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The Observer.com #11 - JULY 11, 2022

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

Gatchalian commends ERC order for Meralco to refund P21.8B 2

Php 20.00

Senator Bong Go files more people-centered, service-oriented legislation to strengthen country’s adaptability and resilience 4

PBBM makes agriculture top priority; vows to cure sector’s problems

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Toots Ople lays out plans for new migrant workers department 7

“Fuel subsidy, to cover tricycle drivers, operators,” -- PBBM 3

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VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

DOLE: free RT-PCR test for newly-hired jobseekers DAVAO CITY – The newly-hired jobseekers across all sectors who will be required to secure a negative RT-PCR result among the pre-employment requirements, may now avail of the one-time grant of free COVID-19 testing at DOH-accredited testing centers, in accordance with the Department Order No. 233, Series of 2022 of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Following the issuance of the order which provided the guidelines for the implementation of the program as provided under Republic Act No.11639, DOLE XI signed memoranda of agreement with the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) on July 5 and 6, 2022, respectively.

The parties were represented

by DOLE-XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy, SPMC Medical Center Chief II Dr. Ricardo B. Audan, and DRMC Medical Center Chief II Dr. Bryan O. Dalid.

DOLE-XI is among the first DOLE regional offices to put the program into effect with a budget allocation of around Php 3.2 million for this year.

SPMC will cater to qualified applicants in Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental, while DRMC will cater those in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental.

“This subsidy program will aid the newly-hired jobseekers financially, reducing the amount they need to prepare in order to commence employment,” said RD Pensoy referring to the cost of RT-PCR test that ranges from Php 3,000.00 to Php 5,000.00.

“With this, I would like to express my great pleasure, on behalf of the Department, to collaborate with you as we implement this program in support to the working class in Davao Region,” he added.

DOLE-XI Technical Services and Support Division Chief Paul V. Cruz further assured the public of a simplified process in the availment of the program and mentioned that overseas-bound Filipinos workers will mostly benefit from this program since RT-PCR test has become an institutional requirement for international travels.

This undertaking is in line with the policy of the State to afford full protection to labor, promote full employment, and guarantee that no person shall be denied access to equal employment opportunities amidst the current health crisis.

Priority list includes newly-hired jobseekers in private domestic establishments, agency-hired overseas worker set for deployment, and newly-appointed employee in any branch or instrumentality of the government.

In his message during the ceremonial MOA signing, Dr. Audan of SPMC expressed his gratitude to DOLE XI for partnering with them in this undertaking. “It is actually our honor to be part of this agreement especially now that, in response to the effects of COVID-19, the way workers are hired has changed. This

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NATIONAL Gatchalian commends ERC order for Meralco to refund P21.8B

com

MANILA – Senator Win Gatchalian commended the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for ordering Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to refund its customers PHP21.8 billion equivalent to 87 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

This means that for a typical household that consumes 200 kWh a month, there will be a PHP174 refund in the electricity bill beginning this month.

“This is a welcome relief especially for poor Filipino households.

It will make a difference amid the rising cost of basic commodities,” Gatchalian said in a news release on Sunday.

Meralco had been directed to execute the refund in approximately 12 months or until the entire amount is fully reimbursed to its customers and to reflect the refund rate as a separate line item in the electricity bill during the refund period.

The refund directive is the third since January this year. The ERC said Meralco’s previous refunds are to be implemented until 2023 and the updated total refund for residential consumers is now at PHP1.8009/kWh to include the latest PHP21.8 billion refund.

Gatchalian lauded the ERC for being committed in ensuring reasonable electricity rates through the exercise of prudent and equitable judgment, for protecting the welfare of consumers, and balancing the interests of all stakeholders.

“Ang kagyat na utos ng ERC ay malaking bagay lalo na sa mga

BI earnings eyed to help fund extra 4Ps ‘ayuda’ Senator Win Gatchalian

naghihikahos sa buhay sa gitna ng napakataas na presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin sa bansa. Ang pag-uutos ay nagpapakita lamang ng kapangyarihan ng ahensya at nagbibigay konsiderasyon sa mga konsyumer sa panahon ng kagipitan (The urgent ERC order is a big deal especially to those living in poverty amid the very high prices of basic commodities in the country. The order only manifests the agency’s power and gives consideration to consumers in times of emergency),” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said it’s fortunate that the ERC’s directive to reimburse residential customers came just days after the Supreme Court upheld a 2013 approved rate hike application by the country’s biggest power distribution utility.

The said high court ruling granted Meralco the authority to impose a staggered power hike to recover PHP22.64 billion from consumers.

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) can help generate new government earnings needed to bankroll additional cash aid or “ayuda” for poor households reeling from the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities, Rep. Marcelino Libanan (4Ps Party-list) said.

“There’s no question that the BI can easily raise between PHP10 billion to PHP12 billion in annual revenues, possibly more,” Libanan, who served as BI Commissioner for three years during the Arroyo administration, said in a news release.

“Before the pandemic, the BI already managed to produce PHP9.3 billion in revenues in 2019, up 32 percent from the PHP7.03 billion it collected in 2018,” he added.

Libanan has revived the proposed Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act that the House approved on third and final reading in the previous Congress, but which the Senate failed to pass.

As reintroduced by Libanan in the incoming 19th Congress, House

Bill 1069 seeks to reorganize and further professionalize the BI, upgrade its systems, and boost staff pay.

The bill also allows the BI to retain “no more than PHP1.2 billion” of its annual income so that it can invest in new information technology-enabled, revenue-enhancing automation projects, such as a fully online-application and payment system that would eliminate corruption.

The BI generates income from visa processing and extension fees, fines and penalties, clearance and certification taxes, and immigration tax. The agency’s revenues go directly to the national treasury.

Libanan’s bill came as the government scrambles to fund additional subsidy for poverty-stricken households battered by soaring consumer prices.

The Department of Budget and Management earlier released PHP6.2 billion to pay for the initial tranche of the add-on cash grants to families listed under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or the 4Ps.

DOTr Sec. Bautista directs PPA to reduce shipping, travel costs

Following the issuance of the Department Order No. 233, Series of 2022 of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) requiring the newly-hired jobseekers across all sectors to secure a negative RT-PCR result as among the pre-employment requirements, DOLE-XI signed memoranda of agreement with the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) as DOH-accredited testing centers for a one-time grant of free COVID-19 testing.

is just one of SPMC’s commitments to help the government agencies in efficiently delivering their services to the Filipino people, particularly in Mindanao.”

In the same way, DRMC Chief Administrative Officer Marvin V. Bohol, CPA, JD, who represented Dr. Dalid, showed his appreciation to the partnership and assured to provide quality service to the beneficiaries of the program.

Also present during the signing of MOA were DOLE XI-Davao del Norte Field Office Chief Angelina A. Talingting, personnel of the DOLE XI Employment Promotion, Facilitation, and Regulation Unit headed by the Regional Focal Person Marlito D. Ayala, SPMC Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Oscar Mata, and heads and personnel of various offices in said healthcare institutions. (DOLE-XI)

MANILA -- Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista made a surprise visit to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Thursday to familiarize himself with the operations of all agencies under the Department of Transportation.

Bautista revealed to PPA officials his plans to further develop the port industry and enhance the benefits to shippers and travelers.

“As we wait for the appointment of your General Manager, which will happen in the next couple of days, please make sure to further reduce shipping and travel costs nationwide and maintain the high quality of service in all ports,” Bautista stressed.

“All employees should also observe and maintain their integrity and transparency at all times to avoid tainting the reputation of Government service,” Bautista added.

He also pledged full support to the agency, particularly in the areas of government-to-government interconnectivity, information and communication technology, personnel recruitment in coordination with the Civil Service Commission, and compliance to port global best practices, among others.

Prior to the appointment of Secretary Bautista to the DOTr, the PPA already completed about 248

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista

seaport development projects which form part of the 586 completed seaport projects under the previous DOTr Secretary. The projects were designed to increase productivity, and capacity and modernize the facilities of the ports to offer comfort and convenience to travelers and shippers.

In the next 100 days, the PPA will complete another seven seaport projects, vital in accelerating connectivity among the islands not only in the short term but at least in the next 5 to 6 years.

