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The Observer.com #31 - JULY 31, 2022

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

Businessman Jose Bong Go welcomes review Acuzar named new housing czar 2 of the K-12 program 4 Education system should be responsive to post-pandemic scenario

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco

Php 25.00

“Incentivizing sustainable tourism practices”, -- DOT 11

Bongbong Marcos vision:

A digital Philippines

Story on Page 3

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. holds a cabinet meeting to tackle the 2023 budget. The education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors will receive the biggest funding for 2023, said Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Agrarian reform program must continue – Marcos

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Ex-OFWs self-sustaining café in Pangasinan 8 Iloilo City position as PH Bike Capital 6 ‘First 100-day Roadmap on Digitalization’ 2

OPS, Trixie Angeles FB page 2

Hope to Davao de Oro banana plantation 5

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VOLUME 1, NO. 31 SUNDAY JULY 31, 2022

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles

OPS, Trixie Angeles FB page

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

PRESS Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles urged netizens to follow her official Facebook page to get updates on the daily activities of the state departments and offices under the Executive branch.

“Please like and follow [my official Facebook page],” Cruz-Angeles posted on her personal Facebook account Friday.

Netizens, under the “Review” section of the Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles Facebook page, lauded the Palace official for being a “great” and “reliable” source of public information. “[Cruz-Angeles is] very reliable, articulate person and always willing to teach and share her knowledge in all her expertise,” netizen Jennifer L Kondo said.

Cruz-Angeles’ office, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), also has a separate Facebook page that has 2.7 million followers to date.

Updates about the activities of government departments and offices under the Executive branch are shared on the Facebook pages of Cruz-Angeles and OPS, the former Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Under Executive Order (EO) 2 inked by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. June 30, the OPS is mandated to “pronounce, on behalf of the President, matters pertaining to his actions, policies, programs, official activities, and accomplishments.”

EO 2 also designates the OPS to develop and implement necessary guidelines and mechanisms pertaining to the delivery and dissemination of information on policies, programs, official activities, and achievements of the President and the Executive branch.

It is likewise tasked to coordinate the crafting and development of the messaging system under the Office President and the Executive branch, as well as to supervise its attached agencies and government-owned-or-controlled-corporations for purposes of further strengthening the system of information delivery to the public.

The OPS’s attached agencies include the APO Production Unit, Bureau of Broadcast Services, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, National Printing Office, News and Information Bureau, and People’s Television Network.

The OPS must likewise establish and maintain rapport with private media and other similar entities and stakeholders, according to EO 2. (PNA)

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Agrarian reform program must continue – Pres. Marcos Jr. QUEZON CITY -- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has vowed to continue the implementation of the agrarian reform program during his term as he delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), on Monday, July 25.

“Agrarian reform is not only about acquisition but also about support services and distribution,” Marcos Jr. said Marcos Jr. announced that he will issue an Executive Order (EO) to impose a one-year moratorium on the payment of land amortization and interest payments by agrarian reform beneficiaries.

“A moratorium will give the farmers the ability to channel their resources in developing their farms, maximizing their capacity to produce and propel the growth of our economy,” Marcos Jr. said.

He urged Congress to pass a law to amend Section 26 of Republic Act No. 6657 to free the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from their debts where loans of ARBs with unpaid amortization and interest will be condoned.

“The purpose of this law is to erase the unpaid debts of our farmers who are beneficiaries of the

Bicol farmers to benefit from loan condonation plan LEGAZPI CITY – At least 72,288 farmers in the Bicol region will benefit from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to provide debt relief to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) by condoning payments on loans and providing a one-year moratorium on the payment of amortization.

Gerard Buensalida, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) spokesperson, said he expects more ARBs to avail of the loan condonation.

“Since our agency’s program in land distributions is continuously being conducted, we are expecting also an increase in the number of ARBs who will avail of the loan condonation,” Buensalida said.

Rodrigo Realubit, DAR 5 (Bicol) director, said in a statement on Friday that the plan is expected to boost farm productivity and the agricultural output of farmers.

“It’s a much welcome strategic move by the President. It will provide much-needed relief to our ARBs, as they can invest the freed funds in capital production,” Realubit said. “If the ultimate solution is provided by Congress in the form of a moratorium or a condonation, as indicated by the President, and involving billions of pesos, these funds may be used to stimulate rural agricultural dynamics in remote areas.” -- Connie Calipay

agrarian reform,” he added.

Marcos Jr. also promised the ARBs who are still to receive their awarded lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) will no longer have to pay any amortization for their lands.

He said the proposed condonation will cover a total amount of P58.125 billion that would benefit 654,000 ARBs involving a total of 1.18 million hectares of awarded lands.

On Executive Order No. 75, Series of 2019, where all government agencies, agencies, bureaus, departments, and instrumentalities are required to turn over agricultural lands to qualified ARBs, Marcos Jr. said that at present, there are a total of 52,000 hectares of unused agricultural lands of the government which can be distributed in accordance with Section 14 of RA 6657 as amended.

He said that priorities for dis-

tribution will be landless war veterans, landless surviving spouses or orphans of war veterans, landless retirees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police.

“Agricultural lands acquired under this program will be given to graduates of college degrees in agriculture who are landless,” Marcos Jr. said.

He added that the country needs a new breed of farmers equipped with modern agricultural technology that is able to engage in sustained scientific farming to increase farm yields and are resilient in the face of climate change. (DAR)

‘First 100-day Roadmap on Digitalization’

DBM’s way forward

MANILA -- Following the eightpoint socioeconomic agenda of the Marcos administration, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), under the leadership of Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, shall spearhead the ‘First 100-day Roadmap on Digitalization’ which aims to enhance bureaucratic efficiency and ensure sound fiscal management.

“Digitalization is our way forward. Like what President Marcos said, it is the 4th industrial revolution. We are entering an age of rapid technological advancement. And so we have to adapt,” DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Bongbong Marcos highlighted the importance of digitalization in public service.

“As the world moves into rapid digitalization, the digital divide will become more pronounced. The depth and breadth at which these technologies will be transformative in our lives is fully expected”, President Marcos expressed.

The First 100-Day Roadmap will explore the capabilities of cloud infrastructure and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for real-time processing of government service, as well as blockchain technology for decentralized transparency.

One of the highlights of the

DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman

roadmap is the improvement and enhancement of the existing Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS) which will significantly improve the cash management of our country’s treasury, and will allow greater financial management, improve data governance, and enhance oversight control.

An integral part of the GIFMIS is the Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS) which will be developed by the DBM, together with the Department of Finance, and the Commission on Audit.

BTMS will be a centralized database to facilitate the generation of vital information on all aspects of government financial transactions.

Through the platform, all transactions are mapped real-time from purchase to payment. (DBM)

Businessman Jose Acuzar named new housing czar

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Filipino entrepreneur Jose “Jerry” Acuzar as the new head of the Department of Housing Settlements and Urban Deve­ lopment (DHSUD).

The DHSUD is designated as the primary national government entity that is responsible for the management of housing, human settlement and urban development.

The DHSUD is also mandated as the “sole and main planning and policy-making regulatory, program coordination, performance monitoring entity for all housing, human settlement, and urban development concerns, primarily focusing on the access to and the affordability of basic human needs.”

Acuzar’s appointment came after Marcos, during his first State of the Nation Address delivered Monday, directed the DHSUD to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to improve the implementation of the government’s Emergency Shelter Assistance Program for calamity victims.

Acuzar was involved in several infrastructure projects in the country.

He started as a draftsman at Tondo Foreshore Redevelopment Project in 1975 and became a contractor in the 1980s before establishing New San Jose Builders Inc. (NSJBI).

NSJBI is behind the construction of several condominiums such as Victoria Towers in Quezon City and The Fort Victoria in Bonifacio Global City.

