MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said imposing price ceilings on rice will not only help lower prices but also discourages hoarding.
In a statement on Sunday, NEDA said while the country has enough supply of rice until the end of the year, rice prices have been increasing for the past weeks.
NEDA acknowledged that “we are facing difficult times” as the intensified El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is expected to result in below-normal rainfall by the end of the year which may affect rice production.
It added that the trade-restricting protectionist behavior of certain rice-exporting countries, such as India’s ban on non-basmati rice exports to keep prices low at home, and the aggressive move of rice-importing countries to secure supply, have resulted in a decrease in the volume of rice being traded and expected to be traded in the global market.
“That said, we note that the price of rice has been sharply increasing over the past weeks, which is inconsistent with the apparent supply and demand situation. This implies that some are manipulating the expected impact of ENSO to depict a shortage at this time,” NEDA said.
“The imposition of a price ceiling on rice will address this issue in two ways: (1) it will immediately reduce the price of rice, and (2) it penalizes and consequently discourages hoarding, further decreasing the price of rice,” it added.
Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the recommendation to impose mandated price ceilings on rice in the whole country.
Under Executive Order 39, the mandated price ceiling for regular milled rice is PHP41 per kilogram, while the price cap for well-milled rice is PHP45 per kg.
Data from the Department of Agriculture showed that as of Aug. 30, the price per kilogram of local regular milled rice in markets in Metro Manila ranged from PHP42 to PHP55, while local well-milled rice stood at PHP47 to PHP56.
NEDA said the government’s priority is to ensure that the country has an ample supply of affordable rice.
“The imposition of a price ceiling on rice is not a standalone initiative. Law enforcement authorities continue their valiant efforts to crack down on individuals who hoard, excessively profit from, smuggle, or participate in rice cartels,” NEDA said.
According to NEDA, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund continues to support farmers nationwide, enhancing their livelihoods and capacity to produce the rice Filipinos need.
The Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook also continues to closely monitor the prices of rice and various other goods to provide anticipatory policy advice on dealing with inflation.
“We recognize and appreciate well-meaning actors in the rice market, such as farmers, cooperatives, traders, and importers, who are helping the Government ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable rice,” NEDA said.
“We are confident that the imposition of a price ceiling is only a temporary measure. We expect the rice harvest to commence soon and anticipate that other initiatives will produce the desired result,” it added. (PNA)
BACOLOD CITY – After several days of massive power outage, Victorias City and E.B. Magalona town in Negros Occidental obtained assistance to restore electricity for almost 155,000 residents under the coverage area of Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco).
On Saturday night, the 15-MVA (Mega Volt Amp) transformer lent by neighboring Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) arrived in Victorias from this capital city while electricity was partially restored in E.B. Magalona after Noneco interconnected with Ceneco’s power lines in Silay City.
“The power transformer has arrived in Noneco Bacayan, Victorias Substation. This will replace the broken transformer. Technical procedures will be conducted before its commissioning,” the management said in a statement.
The two localities first experienced outages almost a week ago when the 15-MVA substation in Victorias malfunctioned on a stormy evening Aug. 28.
Although power was restored the morning after, another power disruption took place a few hours later and electricity has not been available to Victorias residents since then.
“For now, it’s partial power restoration in E.B. Magalona. We are gradually supplying power to balance off the electricity load to prevent overload in the power lines,” read Noceco’s statement.
Parts of neighboring Manapla town, where the Noneco main office is based, are also experiencing power interruption.
The outage has prompted affected local government units to set up charging stations in public places and distribute generation sets to the villages, sent residents to nearby cities of Silay, Talisay and Bacolod to get mobile phone and internet connections, and forced a number of families to stay in Bacolod hotels over the weekend.
The Noneco management had earlier said evaluation showed the full energization of its 15-MVA Victorias substation would have been possible, but would place at risk the remaining connected equipment.
“We must first ensure the safety and accuracy of our whole technical system,” it added. (PNA)
MANILA – Southwest monsoon or “habagat” enhanced by Typhoon Hanna will bring moderate to heavy rainfall over Metro Manila, the western portion of Luzon and Antique in the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Sunday.
PAGASA said Hanna slightly intensified as it moves closer to the coast of southern Taiwan.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the weather bureau said the center of the eye of Hanna was estimated at 215 kilometers north northeast of Itbayat, Batanes with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.
Batanes and the northern portion of Babuyan Islands are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
A gale warning is in effect for the northern and western seaboards of Luzon, the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon, portions of seaboards of northern Quezon, the southern seaboard of Southern Luzon, and the western seaboard of Visayas due to the combined influence of Hanna and the enhanced southwest monsoon, PAGASA said.
“Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are also possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1,” the weather advisory added.
It said Hanna may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility late Sunday evening or Monday morning as a severe tropical storm.
Hanna, however, will continue to enhance southwest monsoon that will bring occasional to monsoon rains in Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Metro Manila, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Batangas.
Western Visayas and the rest of Luzon will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms also due to the southwest monsoon.
The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to southwest monsoon and localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA warned that flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible due to heavy to at times intense or heavy rains. (PNA)
MANILA – The One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act is the true embodiment of the “Filipino first policy” that the country needs to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) recover from Covid-19 pandemic, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Sunday.
