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The Observer.com #05 - JULY 05, 2022

DON’T JUST BE AN INQUIRER AND ASK, BE AN OBSERVER AND ACT

Road to food sufficiency!

Stop manipulated, oppressive, antiquated marketing system 2

PBBM supports Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport 3

Php 20.00

Senator Bong Go pushes for advanced nursing education 7

MARCOS TO REDUCE FOOD IMPORTATION “IMPORTATION has been used as price stabilization measure. I don’t think that is the primary reason for the importation that we’ll do now,” Marcos, who concurrently serves as agriculture secretary, said at his first press conference as Chief Executive.

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THE GOVERNMENT WILL INCREASE THE PRODUCTION OF RICE AND CORN TO STABILIZE FOOD PRICES

PH agri, fisheries progressed but not yet modernized 7

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VOLUME 1, NO. 5 TUESDAY JULY 05, 2022

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Road to food sufficiency!

Stop manipulated, oppressive, antiquated marketing system From MannyPiñol

International MANNY PIÑOL Advocacy Corps (I.M.P.A.C.) ANG problema natin sa Pilipinas ay hindi kung kaya ba ng mga magsasaka (including aquaculture investors) na magparami ng pagkain kundi kung sino ang bibili at magkano ang presyo.

Toxic and wastes watchdog group urges use of reusable eco-friendly bags QUEZON CITY, July 3 -- In celebration of International Plastic Bag Free Day, BAN Toxics hosted an event in which they encouraged Filipino customers and vendors to abandon single-use plastic bags in favor of reusable and eco-friendly alternatives.

The event was held in R. Calalay Frisco Market in Quezon City to raise awareness on the plastic crisis in the Philippines and promote eco-friendly bags.

Volunteer mothers and BT Patrollers attended the event and showcased different reusable and eco-friendly bags made of natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, pandan, coconut and palm leaves, cloth, textile, and katsa to encourage the public to switch to reusable alternatives.

BT Patroller Mary Kate San Juan shops in R. Calalay Frisco Public Market using a reusable basket to promote the switch to eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags.

The International Plastic Bag Free Day was designed to raise public awareness on plastic pollution and its effect on the ecosystem and biodiversity, especially to marine wildlife. It was established as a global initiative with the aim of banning single-use plastic bags globally and encouraging everyone to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives to promote environmental conservation.

Plastic Pollution The global plastic production surged from 2 million tons in the 1950s to more than 438 million tons in 2017, a trend that is expected to continue.

An alarming figure of 400 million tons of plastic wastes produced per year encouraged the creation of a new plastics treaty during the

recent United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) to address the world’s problem with plastic overproduction and overconsumption.

Held in Nairobi, Kenya, the resumed fifth UNEA session (UNEA 5.2) aimed to address the global plastic crisis through the development of the new international legally binding treaty set in 2024.

Our marketing system in a geographically fragmented country with over 7,000 islands is controlled by private traders plus dozens of middlemen whose main concern is profit and not food security or nation-building.

This was one of the major recommendations I submitted to National Security Adviser Sec. Clarita Carlos who asked me to help her craft the Food Security component of this administration’s National Security Strategy.

The policy statement made by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. yesterday stressing the need to support local production rather than depend highly on importation provides the impetus for the Food Self-Sufficiency program of this administration.

I identified the Food Shortage faced by the world today as the most urgent concern and added medium term and long-term programs, as well.

To address the impending Food Crisis which is the President’s top concern, I made three very basic recommendations: 1. Identify the basic food commodities needed daily by Filipino families. (I identified Rice, Fish, Chicken, Meat, Vegetables and Fruits.)

2. Refresh and update the National Food Supply and Demand Map crafted towards the end of my 3-year stint as Secretary of Agriculture which identified which towns or provinces produced commodities in excess of what they needed.

3. Bring in the National Food

Authority (NFA) and the Food Terminal Inc. to serve as the government’s food logistics agencies which would buy the excess products in specific areas to be repositioned and sold in the big cities or provinces where the goods are needed. This is a role which government could not yield to the private sector because there are food sources whose distance from the consumer centers would not make business profitable.

4. Open People’s Food Malls (PFM) to be operated by NFA/FTI in the population centers, especially in Metro Manila where urban dwellers and consumers would have

access to farm fresh and affordable food.

This is not a new idea.

This is just the revival of the original roles of NFA, FTI and Kadiwa during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos and the institutional implementation of the concept of Tienda and MinDATienda which we staged during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

(The ideas I shared here on how to address the Food Crisis, including the medium-term and long-term solutions will be discussed lengthily in the book which I am working on titled: The Joseph Principle - Feeding Millions in 7,641 Islands.)

Marcos retains US, UN envoys; Lapid as TIEZA head

By Azer Parrocha

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday retained three more officials from the previous administration in their respective posts.

Marcos retained actor and former Pampanga governor Mark Lapid as chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, according to a statement from Malacañang.

Also retained are former media executive Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez as Philippine ambassador to the United States and former three-term Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Antonio Manuel Lagdameo Jr. as ambassador and permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations.

Lagdameo also serves as Marcos’ special assistant to the President.

Lapid, Romualdez, and Lagdameo were sworn in by Marcos in Malacañan Palace.

Earlier, Marcos renominated former Cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles as chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

He was one of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s ad-interim appointees bypassed by the Commission on Appointments due to a lack of quorum.

Other appointees who also took

OATH-TAKING. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. administers the oath of office to actor and former Pampanga Governor Mark Lapid as chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other appointees at Malacañan Palace. (Photo from Malacañan Palace)

their oath on Tuesday were Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman; General Manager and President of the Government Service Insurance System Jose Arnulfo Veloso; and Presidential Security Group Commander and Senior Military Assistant Ramon Zagala.

Marcos’ camp announced the

appointments of Pangandaman, Veloso, and Zagala on May 30, June 29, and June 30, respectively.

Others who took their oath were Quirino Rep. Junie Cua as chairperson of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office; Romeo Lumagui Jr. as deputy commissioner for operations of the Bureau of Internal Revenue; and former Bas-

ilan governor Abdulghani “Gerry” Salapuddin as administrator and chairperson of the Southern Philippines Development Authority.

Actor Tirso Cruz III took his oath as chairperson and chief executive of the Film Development Council and Juan Revilla as a board member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. (PNA)

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Marcos to reduce food importation From Page 1 Instead of resorting to importation, the government will increase the production of rice and corn to stabilize food prices, according to President Marcos.

“We will do it in the Department of Agriculture, to boost the production of rice and corn in the next two quarters until after Christmas,” he added.

Marcos said he prefers to import “as little as possible.”

Rice is included in the basket of goods used in the computation of inflation.

The President stressed the need to increase local production of corn for broiler production.

“The feed wheat that we are importing was cut off so we have to substitute it with corn,” he said.

He added that the policy is not an import substitution, but a strategic supply measure.

Meanwhile, Marcos noted that the country would continue to import pork and chicken due to the African swine fever (ASF).

“When it comes to protein, pork, we still cannot control the ASF for various reasons,” he said.

“We still have to import pork products, on the broiler side, broiler production; we will still have to import because we have a problem with regard to supply of feeds,” he added.

“Again, because there are several reasons for that, the reasons be-

cause we prefer not to import – we prefer to import as little as possible so we should increase our own production of rice and corn,” he added.

Corn is so important now given that the country’s feed supply was cut short due to problems in importation. According to Marcos Jr, if the country increases its production of corn, then it may be enough to substitute the feeds needed by the country’s animal raisers.

“Corn especially became very important because the feed-weed that we were importing, na-cut off ang supply natin (our supply was

cut-off) so we have to substitute it with corn. This season, the corn growers were able to come together and provide sufficient feed for the broiler production,” he said.

“But we still have to increase production of corn to ensure that we have supply because there’s corn for food, and there’s corn for feed. So if we are able to increase production sufficiently, then hopefully the importations will cease,” Marcos added.

Food importation has been generally frowned upon by many workers in the agricultural industry,

as it allegedly forces local producers to match the low prices of the imported goods.

After the Rice Tariffication Law was implemented in 2018, the Department of Agriculture boasted that rice prices went down by as much as P7 per kilogram. But farmers have complained that they have little to almost no income agains imported grains.

Marcos Jr., however, admitted that they are looking at importing materials to ensure that the country has sufficient supply amid concerns around the global market. Earlier in

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the briefing and several times in the past, Marcos Jr. has underscored a looming problem in the food supply, noting that other countries are preparing for a food shortage scenario.

If the Philippines lags in preparations, he said this would put the country in a disadvantageous position.

Food security is one of the areas that economic experts asked Marcos Jr. to focus on to ensure that the country can recover from the crises brought by COVID-19 pandemic.

PBBM supports Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Veto of HB 7575 fastest way to cure defects Estrella III as DAR Secretary

QUEZON CITY -- Former Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Acting Secretary Bernie F Cruz and OIC-Secretary David Erro yesterday, July 4, 2022, jointly hand over the agency’s leadership to Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III after a celebratory mass held at the DAR Central Office gymnasium in Quezon City.

