Gov’t workers’ midyear bonus out

STATE workers will receive their midyear bonus starting May 15, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Sunday.

"I am happy to announce that our civil servants will be receiving their midyear bonus this year, as provided in the agency-specific allocation under the 2023 General Appropriations Act or GAA. e know that fellow government employees look forward to receiving this bonus which can really help in their everyday needs,” she said in a news release Sunday.

"We are reminding all government agencies and offices to ensure the timely release of bonuses to their employees or as stipulated in our existing rules and reg-

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Chinese militia ships anchored inside the country's territory.

In an interview, Coyme said that there is no heightened tension between the country's law enforcement agencies and Chinese vessels in the area.

“Our approach is diplomatic,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino. “We are not yet in the situation where tensions are heightened. With our ships there, we are normally conducting our law enforcement functions pertaining to maritime safety— and this is not provocative in nature.”

In April, more than 100 Chinese vessels were seen lingering near the West Philippine Sea, and the PCG reported provocative tactics by the ships, including a Chinese coast guard ship that sailed into the path of a PCG vessel, almost causing a collision.

In July 2016, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated

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From A1 do not have a resident visa or what they call 'iqama'... you cannot enter. But if you come back to Kuwait because you've been working there, you can enter," Cortes said.

A delegation of officials from the DFA and DMW will travel to Kuwaitthis month as part of the ongoing discussions between the Philippines and Kuwait to tackle labor concerns.

"Kuwait and the Philippines always have discussions very often,” Cortes said. “It’s a constant communication forum that we have instituted – not only with Kuwait but all the others to make sure we’re always on track as far as protection and promotion of the well-being of our

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From A1 the country, only 20 percent were willing to accept SHS graduates.

“As the nation strives for economic recovery and growth, it isbecoming increasingly important for SHS graduates to have greater access to employment, entrepreneurship, advanced education, and training,” read the memorandum signed by DepEd Undersecretary Gina Gonong.

The task force was given until May 12, 2024 to submit its report.

The one-year review aimed “to ensure consistency, responsiveness, andrelevance” of the SHS program to the needs of the learners and stakeholders.

Earlier, former President and Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo filed a House bill reverting the current K-to-12 program to “K+10+2,” essentially returning high school back to four years.

Under the measure, Grades 11 and 12 will be converted into a pre-univer-

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From A1 nurses during the coronavirus pandemic.

The complete campaign slogan read: “The nurse who gave the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine. A Filipina. We give the world our best. The Philippines.”

“Is the ad intended to encourage tourists to visit the country? Is it aimed to encourage more foreign investments? Or, is it meant for hospitals abroad to hire our nurses? It’s really vague,” Binay said.

“It seems that we are offering the world our nurses—which is a bit off since we are running out of supply of health workers. We don't want to commodify our people, and we don't want to be tagged as a labor-exporting country.”

Soriano said the bus advertisement in London, which came out in time for King Charles III’s May 6 grand coronation given the anticipated large international crowd to attend the historic global event, was just “among the first communication outputs” of the OPACC’s nation-branding project.

“Unfortunately, the London (adver- ulations, starting May 15.”

The midyear bonus is equivalent to one month basic pay as of May 15 and shall be given to entitled personnel who have rendered at least a total or aggregate of four months of service from July 1 of the immediately preceding year to May 15 of the current year.

The employee shall also remain in the government service as of May 15 of the current year and have obtained at least a satisfactory performance rating in the immediately preceding rating period or the

China's expansive nine-dash claims covering the entire South China Sea and recognized the Philippines' sovereign rights in the area within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Beijing ignored the international ruling and deployed hundreds of militia vessels in the disputed areas, including those belonging to the Philippines.

Earlier this month, the PCG also released a video of its personnel challenging via radio the Chinese militia vessels spotted in Sabina Shoal, which is within the Philippines exclusive economic zone.

The Chinese vessels dispersed after the radio challenge, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said.

Also on Sunday, the PCG and Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela urged Congress to approve and pass the 'PCG Modernization Act."

"[The current maritime] challenges require the PCG to operate with the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness to safeguard the country's maritime interests and territorial integrity. The current capa- migrants are concerned.”