He said Republic Act (RA) No. 11960 or the Act Institutionalizing the OTOP Philippines Program, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Aug. 25, is the perfect post-pandemic law that would go a long way in helping the MSMEs in post-pandemic era.
He said it aims to develop a self-reliant and independent national economy, effectively controlled by Filipinos through policies and programs that drive inclusive local economic activity that would boost the nation’s economic growth.
“The State shall likewise promote the preferential use of Filipino labor, domestic materials, and locally produced goods, and adopt measures to make them competitive,” the new law read.
“The OTOP Philippines Program is hereby institutionalized and shall be one of the government’s stimulus programs that will encourage the growth of MSMEs in the countryside through the development of indigenous raw materials, utilizing local skills and talents and featuring local traditions across the country; Provided, that simplified requirements and procedures shall be adopted for beneficiaries to easily access the components of the program,” it added.
The OTOP Philippines Program shall cover products and skills-based services known to an area or locality. This includes processed foods, agricultural-based products, home and fashion products, arts and crafts, and skills-based services.
“The OTOP Program will redound not just to the individual localities or regions, but the entire country itself in an expedited manner,” Romualdez said in a news release on Sunday.
He also said RA 11960 recognizes the indispensable rule of the private sector and private enterprises and the necessity to provide incentives to foster advancement among businesses, especially MSMEs which make up 90 percent of all local businesses, following the pandemic.
The law provides a package of assistance for MSMEs with viable products in order to develop new, innovative, and more complex products, with significant improvement in the areas of quality, product development, design, packaging, standards or regulatory compliance, marketability, production capability, and brand development, among others.
“It also aims to assist rural communities in growing the local economy and being more market-oriented and innovation-driven, as well as promote convergence of initiatives from local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, and the private sector in developing and promoting Philippine products, whether for export of the domestic market,” Romualdez said.
RA 11960 designates the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as the main implementer of the OTOP Philippines Program. It shall create the OTOP Program Management Office to oversee the program.
The DTI is also mandated to establish the OTOP Philippines Trustmark, an assurance that the products under the program represent the country’s best.
The regional and provincial offices of the DTI shall, in cooperation with the concerned LGUs, determine the beneficiaries of the OTOP program. (PNA)
Clarkson is open to the possibility of another stint with Gilas at the next FIBA Basketball World Cup, which is scheduled for 2027.
By then, he will be 35 years old, an age when many athletes begin to experience a decline in performance due to accumulated wear and tear on their bodies. However, Clarkson remains optimistic about his ability to continue playing for the Philippines if the team qualifies.
At 31 years old, he still feels energetic and believes that age is just a number.
Following his impressive 34-point performance in Gilas’ 96-75 victory over China, he expressed his desire to continue representing his country. He emphasized that he’s not ready to retire from international competition and hopes to wear the Philippine jersey again in the future.
Clarkson’s outstanding performance in the game against China, where he scored 24 points in the third quarter alone, was a fitting way to potentially conclude his current stint as a Gilas Pilipinas player.
He displayed remarkable shooting accuracy, making 11-of-18 field goals, including 5-of-10 from beyond the arc, and also contributed with three assists and two rebounds in 33 minutes of play.
According to him, his success in the third quarter was the result of great teamwork and effective screens that allowed him to showcase his scoring abilities. (ai/mnm)
Gilas Pilipinas scored a win finally at the expense of China via a 96-75 rout on their fifth and final outing in the FIBA World Cup Saturday night but it seems that for coach Chot Reyes (left) there is nothing much to cheer about. Gilas dropped its first four games in the world’s biggest basketball tourney, missing punching an outright slot for the 2024 Olympics in France.
MANILA — Chot Reyes made the decision to step down as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas immediately after the team’s victorious conclusion to their 2023 FIBA World Cup journey against China.
“Clearly, our performance fell short. We didn’t meet expectations, and as I mentioned in our last game, I take full responsibility for that. Therefore, I believe it’s time for me to step aside,” Reyes expressed during the postgame press conference following Gilas’ impressive 96-75 victory over China on Saturday night.
“I prefer not to use the term ‘resign’ because I’m not one to quit. I’m not a quitter. I want to emphasize that to everyone who may wonder. However, I took on this role with the understanding that I needed to deliver results, and I did not achieve that. So, I think it’s best for me to step down and allow the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) to make decisions that benefit the team and the program.”
In front of an audience of 11,080 dedicated fans who braved heavy rain to support Gilas in their final classification round match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Filipino team exhibited remarkable energy, fueled by the scorching shooting of their naturalized player, Jordan Clarkson.
As the final buzzer sounded, Gilas concluded a rollercoaster FIBA World Cup journey with a victory, which came after four heartbreaking losses during the tournament that cost the Philippines an automatic spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Reyes clarified that he had not received any communication from SBP since the team was officially eliminated from Olympic contention following a disappointing 87-68 loss to South Sudan in the classification round on Thursday night.
