TORONTO – Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has recaptured the title of “the richest person in the world,” surpassing French luxury goods mogul Bernard Arnault, the president of group LVMH.
According to Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s richest people, Musk’s net worth increased by 1.75 percent as of noon local time to USD240.7 billion.
The increase in the valuation of Tesla shares by more than 2.5 percent had an impact on Musk regaining the title.
The wealth of Arnault, chairman of luxury goods giant LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Tiffany, fell more than 1 percent to USD234.9 billion.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and the richest person in the world for a while, took third place with a fortune of USD151.9 billion.
Bezos was followed by Oracle founder and former CEO Larry Ellison with USD148.1 billion, Microsoft founder Bill Gates with USD120.6 billion and Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffet with USD117.3 billion.
Musk, who bought Twitter for USD44 billion last year, changed the company’s logo from “blue bird” to the letter “X” on Sunday and directed the X.com domain name to the site. (Anadolu)
Zamboanga Peninsula witnessed a momentous occasion as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over the turnover ceremony of a remarkable 69.08-kilometer, multi-billion peso road network project.
Comprising 11 bridges, the ambitious infrastructure initiative also known as the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP), was undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The inauguration, held at the Alicia Gymnasium in Zamboanga Sibugay Province on July 21, 2023, was graced by President Marcos, DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Dulce Ann K. Hofer, and Pavit Ramachandran, the Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) – Philippine Country Office.
The three core road projects, financed jointly by the Government of the Philippines (GOP) and an ADB loan, hold immense significance in enhancing the road infrastructure and bridges in Western Mindanao.
Spearheaded by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO)-Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral), the completed core road projects include the 24.03-kilometer Alicia-Malangas Road and the 29.70-kilometer Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road in Zamboanga Sibugay, as well as the 15.35-kilometer Tampilisan-Sandayong Road in Zamboanga del Norte.
The ceremony saw the presence of distinguished guests, including DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, Undersecretaries Eugenio R. Pipo Jr. and Carlos G. Mutuc, OIC Assistant Secretary Rey Peter Gille, Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Representative Wilter Y. Palma, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay Mayor Alvie B. Musa, Al-Hadj, UPMO-Roads Management Cluster II Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim, DPWH Regional Office IX Director Cayamombao Dia, Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario, ADB Senior Project Officer Ruby Alvarez, and other public works and local officials.
President Marcos emphasized the pivotal role of improved physical connectivity in the nation’s development efforts, aligning with the administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda. He called for continued efforts in constructing structures that will enrich the lives and future of all Filipinos.
During his project briefing, Secretary Bonoan highlighted how the improved road network in Western Mindanao will drive economic growth and development by reducing travel time, ensuring safer and more efficient travel, enhancing peace and order, and creating additional livelihood opportunities for the local population.
Governor Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay expressed her appreciation for the completion of vital roads, reflecting the harmonious collaboration between national and local governments in pursuing a shared vision of a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.
The Alicia-Malangas Road, constructed at a cost of ₱1.422 Billion, significantly reduced travel time between the Zamboanga Sibugay towns of Alicia and Malangas, benefitting around 3,000 to 5,000 travelers daily. The project included the construction of eight bridges with a total length of 302.52 meters.
Costing ₱1.086 Billion, the Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road Project involved the concrete paving of a national tertiary road, connecting the mainland municipality of Alicia to Olutanga Island. It substantially reduced travel time between mainland Alicia and Olutanga Island from three (3) hours to less than 45 minutes, benefitting 3,000 to 5,000 motorists daily.
The Tampilisan-Sandayong Road Project, with a cost of ₱658.186 Million, upgraded existing combined barangay/municipal roads to standard specifications of a secondary national road. This road now provides a direct link between the cities of Dipolog and Pagadian, bypassing Zamboanga Sibugay’s capital town, Ipil, reducing travel time between Tampilisan and Sandayong from two (2) hours to less than 25 minutes, and benefitting around 500 to 1,000 travelers daily.
