IN BRIEF

DHSUD cites EO 34 as pro-poor measure

EXECUTIVE Order 34 is a pro-poor measure meant to play a vital role in addressing the shortage of housing units, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Friday said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued EO 34, allotting idle government lands for housing projects.

Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the order has a direct positive impact to homeless Filipinos, particularly the informal settlers, under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.

Rio N. Araja

MMDA, Honda tie-up promotes road safety

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has forged a partnership with Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) to promote road safety awareness and provide technical assistance to trainers in the agency’s Motorcycle Riding Academy.

On Thursday, MMDA chairman Romando Artes and HPI president Sayaka Arai-Hattori signed an agreement at the agency’s head office in Pasig City.

“This collaboration will enhance the agency’s Motorcycle Training Modules. The HPI will likewise conduct an assessment on the competency of MMDA’s instructors to improve their knowledge and skills in mentoring and coaching the participants for Motorcycle Riding Academy,” said Artes. Joel E. Zurbano

Senate urged to hasten bill on centenarians

CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Friday appealed to senators to prioritize a House-approved measure increasing the cash gift of Filipino centenarians -- whether living in the Philippines or overseas -- from the current P100,000 to P1 million when they reach the age of 101 years old.

Villafuerte was referring to House Bill (HB) 7535 even as he made the appeal head of this year’s celebration of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.

The bill, one of the measures passed on third and final reading by the House during the first regular session of the current Congress, also proposes a cash gift of P25,000 each to elderly Filipinos when they become 80 and 85 years old (octogenarians) and when they reach the age of 90 and 95 (nonagenarians). Maricel V. Cruz

Start-up crypto firm nets P24.5m in e-payment mode

By Ronald O. Reye

TACLOBAN City- A start-up financial technology (FinTech) company based here has successfully implemented a fund-raising project, mustering some P24.5 million ($450,000) from from foreign investors. Paytaca, founded by Dr. Joemar Taganna (CEO), Aaron JP Almadro as marketing director, and Michael Machica as chief financial officer, has made waves in the market by offering a single cryptocurrency-focused approach instead of adopting multiple cryptocurrencies like many of its competitors.

“The injection of funds will accelerate the development and rollout of critical features, expand Paytaca’s user base, and establish a robust merchant network, starting in the Philippines and other regions that are considered hotspots of Bitcoin Cash (BCH) adoption,” Taganna said.