “commitment to promoting Philippine culture, as well as the preservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage, In a speech at the NCCA Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) awarding ceremony in Malacañang, he said: “Makaaasa kayo na kaisa ninyo ang pamahalaan at administrasyong ito sa pagsusulong at pagpapayaman ng ating sining at kultura (You may rest assured the government and this administration is one with you in the promotion and development of our arts and culture),” pointing out its importance in and interconnection to efforts to boost our economy while uplifting the image of Filipinos across the globe. [caption id="attachment_161350" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] TRADITIONAL style of mat weaving. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LIKHA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_161351" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Banig weavers.[/caption] ‘Who we are’ What a rich and thriving culture means to a nation cannot be emphasized enough. In October 2018, when Malacañang hosted the awarding of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Philippine Heritage Award and the Order of National Artist, then President Rodrigo Duterte noted the role that cultural heritage plays in the formation of the Filipino identity. “We must recognize and fulfill our duty to stay true to who we are, remember where we came from and honor the timelessness of our culture and traditions,” he said. His commitment was evident as the pandemic went on, with the NCCA offering assistance to the affected workers in the arts and culture sector. The unspoken benefit from that experience was that the arts community bounced back immediately, as artists and cultural workers continued to create, to entertain, to impart insights, to provoke and stimulate, to inspire. Creativity might have taken a pause during the pandemic but not for long as artists began to turn to cyberspace to share their works and interact with their audiences mainly in their social media accounts. Taking this cue, cultural institutions and companies, arts organizations and culture-related groups took the online route, creating virtual events such as online galleries, webinars and talks, film showings, workshops and tutorials, live-streamed musical shows and even presentations of recorded theatrical and dance performances. The digital arts have blossomed and traditional artforms have found themselves increasingly and suddenly in the digital world. Post-pandemic, establishments reopened, but cultural spaces such as museums, galleries and theaters were among the last ones to reopen. Local artistry In the first year of Marcos’ presidency, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took on the role of promoting Filipino culture by spearheading projects like the Malacañang museums and Likha exhibits, which shone the limelight on local artistry and craftsmanship. One of the legacies of the pandemic that will continue in the coming years is incorporation of streaming or recording for posting and sharing in social media and other mediums. This is true for certain events such as launchings and talks. We have discovered the far-reaching reach of online platforms as well as the convenience of it, saving us time and money. With online platforms, we can reach thousands and disseminate information further beyond borders. Our audiences are not limited to certain geography, certain spheres. However, for theatrical productions, dance, films and music, we have to devise ways to monetize them so that the creatives involved can make a living out of their crafts. That is one of the challenges that the sector will be facing, which is part of the recovery process from the pandemic. One other important factor to be considered is the creative industries or creative economy. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 was launched in 2017, and for the first time, arts and culture and the creative industries are included in the national agenda. An inter-agency board has been created focusing on the creative industries, with the NCCA as one of the key agencies. This entails creating a collective vision and aspiration of Filipinos for themselves and for the country, and is an acknowledgment of the power of arts and culture to shape and elevate consciousness and ways of life and inspire communities. In that chapter, the government promises to “boost the development of Filipino creativity as tool for social cohesion and impetus for culture-based industry and creative economy.” Let’s not forget that a thoughtful and caring governance and industry would indeed include arts and culture in order to prosper in all aspects, recognize the important roles of their artists and cultural workers, and would preserve their cultural legacy, which contribute to realizing a deeper sense of self and national identity. True prosperity does not dwell on the material level but must include the nourishment and nurturing of the soul. The post Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go’s team assists indigents in Polillo Island, Quezon