The IGCMRSP, funded through a ₱25.26 Billion loan from ADB and P6.117 Billion from the Government of the Philippines, encompasses the construction or improvement of 151.60 kilometers of roads and 34 bridges in Zamboanga Peninsula and Tawi-Tawi.
Once fully completed, the IGCMRSP will strengthen the capacity of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) road network, fostering economic growth and peace and order in Mindanao through enhanced physical connectivity in the region. (ai/mnm)
Sarina Bolden, who nailed the Filipinas’ lone goal, for the country’s first-ever win in the 2023 Women’s World Cup Group A at host New Zealand’s expense, celebrates with her teammates after heading in the “golden goal” at the Wellington Stadium, also known as Sky Stadium, in Wellington on July 25, 2023. (AFP PHOTO courtesy)
In an extraordinary moment for Philippine football, the Philippines secured their very first World Cup triumph in a historic upset against co-hosts New Zealand.
The 46th-ranked Filipinas stunned the 26th-ranked New Zealand team with a 1-0 victory at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, July 25 (Manila time).
The game’s decisive moment came in the 24th minute when Sarina Bolden rose to head in a high cross from Sara Eggesvik, securing the lone goal of the match.
With this monumental win, the Philippines now stands a chance to secure a top-two finish in Group A, having accumulated three points with a goal difference of -1 from a 1-1 record.
(Sourced online/ai/mnm)
CAVITEX ended a string of third-place finishes in the PBA 3×3 First Conference Season 3 as it denied TNT a repeat, 21-17, to clinch the Leg 4 championship Tuesday at the Ayala Mall Circuit.
Jorey Napoles made up for a woeful semifinal showing by scoring eight points to lead the Braves to a rousing win worth P100,000.
He scored Cavitex’s final point win still a minute left to play and clinch the team’s first title this conference.
Dominick Fajardo added five, including a jumper that moved the Braves on the hill, while Bong Galanza and Kenneth Ighalo had four each to round out the scoring for the 3×3 team of NLEX, coached by Kyles Lao.
Prior to the win, Cavitex finished third in each of the first three legs of the new season.
Big man Lervin Flores showed the way for TNT with seven points and five rebounds. The Triple Giga, winner of last week’s Leg 3, took home the runner-up purse of P50,000.
Meanwhile, Alfred Batino and Joseph Sedurifa turned out to be a two-man wrecking crew for Meralco, which nipped guest team Wilcon Depot, 21-20, to claim third place worth P30,000.
Batino finished with 12 points and Sedurifa added eight as the Bolts denied Wilcon Depot a first-ever podium finish.
On the way to the top, Cavitex nipped Northport in the quarterfinals, 21-16, and then survived Meralco in the semifinals, 17-15, for a place in the title match.
TNT on the other hand, whipped San Miguel in the quarterfinals and edged out Wilcon in overtime, 22-20, in the Final Four for a shot at a second straight crown opposite the Braves.
The scores
For Third place
Meralco (21) – Batino 12, Sedurifa 8, Santos 1, Caduyac 0.
Wilcon Depot (20) – Andrada 6, Banal 5, Vigil 5, Tumalip 4.
Finals
Cavitex (21) – Napoles 8, Fajardo 5, Galanza 4, Ighalo 4.
TNT (17) – Flores 7, Vosotros 6, Exciminiano 2, De Leon 2.
(ai/mnm)
Vice President Sara Duterte hailed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address, considering it a poignant reminder of their responsibilities to the Philippines.
Following his speech, the Vice President expressed her gratitude for Marcos’ resolute leadership throughout the past year, characterized by decisiveness, strength, fortitude, and political determination.
She asserted that such leadership serves as an inspiration to be more proactive in fulfilling the commitments made to the Filipino people.
Duterte also commended the Department of Education’s Matatag agenda, which introduced valuable reforms benefiting not only students but also teaching and non-teaching staff.
Furthermore, she applauded Marcos’ development initiatives for Mindanao, seeing them as a beacon of hope and optimism in the fight against terrorism and bolstering peace-building efforts to promote progress and prosperity in the region.
