Suffer thy poor: Lockdown, economic slowdown hurt Davao’s relocation community
Her family of 12 only eats two full meals a day, and most times it is just rice doused in soy sauce or salt given to them by their neighbor......»»
Bong Go provides support to flood victims in Davao City
In an effort to bolster the country's disaster preparedness and response capabilities, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has been advocating for two crucial bills in the Senate that he earlier filed: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 188, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), and SBN 193, mandating the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers nationwide. On Saturday, July 29, Go led two relief operations for thousands of flood victims in Barangays Lasang and Bunawan in Davao City. In his speech, Go said that the government should remain proactive in its approach in dealing with disaster-related situations, considering that the country is highly vulnerable to natural calamities. SBN 188 proposes the creation of the DDR, an independent government agency dedicated to strengthening the nation's resilience against the impacts of natural and human-induced disasters. The DDR aims to consolidate disaster-related functions and resources from different agencies under a single, unified body. By streamlining disaster response efforts, the department can facilitate quicker and more efficient aid delivery to affected communities during times of crisis. “Importante po ito sa akin. Unang-una, halimbawa dito po sa Barangay Lasang, binaha sila. Di ba ang barangay po ang nakikipag-coordinate kaagad with the LGUs. Ito pong barangay level na pagbaha, how about ‘yung mga national level, o municipal level o city level, o province-wide na pagbaha… maayos na koordinasyon ang kailangan,” he said. “Bago dumating ang bagyo, balita pa lang sa PAGASA, coordination kaagad ng Department of Disaster Resilience, kung mayroon tayong isang departamentong nakatutok para sa mga disaster related… bago dumating ang bagyo, coordination with LGUs. Ilikas ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar, dalahin sa mga evacuation center. Preposition of goods by the DSWD,” Go added. “Kailangan koordinasyon kaagad ng departamento na i-involve kaagad ang mga ibang departamento na kasamahan niya. DSWD preposition of goods, mga Coast Guard, Navy para ilikas agad ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at maayos na evacuation center, sa Department of Health para malinis ang evacuation center, sanitation para ligtas ang mga kababayan natin. At pag-alis ng bagyo, hindi lang puro task force, dapat isang departamento na pwedeng mag-coordinate hanggang makabalik sa normal na pamumuhay ang lugar na tinamaan ng bagyo. Restoration of normalcy kaagad at rehabilitation effort,” he said. The Office of Civil Defense has recently voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR, emphasizing the importance of such institution in improving operations in managing and responding to future crises. "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," OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a past interview. Alongside the establishment of DDR, Go champions SBN 193, which calls for the creation of mandatory evacuation centers across the Philippines. These evacuation centers are designed to be equipped with necessary facilities to provide temporary shelter and essential services to evacuees during disasters. The senator noted that these evacuation centers will be strategically placed in areas less prone to hazards, ensuring the safety and well-being of evacuees during disasters. Furthermore, the centers will be equipped with essential amenities such as food, clean water, medical services, sanitation facilities, and temporary sleeping quarters. Go cited that the Philippines, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, is no stranger to the destructive forces of nature. “Yearly, the country faces the threat of typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other hazards. These disasters not only result in loss of lives and livelihoods but also impede economic progress and development,” shared Go. To minimize the devastating impact of disasters, Go underscored that comprehensive disaster resilience measures are imperative. The senator is confident that by supporting these priority bills, the Senate and the Filipino people can collectively work towards a safer, more resilient nation, where communities can recover swiftly and thrive even in the face of adversity. “Ang lugar natin nasa Pacific Ring of Fire tayo. Prone tayo sa mga bagyo, prone tayo sa pagputok ng bulkan, prone tayo sa sunog, ‘di ba? So dapat po ay magkaroon na tayo ng isang maayos na departamento, Department of Disaster Resilience at Mandatory Evacuation Center sa mga syudad, munisipyo, at probinsya para hindi magamit ang mga eskwelahan tuwing may mga sunog, baha. Nagagamit po ang eskwelahan, naantala ang pag-aaral ng mga bata dahil ginagamit po as evacuation center,” he said. Together with Councilors Dante Apostol, Marissa Abella, Diosdado Mahipus, and Al Ryan Alejandre, Go provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and snacks to 4,399 flood victims. The senator also extended shoes, mobile phones, bicycles, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Meanwhile, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, urged those who have health issues to seek assistance from the Malasakit Center at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored, brings together various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DHOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), under one roof to provide a convenient process for availing medical assistance particularly for poor and indigent patients in public hospitals. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide which have assisted more than seven million Filipinos, according to DOH data. In SPMC alone, the Malasakit Center there has assisted more than 200,000 patients. On the same day, Go attended the ribbon-cutting of the multipurpose building in Brgy. Lasang and road concretion with drainage canal construction in Brgy. Bunawan, two infrastructure projects he supported the funding of as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He likewise supported the acquisition of multi-purpose vehicles for the community, 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, among others. ### The post Bong Go provides support to flood victims in Davao City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prices trend down after BSP moves
Inflation has trended down for the fourth straight month in May as the economy showed signs of resilience in the face of aggressive interest rate hikes by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Inflation in May registered a year-on-year decline to 6.1 percent from 6.6 percent in April due to easing transport and food costs, Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Tuesday. The May 2023 inflation outturn, within the lowest year-on-year inflation rate since July 2022, is within the BSP’s forecast range of 5.8 percent to 6.6 percent and matched the 6.1 percent median estimate in a Daily Tribune poll conducted last week. Last month’s inflation also brings the year-to-date average inflation to 7.5 percent, which is still above the government’s two percent to four percent target band. The stock index closed at 6,479.93 down 41.71 points or 0.64 percent yesterday. “It was a sell on news session in the local market with inflation coming in line, right within market expectations. With little impetus locally, movements were mainly influenced regionally by the news that regulators are contemplating increasing capital requirements for large banks,” Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan said. PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa said in a briefing the steady slowdown in inflation can be attributed to slower food and transportation inflation. Among the 13 commodity groups, Mapa noted a decrease in the transportation index by 0.5 percent compared to the previous month’s annual increase of 2.6 percent. The heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages also dragged the overall inflation down, with a lower inflation rate of 7.4 percent from 7.9 percent in April 2023. The third source of deceleration was restaurants and accommodation services, which registered slower inflation at 8.3 percent from 8.6 percent in the previous month. Meanwhile, the annual rate of alcoholic beverages and tobacco index also slowed down to 12.3 percent. Meat inflation moderated as the inflation rate for chicken decreased from 7.7 percent to 5.9 percent, and the