“No, I haven’t heard from the management. This is my decision. As everyone knows, I didn’t seek this job; I didn’t volunteer for it. I was entrusted with this responsibility. I had already retired from coaching the national team, and throughout this time, I’ve consistently said that we should be judged based on our performance in the World Cup, regardless of what occurred between my appointment and today. I’ve always maintained that we should be evaluated on our performance,” explained Reyes, who played a pivotal role in bringing the Philippines back to the global stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1978.
Reyes was credited with guiding the Philippines back to the world stage when they defeated long-standing rivals South Korea during the 2013 FIBA Asia Men’s Championship in Manila, earning a ticket to the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain.
During that tournament, the Philippines, bolstered by naturalized big man and former Brooklyn Nets player Andray Blatche, pushed world-class opponents like Croatia, Argentina, Greece, and Puerto Rico to the brink of defeat, with narrow losses.
Gilas ended the tournament on a high note with an 81-79 overtime victory over Senegal, marking a significant achievement for the country on the global stage, the best since their 2-5 record in the 1974 FIBA World Cup in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – Saving its best for last.
That’s what Gilas Pilipinas did opposite China last night in the Group Phase of the FIBA World Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With nothing to gain but an ounce of national pride, Gilas finally hit the right chords in turning back China, 96-75, before an appreciative hometown crowd at the Coliseum
Crucial for Gilas was a searing third-quarter attack led by Jordan Clarkson who blew the game wide open with successive triples to frustrate China.
Clarkson’s fourth hit from beyond the arc gave the Philippines a comfortable 23-point lead at 73-50 moments before the end of the third.
And with it, Gilas coach Chot Reyes gave Clarkson a breather through the first five minutes of play in the fourth canto.
Without Clarkson on the floor, Gilas Pilipinas even managed to push the lead further to 26 points at 83-57 with Rhenz Abando, Kai Sotto, and Scottie Thompson taking over the scoring chores.
Reyes fielded JC once more in the final 4:11 of play as China was visibly in the act of launching a counter-attack to turn the game around.
But a short five-point burst laced with a triple was all that China could do before Dwight Ramos capped the Nationals’ much-needed win with a mid-range jumper for the final count.
The Nationals’ first victory in five games in the biggest gathering of basketball greats of the world also came as a fitting birthday gift to Ramos who celebrated his 25th birthday hard at work on the court.
Ramos was born on September 2, 1998, in the United States in West Covina, California to Artemio Ramos from Ilocos Sur and Liliya Ramos from Russia.
Before Gilas faced China smarting a 0-4 win-loss slate, Congressman Joel Chua of the Third District of Manila, urban poor champion and sports advocate, extended his gratitude and admiration to the entire Gilas Pilipinas of their team effort in the FIBA World Cup but a lot of Filipinos, and the lawmaker himself, find it hard to hide their collective frustrations over Gilas’ 0-4 start.
“AJ Edu, Dwight Ramos, and Jordan Clarkson have consistently displayed exceptional skills on the court, deserving all the recognition they receive. Edu and Ramos, in particular, have showcased their talents to the world, including the NBA and various leagues in Europe and Asia,” Chua said.
“The Gilas head coach (Chot Reyes) mentioned that their goal had always been to secure a ticket to the Olympics. However, it seems that this goal didn’t fully resonate with fans. The reality is that the basketball prowess of the Gilas Pilipinas team has not yet reached the same level as the countries that advanced to Round 2 of the FIBA World Cup.”
A direct ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics through the FIBA conclave is already out of reach for Gilas Pilipinas.
However, with their recent blowout win over China, the national team might get an invitation to join two more Olympic Qualifying Tournaments before the 2024 Olympics, slated from July 26, 2024, to August 11, 2024, in Paris, France.
According to sports pundits, the second-best Asian team will be able to join the qualifying tournament with Japan as the best Asian team in the world cup to make it as they have a 2-2 win-loss slate.
China and Lebanon both have one win apiece against three losses.
Gilas, Iran and Jordan all are winless.
But now the Philippines just saved itself from falling into the predicament that befell Colombia in 1982, when the hosts were not able to win a single game.
“Gilas is not at the caliber of the teams that advanced to Round 2. This bitter truth needs to be accepted. Hence, Gilas found itself in classification games with teams that had a 0-3 win-loss record from Round 1,” Chua added.
He also said that “critiques from Filipino fans about perceived flawed decisions and subpar performances cannot be dismissed. While Pinoy fans may not be team owners or corporate sponsors, government subsidies for the national team primarily come from taxes and approved budgets. Although these subsidies are modest, they are largely funded by taxpayers.”
The lawmaker who is a lawyer by profession stressed that Pinoy basketball fans are taxpayers, which grants them the right to demand accountability from Gilas coaches, players, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
“Additionally, fans have invested their hard-earned money in purchasing expensive tickets to watch FIBA World Cup games live and subscribing to pay-per-view cable TV broadcasts.”
In ending, Chua said that “the nation requires a visionary and transparent development plan, as well as an action plan for the Paris Olympics. This plan should include extended preparation periods, more time for player bonding, and increased cooperation from support institutions.”
But more importantly, he said, “Gilas requires new leadership and a fresh generation of coaches with extensive international experience. Anything less would be insufficient.”