Acuzar, who hails from Balanga, Bataan, owns the heritage town Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in the province’s Bagac town. (PNA)

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ANG PANGARAP NYO, AY PANGARAP KO...

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Bongbong Marcos vision: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. “With these programs, the DICT hopes to bring up the country’s economy, make its citizens digitally competitive globally, and fulfill the president’s marching order”

Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy

A digital Philippines

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

MANILA – The pandemic has highlighted the vital role of digital ecosystems in the efficient delivery of services as demand for connectivity rises.

Many brick-and-mortar stores and offices that failed to adapt to the digital world struggled, or even shuttered during the pandemic, while those that turned online found themselves viable, and others, thrived.

Under the leadership of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy, the DICT has promised to provide Filipinos with the digital tools to help the economy recover and make the Philippines “more competitive”.

“We see that there are so many things that are in store for us in this current administration. Our digitalization efforts will be pushing through with more vitality, with more energy, and we have a president who is digitally in-tuned with what is really needed in terms of information and communication technology to make the country really move forward,” Uy said.

He said

the marching order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to the DICT is this: “We need to digitalize the Philippines.”

How is this going to be done?

The DICT is eyeing to work with legislators to address bureaucracy in the government.

“Many of our rules on procurement, civil service, are very restrictive and medieval, if I may be allowed to say so. We need to work with our legislators to introduce amendments in order to free up and make our bureaucracy more conducive to technology-enabled governance and to a technology-enabled economy,” Uy said.

He also emphasized the need for a budget that would allow the implementation of the DICT’s plans and the construction of necessary infrastructures.

“Hopefully our legislators will give us the money so we can implement all these digital infrastructures that need to be set up all across the country,” he said.

With these programs, the DICT hopes to bring up the country’s economy, make its citizens digitally competitive globally, and fulfill the president’s marching order.

“I intend to fulfill that mission until the end of his term. And when the time comes, I would like to tell the president; ‘sir, mission accomplished,’” Uy said.

Digitalization and e-governance With the increased demand for online availability of government services during the pandemic, the DICT will push for the digitalization, harmonization and standardization of data among government agencies to enhance public service.

“My objective is you fill up once with the government, and all of that information is now collected. If the DFA needs that, we throw the data there. You don’t need to fill up quadruplicate forms again there.

And then we will just verify your identification through the National ID System,” Uy said, referring to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) rolled out in 2019.

The DICT is also pushing for a shift into an online payment system with government transactions to avoid corruption.

“I’m sure a lot of people won’t be happy with that, but that really has to be done in order to minimize opportunities for corruption. Especially by stopping handling cash,” he said.

Connecting remote communities The DICT is prioritizing the connectivity of remote communities, areas that have been neglected by commercial internet service providers (ISP) due to the challenges of their location and have minimal, if not negative, profit margins.

As a short-term solution, the “Free WiFi For All” program that began in the previous administration will continue its rollout throughout the country.

“We intend to, at least initially, light up many areas where equipment has already been deployed.

Except that the missing parts are in either the last miles or in the middle

mile that will provide the connectivity,” he said.

In these areas, he said the expected entry of Starlink -- a satellite-based ISP under Elon Musk’s SpaceX -- would provide highspeed internet in geographically isolated areas through the use of low-orbit satellites.

For a cost of around USD500 (about PHP28,000) for a satellite dish and a monthly cost of around USD100 to USD200, Starlink is expected to provide up to 200 Megabits per second (Mbps) of low-latency internet service.

“These things do not need to be in individual homes, they can be shared by the community. I think that is strategic,” he said.

Starlink is seen to begin a gradual rollout of its service across the country by the last quarter of 2022 after it expressed its desire to have the Philippines be its first site in Southeast Asia.

“We are doing everything we can to roll out the red carpet and help them make it a reality. We’re hoping very soon. We’re not clear yet on the dates but I’m hoping it will be less than one year,” he said.

Online shop for MSMEs While digital transformation has become almost a necessity for businesses, its cost and knowledge are out-of-reach to some, especially to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In response, the DICT is eyeing the creation of an online shopping platform, similar to other online shops like Lazada or Shopee, that would provide a complete e-commerce ecosystem -- from sourcing of raw materials, and marketing, to an e-payment system.

“They don’t need to design or develop their own website, hire a systems integrator or hire programmers. They wouldn’t know who to hire. And if they talk to the big ones, the big ones will not bother with them. Because these are MSMEs, they cannot afford the big ones. So, the government has to come in,” he said.

The platform would be run by the DICT in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry and would aim to help businesses “seamlessly” transform into the e-commerce world.

Instead of having to design and develop their own websites to expand their businesses online, he said the government would design the platform and the MSMEs would simply need to “register and be onboard.” “[It will] assist them to transform their businesses and introduce them to the e-commerce world seamlessly. Kasi ‘yan ang challenge

nila (Because that’s the challenge for them). Where the heck are they going to hire web designers?” he said.

The project is to address the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that shuttered numerous businesses while others who adapted online thrived, he said.

“They haven’t been able to shift their business into the e-commerce platform because of challenges. We’re here, and we’ll solve those challenges for them and make it easier for them to do,” Uy said.

National Broadband Plan With most of the government still relying on data centers and internet services owned and operated by the private sector, the DICT will continue the National Broadband Plan (NBP) to provide the government with its own “digital backbone” not only to improve its service but security as well.

“We don’t need to do it in ‘islands’ of IT (information technology) kingdoms or do it on their own because especially in the area of cybersecurity, might as well have a big agency to handle the entire cybersecurity infrastructure,” he said.

Having a single digital backbone for the entire Philippine government would also allow the hiring of “world-class” cyber-security experts.

“You cannot afford that in each department. But if it’s the government as a whole, then we can provide a more robust and more worldclass system,” he said.

Cybercrime and digital literacy With much of the world shifting online, the government has to continue enforcing the law and ensuring the safety of Filipinos in cyberspace.

The DICT, through the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, will work with other law enforcement bodies -- both in the Philippines and in other countries -to catch cybercriminals, especially those engaged in child exploitation.

“Child porn is actually an international crime so it cuts across all the countries. So, all the countries must cooperate in order to remove this menace,” he said.

In addition, the DICT will work with the Department of Education to enhance the country’s digital workforce, digital awareness, and digital literacy, especially among the youth.

“The youth will learn that as part of their language is literacy in the digital world. How to protect themselves from these cyber criminals, cyber fraudsters, and address many of the concerns that come with technology,” he said. (PNA)

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VOLUME 1, NO. 31 SUNDAY JULY 31, 2022

Sen. Bong Go on first confirmed case of Monkepox WITH the first confirmed monkeypox case in the Philippines, I call upon our health authorities to intensify further our awareness, detection, disease surveillance and containment efforts.

I also intend to file a Senate resolution and ask DOH and other relevant authorities to identify specific strategies and measures to ensure the capability of our healthcare system. We have learned a lot from the COVID-19 pandemic and we hope that, guided by good science, we know better how to handle monkeypox this time.

Apela ko naman sa ating mga kababayan, sundin pa rin natin ang mga minimum health protocols, katulad ng pagsusuot ng mask, especially in enclosed spaces, at social distancing.

Palaging sundin ang mga patakaran ng gobyerno. Para naman po ito sa lahat. Apektado tayo ‘pag bumagsak ang ating healthcare system, babagsak din ang ekonomiya.

Nakita naman natin sa kasalukuyang pandemya kung paano nakakatulong nang malaki ang ating kooperasyon at pagkakaisa, at inaasahan ko na ipagpapatuloy natin ito upang harapin ang panibagong hamon naman sa ating katatagan bilang mga Pilipino.

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Bong Go welcomes review of the K-12 program PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has welcomed the proposal to review the current K–12 program being implemented by the Department of Education, noting that it has both benefits and drawbacks.