inflation rate for beef decreased from 6.1 percent to 5.3 percent. Pork also continued to experience contraction to -1.0 percent from -0.3 percent due to increased import arrivals accompanied by the timely unloading of frozen pork stocks. Meanwhile, the inflation rate for furnishings, household equipment, and regular household maintenance went up from 6.1 percent in April 2023 to 6.2 percent in May 2023. The recreation, sport, and culture inflation rate also increased from 4.7 percent in April 2023 to 4.9 percent in May 2023. Mapa said the latest data indicates a declining inflation rate in the Philippines, with notable contributions from certain factors, such as transportation costs. “The expectations reveal a declining inflation rate based on the data. Some items that significantly contributed to the previous inflation rate are now decreasing, indicating a reversal in their trend, particularly in the transport sector,” Mapa said. “While the overall trend of the inflation rate is declining, seasonal adjustments, like the seasonally adjusted CPI, have also turned positive this month. However, there are still risks, especially concerning certain food items,” he added. No directive yet During the Malacañang press briefing, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the Inter-agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook convened an emergency meeting last Monday to reopen the discussions about the current state of inflation. When asked about any specific orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the matter, Pascual responded that there were no explicit directives apart from continuing to monitor the situation. “We convened on 7 March when inflation was peaking, but since it has been declining, there were no specific orders apart from continuing to monitor the situation and thinking of ways to reduce inflation. That is our mandate,” Pascual said. When further asked about the measures that the Inter-Agency Task Force implemented to reduce inflation, Pascual said they had been closely examining supply chain constraints as a significant factor. “The solution lies in removing the bottlenecks. We need to ensure that the logistics are available to deliver the harvest to where the demand is,” Pascual said. Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan expressed his confidence that the government can achieve its inflation target this year as NEDA is working closely with concerned government agencies in monitoring the primary drivers of inflation. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, for his part, told the reporters in a Viber message that the new inflation number and the declining trend “give confidence” that inflation would be within the target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent by September this year. BSP to pause rate hikes House Ways and Means panel chairman Joey Salceda, meanwhile, expected the BSP to pause with raising interest rates in the face of the country’s persistent development in curbing inflation that hurt Filipinos’ pockets last year and earlier this year. “Inflation continues its downward momentum year-on-year and is in line with the BSP’s expectations. So, I expect Governor Medalla and his predecessor to pause the BSP’s interest rate hike regime barring any major changes in rates by the US Federal Reserve,” the economist-lawmaker said, noting that the May inflation data is in line with the central bank’s expectations. However, for ordinary households, he believes that the slowdown of price levels is “rather theoretical” as price levels have remained unchanged on the aggregate on a month-on-month basis. The veteran solon added that the government should keep an eye on the consumers’ continued curtailing spending while stressing the need to sustain efforts to improve food supply, lower logistics costs, and keep the prices of basic services under control. “Core inflation is also still at an elevated 7.7 percent, indicating that food-poor families remain vulnerable to high prices,” according to Salceda. Meanwhile, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa expressed concern over second-round effects. However, Mapa expects the headline rate to give BSP more room for the rate hike pause. “Slowing inflation could give BSP space to extend their pause although fresh developments such as a potential Fed rate hike could impact the forward guidance for an extended pause,” he said in a Viber message. The post Prices trend down after BSP moves appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COVID-19’s impact on banks manageable – BSP report
The banking system remains on “solid footing” in terms of assets, loans, deposits, profitability, capital and liquidity buffers despite the COVID-19 health crisis, a report from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. “The impact of the pandemic on the overall condition and performance of the banking system, which remains the core of the domestic financial system, has been manageable,” according to the BSP’s second semester report on the Philippine financial system. The total assets of the banking system account for 81.9 percent of the financial system’s total resources. MB file photo. The banks remained resilient during the worst of the lockdown period because of the “timely, time-bound and crucial” regulatory relief measures that BSP granted to them during the most severe quarantine months of March until June. These relief measures “helped address the adverse repercussions of the pandemic.” One of these reprieves was the suspension of the submission of some bank reports while most of the country was on enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) restrictions. Banks have had to adjust operations and deal with the slowdown in economic activities that affected their borrowers’ capacity to pay. Based on a set of financial soundness indicators (FSI) to assess banks’ health and soundness, it noted that the banking system is “stable and resilient despite global uncertainties related to the extent and path of COVID-19 menace.” But, the BSP said that the FSI analysis also implies that “consequent risks from lending should be monitored especially in the event of excessive uncertainties that could place additional pressures on the banking system in the short and medium run.” As of the report timeline, banks surveyed have yet to determine the total impact of the grace periods under the Bayanihan law but generally, based on the BSP’s comprehensive baseline survey conducted in April, banks have proactive control measures that will ensure the continued delivery of financial services to the general public and also to protect their personnel, said the BSP. Banks’ business continuity plans, and previous efforts at digitalization, also helped them to respond quickly to conditions brought about by the ECQ. Despite the economy in recession due to the pandemic, the banking system’s total assets reached P18.6 trillion as of end-June, 98.8 percent of the GDP. The end-June tally was 7.9 percent higher year-on-year but was slower than the 9.8 percent growth recorded in June 2019 and the 8.4 percent growth as of end-December 2019. Assets continue to grow because of the expansion of funds that went to lending activities while funding came from deposits, bond issuances and capital infusion. In the meantime, the report said banks’ profitability or net income fell by 22.5 percent to P86.5 billion as of end-June 2020 because of higher provisioning requirements. This was a reversal of the 27.7 percent growth in earnings same time in 2019. “Provisions on credit losses for loans and financial assets significantly increased, weighing heavily on bank profitability. Other income sources are expected to slow down due to lower volume of transactions, waiver of inter-branch and interbank fees as well as the temporary grace period moratorium on the imposition of bank fees, penalties and charges under the Bayanihan Act,” said the BSP. Based on the BSP survey, banks have measures to cushion the adverse impact of the pandemic on profitability such as banks’ plans to impose cost-cutting measures that includes deferred capital spending and freeze hiring of non-critical positions. The BSP said banks have also intensified loan collection activities and its loan monitoring. They have also become more prudent in loan releases, reduced the cost of funds and at the same time boosted marketing campaigns for new loans and deposits. “Across banking groups, (the big banks) also intend to reduce their exposures to vulnerable sectors and to increase ancillary or fee-based business while thrift banks and rural/cooperative banks plan to fast track digitization initiatives to reduce operating expenses,” said the BSP......»»
