DFA head exhorts PH diplomats on serving country’s interests

By Rey E. Requejo

DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs

(DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo on Friday exhorted the Philippines’ thousands of diplomats and their staff to always serve the country’s interests before the international community and the Filipino people during the DFA’s 125th anniversary.

In his video message on the occasion of the DFA’s anniversary, Manalo stressed that the department, since its establishment, “has been true to its task of proclaiming our people, our values, and our aspirations.”

According to him, the DFA has helped “shape our nation and the world around us in profound ways,” as it has been “an enduring symbol of Philippine pride and independence to the rest of the world.” persistent poverty, as well as ensure decent work,” the statement said.

Despite challenges it has faced over a period of time, he said the DFA has not only survived but flourished, Manalo said. The department has thrived as a fruitful servant of the nation.

“You my dear colleagues, the more than 2,800 personnel of DFA are the lifeblood of this institution. Each day, wherever you are, you bring to life the values of patriotism, integrity, professionalism, excellence and service,” he added.

Manalo led his colleagues in the DFA and the foreign service “in taking immense pride” in the role they play for nation building. The country’s top diplomat called on them to forge ahead towards a future where DFA’s legacy shines brightly for the country it serves and for the generations to come.

“His first official visit coincides with the country’s 75th anniversary of ILO membership,” the ILO added.

The Philippines joined the ILO in 1948.

The ILO official is expected to meet President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Depart-

Aside from interacting with Filipino key officials, he is set to meet with Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa, heads of agencies and members of the United Nations (UN) Country Team, and UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo González.

AnaKalusugan party-list supports gov’t move on junk food tax

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE AnaKalusugan party-list group on Friday expressed support for the Department of Finance’s (DOF) move to hike taxes on junk food and sweetened beverages to address diseases arising from poor diet.

The group’s nominee, Rep. Ray T. Reyes at the same time pushed for the passage of House Bill 7485 which proposes to increase the excise tax on sugarsweetened beverages to discourage the consumption of sugary beverages and increase revenue specifically intended to finance the implementation of Republic Act 11223, otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Act.

“This bill seeks to advance health equity by generating revenue for the government, which is proposed to finance the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act,” according to Reyes. He said he is confident will now gain the support from several of his colleagues in Congress with the DOF support on the measure.

“The Anakalusugan Partylist representative also expresses confidence that with the additional funding out of this tax measure, the objectives of the Universal Health Care Act to promote the Filipinos’ right to health, equitable access to quality and affordable health care, and healthy living conditions will be realized,” Reyes said. The Reyes bill proposes an amendment to Section 150-B of the National Internal Revenue Code, to read as follows: “SEC. 150-B. Sweetened Beverages. – (A) (1) A tax of eight pesos (P8.00) per liter of volume capacity shall be levied, assessed and collected on sweetened beverages using purely caloric sweeteners, and purely non- caloric sweeteners, or a mix of caloric and non-caloric sweeteners.

The new tax rate, if the proposal is enacted, will not apply to sweetened beverages using high fructose corn syrup, and exempts sweetened beverages using purely coconut sap sugar and purely steviol glycosides.

More importantly, the proposal pushes for “a tax of FIFTEEN pesos (P15.00) per liter of volume capacity shall be levied, assessed, and collected on sweetened beverages using purely high fructose corn syrup or in combination with any caloric or non-caloric sweetener.”

Villar pushes for healthy soil programs

SEN. Cynthia Villar said she has been pushing programs for healthy soil to support resilient agricultural systems and sustainable food production.

Speaking during the 1st National Soil Health Summit on June 21 at the Diamond Hotel, Villar noted that by maintaining the fertility of the soil, agricultural productivity can be ensured. This will ensure an abundant and diverse food supply.

“When we think about agriculture, food production, and the overall health of our ecosystems, it all traces back to the health of the soil beneath us,” also said Villar.

“Soil is the foundation upon which life thrives, providing a nurturing environment for plants, animals, and microorganisms alike,” she said. She stressed that healthy soil holds nu-

Houngbo will also deliver the keynote address at the global seafarers’ summit Seafarer 2050, as well as at the National Employers Conference of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines. He will be visiting the Migrant Worker Resource Center in Quezon City, and engage with overseas Filipino workers and their families regarding rights-based migration, fair recruitment, and decent work. Houngbo was elected to the ILO post in March 2022.