“I welcome any review sa existing K-12 program. Tingnan natin nang mabuti. Alam n’yo, marami ang disadvantages, mayroon ding advantages nitong K-12 lalo na ngayon, nagbago na ang takbo dahil sa pandemya,” said Go in an ambush interview after providing assistance to indigent residents of Davao City.

The senator continued by say-

ing that the country must adjust to the new normal and that the education system must be capable of meeting the demands of the post-pandemic global economy.

“Ibig kong sabihin, makibagay lang tayo sa bagong sistema sa ating edukasyon, sa makabagong panahon sa new normal,” he said.

“Tingnan nang mabuti, i-review natin nang maayos kung makakatulong pa rin ito sa K-12 lalo na ngayon dalawang taon po medyo na-behind (ang mga estudyante),” he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has already given instructions to review the program according to

Vice President and secretary of the DepEd Sara Duterte.

The Commission on Higher Education has also previously stated that it is interested in reviewing the effectiveness of the program, saying that data is already available for evaluation.

Go has long been advocating for the improvement of the country’s education system. He co-authored the bill which became Republic Act 11510 which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System and improves the delivery of basic education to the underserved and disadvantaged.

The law provides the support

LGUs urged to expedite deployment of vaccines

lacking for typically underrepresented students, such as indigenous students, students from less privileged backgrounds, and students with physical and learning disabilities.

During his visits to communities in crisis, Go has also been distributing phablets to students in order to assist them in the blended learning program implemented in schools.

DOH issues guidelines for nationwide rollout of second booster shots

SENATOR and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Christopher “Bong” Go has urged the national government and local government units to expedite the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines especially in far flung areas as the Department of Health issued the guidelines for the nationwide rollout of second booster shots for qualified adults.

“Bilisan natin ang ating vaccine rollout at siguraduhing walang masasayang na bakuna. Paigtingin at pabilisin natin lalo ang pagbabakuna upang magtuluy-tuloy na ang

ating pagbangon mula sa pandemya,” said Go. “Dapat kahit saang sulok ng Pilipinas ay makakatanggap ng bakuna. Sisiguraduhin nating walang maiiwan tungo sa ating muling pagbangon,” he added.

Guidelines for the nationwide deployment of the second booster shots for those 50 years of age and older and individuals with comorbidities between the ages of 18 and 49 have been issued by the DOH through the National COVID-19 Vaccination Operations Center.

Those eligible should promptly

check the announcements of their respective local government units or private sector vaccination sites for the deployment plans. They are also asked to prepare valid IDs and vaccination cards.

Orientations for LGUs and vaccination facilities are already planned as part of the preparation for the administration of second booster doses to the aforementioned groups.

The approval for a national

makes his long-running clamor for the establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience even more relevant.

“Once established, we will have a Cabinet secretary-level department whose primary tasks are not limited to extending immediate assistance but also making sure the rapid recovery and rehabilitation of affected communities,” said Go. “‘Immediate return to normalcy’ ang isa sa pinakamahalagang magiging mandato ng itatatag na DDR,” he added.

Go has reintroduced in the 19th Congress Senate Bill No. 188 to establish the DDR. The said measure seeks to create a highly specialized agency that will be tasked with ensuring adaptive, disaster-resilient and safe communities.

The DDR will bring together all essential functions and mandates currently scattered among various disaster-related agencies.

To support the DDR’s functions and responsibilities, the measure also provides for the creation of an Integrated Disaster Resilience Information System which will serve as a database of all relevant disaster risk reduction and climate change information.

Moreover, the bill provides

for the establishment of a Humanitarian Assistance Action Center, a one-stop shop for the processing and release of goods, equipment and services, in order to guarantee the timely delivery of assistance to disaster-stricken areas.

It likewise provides for remedial measures for areas under a state of calamity, such as the imposition of price ceiling on basic necessities and prime commodities, programming or reprogramming of funds for the repair of public infrastructures, and grant of no-interest loans by lending institutions to vulnerable groups or individuals.

Finally, the measure establish-

es the National Disaster Operations Center and Alternative Command and Control Centers to monitor, manage and respond to disasters.

There will also be a Disaster Resilience Research and Training Institute which will offer training, and collect, manage and share information to improve the country’s resilience.

Following the Abra earthquake, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, during the Senate regular session on Wednesday, delivered a manifestation asking the Senate to urge President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to certify as urgent the measures creating the DDR.

Bong Go renews call for immediate passage of DDR bill after earthquake hits Northern Luzon PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience to ensure quicker response and more proactive and holistic approach in preparing for calamities and other natural disasters. This, following the earthquake that struck Northern Luzon, particularly Abra province, and was felt in Metro Manila and other areas.

“First things first, dalangin ko na sana ay walang masyadong nasaktan sa malakas na lindol kaninang umaga,” said Go in a statement.

“Tiwala ako na laging handa ang ating pamahalaan para matulungang makabangon kaagad ang mga kababayan natin. Handa rin akong tumulong sa kahit anong kapasidad sa ating mga apektadong kababayan,” he added.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology initially measured the quake as a magnitude 7.3 quake but the later revised it to 7.0.

The epicenter was about 3 kilometers northwest of the Municipality of Tayum in Abra province, and was also felt in nearby areas and various parts of Luzon.

The event, according to Go,

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

rollout was timed to coincide with the DOH’s nationwide PinasLakas booster campaign. Schools, malls, plazas and places of worship will be transformed into vaccination clinics as part of the PinasLakas initiative so that Filipinos can receive the potentially life-saving immunizations.

The DOH also urged the public to contact their LGUs about the government’s house-to-house immunization programs.

“As vaccine immunity wanes over time, we are dedicated to helping our people remain protected against COVID-19. We are making it easier for as many of our people to avail of the primary series and boosters - including second boosters,” the DOH stated.

Meanwhile, Go once again asked the authorities to explore the possibility of providing incentives for fully vaccinated individuals in order to encourage others to overcome their hesitations.

“Pag-aralan rin po dapat nang mabuti ang pagbibigay ng iba pang insentibo sa mga bakunado o magpapabakuna,” he said.

“Para rin po ma-engganyo at tumaas ang vaccine confidence.

Yung mga pribadong sektor, may sarili ring mga inisyatibo tulad ng pagbibigay ng discounts. Welcome po ang lahat ng ito,” he added.

Although vaccinations are not required, the senator pointed out that they are still among the most effective ways to ward off the severe symptoms of the virus.

“Pinag-aralan po ito ng mga eksperto at napatunayan naman po na ang bakuna po talaga ang tanging susi at solusyon upang makabalik po tayo sa normal na pamumuhay,” expressed Go. “Nakikiusap po ako na magtiwala po kayo sa bakuna. Marami na pong Pilipino ang nabakunahan pero may iilan pa rin po sa nag-aalangan na magpabakuna. Kaya palakasin pa po natin lalo ang ating vaccination efforts sa inyong komunidad,” he continued.

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DILG chief welcomes 100 ASG surrenderers

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Saturday welcomed some 100 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderers in Sulu.

The surrender of the 100 ASG members was facilitated by the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) headed

by Maj. Gen. Patrick Villacorte.

Villacorte presented the 100 ASG surrenderers to Abalos in a ceremony at Sumadja Hall, Capitol Site, Patikul, Sulu.

Abalos was happy to note that the 100 ASG members decided to surrender to live peaceful lives noting the hardships they experienced in the mountains and continuously being pursued by government troops.

“From the bottom of our

NCR under Alert Level 1; more areas de-escalated MANILA – More areas have been de-escalated to Alert Level 1 while the National Capital Region stays in the same classification.

The Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday the alert level status will be effective August 1 to 15.