Hope and trepidation
Metro Manila and other areas shift today to general community quarantine, not because it is already safe for us to venture out, but because the effects of the lockdown have been so crushing for the economy, for industries and businesses, and for people’s livelihood that we have to take the calculated risk of opening up – or suffer a beating, not from a virus, but from economic collapse......»»
Manhunt for US shooter presses on, leaving small town in fear
Thousands of anxious small-town Maine residents began a second day under lockdown Friday as police waging a sprawling manhunt struggled to find a US Army reservist accused of killing 18 people in America’s deadliest mass shooting this year. Dozens of law enforcement agents surrounded the family home of the suspect, Robert Card, 40, but by mid-evening agents left the property in Bowdoin, near Lewiston, Maine, to hunt for him elsewhere. A wide area around Lewiston remained locked down Friday, more than 24 hours after Card allegedly went on a rampage in which 13 people were also wounded. People in Lewiston were on edge, buzzing with talk of Card and the massacre. "Uneasy," said resident Jeremy Hiltz, when asked how he felt. "It's a small community . When something like this happens, everybody knows somebody" affected." Authorities erected roadblocks, ordered schools and businesses closed, and told residents to stay indoors. Governor Janet Mills said the suspect was considered armed and dangerous. Card was seen in surveillance footage pointing a semi-automatic rifle as he walked into the Just-in-Time bowling alley on Wednesday. In early evening, law enforcement agents surrounded the Card family home in Bowdoin, bringing in armored vehicles, and sending up drones and a helicopter. State police warned "please come outside" and "we don't want anyone to get hurt" over a loudspeaker near the home, but later said the warnings were routine and not confirmation that Card was inside. One longtime neighbor, Dave Letarte, said news of the shooting "floored me." "I would have never expected that from him," he told AFP of Card. Joseph Walker, a manager at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, was among those killed Wednesday night, his father, Leroy Walker, told NBC News. Walker said his family was "suffering and dying in a nightmare we don't understand." "We were up all night. We didn't know where to go, who to turn to," he said. Terror at bowling alley One survivor told television reporters that he was 15 feet (5 meters) from the gunman when he opened fire at the bowling alley. He thought at first it was a balloon popping. "And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon and he was holding a weapon, I just booked it down the lane and I slid basically into where the pins are and climbed up into the machine and was on top of the machines for about 10 minutes until the cops got there," he said. Card is a member of the US Army Reserve, but had not been deployed in any combat zone. US media reported that he had recently been sent for psychiatric treatment after he said he was hearing voices. Hundreds of police in military style camouflage gear, as well as FBI agents, flooded the search zone in what Lewiston police chief David St. Pierre called "an all-hands-on-deck approach." Republicans oppose new laws This latest shooting is one of the deadliest in the United States since 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowded music festival in Las Vegas, killing 60 people. Mass shootings are common in the United States, a country with more privately owned guns than people, and strong political opposition to even minor restrictions on access. The country has recorded at least 565 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nongovernmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed. President Joe Biden called Maine's governor to offer federal support, and ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at the White House and all government buildings. Biden added that the gun violence that plagues the United States "is not normal, and we cannot accept it," urging lawmakers to pass a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. A Maine Democrat who holds a seat in the US House of Representatives, Jared Golden, flipped on this ban, saying that after the shooting in his state his previous opposition to such a restriction, which is supported by most in his party, was a mistake. "I have opposed efforts to ban deadly weapons of war, like the assault rifle used to carry out this crime," Golden said Thursday. "The time has now come for me to take responsibility for this failure," he added. But in a reminder that Congress will not be considering stronger gun ownership laws anytime soon, the newly installed Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, told Fox News that the reason for so many mass shootings in the United States "is the human heart, not guns." The post Manhunt for US shooter presses on, leaving small town in fear appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development
Following his visit to Babak District the previous day, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a staunch advocate of community development, attended another Provincial Health Information Management System Orientation in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, 25 October. The said program aims to enhance healthcare delivery, streamline information flow, and ensure that citizens across the region have access to quality health services. Go personally accorded recognition to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) for their efforts to promote the health and well-being of their constituents. He also noted that BHWs are the backbone of healthcare in the country, acting as the first line of defense in ensuring the welfare of their respective communities. "Bilang isang senador gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mga barangay health workers. Hindi natin mararating ito ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyong sakripisyo na magserbisyo. Dapat kayo ang pasalamatan ngayong araw. Palakpakan natin ang ating mga barangay health workers,” expressed Go. “Sa totoo lang sa panahon ng pandemya nahirapan talaga tayo. Pero (dahil) sa inyong pagtutulungan at pagserbisyo sa mamamayan, nalampasan natin ito. Hindi tayo makapag-gather ngayon o makapagtipon kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Ganito man ang inyong trabaho, nakita ko ang importansya at kung anong serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa barangay level ang iniaambag ninyo,” he continued. During the event, Go was also joined by Councilor Sonny Lanorias, BHW City Coordinator Christine Enriquez Lara, BHW District Federation President Alicia Sastrillas, and District Coordinator Arlene Pacquaio, among others. The senator also extended assistance to around 200 BHWs present, such as gift packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, meals, and balls for basketball and volleyball. He also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and watches to select recipients. He also extended similar assistance to the 201 BHWs who attended the previous day. On October 23, around 250 BHWs were also given similar assistance by his staff. Continuing his message, Go pledged his commitment to working with the local government to ensure that BHWs receive proper training, resources, and compensation. The lawmaker outlined his legislative initiatives, specifically on two key bills: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, and SBN 427, or the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Bill. The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays aims to bolster support for barangays, enabling them to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This measure proposes that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer, be accorded treatment similar to that of regular government employees. If this bill becomes law, it will entitle them to salaries, benefits, allowances, and other related perks. On the other hand, SBN 427 proposed granting BHWs a monthly honorarium, coupled with other benefits encompassing allowances, job security, consistent training, and opportunities for skill development. Furthermore, the bill extends these benefits to encompass support from institutions like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund. “Na-hearing na po ito sa sub-committee on Health sa pangunguna ni Senator JV (Ejercito) at mayroon pang mga susunod na committee hearings at papakinggan po ang mga LGUs syempre, unang-una rito ‘yung kakayahan po nilang magbigay ng kompensasyon,” shared Go in an interview after his visit to Kapalong on October 24. “Ito pong bill na ito kung saan po ay magkakaroon sila ng mga karagdagang benepisyo… Kung sakaling maisabatas magkakaroon po sila ng monthly honorarium. Kasama na diyan ang job security, regular trainings, skill development opportunities, along with a potential to acquire civil service eligibility,” he continued. Furthermore, Go also referenced SBN 2399, a proposal aimed at declaring April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers (BHNW) Day. This initiative acknowledges the pivotal role played by BHNWs in the delivery of primary healthcare services within communities. Go has reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. This commitment is manifested through his backing of the continued operations of Malasakit Centers, the construction of Super Health Centers, and the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers across the nation. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to help ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partnered agencies. This was institutionalized in 2019 through the passage of RA 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Currently, 159 operational Malasakit centers have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The senator was likewise instrumental in pushing for adequate funding to ensure that more Super Health Centers are established across the country. Some 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023, through the initiative of Go, DOH, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers. The Super Health Centers will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Moreover, the senator is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. During the previous day, Go also visited Davao del Norte to participate in the blessing and turnover of a multipurpose building in the Municipality of Kapalong. This project was funded with Go's support as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also inspected Balay ni Maria, a facility completed in 2020, and another project he supported the funding of. This infrastructure served as an isolation center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Intentional, premeditated
In a prior editorial, this paper raised the possibility that the Chinese vessels hitting a Philippine Coast Guard ship and a resupply boat it was escorting to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea might have been intentional. While we let readers read between the lines, factual narrations of the event tended to show how improbable it would have been for two separate collision incidents, involving several Chinese and Philippine vessels, to happen by accident in the wide expanse of ocean. The two collisions happened miles away from each other amid fair weather conditions with the sun shining brightly, thus neither poor visibility nor questionable seamanship could have been a factor in the incidents. As in most cases, the simplest explanations often prove to be the correct or accurate ones. In these incidents, the latest in China’s aggressive maneuvers in the WPS, the actions taken by the Chinese coast guard and militia vessels smacked of premeditation. On Monday, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro confirmed in a press briefing that the Chinese vessels “intentionally” hit the Philippine boats trying to resupply troops stationed on the intentionally grounded navy vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre. “While conducting legitimate rotation and resupply operations within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit the Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra,” Teodoro said. It was a conclusion that would not have required the title Defense Secretary to make. Video footage and photos of the first incident showed a China Coast Guard ship chasing the very small resupply boat. As if the David-versus-Goliath affair were not enough, a second CCG vessel then cut off the boat. All the pieces of evidence considered, the word “collision” does not apply to the actions China took because this would presuppose the possibility of their being mere accidents. The operative word should be “bumped” or, if the incident resulted in grave damage to the Philippine vessels, “rammed.” The stern of the smaller resupply vessel and the bow of the Chinese coast guard ship were seen briefly touching in the video released by the Philippine military. According to a statement from the National Security Council, the supply boat sustained damage. It added that a second resupply boat was able to complete its mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. With the United States and Canada condemning China over the incident, the collision may not be the last or it may just be a portent of more serious “interactions” to come between China and the Philippines as both assert their respective sovereign claims in the WPS. If only to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific region, countries that have pledged to conduct freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea should start doing so. The burden of checking Beijing’s expansionist designs in the region should be shared not only by other claimant nations, but by governments that benefit from the trillions of dollars in trade that pass annually through the South China Sea. We cannot expect the Philippines’ summoning of the Chinese ambassador over the incidents to amount to anything, except to register the country’s strong and continuing opposition to Beijing’s aggressive acts in the WPS. China can never claim Ayungin to be part of its sovereign waters because it lies 1,000 kilometers from its nearest major landmass, Hainan Island, while the shoal is only 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan. This proximity of Ayungin Shoal to Palawan, along with other proof presented by the Philippines to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, was primarily considered by the court in ruling in favor of the Philippines in 2016. China had refused to recognize the arbitral ruling precisely because it did not go its way. In fact, the court declared as baseless China’s nine-dash line claim to nearly the entire South China Sea. CCG’s ramming of Philippine vessels is a calculated act of provocation. It is a message to the Philippines and the rest of the world that China is willing to use force to achieve its goals. Beijing’s actions are a threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Asia-Pacific region. Nations must not allow China to succeed in its bullying tactics. The international community must take a stand and not allow China to undermine the rules-based order in the Asia-Pacific. The aggression being shown by Chinese maritime assets is a threat to the world, and must be stopped. The post Intentional, premeditated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators denounce China’s ‘abhorrent’ actions in WPS
Senators on Sunday condemned China for performing “dangerous blocking maneuvers” that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. In separate statements, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Tolentino expressed their anger over the collision that put the safety of the Filipino crew at risk. “I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning this latest abhorrent actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia that put in danger the lives of our brave countrymen who were on a routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal,” Zubiri said. “Let me salute our personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for displaying courage and restraint in continuing their resupply missions despite the hostile and treacherous acts of China Coast Guard and their maritime militia,” he added. Zubiri called on CCG to “respect human lives and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws governing safe maritime travel.” “Our freedom of navigation in our own exclusive economic zone within our own continental shelf should be recognized and upheld,” he stressed. The Senate chief also reiterated his support for his colleagues' efforts to beef up the PCG and AFP’s budget for the next fiscal year to “better capacitate them in safeguarding our exclusive economic zones from illegal foreign intrusions.” “As leader of the Senate, I will make sure that our troops will get sufficient funds under the 2024 national budget to bankroll the much-needed upgrade of their equipment,” he said. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the CCG of performing "dangerous blocking maneuvers" that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The NTF-WPS condemned the “provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action” of the China Coast Guard ship which “imperiled the safety” of the Unaiza May 2 crew. In the same resupply mission, a Chinese Maritime Militia vessel “bumped” the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side which was escorting the Philippine vessels while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. The NTF-WPS said it “condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese maritime militia done this morning.” ‘Enough’ Hontiveros echoed Zubiri’s call on China to “stop” its activities in the West Philippine Sea which she said clearly violates international law. “This latest collision is squarely the China Coast Guard’s fault,” she said in a separate statement. “The 2016 Arbitral Award has resolutely invalidated China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea, making this incident a clear violation of international law,” she added. Hontiveros said the PCG “has every right to be in the West Philippine Sea.” “China has no right to drive our forces into our own seas. Furthermore, they do not have the right to hurt and bump Philippine vessels that are only performing their jobs in our territories,” she stressed. “Chinese vessels have chased, blocked, and harassed our Philippine Coast Guard daily, 24/7 every single time we conduct our resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre,” she added. The opposition lawmaker also called on the international community to join the Philippines’ condemnation of China’s most recent violence against the Filipino people. “Our nations should not stop fighting for the rule of law. It is the only way to have a chance at true peace and stability across the region and the world,” she said. For his part, Tolentino said the recent confrontation between the Philippines and China clearly shows China’s continuous disregard for international law. He noted that the incident should be investigated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the Code for Investigation ng Marine Casualties and Incidents of the International Maritime Organization. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration – a landmark decision that China continues to reject. The post Senators denounce China’s ‘abhorrent’ actions in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy, but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase Filipinos' talents, skills, and work ethic to the world. I was in London, United Kingdom last week for an official trip upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and co-head of delegation Senator Grace Poe, we embarked on several meetings aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with our counterparts in the UK parliament to exchange best practices in policymaking while enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I also expressed my gratitude to the UK for donating vaccines during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, we thanked them for other development assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines and for their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I also maximized the visit to highlight efforts in promoting the welfare of more than 200,000 OFWs in the UK, particularly the more or less 40,000 Filipino nurses working there. We were able to raise to the UK policymakers the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding their rights to proper benefits, just compensation, and a safe working environment. We should be proud of Filipino medical frontliners in the UK, particularly nurses who are among the world’s finest. Take, for example, May Parsons, a Filipina-British nurse who became known globally for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial and receiving the UK's George Cross Award. I have co-sponsored a Senate resolution earlier recognizing and commending her achievement. After our official meetings, I met with a group of OFWs, some of them were fellow Dabawenyos, Filipino Muslims, Ilonggos, and Ilocanos, among others. The stories they shared were proof of how resilient our OFWs are. Despite their sacrifices, homesickness, and worries about their families in their hometowns, they maintain their cheerfulness and positive outlook. I brought some good news to our OFWs by informing them about the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through Republic Act No. 11641, a legislation for which I am proud to be one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This measure streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration to better address the needs and concerns of migrant workers. I have also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and ensure its continuous operation in San Fernando City, Pampanga, primarily intended for OFWs and eligible dependents. More importantly, a Malasakit Center is operational there to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The establishment of the DMW, the OFW Hospital, and its own Malasakit Center are just a few of our dreams that are now realities for Filipinos to benefit from. These are testaments of our commitment to promote the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents. However, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. That is why we continue to listen to their concerns, serve them to the best of our abilities, and pursue initiatives to further their cause. I have also filed SBN 2414, which seeks to establish OFW wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law. While our efforts continue to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos abroad, our commitment to serve Filipinos facing challenges in their communities remains unwavering. This week, we had groundbreaking ceremonies for Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Labangon in Cebu City; Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; and in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, we continue to advocate for establishing more community health facilities to help bring public health services closer to those needing medical attention. We have also assisted 1,000 indigents in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, with the office of Cong. Jose Padiernos; 500 members from various sectors in Barangay Mintal, Davao City; 1,900 in Caloocan City, with the office of Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy. In Cebu City, we also distributed aid to 1,700 residents of the South District with Congressman Edu Rama; 450 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador; and 333 in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Malasakit@Bayanihan group. We also aided 1,000 United Senior Citizens Association members of Quezon City, with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, Senator Robin Padilla, and private sector volunteer organizations. My office also extended additional aid to 93 displaced workers in Lumban, Laguna; 210 in Pilar; 217 in Carmen and Batuan in Bohol. DOLE also gave qualified beneficiaries temporary employment. We also supported 200 scholars during their TESDA Orientation in Daet, Camarines Norte. There are also 43 residents of Davao City and nine in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who were victims of fires and 32 victims of flooding in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. They were provided separate assistance and the livelihood kits they received through the DTI program, which we advocated for before and continue to support. We also supported 283 victims of past fires in Cagayan de Oro City by giving separate aid in addition to the emergency housing assistance received from the NHA through a program we pushed for so that they could buy materials like nails, roofing, and other necessities for home repairs. My office also provided immediate help to victims of recent fires, such as 50 families in Baseco, Manila City, and 11 families in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City. No one is exempt from facing life’s hardships. However, our OFWs have shown us how resilient Filipinos can be. Let us learn from them and, more importantly, do our part in uplifting their lives by advocating for their welfare, promoting their rights, protecting their families, and providing the genuine public service they deserve. The post Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A model urban community