Erro said this will be the signal for the new administration to perform their new role.

“The new secretary will have to cover and distribute a total of 212,000 hectares of agricultural lands and look into a total of 400,000 hectares of problematic lands,” he said.

Erro disclosed that the DAR only receives a yearly budgetary allocation of only P700 million to help the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) of the comprehensive agrarian reform program (CARP).

Cruz thanked the officials and employees of the agency for giving him their trust.

“The DAR is a family. We have experts here at the department, they just need a good leader and I know you can give it to them,” Cruz said to the new Secretary.

Estrella for his part vows not

only to look into the welfare of the ARBs but also of its employees.

“I always treat agrarian reform as my second home, and as such, I would like to tell everyone that we will be one family. If before I have looked into the welfare of my constituents in Pangasinan, now I will also attend to my constituents here at the department,” Estrella II assured the DAR employees.

He assured the employees that he understands their plight, especially now, with the effects brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the war between Russia and Ukraine, and continuing increase in fuel prices.

Estrella said that he will look into various medical and scholarship programs to help the employees through these trying times.

“In terms of implementing the agrarian reform, we will fulfill the real mandate of the program which is to provide social justice, to free the farmers from the bondage of land. His Excellency President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has given his commitment to support the department and the program to further improve the lives of the less-privileged farmers,” Estrella said. (DAR)

MANILA -- Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said President Marcos fully supports the creation of the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport and his decision to veto House Bill 7575 was meant to cure the defects found in the measure.

“Presidential Veto is fastest way to cure the defects of HB 7575 especially the provision which exempts the Commission on Audit to look into the financial transactions on the special economic zone and freeport,” Secretary Angeles pointed out.

“Had the President not vetoed the HB 7575, it would have lapsed into law on July 4 or 30 days after the bill was sent by the legislature to Malacanang,” she said.

Angeles reiterated the proposed measure lacks coherence with existing laws, rules and regulations by failing to provide audit provisions for the COA, procedures for the expropriation of lands awarded to agrarian reform beneficiaries and a master plan for the specific metes and bounds of the economic zone.

She said all financial transactions in government are audited

by COA and the proposed Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport is no exception.

“Without those necessary amendments indicated in the veto explanation, the law may be vulnerable to constitutional challenge. The delegation of rule-making power on environmental laws which is unique

to the special economic zone is of particular concern,” Angeles said.

On Friday afternoon, Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez immediately sent letters to the Senate President and the House Speaker relaying the “Veto Message” of the President on HB 7575 entitled “An Act Establishing the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport, Province of Bulacan And Appropriating the Funds Therefor.”

The construction of the P740-billion international airport in Bulacan will push through as the San Miguel franchise to operate the airport was approved by both the Senate and House in October 2020.

Secretary Angeles also said the construction of the P740-billion international airport in Bulacan will push through as the San Miguel franchise to operate the airport was approved by both the Senate and House in October 2020.

“The construction of the Bulacan international airport and aero city is not affected by the veto. The presidential veto was meant to include the necessary corrections and include the missing processes that

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles

might render HB 7575 entirely unconstitutional,” she explained.

Angeles maintained the bill did not provide procedures for expropriation of lands awarded to agrarian reform beneficiaries and granted “blanket powers” to the economic zone authority to handle technical airport operations, which would violate aeronautical laws.

She also pointed out that the proposed ecozone would be located near the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga province that borders Bulacan which runs against government policy on creating special economic zones in strategic locations.

San Miguel Corporation, one of the country’s biggest conglomerates, is investing P740 billion to turn a 2,500-hectare property in Bulacan into an aerotropolis featuring a world-class gateway capable of handling 100 million passengers annually, plus an adjacent urban and industrial hub. (OPS)

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4 NEWS U.S. trains Philippine partners in underwater crime scene investigation and law enforcement VOLUME 1, NO. 5 TUESDAY JULY 05, 2022

MANILA -- The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), recently trained Philippine government partners in coral reef crime scene investigation and law enforcement.

Under USAID’s Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (SIBOL) project, 27 representatives from agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) participated in the training that focused on environmental law enforcement issues like coral reef crime scene investigation, marine wildlife crime forensics, oil spills, and marine and coastal pollution.

Participants attended lectures with international experts and gained practical experience through

Targeted subsidies for the poor better than reviving the OPSF amid rising global oil prices —PIDS study

QUEZON CITY -- The government should focus on programs that provide targeted subsidies for the poor instead of reviving the Oil Price Stabilization Fund (OPSF) to address rising global oil prices.

This was emphasized by Adoracion Navarro, a senior research fellow at state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), during a webinar recently organized by the Institute. The virtual event featured her study that investigated the risks of reviving the OPSF and the alternatives to its revival.

According to Navarro, the revival of the OPSF is “anti-poor” for several reasons.

First, she noted that the rich consumers use a higher volume of petroleum than the poor consumers, with the richest 20 percent in the income decile spending around 50 percent of the total fuel expenditure as opposed to around 4 percent of the total fuel expenditure of the poorest 20 percent.

“The subsidy from the OPSF will disproportionately benefit the rich more than the poor,” Navarro pointed out.

Second, reviving the OPSF may displace funds for anti-poverty programs, as the government used subsidies from the national budget to fund the OPSF when it was implemented.

Third, Navarro stressed that administering the OPSF will be very costly given the many players in the downstream oil industry.

“The huge costs will be disproportionately borne by the poor. Programs on targeted assistance to the poor are preferable to the OPSF,” she said, adding that improvements in timing, coordination, efficiency in distribution, and generosity in grant amounts should be considered.

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diving sessions that simulated responses to environmental crime scenarios, such as destruction of coral reefs due to vessel grounding, blast fishing, and poaching. The training supports the Philippines’ national action plan for addressing wildlife crimes and its goals of strengthening law enforcement to conserve threatened species and reduce biodiversity threats.

“The rich bounty that the Philippines is blessed with comes with a responsibility of conserving these resources in a way that is sustainable and regenerative,” said USAID Acting Environment Office Director Dr. John Piggot. “We hope that this activity will lead to increased cooperation among enforcement agencies on coral reef-related cases, enhancement of existing local training modules on reef protection, and development of local policy and protocols on coral reef-related investigations.”

Pag-IBIG Fund releases P40.41B home loans in Jan-May 2022

A joint report by USAID and BFAR published last year found that illegal fishing comprised 27 to 40 percent of fish caught in the Philippines in 2019, which amounts to roughly Php62 billion ($1.3 billion) annually.

Through its SIBOL project,

USAID works with government, private sector, and civil society partners to strengthen science-driven decision making, improve economic incentives for investments in the environment, and improve environmental law enforcement. (U.S. Embassy in the Philippines)

LANDBANK inaugurates BSP Branch MANILA -- State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) officially inaugurated a servicing unit to exclusively service the banking requirements of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Located on the ground floor of the BSP Multi-Story Building in Malate, Manila, the LANDBANK BSP Branch will provide the central bank with convenient access to the Bank’s products and services, including payroll servicing for BSP employees and payment facilitation to its third-party suppliers.

Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Carlos G. Dominguez III, LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo, and incoming BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla led the inauguration rites for the BSP Branch on 27 June 2022. They were joined by BSP Monetary Board Members V. Bruce J. Tolentino and Anita Linda R. Aquino, Deputy Governors Eduardo G. Bobier and Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and other LANDBANK senior officers.

“The opening of the LANDBANK BSP Branch reflects our steadfast commitment to serve the requirements of the BSP in a timely and efficient manner. It also underscores our continuing support for BSP’s development agenda, in line with our unified approach in advancing financial inclusion and serving the nation,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Borromeo.

More than 5,500 BSP employees—as well as employees of nearby government offices—are expected to benefit from the services of the LANDBANK BSP Branch, which is equipped with its own automated teller machine (ATM) and cash deposit machine (CDM).

The servicing unit also features a Digital Corner where customers can open a deposit account in only 15 minutes or less using the Bank’s Digital Onboarding System (DOBS), a pioneering web application launched

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III (2nd from left), LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo (center), and incoming BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla (rightmost) lead the inauguration rites for the LANDBANK BSP Branch on 27 June 2022. Joining them are BSP Monetary Board Members Anita Linda R. Aquino (leftmost) and V. Bruce J. Tolentino (4th from left).

in 2019 to simplify the account enrolment process for individuals and institutional customers.

Opening an account via DOBS provides automatic enrollment to LANDBANK’s digital banking channels for safe and convenient online transactions. The system also allows existing DOBS account

holders to update their information.

LANDBANK is the only bank present in all 81 provinces in the country with a total of 607 branches and 58 lending centers, servicing the requirements of a diverse customer base, including unbanked and underserved communities.

(LANDBANK)

IN succeeding to make the transportation systems in the country at par with global standards, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) must provide accessible, affordable, comfortable and safe transportation to Filipinos, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

Secretary Bautista stressed that these key issues will be the cornerstone of the programs of the DOTr, while underscoring that ease of doing business and eliminating bureaucracy are practical areas to adopt these values.