“The Philippine Ports Authority will play a very important role in achieving the goal of the president for accessible, affordable, comfortable, and safe transportation. Help me achieve that desire of the President to help the riding public,” Bautista ended. (DOTr)

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President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

LGUs asks to support booster vaccine drive MANILA -- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. asked local government units (LGUs) to support the booster campaign rollout in order to safely resume face-to-face classes and fully reopen the economy.

“I hope that you will be part of the effort that we have to bring us back to normal. This is really part of the effort to bring us back to normal,” Marcos said in a virtual speech before newly elected governors and city mayors.

Marcos is currently in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

In his message, Marcos stressed the importance of in-person learning for students as well as opening up the economy with people not worrying about reimposition of lockdowns.

“Gawin natin itong booster rollout at makakatiyak tayo na wala nang lockdown at ayaw na ayaw na naming magkaroon ng lockdown.

Kaya’t ito naman ang magiging pang-counter natin diyan sa pagkalat na naman nitong Omicron and its variants,” he told local officials.

He asked them to help agencies in replicating the massive COVID-19 vaccine rollout conducted last year and praised them for the “very, very good job.”

Marcos wants LGUs to conduct large-scale immunization drive for booster shot targeting school children so they can safely go back to school either August or September.

Marcos said Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio plans a phased return to the face-to-face classes, starting initially from two-day, or three-day weekly class schedule.

VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

ANG PANGARAP NYO, AY PANGARAP KO...

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“Make agriculture top priority; cure sector’s problems” -- Pres. Marcos PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is committed to provide long-term solutions to the problems hounding the country’s agriculture sector as a key to building a strong economy.

Speaking to reporters during a Malacañang press briefing, President Marcos, who heads the Department of Agriculture (DA) in a concurrent capacity, said the agriculture sector has a production shortfall in palay, corn, livestock and fisheries.

“That is why I made agriculture the single, the highest priority of everything that we are doing.

Because you cannot build a strong economy unless you have a foundation of a robust agricultural sector, which assures food supply even in emergencies. And that’s what we’re working towards,” he said.

“We need long-term solutions.

Solutions that can take care of this problem. We no longer take care of the symptoms, we take care of the disease. And that’s what we are try-

ing to do in agri. We have ways to go.”

Part of the short-term solutions, on the other hand, include increasing production for the rest of the year, with farmers targeting to plant this last cropping season.

Among the thrust is to address gaps in the value chain, which the President said, already exist in the current system.

Although some of the elements are present, there is a need for integ­ ration.

“So bubuuin — ‘yan ang gusto nating gawin, buuin natin ‘yun para may savings. When you vertically integrate, ang daming savings all along the line. And that’s — hopefully gets to the point that we can retail these agricultural products

at a good price that’s affordable to people,” he pointed out.

With regard to grain production, the plan is to increase local production, the President said.

“So if we are able to increase production sufficiently, then hopefully the importation, We really do not. It’s not really an import substitution measure,” he said.

“It is a strategic food supply

measure. But of course, if it’s — nagkaka-import substitution, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. So that’s the plan.”

Regarding pork and chicken supply, President Marcos said the country has to rely on importation because of the effects of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the swine industry and high feed cost brought about by the conflict in Ukraine.

MANILA -- The government will continue providing fuel subsidies for the transport sector but the program will be expanded to cover tricycle drivers and operators, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said.

President Marcos told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang that among the issues discussed during the first Cabinet meeting include the management and funding source for the additional fuel subsidies for the sector.

“We have enough budget I think to last for most of this — for this year and a little bit beyond. But we still have to find that money if we’re going to continue,” he said.

The government’s Libreng Sakay program will also continue but only for the students as they go back to school this September, the President said.

“We’ll phase it out because we cannot afford to keep that going.

But students will ride for free on LRT 2, which is going to the univer-

sity belt,” he noted.

Talking about his directive to the members of his Cabinet, President Marcos said he wants a streamlined bureaucracy and quick results.

“I give you a relatively free hand in deciding who you want to hire and how you want to change the structure of your department,

if indeed that’s what you want to do. But do it soon because we have work to do and we have to get to work immediately,” he said.

Fuel subsidy, to cover tricycle drivers, operators, says PBBM

DSWD to continue distributing the P500 cash subsidy

LGUs booster campaign rollout.

QUEZON CITY -- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo announced today that the Department will continue to distribute the P500 cash subsidy under the Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT) program this July.

The TCT is a program initiated by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte which aims to cushion the impact of the elevated costs of fuel and other commodities. Under the guidelines for the TCT implementation, the DSWD will facilitate the distribution of cash grants amount-

ing to a total of P3,000 or P500 per month for six months.

As of July 4, some 5,866,229 beneficiaries with cash cards have received P1,000 or equivalent to two months’ worth of subsidy covering April and May. The funds for their subsidy came from the P6.2 Billion released by the Department of Budget and Management to the DSWD. The recipients are part of the total target beneficiaries of 12.4M households. The list of target beneficiaries is composed of four million households under the 4Ps; six

million non-4Ps households and individuals who previously benefited from the Unconditional Cash Transfer Program under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law which include the Social Pension Program beneficiaries; and 2.4 million households in the database of Listahanan that fall within the first to fifth income decile, or other poverty data sources of the DSWD. The DSWD added that payout for the remaining beneficiaries will ensue upon the release of additional funds by the Department of Budget and Management.

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NEWS

VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

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Senator Bong Go files more people-centered, service-oriented legislation to strengthen country’s adaptability and resilience “Ipinangako ko po sa ating mga kababayan na patuloy kong isusulong at ipaglalaban ang mga batas na para sa ikakaginhawa ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino”. -- Senator Bong Go.

PASAY CITY -- Ahead of the opening of the 19th Congress, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed another ten of his priority bills in the Senate to provide more people-centered and service-oriented legislation that will help achieve the new administration’s goal of a stronger, more adaptable and resilient nation.

“Ipinangako ko po sa ating mga kababayan na patuloy kong isusulong at ipaglalaban ang mga batas na para sa ikakaginhawa ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino. ‘Yan po ang adhikain ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at ipinagpapatuloy ngayon ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, kaya naman talagang gagawin ko ang lahat ng aking makakaya upang makatulong na marating ang pangarap ng bawat Pilipino,” reaffirmed Go. “Dapat palagi tayong ‘one step’ ahead. Nang dahil sa pandemya, marami na po tayong nakitang aspeto sa ating sistema na kailangan talagang ayusin. These measures are aimed to promote and protect the welfare of our fellow Filipinos during these difficult times,” he continued.

Among the lawmaker’s bills filed include the institutionalization of a “Rural Employment Assistance Program” which shall provide job opportunities or temporary employment to displaced workers in farflung areas.

The lawmaker also filed an “Emergency Medical Services System Bill” that mandates the creation of an Emergency Medical Services Systems Council which will be tasked to develop national standards for the provision of emergency medical services in local government units.There shall also be emergency personnel, vehicles and dispatch centers in all LGUs. In addition, the bill mandates the adoption of a nationwide emergency hotline that Filipinos can access free of charge.

“Napakarami talaga sa ating mga kababayan ang naapektuhan ng pandemya kaya naman kahit anuman ang pwede nating gawin para sa ikakaangat ulit ng ating bayan, gawin na po natin. Sino pa po ang magtutulungan kundi tayo lang naman, mga kapwa Pilipino,” Go underscored.

As he acknowledges the sacri-

Emergency Medical Services System Bill.

fices and hard work of uniformed personnel to protect the country, Go also reintroduced “Free Legal Assistance to AFP and PNP Enlisted Personnel Bill” which will provide free legal assistance to any officer or enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police who may incur charges from an incident related to the performance of their official duty.

He also filed the “Magna Carta of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Officers and Personnel” which aims to provide PDEA employees with decent standard of living by providing them acceptable living and working conditions, appropriate compensation and career opportunities to enable them to effectively carry out their mandate.

Go, who heads the Senate Committee on Sports, likewise pushed for the “Philippine National Games (PNG) Bill”. Not to be confused with Palarong Pambansa, the PNG is a national multi-sport tournament that aims to widen the base talent identification and efficiently constitute the national pool to be trained for international sports

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

competition.