The additional areas eased to Alert Level 1 are: - Barbaza, Antique - Bato, Leyte - Tabontabon, Leyte - Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay - Braulio E. Dujali, Davao Del Norte - Maitum, Sarangani - Pilar, Surigao Del Norte - Calanogas, Lanao del Sur - Marogong, Lanao del Sur - Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur The DOH said these areas maintained their case classification and total bed utilization rates at “low risk” and have reached or neared the vaccination thresholds for the target population and target A2 (senior citizens) priority group.

Apart from Metro Manila, the following remain under Alert Level 1: Abra, Apayao, Baguio City Kalinga, Mountain Province, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, Santiago City, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena City, Rizal, Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Naga City, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo Province, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Siquijor, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Ormoc City, Southern Leyte, Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Iligan City, Camiguin, Davao City, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, General Santos City, Surigao del Sur, Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, Agusan Del Sur, and Cotabato City.

--Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

hearts, welcome to the government and we’ll make sure that our children will have a better and brighter tomorrow,” Abalos said during the ceremony.

Abalos promised to facilitate and help realize the wishes of the ASG surrenderers to bring development and progress to the province of Sulu.

The surrenderers also turned over several high-powered firearms, which Abalos inspected during the ceremony.

Maj. Gen. Eden Ugale, officer-in-charge of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, administered the oath of allegiance of the ASG surrenderers.

Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, PNP officer-in-charge, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and other top police, military, and government officials witnessed the surrender ceremony of the 100 ASG members.

(PNA)

ASG SURRENDERERS. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (center) on Saturday (July 30, 2022) welcomes the surrender of 100 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Sulu. The surrender of the ASG members was facilitated by the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force. (Photo: Area Police Command-Western Mindanao)

Non-combative ELCAC campaign succeeds in Bukidnon

By Nef Luczon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) on Saturday confirmed that the non-combative aspect of the anti-communist insurgency campaign has yielded positive results in Bukidnon.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, commander of the 8IB, said the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TFELCAC) has led to the surrender of combatants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) in the province and the discovery of their hideouts and arms cache.

“We thanked these former rebels who voluntarily submitted themselves to the folds of law and tips off on the location of an arms cache which greatly supports on our campaign on ELCAC,” he said.

Bacus cited as an example the four former rebels who surrendered on July 19 in the 8IB headquarters in Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon.

The former rebels were identified as Jerry Aguaron who surrendered one M16 rifle; and Tata Linawan Almahan, Nichole Nanolan Almahan, and Jun-Jun Lucdayan; who turned over five improvised explosive devices, 15 M203 grenade launcher live ammos, and a hand grenade.

The former rebels said the CPP-NPA has greatly suffered from the massive Focus Military Operations of the Army unit within the area, bringing hunger and exhaustion among its members and forcing them to surrender.

Bacus said the Community Support Program of the government has also further propelled the former communists to take part in government causes.

The surrenderers were processed for their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program in preparation for their reintegration to the community.

Meanwhile, another 15 former rebels were also made to join a 45day Infantry Orientation Course

(INFOC) at the 4th Division Training School (4DTS) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, last July 25.

They were joined by 48 members of indigenous peoples groups who formed part of the 281 new soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division.

4DTS Commandant, Lt. Col. Edgardo Talaroc Jr., said the INFOC was the specialization phase that came after they finished their four-month rigorous Basic Military Training on May 23, 2022.

4ID Commander, MGen. Wilbur Mamawag, hoped their accomplishments would be a reminder to always find courage and discipline in doing what is right and fair.

“Not only for yourself and your families, but for the entire Philippine Army. But know that this is just the start of your challenging military career. I wish you luck in your chosen path,” he said.

Meanwhile, 25 of the new soldiers have also finished taking part in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of the Department of Education. (PNA)

US studying possible monoclonal antibody coronavirus treatment WASHINGTON – A team of researchers at a United States university has discovered a potential universal monoclonal antibody treatment that could work for the coronavirus and all of its variants.

The finding published July 21 comes as the world continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 6.3 million people.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham said the treatment also “shows effectiveness against the deadly previous coronaviruses SARSCoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus) that emerged in China in 2002, and MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus) that appeared in Saudi

Arabia in 2012,” as well as common cold coronaviruses.

“SARS-CoV-2 has caused the most infections and deaths worldwide. New variants pose the risk of evading the immune system -- even in vaccinated and previously infected individuals -- and there remains the potential for other genetically distinct coronaviruses to emerge as new pandemic strains in the future,” study co-author James Kobie said in a statement.

“For these reasons, finding new therapeutic and prophylactic drugs and vaccine strategies that have universal activity against the coronavirus is essential for protecting humanity against the current and future beta-coronavirus outbreaks or pandemics,” he added.

He was referring to Covid-19 by its technical name.

The team screened plasma from patients who have recovered from a Covid-19 infection and identified a “top performer” antibody that the university said neutralized activity in the original Covid-19 strain from Wuhan, China, as well as its variants Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Omicron.

The “top performer,” known as 1249A8 hmAb, “showed synergism when used in combination with” another discovered antibody known as 1213H7 during testing on rodents.

The treatment is administered via the nose and researchers found the cocktail has “broad therapeutic activity in hamsters” infected with Covid-19. It has yet to be tested in humans. (Anadolu)

PFF begins building new office in Cavite

CARMONA, Cavite – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has begun the construction of its new headquarters here -- a five-story office building with state-of-the-art facilities that would help in the advancement of the federation’s functions.

PFF president Nonong Araneta, secretary general Ed Gastanes, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officer-in-charge Guillermo Iroy, and officials of international body FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC), graced the groundbreaking ceremonies along Sugar Road.

“I’m just happy that having a new headquarters is becoming a reality for Philippine football,” Araneta said in an interview. “We need a new headquarters for developing the popularity of the sport in this country.”

He revealed that the AFC granted the PFF USD800,000 for buying the lot while FIFA is taking care of the finances for building the office.

A fitness and rehabilitation gym will be included in the new PFF office.

While the new PFF building will be far from the metropolis compared to the federation’s current office in Pasig City, near the PSC, Araneta said it is high time for a new “House of Football”.

“You’ve seen our headquarters in Pasig, which is not very conducive. The organization is growing and expanding so we need a new place,” he said. “Doon sa PFF ngayon, siksikan na (It’s crowded in our current office). Now, we have enough space for our employees.”

The new PFF headquarters is expected to be completed by 2023, in time for the country’s stint in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The new PFF office is directly accessible to the PFF National Training Centre (NTC) as they share the same main road.

The Sugar Road Gate of the San Lazaro Leisure Park, where the NTC is located, is closed for now as part of Covid-19 protocols. --Ivan Stewart Saldajeno

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VOLUME 1, NO. 31 SUNDAY JULY 31, 2022

PROVINCIAL

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Ex-rebels in Northern Samar get cash aid, assistance

By Sarwell Meniano

BIKE FESTIVAL. Around 800 cyclists join the Iloilo City Bike Tour-Grand Fun Ride, one of activities during the Iloilo Bike Festival 2022 on Sunday (July 31, 2022).

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the city has positioned itself as the Bike Capital of the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of Arnold Almacen/City Mayor’s Office)

Iloilo City cements position as PH Bike Capital

ILOILO CITY – Iloilo City has positioned itself as the Bike Capital of the Philippines that was officially launched on the last day of the three-day Iloilo Bike Festival 2022 on Sunday.

“Our city is really trying to do its best to promote Iloilo as the Bike Capital of the Philippines. Our city is trying its best to improve our bike lanes that were established at the time of Senator Franklin (Drilon) and improved further,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, in his regular press conference on Monday.

He said the local government will continue to work with the biking community in the city to improve the bike lanes and add more protective bike lanes.

The bike lane that was named as Iloilo City Network covers 11 kilometers of paved road but the city continues to look for areas where it can be extended, the mayor said.