As a young boy, I loved drawing a “roadmap” of livable communities where family and industry were central to this unadulterated fun design. I would put skyscrapers and blend these with old trees, brilliant lights, and flowers along walkways and entertainment centers. The distance between neighborhoods was enough to give space and privacy. In this universe, people of different economic classes are resilient to the challenges and complexities of modern living. I grew up in a small town with inadequate potable water and transportation. There was a thin line between regression and progression where one cannot differentiate silt from clay particles when wading through the flooded, muddy streets of Barangay Busugon in San Remigio municipality. Life then was simple but joyous because of my family and the neighborhood. This was my unsophisticated urban planning, where things that matter most to me can be found in one place. Although I did not become a city or urban planner, my interest in “designing” communities is as strong as my entrepreneurial consciousness. It has become an advocacy. Be that as it may, urban planning, a form of spatial planning, requires strategic innovations and thorough study to develop equitable habitats and sustainable human settlements and development. A strategic plan, or a development plan, considers population growth, zoning, geographic mapping, structural and people’s safety analysis, water supply, and essential social services. Urban planning, says the United Nations Human Settlements Programme or UN-HABITAT, should “improve policies, plans, and designs for more compact, socially inclusive, better integrated, and connected cities that foster sustainable urban development and are resilient to climate change at the city, regional, and national levels.” The world’s best-planned urban cities include Singapore City in Singapore, Brazilia in Brazil, Chandigarh in India, Seoul in South Korea, and Copenhagen in Denmark. In the Philippines, five regions that surpassed the national level of urbanization in 2020 are Calabarzon (70.5 percent), Davao (66.8 percent), Central Luzon (66.3 percent), and Soccsksargen (55.5 percent), according to the 2022 report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) based on the 2020 population census. The cities of Angeles in Pampanga and Mandaue in Cebu had the highest level of urbanization, with 100 percent each. Of the country’s 81 provinces, 11 provinces registered a level of urbanization higher than the national level in 2020. On a sad note, Eastern Visayas (14.7 percent), Cagayan Valley (19.5 percent), Bicol (23.8 percent), Ilocos (25.5 percent), and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (27.6 percent) posted the lowest level of urbanization, the same PSA report showed. Overseas, towns and villages have adapted to technological innovations and big data for urban analytics. Urban planners now consider including countryside localities in developing sustainable and resilient communities despite needing more resources, strategies, and expertise. Many urban planners find harmony in geometry and numbers, taking a leaf from the ancient works of Greek architect and mathematician Hippodamus of Miletus, considered the father of urban planning. Today’s towns and cities incorporate functional innovations where everything gets “smart,” from people to intelligent traffic lighting and drones, better infrastructures, facilities, and communications systems, and a strategic blueprint for mitigating the impact of climate change and other environmental problems. With the booming population nationwide, it would be wise to create more growth areas outside the center of progress to improve service and operational efficiency. Local executives and councils must do much work to empower those who must catch up and provide leadership in a highly competitive environment. After all, greater economic inclusion should benefit people with low or no incomes and vulnerable sectors. The beauty of inclusive urban planning lies in ensuring that all can partake of its benefits. As Greek philosopher Socrates once said: “By far the greatest and most admirable form of wisdom is that needed to plan and beautify cities and human communities.” Ultimately, any strategic urban design should not only be a mixture of arts and humanities, but also a fusion of science and numbers. (You may send comments and reactions to feedback032020@gmail.com or text 0931-1057135.) The post A model urban community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lapid seeks 20% discount for indigent jobseekers
Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid on Tuesday filed a proposed measure seeking to provide a 20-percent discount to indigent jobseekers when they acquire government documents and clearances required during their applications. Once passed into law, Senate Bill 2382 or "Indigent Job Applicants Discount Act” would grant “20 percent discounts for indigent job applicants in the payment of fees and charges for certain certificates and clearances issued by government agencies for employment application.” “He who has less in life should have more in law,” Lapid said, referencing former President Ramon Magsaysay Sr.’s credo which he said inspired him to craft the bill. Lapid underscored the need to provide equal opportunities to indigent Filipinos seeking to be employed. “It is the humble intention of this proposed measure to encourage and assist indigent job seekers in securing gainful employment,” he said. He said the labor opportunities “are seen to be one of the prospective windows that can help improve the well-being of indigent citizens and their family's quality of life.” “Therefore, availment of productive employment opportunities is essential for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable economic and social development,” he added. SB 2382 will cover clearances issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, marriage and live birth certificates from the Philippine Statistics Authority, and transcript of records and authenticated copy of diploma from state universities and colleges. It also includes medical certificate for local employment from any government hospital licensed by the Department of Health, and medical certificate for foreign employment from any DoH-accredited medical facility for Filipino overseas workers; Tax Identification Number and other documentary requirements issued by the government that may be required by employers from indigent job applicants. Qualified beneficiaries include those whose income falls below the official poverty threshold, and as identified and certified by the PSA based on the criteria set under the Community-Based Monitoring System, as established under Republic Act No. 11315. The city or municipality shall issue the “certificates of indigence” based on the latest CBMS data. Under the bill, any public officer or employee who refuses or fails to provide the benefit granted to the indigent job applicant shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less P5,000 but not more than P20,000. Prosecution for an offense shall be without prejudice to any liability for violation of any other existing laws, including civil service law, rules and regulations. Meanwhile, a job applicant who misrepresents or falsifies any document to avail of benefits or abuses the privilege granted them shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the Revised Penal Code, and shall suffer perpetual disqualification from availing of the privileges under this Act. Lapid noted that a counterpart measure from the House of Representatives has been passed on third and final reading last 22 May. The post Lapid seeks 20% discount for indigent jobseekers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NIA must focus on its mandate
Congress has allocated P40 billion more than the National Irrigation Administration initially requested. NIA administrator Eduardo Guillen says he will spend the money on solar pump irrigation projects. Guillen tried to ego-massage President Bongbong Marcos by saying that number one in the 8-point socio-economic agenda of the President is food security. Then he went on to pat his own shoulder by boasting that the number-one thing needed for food security is irrigation infrastructure. Enough with the ego tripping (‘Tama na ang bolahan’). Among the factors contributing to the plummeting rice production is NIA’s total neglect of the present irrigation systems, plus poor management of water allocation. President Marcos should know that his father had constructed about 90 percent of the irrigation systems for all the arable lands in the country. In Mindanao, for example, only two systems were added after the late Apo Ferdie — the Malmar irrigation system in Carmen, North Cotabato, and the Catiil, Davao Oriental irrigation system. Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez should know that the irrigation systems had deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. The canals are heavily silted, the embankments that had served as farm-to-market roads had eroded, and wild grass had grown, impeding the flow of irrigation water. Marcos and Romualdez should, therefore, direct Guillen to rehabilitate all existing irrigation systems before buying solar panels for his cute ideas. In case he missed the duties and obligations expected of his office, Guillen should be reminded that NIA is tasked with exploring and developing all available water resources primarily for irrigation purposes and constructing dams and irrigation canals to convey water to the rice fields. It is also tasked to operate and MAINTAIN (in capital letters) the irrigation systems and allocate water to farmers during the planting season. These are merely the primary responsibilities of the NIA. Guillen claimed the President also directed the NIA to deliver the right input to farmers. “So this will help to lower their input; they won’t buy all their inputs anymore,” he said. Then he was quoted by government media as saying, “And of course, I said to the DA, give us your high-yielding varieties first, especially here in the dry season so that we can immediately double your yield or your output of rice production.” That’s a lot of hot air there. I do not precisely comprehend what Guillen was referring to when he talked about “right input” to farmers, “to lower their input, they won’t buy all their inputs anymore.” It’s kind of garbled. I think he is going through an information overload. Guillen proudly claimed that “we have many more projects at NIA that we are doing right now to teach our farmers how to save money and use the right rice variety for El Niño.” Marcos should put a gag on Guillen, as the poor guy merely adds to the confusion. Does he want to be an agriculture secretary? Well, that is a legitimate ambition, but NIA, which he heads, is such a poorly managed agency one wonders why he is still there. He should advise Guillen to focus on his job first as administrator of NIA before he straddles into rice production. He is facing a gargantuan task to provide and allocate water to farmers through the irrigation systems, which have badly deteriorated through the years. The post NIA must focus on its mandate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids Alangalang displaced workers
In a coordinated effort with Mayor Lovely Yu, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go provided additional assistance to disadvantaged workers in Alangalang, Leyte on Sunday, 24 September. This initiative is part of his broader efforts to help expedite economic recovery in far-flung communities through the provision of more livelihood opportunities. During the relief operation at the Alangalang covered court, Go’s team provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and snacks to 457 affected workers. Select recipients also received shoes, watches, mobile phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Meanwhile, the beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment’s program for disadvantaged and displaced workers. “Nais kong magpadala ng taos-pusong pasasalamat sa DOLE. Sila ay nagbibigay ng oportunidad at pag-asa sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nawalan ng trabaho o kabuhayan dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin. Sa pamamagitan ng programa nila, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pansamantalang trabaho at kumita ng maayos para sa kanilang pamilya,” Go stressed in a video message. In his commitment to promoting economic recovery, Go has underscored the significance of safeguarding the welfare of all sectors, with particular attention to those residing in rural areas. He introduced Senate Bill No. 420 which seeks to institutionalize a framework for offering temporary employment to eligible members of underprivileged households in rural regions. These individuals would be engaged in unskilled manual labor for a specified period. Under the proposed legislation, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be established within DOLE. REAP's primary goal is to furnish temporary job prospects to individuals who meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers. Milagros Salazar, the President of Liga ng mga Barangay of Alangalang, expressed her deepest gratitude to Go for his support and assistance. "Pinapaabot po namin ang pasasalamat kay Senator Bong Go sa lahat-lahat ng ibinigay sa amin dito sa LGU ng Alang-Alang. Ang mga services na binigay sa amin sa health, sa financial, at sa sports ay hindi matatawaran. Hindi matapos-tapos ang pag-aabot sa amin ng pasasalamat sa aming pinakamamahal na senador," said Salazar. The senator likewise encouraged those with health concerns to seek the assistance of any of the 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide, five of which are established in the province. The Malasakit Center brings all relevant agencies under one roof, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to ensure poor and indigent patients can conveniently access medical assistance programs to cover their hospital-related expenses. A Malasakit Center has been opened at the New Western Leyte Provincial Hospital in Baybay City, Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban City, Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City, and Leyte Provincial Hospital and Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center (GBTRGHSC) in Palo. In an effort to enhance healthcare services within the province, Go who is an adopted son of Leyte province, also sponsored and successfully pushed for the passage of Republic Act No. 11567, increasing the bed capacity of EVRMC. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the enactment of RA 11566, converting the Schistosomiasis Control and Research Hospital into the GBTRGHSC. Meanwhile, he also mentioned that there will be Super Health Centers to be established in Hilongos and Baybay City. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Super Health Centers offer basic health services, including 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 centers; and telemedicine. Go also highlighted RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. The Regional Specialty Centers Act plays a pivotal role in the healthcare legislative agenda of the Marcos administration, as detailed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. “Huwag po kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Patuloy nating haharapin ang mga pagsubok na ito ng magkakasama. Kasama ninyo ang buong sambayanan na nagmamalasakit sa inyong kalagayan. Magtulungan tayo, at sa tulong ng Diyos, malalampasan natin ang mga pagsubok na ito,” he ended. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alangalang, Babatngon, Carigara, Dagami, Isabel, Jaro, La Paz, Leyte, and Tolosa; construction of the Merida Community Hospital; construction of flood control structures in Alangalang, Javier, Tanauan and Tolosa; and acquisition of dump trucks for the local governments of Isabel and Villaba, among others. The post Bong Go aids Alangalang displaced workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
FedEx aids tots at fringes
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has recently donated hygiene kits to children in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao through collaboration with Feed the Children, an international nonprofit organization focused on addressing the needs of disadvantaged children in nine countries including the Philippines. A team of 30 FedEx volunteers came together to pack 1,500 hygiene kits containing a nail trimmer, towels, toothpaste, alcohol, toothbrush and antibacterial soap, and helped deliver the kits to Zamboanga. “For almost four decades in the Philippines, we are proud to support programs that enable positive sustainable changes for communities to thrive,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Express Philippines. “FedEx is committed to delivering for good and contributing to the social and economic needs of those less fortunate. Our goal of connecting people and possibilities worldwide goes beyond empowering businesses. We are looking to bring together businesses and customers and unite humanity to advance hope, opportunity, and change.” Children from the most vulnerable communities face an increased risk of contracting hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by poor hygiene practices. Providing hygiene kits is one of many ways to address the situation and help families combat life-threatening diseases and illnesses. The initiative is part of the FedEx Cares global community engagement program. The post FedEx aids tots at fringes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solon pushes farmers’ protection
