Terra Carta: saving earth
The world has made tremendous economic and technological progress in the last 100 years but the cost of all these has been an immeasurable destruction to our planet and its environment......»»
Earth Hour electricity savings reached 132.11 megawatts – DOE
Electricity savings from last Saturday’s Earth Hour increased by 110.73 percent to 132.11 megawatts from last year’s savings of 62.69 MW, according to the Department of Energy......»»
SB19 s Pablo leads Earth Hour in Manila
SB19 leader Pablo, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippine's new Earth Hour Music Ambassador, led the annual switch-off event in Manila City last weekend......»»
Pagasa debunks ‘three days of darkness’ hoax
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) dismissed claims that the Earth will experience three days of darkness due to passing the “Photon Belts” starting April 8 as false. The state weather and astronomy bureau said Friday there is no scientific evidence to support the claim. “DOST-PAGASA would like to.....»»
‘Practice Energy efficiency’
In a message in observance of Earth Hour yesterday, President Marcos called on Filipinos to practice energy efficiency as the Philippines grapples with the challenges posed by climate change and El Niño......»»
We broke it, we fix it : DENR urges Filipinos to join Earth Hour 2024
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) enjoined Filipinos to do their part in reversing damages brought by humans upon Mother Nature in the last 300,000 years......»»
Earth Hour 2024 Calls for Filipinos to Switch Off Lights and Switch Off Single-use Plastics
Filipinos can help in solving two of our planet’s biggest problems, biodiversity loss, and climate change, by doing their part in conserving energy and putting an end to the problem of plastic pollution. Earth Hour 2024, set on March 23, Saturday will once again bring together millions of people across the world so they can […].....»»
EDITORIAL — Lights off for one shared home
Since the first Earth Hour was staged in 2007, participation in the event has grown exponentially......»»
Government calls for Earth Hour switch-off tonight
Government agencies are calling on the public to join the Earth Hour today by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m......»»
Earth Hour, 5 Reasons to Participate
On March 23, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, everyone in the world is encouraged to turn off their lights and appliances. Dubbed Earth Hour, this global event started in Australia back in 2007 as a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initiative. It might be easy to wave off Earth Hour as just 60 minutes of.....»»
Time to Shine: Make Your Mark for Earth Hour at SM Malls
Small actions can make a big difference. This year, SM Supermalls invites everyone to #GiveAnHourForEarth by joining millions around the world in the annual Global Lights Switch Off on March 23 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. This 2024, SM marks 16 years of commitment in supporting the annual campaign initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).....»»
DFA backs Magna Carta for Seafarers
The Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed support for the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, as the maritime industry grapples with security risks sparked by missile attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels on shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea......»»
DFA seeks passage of Magna Carta for seafarers after deadly attack
“We do believe that any law which will improve the lot of seafarers should be signed as soon as possible, but we fully respect the desire of the president and legislators to improve the bill as it is.”.....»»
Magna carta should expand, and not limit, the seafarers’ rights
Seafarers will be ‘penalized’ by the escrow provision that will downplay their rights guaranteed by the constitution instead of protecting and promoting their welfare. With the upcoming bicameral committee meetings on the proposed Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, the Senate must stand firm on its version on the non-inclusion of the controversial escrow provision. The.....»»
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......»»
NGOs question occupational permits given to prostituted women
NGOs in Davao City question the occupational permits given to prostituted women, stating that selling one's body for sex should not be classified as legitimate work. Referring to prostituted women as 'pokpok' or 'sex workers' only exacerbates discrimination against them, rather than addressing the root cause of the issue. Jeanette Ampog, executive director of Talikala Incorporated, argues that the term 'sex workers' fails to accurately portray the exploitative situations these women face, and instead, glamorizes their predicament. There are existing laws against prostitution, such as Republic Act (RA) Number 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children), RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse), RA 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), and a local ordinance in Davao in its second reading for OSAEC, but Ampog expressed hope that it would pass the final reading. This, she believes, would signal the commitment of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Davao to fund programs for prostituted women. Lawig Bubai and Talikala called on government bodies, non-government groups, and faith-based organizations to address the root causes of prostitution.....»»
Teachers press for health benefits beyond DepEd s gift of accident insurance
Following the Department of Education's provision of an accident insurance for all teachers, two teachers' groups have also called on the department to deliver the promised health benefits under the Magna Carta for public school teachers. .....»»
Ejercito pushes passage of Magna Carta for BHWs
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – Senador JV Ejercito is urging his fellow senators to also support the passage of the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). Ejercito, who visited Cebu on Friday, October 6, to attend the BHWs Summit held at IEC Convention Center in Cebu City, said that if approved, the Magna Carta would.....»»