Senator Bong Go, adopted son of CALABARZON, in coordination with Congressman Mark Enverga, dispatched on Tuesday, 18 July, an outreach team to provide aid to indigent individuals in Polillo Island, Quezon. Go's team distributed snacks, masks, vitamins and shirts to 1,400 beneficiaries at the evacuation center in Polillo Sports Complex. They also provided shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select residents. Additionally, representatives from DSWD provided financial assistance to each resident. In a video message, Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, emphasized the importance of prioritizing one's health during this time of crisis. He offered assistance to those with medical concerns and encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers at Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City or the Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital in Tagkawayan. The Malasakit Centers Act, signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2019, aims to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to poor and indigent patients. “Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay pababain ang inyong billing. Kaya huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center dahil para po yan sa inyo, mga kababayan kong Pilipino. At ngayon po, meron na po tayong 158 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” explained Go. In addition to the Malasakit Center, Go continues to advocate for the establishment of Super Health Centers, which will provide affordable yet quality basic health services, eliminating the need for Filipinos, especially those in rural areas, to travel long distances to access medical care. Super Health Centers will be strategically constructed in various locations in the province, including Agdangan, Alabat, Antimonan, Dolores, Gumaca, Infanta, Lopez, Mauban, Tagkawayan, Catanauan, and Perez. These centers, are medium-sized polyclinics that offer services such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit to the residents of San Miguel and neighboring communities. As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go extended his support to various projects, including the construction of slope protection systems along the Lagnas River, the establishment of the Sariaya Bypass, the rehabilitation of a bridge on the provincial road, the implementation of a potable water system, and the concreting of roads at the New Local Government Complex. These initiatives reflect his vision to contribute to the province's recovery amid the pandemic. The post Bong Go’s team assists indigents in Polillo Island, Quezon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest
Sen. Bong Go went to Albay on Thursday, 22 June to provide support to evacuees affected by Mt. Mayon’s unrest, aid indigents, and conduct an inspection of the Super Health Center in Tabaco City. Emphasizing the significance of investing in local health facilities, Go underscored the role of Super Health Centers in enhancing the accessibility of vital healthcare services for the local residents. “Ito pong Super Health Center, isa po ito sa pamamaraan para ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan at madi-decongest ang mga ospital dahil hindi na kailangan ng mga buntis na pumunta ng ospital, pwede na po diyan ‘yung mga primary care,” he underscored. The Super Health Center that Go inspected is located in the National Housing Authority resettlement area in Brgy. San Vicente. The housing project was part of the Duterte administration’s efforts to provide housing for Typhoon Rolly victims in 2020. The project was approved in 2021 and started construction in 2022. There are 2361 housing units, built on a 20 hectare LGU property. This strategic location for the Super Health Center was made to provide essential medical services to recovering typhoon victims and their community. It will benefit the more than 2000 housing beneficiaries residing in the area. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The Department of Health, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Aside from Tabaco City, the DOH has identified the cities of Legazpi and Ligao; and the town of Camalig, Malilipot, and Pio Duran as locations for the Super Health Centers in Albay. Super Health Centers shall offer basic medical services under one roof, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Go also took the lead in organizing a relief operation at the Barangay San Antonio covered court in the city. The operation assisted 151 evacuees and 250 indigent residents. Go personally oversaw the distribution of essential aid from his office such as grocery packs, snacks, masks, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. Select individuals were also given additional items, including shirts, shoes, mobile phones, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Furthermore, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to all qualified beneficiaries. More indigents will also be provided aid in the coming days through the initiative of the Office of Sen. Go, the LGU, and DSWD. Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered to assist those with medical concerns as he encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City. Currently, there are 158 operational Malasakit Centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — ‘yung DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo na mabayaran ang inyong billing,” said Go, who principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Meanwhile, to help boost development in Albay and as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Ligao City, Oas and Polangui; rehabilitation of several roads in Camalig, Daraga, Jovellar, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Pio Duran and Rapu-Rapu; and rehabilitation of flood control systems in Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malinao, Manito, Oas and Polangui. On