(ai/mnm)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Western Mindanao State University stamped its class over Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College (RMMC), 25-7, 25-14, 25-14, to secure the women’s volleyball gold medal in the Philippine Air Force category of the 1st Philippine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games Mindanao leg at Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU) here on Saturday.
Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College bagged the bronze medal after a dominant 25-0, 25-0, 25-7 victory over HMIJ Foundation – Philippine Islamic College, Inc.
Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) and ZPPSU were champions in the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy volleyball categories, respectively; while in men’s 3×3 basketball, RMMC claimed the gold for Philippine Army.
Army delivered 28 golds, 28 silvers and 36 bronzes to emerge overall champion.
Navy placed second with 15 golds, 14 silvers and 8 bronzes while Air Force collected 11 golds, 11 silvers and 9 bronzes.
“Walang pag-aalinlangan na ang naganap na ROTC Games sa Zamboanga City ay nagbukas ng maraming pagkakataon sa ating mga kabataang kadete na ma-ipamalas ang kanilang pambihirang lakas at makapaghikayat ng suporta ng pamahalaan upang higit pa silang makapagsanay at maging mas mahusay pa sa kanilang napiling larangan (There is no doubt that the ROTC Games that took place in Zamboanga City opened many opportunities for our young cadets to show their extraordinary strength and to encourage the support of the government so that they can train more and become better in their chosen field),” Games’ honorary chair Senator Francis Tolentino said in his speech at the closing ceremony.
He thanked the local government, Department of National Defense, Commission on Higher Education and Philippine Sports Commission for pouring in “their time and energy to ensure that the first ever ROTC Games will be held successfully.”
The Luzon regional qualifying will be held Sept. 17 to 23 at Cavite State University main campus in Indang town.
The schedules of the National Capital Region leg and the National Championships will be announced soon. (PNA)
MANILA – South Sudan made history by booking a first Olympic slot in its first FIBA Basketball World Cup appearance.
The outright 2024 Paris Olympics berth came after Sudan beat Angola, 101-78, at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and New Zealand nipped Egypt, 88-86, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City in the Classification 17-32 Round.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s a dream come true. We became an independent country in 2011. No one ever imagined or dreamed of being in this position,” the 28-year-old forward Nuni Omot said.
“And now we’re going to have the chance to walk across the Olympic stage with our flag. It’s unbelievable everything that’s happened. Obviously, this is one of the most… I’m so emotional right now. It’s one of the best stories, sports stories that’s that’s came out in a long time. So I’m just I’m just very blessed to be a part of this.”
Point guard Carlik Jones, who plays for the Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association, also became the first player to register three games of 10 or more assists in a single World Cup and tied the mark for the most assists in a game.
Against Angola, the 25-year-old Jones poured in 26 points, snatched 7 rebounds and dished out 15 assists.
It was the second straight game Jones flirted with a triple-double after tallying 17 points, 9 rebounds and 14 assists against the Philippines two days earlier.
There will be additional spots for the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for the Africa sides still in contention. As long as they do not finish among the bottom five spots in the tournament, they should make it to one of the 2024 qualifiers.
South Sudan became the third confirmed team alongside Paris 2024 hosts France and Australia.
There are five more automatic berths still up for grabs. (FIBA/PNA)
NEW YORK – In a historic first, the Islamic call to prayer, known as the adhan, resonated through the loudspeaker of one of New York’s largest mosques on Friday.
Many Muslims attending Friday prayers at the Islamic Cultural Center of New York (ICCNY) in Manhattan recorded the moments with their mobile phones.
On Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City will permit the adhan to be broadcast at designated times every Friday and during the holy month of Ramadan.
“For too long, there has been confusion about which communities were not allowed to amplify their calls to prayer,” Adams said at a news conference attended by representatives from various mosque associations and Muslim foundations.
“Today, we are cutting red tape and saying clearly that mosques and houses of worship are free to amplify their call to prayer on Fridays and during Ramadan without a permit necessary,” he added.
Under the new guidance, a mosque or masjid can broadcast adhan every Friday between 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. as well as before the fast-breaking meal, of iftar, every evening during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Leaders from the Muslim community expressed gratitude to the mayor and other officials. (Anadolu)
BAGUIO CITY – A total of 12,000 slices of cakes from a four-layer giant wedding cake were served to the public at the SM City Baguio on Saturday to celebrate three occasions — wedding of 11 couples, 114th Baguio Charter anniversary and the 16th Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism (HRT) Week.
Jeffrey Ng, chair of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB), said 25 professional chefs and 40 student assistants assembled the four layers of cake with the base measuring 24 feet x 18 feet x 7 inches; the second layer at 18 feet x 14 feet x 7 inches; third layer at 14 feet x 10 feet x 7 inches; and the topmost layer at 10 feet 8 feet x 7 inches.