“To all LTFRB personnel—

memorize these values: accessibility, affordability, comfort and safety. These will be the cornerstone of all programs of agencies under the DOTr,” Secretary Bautista said during the turnover of leadership between outgoing Chairman Martin Delgra III and Chairman Atty.

Cheloy Garafil.

“One practical area to adopt these values is how LTFRB promotes ease of doing business, how you can reduce red tape, how you can shorten processes so that public utility drivers and operators can quickly avail of your services,” he added.

Being at the frontlines of the transport service sector, Secretary Bautista expressed his confidence

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--Pag-IBIG Fund again surpassed its own record by releasing over P40 billion in home loans in the first five months of 2022, top officials announced, June 28.

From January to May, the agency released home loans worth P40.41 billion, the highest ever amount released during the first five months of any year in its history.

Compared to the same period last year, the amount disbursed so far this year grew 15% from the P35.28 billion released during the same period in 2021.

“Pag-IBIG has once again set a new record in the amount of home loan releases to begin the first five months of the year. We are happy that the number of Filipino workers who are able to become homeowners through the Pag-IBIG home loan programs continue to grow,” said Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

Del Rosario added that their consistent performance also indicates that the home loan policies they have set in place have been effective and they expect that these would continue to enable even more Filipino workers to have decent and affordable homes in safe, sustainable and resilient communities.

Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti said the amount released as of May financed the acquisition and construction of 36,865 homes for Pag-IBIG Fund members, 5% higher than the 34,979 homes financed during the same period last year.

He added that out of the total number of homes financed, 6,787 or 18% were socialized housing units which are now owned by minimum-wage and low-income workers and their families.

Sec. Bautista vows to provide accessible, affordable, safe land public transport

that the LTFRB can hurdle the issues surrounding the sector.

“With critical transport issues mounting every day, we will be under close scrutiny if you can provide immediate solutions. And LTFRB, among others, is at the frontline of providing the solutions,” he explained.

“I draw much confidence we will succeed knowing there are many dedicated and committed personnel at the LTFRB,” he added.

Secretary Bautista then challenged Chairman Garafil in focusing on helping alleviate the problems of the land transport sector by focusing on the cries of its stakeholders, most especially the riding public.

PROVINCIAL Villanueva’s priority bills include National Employment Strategy, ‘End of Endo’ The Observer.

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PASAY CITY -- Sen. Joel Villanueva filed the first 20 of his priority bills for the 19th Congress today (July 4) to continue his advocacy and fulfill his campaign promises of job creation and security.

“For our second term, our job in the Senate is still jobs. We are pushing for job opportunities and job security through these proposed laws to strengthen our nation against poverty and any crisis,” Villanueva said.

Among Villanueva’s top priority bills is the “Trabaho Para Sa Lahat ng Pilipino Act” that establishes the National Employment Action Plan to set the government’s direc-

tion for job creation. The National Employment Action Plan will also continue the objectives of the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) that is currently being implemented by the NERS Task Force headed by the Department of Trade and Industry.

“Since the NERS set its targets only up to this year, we aim to extend it and transform it into the National Employment Action Plan to go beyond the target of creating 2 million jobs for the next few years.

Job creation should be sustained based on the prevailing socioeconomic trends while facing any crisis,” the senator said.

Villanueva is also prioritizing

the “End of Endo” or the Security of Tenure Act for workers in the private sector.

“We have been fighting for the passage of the Security of Tenure Act into law since 2016. Although it was vetoed, it went through rigorous and comprehensive consultations with all concerned sectors so that both workers and employers stand equally in the proposed law.

This is already long overdue, which is why we will be working with the Department of Labor and Employment, National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of Finance, workers groups, business associations, and other sectors for the passage of the End

44 former NPA rebels vow to live renewed, peaceful lives MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)—Forty-four former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) completed the Deradicalization Program for Former Rebels Batch 1-2022 at Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City last June 27.

The program that started on June 13 coached the ex-rebels on how they should go about their means of living in order to live in a peaceful community, as well as empowering them to become peace-building partners of the government.

The deradicalization program is the first part of mainstreaming

process for former rebels. Once completed, they will then be admitted to the halfway house to be managed by the provincial government of Bukidnon and where they will undergo further training and capacity-building while waiting for the release of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) benefits.

The training also aims to assist former rebels to go back to their old selves as law-abiding citizens of the community and as God-fearing individuals.

Participants are mostly from Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur provinces.

Former rebel Michael Mantiki-

DOH gives passing marks to all Philippine Red Cross COVID test labs MANDALUYONG CITY -- All 14 Philippine Red Cross (PRC) molecular laboratories across the country received Certificates of Proficiency for 2022 from the Department of Health-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM). The proficiency tests, given annually by RITM to DOH-accredited molecular laboratories, are part of RITM’s quality assessment post-accreditation for the real-time detection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes CoVID-19.

All 14 molecular laboratories of the PRC passed the proficiency tests, which consist of Nucleic Acid Extraction, PCR Master Mix Preparation, Real-Time RT-PCR, RTPCR results interpretation, and RTPCR results reporting. All 14 PRC laboratories needed only one take to meet the RITM requirements.

The PRC’s molecular laboratories are located in (1) PRC National Blood Center, Mandaluyong City, (2) PRC Logistics and Multi-purpose Center, Mandaluyong City, (3) Port Area, Manila, (4) Ilagan City, Isabela, (5) Subic, Zambales, (6) Clark, Pampanga, (7) Batangas City, (8) Mandaue City, Cebu, (9) Passi City, Iloilo, (10) Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, (11) Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, (12) Surigao City, Surigao del Norte (13) Cotabato City-Maguindanao area, and (14) Zamboanga City.

(Philippine Red Cross)

non of Guerrilla Front Malayag’s front operational command led the group that includes political instructors, squad leaders, as well as platoon medics.

Marieta Daayata, social welfare officer of DSWD region 10 who was the keynote speaker said the government understands their (FRs) respective roles in peace-building.

“We are grateful to the 403rd Brigade. They are always there to help and guide our FRS. That’s why the DSWD is also ready to offer all available programs for our FR partners. We hope that you truly are returning to the folds of the law. And now that you have completed this deradicalization, we will give each of you P10,000.00 in cash assistance,” Daayata said.

Acknowledging the government’s efforts, former rebel Chriza Paluga urged her former allies to surrender and live peacefully saying “Nagpasalamat ko niini nga programa kay mas nasabtan nako kung unsa gyud ang gusto sa atong gobyerno nga mahitabo para sa amo nga mga nailad sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA.” Similarly, Michael Mantikinon in his statement said, “Paghuman nako sa ‘deradicalization,’ nalamdagan ko nga naa diay proseso nga ginasunod ang atong gobyerno aron aron makatagamtam ta sa mga programa nga para kanato. Dili diay ing-ana kadali ang paghatag sa atong mga gusto, labi na kung kini may kalabutan sa estado sa atong panginabuhi. Akong gihangyo ang mga kaubanan nga pataason pa nato ang atong pasensya ug pagsabot.

Atong tabangan ang gobyerno aron mas mapadali ang pag-proseso sa mga butang nga atong gikinahanglan.”

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of Endo Act into law,” the senator said.

Villanueva filed a similar bill for the regularization of casual or contractual employees who have been working for more than 5 years in national government agencies, and those who have been working for more than 6 years in local government units.

Aside from the National Employment Action Plan, other new proposals from Villanueva include amending the CREATE Law to allow work from home schemes for businesses in special economic zones, the Expanded Unemployment Insurance Act, and a Php 100 billion stimulus fund and wage sub-

sidy for small businesses under the MSME Stimulus Act. Villanueva also re-filed other bills that advance the welfare of Filipino workers, such as the institutionalization of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers Program (TUPAD), Freelance Workers Protection Act, Alternative Working Arrangements Act, and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. (OSJV)

PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go vowed to continue pushing for more measures to improve the country’s fire-fighting capabilities as he provided relief to the families impacted by a fire incident in Barangay 23C, Davao City.

His team provided snacks, food packs, vitamins, shirts and masks to a total of 292 affected families on Friday, July 1, at the barangay gymnasium. Select individuals also received new pairs of shoes or bicycles for their commuting needs while those with children were given tablets for educational use.

“Alam kong mahirap ang panahon ngayon dahil nasa gitna tayo ng krisis dulot ng COVID-19. Mayroon pang nasunugan at namatayan.

Kaya lubos po akong nakikiramay sa inyo,” began Go in his video message.

“Parati tayong mag-ingat. Maganda na naisabatas na ang na-file kong bill sa Senado upang ma-modernize ang ating Bureau of Fire Protection. Magdadagdag tayo na mga bagong gamit at firefighters. Kail-

angan din na kada buwan ang fire prevention campaigns at information drives. Napaka-importante nito dahil kada isang bahay na masusunog, damay ang mga kapitbahay,” he continued.

Go is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589 which provides for the implementation of a ten-year BFP modernization program.

The program includes the acquisition of modern fire equipment, expansion of the BFP’s human resources, and provision of specialized training for firefighters, among others.

Signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte last year, the law also directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, particularly in informal settlements and economically depressed areas.