“As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am one with President Marcos Jr. in highlighting the importance of sports in nation-building. I reiterate my firm commitment to always look after the welfare of our athletes and to push for long-term and grassroots sports development,” Go previously cited.

“These will both help our country become again as one of the sports powerhouses in Asia and also encourage our young people to stay away from illegal drugs and criminality by getting into sports,” he added.

Meanwhile, he also filed a bill institutionalizing the “One Town One Product Program” which seeks to strengthen and boost the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by assisting them in areas of quality, product development, design, packaging, standards compliance, marketability, production capability, brand development, sustainability, and securing licenses, product registration and other market authorization, among others.

Furthermore, Go filed a bill

Program”. The bill seeks to increase housing production to address the needs of poor Filipino families by forging partnerships among housing stakeholders.

“Marami pa rin sa ating mga kababayan ang wala pa ring sariling matitirhan. Marami pa sa kanila ang natamaan ng iba’t ibang sakuna.

Kung nais po natin bigyan ng komportableng buhay ang ating mga kababayan, dapat wala nang mapipilitang maging squatter sa sariling bayan,” noted Go. The senator likewise filed “Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) Compensation and Incentives Bill”

naumpisahan ni dating presidente Duterte na kampanya laban sa kriminalidad at kampanya laban sa iligal na droga. Bagama’t tapos na ang kaniyang termino, ipagpapatuloy ko pa rin isusulong ang mga kinakailangan na batas para tuluyan nang masugpo ang iligal na droga sa bansa,” stressed Go. Finally, Go reiterated his commitment to ensure the better delivery of public services to the Filipino people while helping the Marcos Administration attain what needs to be achieved in order to guarantee the country’s progress and development.

The establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines, and Mandatory Evacuation Centers in every LGUs.

amending the Insurance Code.

Through his proposed measure, doubts on whether the Insurance Code will apply to health maintenance organizations (HMOs) will be clarified. It will make HMOs subject to Insurance Code provisions that are not explicitly provided under Executive Order No. 192.

This would allow for stricter supervision over HMOs and thus, provide more protection to the public.

To further help informal settlers and to mitigate poverty, Go also refiled a measure establishing the “National Housing Development Production and Financing

that will efficiently determine the number of BHWs needed in every barangay and provide all BHWs with proper compensation and incentives.

Finally, continuing former president Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs, Go has once again pushed for the creation of “Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center” which shall establish accessible drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers nationwide in order to sustain the government’s efforts in achieving a drug-free society.

“Huwag natin sayangin ang

On the same day, Go had also filed his top ten bills which include the establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines, and Mandatory Evacuation Centers in every LGUs. The top ten proposed measures also include bills providing for Annual Medical Check Up for every Filipino, Comprehensive Dialysis Benefit Package for PhilHealth members, Advanced Nursing Education, Rental Housing Subsidy, E-governance, and Magna Carta for Barangays. (OSBG)

PROVINCIAL

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‘Don’t quit’: PMA chief tells 350 new cadets

VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

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BGen. Julius Tomines

By Liza Agoot Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Garcia

Bataan waives penalties on estate tax

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Friday announced that an ordinance it passed granting relief on surcharges and interests on local transfer tax covering real properties transferred by way of succession took effect in this province.

Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Garcia, SP presiding officer, said the approved measure took effect Thursday (July 7, 2022), after compliance with relevant requirements of posting and/or publication as provided under the Local Government Code.

Sponsored by SP member Reynaldo Ibe and unanimously concurred in by 10 board members and interim members, the ordinance was approved last month by the vice governor and then outgoing Governor Albert Garcia.

The vice governor said that Republic Act (RA) 11213, known as the Tax Amnesty Act, as amended by RA 11569, grants a one-time opportunity for taxpayers to settle their estate tax obligations from June 15, 2021, until June 14, 2023, through an estate tax amnesty program for taxable years 2017 or earlier.

The Department of Finance issued a circular to supplement the guidelines for local government units (LGUs) on the grant of relief in support of the estate tax amnesty program.

The circular provided that the grant of relief shall be authorized under a duly enacted local ordinance upon the effectivity of the said circular in accordance with the Local Government Code of 1991, Vice Governor Garcia said.

Lawyer Mark Lorenz Quezon, SP secretary, explained that the grant of relief will be imposed only on surcharges and interests on local transfer taxes on estates of persons who died on or before December 31, 2017, and to be availed by the legal heirs, administrator or executor until June 14, 2023.

BAGUIO CITY – The head of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) urged its 350 new cadets to stay positive throughout their training at the school, during the traditional reception rites and oath-taking ceremony here.

“Use your positive mental attitude to conquer the challenges one at a time, and don’t quit,” said BGen. Julius Tomines, acting PMA superintendent, in a message during the event at the Borromeo Field in Fort del Pilar, here.

Reception is a tradition in the country’s premier military institution where they receive for the first time the passers of the rigid screening process conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the halls of the academy.

It marks the start of the four years of training and schooling leading to a profession of arms as future leaders of the Philippine Army, Air Force, and Navy.

The reception and oath-taking also marked the shift of the mindset

RECEPTION. A total of 350 new cadets attend their reception and oath-taking ceremony at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City on Saturday (July 9, 2022). The reception is the start of the cadets’ four years of rigid military training to prepare them to become future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

of the cadet from a civilian to a military professional.

Tomines told the cadets that the training, though challenging, will develop their character.

“It will hone you to become good military officers imbued with character based on the values of

courage, integrity, and loyalty,” Tomines said.

He reminded cadets that the academy is serious in its goals and in pursuing the traditions where dishonor, mediocrity, and maltreatment are not tolerated.

He said that the training of the

DSWD brings food supplies to Ifugao flash flood victims BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) assured the public on Saturday that there is a sufficient supply of relief items for those affected by the flash flood that hit Banaue, Ifugao.

In a social media post on Saturday, the DSWD-CAR said it has so far released around 1,500 family food packs amounting to PHP941,000.

Throughout the region, 27,121 family food packs have already been prepositioned, including over 14,000 food packs at the regional warehouse in Benguet ready for deployment.

In Ifugao alone, the DSWDCAR said 2,608 family food packs have been prepositioned that can be released to the affected families and individuals.

“Ngayong araw, kasama ang mga miyembro ng (this day, to-

FOOD PACKS. Family food packs are unloaded at a warehouse of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera on Saturday (July 9, 2022) for victims of a flash flood in Banaue, Ifugao. The DSWD-CAR said family food packs have also been prepositioned in other provinces in the region affected by inclement weather in the area. (PNA photo from DSWD-CAR FB)

gether with the) DSWD Field Office CAR, Ifugao Philippine National Police, at Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) na tumulong sa unloading ng 1,300 Family Food Packs (are helping unload 1,300 family food packs),” said the DSWD-CAR. The flash flood hit Banaue around 5 p.m. on July 7 and totally damaged two houses and partially damaged 327 others in three baran-

gays.

Arnel Garcia, regional director of the DSWD-CAR, said they continue to bring supplies to Ifugao to assure that there will be food for the affected families.

The Police Regional Office on Saturday also said that policemen, soldiers, and members of the community are working hand in hand to clear the residences and roads of mud. (PNA)

P440-K shabu concealed in toy truck seized at Zamboanga airport

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Ten people were arrested when government operatives seized some PHP875,060 worth of illegal drugs in separate anti-drug operations in the past week here in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The biggest drug haul, though no one was arrested, was on Tuesday when government agents intercepted a shipment of some 70 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP442,000 at the Zamboanga International Airport.

The shipment was intercepted after airline personnel alerted the police about a black spot on a par-

cel containing a toy truck that was subjected to an X-ray inspection.

A K9 dog of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was sent to confirm the presence of an illegal drug substance and when authorities opened the parcel, they found the suspected shabu concealed in a rubber tube and attached to the toy truck.

Jury Rocamora, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Zamboanga City office chief, said the parcel was sent by a resident of Barangay San Roque, this city, to Barangay Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Rocamora said that they have yet to ascertain the true identities of the sender and the supposed receiver of the parcel in coordination with the PDEA in Palawan.

The week’s second-biggest drug haul was on Wednesday when policemen arrested an online seller in an anti-drug operation around 11:30 p.m. in Barangay Baliwasan, this city.