the same day, Go likewise extended his assistance to evacuees in the town of Malilipot. Amid the continued state of unrest of the Mayon Volcano, Go reiterated his call for the passage of his proposed measures that will establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), as well as mandatory evacuation centers throughout the country. Go stressed that his proposed Senate Bill No. 188, which will establish the DDR, would centralize efforts, streamline coordination, and ensure more swift and effective response to emergencies. “It should be a cabinet-level dahil tuwing mayro'ng sakuna, dapat may point person talaga with clear authority and mandate,” added Go. The creation of the said department, if enacted into law, shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. The Office of Civil Defense has recently voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR. "Nabanggit nga kanina, paano natin pagbabawalan doon ‘eh coordination lang naman tayo, hindi ho ba? So kailangan po ng mas malakas na kapangyarihan ang Office of Civil Defense, maaaring maging departamento o authority; but it needs legislation," OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a recent interview when asked about evacuation efforts in permanent danger zones near active volcanoes. "Things can be better if there will be an independent authority or department, but it’s not that simple – tanggap po namin iyon… We leave it to Congress and we leave it to the Palace, to Malacañang. Meanwhile, kami naman, we are doing our best given the limitations, makakaasa po kayo," the OCD chief said. Meanwhile, Go also highlighted his proposed SBN 193 which seeks to mandate the establishment of permanent, secure, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every municipality, city, and province throughout the Philippines. “Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito, hindi rin maaantala ang pag-aaral ng mga bata tuwing ginagamit na pansamantalang tuluyan ang mga eskuwelahan. Mas madali ring makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan kung protektado at komportable sila sa mga dedicated evacuation centers lalo na sa Albay at sa mga malalapit sa aktibong bulkan, pati na rin sa coastlines o ibang danger zones kapag may bagyo o iba pang kalamidad na dumarating,” he said. “Hindi man natin masasabi kung kailan darating ang sakuna, mas mabuti nang laging handa tayo,” he ended. The post Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids various sectoral groups in Lanao del Sur
The Office of Senator Bong Go provided aid to struggling residents in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday, 30 May. Go's team held the activity at the Marawi State University gymnasium where they provided snacks, vitamins, shirts, and masks to 1,000 residents. Some beneficiaries also received a bike, cellular phone, new pairs of shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, provided financial assistance to the residents. As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also offered to assist those with health issues as he advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at Amai Pakpak Medical Center in the city. First established in 2018, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop through which agencies such as the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office assist particularly poor and indigent patients by bringing the lowest amount possible their hospital bill. To date, there are 157 Malasakit Centers nationwide which have assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act. Previously, former president Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022. Under the law, which was co-authored by Go, necessary support will be provided to the victims of the 2017 Marawi City siege in order to rebuild their lives. It likewise seeks to provide internally-displaced persons compensation or reparation for houses destroyed and properties that can no longer be recovered due to the attack of the terrorists in the city. The senator, who is a member of the Senate Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation, underscored the need to prioritize the welfare of the affected residents to ensure that the community builds back better. “Alam mo, biktima lamang sila ng giyera. Ang giyerang ‘yun, nangyari po ‘yon dahil sa terorismo at ilegal na droga. Ako po ay nalulungkot sa nangyari pero nagpapasalamat din po sa mga taong nagsakripisyo doon sa Marawi na giyera. ‘Yung nagbuwis ng buhay na mga militar at mga pulis, nagsakripisyo po sila. Para po ‘yun sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan,” Go earlier said. Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported several projects in the province, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Balabagan, Butig, Ganassi, Kapatagan, Lumbaca Unayan, Malabang, Masiu, and Ditsaan-Ramain; construction of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Marantao; and the construction of evacuation centers in Ganassi and Buadiposo-Buntong. “Mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lang po at ingat tayo parati at magdasal tayo parati. At tandaan niyo po, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon, dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go said. “Patuloy kami na magseserbisyo po sa inyong lahat dahil para sa amin po, ang serbisyo po sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” he added. The post Bong Go aids various sectoral groups in Lanao del Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»