Meanwhile, personnel from various national government agencies also distributed assistance to help residents deal with the impacts of both the fire incident and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA -- Kasado na ang lagdaan ng Memorandum ng Kasunduan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at National Coordination Network of Deaf Organizations (NCNDO) kasama ang National Coordination Network for Interpreting (NCNI). Ang NCNDO ay pinamumunuan ng Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD), kabilang ang Filipino Sign Language Advocacy Cooperative, Deaf Accessibility Network of the Philippines, at ang Phil-Sports Federation of the Deaf. Ang NCNI bilang network ng mga interpreter at organisasyon sa interpreting ay kinakatawan ng Philippine National Association of Sign Language Interpreters (PNASLI). Ang Philippine Association of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment, at Philippine Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf ay bahagi rin ng NCNI. Magtatalaga ang KWF ng

Yunit ng Filipino Sign Language (FSL) na magiging katuwang sa pagpaplano at implementasyon ng promosyon at pagtuturo ng FSL; at institusyonálisasyon ng wikang senyas sa lahat ng tanggapan ng pamahalaan.

Ang Republic Act 11106, ang Filipino Sign Language Act ay isang makasaysayang batas na ipinatupad noong 2018 na nagdedeklara sa FSL bilang pambansang wikang senyas ng Deaf na Pilipino.

Ito ay gagamitin bilang opisyal na wikang senyas sa mga transaksiyon ng mga Deaf sa pamahalaan. Ito ay gagamitin din sa mga paaralan, broadcast media, at lugar ng trabaho. Gayundin, itinatakda ng batas na ito ang pagbuo ng isang sistema ng pambansang pamantayan para sa pag-interpret sa FSL. Ang batas na ito ay kinilala ng World Federation of the Deaf bilang huwaran ng legal na pagkilala sa pambansang wikang senyas na matatagpuan lamang sa 40 bansa sa buong mundo.

Sen. Joel Villanueva

Better fire prevention efforts pushed, Bong Go sends aid to fire victims

Lagdaan ng MOA ng KWF, deaf community at FSL interpreters, kasado na

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6 BUSINESS PEZA Chief encourages Bulacan Airport City SEZ to register with PEZA after PBBM’s veto on bill VOLUME 1, NO. 5 TUESDAY JULY 05, 2022

PASAY CITY -- The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito ‘Ching’ Plaza has welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to veto the proposed Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (BACSEZFA) under House Bill (HB) No. 7575.

“It is a wise decision of President BBM, because while there are two ways of declaring ecozones, first by legislation, the second one by way of registering the proposed ecozone with PEZA is the best and pragmatic way,” said Plaza in an TV interview on Monday.

The PEZA Chief noted that “the Authority’s opinion for the bill has been very consistent that the proposed BACSEZFA should instead be registered with PEZA as the authorized agency nationwide for registering new special economic zones.”

In its submitted legal opinion on the proposed bill, PEZA cited that “PEZA encourages and supports the establishment of economic zones through the PEZA administrative process that will no longer require legislation just to create an economic zone or freeport in any part of the country, but would only need a Presidential Proclamation after a PEZA Board approval and favorable recommendation of the proponent’s application.”

“To think that the [BACSEZFA] is a private-led development of new ecozone, it is but appropriate to register it with PEZA instead of

com

PEZA Director General Charito ‘Ching’ Plaza

having it legislated to be a new investment promotion agency (IPA).

Through this, government is spared of responsibility to provide annual budget to legislated independent economic zones and to create multiple IPAs with overlapping goals and mandates,” Plaza said.

“Moreover, by having a nationwide IPA, there is more cohesive investment strategy for the country and not creating numerous IPAs competing with each other to attract FDIs,” she added.

In saying that there had been numerous IPAs and proposed new ones in Congress, the PEZA Chief explained that “Legislated ecozones becomes government’s burden as national government has to provide the seed capital and the yearly budget for its maintenance and operations as government subsidy provided each year. Thus, additional budget for new legislated SEZ is competing in the utilization of peoples’ money for more crucial people’s needs.” (PEZA)

Oil mixed amid supply and demand woes

ANKARA – Oil prices were mixed on Tuesday on low supply fears due to a strike in Norway’s oil and gas sector while the outlook of a global economic recession continues to fan weak demand woes.

International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $113.04 per barrel at 0705 GMT for a 0.40 percent decrease after the previous session closed at $113.50 a barrel.

American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at $109.72 per barrel at the same time for a 1.19 percent gain after the previous session closed at $108.43 a barrel.

Prices gained support after Norway’s oil and gas sector workers on Tuesday began a strike that is set to have a substantial impact on gas exports, with anticipated losses of about 13 percent of the country’s daily gas exports, according to the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association (NOG).

Operations shut down at Equinor’s Gudrun, Oseberg South and Oseberg East offshore platforms as a result of the stoppage.

The strike will continue on Wednesday at the Heidrun, Aasta Hansteen and Kristin offshore fields.

The NOG said nearly 130,000 barrels per day of oil and 292,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of gas will be lost.

Further upward price movements were fueled by bullish data in the Japanese and Chinese services sectors, two of the world’s biggest oil importers.

China’s manufacturing and service industries have enjoyed a quick recovery since the country eased pandemic restrictions.

The country’s private Caixin services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose to 54.5 in June, a record high for the past 11 months, ending its three-month contraction.

The manufacturing PMI also reached a 13-month high of 51.7 in June. A value of 50 or higher implies expansion, whereas a reading of 50 or lower indicates contraction.

In Japan, services sector activity grew at its fastest rate in almost eight years in June, as the removal of coronavirus restrictions improved sentiment among businesses, particularly in the tourism sector.

The final au Jibun Bank Japan Services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose to 54.0, to supersede May’s growth of 52.6.

However, demand concerns heightened on high inflation rates in major economies and strict governmental monetary policies.

Investors are also awaiting industrial data on crude oil inventories in the US, the world’s largest oil-consuming country.

Supply-side pressures to accelerate inflation: BSP MANILA – An inflation rate uptick to 6.1 percent in June was expected and it is seen to further accelerate mainly on the continued rise of commodity prices, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

The latest inflation print is higher than the previous month’s 5.4 percent, bringing the average to date to 4.4 percent, higher than the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target band.

In a statement on Tuesday night, the central bank said last month’s inflation rate is within the BSP’s 5.7 percent to 6.5 percent forecast range for June.

“This is consistent with the BSP’s assessment of a continued uptick in inflation in the near-term as supply-side pressures persist,” it said.

The BSP has forecast inflation to average 5 percent this year, 4.2 percent in 2023, and 3.3 percent in

2024.

It said the rate of price increases has been forecast “to remain elevated over the coming months due to the continued rise in global commodity prices and more pronounced second-round effects on domestic goods and services.”

“The balance of risks to the inflation outlook is likewise skewed to the upside for 2022 and 2023, with pressures emanating from the potential impact of higher global non-oil prices, the continued shortage in domestic fish supply, and pending petitions for transport fare hikes due to elevated oil prices,” it added.

The BSP said the weaker-than-expected global recovery and the possible reimposition of local coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) restrictions due to a spike in infections continue to be the main downside risks to the outlook.

PSEi up as inflation within expectations; peso weakens

MANILA – The main equities index rose anew on Tuesday, leading a positive close for all counters in the local bourse, but the peso weakened against the greenback.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) increased by 2.04 percent, or 126.37 points, to 6,309.99 points.

All Shares followed with a jump of 1.50 percent, or 50.24 points, to 3,398.70 points.

Property led the sectoral indices after rising by 3.41 percent and was trailed by Financials, 2.44 percent; Industrial, 1.90 percent; Holding Firms, 1.47 percent; Mining and Oil, 1.15 percent; and Services, 0.79 percent.

Volume was thin at 509.22 million shares amounting to PHP3.98 billion.

Advancers led decliners at 119 to 71, while 46 shares were unchanged.

“Philippine shares continued to be bought up as the latest CPI (consumer price index) came in within expectations, and while fund managers await the US to resume trading from the long holiday,” said Luis Limlingan, Regina Capital Development Corporation (RCDC) head of sales.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported during the day the further acceleration of the domestic inflation rate to 6.1 percent last June, the highest since October 2018, from the previous month’s 5.4 percent due largely to the increase in oil prices.

Limlingan said the inflation uptick is expected, citing earlier hints from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) about the jumps in the prices of key food items as well as the weakening of the peso against the US dollar.

IPOPHL opens new IP satellite office in Calabarzon

MANILA – The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines’ (IPOPHL) has established its 15th Intellectual Property (IP) Satellite Office (IPSO) in Calabarzon to help increase IP protection activities in the most populous region of the country.

“IPSOs are at the forefront of bringing our primary services within the reach of regions in the country. The objective of our newly opened IPSO Calabarzon is to raise the use and awareness of the IP system among innovators, creators and businesses in the region,” Director General Rowel Barba said.

Calabarzon, particularly the provinces of Cavite and Laguna, are driven by high-tech manufacturing industries.

As of 2020, there are a total of 139,363 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, making the area a prime spot for potential users of the IP system.

The region also houses diverse research and development (R&D) sources, with five state universities and colleges and five Innovation and Technology Support Offices (ITSOs), making it a potential hotbed for developing IP innovations.