To protect the country’s farmers from usurious lenders, marked by excessive loan interest rates and unauthorized lending practices, Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte has filed a bill intended for the institutionalization of the accepted interest rates on the loans of farmers and providing sanctions for those who will violate the measure. “It is disheartening that regardless of the invaluable contribution of the farmers to the country’s food security, they remain to be living below the poverty line,” Duterte said. The lawmaker added that the lack of access to formal credit facilities and excessive interest rates charged by predatory and opportunistic lenders remain as one of the primordial issues faced by the agricultural sector. House Bill 9094 or the Anti-Usury Against Farmers Act of 2023 aims to safeguard farmers not to become victims of usurious lenders and to their unauthorized lending practices. Duterte stressed that several factors have forced the poor farmers to the brink of debt, which include natural calamities, worsening climate change, fluctuating economic forces and unforeseen global pandemic that resulted in the ballooning prices of farming capital and the exposure of agricultural lands to dilapidation. “As a result, the country’s farmers are faced with unabated losses and financial burden which results in their increased financial vulnerability. It left them with no other choice but to obtain more and more credit from loan sharks in order to secure short term relief with the hopes of mitigating their losses from the effects of devastating calamities, disrupted economies, and exorbitant farming capital,” said Duterte. He also cited reports from the Philippine Institute of Development Studies showing that despite the availability of government-directed credit programs and the significant amount of government funds spent for its implementation, farmers or the intended target beneficiaries still do not have access to credit and are still dependent on informal lenders who charge unreasonable interest rates due to lack of collateral to secure loans and lack of awareness or familiarity with the processes and requirements needed. Under the proposed measure, interest on loans to farmers whose landholding does not exceed seven hectares, whether with collateral or without, shall not exceed an effective interest rate of six per cent per annum. The same rate will likewise apply to forbearance of any money, good or credit, and in judgments. Any figure above this shall be considered usurious and illegal. Violators would be fined or penalized with imprisonment. The post Solon pushes farmers’ protection appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan helps reduce litter
Economic Affairs Minister Nihei Daisuke of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines joined the culmination event of the Healthy Oceans and Clean Cities Initiative on 15 September. The event highlighted the achievements, experiences, and lessons learned of the partner cities and communities in localizing the Philippines NPOA-ML into City Plans of Action for Marine Litter. The activity also featured the emerging approaches explored by partner cities, such as customized integration of digitization and digital transformation in plastic waste diversion and Extended Producer Responsibility readiness of local government units. A regional initiative by UN-Habitat in the Philippines and the Government of Japan, HOCCI addresses the growing concern over marine plastic pollution that endangers the environment, marine ecosystems, and public health. While the Philippines has among the highest trash collection rates in Southeast Asia, it remains the world’s third-largest source of marine litter. With UN-Habitat Philippines’ lead, the Government of Japan funded 3 million USD for this project and the project ran for three and a half years, from April 2020 to September 2023, and was piloted in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Calapan, Davao, Legazpi, Manila and Ormoc. The project primarily provided support for improved governance structures and capacities for the localization of the National Plan of Action for Marine Litter and the vertical integration of the marine plastic litter response. The project also assisted the cities in improving technology and systems for marine plastic litter reduction. In his speech, Minister Nihei expressed his hopes that the gains and lessons learned from the implementation of HOCCI will inspire synergies and deepen partnerships at the community, national, and international levels to work hand in hand in reducing marine litter. The post Japan helps reduce litter appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t presence in communities vital — Sara
Vice President Sara Duterte underscored the importance of government presence in the communities to end insurgency in the country. “When communities have increased access to education, economic opportunities, healthcare services, and other government initiatives — terrorists will have lesser chances to access them,” Duterte said during the opening of the three-day Peace Village at the SM City Annex in Davao City. According to the Vice President, good governance is one of the key pathways to achieving peace in the country. “A government that genuinely serves the people will not suffer the doom of being betrayed by its people,” she said. Duterte said the celebration is a special moment in Davao’s quest for enduring peace and prosperity, and celebrating the insurgency-free status of Davao Region. She cited the significant gains of Davao Region in its peace-building efforts as it marked its first year of being insurgency-free. The three-day “Peace Village: An Exhibit of Davao Regions Milestones in Peace and Development” is spearheaded by the City Government of Davao, through its Peace 911 program, in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity and the provincial government units of Region XI. The post Gov’t presence in communities vital — Sara appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD Project LAWA to improve community resilience amid El Niño
The Department of Social Welfare and Development over the weekend said that Project LAWA or the Local Adaptation to Water Access will improve the resiliency of communities affected by the El Niño phenomenon. Project LAWA, which was simultaneously launched in Davao de Oro, Ifugao, and Antique on Thursday (31 August), is an early action plan of the government to mitigate the impacts of drought and dry spells by establishing small farm reservoirs (SFRs). “By building water-harvesting facilities, our farmers and fisherfolk will be ready for the effects of El Niño and climate change," DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said. "They can use SRFs to improve the production of crops or they can use it as fishponds for an additional income,” Lopez, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, pointed out. The LAWA project targets to construct 90 SFRs in the nine local government units (LGUs) in Davao de Oro, Ifugao, and Antique. The three provinces were chosen based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) geophysical map which showed that Davao de Oro, Ifugao, and Antique would be severely affected by El Niño. To assist the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized families of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), farmers, and fisherfolk, the DSWD, through its cash-for-training and –work program, will provide financial support as an alternative income in exchange for the work rendered by the beneficiaries while constructing the alternative water resources. “Through this cost-efficient and small-scale infrastructure for community-based rainwater retention, production of crops will not be affected, hence the continuous income of our farmers,” the DSWD spokesperson explained. According to the Department of Agriculture-Water Resources Management Division, SFR is a smaller version of Small Water Impounding Projects (SWIP) that “collects rainfall and runoff for use by a single farm, with height of less than 4 meters and reservoir area of 300–1,500 square meters serving about half to a hectare of farmlands.” In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), the DSWD is exploring the possibility of applying vermicomposting to Project LAWA in 2024 to further provide the beneficiary- communities with alternatives to increase crop yield. The post DSWD Project LAWA to improve community resilience amid El Niño appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DavNor tourism center aids IP students
DAVAO CITY — The TATAG IP (Indigenous Peoples) Students Foundation Incorporated has supported the education of 30 Ata-Manobo youth students through the TATAG IP Students Tourism Center located at Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte. The tourism center is supporting the educational requirements of 12 IP college and 18 IP high school students, including their day-to-day allowances and dormitory expenses. The TATAG IP Students Tourism Center, inaugurated on 12 August, offers a five-meter-wide and 25-meter-long swimming pool; a function hall that can accommodate 400 people; a restaurant that can cater 200 guests; a souvenir shop with local craftsmanship; and five uniquely designed cottages named after Talaingod sitios — Sambulungan, Pongpong, Bagang, Peroy and Nalubas. Misiyang Dogiyon, one of the students, said that no one finishes education in her community and that she’s the only one who reaches college. “We are so poor and all I wanted is to learn how to write and read and will eventually finish my studies,” said Dogiyon. “I will strive hard and be a model to my fellow IP youth. The foundation has given us support and our school needs even laptops they have provided us.” The post DavNor tourism center aids IP students appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»