Col. Alexander Lorenzo, Zamboanga City Police Office director, said seized from the possession of the suspect, Anersa Hassan, 30, were some 50 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP340,000.

Lorenzo said that also recovered from Hassan were 86 pieces of PHP1,000 boodle money topped with a genuine PHP1,000 marked money, a smartphone, and a plastic bag.

Meanwhile, Col. Albert Larubis, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said that a high-value individual suspect, Khalid Anduhol, 28, was arrested on Tuesday in Barangay Bangkerohan, Ipil, the province’s capital.

Larubis said that seized from Anduhol, who is on probation, were some PHP40,500 worth of suspected shabu and PHP500 marked money.

cadets is holistic and aims to develop and mold the character of a person befitting a lady and a gentleman.

Tomines said that the training is not purely physical, but also involves fast-paced mental training designed to help cadets make timely decisions.

The 350 new cadets hurdled a rigid screening that started with 37,651 who applied; 28,284 who took the entrance examination; 1,211 who passed; and 888 who reported for the physical and medical examination.

The cadet receives a salary as a soldier and all the benefits of a student of an educational institution with complete facilities, board and lodging, books and uniforms, and sure employment after graduation.

(PNA)

1 dead as landslide buries house in Bataan ABUCAY, Bataan – A woman was killed after a landslide buried their house at the height of heavy rains here, according to the local police.

Maj. Dennis Bautista Duran, Abucay police chief, identified the victim as Roselyn dela Cruz, 27, a caretaker of a resort in Abucay.

Duran said rescuers found the body of Dela Cruz under the mud that also buried a car following the landslide.

The victim’s father, who is residing in another house, called for help after he discovered the incident at around 7 a.m., he added.

Personnel of the Abucay Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Metro Bataan Development Authority, and the local government Unit of Abucay led by Mayor Robin Tagle helped in the search and rescue operation.

Duran said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Bureau of Mines and Geosciences in Region 3 also sent a team to assess and determine the cause of the landslide to avoid a repeat of the incident.

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VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

Chinese EV, battery producers invited to invest in PH MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday said the agency has promoted the Philippines to Chinese manufacturers of batteries and electric vehicles as their next destination for their investments.

This as the DTI participated in the 2022 International Summit on Lithium Battery Technology and Application for Light Electric Vehicles (BLEV 2022) in Guangzhou, China recently, where it pitched the investment opportunities in the Philippines for e-vehicle and battery manufacturers.

DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) Assistant Secretary Glenn Peñaranda told Chinese firms that the Philippines enacted the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) into law last May which will support the growth of the local e-vehicle industry. “(EVIDA) provides for a national policy framework to develop the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines, particularly for the shift to EVs and for further attracting investments and creating high-value jobs,” Peñaranda said.

With the passage of the EVIDA, industry stakeholders will create a Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) that will serve as a national blueprint for the e-vehicle sector.

The roadmap aims to accelerate the development, commercialization, and utilization of e-vehicles and the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS).

Aside from EVIDA, other policies of the Philippine government to promote the growth of e-vehicles in the country include the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program and the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), where investments in green ecosystem are qualified for fiscal incentives.

Under the Tier II of the SIPP, investments in green economy include assembly of e-vehicles; manufacture of parts and components; and establishment and operation of e-vehicle infrastructure such as charging stations, renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation projects, energy storage and integrated waste management, disposal, and recycling.

Earlier, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said one of his priorities as trade chief is for the country to have integrated facilities for the processing of minerals, including green metals, which are used for making batteries.

He said the Philippines can be a vital partner for critical minerals not only exporters, but to be processor form semi-finished and finished products.

Meanwhile, former DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said there have been investment prospects for the Philippines in the e-vehicle industry, which include investments for e-vehicle ecosystem and e-vehicle infrastructure such as charging stations; battery technologies such as green metals processing for batteries of e-vehicles and other applications; and battery energy storage systems. (PNA)

BUSINESS

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25 Filipino startups showcase tech innovations at IDEA and ADVanCE demo days

MANILA -- Twenty-five (25) Filipino tech startups showcased their innovations to investors on June 15 and 22 to culminate the IDEA and ADVanCE programs of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and PhilDev Foundation.

The Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) and Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) are 2 of DTI’s pilot programs for startup capacity development launched to continuously strengthen the startup ecosystem in the country and foster an innovation-driven economy.

In his message, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez reaffirmed the government’s commitment “to boosting more opportunities and advantages for Filipino startups through [their] programs for Trabaho, Negosyo, and Kabuhayan.” This includes fulfilling the mandates of the Innovative Startup Act enacted in 2019 according to Lopez.

The latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report revealed that Manila’s startup ecosystem continues to prosper. Its value increased from USD 584 million to USD 2.1 billion, reflecting the steady growth of the ecosystem amidst challenges like the pandemic. “[The report] shows that our startups and tech-inclined MSMEs continue to pursue their innovation ventures in line with DTI’s startup programs and initiatives to empower and boost the potential of innovative enterprises,” DTI – Competitiveness and Innovation Group Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba shared.

DTI and PhilDev welcomed the first cohorts of the programs beginning this year to improve their market and investment readiness.

The programs provided each startup access to learning sessions, mentorship from experts and business leaders, financial and legal support services, and networking opportunities with key players in the ecosystem.

In a testimonial, Anihan Technologies (AniTech) Co-Founder and CEO Gillian Santos spoke of how the program enabled her and the cohort to become better entrepreneurs, “Through programs like

[IDEA] that actually help equip us with the fundamental skills and concepts, I now know that we have a better chance of surpassing the [valley of death] and creating a positive impact not just to the market we’re serving but to the Philippines as a whole,” Santos shared.

Cebu-based startup Hinulawanlab.com also commended the program for the mentorship they received. They were matched with Guita Gopalan, General Manager and Chief Revenue Officer of Vivanti Advantage, for the mentorship benefits of the program.

“Our learnings went through the roof! From marketing strategies, financial management, human resources, [Guita] was very knowledgeable and understanding.

Through her, we were able to connect the dots – the dots that were scattered all over before,” Atty.

Giovanni Gil, CEO of Hinulawanlab.com, described.

Joining AniTech and Hinulawanlab.com in the IDEA incubator program are 17 more early-stage startups from various industry verticals: Avodah Philippines, Bantay Chatbot, Basky, Bookuna, Britana Global Solutions, CarSurvey PH, Cleenvent, Dali Innovations, DigitizePH, Forent, Green Impact Global, iBoard Marketplace, Lifeprentice, Rafflexchange, SafeTravelPH, Sureplus, and Sociov.

On the other hand, the ADVanCE accelerator program supported 6 growth-stage startups with products and services aligned with the Philippine Development Plan’s strategic priorities: health, food security, digital transformation, education, and regional development.

The cohort comprises Edukasyon.

MANILA – A leading cement manufacturer expects a “softer” recovery for the industry this year amid global economic challenges such as oil price hikes and increasing commodity prices.

Holcim Philippines president and chief executive officer Horia Adrain told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the cement industry would continue its recovery in 2022. However, its pace would be softer compared to last year.

“We do expect the industry to still recover in pre-pandemic levels.

It has been recovering in 2021, and in 2022, we do expect that this will continue. Although with all these cost increases in fuel, electricity, not only that but everything, it will be probably soft recovery,” Adrian said.

With the volatile oil prices in

the global market, which have been increasing since the Russian invasion in Ukraine started in February, Adrian said the oil price hikes have “terrible” effects on the firm’s operation.

“It’s a huge cost increase, sometimes even double,” the executive said, describing the impact of oil price hikes on the cement industry’s operating costs.

Adrian said Holcim’s push for circular economy by reusing existing materials and other waste as alternative fuel has helped in the efficiency of the company’s operation.

“Circularity has helped us to improve the efficiency of our operations and to mitigate some of these costing,” he said.

Despite the challenging business environment, Adrian cited drivers for the cement industry’s

BOC collects P118 billion from marked fuel in 1st half of 2022

ph, Empath, InsightSCS, Magwai, Nanotronics, and TakeFive Outdoors.