“We also want to promote IP awareness and understanding to our higher education institutions (HEIs),” Barba added.

As an industrial hub for manufacturing, agriculture and tourism, IPSO Calamba also aims to raise awareness on the adverse effects of counterfeiting and piracy.

It is also seen to fastrack partnerships with local policy makers to promote collaborations in establishing local IP initiatives.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Calabarzon is the fastest growing region in 2021 with a 7.6 percent growth in 2021.

This growth led to Calabarzon accounting for 14.7 percent of total gross domestic product (GDP), the second largest share among regions.

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FEATURES

VOLUME 1, NO. 5 TUESDAY JULY 05, 2022

7

PH agri, fisheries not yet modernized­

MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)-The country’s agriculture and fisheries sector has progressed since the passage of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA).

However, it is not yet modernized based on the law’s objectives.

This was shared by Roehlano Briones, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and author of the PIDS study on AFMA featured at a webinar recently organized by the Institute.

The AFMA or Republic Act 8435 is the country’s landmark legislation on the sustainable and equitable development of the agriculture and fisheries (AF) sector.

The law defines AF modernization as “the process of transforming the agriculture and fisheries sectors into one that is dynamic, technologically advanced, and competitive, yet centered on human development guided by the sound practices of sustainability and principles of social justice”.

The study examined how far the country has progressed in AF modernization over the years.

In terms of the share of the AF sector in the country’s gross domestic product, Briones noted that it declined to 9 percent in 2019 from 19 percent in 1990 then rose slightly to 10 percent in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic happened.

The agriculture employment share shed 22 percentage points from 1991 to 2019.

Briones also looked into the major subsectors of agriculture.

Growth in crops, the biggest subsector, started strong in the 2000s but slowed down over the past two decades, hindering the overall

growth of the sector.

The fisheries and livestock subsectors also suffered in the last decade. The poultry subsector, on the other hand, has been a consistent growth performer since the late 1990s.

Briones also highlighted various interventions undertaken in the sector since the passage of the AFMA. One is introducing an area-based approach to agricultural development planning based on delineated zones. However, the failure to properly delineate the strategic

agriculture and fisheries development zones hindered the pursuit of this approach.

On credit, Briones said the AFMA reinforced an ongoing market-oriented reform in the agricultural credit system. Although this resulted in a gradual shift in the source of small farmer loans from informal to formal lenders, smallholder agriculture financing remains inadequate.

“A lot of smallholder farmers remain reticent to borrow from the

formal sector because of documentary requirements as well as the lenders’ unwillingness to absorb risk and their perception of the high risk of agriculture,” he explained.

The agricultural economics expert also noted that the implementation of AFMA’s marketing support provisions remains incomplete.

For instance, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is mandated to establish a National Marketing Assistance Program, with the Agribusiness Market Assistance Service

(AMAS) as the lead. While the AMAS has been established, its budget has been far below what is needed to fulfill its mandate.

Given these findings, Briones provided recommendations to successfully pursue AF modernization.

One is to abandon elements of traditional industrial policy inconsistent with the market approach.

Another is to terminate expenditure programs based on distortionary subsidies to give way to funding a modern industrial policy for the agri-food system.

There is also a need to apply area-based, bottom-up planning in determining strategic interventions to meet the needs of farmers and rural enterprises along the value

chain.

“We must shift from a topdown and banner program-centric type of planning especially focused on rice as customary in many DA strategies and move to bottom-up planning and area-based approach as originally envisioned in the AFMA,” he said.

Finally, Briones recommended adopting a results-based monitoring approach to the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan.

“The Program Benefit Monitoring and Evaluation System is built into the law, but sadly, this was not implemented. This should now be reestablished, reenergized, taken seriously, and monitored,” he concluded. (PIDS/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Go pushes for advanced nursing education as he reintroduces measure amending the Philippine Nursing Act

PASAY CITY -- Citing the need to elevate the status of the country as a producer of leaders, experts and authorities in the field of medicine, particularly nursing, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go reintroduced a bill amending the Philippine Nursing Act of 2022 in the 19th Congress.

The “Advanced Nursing Education Act of 2022” seeks to protect and improve the nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant nursing education for better career prospects and a dignified existence for our nurses.

Go noted that some current nursing programs in the country put emphasis on deploying Filipino nurses abroad, prompting him to work on the proposed measure to encourage these health workers to render their service in the country instead.

“Naka-focus ang ibang kasalukuyang programa sa pangiibang bansa ng mga nurses natin. Gusto kong maisama ang community integration and

immersion sa kanilang mga curriculum upang mahikayat natin silang magtrabaho sa mga pamayanan dito sa Pilipinas,” Go said in previous interviews.

“Sabay rin nating ipagpalaban na mabigyan sila ng sapat na benepisyo at maalagaan ang kanilang kapakanan bilang mga nars na nagseserbisyo dito sa ating bansa. Napaka-importante ng kanilang papel lalo na ngayon na may pandemya pa tayong hinaharap,” Go reiterated.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. lamented during his inaugural speech the impact of the pandemic on Filipino nurses, including those working abroad.

“Our nurses are the best in the world. They acquitted themselves with the highest distinction abroad, having suffered even the highest casualties. They are out there because we cannot pay them for the same risk and workload that we have back here,” the president said.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go

Go said that advanced nursing education programs can incentivize Filipino nurses to stay at home because they have the capacity to further catapult them to realize greater opportunities through the opening up of leadership roles, specialization in specific practice areas, and recognition in the fields of research and advanced nursing education.

Go’s proposed measure will require the establishment of standard basic and graduate programs for nursing education, to be established in Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-accredited institutions of higher learning.

Under the basic program, students will be mandated to undergo community integration and immersion to encourage them to work in various communities.

Meanwhile, a graduate program will be built on the experi-

ences and skills of the nurses towards mastery, expertise and leadership in practice, research and education.

The faculty-to-student ratio will also be in accordance with the standard to be determined

by CHED. A National Nursing Admission Test also needs to be hurdled by aspiring nurses in order to ensure the quality of students getting in the program.

The measure is just one among several bills Go filed to improve healthcare in the country. He also filed a bill providing free annual medical check-ups and free dialysis for Filipinos through the PhilHealth; and refiled measures creating the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines. (OSBG)

8

NEWS

VOLUME 1, NO. 5 TUESDAY JULY 05, 2022

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Bong Go’s team return to Arayat, Pampanga to aid typhoon victims; appeal for support for DDR bill

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

PASAY CITY -- Committed to help build back communities affected by disasters, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has once again renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 205, otherwise known as the Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to create a highly specialized agency that will be tasked with ensuring adaptive, disaster-resilient and safe communities.

Senator Go appealed to his fellow legislators to support the measure establishing DDR, once refiled in the 19th Congress to unify and streamline all responsibilities related to disaster preparedness and response.

“Alam naman po natin na napakadalas pong tamaan ng bagyo ang ating bansa. Hindi lamang po bagyo pati na rin po lindol, pagputok ng bulkan, at iba pang kalamidad.

Kaya kailangan po talaga natin i-step up ang ating paghahanda laban sa mga nasabing kalamidad,” explained Go in his video message during the relief effort.

“Itong departamento na ito, bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na hong makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs, preposition of goods at ilikas po ang mga kababayan na-

tin sa ligtas na lugar. At pag-alis ng bagyo, restoration of normalcy kaagad, maibalik kaagad sa normal ang pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin. ‘Yan po ang layunin ng Department of Disaster Resilience,” Go explained.

Held at the Arayat Sports Complex, Go’s team distributed meals and masks to 775 Typhoon Ulysses victims. They also gave select individuals phablets, shoes and bicycles.

Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority gave financial assistance to each affected household through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program to further help them recover.

Senator Go, who heads the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, then reminded the public to look after their well-being and health as the threat of COVID-19 remains. Furthermore, he urged the eligible residents to get inoculated against the virus as this would contribute to the country’s goal of attaining population protection leading to herd immunity.

“May mga reports po na unti-unti na naman pong tumataas ang kaso ng COVID-19. Mga kababayan ko, ‘wag po natin hahayaan na bumalik na naman po tayo na napupuno ang mga ospital. Magpabakuna na po kayo at libre naman po ito. Pinaghirapan po ito ng gobyerno,” appealed Go. The senator also offered additional assistance to those with health concerns as he urged them to get medical aid from any of the

Malasakit Centers located at Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City and Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando City.

The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 was primarily authored and sponsored by Go to help particularly poor and indigent Filipinos access medical assistance programs by the government. Currently, there are 151 operational centers nationwide.

Apart from the assistance, Go as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance also supported several projects in Arayat to help boost its progress and economic growth, such as the construction of a multipurpose building and the funding of new equipment for hospitals in the municipality.

In the end, Go expressed his gratitude towards the local officials for serving their constituents especially during crisis situations.

“Ngayon po na bago na ang ating administrasyon, huwag po natin kalimutan na patuloy lang po ang ating pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Suportahan po natin ang bagong administrasyon habang pinagpapatuloy natin ang serbisyong tatak Duterte upang tuluy-tuloy ang ating pag-angat mula sa krisis na ito,” expressed Go.