The OFWs who were recently rescued from Sudan received livelihood support and assistance, including $200, care of the DMW.

American business firms have expressed interest in employing the displaced OFWs. There are employers in the US and also in the cruise ship industry and in Saudi Arabia that are interested and would like to see the profiles of Filipino workers rescued from Sudan.

Kuwaiti media said the ban stemmed from the Philippines' alleged non-compliance with the 2018 labor accord concerning the operation of a temporary shelter for distressed Filipinos inside the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

Cortes, however, said Manila did not violate the deal if this was indeed Kuwait’s reason because the establishment sity education type of learning system mandatory only for those proceeding to college.

Meanwhile, Bohol Rep. Kristine Alexis Tutor on Sunday proposed that classes must start at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. at public schools with a one-class shift.

She said the health of students is important -- especially amid the heat waves brought about by El Nino weather -- adding that teachers also need more time to prepare.

“Janitors, utility staff, and security personnel also need preparationtime to make sure the same is clean, ready, and secure before classes start,” she said.

“Weekends should be free time with family for all students and teachers, except for the occasional co-curricular activities, training, and contests. Co-curricular (classes) and activities that are not integral parts of classes must not disrupt weekday classes. No ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) or similar activities on Saturdays or Sundays. No anything on weekends,” she added. Rio N. Araja tisement) was misconstrued as part of the country’s tourism promotion campaign. OPACC wants to clear the confusion and clarify that it was not meant, in any way, to promote the country’s tourist destinations,” he said. applicable performance appraisal period.

“Video (advertisements) featuring true stories of successful Filipinos in different countries were also released within the same period, aired overseas.

The first two ads tell the story of Charm, a Filipina caregiver in the UK, and DJ, a barista in Italy,” he said.

“Through this country branding campaign, we want to uplift the spirit of our overseas Filipinos and honor them, particularly for their values that make Filipinos known to do their best at whatever chosen field, wherever they go and whatever it is they do. They truly deserve this,” Soriano added.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the DOT will eventually come out with a tourism brand aligned with OPACC's country brand.

"There is a sea of opinions about this. But I would like to remind our fellow Filipinos that the statement 'We give the world our best' is a statement of fact. Do you not agree?" Frasco said.

The midyear bonus will be given to all positions for civilian personnel, whether regular, casual, or contractual, appointive or elective, full-time or part-time, now existing or hereafter created in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, constitutional commissions and other constitutional offices, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) covered by the Compensation and Position Classification System, and in local government units.

Entitled personnel to receive the mid-year bonus also include the military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Department of bilities of the PCG, however, are insufficient to execute its mandates," Tarriela said.

House Bill No. 8028 was filed by Tarriela on May 10 in recognition of the need to enhance the capability of the PCG to guarantee the efficient execution of its mandates.

"This bill, therefore, proposes a modernization program that aims to acquire state-of-the-art air and floating assets and implement interoperable communication systems to safeguard the country's maritime interests," the legislator said.

Tarriela said HB No. 8028 will be divided into four tiers of development, with the first tier focusing on constructing PCG response bases and improving Coast Guard's maritime domain awareness capabilities.

The second tier will cover PCG infrastructure development and the acquisition of state-of-the-art vessels and equipment to advance its interdiction and maritime law enforcement capabilities.

The third tier will pave the way for of shelters inside the embassies, now known as Migrant Workers Overseas Filipino Resource Centers (MWOFRC), is mandated under Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

“We could not have agreed to a provision that will allow us not to establish a shelter for our countrymen because that’s our law. Of course, whenever we have an agreement with another country, we always connect that with our domestic legislation,” he said.

He said the operation of these shelters abroad is non-negotiable and would remain in operation regardless of the outcome of the upcoming talks.

“Our law is clear. We have to have a shelter for our countrymen,” he said.

Cortes said the DFA would also explain the deployment ban forhousehold

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Following in the footsteps of Catriona Gray, Dee becomes the second Filipina to represent the country at both the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants.

Among those beaming with pride was her mother, Melanie Marquez, who herself was crowned Miss International in 1979. She watched as her daughter claimed the coveted title after finishing first runner-up in last year's edition.