The Vice President also emphasized the nationwide impact of the administration’s socio-economic agenda, offering security and support to vulnerable sectors, particularly farmers and fisherfolk.
In particular, Duterte praised Marcos for reminding them of their contractual obligations to the country, as solemnly agreed upon with the Filipino electorate during the 2022 election.
During the event, Sara Duterte chose to wear a Maguindanaon dress designed by Cotabato-based designer Israel Ellah Unkakay as a tribute to and celebration of the Moro tribe residing in South Central Mindanao. (ai/mnm)
AMID THE GRUMBLINGS of several players at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) due to what they call “impractically high” duties and taxes, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) warned smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products that their days were numbered.
Does it also mean that there will be changes at the country’s revenue-generating agency that is seemingly helpless in stamping out agri smuggling while some of the appointees of former President Digong Duterte are still in their holdover position?
“Sadyang hindi tama ang kanilang gawain at hindi rin ito tugma sa ating magandang layunin, pandaraya ang kanilang ginagawa,” PBBM pointed out.
I concur with the President.
“Napapahamak hindi lamang mga magsasaka, kundi tayo ring mamimili kaya’t hindi natin papayagan ang ganitong kalakaran. Bilang na ang araw ng mga smugglers at hoarders na ‘yan,” the Chief Executive stressed.
Even the critics of PBBM admit that the President is “sobrang mabait.”
If only President listens to Kenny Rogers’ “Coward of the county” song or Alice Cooper’s “No More Mr. Nice Guy” song and really kick hard the smugglers’ butt.
It is not rocket science to deduce that these Agri smugglers must be in cahoots with a few corrupt Customs officials.
Sad to say while these few corrupt officials are enjoying their loot, so to speak, the salaries of the lowly Customs employees are not at par with those of other government agencies.
Whenever it’s raining cats and dogs, some outports don’t even have a shuttle mini bus to offer rides to stranded Customs employees.
To think that the BOC is raking in billions of pesos from their “exorbitant” duties and taxes, their comfort rooms ironically remain uncomfortable.
Apparently fearing reprisal, many Customs brokers don’t openly oppose the “high” duties and taxes on their shipments.
I wonder what’s the use of the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. when it cannot fight for the rights and welfare of CCBI members.
However, just like an old FPJ movie, there will come a time of reckoning.
Kapag napuno na ang salop. (ai/mnm)
MANILA ㅡ Southeast Asian Games double-gold winner Merwin Mathieu Tan will banner the Philippine team at the 47th MWA-Singha International Open Tenpin Bowling Championship to be held from July 25-30 at the Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl Ratchayothin in Bangkok, Thailand.
Also competing are Patrick Neil Nuqui, Ivan Dominic Malig, Zach Ramin, JP Macatula, Lara Posadas-Wong, Marie Alexis Sy, Dyan Arcel Coronacion, Rachelle Leon and Jelena Grace Gella.
The national bowlers, who will be accompanied by Filipino coach Jojo Canare, team consultant Joe Slowinski, a United States Bowling Congress (USBC) gold coach, are scheduled to leave on Tuesday with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner and bowling legend Bong Coo.
Tan won the men’s singles and team of four with Nuqui, Malig and Christian Dychangco in Vietnam last year.
Ramin is a member of the quartet (Artegal Barrientos, Stephen Luke Diwa, Marc Dylan Custodio) that pocketed the gold medal at the 21st Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships in Thailand two weeks ago.
Malig was a bronze medalist at the 2018 World Youth Bowling Championships in Detroit, Michigan. He got two silver medals at the 2015 Asian School Tenpin Bowling Championships in Hong Kong.
Posadas-Wong and Leon saw action at the International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Cup in Queensland, Australia last year.
Posadas-Wong has three SEA bronze medals coming from the trios with Sy and Maria Lourdes Arles (Singapore 2015), team of five with Krizziah Lyn Tabora-Macatula, Maria Liza Del Rosario, Mades Arles, Sy and Coronacion (Malaysia 2017) and team of four with Sy, Del Rosario and Bea Hernandez (Manila 2019). She also topped the Hong Kong leg of the Asian Bowling Federation Tour (2019) and the Philippine International Open (2017).