Philippine Red Cross assists 559 motorcycle riders’ road accidents in the first half of 2022

DAR provides medicines to 700 Coron farmers CORON, Palawan—More than 700 farmers here are thankful for the multivitamins and medicines provided to them by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH).

DAR Undersecretary Virginia Orogo said the provision of medicines and vitamins was implemented under the medical mission project of the department’s foreign-assisted projects office.

“We don’t stop with awarding lands to landless farmers, we also help them in taking care of their physical welfare,” Orogo said.

Orogo, together with the DAR Assistant Secretary Rene Colocar sought the help of DOH Secretary Francisco Duque for the provision of vitamins and medicines.

“With the help of DOH, we also arranged for medical doctors to visit these ARBOs to personally see the farmers for a free medical checkup.

The doctors will also give prescriptions should the farmers need them and avail of the medicines that we have provided,” Colocar said.

DAR Regional Director Marvin Bernal, together with the farmer leaders of the eight ARBOs, happily received from Orogo, DAR Undersecretary Bernie Cruz, and Colocar, boxes of vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, vitamins in syrup form, multivitamins, mefenamic acid, metoprolol, amoxicillin, amlodipine, losartan, and clotrimazole.

“The rainy season usually brings cough, colds, and flu to farmers and their families, and these multivitamins and medicines will greatly help in building resistance against sickness for our farmers,” Bernal said.

DAR Undersecretary Bernie Cruz said the provision of vitamins, medicines, and free medical consultations will also be replicated in other parts of the country.

MANDALUYONG CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) emergency medical services (EMS) assisted 559 motorcycle riders who figured in accidents across the country this year as of July 5, 2022. The 437 patients were transported to medical facilities and 110 were treated by PRC emergency medical technicians.

Eighteen percent (18%) or 98 of the accidents happened in Metro

Manila.

The safety of motorcycle riders is one of the advocacies of the PRC under the leadership of its chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

He then reminds motorcycle riders to take extra care on the road, especially during the rainy season.

For the first semester of 2022, PRC’s EMS responded to 4,150 incidents involving 8,759 patients.

2,234 of these patients needed

transport provided by PRC ambulances. Meanwhile, 75% or 1,646 availed of the ambulance service for free.

The PRC has a total of 178 ambulance units in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“Ang Red Cross ay laging nakatuon sa pag-modernize ng EMS para makapagsilbi sa ating mga kababayan sa kanilang medical emergency,” Chairman Gordon said.

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--In exchange of firearms turned over to the government upon surrender, two former rebels (FRs) were granted firearms remuneration assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The turnover ceremony was led by Provincial Governor Philip T. Tan together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Pablio L. Benitez, Jr. and Philippine Army 102nd Infantry Brigade Executive

Officer, LTC Jose Andre R. Monje.

The said FRs received double the appraised value of their surrendered firearms amounting to P90,000 and P120,000, respectively.

“This shows the government’s commitment in promoting peace and helping the FRs as they embrace a peaceful life with their families and loved ones. The assistance will undoubtedly help the FRs with their livelihood and improve their standard of living enabling them to become more productive citizens in their respective communities,” Tan said.

Meanwhile, Benitez expressed

his sincere hopes that the myriad of benefits and government assistance will encourage other rebels to surrender.

The increasing number of surrenderees in the province signifies the relentless efforts of the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTFELCAC) in convergence with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National, and local government agencies. (DILG Misamis Occidental/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

Two FRs receive remuneration for surrendered firearms in MisOcc

HEALTH Health exec says booster shots not mandatory

VOLUME 1, NO. 5 TUESDAY JULY 05, 2022

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MANILA – The government and the Department of Health have not released a statement that administration of Covid-19 vaccine booster shots is mandatory, a health official said Thursday.

“Gusto po nating klaruhin ano, wala pong binigay na statement ang ating gobiyerno, ang kagawaran na ang atin pong pagbabakuna ay mandatory (We would like to clarify, the government, the department, did not give any statement that vaccination is mandatory),” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media forum.

Vergeire was reacting to reports which said the “previous administration’s policy would only make it mandatory for work.”

“We also did not give any statements that boosters will become mandatory. Wala po iyan sa ating direksiyon, wala po iyan sa ating mga pronouncements (That is not included in our direction, that is not in our pronouncements),” she said.

“Ang atin lang pong sinasabi, kailangan lang po talaga maitaas ang antas ng booster doses uptick dito po sa ating bansa, dahil nakikita po natin (What we’re saying is we need to increase the booster dos-

es uptick in our country because we see) and even our experts are saying that our immunity for our population is already waning,” she added.

As of July 5, more than 70.8 million Filipinos are already fully vaccinated, including 9.3 million adolescents and 3.6 million children.

Over 15.2 million individuals have also received their first booster doses and more than 895,000 healthcare workers, senior citizens, immunocompromised and persons with comorbidities got their second booster shots.

“We are now working with the rest of the government agencies para maitaas natin ito, maipatupad natin ang mga stratehiya, saka instructions and guidelines na naibigay sa atin ng ating Presidente kahapon (so we can increase our booster doses coverage, implement the strategies, instructions, guidelines the President gave yesterday),” Vergeire said.

The DOH aims to vaccinate 90 percent of the A2 population or senior citizens and to administer booster shots to 50 percent of the eligible population. (PNA)

Filipinos should learn to live with Covid-19 MANILA – Filipinos should learn to live with the coronavirus disease 2019 and transition to a new normal as the eradication of the virus is not feasible, a health official said Wednesday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the public would have to rely on vaccines and continue to observe the health protocols to coexist with the virus while reducing the risk and protecting others.

“Tinuturuan po natin ang ating mga kababayan na (We’re already teaching our countrymen that) we should live with this virus, they must protect themselves by receiving our vaccines and also doing and complying with our safety protocols like wearing face masks,” she said. “Alam din po natin na pang matagalan po ang sakit na ito na hindi naman po talaga basta-basta mawawala (We also know that our battle against this disease [Covid-19] will take long and it won’t disappear easily).”

She said the government would no longer impose strict lockdowns as it used to at the height of the pandemic to prevent coronavirus transmission, even as the cases rise.

Health experts said living with the virus is acknowledging that the eradication of SARS-CoV-2 is not feasible and would get to a point that it is incorporated into other common viruses.

Vergeire said about 63 more cases of three Omicron subvariants were logged in Western Visayas, National Capital Region, and among returning overseas Filipinos.

She added that it is expected that Filipinos will contract Covid-19 as cases are on the rise again due to

mobility patterns, low vaccine uptick, especially for booster shots and compliance to minimum public health standards.

“Basta mild and moderate lang at saka asymptomatic, tayo po ay makakaagapay dito. Ang pinakaimportante sa atin ngayon ay ma-imanage natin at ma-maintain natin ang ating mga ospital na hindi dumadami po ang mga nagkakasakit at naa-admit, ma-maintain po natin na mababa ang (As long as it’s mild and moderate only and asymptomatic, we can survive this. What’s important now is to manage and maintain our hospitals, that the cases admitted won’t increase and we maintain low) severe and critical [cases],” she said.

As of June 28, DOH data show that more than half of the total hospital admissions are asymptomatic and mild cases of Covid-19 while the severe and critical cases comprise at least 10.68 percent or 591 cases only -- lower than the 20 percent logged in January.

No let-up Amid an uptick in Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad reiterated his call to the public to strictly observe existing Covid-19 health protocols and

guidelines to prevent another surge.

This came as the NCRPO nabbed 1,920 persons and fined 409 others for violation of minimum health protocols.

This reflects a trend of disregard for existing policies despite the pandemic lasting for over two years now, Natividad said.

“We should have learned to live with this virus by now. These policies were in place to ensure that our communities are safe and our citizenry especially the children and the elderly are protected. I urge everyone to re-instill your commitment and strengthen our unity against this deadly disease,” he said in a statement.

From June 20 to June 26, the country has recorded a total of 4,364 new cases or an average of 662 cases daily, a 53 percent increase from the case figure from June 13 to 19.

Around 591 of these cases were categorized as severe and resulted in a 14.9 percent intensive care unit bed utilization rate and 18.1 percent non-ICU bed utilization rate.

“Let’s keep ourselves and our families reminded of our obligation to continuously observe minimum health and safety standards in place to protect us against this disease. To those who remain unvaccinated, the time is not yet up. Get vaccinated and boosted while there is enough time,” Natividad said. - PNA

9

FDA examines PH noodle brand for ‘high level of ethylene oxide’ MANILA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a Filipino instant noodle brand which is reported to have a ‘high level of ethylene oxide’, a health official said Thursday.

This, after the governments of Ireland, France, and Malta have issued a warning against the consumption of the noodle brand because ethylene oxide is used for pesticides and is not authorized for use in food items sold in the European Union countries.