Growing up on a family ranch in Utah, USA, Dee developed a love forfarm animals. She pursued her education, obtaining a Psychology degree from De La Salle University and completing a certificate program in entrepreneurship essentials from the prestigious Harvard Business School. Alongside her achievements, Dee is also a passionate advocate for Autism awareness.

Dee's remarkable journey to the Miss Universe Philippines crown showcases her dedication, intellect, and commitment to making a positive impact. As she prepares to represent the country on the global stage, she carries with her a strong sense of purpose and a genuine desire to raise awareness for meaningful causes.

“I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines (can offer) is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines with the way we are hospitable, with our warm smiles. And we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more," she said.

"No matter where the universe takes

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From A1 their branches without face coverings. strengthening the Coast Guard's coastal defense by acquiring and developing more offshore patrol vessels similar to BRP Gabriela Silang from France. service workers (HSWs), which he believes could have been a “source of confusion” for the Kuwaiti side. me, I'll always be proud to call the Philippines my home. And no matter what happens I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy," Dee answered. Her final interview question was: "Recently, the Department of Tourism has adopted a new branding campaign, 'We give the world our best.' For you, what is the best that we can offer to the rest of the world and why do you consider it so?"

The country, however, has lifted its mask requirement, with President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. saying the Philippines had already been on “normal footing” even before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared last week an end to the emergency phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Department of Health tracker logged 2,109 new cases yesterday, while active cases stood at 15,891.

National Defense; uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Public Safety College, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; Bureau of Corrections of the Department of Justice; Philippine Coast Guard of the Department of Transportation; and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The grant of midyear bonuses for personnel of covered GOCCs shall be determined by their respective governing boards while those of provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays shall be determined by their sanggunian (council).

The third tier should also include the acquiring of air assets and providing more capacity-building opportunities for the Coast Guard Aviation Force to bolster airspace security within the country's exclusive economic zone.

Lastly, the fourth and last tier focuses on the construction of more PCG training facilities to continuously enhance the skills and abilities of its workforce, as well as shipyards and hangars to secure Coast Guard assets and equipment.

Each tier would take three years to be fully implemented, covering a total of 12 years for the complete execution.

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu welcomed the development and expressed gratitude to Tarriela for recognizing the need for the PCG's modernization.

Senator Christopher Go has filed Senate Bill No. 2112 as a counterpart to the House measure.

The ban only covers the contracts of first-time HSWs bound for Kuwait and was imposed in February after the brutal death of Jullebee Ranawa, whose charred remains were found in a desert in Kuwait this year.

Cortes said the meeting this month with Kuwaiti officials is timely asit was already set even before the issue of the entry ban came up.

The upcoming high-level talks, he said, are part of the regular discussions between the Philippines and Kuwait concerning the more than 290,000 overseas Filipinos there.

According to the DFA, around 70 percent of the OFWs in Kuwait are household workers.

Pauline Amelinckx and Krishnah

Marie Gavidez were crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 and Miss Charm Philippines 2023, respectively, in a separate ceremony following the coronation show.

Christine Opiaza and Angelique Manto finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.

Earlier in the show, host Xian Liam announced the cancellation of the Top 10 semi-finalists after a technical difficulty occurred and the Top 18 candidates were called and went through the evening gown competition to compete for the Top 5.

Dee, who won best in evening gown, was crowned by last year’s Celeste Cortesi. Reigning Miss Universe 2023, Filipino-American R'Bonney Gabriel spoke to the audience and sat among the panel of judges which also included GMA Network SVP Annette Gozon-Valdes, Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Rep. Sam Verzosa, and 1973 Miss Universe Margie Moran.

Co-hosts were Alden Richards and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi. Guests performers were American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez and K-Pop artist Nam Woo-hyun.

Metro Manila had the highest number of new cases in the last 14 days, followed by Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Bicol Region.

Among cities and provinces, Quezon City had the most new infections for the same period, followed by Rizal, Cavite, City of Manila, and Laguna.

Dr. Imelda Mateo, the medical center chief of Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City, told ABS-CBN News hospital admission remains low as more of COVID-19-positive patients have mild symptoms, and thus can be treated at home. That does not prevent the spread