The ingredients included 175 kilograms (kg) of cake flour, 150 kg all-purpose flour, 300 kg bread flour, 480 kg unsalted butter, 1.7 liters of corn oil, 32,000 pieces of fresh eggs, 20,000 pieces of banana, 600 kg fresh carrots, 70 kg dark chocolates, 60 kg white chocolates, 60 kg milk chocolates, 1,500 kg white sugar, 6kg baking soda, 9 kg baking powder, 30 kg chocolate powder, 400 cans of evaporated milk and 600 liters of cream for icing and finishes.
The final product had chocolate truffle, red velvet, banana, carrot cake and blueberry vanilla flavors.
“We wanted to have a reason for the people to come over and visit the city during this season and we want to showcase something different that is why we do the giant wedding cake,” Ng said in a text message, referring to the fourth staging of the event.
HRAB president Anthony de Leon said the event was a challenge considering the continuous rains in the city for several days already.
“It was raining hard and we were presented with issues on how to mobilize and present the giant cake but we always say: We find ways,” De Leon said during the program, which was also witnessed by United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
“The weather may be testing our spirits but seeing all of you, braving the elements to be with us is a testament of support that will make us continue to do events that will showcase our city,” he added.
Andrew Pinero, spokesperson of HRAB, said the HRT Week is an important occasion not only for the tourism industry but for the students who are preparing to become professionals in the industry.
“We have competitions during the HRT Week that are participated in by professionals and students from Cordillera and Central and Northern Luzon provinces. This is important because these events are exposures that will make them better professionals when they finally land a job in the tourism industry,” Pinero said. (PNA)
ILOILO CITY – The Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council) of Oton town in Iloilo province has declared a state of calamity due to the heavy rains and floods brought by Typhoon Goring and the southwest monsoon.
In a special session conducted Friday afternoon, the council unanimously approved the resolution sponsored by council member Rodolfo Alconga Jr., which stated that “heavy rains and flooding on Aug. 28 and 29, 2023 resulted in the disruption of classes, business transactions, and government offices and damage to the agriculture sector.”
Citing an assessment of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the resolution noted that 23 barangays were directly affected, with more than 850 families equivalent to 3,587 persons evacuated.
Meanwhile, damage to agriculture, as reported by the municipal agriculture and cooperative office, was put at more than PHP8.3 million.
“This declaration of the state of calamity brought about by heavy rains and flooding caused by super typhoon Goring and enhanced by the southwest monsoon will aid this municipality for the prevention and control efforts, particularly in terms of mobilizing resources, utilizing appropriate funds, including quick response fund,” the resolution read.
Oton Vice Mayor Jose Neil Olivarez also instructed the committee on agriculture to see if they could already lift a declaration passed in October last year that also placed the municipality under a state of calamity due to African swine fever.
“As of now, two declarations (placing Oton) under the state of calamity have been in effect in our municipality,” Olivarez said. (PNA)
COTABATO CITY – Nine suspected drug peddlers were arrested and more than 1.15 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP7.84 million were seized during separate anti-drug operations here in the past two days, a government inter-agency task force here said Saturday.
In a statement, Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao, also head of the Inter-Agency Task Force Kutawato (IATFK), said the latest drug sting was launched along LR Sebastian Street in Barangay Rosary Heights 10 on Friday afternoon.
“The IATFK seized PHP7.8 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested three persons during the 3 p.m. anti-drug buy-bust operation,” he said.
Director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) Christian Frivaldo identified the arrested suspects as Komini Mama, 31, of Cotabato City; and Kasan Abdul, 31, and Yasser Sabal, 36, both of Maguindanao del Norte.
Seized from the suspects were 1.15 kg. of suspected shabu, the buy-bust money, and a motorbike.
“The distribution of prohibited drugs in the city had been busted,” the IATFK said.
A suspect managed to elude arrest and remains the subject of a manhunt.
The arrested suspects are now detained at the PDEA-BARMM detention facility in this city while charges are being prepared against them.
On Thursday, the IATFK also arrested six persons and dismantled a drug den during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Bagua Mother, also in this city.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects as drug den owner Jennifer Pradi Maturan-Ali and her clients Abduladzis Dandang Ali, Pagpag Lumabao, Sahid Linkuan, Esrafil Dading, and Akmad Giok, all residents of Cotabato City.
Another suspect, Mentiok Ali, escaped during the operation. Suspected shabu valued at about PHP40,000, buy-bust money, mobile phones, and identification cards were confiscated from the suspects. (PNA)
MANILA – The implementation of the mandated price ceilings for rice will start on Sept. 5, Malacañang said Friday.
The clarification was made after Executive Order (EO) 39 stated that the price cap on regular and well-milled rice will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
“The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) clarified on Friday that Executive Order No. 39, which sets a price ceiling on regular and well-milled rice in the whole country, will take effect on Sept. 5, Tuesday,” Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.
EO 39 sets the mandated price per kilogram of regular milled rice at PHP41 and well-milled rice at PHP45.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed EO 39 on Thursday, approving the Aug. 31 recommendation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to impose mandated price ceilings on rice amid the current surge in retail prices of the staple in the country.
EO 39 directs the DTI and the DA to ensure the strict implementation of the mandated price ceilings, monitor and investigate abnormal price movements of rice in the market, and provide assistance to affected retailers, with the help of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
It also orders the Bureau of Customs to step up its ongoing inspections and raids of rice warehouses to combat hoarding and illegal importation and facilitate the confiscation, seizure or forfeiture of smuggled rice as may be warranted by the law.