“Ito ay tinitingnan na ngayon ng Food and Drug Administration, ito pong type ng pagkain na ito na ating pinapa-hold muna because apparently, apparent pa lang po ito dahil this is under investigation, kailangan pa po natin ive-verify iyan base sa proseso na gagawin ng FDA (The Food and Drug Administration is looking into this, this type of food which is being put on hold, because apparently, apparent for now because this is under investigation, we need to verify based on the process made performed by the FDA ),“ Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media forum.

When asked if the noodle brand will be pulled out from the market, Vergeire said the FDA takes note of the specific batches and lot numbers of the contaminated food items during its investigation.

“So, kung ano man po ang matagpuan ng ating FDA na talag-

Vergeire

ang with the presence of this specific component or chemical, ‘yun lang po ang tatanggalin sa merkado dahil iyon po ang mga apektado, ‘yun po ang binabantayan na hindi makonsumo ng ating mga kababayan (So, only the ones found with the presence of this specific component or chemical by the FDA will be removed the market and will be monitored not to be consumed by our fellowmen),” she said.

Consumption of high level of ethylene oxide could cause headache, vomiting and lose bowel movement, she noted.

“Maaari din po doon sa far side, or sa extreme po, magkakaroon ng difficulty in breathing, parang pagod na pagod, at iba pa (There could also be at the far side, or extreme [situation], there will be difficulty in breathing, feeling very tired, among others),” she added.

The DOH assured the public that surveillance and systems are in place for the detection and monitoring of products which could cause harm to people when consumed.

ANTI-DENGUE MEASURE. Fogging in one of the villages with reported dengue cases.

Public warned of rising dengue cases nationwide

MANILA – The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) on Monday warned the public against increasing dengue cases nationwide.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 45,416 dengue cases from January 1 to June 11, 45 percent higher than the 31,320 cases reported during the same period last year.

“Dapat na tayo ma-alarma, katulad sa Singapore inuulat ng aming mga kasamahan sa association, uma-attend ako lagi nitong confederation of medical associations, alam niyo ba sa Singapore mas maraming namatay sa (We should be alarmed, our association members report, I attend confederation of medical associations, in Singapore many died from) dengue rather than Covid-19,” PMA Director Benito Atienza said in a televised public briefing.

The top three regions that recorded the most number of cases include Central Visayas (13 percent),

Central Luzon (12 percent), and the Zamboanga Peninsula (10 percent).

The country logged 11,680 cases from May 15 to June 11, 15 percent of which was recorded in Central Luzon, 13 percent in Central Visayas, and 8 percent in Western Visayas.

When asked why cases are increasing in the Visayas, Atienza said Luzon could be more aware of dengue symptoms as well as its prevention strategies.

“Pero nababalita po dito sa may Ilocos Region dumarami na rin po at even po dito sa NCR [National Capital Region] at Calabarzon, dumadami na rin kaya ang sinasabi natin, nag-announce na po ang Philippine Pediatric Society the other week na talagang dapat paghandaan natin ang (However, cases here in the Ilocos region are also increasing, even in the NCR, Calabarzon, so the Philippine Pediatric Society announced last week the other week to really prepare against) dengue cases,” Atienza said.

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VOLUME 1, NO. 5 TUESDAY JULY 05, 2022

Where to Stay, Drink & Dine...

H O T E L S A N D R E S TA U R A N T D I R E C T O R Y

QUEZON CITY

Imperial Palace Suites ***

Timog Avenue corner Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City.

Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 Quezon City, known for its open spaces, lush gardens and laid-back attitude. A growing city for business and leisure. The Imperial Palace sites combines the fine service of a hotel with the convenience of a condominium, offering exceptional value to travellers.

B O R A C AY

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel ****

17 Orchard Road, Eastwood, Q.C. Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 With over 130 stylishly furnished guestrooms; a spacious fitness center with rooftop swimming pool; a stately ballroom; a rejuvenating spa and chic salon; plus a myriad of dining options, EASTWOOD RICHMONDE HOTEL invites you to experience convenience and luxury all under one roof. Reacquaint yourself with world-class service that is undeniably warm and gracious.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu *****

Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug Cebu City 6000, Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu is located in the prestigious Nivel Hills district where it dominates the Cebu City skyline. The hotel is surrounded by 7.5 hectares of lush greenery, and is 25 minutes from Mactan International Airport and only 10 minutes from the business and commercial centers of Cebu City. The 329 well-appointed guest rooms and suites are equipped with wireless broadband Internet.

CEBU

Crown Regency Boracay -

Boat Station 3, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 Located at the Boat Station 3 white beachfront, the 40-unit resort owes its design inspired by a sun-drenched island. A beautiful view of the sunset, creating an amazing display of amber hues exemplifying the passion of fire. Essences of the Fire element are shown in patterns of sunshine as streaks of sunlight penetrate the warm and vibrant interiors of the resort.

Marriott Hotel Cebu *****

Torre Venezia ***

#62 Timog Ave., cor. Scout Santiago St., QC, 1103, MM, Phils.

Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 Towering along Timog Avenue, Quezon City, Torre Venezia offers contemporary accommodation for guests traveling for both business and leisure. It is conveniently located within the country’s media center, wellness hub, and developing business and commercial districts. Its proximity to mass transit systems, highways, and major thoroughfares, makes it a very accessible destination.

Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 Experience the crystal clear waters and powder-white sand of the island like never before with Boracay Regency. With its striking Mediterranean-inspired architecture, landscaped gardens and expansive beach front, this is a resort that stands unparalleled in beauty and service in the entire island. Boracay Regency allows you to relax and luxuriate within its 285 world-class rooms.

Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu City, 6000 Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 Located in an upscale financial district with shopping, recreation and leisure activities at our doorstep, the Cebu City Marriott Hotel offers an incredible location for business or leisure travel. We’re adjacent to the Ayala Center, a sprawling shopping and commercial complex, and just 10 minutes from downtown and the Cebu International Convention Center.

Crown Regency Hotel Fuente ****

Osmena Blvd. Cebu City 6000, Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 At the Center of Cebu City, Philippines rises the Fuente Towers, hosting the prestigious Crown Regency Hotel & Towers.

The tallest structure outside Metro Manila, the 23-storey, 22,000-square meter Fuente 1 and its equally arresting twin the 38storey, 36,000- square meter Fuente Tower 2 majestically tower over the Queen City of the South.

Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel ***

# 222 P. Tuazon Blvd., Cubao, Q.C. Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 Discover the pleasure of Luxury Living at suprisingly affordable room rates at Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel located at the heart of Araneta Shopping Center, Cubao, Quezon City. This twelve storey hotel has amenities that perfectly suit the needs of Tourists, Businessmen and Families while staying in a strategic location where first class malls and restaurants are all a few steps away.

Boracay Regency Beach Resort *****

SUBIC

Regalia Tower Suites ***

15/F Tower B, P. Tuazon Ave., Cubao, Quezon City 1109 Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 The Regalia Tower Suites - the condotel component of the Regalia Park Towers in the Araneta Center provides de luxe hotel accommodation and services in the heart of this dynamic business center. It is just a stone’s throw-away to what the Araneta Business and Shopping Center has to offer.

The Observer.

Observer.com

Cebu Parklane International Hotel ****

Corner Arch. Reyes Ave. and Escario St. Cebu City, Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 It must be The Parklane! A hip new hotel with a cool, stylish point of view. Its art deco design blends beautifully with its state-of-the-art facilities and the city’s blue skyline and surrounding hills. The Parklane’s signature of excellence is defined by its perfect location, fine amenities and personalized service. Or right inside its doors!

Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort ****

Buyong, Maribago, Mactan Cebu, Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699

Island,

Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort is a AAA 5 hectare resort that sits on prime white beach sand in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines. Maribago Bluewater has 2 lagoon-shaped swimming pools, 102 luxuriously furnished cottages with hot & cold running water, mini bar, refrigerator, individual airconditioning and individual private verandas.

Fridays Boracay *****

Boracay Island Malay 5608, Aklan Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 A resort that truly spells out an enjoyable and memorable stay in Boracay. That would be Friday’s! We are a Department of Tourism “AAA” accredited self-contained 34-room resort taking pride with our astounding amenities: freshwater swimming pool, beachfront bar, and 120-seat capacity restaurant considered by many to be the finest in the island.

La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel ***

Near Boat Station 2, Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Province, Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699 Enjoy your dream in one of the world’s finest beaches in the Heart of Boracay. La Carmela de Boracay, one of the newest resort hotels in the island, offers you all these at affordable rates. Note: There will be a seventy five pesos (Php75) per person Environmental Fee and fifty pesos (Php50) per person Terminal Fee to be paid at the Caticlan Jetty Port

Fairways and Bluewater Resort and Country Club ***** Newcoast, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Tel: +63 (2) 6355099 Fax: +63 (2) 6356699

Imagine the mesmerizing detail of a tropical retreat: shimmering white sand, sensuous sun and a somnolent sea. A tropical sea. A tropical toast. A dive into adventure. And yield - to the wild sensation of sun, sand, and sea. A breathless apparition, Fairways & Bluewater, Newcoast, Boracay reinvents an island adventure the way it’s meant to be.

