Malacañang gives orders to develop PH exports

MALACAÑANG has issued a memorandum circular (MC) directing concerned government agencies to implement programs, activities, and projects for the development and promotion of Philippine exports.

The issuance of MC 23 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 20 was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent approval of the Philippine Export Development

Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028.

The PEDP 2023-2028 aims to transform the Philippines into a major exporter of high-value products and services by laying the groundwork for the country to become a dynamic exporting nation by 2028.

Under MC 23, all concerned government agencies are mandated to identify and implement relevant programs, activities and projects in support of the PEDP.

“To ensure the success of the PEDP

2023-2028, it is necessary for all concerned government agencies to support and cooperate in the implementation of the PEDP 2023-2028,” the order read.

Sixty days upon the effectivity MC 23, concerned agencies must submit to the Export Development Council (EDC) and to the Executive Secretary an inventory of relevant programs, activities and projects which are aligned with the strategies under the PEDP 2023-2028.

BIVALENT VACCINES. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and personnel from the Department of Health (DOH) lead the launching of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for the A1 category, which includes frontline healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses living or working in hospitals in San Juan. The bivalent shot will be considered the third booster dose for the eligible population.

Manny Palmero

MALACANANG has declared June 20 as “National Refugee Day.”

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed Proclamation No. 265 and said the Philippines “has a longstanding humanitarian tradition of opening its arms to those who seek safety, and promoting an environment suitable for people forced to flee their countries of origin, stateless persons, and populations at risk of statelessness.”

According to Mr. Marcos, World Refugee Day is an annual celebration designated by the United Nations every June 20 to honor the strength and courage of people who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution, and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country.

The President said his administration recognizes the necessity for a national observance of the World Refugee Day to protect and uphold the rights of refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers.

LGUs urged on safety checks of storage plants

THE environmental group EcoWaste Coalition urged local government units (LGUs) to conduct safety checks in ice and cold storage plants in their areas of jurisdiction following the ammonia leak and fire in Navotas City last Monday.

The group pushed for safety checks in ammonia-using facilities as National Poison Prevention Week is observed from June 19 to 23, 2023.

“We urge our Mayors to instruct concerned department heads to undertake safety checks in industrial facilities using ammonia as refrigerant such as ice and cold storage plants to prevent ammonia leaks and explosions, which can put the lives of workers and residents at grave risk,” said EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero.

“As these facilities are often located near or within residential areas, it is imperative that ammonia poisoning prevention policies and procedures, including emergency response plans, are effectively communicated and complied with,” she added. Othel V. Campos

PCG: Fishing vessel sinks in Davao Oriental

A FISHING vessel sunk in the vicinity waters off Davao Oriental on Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

According to the PCG, the fishing boat Genesis 2 had 24 crew onboard when the maritime accident occurred. One crew member died due to the incident while nine crew members remained missing, the PCG said.

Genesis 2 boat captain, Allan Donaire claimed that they encountered sudden change in the sea condition at around 12 am, causing their fishing boat to half-submerge an hour later.

PCG deployed BRP Tubbataha to respond to the maritime incident while fishing boats around the area helped in conducting search and rescue operations and ensured the safety of 14 crew. Charles Dantes