DTI Assistant Secretary Agaton Uvero said composite teams comprised of different government agencies, in coordination with local government units, will visit markets to monitor prices of the two rice varieties.
“The law will run after hoarders and profiteers,” he said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City. “We will see to it that public markets are complying or else, retailers will be fined up to PHP2 million.”
Agaton assured other varieties of rice will still be available but “premium rice costs much higher.”
In a media interview in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan earlier Friday, Marcos urged the public to report violators of the price caps.
“I would encourage anyone who finds that someone or a retailer is selling at above the price ceiling, i-report po ninyo, i-report ninyo sa pulis, i-report ninyo doon sa DA, doon sa lugar ninyo, i-report ninyo sa local government para matingnan po namin at tiyakin na hindi lalampas doon sa ating presyo na nilagay (report it to the police, the DA or the local government so we would be able to monitor and make sure that it would not exceed the price ceilings),” he said.
Marcos said that while EO 39 would be implemented nationwide, the government would focus its monitoring in Metro Manila, noting that the condition “is not so bad outside” the country’s metropolis.
The Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM), an association of rice traders, likewise said it will work with the government to provide consumers with affordable and quality rice.
While some industry stakeholders do not agree with the order, PRISM lead convenor Rowena Sadicon hopes their members will understand the position of the Chief Executive, according to a news release of the Presidential Communications Office.
Citing the OES statement, Garafil said any inquiry or complaint can be coursed through the government’s 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center. (With a report from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
MANILA – Government officials and employees may avail of special treats and discounts on purchases, accommodations and activities this September in celebration of the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA).
Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Nograles announced that the commission has partnered with various private establishments to offer exclusive rates and freebies for the 1.9 million active civil servants, as well as retired employees in recognition of their hard work and commitment to public service.
“Inihanda natin itong special treats bilang pasasalamat sa ating mga kawani. Talaga namang hindi matatawaran ang inyong mga sakripisyo upang matugunan ang pangangailangan at mabigyan ng dekalidad na serbisyo ang publiko anumang oras. Salamat po sa inyo (We prepared these special treats as a show of gratitude to our employees. Your sacrifices to extend quality public service at all times cannot be emphasized enough),” Nograles said in a statement.
According to the CSC, for the whole month of September, government employees may avail of discounts from public and private sector partners in accommodations, amusement facilities, food orders, health and wellness facilities, retail outlets, service providers and travel agencies.
The following are the partner outlets providing discounts on accommodations:
• Bluewater Maribago (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)
• Casa Emilia (Caloocan City)
• Desert Rose Hotel (El Nido, Palawan)
• Fulgueras Beach Resort (San Felipe, Zambales)
• Department of Tourism – Cordillera region
• Department of Tourism – Ilocos region
• Harolds Evotel Hotel Cebu
• Kwentong Dagat (San Felipe, Zambales)
• Layang Layang Home (El Nido, Palawan)
• Limliwa Beach Resort (San Felipe, Zambales)
• RedDoorz
• Seda Lio (El Nido, Palawan)
• Sitio de Amor (San Pablo City, Laguna)
• Urbiz Garden (San Juan, La Union)
• Villa Pamana Inn (Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro)
Civil servants may also enjoy discounted rates at SM Bowling, SM Skating, Game Room, and Star City. Additionally, Ka Tunying’s extends special pricing for food orders.
Meanwhile, the following health and wellness facilities have partnered with CSC:
• 2 Hands
• Asian Eye Institute
• EyeSite by Asian Eye Institute
• Blissful Bali Massage Spa and Aesthetic Center
• Dermcare
• Executive Optical
• KR Suarez Optical
• Pink Parlour
• RCC Amazing Touch
• Vitasurg Clinic
Nine retail outlets also offer discounts on in-store purchases:
• ACE Hardware
• FlexiSpot
• Hi-Q Appliances
• Miniso
• Pet Express
• SM Appliance Center
• SM Store
• Toy Kingdom
• Trax Manila Records
Government employees and retired personnel may avail of discounts on services from AutoGenic, Automobile Association Philippines, L&D’s Auto Body Painting & Repair Services and Majesty Driving School.
Lastly, Bigson Travel & Tours and Travbest Travel & Tours Co. also offer discounts on travel bookings and travel insurance.
To avail of the discounts, government workers only need to present their government agency ID or UMID card.
Job Order and Contract of Service workers may also avail of the special treats by presenting their official government agency ID card.
The complete list of PCSA partner outlets, agencies and facilities can be checked via the CSC PCSA microsite at www.csc.gov.ph/pcsa2023 or via CSC Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/civilservicegovph. (PNA)
MANILA — The inability of “weakened” guerilla fronts to wage wars is a “strategic victory” for peace efforts, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said on Saturday.
During the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, NTF-ELCAC director Alexander Umpar noted that the government has dismantled 69 of 89 guerilla fronts since the creation of the task force in 2018.
Umpar said only one of the 20 remaining guerilla fronts is active while 19 others are already weakened.
