22 minute read
Businessman Jose Acuzar named new housing czar
from The Observer.com
by GERRY ROMAN
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles OPS, Trixie Angeles FB page
Advertisement
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)
NATIONAL
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 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)
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-
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
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 Development (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)
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy
ANG PANGARAP NYO, AY PANGARAP KO...
Bongbong Marcos vision: 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 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.
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
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)
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.
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 saying 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
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go 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.
LGUs urged to expedite deployment of vaccines
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
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, 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 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.
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 establishes 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.