ADVERTISING: 0927-862-3600

Court Meridian Hotel & Suites

Lot B, Waterfront Road corner Rojas St. Central Business District, Subic Bay Freefort Zone Court Meridian Hotel & Suites Located right at the center of Subic Freeport, along waterfront, the hotel takes pride in its 67 spacious and fully furnished luxury guestrooms, equipped with superior amenities. Their facilities and services are designed to give the guests maximum comfort and convenience. Housed in a very quiet environment, close to the seas and nature, Court Meridian Hotel has become an ideal place for tourist, nature lovers and people wanting to unwind from the daily pressures of work. Away from the hassles of noise and distractions, Court meridian Hotel makes a perfect choice from team building sessions, strategic planning, seminars and social events.

The 67 rooms of Court Meridian Hotel enjoy views of Subic and the working street or the vibrant Waterfront Road. Each has a separate shower, fully stocked mini bar, king size bed and innovative luxury modern appointments, ensuring a comfortable stay. Rooms are categorized into Deluxe, Executive Suite, Superior, Superior deluxe with veranda and Superior deluxe without veranda.

Truly, Courtyard Inn is unrivaled when it comes to having a Subic hotel that offers everything you need and then some. It features modern amenities, contemporary style, and a relaxed atmosphere in all its guest rooms that is perfect for any type of visitor. Restaurants, parks, churches, bay walks, water sports rentals, karaoke bars, billiard halls, and coffee shops at the Freeport can’t be nearer when staying at Courtyard Inn Subic.

Courtyard Inn is your gateway to fun in the freeport. The hotel’s prime location places it in the heart of a leisure hub.

Enjoy jet skiing and other aquasports, nature treks and motorbiking in any of the nearby sports outlets. Courtyard Inn’s younger guests can enjoy the children’s playground.

The Observer.

Observer.com

ARTS&TRAVEL

VOLUME 1, NO. 5 TUESDAY JULY 05, 2022

11

`Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Photo: Joyce Rocamora

‘Baragatan’ in Palawan: Rising from ‘Odette’, pandemic

From Page 11

ranean River National Park. The park’s 86 boats that ferry tourists in and out of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at that time were reduced to three.

But as the Japanese line says, fall seven times, stand up eight.

Months since this typhoon pummeled through the province, the park is now recovering -- their boats are already at 55 and visitors are returning.

With borders fully reopened to both domestic and foreign tourists, Palawan is indeed well on its way to reclaiming its title as one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

For Rafols, Palawan’s enduring charm would always bring the tourists back.

“In general, the nice thing about Palawan is it’s so pretty, it’s one of the best islands and we have so much to offer so people will always come in,” he said. “We’re very hopeful about this. Just look at Baragatan, it’s intense.”

Baragatan 2022 For the first time in four years, Palawan staged its largest festival, the Baragatan, last June.

Coined from Cuyonon word “bagat” or to meet, the festival gathered the island’s sole city and municipalities in trade fairs, float parade, and the most anticipated of all, the street dance or “Saraotan sa Dalan”.

For first-timers, the Saraotan served as a must-watch competi-

tion, and a cultural and heritage side trip rolled into one.

There was Rizal and the vibrant portrayal of the Tau’t Bato and their way of life in the mountain; San Vicente and its Malagnang Festival; and Magsaysay showing their deep devotion to St. Michael the Archangel and tradition through a rhythmic dance in the tune of “tipano”, a Palaweño flute made from bamboo.

Other towns were able to showcase how tourism and the island’s rich biodiversity sustained life in their areas, from El Nido’s balinsasayaw nest-harvesting “busyadors” to Kalayaan marine resources, and Brooke’s Point’s agriculture.

Quezon’s contingent emerged as the grand champion and successfully left a mark on visitors that the town has a lot to offer more than being home to the Palawan fruit bats and the Tabon Caves.

The 3,000 seats at the Palawan Convention Center at that time were filled to the brim with excited onlookers -- foreigners and Palaweños alike -- when the seven participating towns performed.

Baragatan is held every June but was halted in 2019 due to the elections and in the last two years due to the coronavirus.

With its recent success and developments in the province, the Palawan government is optimistic about the tourism sector’s eventual recovery.

According to the capitol, places are now easier to access with paved roads from the mainland’s south-

ernmost part to the northernmost as well as with the three newly constructed seaports in San Fernando in El Nido, Bataraza Port in Brgy.

Buliluyan, and Borac Port in Coron.

For instance, travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is cut shorter from the previous six to eight hours to less than four hours if you’re using a private vehicle, affording you more time to see other places.

Puerto Princesa City is at alert level 1 while the rest of Palawan is at alert level 2, meaning all destinations on the island are now open for travelers.

Based on the latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), over 185,000 local and foreign visitors traveled to Palawan since January 2022 to date. In 2019, the figures reached more than 1.98 million.

“Our current plan is to bring it back to the level of 2019 data so we are conducting promotion activities, and coordinating with our counterpart regions to bring in to both our destinations more visitors. We’ve already talked with Region III and we’re looking forward to doing it with other regions,” DOT Mimaropa Director Bevienne Malateo said in a recent interview.

Palawan had been named one of the best Asian travel spots by international magazines.

In 2021, it ranked 19th on Travel + Leisure magazine’s Top 25 Islands in the World and fifth in the Asian category. It was also included in the Condé Nast Traveler list of The 30 Best Beaches in the World last 2020. (PNA)

DOT reports increase in domestic tourism in 2021 THE demand for domestic tourism soared in 2021 amid the pandemic, this is according to the data from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The DOT and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) bared encouraging industry figures in the 2021 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) and Tourism Statistics Online Dissemination forum held Tuesday (June 28).

According to the PTSA report, domestic tourism recorded a surge tallying 37,279,282 trips in 2021, a 38.16% growth compared to the 26,982,233 trips in 2020.

The National Capital Region (1,973,851), followed by CALABARZON (1,953,419), and Central Luzon (1,905,758) were the top overnight destinations for local tourists last year.

“The DOT attributes the resurgence of domestic tourism to the collaborative efforts of the national and local government units to standardize health and safety protocols, reinforced by the active participation of tourism stakeholders from the private sector. This, and the Department’s aggressive campaign on domestic tourism carried out with our regional offices, and with the help of local tourism offices across the country, restored Filipinos’ confidence to travel,” explained DOT Branding and Marketing Communications Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking.

To recall, the DOT and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines spearheaded the “It’s More Fun With You” campaign to

encourage Filipinos to travel during the recovery stages of the pandemic. The campaign was heavy on digital promotions, featuring virtual tours, in-depth websites, co-branding initiatives with the private sector, and generating awareness in new platforms.

Meanwhile, based on the same report, tourism industries employed about 4.9 million individuals in 2021, 4.6 percent higher than the 4.7 million employed in 2020.

Tourism contributed 11.1 percent to the total employment of the country.

During the forum, the DOT noted the decline in foreign visitor arrivals as Philippine borders remain closed last year. The country recorded a total of 163,879 visitors from January to December 2021, a decline of 88.95% from 2020 arrivals of 1,482,535.

USA dominated the top visitor markets of the country with 39,326 arrivals. Japan, which ranked fourth in 2020, claimed the second spot with 15,024 arrivals. China followed in third place with 9,674 arrivals. An opportunity market before, India (7,202) rose to fourth place with Canada (6,781) at the fifth spot while Korea, the country’s top source market for many years, fell to 6th place with 6,456 arrivals.

Turkey and the United Kingdom ranked 7th and 8th respectively, with each contributing more than 4,000 arrivals. Completing the top 10 markets are Middle East countries United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia with more than 2,000 arrivals each.

The Observer

ARTS&TRAVEL .com

12

VOLUME 1, NO. 5 TUESDAY JULY 05, 2022

‘Baragatan’ in Palawan: Rising from ‘Odette’, pandemic

Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Photo: Joyce Rocamora

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

INSIDE

Saraotan sa Dalan performers from the Quezon contingent Photo courtesy of Palawan PIO

PALAWAN, over the past two years, was struck not only by one but two crises -- the devastating pandemic that halted its tourism activities and the catastrophic Typhoon Odette that battered its towns.

For the most of 2020 and 2021, it either only accepted tourists under a travel bubble set-up or limit them to local visitors. By the end of 2021, “Odette,” the strongest to hit the country last year, battered the

province.

“We tried to open tourism last year in 2021 with San Vicente and then Covid happened again, the whole Holy Week during the Delta surge, then Odette. If you were here in December you will see the effect of Odette on San Vicente, El Nido, and most of the northern part,” Palawan Tourism Council President Rey Felix Rafols told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview.

“Sobrang devastated tapos ‘yong bridge namin nasira. Roxas

was the worst hit, a lot of the boats were devastated (They were so devastated and even a bridge was damaged. Roxas was hit the worst, a lot of boats were devastated). Siargao was hit, Bohol was hit, Cebu was hit pero hindi masyadong nakita na na-hit din dito,” he shared.

At Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City, the typhoon downed almost all community-operated boats used for island-hopping.

This was also the case for the famed Puerto Princesa Subter-

DOT reports increase in domestic tourism in the year 2021

W here to Stay, Drink & Dine...

H O T E L S A N D R E S TA U R A N T D I R E C T O R Y

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