Leon won the team bronze medal with Arles, Uella Marcial and Norel Nuevo at the 2021 IBF Superworld Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Sy captured the team silver medal with Posadas-Wong, Macatula-Tabora and Del Rosario at the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The Thailand Open is part of the national bowlers’ preparation for the World Championships in Kuwait (Oct. 3-18) and AIMAG, which was rescheduled for next year.
(PNA)
DAVAO CITY – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte wore a Maguindanaon dress during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
In a statement released by the Office of the Vice President, Duterte once again honors Mindanao’s rich culture and traditions and pays homage to the Moro tribes that are living mostly in south central Mindanao.
Cotabato City-based designer Israel Ellah Ungkakay designed Duterte’s dress.
Ungkakay has been promoting the culture and tradition of the Moro people of Mindanao through his designs for 16 years after finishing college at the University of Southern Mindanao.
He was recently recognized for his contribution to the promotion of Mindanao by the Cotabato City local government.
“Her SONA dress is a Bangala paired with a trouser and a flowing inaul or malong. Vice President Sara Duterte’s Bangala features gold accessories that symbolize the wealth and abundance of Mindanao’s natural resources,” the statement added.
Inaul is a Maguindanao fabric intricately handwoven using cotton and silk. It is a treasured cultural gem that profoundly reflects the pride, bravery, heritage, and history of the people of Maguindanao.
“Vice President Sara wishes to thank Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu of Maguindanao del Sur and Mr. Jearson Demavivas for their added creative inputs that inspired her to wear a Maguindanaon traditional dress,” the statement reads.
During the opening session of the 19th Congress ahead of the first SONA in July last year, Duterte wore a traditional Bagobo Tagabawa dress — one of the largest groups of indigenous peoples in Southern Mindanao. (PNA)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Negros Oriental warned local government units (LGUs) Monday to take precautionary measures amid a heavy rainfall forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
PDRRMO executive director Adrian Sedillo told the Philippine News Agency that while Negros Oriental would not be directly hit by Typhoon Egay, the southwest monsoon or habagat is expected to bring heavy rains to the province.
“The normal rainfall is supposed to be 2.5 to 5 mm per hour but beyond that, the projection is expected to cause flooding and landslides that is why we are keeping a close eye on the weather,” Sedillo said.
He noted water bodies, such as the Okoy River, had already swelled although no spilling over has been reported yet.
Rising floodwaters were also monitored in Buayahan spillway in nearby Valencia town and Barangay Calabnugan in Sibulan town.
Sedillo said there is also a big possibility of landslides due to some areas that have been saturated the past days due to continuous rains.
During a virtual briefing with the Central Visayas regional DRRMO on Monday morning, Sedillo said the rainfall projection in Negros Oriental has become “alarming.”
Bayawan City earlier declared a suspension of classes.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard announced on its social media account that two trips out of nearby Siquijor Island have been canceled.
These are MV Cataingan of KHO Shipping, from Lazi Port (Siquijor) to Iligan, supposedly departing at 5 a.m. Tuesday, and MV Trisha Kerstin of Aleson Shipping scheduled to depart from the island to Dumaguete City at 1:30 p.m. on Monday.
So far, no flights have been canceled at the Dumaguete-Sibulan airport, Sedillo said.
Sedillo said the next 24 hours would be “critical” as Typhoon Egay is expected to develop into a super typhoon. (PNA)
MANILA – The signing of the new Agrarian Emancipation Act or Republic Act 11953 is very timely as it freed about 600,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from the burden of debt, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
The signing of the law was an offshoot of the one-year moratorium on the payment of the principal obligation and interest of the amortization due and payable by ARBs, which was issued by Marcos in September last year under Executive Order 4, as he promised during his first SONA.
Marcos said for the country to attain food security, farmers must first be taken care of.
“Tulad ng ating ipinangako, ipinagpapatuloy natin ang repormang pansakahan. Mahalagang haligi ito ng sektor ng agrikultura na ating inaayos (As we promised, we are continuing the agrarian reform. This is an important pillar of the agricultural sector that we are strengthening),” he said.
