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Catapang tightens security after ambush
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. yesterday said security measures were doubled following the recent shooting incident involving his vehicle along the Skyway on Tuesday......»»
Abra village chief survives ambush
A barangay captain in Tayum, Abra was unhurt in an ambush in Bangued yesterday......»»
P500K reward offered for arrest Cotabato City disaster unit chief s killers
The mayor here has offered a P500,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the killers of the operations chief of the Cotabato City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, who died in an ambush along a busy thoroughfare here last week......»»
Cotabato City LGU disaster response official dies in ambush
Gunmen killed the operations chief of the Cotabato City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in an ambush here on Friday night, an incident that saddened the personnel of different government and private volunteer emergency response contingents he was closely associated with......»»
Ilocos village chief slain in ambush
A barangay chairman was killed in an attack by motorcycle-riding men in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur on Monday night......»»
Police still determining motive behind ambush of female doc
The chief of police of Buluan in Maguindanao del Sur said investigations are still ongoing to determine the motive behind the ambush of a female doctor Saturday night. “We are gathering more details to deepen our investigation,” 1Lt. Cemafranco Cemacio, chief of Police of Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur, said. Dr. Sharmaine Ceballos Baroquillo, 27, a resident […].....»»
Ex-barangay chief, son slain in Leyte attack
A former barangay chairman and his seven-year-old son were killed in an ambush in Villaba, Leyte on Monday afternon......»»
Village chief aspirant dies in ambush
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Lanao del Sur Provincial Police on Wednesday reported that a barangay chairperson candidate in Barangay Sigayan, Kapatagan town in Lanao del Sur was killed while his wife and son were injured after armed men ambushed them. Lanao del Sur Provincial Police director Col. Robert S. Daculan identified the fatality as Kamar Bilao Bansil, who is running for barangay chairperson in Barangay Sigayan in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Meantime, the fatality’s wife — identified as Jasmin and his son Manmo — both sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies. They were immediately rushed to a hospital by policemen and emergency responders from the Kapatagan local government unit. Daculan also identified the leader of the armed group as Pabil Pagrangan, the husband of Sigayan’s incumbent village chair. Initial reports disclosed that Bansil was driving his multi-cab vehicle with his wife and son on board when they were fired upon by the group of Pagrangan who positioned themselves along the road of Sigayan. Bansil was supposed to contest the re-election bid of Pagrangan’s wife, the incumbent barangay chair of Sigayan. Daculan said policemen are now conducting a hot pursuit operation against Pagrangan who fled with his cohorts to the different directions after the incident. The post Village chief aspirant dies in ambush appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Police identify persons of interest in ambush attempt on Misamis Occidental Gov.
The Philippine National Police on Wednesday said they now have persons of interest in the attempt on the life of Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, said they could not give the details yet or identities of the people behind the detonation of an improvised explosive device when Oaminal and his group narrowly escaped death during a highway explosion in Clarin town while en route to Ozamiz City less than an hour before midnight on 15 October. Fajardo however said that they are now tracking a vehicle that was spotted in Barangay Lapasan in Clarin town before the ambush try. Fajardo added that investigation revealed that the IED used also has traces of ammonium nitrate and was triggered by a cellular phone. Investigators, the police official said, also are not discounting that the attempt on the life of Oaminal may have been politically motivated. Security precautions were beefed up in the province and other places where the governor frequently visits. Fajardo added that PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has instructed all the local police chiefs in the area to coordinate with the local executives to prevent similar untoward incidents. Governor Oaminal, on the other hand, said earlier that crime groups wanted him out because of the progress of the province in terms of peace and order. The attack on his life, Oaminal said, was orchestrated by those who are behind narco-politics trying to make a comeback in the province. The post Police identify persons of interest in ambush attempt on Misamis Occidental Gov. appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LandBank, DBP won t have special treatment – BSP chief
“As far as regulation is concerned, we will evaluate their request as we do for any other requests by banks, and we will carry out the usual regulations that we carry out, so they [LandBank and DBP] will not be treated in a special way,” BSP Chairman Eli Remolona said in an ambush interview on Wednesday......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Village chief aspirant survives ambush
TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities reported on Friday that a barangay chairman aspirant was ambushed by still unidentified gunmen in Gandara town, Samar province which also saw the death of his two companions. Police identified the aspiring village chairman as Teresito Piczon, who was wounded when the motorboat they were riding was fired upon by unidentified men hiding on the hilly part as they were about to moor on the village port. Another individual identified as Marvin Taduyo also survived the ambush, while the other two — identified as Sammy Jumadiao and Rolando Casaljay — died in the ambush. The four are residents of Barangay Caugbusan, a village at the boundary of Gandara and Santa Margarita towns some 20 kilometers from the town proper and accessible only either by boat or foot. Reports also disclosed that Casaljay was able to run but was chased by the gunmen, who took turns in hitting him with rifle butts on the different parts of his body, causing his death. The armed group, allegedly led by a certain Alyas Piyos, immediately fled to the mountain side of the village by foot immediately after the incident. The wounded victims were immediately brought to the Gandara District Hospital. The post Village chief aspirant survives ambush appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t torn on school opening issue
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government has yet to decide on the proposal to return the opening of classes to its pre-pandemic schedule. Asked during an ambush interview in Manila if he supports the call to implement the old academic calendar, Marcos said the Department of Education is currently conducting a study to determine the best course of action. “Returning to the old school schedule? We’re discussing that. We were talking with the teaching staff here. I asked them about their preference,” Marcos said. The Chief Executive acknowledged that the issue on the academic calendar is a complex one, given the changes caused by the pandemic and the need to address climate change. Marcos also underscored the importance of considering the welfare of both the students and the teachers. “The current schedule is very hot, and even the children are suffering. So, we need to study what’s best to do,” Marcos said. “We don’t have a preference like this one is better or better. We’re just looking at what’s best for both the kids, especially the children, and for the teachers and non-teaching staff. We need to consider that if we expose them to excessive heat, they might be unable to do their jobs properly and might even get sick,” he added. The Brigada Eskwela 2023 prompted the President to visit Victorino Mapa High School in Manila, where he examined several classrooms. During the visit, Marcos received information about the ongoing maintenance activities at the school, which are geared toward getting everything ready for the commencement of the new academic year on 29 August. “We have once again seen how important it is, especially here in the Philippines, for all, including parents, teachers, and whoever volunteers when it comes to our children, to truly have the willingness to help to enhance their schooling experience,” President Marcos said in a brief message during the event. “And perhaps this is something new as well because we underwent a lockdown, we made some progress, and now this is probably the very first — this is the first school opening that’s somewhat normal after the lockdown. Normal, but we have made many changes and addressed many complaints, which are what our DepEd Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte have persevered and worked hard for,” he added. Marcos also made a PhP1 million donation to the school in addition to paint and cleaning materials that he has extended for its Brigada Eskwela program. Launched in 2003, Brigada Eskwela is an annual nationwide school maintenance program that engages education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort, and resources to prep schools for the opening of classes. On August 7, the DepEd conducted the national kick-off of the 2023 Brigada Eskwela at the Tarlac National High School, which will run from August 14 to 19. This year’s Brigada Eskwela carries the theme, “Bayanihan para sa Matatag na Paaralan,” and will run for six days up to 19 August. The post Gov’t torn on school opening issue appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Return to old school schedule? Not yet, says PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government has yet to decide on the proposal to return the opening of classes to its pre-pandemic schedule. Asked during an ambush interview in Manila if he supports the call to implement the old academic calendar, Marcos said the Department of Education is currently conducting a study to determine the best course of action. "Returning to the old school schedule? We're discussing that. We were talking with the teaching staff here. I asked them about their preference," Marcos said. The Chief Executive acknowledged that the issue on the academic calendar is a complex one, given the changes caused by the pandemic and the need to address climate change. Marcos also underscored the importance of considering the welfare of both the students and the teachers. "The current schedule is very hot, and even the children