He said the city government will also look into providing protection for the bike lanes while it continues to implement the no parking zone by virtue of an ordinance to free the dedicated lane from other types of vehicles.

Treñas said the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) has allocated PHP10 million to the city to help in the promotions.

TPB Chief Operating Officer

Lawyer Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones, who was represented

by TPB Acting Head for Marketing and Events Division Eloisa Romero during the launching, said their support to the bike tourism is their response to the sentiments of tourists who are “longing for more outdoor activities” that allow them to “rediscover the iconic sites of the place and in-between stops and or at end of the ride be able to experience and taste gastronomic flavors unique to our communities”.

The event, she added, is also aligned with their advocacy on responsible tourism since biking helps bring down carbon footprints.

“We commend your efforts to also support your creative villages and artists by tapping them to create murals that make the bike pathways a site to behold,” she said.

The tourism department, represented by its Western Visayas regional director Cristine Mansinares, said they are certain that biking will “bring in more investments and inspire more destinations”.

“This will also allow the expansion of economic and livelihood opportunities of local government units across the Western Visayas and harness the potential of the tourism sector as an engine for sustainable growth,” Mansinares added. -- Perla Lena

Families evacuated due to floods in Antique return home SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Some 57 families who were preemptively evacuated due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Depression Ester in the province of Antique have returned home with the weather now improving.

Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Broderick Train said in an interview Sunday said the families comprise 198 people who were evacuated due to floods in the three towns of Sibalom, San Jose de Buenavista and Hamtic.

“The families have started to leave the evacuation centers this morning, July 31,” he said.

The PDRRMO together with the Antique Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) reported a total of 855 families affected by floods composed of 2,907 persons in the three towns.

Of the total number, only 57 families transferred to schools in their localities that served as evacuation centers, while 86 families composed of 303 persons opted to stay with their relatives in other areas.

The remaining number of families stayed in their homes despite the rising floodwater.

Train said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was quick to distribute family food packs to the affected households.

Ma. Dominga Zarragoza, a social worker at the Sibalom Municipal SWD, said in a separate interview that there were nine families who stayed at the Odiong Elementary School in Barangay Odiong because of the flood.

“There were also some families who only temporarily stayed with their relatives,” she said.

Zarragoza said Barangays Odiong and Catungan 1, 2, 3 and 4 were affected by the flood.

TACLOBAN CITY – The local government of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar and the Philippine Army have extended assistance to 10 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to encourage more rebels to surrender.

1st Lt. Benigno Lopez, spokesperson of the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion, said series of needed services have been provided to former rebels who surrendered on July 20.

“Besides the provision of immediate assistance, the municipal task force to end local communist armed conflict members decided to help in fulfilling the wishes of the surrenderers to be able to legally marry and for their children to get legal identities,” Lopez said in a phone interview.

Lopez said Lope de Vega town Mayor Bobby Saludario handed over on July 30 at least PHP5,000 cash to each former rebel to help them rebuild their lives that was shattered by years of armed struggle.

Other services extended include mass wedding for four couples and christening of three children of ex-rebels.

The former rebels (not their real names) who yielded to authorities were Bravo, Cali, Jack, Toya, Maan, Alyana, Kardo, Sarimao, Orlan, and Pos-ok.

They also turned over a caliber 5.56 M16A1 rifle, one M1-Garand rifle, four .45-caliber pistols, one .22- caliber handgun, and one .38-caliber revolver.

Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo, commander of the Army’s 80rd In-

LEAVING NPA. The 10 former rebels who recently surrendered to government forces in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar province. The Philippine Army said all of them received immediate assistance and services from the government.

(Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

fantry Brigade, lauded the efforts of soldiers and policemen for the successful surrender of the rebels.

“I encourage the remaining NPA members to abandon their armed struggle and avail of the services prepared by the government for them to live peacefully with their loved ones. The provincial and municipal task forces here in Northern Samar have prepared benefits to those who will surrender,” Peñaredondo said in a statement.

Under the local social integration program and enhanced comprehensive integration program, former rebels or their qualified beneficiaries will get benefits ranging from guaranteed safety and security, financial assistance such as PHP50,000 subsistence allowance, PHP21,000 for food expenses while

in custody of the receiving unit, and PHP15,000 for travel and mobilization expenses; and corresponding compensation for surrendered firearms.

They will receive these aid after completing the validation process, Lopez said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973. (PNA)

Submarine cable to address Samal Island’s power woes

MONTEVISTA, Davao de Oro – An official of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (NORDECO) announced Sunday that the submarine cable project on the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) in Davao del Norte that will address its power woes will be operational next year.

In a press briefing here, Elvera Alngog, NORDECO officer-in-charge, said the project is already 75 percent complete and the remaining 25 percent which is the laying of the cable will be done

before the year ends.

She said the cable which is fabricated in Italy will be transported to the country next month and after its installation, it will be operational on the first quarter of 2023.

“The [cables] will have a threemonth travel via sea and as soon as it will arrive in Samal, the laying of cable will just take about 15 days.

Then all is good,” Alngog added.

With a total cost of PHP1.1 billion, the 14.7-kilometer submarine cable project will connect Barangay Aundanao in Igacos, to the Pantu-

MANILA – Coconut and banana farmers in a village in Mati City, Davao Oriental now benefit from a recently-completed farm-tomarket road (FMR) project constructed under the convergence program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

DPWH Regional Office 11 Director Rey Peter B. Gille, citing a report from DPWH Davao Oriental 2nd District Engineering Office, said the project is a concrete road

that facilitates better access to the farmlands as well as to the markets.

“In the amount of PHP12.9 million, we have constructed a twolane paved road stretching 749 meters for the benefit of our coconut and banana farmers in the area who have long endured the difficulty of having their products reach the market due to poor condition of roads,” Gille said in a statement on Sunday.

The construction of the FMR in Barangay Don Martin Marundan started in mid-2021.

DA-DPWH road project benefits coconut, banana farmers in DavOr

Elvera Alngog, OIC Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc (NORDECO)

kan grid.

“This will address the power shortage in Samal since the demand in the island is increasing,” Alngog noted.

She also said various developers and investors have expressed their intentions to expand their businesses on the island.

“It is more than enough. It will suffice the power requirement in the island,” Alngog added.

Meanwhile, she vowed to continue providing better services for their member-consumer-owners (MCO) after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed House Bill 10554 which would expand the franchise coverage area of Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC).

--Che Palicte

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7

BSP eyes July inflation at 5.6% to 6.4%

Oil firms adjust fuel, LPG prices

MANILA – Oil companies announced adjustments on prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petroleum products.

Petron said it cut LPG prices by PHP2.05 per kilogram and PHP1.15 per liter for AutoLPG. Petron’s price rollback started at 12:01 a.m. on Monday.

“These reflect the international contract price of LPG for the month of August,” Petron said.

Eastern Petroleum also said it will slash Eastern EC Gas LPG by PHP1.70 per kilogram.

With the rollback, prices of regular 11-kilogram LPG decreased

by PHP18.70 to PHP22.55 this

month.

LPG prices have gone down for four consecutive months.

Meanwhile, oil firms will adjust fuel prices starting Tuesday morning.

Cleanfuel, Eastern Petroleum, Petro Gazz, Seaoil and Shell said they will roll back diesel prices by PHP0.60 per liter and will implement an increase of PHP0.75 per liter for gasoline products.

Seaoil and Shell will also slash kerosene prices by PHP0.75 per liter.

Other oil industry players are expected to follow suit. --Kris Crismundo

MANILA – Sustained rise in food prices and transport fares, among others, are seen to push the domestic rate of price increases this month to a range of 5.6 percent to 6.4 percent.

In a statement Friday night, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the depreciation of the peso, which is currently trading at the 55-level against the US dollar, is also among the factors seen to further accelerate the inflation rate.