RA 11953 condones all the unpaid amortization of the principal debt, including interest and surcharges, incurred by ARBs.
A total of PHP57.56 billion of unpaid principal debt would be condoned to benefit 610,054 ARBs tilling 1.173 million hectares of land.
Existing laws require ARBs to pay for the land awarded to them in annual installments with 6 percent interest for a maximum period of 30 years.
The government will also assume the obligation of 10,201 ARBs tilling 11,531.24 hectares of land to pay the remaining balance of the direct compensation due the concerned landowners under the Voluntary Land Transfer or Direct Payment Scheme amounting to PHP206,247,776.41.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is expected to finish the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11953 by September. (PNA)
MANILA – Lawmakers and Cabinet secretaries have lauded the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as it showed that the country’s meaningful economic transformation is already underway.
Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia said the promising numbers presented by Marcos during his second SONA are “welcome data” that can bolster more investments in the country.
“I am heartened by the comprehensive SONA of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. As a person with a background in business, I am keenly aware of the economic transformation underway in our country,” Arrogancia said.
True to his vow to improve the Philippine economy, Marcos cited the country’s growth momentum peaked at 7.6 percent in 2022, the “highest growth rate in 46 years.”
“For the first quarter of the year, our growth registered at 6.4 percent. It remains within our target of 6 to 7 percent for 2023. We are still considered to be among the fastest-growing economies in the Asian region and the world. It is a testament to our strong macroeconomic fundamentals,” Marcos said in his speech.
As part of the economic transformation bid, Marcos said his administration is committed to stabilizing the prices of all critical commodities, noting that inflation rate is “moving in the right direction.”
“From 8.7 percent in January, our inflation has continued to ease up in all regions, settling at 5.4 percent this June. What this means is that in spite of all the difficulties, we are transforming the economy,” he said.
Arrogancia said he was keenly interested in Marcos’ emphasis on agriculture, noting that the approach through science and rational modes to address the needs of this sector is certainly on the right path.
“I can attest that indeed agricultural implements and assistance to our farmers/fisherfolk is being conducted even in our district,” Arrogancia said.
Arrogancia said he supports Marcos’ plan to implement more social assistance programs, which would require additional funding. He said he looks forward to the continuing implementation of effective programs and the policy changes that will “continue to effect these positive transformations”.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian was satisfied with Marcos’ “very detailed” explanation to expand the agriculture sector, a necessity he said would not only boost agricultural production but also address inflation.
“Matatawag ko itong SONA na ito na renaissance ng agriculture, makikita natin sa unang bahagi ng talumpati ng ating pangulo na malaki ang oras na ginugol niya sa pag-laban ng inflation at kung paano buhayin ang sektor ng agrikultura para malabanan ang inflation (I can call this SONA a renaissance of agriculture, we saw how he spent time to discuss efforts to fight inflation and how to revive agriculture to address inflation,” he said.
Marcos reported that inflation is expected to further ease by the end of the year and settle at 2.9 percent by 2024.
‘Doable’
In an ambush interview after the speech, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the objectives Marcos has set are all “doable”.
“Most of what the president has mentioned are actually in the Philippine Development Plan but I think the way he put it up made it more clear and relatable to the public,” he said.
“The goals, the policy directions, the strategies that are needed to achieve the objectives, I think those were really set out and the visions are there and I think it’s great. It’s one of the best SONAs I’ve heard,” he said.
On the tourism side, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco the breaching of the 3 million mark in arrival “is just a preview of the bright prospects we can expect from the tourism industry under the Marcos administration.”
She said the DOT is also elated to know Marcos’ continuing commitment to connect “all prospective sites of economic development” noting that this will spur tourism development countrywide, and consequently, create more livelihood opportunities for Filipinos through tourism.
“I express my profound gratitude to President Marcos for saying to the world what all Filipinos and all who have been here know to be true in our hearts: we all Love The Philippines. And it is this deep love of country that will propel the tourism industry forward towards becoming a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” she said.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, meanwhile, gave the 2nd SONA “a passing grade of 10 out of 10”.