In an interview, Rach Viray, Empath’s Special Projects and Partnerships Manager, expressed that the ADVanCE program helped them set a clearer path in terms of investment readiness, “Steph has been bootstrapping since the start of the business. Now she’s more open to talking to investors, but the direction is more strategic.” Viray further shared that they are interested in talking to angel and impact investors to grow and sustain their enterprise.

PhilDev Chairman Dr. Francisco “Paco” Sandejas congratulated the startups that completed the programs. He also urged the demo day attendees to continue working together, “After the Demo Day, we want to see more collaborations and more growth opportunities for the ecosystem to thrive. Let’s make it happen.”

The demo days mark the culmination of the IDEA and ADVanCE programs, and the startups are seeking funding and partnerships to upgrade their technologies, increase market reach, and scale their businesses. PhilDev and DTI jointly encourage their investor partners to invest in these startups to enhance industries and sectors such as the agriculture supply chain, energy, health care, and environment, contributing to inclusive economic growth in the country.

Interested investors and potential partners can download the startup portfolios to reach the startups and learn more about them through the IDEA Incubator and the ADVanCE Accelerator websites.

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Saturday said it has marked 9 billion liters of fuel equivalent to PHP118 billion in duties and taxes for the first semester of 2022.

In a statement, the BOC also said the total marked gasoline, diesel, and kerosene from September 2019 to June 2022 were 43.65 billion liters.

The total marked fuel for that period is equivalent to PHP432.3 billion in duties and taxes.

Diesel comprises 60.59 percent of the total volume marked, followed by gasoline with 38.9 percent, and kerosene with 0.51 percent of marked volume.

As to the location, 73.88 percent of the marking was in Luzon, 20.66 percent in Mindanao, and 5.47 percent in the Visayas.

The markers serve as identifiers during field testing to determine the presence of illicit fuel in the market.

Meanwhile, the BOC and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) have seized a total of 111,157.80 liters of diesel, 3,311 liters of kerosene, and 18,839 liters of gasoline.

They also seized two units of tank trucks carrying unmarked fuel with a total estimated value of PHP14.4 million.

On the other hand, tanks of 16 retail stations and four private companies where the BOC found these unmarked fuels were likewise sealed and recommended for filing of criminal cases.

The government’s Fuel Marking Program aims to raise revenues while curbing fuel smuggling and leveling the playing field of the Philippine oil industry. (PNA)

Cement firm sees ‘softer’ industry recovery

Holcim Philippines president and chief executive officer Horia Adrian

growth, including the government’s intention to continue the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of the Duterte administration.

“So probably, there will be infrastructure projects, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, tunnels in

Metro Manila that are being built,” he said.

He added that private consumption is also expected to pick up in the second half of the year, supporting the growth of the economy.

(PNA)

FEATURES

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VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS

7

Toots Ople lays out plans for new migrant workers department

By PIA RANADA

Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Susan “Toots” Ople

From making POLOs more responsive to plugging loopholes in databases of abusive employers, here’s what Marcos’ migrant workers secretary wants to get done

MANILA, Philippines – In her first months as secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Susan “Toots” Ople aims to conduct a “systems review” to improve how the government caters to overseas Filipino workers, and hold virtual town hall meetings with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Ople explained her plan in a Rappler Talk interview on Monday, May 30, a month before the start of the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration. Ople, a longtime OFW rights advocate, will be only the second DMW secretary since the agency was created through a law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021.

She will be the first DMW secretary with a budget as the agency is set to get its first General Appropriations Act allocation in the 2023

national budget yet.

“I’m pretty confident in the incoming administration. We will strive to do our best for our OFWs and their families as well,” said Ople, after talking about the two meetings she’s had with president-elect Marcos about his marching orders for her department.

These are some of the plans and reforms Ople spoke about during the interview: Gather more data and use data analysis to better inform OFW policies, one of Marcos’ marching orders Formulate programs to address needs of families, especially children, left behind by OFWs, another marching order Conduct a systems review in her first month as secretary to improve OFW services, weed out unnecessary steps, or fees in the process Hold virtual “town hall meetings” at least twice a year to dialogue with OFWs and introduce the department Improve the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) abroad, to be renamed Migrant Workers Office, by ensuring that better qualified people will be appointed to man them, and assist these personnel so they can respond in a timely manner to OFWs Improve database of blacklisted OFW employers so they will never

be able to hire Filipinos again. One way to do this is by including their residential address and photograph, with the aim of plugging a loophole exploited by employers in the past.

Enter into as many anti-human trafficking agreements as possible with other countries. Saudi Arabia is a priority.

Ensure OFW contracts with employers include provisions from bilateral labor agreements that safeguard their rights Ople has spent the past few days since the announcement of her nomination meeting with former and incumbent labor officials – including Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, incoming labor chief Bienvenido Laguesma, and former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Marianito Roque.

“I’ve been touching base with people I respect and I know are very active in labor migration,” she told Rappler.

Revisiting OEC, PhilHealth contributions One goal of the systems review Ople hopes to conduct is to reassess the need for certain permits or fees that OFW groups have long complained about.

The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), for instance, is one cost borne by migrant workers but is necessary as a way for the government to track them and thus ensure better services. But Ople says it should be improved.

“It is so easily torn. There has to be a better way. I think digitalization, we may need to modernize the OEC, and even the PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar Certificate) and the PEOS (Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar Certificate). So many things that can be done with technology,” said the presumptive secretary.

The need to pay PhilHealth contributions is also one requirement Ople wants to review and hold consultations on.

“I have always been belabor-

ing the point that most OFWs have health insurance in the destination countries so I would really like to have a dialogue with our legislators and also with PhilHealth because it’s such an enormous burden….

But I’m not in the position now to promise that when we assume the post, this is what will happen because it should be a product of dialogue with stakeholders and with our partners in Congress and also in the executive branch,” said Ople.

Ensure POLOs are more responsive Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) are supposed to be OFWs’ go-to Philippine government agency abroad, especially to respond to emergencies or abuses.

But many migrant workers complain about POLO personnel who don’t respond to their calls or who ignore their concerns.

Ople echoed this, speaking of “masungit” (snobbish) POLO staff who leave OFWs hanging.

Her solution is two-fold: ensure POLO staff are competent and qualified by subjecting them to a more rigorous screening process, including an exam; and giving adequate assistance to them when on the job.

The functions of POLOs, under the law that created the DMW, will be placed under Migrant Workers Offices.

“I think one area we need to develop is a ‘caring for carers’ program, meaning, support those in the post. Why are they snobbish?

Because they have so many deadlines. Some have to think about such heavy problems daily, problems that make it difficult for them to sleep. We need to find a way to distribute the responsibilities,” said Ople.

In one of her meetings with Marcos, she explained the need to require MWO or POLO personnel to pass exams and undergo better competency screening.

“I said I want to bring back the requirement of exams, similar to those in the foreign service. There’s an exam, a panel interview so that they know this is not an ordinary job you can take just because you want to go abroad. Not like that, there are competencies involved,” she said.

But Ople said even before implementing her target reforms, she would consult OFWs themselves first, through town hall meetings she would likely conduct starting August or September.

“We will go online just to hear them out and say, ‘These are our plans, what do you think, how can we refine this further?’ Because we also have to explain what the department is all about,” said Ople.

“They should feel it’s their home in the bureaucracy. Ito ‘yung bahay niyo (This is your house) so please tell us, kung baga sa bahay (like in a home), what would make you more comfortable.”

– Rappler.com

8

NEWS

VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

CSC invites gov’t workers to join photo contest QUEZON CITY -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) invites government employees nationwide to join the 2022 Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) Photo Contest.

The contest has two categories: the Individual Category, which is open to all government employees regardless of employment status; and the Group Category, which is open to all public sector employee organizations (PSEOs) registered with the CSC and Bureau of Labor Relations.

Entries should reflect the theme, “Transforming Public Servants Toward Resiliency”.

Entries under the individual category should be submitted via email to the CSC Regional Office (CSC RO) which has jurisdiction over the employee’s agency. The directory of CSC ROs can be found at www.csc.gov.ph/cscrod.