“Meanwhile, lower oil prices, reduction in electricity rates in Meralco-serviced areas, and lower pork prices are likely to temper in part said price pressures,” it said.

The BSP added that close monitoring of emerging price developments would be done “to enable timely intervention to arrest emergence of further second-round effects, consistent with BSP’s mandate of price and financial stability.”

The inflation rate in the country continues to post a faster rate after breaching the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target band in April when it jumped to 4.9 percent.

FOOD COST-PUSH. Higher prices of food items and transport fares are seen to further accelerate the domestic inflation rate for July to between 5.6 percent and 6.4 percent. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, however, said Friday (July 29, 2022) that these factors could be countered by the drop in oil prices, lower pork prices, and power rates in areas serviced by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

In June, it rose to 6.1 percent, bringing the average in the first half of the year to 4.4 percent.

The central bank projects inflation to average at 5 percent this

year, above the target range due mainly to higher oil prices in the international market and the impact of supply constraints of several commodities. -- Joann Villanueva

PH logs uptick in manufacturing score MANILA – The Philippines’ Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) in July 2022 registered a slight improvement, S&P Global reported Monday.

The country’s manufacturing performance last month was pegged at 50.8, lower than the 53.8 index in June this year.

PMI above 50 indicates improvement of the sector while index below the neutral score shows deterioration of the industry.

“Data from the latest PMI survey indicated a loss in growth momentum at goods producers in the Philippines. Renewed contractions in output and new orders, albeit only mild, were recorded in July.

The headline figure slipped to 50.8 in July to signal the slowest expansion since January,” S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said.

The report said Philippine manufacturers slowed down in July as output and new orders dropped last month.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and uncertainties in the global mar-

ket continue to weigh on export demand, S&P Global added.

Manufacturers were also “unenthusiastic to make purchases” in July as inflationary pressures mount further.

“Overall, muted growth across the Filipino manufacturing sector adds caution to the air as inflationary pressures continue to heat up,” Baluch said.

On the other hand, companies increased their headcount in the previous month, which addressed backlogs of work.

Hiring activities of local manufacturers increased for three straight months.

Philippine-based manufacturers expressed optimism for the next 12 months despite challenges in the global and local market, such as demand, inflation, and logistics challenges.

“Despite the downside risks to growth arising from greater inflationary pressure, the outlook for the coming 12 months strengthened in July, with firms upbeat and remaining hopeful of a better global economic climate,” Baluch said.

-- Kris Crismundo

JUPITER CABLE. Local and provincial government officials from Daet, Camarines Norte pose with executives of PLDT-Smart during the inauguration of the Jupiter Cable System landing station in the town on July 12, 2022. The cable system has been fired up since Friday (July 29, 2022) and is seen to boost the country’s international data capacity and image as an investment destination. (Photo courtesy of PLDT)

Jupiter cable: PH’s newest data link to US, Japan now online

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz MANILA – The newest international cable system in the Philippines went officially online after PLDT launched the system.

In a statement, PLDT said the Jupiter Cable system has been “fired up” and is seen to “immensely boost” the country’s international data capacity and advance digital infrastructure.

“The 14,000-km. Jupiter Cable system is the newest international gateway connecting the Philippines directly from PLDT’s cable landing station in Daet, Camarines Norte to Japan and the US West Coast,” it said.

The cable system, it said, would triple PLDT’s international capacity to 60 Terabits per second

and is seen to be especially useful since a bulk of Internet content and services accessed by Filipinos are from servers in the US and Japan.

“The capacity offered by Jupiter is expected to help promote the Philippines to global hyper scalers and position the country as the new digital hub in the Asia-Pacific,” the statement added.

“Hyper scalers” are usually cloud service providers that use hyper-scale computing, an agile method of processing data that can quickly go up and down depending on data traffic.

This computing method can be used in data centers and the cloud to accommodate fluctuating demand.

By increasing the country’s international data capacity, it said

the Jupiter cable would enhance the country’s image as an investment destination.

The cable system was launched in a celebration at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, led by PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan. Among the guests were Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Japan Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, and US Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson.

To date, PLDT has access to 15 international submarine cable networks and wants to expand further with two more – the Asia Direct Cable and the APRICOT cable system, both expected to be completed in the next two years.

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FEATURES

VOLUME 1, NO. 31 SUNDAY JULY 31, 2022

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Ex-OFWs self-sustaining café in Pangasinan

By Hilda Austria

AGUILAR, Pangasinan – Wake up to a view of the sky and mountain ranges, sipping a cup of brewed coffee, hot or iced, and feasting on fresh vegetables and fruits at the Daang Katutubo coffee shop in Sitio Mapita, Barangay Laoag in this town.

The coffee shop, which has become a tourist attraction since it opened to the public in 2021, is owned by a family of former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Qatar.

Junely Cortez, the owner of the café who is also overseeing its operations, said they are aiming to make the place fully self-sustaining.

“We are targeting that someday in the near future, all of our vegetables, fruits, and even the fish and meat will come from our own farm,” Cortez said.

He said some of the vegetables and fruits they use as ingredients for

their dishes come from their farm.

“We plant vegetables and fruits that are common ingredients in our food. We even started culturing ‘hito’ (catfish) in our pond,” he added.

At first, their coffee was produced solely on the farm.

However, they needed to source it from other suppliers from the Mountain Province when demand for it increased.

Cortez said the idea for the café began during the lockdowns at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

“Due to the lockdowns, we de-

“My parents (Francisca and Tito) were former OFWs. My mom had a mild stroke. She was a former nurse and my dad was an architect in Qatar, as well. When they retired here, they asked me to just stay in the country since they are already of old age,” he said.

Cortez was a military nurse in Qatar for 15 years.

He was on vacation when the lockdown was imposed in the country and he was unable to return for seven months.

Given his parents’ request, Cortez returned to Qatar only to file

“We are targeting that someday in the near future, all of our vegetables, fruits, and even the fish and meat will come from our own farm,” -- Junely Cortez said. cided to live in the mountains, away from people. While we are on our farm, we seldom go outside. We only buy condiments since we have fruits and vegetables, chickens, and eggs on our farm, and even fish as we have a lake nearby,” he said.

He admitted that giving up his career as a military nurse to be an entrepreneur was at first daunting but it became worthwhile along the way.

CHILLING. Friends Reynald (right) and Jessica enjoy hanging out at the Daang Katutubo Coffee Shop due to the ambiance and the food. (Photo by Hilda Austria)

his resignation.

He is now staying in the country for good with his wife, Norlyn, and their three children.

Cortez said the café was born as a simple hang-out for tourists who visit the view deck of Sitio Mapita where the Daang Katutubo road is situated, as well as the Mapita Falls.

“We just want to offer some area where they could rest after going to the view deck and comfort rooms. But then people were demanding food later on, so we started selling food and coffee as well,” he said.

The café has become a tourist attraction and Cortez and his family further developed the area, seeing its potential.

Cortez’s father, Tito, designed the place. They used lumber from the trees they planted on their farm in the construction.

“Last year, we opened it as Daang Katutubo Coffee Shop, naming it after the Daang Katutubo road, and more people are coming

HANG-OUT. The Daang Katutubo Coffee Shop in Aguilar town, Pangasinan draws tourists. It plans to become a self-sustaining cafe. (Photo by Hilda Austria)

GLAMPING. Daang Katutubo Coffee Shop also offers overnight glamping for PHP400 to PHP800. (Photo by Hilda Austria)

every day,” he said.

The place offers glamping (glamorous camping) to their visitors for as low as PHP400 to PHP800 for 12 hours.

“We are also hosting events and pre-nuptial photo shoots. We are also building an infinity pool and spa as added amenities,” he said.

Reynald Zacharias of San Carlos City said he has fallen in love with the place that he keeps returning to it.