Bong Go to DTI: More livelihood opportunities for poor
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his support for the proposed budget for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its attached agencies during the Senate Finance sub-committee hearing on Tuesday, 3 October. He however appealed to the concerned agencies of government, particularly DTI, to address rising prices of commodities, mitigate the impact of inflation, and provide more livelihood opportunities for the poor to help them recover from the pandemic and other recent crises. “Bigyan po ninyo ng mas maraming oportunidad na makabangon ang mga mahihirap. Ang maayos na kabuhayan ang isa sa mga magiging susi sa pagginhawa ng pamumuhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he explained. “Trabaho po ng DTI na bantayan rin ang mga presyo ng bilihin lalo na ngayon na lumalala ang inflation. Bagamat hindi natin kontrolado ang global factors na nagdudulot nito, sikapin dapat ng gobyerno na pagaanin ang hirap na dinadala ng ating mga kababayang pinakanangangailangan,” he appealed. Go’s stance comes in the wake of the recent Pulse Asia survey, conducted from 10 to 14 September, which showed that poverty and inflation were identified as two of the most pressing concerns. It is for this reason that the senator has urged the government to prioritize the creation of better job opportunities as a crucial step towards alleviating the suffering of the people and stabilizing the country's economy. “Nais kong iparating ang aking suporta para sa proposed budget at mga programa ng DTI. Ang DTI ay may malaking papel sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at pagpapabuti ng kalagayan ng ating mga negosyante at manggagawa,” said Go. Through Senator Mark Villar who presided over the budget hearing, Go manifested his support for DTI as it plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the country, considering that it is responsible for crafting and implementing policies, programs, and projects that promote a competitive and innovative business environment. “Sa pagtugon sa mga hamon ng kasalukuyang panahon, napakahalaga na maglaan tayo ng sapat na pondo para sa DTI upang maipagpatuloy nila ang kanilang mahalagang mga proyekto at programa. Sa tulong ng mga programa ng DTI, mas mapapaunlad natin ang sektor ng negosyo sa bansa at mas magkakaroon tayo ng mas maraming pagkakataon para sa trabaho at kabuhayan,” he added. Moreover, Go said that the department is entrusted with the vital task of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that constitute the backbone of the Philippine economy. These businesses are crucial in generating employment and driving economic growth. Go highlighted Republic Act No. 11960, or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. Authored and co-sponsored by Go, the OTOP Philippines Program is a government-led initiative that allows each town or city in the country to capitalize on a unique product or service that embodies its identity, culture, and traditions. “Sa tulong ng batas na ito, ating pinapalakas ang mga lokal na negosyo sa bawat bayan at siyudad sa bansa. Ipinapaabot natin sa kanila ang suporta na kinakailangan nila upang mapanatili ang kanilang operasyon at maabot ang mas malawak na merkado,” Go said, adding that by leveraging local resources, the program not only invigorates economic activities but also fosters cultural preservation. Meanwhile, Go also co-sponsored Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2021, which aims to institutionalize the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project under DTI. The proposed measure seeks to amend RA 6977 or the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises as amended by RA 9501, also known as the Magna Carta for MSMEs. If enacted, the SSF program would offer more cost-effective solutions to MSMEs by providing access to shared facilities and services that will help them improve the quality and productivity of their products, including equipment, tools, and machinery that they can use to upgrade their production processes that are typically expensive for individual MSMEs. During the previous administration, Go advocated for the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program which seeks to aid micro, small, and medium enterprises in crises and provide livelihood opportunities to more Filipinos. “Sa programang ito, tuturuan ang mga benepisyaryo na magnegosyo at bibigyan ng suporta para palaguin ito. Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang iyong negosyo, napalago ito, at naiuwi sa pamilya ang kinita mula dito,” he said. He continues to support the implementation of the program to help more Filipinos in need of government support amid trying times. Last year, Go successfully appealed for the budget allocation for the PPG program during the deliberations on the 2023 budget of the DTI. “Marami pong nawalan ng trabaho, maraming nagsara na negosyo dahil po sa pandemya kaya naman napakahalagang maipagpatuloy ang programang ito,” he said. “Isa itong paraan upang maipakita natin ang ating malasakit sa mga Pilipinong apektado ng iba't ibang krisis, mula sa nakaraang pandemya hanggang sa mga kasalukuyang kalamidad, at mabigyan sila ng bagong pag-asa na magkaroon ng maayos na kabuhayan,” he added. Furthermore, Senator Go filed SBN 420, which aims to establish the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) that will be operated under the purview of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The primary objective of this proposed program is to offer temporary employment opportunities to individuals experiencing economic hardships, poverty, displacement, or seasonal unemployment. By creating such opportunities, REAP can assist those affected in achieving financial stability during challenging periods. The post Bong Go to DTI: More livelihood opportunities for poor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Update on Magna Carta for Public Schools Teachers sought
Senator Win Gatchalian on Thursday bared his plan to file a measure that will update the current provisions of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, in time for the observance of World Teachers’ Day. In updating Republic Act 4670, Gatchalian revealed that he plans to push for the granting of a special hardship allowance to mobile teachers, including those involved in the Alternative Learning System jobs. The senator also seeks to “protect teachers from out-of-pocket expenses and non-teaching tasks.” He is likewise pushing provisions for teachers’ basic rights and longevity pay. Gatchalian emphasized the need to ensure full implementation of the law, which primarily aimed at improving the living and working conditions of public school teachers. He pointed out that it has been 57 years since RA 4670 was passed, yet some of its provisions have not been fully realized, citing Section 22 of the law, which entitles public school teachers to a free annual physical examination. Gatchalian lamented that while the Department of Education has provided teachers with monetary medical assistance since 2019, he pressed that “there is still no program for the annual check-up of teachers” as mandated by the Magna Carta. In Section 26 of the RA 4670, a retiring teacher should be promoted one rank higher, and the salary of that rank should be the basis for calculating retirement benefits. However, Gatchalian noticed that the current method of computation, being used by the Government Service Insurance System, relies on the average monthly compensation that the employee received during the last 36 months of service prior to retirement. While Section 31 of the Magna Carta requires the DepEd Secretary to submit the annual budgetary requirements to implement the Magna Carta, Gatchalian observed that the agency only submits an omnibus budget request to Congress for its annual needs. “Napapanahon na upang tiyakin nating tumutugon ang Magna Carta sa mga pangangailangan at hamong kinakaharap ng ating mga guro,”Gatchalian said as he bared to reporters his plans as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education. The post Update on Magna Carta for Public Schools Teachers sought appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House vows support for Magna Carta for Seafarers
The House of Representatives has assured Filipino seafarers that the chamber is in “full support” of their rights and will always promote their welfare and well-being......»»