PSEOs should submit entries directly to the Human Resource Relations Office (HRRO) thru pcsaphotocontest.co@gmail.com Three (3) winners will be chosen per region in the Individual Category with the third placer getting P5,000; the second placer, P8,000; and the first placer, P10,000. All regional winners will be elevated to the national level where the first placer receives PHP20,000; the second placer, P15,000; and the third placer, P10,000.

In the group category, all entries will be judged at the national level with the first placer receiving PHP30,000; the second placer, P25,000; and the third placer, P20,000.

Deadline for submission of entries is on 30 July 2022. For contest mechanics and other details, visit the PCSA 2022 microsite at csc. gov.ph/pcsa2022 or refer to CSC Announcement No. 17 dated 5 July 2022.

The contest is part of the activities for the 122nd PCSA celebration this September.

Zambo City strengthens anti-ASF measures

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Checkpoints jointly manned by the barangays and the security sector have been set up on the east coast of this city to monitor and check the movement of live hogs, including meat products.

The checkpoints were set up in response to the call of the local government to the barangays to help step-up measures against the African swine fever (ASF) here.

Dr. Mario Arriola, Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) chief, said Saturday the checkpoints were set up in Barangays Latuan, Quiniput, Curuan, and Mangusu, as well as other villages under the Vitali district.

“We are strengthening measures to control and prevent the

spread of ASF to other areas, through strict monitoring activities,” Arriola said.

The conduct of the checkpoints is a collaborative effort of the OCVet, Department of Agriculture, National Meat Inspection Services, police, and military.

Arriola said that the total number of ASF-related hog deaths has reached 1,209, with 514 culled since May when the ASF was detected in the city.

A total of 298 local hog raisers have been affected since May with 14 barangays affected since the city was placed under the Red Zone on ASF classification over a month ago.

He said the 14 barangays are spread out in Tumaga, San Roque, Manicahan, Curuan, and Vitali Districts. (PNA)

ASF CHECKPOINT. Officials of Barangay Latuan, Zamboanga City on Friday (July 8, 2022) inspect a live pig being transported by motor taxi (habal-habal) at a checkpoint in their village. Checkpoints manned by barangay officials and personnel from other concerned agencies have been set up to help step-up measures against the African swine fever in Zamboanga City.

Families affected by typhoid fever in Cebu receive cash aid from DSWD RESIDENTS affected by the increasing number of typhoid fever cases in Cebu received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Field Office VII, following the urgent directive of Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo.

As of July 6, some 313 patients were provided with Php 5,000 cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to cover their medical needs. The payouts were conducted by the Field Office in Barili, Cebu.

The Field Office also extended Php 10,000 burial assistance to the bereaved families of the patients who passed away due to the ailment.

Likewise, Secretary Tulfo pledged to distribute additional aid worth Php

20,000 to the bereaved families during his virtual briefing with the Regional Directors on July 7.

Meanwhile, the Field Office is continuously coordinating with the Municipal Action Team in Barili to closely monitor the situation and to provide other interventions. As earlier directed by the Secretary, the DSWD is also currently facilitating the preparation of hygiene kits for the affected families.

The DSWD is ready to augment the resources of the concerned LGU to meet the needs of its affected constituents.

Meanwhile, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as boiling water for drinking or doing water chlorination and cooking food well to prevent contamination. (DSWD)

PH Red Cross starts administering Covid-19 booster shots to 12 to 17-year-olds MANDALUYONG CITY -- In support of the Department of Health’s announcement on June 28, 2022 giving the green light for the administration of the first Covid-19 booster shots to all adolescents 12-17 years old, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) PLMC Bakuna Center in Mandaluyong City is open to those who are qualified for the booster shots.

Children 12 to 17 years old who had their second dose five months ago or earlier may walk in with a parent or legal guardian at the PRC PLMC Bakuna Center at Apo St. corner Pinatubo St., Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong City.

Children availing of the first booster shot must bring their ID, their vaccination card (1st and 2nd dose), their parent’s or legal guardian’s ID, and proof of filiation.

The Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO, Richard J. Gordon, encouraged those who are qualified to get the jab to visit

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the Red Cross vaccination center. “Hinihikayat ko ang mga magulang na may mga anak na 12 to 17 years old na fully vaccinated na ipa-booster sila para sa kanilang proteksyon,” Chairman Gordon said.

The Philippine Red Cross’ vaccination efforts are part of its mandate as an auxiliary to the government in its humanitarian tasks.

The Philippine Red Cross started

administering Covid-19 vaccines in March 2021. As of July 7, 2022, it has administered 1,207,654 doses of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters, of which 105,730 are boosters. It has fully vaccinated 374,395 individuals.

14-year-old Arushi got her first COVID-19 booster at the PLMC Bakuna Center. She was accompanied by her father, Gopal. Photo: Philippine Red Cross

Adyenda sa pangangalaga ng Wika, isinusulong ng KWF LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA -- Nagtipon-tipon muli ang kinatawan ng mga Katutubong Pamayanang Kultural at mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan para isapinal ang Adyenda sa Pangangalaga ng mga Nanganganib na Wika noong 30 Hunyo–2 Hulyo 2022. Sinimulang buoin ang Adyenda na ito noong 2019 na may pangunahing layunin na ilatag ang pambansang plano para sa pangangalaga, pagpapalakas, at pagpapaunlad ng mga katutubong wika ng Pilipinas, lalo na ang mga wikang nanganganib nang mawala.

Layunin din nitong ibalangkas ang mga programa at gawain na magsisilbing gabay ng KWF at ng iba pang ahensiya at institusyon na nais makibahagi sa pangangalaga ng mga wika ng Pilipinas. Inaasahan din na sa pamamagitan nito ay mabibigyan ng priyoridad at magkakaroon ng kaisahan at direksiyon ang lahat ng mga inisyatiba at pagsisikap na pangalagaan ang mga katutu-

bong wika ng bansa.

Sa pagsasapinal ng Adyenda binibigyang diin nito ang kahagalagan ng holistikong tugon sa suliranin ng panganganib ng wika na kadalasan ay dulot ng kahirapan, diskriminasyon, at kawalan ng access sa serbisyong panlipunan gaya ng edukasyon at kalusugan. Nais ding kilalanin ng Adyendang ito ang angking kakayahan ng mga Katutubong Pamanayan para pamunuan ang kanilang sarili, at pangalagaan ang kanilang wika at kultura.

Ibabahagi naman ang naisapinal na Adyenda sa Pambansang Kongreso para sa mga Nanganganib na Wika na gaganapin sa 24–26 Oktubre 2022.

Ang mga dumalong kinatawan ay mula sa Katutubong Pamayanan Kultural ng Karolano, Isinay, Manobo, Tboli, Blaan, Subanën, Ayta Magbukun, Yakan, Kinamiging, Mënuvu Ubo, at Banwaon at mula sa mga tanggapan ng DepEd, DOH, NCCA, NCIP, BFAR-DA, NEDA. NAPC, at KWF. (KWF)

HEALTH

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VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

9

Protecting nature:

Key to breaking the zoonoses chain

LAGUNA -- The COVID-19 pandemic upended not only public health systems and economies across the world––it has also profoundly impacted people and communities at a much more personal level.

While COVID-19 may currently be the most menacing zoonotic (transmitted from animals to humans) disease known to us, it may definitely not be the last. In the face of a notable uptick in global cases of other zoonotic diseases such as monkeypox, experts cautioned that there are 1.7 million currently ‘undiscovered’ viruses that exist in mammals and birds, and up to

827,000 of these could still infect people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), three out of four or 75 per cent of new human diseases in the last decade are zoonotic in origin.

This year’s commemoration of World Zoonoses Day is a nod to the important work of Louis Pasteur, who, on July 6th 1885, administered the first vaccine against the

zoonotic disease, rabies.

However, it is also an important occasion to bring to light the implications of this daunting possibility of more outbreaks and how it typifies the greater need to integrate biodiversity into the broader discussion of public health.

Over the past few years, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) has expanded discussions and developed interventions that recognise the interaction between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. In the recently concluded joint virtual workshop Biodiversity as a One Health Shield in Asia and the Pacific organised

by World Organization for Animal

Highlighting crucial role of BHWs, Bong Go files Barangay Health Workers Compensation and Incentives Bill

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has reintroduced his bill which seeks to mandate the appointment of at least two barangay health workers (BHWs) in every barangay and will entitle them to standard salaries and additional incentives.