“I have tried glamping with friends and it was a beautiful experience. I get to see a lot of stars and the sunrise is so beautiful. This is my third time going here. I really like the view and the food is delicious while the staff is very accommodating. It is just so relaxing here,” he said.

Zacharias brought his friend Jessica Galicia on his recent visit to the place.

“I think I will go back here again,” Galicia said. (PNA)

banana bunch, such as its weight, age, and location in the plantation.

With the data, RBFI can digitally monitor the health of the crops and accurately distributes farm inputs such as fertilizers, thereby helping the company save on costs.

The generated data also allows RBFI to forecast harvests within a given season.

“I am grateful for LANDBANK’s support, especially at a time we needed it the most. As a client, we appreciate the customer service, as well as the financial and technical support they provide for

our production,” Reichard Dumaluan said.

RBFI has since expanded its plantation to 130 hectares and generates employment for around 220 local residents. Their banana harvest is also being exported to different countries, including South Korea, China, and the Middle East, among others.

As of 30 June 2022, LANDBANK’s loan portfolio to support the country’s banana industry has reached P1.49 billion, in line with its intensified service to the agriculture sector.

LANDBANK assistance

Hope to Davao de Oro banana plantation PANTUKAN, Davao de Oro -- When Reichard Dumaluan’s 74-hectare banana plantation was hit hard by the destructive Panama plant disease in 2013, his business was at serious risk of wilting away along with the infected trees in his farm.

The Panama disease infested Cavendish plantations throughout the province (formerly Compostela Valley) and neighboring towns in the region, only four years after Dumaluan established the plantation, Reicher Banana Farm, Inc. (RBFI), in 2009. Over time, the disease caught on, affecting the quality

and quantity of RBFI’s produce.

With plantation yield and income significantly reduced, RBFI sought financial assistance from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to rehabilitate and sustain their operations.

RBFI availed of a P75-million loan from LANDBANK in 2018 to supplement working capital and purchase the necessary inputs and equipment for rehabilitation.

After two years of rehabilitation, RBFI fully recovered from the plant disease and is now harvesting around 10,000 boxes of produce a week—a 100% increase from the

previous production of 5,000 boxes a week.

“LANDBANK recognizes the importance of each subsector of agriculture to ensure food security.

Through accessible credit assistance, we stand ready to support the diverse requirements of agri players to boost production and income,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecila C. Borromeo.

RBFI also used a portion of the LANDBANK loan for land expansion and modernization, which includes the purchase of a digital device which can record data per

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Karera Atbp.

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Richard and Chantelle Jolly First father-daughter training combo to win a metro premiership

HISTORY was confirmed at Morphettville when Richard and Chantelle Jolly became the first father/ daughter team to win a metro training title.

While the Jollys celebrated a well-earned title, the deeds of the Will Clarken-trained Extremely Lucky ($4) to win the Listed $107,250 Lightning Stakes over 1050m with Todd Pannell on board also had to be seen to be believed.

Settling last after drawing the outside barrier 12, Pannell kept his cool to hook way off the track and still last on the turn before charging home to beat the progressive Calla Dream ($51) and Kallos ($5.50).

A composed Clarken said the winner, with three wins and a second from five starts, was all heart.

“He has such an amazing turn of foot and only a pony to look at but he’s all heart,’’ Clarken said.

“He’s going to give us some heart attacks. Drawing wide on a big track he’s very good, you have no option but to get back and get

to the outside, take luck out of the equation.

“He will probably go to the McEwen (The Valley, September 3) and then onto the Moir Stakes (The Valley, Friday, September 23) over 1000m.’’

Earlier, the trailblazing Jolly team officially toasted their achievement when the 2021/22 metro racing season finished on July 30, the duo also snaring the overall SA premiership which included results from provincial and country meetings.

The day also saw champion jockey Barend Vorster confirm his first SA metro title and rising star hoop Kayla Crowther riding the most winners at all tracks with 110½.

For the Jolly team, who didn’t have long to wait for success on the day with fancied pair Nishikado ($2.15) and Alpha Flight ($2.90) quinelling the first race, it was a time to reflect on an outstanding season.

Queensland father/daughter trainers Tony and Maddysen Sears made news when they combined to win the 2020/21 Ipswich Turf Club premiership but that track was classified as provincial.

For Richard, also his first win as a trainer after more than 22 years and a jockey before that, it was a thrill to realise a dream fulfilled – particularly the historic connection with Chantelle.

“It’s been a while coming but it’s a proud moment for sure, to share this with Chantelle, the rest our family and all our staff and clients which is really special,’’ Richard said.

“We were never in a position to win it before now because we didn’t have the numbers (horses in work) but now we have those numbers and our stable has just grown from a moderate team to a large operation with plenty of nice horses.

“All of our staff, wife Dianne, son James, daughter Lilly and (jockey) Jake (Toeroek) have been great.’’

CARMONA, Cavite – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has begun the construction of its new headquarters here -- a five-story office building with state-of-the-art facilities that would help in the advancement of the federation’s functions.

PFF president Nonong Araneta, secretary general Ed Gastanes, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officer-in-charge Guillermo Iroy, and officials of international body FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC), graced the groundbreaking ceremonies along Sugar Road.

“I’m just happy that having a new headquarters is becoming a reality for Philippine football,” Araneta said in an interview. “We need a new headquarters for developing the popu-

larity of the sport in this country.”

He revealed that the AFC granted the PFF USD800,000 for buying the lot while FIFA is taking care of the finances for building the office.

A fitness and rehabilitation gym will be included in the new PFF office.

While the new PFF building will be far from the metropolis compared to the federation’s current office in Pasig City, near the PSC, Araneta said it is high time for a new “House of Football”.

“You’ve seen our headquarters in Pasig, which is not very conducive. The organization is growing and expanding so we need a new place,” he said. “Doon sa PFF ngayon, siksikan na (It’s crowded in our current office). Now, we have

enough space for our employees.”

The new PFF headquarters is expected to be completed by 2023, in time for the country’s stint in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The new PFF office is directly accessible to the PFF National Training Centre (NTC) as they share the same main road.

The Sugar Road Gate of the San Lazaro Leisure Park, where the NTC is located, is closed for now as part of Covid-19 protocols.

The PFF plans to reopen the gate once the new PFF office is operational.

“We’re going to have two buses that will be there [in the PFF headquarters], which will be used by our national team and our employees to ferry them here,” he added.

PFF begins building new office in Cavite

EJ Obiena rises to 3rd in world rankings after historic medal

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno MANILA – EJ Obiena soared to his highest world ranking yet after delivering the Philippines its first medal in the World Athletic Championships.

Obiena announced on Thursday night that he is now ranked third in the world in men’s pole vault after capturing the bronze in the said meet that took place in Eugene, Oregon.

The 26-year-old has a total of 1,408 points.

American Chris Nilsen, who barely beat Obiena for the silver through the countback tiebreaker, is No. 2, but he is not that far above Obiena with 1,435 points.

Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis remains world No. 1 with 1,612 points.

“The success in the recent World Championships is not all mine. I owe a debt of gratitude to many, including my parents, my coach and support team, and amazing supporters in our government such as POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) President Bambol Tolentino, new PATAFA (Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association) President Terry Capistrano, and Senator Pia Cayetano,” Obiena expressed his gratitude especially to said personalities.

He also thanked the people who competed for the Philippines in athletics before him “who paved a way for me.”

“I owe them a debt of gratitude,” Obiena added.

‘Diay’ gets my incentive However, he quickly changed mood upon discussing one Philippine athletics legend, Lydia De Vega-Mercado, who is currently in a critical condition amid her battle with Stage 4 breast cancer.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Mam Lydia’s health issues, and the pleas of her family for financial assistance for the mounting medical bills. I have met Mam Lydia in Singapore on many occasions, and she has always been kind, supportive and loving individual,” Obiena said of Mercado, the first Philippine representative to the World Athletics Championships right during its inaugural staging in 1983.