“‘Pag sinabi nating strategic victory, ito na ‘yung 19 weakened guerilla fronts at isa na lang ‘yung kinu-kompronta ng AFP (When we say strategic victory, this is the 19 weakened guerilla fronts and only one is left to be confronted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines),” he said.
“May mga concerns pa rin sa armed [groups] pero hindi na sila nakakapag-initiate ng armadong pakikibaka (There are still concerns about the armed groups but they are no longer able to initiate an armed struggle) or to [topple] down our government. So, ‘yun ‘yung (that’s the) strategic victory,” Umpar said.
NTF-ELCAC director Jose Descallar likewise expressed optimism that the government would be able to sustain its peace-building efforts to encourage more rebels to reintegrate into mainstream society.
He urged rebels to give up and join the government in its goal of transforming the country into a “new Philippines.”
Director Emmanuel Santos Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity said the conduct of localized peace engagements has been proven to be the “most effective” approach in addressing communist insurgency.
“Kaya po natin nilo-localize na ‘yung pakikipag-usap, para po mas malapit na sa tao ‘yung maparamdam po na nandito po ‘yung gobyerno talaga (We’re localizing the engagement so we will be closer to the people to make them feel that the government is really here),” Santos said, adding that there should be “clear directions” to ensure the full reintegration of former rebels (FRs) into mainstream society.
Umpar noted that in 2023, a total of 959 villages cleared of insurgency threats were included in the Barangay Development Program (BDP), an initiative that aims to bring sustainable development programs to conflict-prone and conflict-affected communities.
Under the BDP, each village recipient will receive a package of programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) worth a maximum total of PHP20 million.
BDP beneficiaries in 2021 and 2022 were pegged at 822 and 1,406, respectively, he said.
Umpar said the NTF-ELCAC is bullish that by 2028, it would attain its goal of achieving lasting peace and development in areas that are vulnerable to armed conflicts.
“‘By 2028 naman, ito ‘yung sustaining na ‘yung momentum ng gains ng NTF-ELCAC (By 2028, it is about sustaining the momentum of NTF-ELCAC gains) with regards to the dismantling of these guerilla fronts, the reintegration of our FRs, and most of all, building resiliency for our communities under the ambit of good governance towards the unity, peace and development,” he said.
Descallar said the military could shift its focus on “external threats,” once the government is able to address local insurgency.
During the declaration of Palawan Island as “insurgency-free” in a ceremony in Puerta Princesa City on Friday, Marcos said the country is making a significant stride in attaining peace and order in the country.
Marcos attributed the successful implementation of the peace initiatives and anti-insurgency efforts to the government’s “whole-of-nation” approach. (PNA)
MANILA – The family house of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin in New Washington, Aklan, will be transformed soon into a museum.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website reported that the project will be implemented following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Diocese of Kalibo and property custodian Serviam Foundation.
The agreement was signed following a Mass for the former Manila archbishop’s 95th birth anniversary at the Manila Cathedral on Aug. 31.
Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo celebrated the Mass.
Those who signed for the Serviam Foundation were Msgr. Rolando dela Cruz and Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr. while the Diocese of Kalibo was represented by Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc and Fr. Justy More of the diocese’s Historical, Research, Cultural Council.
“We encourage them (Kalibo diocese) to make use of the house for their cultural heritage purposes,” Dela Cruz said.
Turning Sin’s home into a museum “aims to preserve the memory of Cardinal Sin, and educate future generations about his life and teachings,” said More.
“We aim to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the significant historical events and tangible heritage that shaped the Diocese of Kalibo’s remarkable journey of faith,” he added.
Aside from the late cardinal’s memorabilia, the museum will also house a collection of ecclesiastical artifacts and archival materials. (PNA)
MANILA – The estimated damage to infrastructure in four regions has reached PHP442.34 million, caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” and the effects of Typhoon Goring.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said in a news release Saturday that of the total damage in the Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Mimaropa (Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) regions, PHP146.28 million are damage to roads, PHP14.68 million to bridges and PHP281.38 million to flood-control structures.
The DPWH Bureau of Maintenance said as of 10 a.m. Saturday, four roads in the Cordillera region and three roads in the Ilocos region remain impassable due to pavement sinking, roadcut, landslides and scoured bridge abutment.
A total of 26 roads reopened but the DPWH is clearing the following sections that are closed to all types of vehicles: Abra-Ilocos Norte Road, San Gregorio, La Paz, Abra (due to pavement sinking); Kennon Road, Camp One, Tuba, Benguet (as a precautionary measure); Claveria-Calanasan-Kabugao Road, sections in Barangay Namaltugan and Barangay Ninoy, Calanasan, Apayao (due to roadcut and collapsed pavement); Dantay Sagada Road, Barangay Antadao, Sagada, Mt. Province (due to roadcut and collapsed pavement); Ilocos Norte-Apayao Road, Barangay Maananteng, Solsona, Ilocos Norte (due to landslides); Roxas Bridge, Vigan-San Vicente Road in Ilocos Sur (due to scoured bridge abutment); and Pangasinan-Nueva Vizcaya Road, Barangay Malico, San Nicolas, Pangasinan (due to soil collapse).