Barbers said he appreciates how the administration recognized the contribution of overseas Filipino workers to the economy.
“What I like most ay ‘yong mga binanggit niya na mga sektor kagaya ng (are his mentions of the different sectors like) migrant workers and peace and order, which includes social reintegration, and third is the overall peace program,” he said.
Sen. JV Ejercito, on the other hand, was glad to hear that infrastructure development was a priority of the administration.
“Sa palagay ko iyan ang paraan para makahabol tayo sa ating mga karatig bansa, ‘yong ASEAN neighbors natin like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and even Vietnam that invest heavily in infrastructure (That is one way to catch up without neighbors, especially our ASEAN neighbors like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and even Vietnam that invest heavily in infrastructure),” he said.
“Marami tayong hahabulin pero natutuwa ako na nabanggit ito ng pangulo na ito ay magiging prayoridad (We have a lot of catching up to do but I’m elated to hear that it will be a priority),” he added.
Unwavering commitment to the welfare of Filipinos
Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred delos Santos also commended the President for his “unwavering commitment” to the welfare of the Filipinos.
Delos Santos particularly noted Marcos’ emphasis on establishing more Kadiwa stores, as the lawmaker committed to support this initiative in the coming budget hearings.
He expressed hope that the agency budgets would match the prioritization of the President specifically stated in his second SONA.
“Following through on the transfer of 70 thousand land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries, there should be support to the farmer families for cultivation, harvest machinery, and postharvest facilities,” Delos Santos said.
‘Priorities into actionable policies’
Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera said she is looking forward to the collaboration between Congress and the administration to translate the priorities identified by the President in his SONA into actionable policies that will “lead to the betterment of our nation and the well-being of our fellow Filipinos”.
Herrera said one of the highlights of the President’s SONA is the prioritization of the creation of the Department of Water Resource Management.
“The prioritization of the Department of Water Resource Management bill is a high agenda item in Congress. I have my own version of the bill in the current Congress – House Bill 1014. There are at least 35 such bills in the House of Representatives. Knowing it is a presidential priority, I will earnestly push to create the Department of Water Resource Management,” Herrera said.
Herrera also highlighted the President putting importance on strengthening technical and vocational (techvoc) education, noting that “skills are the new currency”.
“I am glad that the government sees the significance of this aspect in driving our country’s progress,” Herrera said.
On the matter of medical assistance, she expressed delight over the government’s commitment to enhance medical support, as she pushed for the passage of a bill that would fully include all private hospitals to provide comprehensive healthcare for all.
“I also welcome the proposal to establish Konsulta centers, and I firmly believe that combining this initiative with online Konsulta services will greatly improve access to healthcare, especially in remote areas where physical access to medical facilities is limited,” he said.
Herrera said she is committed to supporting measures that promote the integration of digital technologies in various sectors to streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency.
“I am also glad that the President mentioned a new auditing code because it is badly needed now especially since we don’t have an existing an ICT procurement policy,” she said.
Direct to the point
Speaker Martin Romualdez said the President’s message in his second SONA about the country’s improving economy was clear and direct to the point.
“Malinaw ang mga sinabi ng ating Pangulo sa kanyang SONA. Sa kabila ng kaguluhan sa ibang parte ng mundo, maganda ang lagay ng ating ekonomiya at nakikinabang dito ang nakakaraming bilang ng mga Pilipino (What our President said in his SONA were clear. Despite the turmoil in other parts of the world, we have a good economy and a great number of Filipinos are benefitting from it),” Romualdez said.
He pointed out that even other countries recognize the Philippines’ potential of becoming the best performing economy in the Southeast Asian region.
Romualdez said he is expecting Congress to have an important role in further improving the economy in the coming years.
He vowed that the House of Representatives will pass measures that will enhance jobs and livelihood opportunities to Filipinos, as well as remove barriers to the entry of foreign investment in the country.