are suffering. So, we need to study what's best to do," Marcos said. "We don't have a preference like this one is better or better. We're just looking at what's best for both the kids, especially the children, and for the teachers and non-teaching staff. We need to consider that if we expose them to excessive heat, they might be unable to do their jobs properly and might even get sick," he added. For the Brigada Eskwela 2023 project, the President visited Victorino Mapa High School in Manila, where he examined several classrooms. During the visit, Marcos received information about the ongoing maintenance activities at the school to get everything ready for the start of the new academic year on 29 August. "We have once again seen how important it is, especially here in the Philippines, for all, including parents, teachers and whoever volunteers when it comes to our children, to truly have the willingness to help to enhance their schooling experience," Marcos said in a brief message during the event. "And perhaps this is something new as well because we underwent a lockdown, we made some progress, and now this is probably the very first -- this is the first school opening that's somewhat normal after the lockdown. Normal, but we have made many changes and addressed many complaints, which are what our DepEd Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte have persevered and worked hard for," he added. Marcos also made a P1 million donation to the school in addition to paint and cleaning materials that he had extended for its Brigada Eskwela program. Launched in 2003, Brigada Eskwela is an annual nationwide school maintenance program that engages education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort and resources to prepare schools for the opening of classes. On 7 August, the DepEd conducted the national kick-off of the 2023 Brigada Eskwela at the Tarlac National High School. This year’s Brigada Eskwela carries the theme, “Bayanihan para sa Matatag na Paaralan,” and will run for six days from 14 to 19 August. The post Return to old school schedule? Not yet, says PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos on SONA speech: ‘Kulang pa’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed his dissatisfaction with his second State of the Nation Address, as he said he wanted to cover more in his speech. In a media interview, the Chief Executive described his second SONA as "kulang pa" or incomplete when asked if he was pleased with his speech. "There was so much to go through, [but] I think we got most (of it)," Marcos said. House Speaker Martin Romualdez explained in a separate ambush interview that the President felt there wasn't enough time to cover all the issues, plans and programs he wanted to communicate. "Gusto sana niya isama na lahat, (He wanted to include everything)" said Romualdez, because the President wants to accomplish a lot of things ("Ang dami niyang gustong gawin"). The post Marcos on SONA speech: ‘Kulang pa’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Suspect admits role in Abiad slay try
An arrested suspect in the ambush of photojournalist Rene Joshua Abiad two weeks ago in Quezon City has admitted to serving as a “spotter” in the assassination attempt. Philippine National Police Chief General Benjamin Acorda yesterday lauded the arrest of Jomari dela Cruz Campillo, alias “Mata,” 24, at a bus station on Thursday, 13 July. The police said Campillo revealed under questioning that he was paid P15,000 for his services, adding he was the one seen in the closed-circuit TV footage riding the pink motorcycle during the attack. Alleged gunman Eduardo Almario Legazpi II, who was tagged as a “professional shooter,” was arrested in Muntinlupa City last 7 July. Investigators are now searching for the three other suspects in the crime, including a barangay captain in Pasay City who reportedly ordered the hit on Abiad. Meanwhile, Acorda Jr. said they are looking at the possibility of lowering the cost of fees for the permit to carry firearms to encourage gun enthusiasts to regularly renew their firearm licenses and documents. Acorda said they will discuss the matter with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bureau of Fire Protection. The post Suspect admits role in Abiad slay try appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Another photo journo slay suspect nabbed
Another suspect in the Abiad family shooting incident last 29 June was collared by operatives of the Quezon City Police District Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit at a provincial bus station in Cubao on Thursday afternoon. QCPD Director, Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, said suspect Jomari dela Cruz, 24, of Southville 3, Poblacion, Muntinlupa City, was nabbed at around 4:30 p.m. of 13 July at the Solid North Transit Bus Terminal on EDSA. Torre said QCPD-CIDU operatives under Maj. Don Don Llapitan received a tip from an informant that Dela Cruz would be arriving at the bus terminal from Pangasinan where he had been hiding. Torre said the cops were waiting and at 4:30 p.m., Dela Cruz, alias “Mata” and “Alexis,” was spotted walking in front of the terminal. The suspect was the one seen on CCTV riding the pink motorcycle that was tailing the vehicle of the Abiad family before the ambush. Recovered from him was a 9mm pistol with eight rounds in a gray sling bag. Dela Cruz is under the custody of the CIDU along with Eduardo Legazpi II, alias “Bingbong,” the alleged gunman who was arrested on 7 July. Torre said a case of violating RA 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, is being prepared against Dela Cruz and will be filed before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. Aside from the photojournalist, members of Abiad’s family and Jeffrey Ngo Cao, a bystander and resident of Barangay Apolonio Samson, Quezon City, were also wounded during the ambush. Abiad’s four-year-old niece who was hit in the head succumbed to injuries last weeken. A manhunt is continuing for the other suspects, including a former Pasay City barangay chairman known as “Nadnad.” As this developed, Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., said they are looking at lowering the fees for the “Permit-To-Carry” to encourage gun owners to regularly renew their firearm licenses and documents. Acorda made the comment on the sidelines of the 1st PNP Press Corps Invitational Shootfest held at Camp Karingal, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City which started Friday until 16 July. With Glen Jacob Jose The post Another photo journo slay suspect nabbed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Deadly police ambush sparks manhunt
The Philippine National Police has launched a manhunt for the gunmen who killed two cops and wounded four other officers in an ambush in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Wednesday night. Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., chief of the PNP, condemned the deadly attack and instructed local police forces to aggressively pursue and identify those responsible for the ambush. Acorda identified the slain cops as Patrolman Saipoden Shiek Macacuna and Patrolman Bryan Polayagan, both assigned to the Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Maguindanao Police Provincial Office. The four wounded cops were Police Chief Master Sgt. Vincent Gertos, Police Staff Sgt. Benjie delos Reyes, Patrolman Arjie Val Louie Pabinguit and Patrolman Abdulgafor Alib. “The men and women of the Philippine National Police show grief over the untimely passing of our two non-police commissioned officers and wounding of four others in an ambush staged by still unknown assailants,” Acorda said in a statement. “We assure that the PNP will do everything within its power and authority to serve the ends of justice,” he added. Acorda also assured that the PNP will extend all possible assistance to the families of the two slain cops and all the necessary help for those wounded, especially on medical expenses. Based on the incident report, the six policemen were patroling in Barangay Poblacion when armed men opened fire at them at around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The post Deadly police ambush sparks manhunt appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BoI-approved investments total over P.5T as of May
Approved investments of the Board of Investments as of May 2023 are now more than half a trillion pesos, proving that the investment promotion agency is upbeat in bringing in investors to tame economic headwinds being faced by the country. Based on BoI records, the total value for 106 approved investments come to P532.268 billion as of 23 May 2023. The figure is more than 100 percent higher compared to the P205.734 billion BoI posted during the same period in 2022. Broken down, the BoI said P403.86 billion of the total approved investments are from foreign investors, while P128.41 billion are local investments. Mostly in renewable energy BoI said the approved investments are mostly in renewable energy; total approved investments are expected to provide more than 18,000 jobs for the Filipino workforce. “It (total investments approved) was driven by investments in renewable energy because of the shift in policy. You can see that, and it’s very clear when the President instructed and then the (Department of Energy) removed the ceiling for foreign equity participation in renewable energy,” BoI managing head, Assistant Secretary Ceferino Rodolfo said in an ambush interview. Pursuit of RE transition Earlier, Trade Secretary Fred Pascual maintained that the Philippine government is already in pursuit of the renewable energy transition. “The Philippines stands at the threshold of a significant transformation. Our geographical position puts us in an enviable position to harness the power of renewable energy. Renewable energy isn’t merely an option for us but a necessity. Thus, our government is ardently promoting using and developing renewable energy sources,” Pascual said during the Offshore Wind Conference on Thursday in Taguig City. The conference was organized by the China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd., which gathered various government agencies and Philippine and Chinese companies to discuss the country’s plan and policies for developing renewable energy. The DTI Secretary emphasized that the Philippines’ abundant natural resources together with its long coastline and excellent wind resources are significant in the country’s pursuit of sustainable power generation. Priority As the energy demand in the country continues to rise, he said renewable energy remains one of the priority sectors of the Marcos Jr. administration. During President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent trip to Beijing, he encouraged Chinese and other foreign firms to invest in renewable energy projects in the Philippines. Last 