He then announced that the PHP250,000 incentive that he will get from the Philippine Sports Commission for breaking his own Asian record in pole vault with a 5.94-meter leap will be donated in full to Mercado.

“On the flight back to Italy, it occurred to me that despite my own training needs, Mam Lydia needs this money more than I do,” Obiena explained the decision.

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VOLUME 1, NO. 31 SUNDAY JULY 31, 2022

Where to Stay, Drink & Dine...

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

QUEZON CITY

Imperial Palace Suites ***

Timog Avenue corner Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City.

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

B O R A C AY

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel ****

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

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu *****

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

CEBU

Crown Regency Boracay -

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

Marriott Hotel Cebu *****

Torre Venezia ***

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

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

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

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

Crown Regency Hotel Fuente ****

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

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

Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel ***

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

Boracay Regency Beach Resort *****

SUBIC

Regalia Tower Suites ***

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

The Observer.

Observer.com

Cebu Parklane International Hotel ****

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

Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort ****

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

Island,

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

Fridays Boracay *****

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

La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel ***

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

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

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

ADVERTISING: 0927-862-3600

Court Meridian Hotel & Suites

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

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

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

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

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

The Observer.

Observer.com

ARTS&TRAVEL

VOLUME 1, NO. 31 SUNDAY JULY 31, 2022

Cultural, heritage sites severely damaged by quake: DOT

11

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has reported severe damage to cultural and heritage sites in several parts of northern Luzon following the powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked Abra on July 27.

In a statement sent Wednesday night, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco ordered DOT’s regional offices and the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to extend possible assistance to affected stakeholders and tourism establishments.

Based on initial reports, at least two churches that had been declared “National Cultural Treasure” by the National Museum of the Philippines were affected by the tremor while several heritage and ancestral houses sustained notable damage.

“We will request TIEZA to prioritize assessment of the cultural treasures affected by the recent earthquake recognizing the need to

protect and sustain our heritage and cultural treasures for the benefit and welfare of our future generations,” Frasco said.

The DOT has so far recorded damage in the following tourist destinations: Abra - Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church, a 19th-century baroque

church and declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2001.

- San Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine (heavily damaged), one of the oldest churches in Abra Baguio City - Minor cracks in Lafayette Luxury Suites Hotel and Crown

Legacy buildings Ilocos Sur - Vigan Cathedral - Syquia House, an ancestral home turned museum in Vigan - Hotel Linda - Heritage and ancestral houses along the Vigan Heritage Village - Bantay Bell Tower in Bantay,

Hokkaido officials support PAL’s Sapporo route MANILA -- Some officials from the Hokkaido Prefecture went to the Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) office in Manila on Wednesday to show their support to the carrier’s upcoming Sapporo route.

PAL will launch the Manila-Sapporo route on Dec. 7, which aims to attract more tourists from Japan.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said Hokkaido government officials, led by Vice Governor Hitoshi Kubota, met with PAL officials on Wednesday.

“He (Kubota) said the region has already recovered from the 6.7-magnitude quake that hit Hokkaido last September. Kubota also stressed that the tourist spots in Hokkaido are now open and ‘business as usual’ for both the domestic and international tourists,” Villaluna said.

Villaluna said the Hokkaido officials shared that they are currently in the midst of organizing tourism campaigns to attract more travelers

SAPPORO ROUTE. Executives of flag carrier Philippine Airlines and Hokkaido government officials pose for a photo after their meeting in PAL’s Manila office on Wednesday (Nov. 21, 2018). The Japanese visitors gave their support for PAL’s upcoming Sapporo route, aimed to attract more tourists from Japan. (Photo: Cielo Villaluna) “Offering this to and from the with in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi to the region.

While PAL president Jaime other airports in the country will not connectivity, and more comfortable seat features.

Bautista earlier said that there is a happen anytime soon,” he added.

Currently, PAL flies to Osaka PAL will be using its new Airgrowing demand for the Sapporo route, he also said that as of now, bus A321neo aircraft for this route. (Kansai), Tokyo (Narita and HanePAL will only offer the Sapporo The airline’s executives earlier said da), Fukuoka, and Nagoya in Japan.

-- Ma. Cristina Arayata the A31neo will provide passengers route to and from Manila.

Ilocos Sur - St. John The Baptist Church in San Juan, Ilocos Sur Multiple ground faulting was likewise seen in the Santa Ana Beach Area, a favorite tourist spot among visitors.

The agency said two TIEZA properties also sustained damage.

The riprap and ceiling of the Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel in Ifugao partially caved in while Mt. Data Hotel’s ceiling in the fireplace and lobby area collapsed, prompting TIEZA to cancel all bookings in both hotels until a thorough assessment has been undertaken.

“My concern and sympathy are one with those who have been affected by the recent earthquake in Northern Luzon. The Department will extend whatever help it can to tourism stakeholders and establishments that have been directly affected by this incident. I have requested the DOT Regional offices in Northern Luzon to continue with the assessment of the extent of the damage and to immediately submit the report for our appropriate actions and assistance,” Frasco said.

“Our resilience as a nation has already been tried and tested in the past. I am certain that this can be strengthened by the essential collaboration between our national agencies, local governments, and crucial stakeholders as we conquer our challenges,” she added.

No tourists were reported harmed but those with travel plans to the Northern Luzon area are advised to practice extra precautions.

Gov’t eyes incentivizing sustainable tourism practices

From Page 12

“[It’s] very, very important to incentivize sustainable tourism policy implementation -- the introduction of incentives for the private sector who would implement green policies that give value to the preservation of the environment, as well as the introduction of measures that promote environmental protection, energy-efficient usage, and the like,” she said.

Frasco made the statement as she acknowledge that sustainable development as a concept “does have a tendency to be disconnected to actual implementation on the ground, by the very nature of it being quite theoretical.”

“From my local government experience, it has taught me that it’s very, very important to be able to translate these theoretical policies to actual implementation. And how we are looking to do that, is to be able to introduce sustainable development policies to a wider sustainable development that looks at economic policy, environmental policy, and social policy,” she said.

Frasco said she would involve local government units in policy crafting as well as the host community and private sector for grassroots implementation.

In addition, she laid out her vision for the local communities to adopt sustainable tourism not only

as a policy but rather as a way of life. “[This is] so that eventually, sustainable tourism is not only a matter of government regulation but rather of self-regulation, in that the community takes an active part in the implementation of all of these policies,” she said.

“It’s also very important to our mind that President Marcos has very clearly laid out the importance of enhancing the Filipino brand, in that we inculcate among the Filipino people --and encourage among them -- pride of place, that they may take ownership of taking care of their communities,” she said.

Frasco, in the same forum, also

outlined her plans to fast-track the sector’s recovery from the pandemic.

These include improving tourism infrastructure, enabling digitalization, enhancing overall tourist experience, diversification of present tourism portfolios to explore “multi-dimensional tourism,” and equalization of tourism marketing and product development opportunities.

“In our view, it’s also very, very important to ensure that we examine all existing strategies that have been set in place, continue the good programs that have been implemented, and introduce innovations and strong coordination with

DOT Secretary Christina Frasco

tourism-enhancing [government] agencies in the national government,” she said. (PNA)

The Observer

ARTS&TRAVEL .com

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VOLUME 1, NO. 31 SUNDAY JULY 31, 2022

Incentivizing sustainable tourism practices

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

INSIDE

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking at the possibility of incentivizing sustainable tourism practices.

In a post-State of the Nation Address forum, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco sought the introduction of incentives for tourism stakeholders who she said would be the ones to implement the government’s green policies to Turn to Page 11 preserve destinations.

Hokkaido officials support PAL’s Sapporo route

Cultural, heritage sites damaged by quake: DOT

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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