He likewise assured that the House do its utmost in the President’s mission to bring down the prices of basic commodities.
“Malinaw din naming narinig ang lahat ng mga batas na hinihiling ng Pangulo para maipasa ng Kongreso. Isasama namin lahat ito sa priority measures na ipapasa ng House of Representatives. Kung kailangan na mag-doble kayod kami dito, gagawin namin, makatulong lamang para mapaginhawa ang buhay ng mga kapwa natin Pilipino (We also heard clearly all the measures that the President asked Congress to pass. We will add them to the priority measures of the House. If we need to work double time to get it done, we will do it just to help in improving the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Romualdez said.
In a separate statement, Deputy Speaker and Batangas 6th District Rep. Ralph G. Recto said Marcos’ speech was partly a lecture on the Medium-Term Development Plan.
“For those expecting SONA as theatre, what he delivered instead was a teach-in. He traded oratorical flair for as many facts as he can squeeze in such a short time,” he said. “He was not fishing for applauses, choosing fewer sound bites so he could mention more sound programs.”
He said the speech was designed not to get people excited, “but to get us thinking for a long time on the hard work ahead.”
“Overall, it was a good accounting of the state of the nation,” Recto said.
Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo City Rep. Julienne L. Baronda also commended Marcos for his straightforward and candid portrayal of the state of the nation.
“In his second State of the Nation Address, the President has accurately and vividly painted the realities and challenges faced by the Filipino people, presented boldly the goals and targets of his administration, and the decisive steps thus far taken by the government towards achieving our dreams and aspirations for a Bagong Pilipinas,” she said in another statement.
She also lauded Marcos and his administration for keeping the economy vibrant and vigorously afloat, as well as for responding to the needs and providing more for our people in our collective journey towards a better way of life despite the myriad challenges confronting our country and the world at large.
“We look forward to more solid gains across all areas of endeavor as the government’s development momentum gains more traction in the immediate future. We also vow to fully support the President’s legislative agenda especially those that seek to empower the weak, the helpless, the destitute and the displaced sectors of our society,” she said.
For her part, ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Jocelyn P. Tulfo expressed her full support for Marcos’ call for the whole country to set aside their differences and politicking for unity.
She believes that the Executive and the Legislative branches of government have made significant progress in the past year to unite the country, as shown in the priority measures that were approved in the House of Representatives that aligned with the goals of the administration.
“It’s a work in progress but at least we started something here to unite our people and the whole country. We have President Marcos to thank for his initiatives and his leadership,” Tulfo said. “Andami pa nating dapat marinating at maipapakita sa buong mundo (We still have a lot to reach and show to the world) and uniting our people is the first step to bring out the best in every Filipino to the world.”
Terse but meaningful
Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. vowed to buckle down along with other House members in response to President Marcos’ call for Congress’ support.
He said the Chief Executive gave a clear, factual and comprehensive report to the Filipino people, detailing his administration’s achievements after a year in office, giving people hope and optimism.
“The President went straight to the point, keeping his performance report simple and bereft of gimmicks — no pomp and circumstance. It was terse but meaningful,” he said.
Barzaga said the speech showed that the President is determined in getting things done and proving that the administration’s pro-people agenda is not mere lip-service.
“I could sense his confidence when he said that the state of the nation is sound and improving and as the song goes, ‘we’ve only just begun’,” he added.
The President, he said, assured the people that he is striving to put flesh on his campaign promises of uplifting lives and uniting the country, which he said was made possible by his call for national unity.
“I also agree with the President that we have already made significant progress as we get back on our feet post-pandemic. He trumpeted that the economy grew by 7.6 percent, the highest in 46 years and 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023 which is well within the government’s target,” Barzaga said. (with reports from Jose Cielito Reganit/Zaldy De Layola/PNA)
MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Secretariat lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s announcement that he will be issuing a proclamation granting amnesty to all rebel returnees as this highlights the government’s commitment to achieving peace.