21 May 2023, the President signed Executive Order 21, mandating the creation of a policy and administrative framework for the optimal development of offshore wind resources in the country. This includes the integration into the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop System of applicable permits required by relevant Permitting Agencies for offshore wind activities. The DoE also issued a circular allowing 100 percent foreign equity in renewable energy projects in the Philippines, which the trade chief considers a significant stride in the efforts to attract more investments in renewable energy. Chinese investors Pascual noted, “Chinese investors and businesses can rely on the country’s roadmap in offshore wind development. Launched in April 2022 and initiated by The World Bank Group in partnership with the DoE, the roadmap identified the country’s offshore wind potential, opportunities, and challenges, among others.” As of December 2022, the country has already awarded 190 onshore and offshore Wind Energy Service Contracts — with offshore contracts mainly in Luzon alongside Panay and Guimaras Strait. The post BoI-approved investments total over P.5T as of May appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Education biz group: K-12 needs review
The Philippine Business for Education or PBEd is asking the government to assess first the present K-12 system before venturing into a tweaked form of education, being pushed by former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In an ambush interview during the PBEd Annual Membership Meeting on Monday in Taguig City, attended by business leaders to discuss recommendations to improve the country’s education system, PBEd executive director Justine Raagas said the “K to 10 plus 2” being pushed by Arroyo needs further consideration. “I think we really need a comprehensive assessment of the current system first. It is easy to say the system failed because of the dismal result of international assessments. But we have to think about the fact that K-12’s first entrants just came from the class of 2012,” Raagas said. “Meaning, they just graduated last 2022. So, it is unfair to say that the system has failed, where in fact, those who have graduated and entered the workforce were products of an older system,” she added. She added that the Pampanga lawmaker should identify what she means by her statement that “the system has failed.” “Does it mean the employability side or the learning poverty that students did not learn to read or write, because these issues can be addressed in the implementation? It is very radical to completely change the system because there are areas that do not work and because we can actually do some implementation and pivots within the system,” Raagas said. She added the K-12 was actually triumphant in other countries, which is why she wondered if the same system failed in the eyes of the lawmaker. To recall, Arroyo’s House Bill 7893 seeks to establish the “K+10+2,” where the last two years will not be vocational-technical education but will be preparatory to the university education similar to the foundation of college courses in Europe. The former President said she filed the bill in consultation with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte and with the knowledge of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “This bill seeks to replace the present K to 12 education program in the country covering Kindergarten and 12 years of education with a K+10+2 program covering compulsory Kindergarten and 10 years of basic education with, for those seeking to proceed to professional degree studies such as accounting, engineering, law, medicine, an additional two years of post-secondary, pre-university education,” the explanatory note of the bill read. Arroyo explained that Grades 11 and 12 were added to the basic education program on the assumption that with the two additional years, senior high school graduates will be prepared to get a job. “Unfortunately, the reality of the market seems to be that the private sector continues to prefer hiring college or university graduates over those who finish the K-to-12 program,” Arroyo said. Meantime, Raagas said that as they always urge the involvement of the private sector in education, they are asking the business owners to look at the present curriculum to provide outputs, as the senior high school in the present K-12 system should be an entry to employment. “There should be a connection between what is being taught in schools and what is needed in the workplace. The private sector should be more involved also in training graduates of K-12,” said Raagas. Despite this, Raagas still believes that the current state of education in the country “remains in crisis.” Last year, Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual proposed the transfer of general education subjects from the college curriculum to the senior high school for grades 11 and 12 “to be able to produce skilled graduates or the so-called “holistically developed Filipinos” to address the needs of domestic industries. The Trade chief told business leaders in September 2022 that the general education subjects should no longer be taught in college but rather be included in the K to 12 system or in the senior high school to fully equip students for jobs in industries upon graduation. The post Education biz group: K-12 needs review appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»