“Ang mga Barangay Health Workers ang nasa frontline ng ating hangarin na panatilihing malusog at walang sakit ang ating mga kababayan,” said Go. “Napapanahon na din na sila naman ang ating alagaan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng tamang suporta at mga benepisyo upang maiangat natin ang kanilang kabuhayan,” he added.

The Barangay Health Workers Compensation and Incentives Bill, if passed into law, will entitle BHWs to a monthly honorarium of PhP3,000. They will also be entitled to other allowances, benefits and privileges and security of tenure.

“Dapat gawing mandatory ang posisyon ng mga barangay health workers at ayusin ang kanilang mga benepisyo,” Go stressed.

The benefits and privileges enumerated in the bill include Christmas bonus, sick and vacation leaves, annual training and skills upgrading, Civil Service Eligibility, and legal indemnification.

BHWs will also be entitled to GSIS, PhilHealth and PAG-IBIG benefits.

The bill also retains the benefits and privileges of BHWs under Republic Act 7883 or “The Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of

1995,” such as free legal services and preferential access to loans.

The bill also states that BHWs will not be terminated except for cause provided under existing civil service rules and regulations and only after notice and hearing. BHWs found by the Civil Service Commission to be unjustly dismissed from work will be entitled to reinstatement without loss of benefits and their back wages.

The compensation for BHWs will be charged to the annual General Appropriations Act under the budget of the Department of Health or the respective barangays.

The bill also defines the role of BHWs. They will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of basic and primary healthcare services; implementation of family planning, feeding and nutrition, immunization programs, disaster response and mitigation, sanitation programs and anti-drug abuse rehabilitation and information campaigns; and establishment of national or local health management information systems.

They will also be tasked to assist other medical and healthcare providers.

Ardently fighting for the welfare of the country’s healthcare workers (HCWs), Go earlier authored and co-sponsored RA 11712 which provides mandatory continuing benefits and allowances to public and private healthcare workers and barangay health workers during a state of public health emergency.

Health and the World Wide Fund for Nature held 28 June 2022, the ACB shared opportunities for the ASEAN as a contribution to the global discussion on the biodiversity and health interface.

Historically, the region is no stranger to zoonotic outbreaks. In the 1990s, viral diseases such as the Ebola-Reston, Nipah virus, and the H5N1 influenza severely impacted domestic animals and humans. The SARS outbreak in 2003 caused a number of deaths in the ASEAN region.

In all these instances, wildlife species have been implicated to be the primary viral sources. But viruses usually do not simply jump from wildlife species to humans. As highlighted by evidence, disease emergence is caused by the increasing human-wildlife interactions, resulting in cases of direct transmission.

But while the richness of biodiversity – including the natural virus reservoirs – makes the region vulnerable to further zoonotic outbreaks, it also holds the solutions to preventing future pandemics.

Healthy biodiversity is a vital part of the solution: in developing vaccines and pharmaceuticals, which have turned the tide against fatal pandemics such as COVID-19; in ensuring wildlife populations safe in their natural habitats, thus minimising direct contact across species and spillover of potential diseases.

With the ASEAN’s critical history and experience with pandemics, biodiversity and health have become among the key focus areas at the national and regional levels.

Significant policy statements provide guidance for incorporating biodiversity in public health responses and regional development processes.

As early as 2003 during the SARS outbreak, the significance of a multi-disciplinary approach has been recognised. Two simple principles were observed that eventually contained the disease: detecting all cases and protecting those at risk

of infection from these cases.

Governments promoted the interface of animal-human health, joint surveillance, monitoring of wetlands and waterbirds, maintaining a safe distance between poultry farms and migratory bird watering areas, and facilitating stronger coordination across the countries to address wild bird and poultry smuggling.

As a potential pathway forward, the ACB is exploring how One Health, an integrated approach to addressing public health concerns which is hoped to open greater collaboration across sectors and stakeholders on human and environmental or ecosystem health.

The collaboration exemplified by experts, scientists, and governments in pushing back on the impacts of COVID-19 is evidence of the greater potential to break the chain. The adaptive measures put in place, as seen in the intensive efforts toward vaccine development and roll-out, have proven to contribute concretely to its management. However, nature-based solutions are proven to be valuable components of a broader longitudinal mitigation strategy to prevent future pandemics and outbreaks.

Biodiversity is an integral part of the solution. Internalising this and translating it into positive personal and institutional actions can only be done once a deeper understanding of the linkages between biodiversity and health has been achieved.

As a regional centre facilitating actions in biodiversity, we at the ACB continue to work with the ASEAN Member States and partners in broadening the space for collaborations that not only address biodiversity loss but engage key sectors such as health as well.

We hope that with a renewed understanding of the importance of protecting biodiversity in breaking the zoonoses chain, we can better prepare ourselves to build a healthier tomorrow, both for people and nature.

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VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 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

Merging nature and finance is crucial to meet biodiversity targets LAGUNA -- The finalisation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework is fast approaching, but for these ambitious yet realistic targets to materialise and be fully implemented in the next 10 to 30 years, massive support and commitment, most especially in the aspect of sustainable financing, are imperative. Earlier this year, the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative underlined the importance of the “alignment of financial flows” and the pivotal role of private finance in bridging the calculated USD4.1 trillion gap.

Speaking at the Ethical Finance ASEAN 2022 Summit fireside chat on Financing Nature and Biodiversity last week, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) Executive Director Dr Theresa Mundita Lim emphasised the significance of the “whole-of-society” approach in addressing biodiversity loss, particularly the need to mobilise support from various stakeholders and sectors.

“The ACB believes that biodiversity is everyone’s business, thus we endeavour to forge partnerships and cooperation to scale up mainstreaming biodiversity, particularly in the business and finance sector,” said Dr Lim. She added that the rate of biodiversity loss in the ASEAN and in the rest of the world has been identified as among the major risks to the global economy and that the “business-as-usual” approach could affect food security, particularly in income-poor countries, who, ironically are the most dependent on bio-

diversity as natural assets.

The Ethical Finance ASEAN Summit 2022 was a virtual event co-hosted by the Global Ethical Finance Initiative (GEFI) and the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB), which gathered experts on sustainable and responsible finance in and around the ASEAN to discuss the various megatrends in the region, including climate change and biodiversity loss that affect the regional economy.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman of the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB), recognised the financial sector’s “enormous influence on the outcome of climate action” and urged the accelerated pace of adoption of responsible banking practices in the region.

“Nature loss and biodiversity risks represent a financial risk because everything is largely linked with nature––from harvesting or extraction to processing, to the end of the supply chain,” said Dr Lim. “Recognising this dependency, it is high time to put nature and biodiversity at the core of our sectoral development and business planning and consider nature as an integral part of managing business risks and strengthening accountabilities.”

Engaging all sectors in conservation

As a region rich in biodiversity, the ASEAN is poised to harness such resources as a nature-based solution. One of the nature-based solutions being taken up and promoted by the ACB is the expansion

Tourism Chief Frasco kicks off listening tours innities VisMin for tourism promotion and

From Page 12

cause this is where our tourist destinations are,” stressed the tourism chief.

To recall, Frasco announced that she will embark on “listening tours” to hear for herself the challenges and problems that besiege the various regions and tourism stakeholders. Additionally, through the conduct of the tour, the Secretary hopes to start the process of assessing the contemporary challenges in the tourism sector. Fund availability and utilization, tourism infrastructure and transportation were among the issues raised during the discussions with the regional offices.

Frasco has enjoined the consolidation and review of work and financial plans of the Department’s regional offices for the efficient utilization of the Department’s budget.

Pursuing her direction towards promoting better access to tourism destinations, Frasco also assessed the possibility of developing more air and seaports and additional routes to create more convenient connections for domestic and international visitors.

“I’m hopeful as well that you would be open to the innovations we wish to introduce to the Department, if only to fulfill our President’s vision to equalize opportu-

development across the Philippines.

On one hand, to maximize the potential of our already well-known tourist sites and, on the other hand, to further develop areas that have not necessarily been given equal attention”, the tourism chief enthused.