Only one lane is passable to light vehicles at the Vigan Bridge 1 and 2 along Bantay-Vigan Road in Barangay 1, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (due to damaged abutment protection and bridge approach); and the Nasugbu-Lian-Calatagan Road, Barangay Puting Kahoy, Lian, Batangas (due to scoured shoulder and roadcut/collapsed pavement).
The southwest monsoon, currently enhanced by Typhoon Hanna and two other tropical cyclones (Saola and Kirogi) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), will bring occasional to monsoon rains over the western portion of Luzon in the next three days.
The center of the eye of Hanna was estimated at 455 km. east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes as of 11 a.m.
The province is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 as of posting time.
Goring reached super typhoon category and left the PAR on Aug. 30. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA)
MANILA — Malacañang on Saturday released the names of 28 new appointees of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., including two special envoys for overseas Filipinos’ concerns and to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Trade and Investments.
The President appointed Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo as Special Envoy for Overseas Filipino Concerns, the same position given to the latter in 2018 under the leadership of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The INC’s, known for its bloc voting system, backed Marcos’ presidential bid in the 2022 national elections, as well as his candidacy for vice president in 2016.
The roster of newly appointed officials also included businessman Norman Vincent Wee, who was tapped as Special Envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investments.
Marcos appointed Grace Tan as the new chairperson of the National Labor Relations Commission, an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment mandated to adjudicate labor and management disputes involving both local and overseas workers through compulsory arbitration and alternative modes of dispute resolution.
The other appointees are Jesus Ricardo Domingo as Foreign Affairs Undersecretary; Pablo Lorenzo as Defense Undersecretary; Felix Castro Jr. as Presidential Assistant for Marawi Rehabilitation, with the rank of Assistant Secretary; Niño Raymond Alvina as Finance Assistant Secretary; and Wilson Buerano Jr. as deputy director general of the Philippine Information Agency.
Based on the new list of presidential appointees, Romeo Bernardo and Rosalia de Leon will serve as members of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Monetary Board; Allan Montaño as member of the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, representing the labor sector; Cynthia Carrion as member of Philippine Retirement Authority’s Board of Trustees; and Mark Bocobo as member of Cagayan Economic Zone Authority’s Board of Directors, representing the national government.
Named provincial agrarian reform adjudicators were Saipal Alawi Jr., Grian Damarillos, Reparado Galos III, Rolando Lava and Rahyll Saga.
Marcos also tapped Catherine Alam-Miranda and Jonathan Leybag as Local Government Operations Officer VIII of the Department of the Interior and Local Government
Reginald Rapanan will serve as Director IV at the Department of Transportation’s Office for Transportation Security, while Rowena Hizon, Miramel Laxa, Michael Joseph Lorico, and Christian Joseph Regunay will hold the same posts at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Marcos designated Jacklyn Krystyl Nehama Bana as Director III of the DSWD; Consolacion Agcaoili as Executive Director III of the Bureau of Local Government Finance; and Mark Anthony Diamante as Director III of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. (PNA)
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is establishing collaborative efforts with infrastructure and public works agencies to use bamboo as a key element in controlling floods in Metro Manila.
In an interview Friday, DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano said bamboo can be used to rapidly reforest denuded areas in and around the metropolis to mitigate floods, such as the ones triggered by heavy rains earlier this week.
“We all know the severity of our problem with flooding. The best solution is to plant plenty of bamboo in strategic areas because it is the fastest-growing plant, and we can quickly reforest. It will absorb water and hold the soil to prevent erosion. It also produces 35 percent more oxygen than other trees, helping control urban pollution,” he noted.
Savellano said his agency is exploring non-indigenous varieties of bamboo for its fast-tracked flood mitigation vision, as some varieties can potentially grow up to one meter per day.
He also mentioned the availability of Guada Bamboo from Latin America, one hectare of which can absorb more than 30,000 liters of water in its culms during the rainy season which it gradually deposits back in the soil during the dry season.
Savellano added that the DA’s thrust of bamboo propagation is also in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Calls for bamboo propagation are given extra significance in view of September being the Philippines’ official “Bamboo Month.”
Savellano said his office’s goal is to “harmonize bamboo-related initiatives across all relevant government agencies” including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Public Works and Highways.
He pointed out that there is a need to strictly enforce Executive Order 879 which directs the use of bamboo for at least 25 percent of the desk and other furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools, and prioritizing the use of bamboo in furniture, fixtures and other construction requirements of government facilities.
The EO, which was signed in 2010, also created the now-unfunded but still operational Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) under the DTI.
Aside from its environmental usefulness, the DA official said that the DA’s bamboo propagation push also promises fresh livelihood opportunities to Filipino farmers.
However, he said bamboo’s economic potentials can only be fully exploited if local farmers are taught to go beyond mere growing and harvesting the plant.
Savellano earlier proposed the establishment of “Bamboo Villages,” which was summed up as a business model wherein the land, labor and other resources of rural towns may be harnessed for the growing, harvesting, and eventually, the processing of high-value finished products from “engineered bamboo.” (PNA)