All officials who attended the meeting expressed their appreciation for the consultation process initiated by Frasco. “We are optimistic under this administration seeing that our Secretary is paying close attention to the concerns on the ground. We can feel that she is serious and sincere about improving tourism governance and continuing collaboration with the LGUs,” DOT-Region 10 Director Marie Elaine Unchuan added.

“We are ecstatic about this transition because we have a Secretary who listens. It is important for us to have a Secretary who supports and understands the issues faced by the regions,” said Director Tanya Virginia Rabat-Tan of DOT-Region 11.

Expressing hope that the DOT will be achieving more in terms of benefits for stakeholders, Director Karina Rose Tiopes of DOT-Region 8 stated, “With Secretary Frasco at the helm of the DOT, we are certain that the future is rosy for the tourism industry”.

of and effective management of protected areas and expanding the network of remarkable protected areas known as ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP).

However, the sustainable management of these critical areas has always been hindered by a considerable financing gap, according to Amiel Sarne, AHP Programme Coordinator of the ACB, who also joined the Summit’s fireside chat.

He lamented that despite existing financing mechanisms and increase in government financial support, the massive funding gap remains unabridged.

In 2020, the ASEAN Leaders adopted the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF)––the region’s guiding principle in resilience building in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and long-term economic recovery.

An integral component of the

ACRF is accelerating actions to mainstream biodiversity considerations into relevant national plans, sectors and cross-sectoral issues, such as climate change. The ACB, with its mandate to facilitate cooperation in mainstreaming biodiversity across pillars and sectors, has been working with the ASEAN Member States (AMS) and development partners in integrating biodiversity concerns into development processes, by engaging key sectors such as health, agriculture, tourism, education, in addition to the business and finance sector.

“Scaling up these ongoing mainstreaming efforts needs more cross-sectoral, cross-pillar collaboration,” said Sarne. “Establishing more dialogues among various stakeholders would gain more support for biodiversity, particularly in harmonising and operationalising policies on the ground.”

VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

11

The framework encourages the finance sector to rethink supply and value chains and ensure a workable balance between people, planet, and profit. Lim emphasised that an essential part of this paradigm shift is knowing and appreciating the worth of what we are protecting, or losing. “Given that nature underpins economic and business activities, the creation of a nature-positive economic sector that values the interlinkages of nature and ecosystem services is of utmost importance.”

Working on scaling up and broadening natural capital accounting is integral in the efforts to mainstream biodiversity considerations into development processes, most especially at this juncture when the ASEAN Member States are working together in operationalising the ACRF and the adoption of the post2020 global biodiversity framework. (ACB)

Frasco promises ‘inclusive’ tourism for Muslim Filipinos From Page 12

bumaba ang turismo diyan sa isang area at maayos naman, magkakaroon ng income opportunities ‘yung mga tao (If chances lost in tourism are regained, there will be more income opportunities),” she told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

“We’re very thankful na si (that) Sec. Frasco sinabi niya na (said) she will help Mindanao,” she added.

During the meeting, Frasco raised the need to develop more air and seaports, and additional routes to improve accessibility for all tourists.

Unchuan said her office submitted to Frasco a report listing the infrastructure development the region needed, including upgrading its airport to accommodate international flights.

Filipino Muslims participate in early morning prayers at the Blue Mosque in Maharlika Village, Taguig City. In celebratio of Eid-al Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.

(PNA photos by Avito Dalan)

“(The development of the airport) is actually under the Department of Transportation’s purview but of course, for us, we would like to encourage that because we also monitor the progress of the airport,”

Unchuan said. “It’s in our best interest in tourism na mas maayos ‘yung airport facility and siyempre maka-accommodate ng (that we have better airports to accommodate more) international flights.”

MPAs under the NIPAS framework; facilitation of capacity-building activities; and development of reporting mechanisms on marine vessel-related incidents, such as oil spills and ship grounding.

“Enforcement must be participatory, consultative, science-based, and sustainable. We will be committed. You can count on our sincerity and active involvement in putting this agreement to motion,” Abu said.

The partnership will also streamline joint activities and assistance during water quality monitoring; enforcement of wildlife laws;

and marine research expeditions within MPAs, West Philippine Sea, and the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve.

Joint marine protection activities, such as coastal and underwater cleanups and intensified communication, education and public awareness activities, will also be implemented.

To begin the partnership, Bernardino said the DENR-BMB will craft the operational plan anchored on the stipulations of the MOA to identify the short-term and longterm goals and activities and ensure the funding complementation between the two agencies.

DENR, PCG to boost protection of marine environment From Page 12

tions of the law. So there’s really a need to synergize protocols between the PCG and the BMB as well as collaborate to augment each other’s resources,” Bernardino said.

PCG Deputy Chief of Coastal Guard Staff for Marine Environmental Protection CG-9 Capt.

Lazaro Ernesto C. Valdez Jr. hoped that the MOA signing was just the beginning of a clearer and more cohesive cooperation with the DENR. The MOA establishes the exchange of technical expertise, information, and assistance on the demarcation and marker buoy installation of

The Observer

ARTS&TRAVEL .com

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VOLUME 1, NO. 11 MONDAY JULY 11, 2022

Tourism Chief Frasco kicks off listening tours in VisMin Encourages officials to reach out to LGUs, stakeholders

CEBU CITY -- Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, encouraged the DOT regional offices in the Visayas and Mindanao to continuously reach out to local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders to ensure the alignment of tourism development initiatives.

INSIDE

In the first leg of her listening tours as tourism chief, Secretary Frasco met with the top officials of DOT Region 6 (Western Visayas), Region 7 (Central Visayas), Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), Region 11 (Davao Region), Region 12 (SOCKSARGEN), and Region 13 (CARAGA) at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu.

“Moving forward, I would want for us, in the same way, that I am reaching out to you, to continuously reach out to our local government officials and local stake-

holders because I think that the model for that—which has been Cebu—has proven very successful that even throughout the pandemic, domestic tourism still flourished because DOT Region, the Provincial Government, local government officials, and private stakeholders were all aligned. And it is this alignment that we need across all regions that will spell the success of our endeavors in the Department,” said Secretary Frasco.

“The reality is that the success or failure of our industry rests in the success or failure of our regions beTurn to Page 11

DENR, PCG to boost protection of coastal and marine ecosystem

TOURISM Secretary Christina Frasco on Saturday vowed inclusive and sustainable tourism as the country’s Muslim community observes Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice).

Frasco earlier said she will help develop and promote Mindanao as a tourist destination.

On June 7, she met with DOT directors in Mindanao to discuss the challenges of the various regions and tourism stakeholders there.

“The Tourism that we foster is one of inclusivity, sustainability, and social responsibility,” she said in a statement. “As we move towards also highlighting lesser-known communities and parts of our beautiful country, our Muslim brothers and sisters can count on the Department to increase opportunities for progress and prosperity.”

Marie Elaine Unchuan, the DOT-Northern Mindanao chief who was part of the meeting, said they are glad that Frasco made the assurance to put the spotlight on the region.

“Talagang nakatutok ang lahat (The attention is there), not just us but a lot of agencies, in peace and order efforts and tourism development. Kasi alam naman natin na kapag

MANILA – In celebration of the World Ocean Day 2022, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)—through the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB)—has signed a landmark agreement with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to address gaps in protection and conservation of the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

With the theme “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean,” the World Ocean Day celebration was highlighted by the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed early this month led by DENR-BMB OIC Director Natividad Y. Bernardino and PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio M. Abu. “Working hand in hand with PCG will strengthen our capacity to protect our ocean and marine ecosystems moving forward. With alarming threats the ocean faces today, we need collective action to protect it as it ultimately sustains all of us,” DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna said in a statement on Monday.

The monumental partnership aims to harmonize the conservation and protection efforts between the DENR-BMB and PCG, particularly in deterring illegal activities within marine protected areas (MPAs) and maintaining the balance and ecological integrity of the country’s marine ecosystems.

“As a bureau supervising marine protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System or NIPAS, we have certain limitations in terms of enforcement and logistics. There are gaps in addressing marine-related incidences and viola-

Turn to Page 11

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‘Inclusive’ tourism for Muslim Filipinos” -- DOT Sec. Frasco

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

Merging nature and finance is crucial to meet biodiversity targets

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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