“The NTF-ELCAC Secretariat welcomes the message of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s call to our Congress, to support the granting of amnesty to our rebel returnees. This reflects our country’s commitment to achieving unity, peace, and development amidst the challenges posed by communist terrorism that has long plagued our country and impacted our economy,” NTF-ELCAC National Secretariat executive director Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres Jr. said in a statement late Monday.
He added that this amnesty initiative will bolster the NTF-ELCAC’s call for the remaining armed combatants to lay down their weapons and embrace the path to peace.
“It will make the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program more inclusive and more appealing to the remnants of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) for them to rebuild their lives and contribute to our nation’s development,” Torres noted.
The anti-insurgency body also said it remains steadfast to its goal to end local communist armed conflict and urged all government agencies, local government units and the entire citizenry to support the President’s call for peace.
“Let us come together as one nation in our commitment to end local communist armed conflict and achieve unity, peace, and development that the Filipino people rightfully deserve.
During his second State of the Nation Address, the Chief Executive said he will issue a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees and requested the help of Congress to make it happen.
“To complete this reintegration process, I will issue a Proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees, and I ask Congress to support me in this endeavor,” Marcos emphasized.
A new proclamation is needed to extend the application process of the amnesty program, which lapsed in January this year. The previous proclamations were issued during the time of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Marcos earlier appointed Leah Tanodra-Armamento as chairperson and Jamar Kulayan and Nasser Marahomsalic as commissioners of the National Amnesty Commission. (PNA)
MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his commitment and unwavering support to the Bangsamoro and helping former rebels in their transformation process.
“What we have witnessed in today’s (Monday) SONA (State Of the Nation Address) is President Marcos’ genuine sincerity in implementing all the signed peace agreements, and his commitment to bring sustainable peace throughout the country. This is true to his mantra of unity towards national healing and reconciliation,” OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement Tuesday.
In his second SONA, Marcos vowed to continue to support the progress of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and to help former rebels to regain their legal rights through an amnesty program as part of the administration’s effort to push forward the country’s comprehensive peace process.
“We are proud of the progress that the BARMM has taken. It will be self-governing, it will be progressive, and it will be effective,” the President said.
Marcos also said this progress was only made possible due to cooperation made by key groups which included local government units, royal families, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
He also added that these sectors were all consulted and represented in this transition phase.
“The international community has also supported us in this smooth transition. Former adversaries are now partners in peace. Its functions have been defined, and its basic laws are now being written,” Marcos said.
To recall, less than two months into his administration, Marcos administered the oath of office to 80 newly and reappointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) on Aug. 12, 2022.
This is the first time that the composition of the BTA includes members of the MNLF, particularly from the group of its founding chairman Nur Misuari.
Marcos emphasized the great potential of the region and stressed that “through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation’s prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in Southern Philippines. We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos.”
He said the national government is expanding its energy resources to include the BARMM.
“The national government has also partnered with the BARMM in regard to energy exploration and development, and also its utilization within its territorial jurisdiction. We, therefore, expect to see renewed investor interest in its promising sites,” the Chief Executive pointed out.
Last July 6, the President witnessed the signing of the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular (EIB) on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in the BARMM, which marks another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process.
The IEB Circular operationalizes the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro.
The circular aims to boost economic development and draw foreign capital into the region.
Meanwhile, the President also highlighted the government’s effort in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
“Five years since the siege, Marawi City will rise again. The community has come alive again. A lot of projects have been completed and many infrastructures are being constructed. We are currently processing the financial aid for the victims of the Marawi siege for them to be able to start again. May hope prevail. May unity, vigilance and the desire for peace and prosperity continue,” the President said.
Last week, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo, Galvez, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who co-sponsored the Republic Act 11696 or the Marawi Siege Compensations Act of 2022, and other officials witnessed firsthand the applications for compensation claims filed with the Marawi Compensation Board.
To ensure the holistic transformation of former combatants, the President emphasized the need of granting amnesty.
“For almost half a century, some of our fellow Filipinos have taken to arms to make their views known and felt. We are now at a point in our history when their armed struggle has evolved. We have now progressed together towards peace and development,” Marcos added.
“We have incorporated capacity-building and social protection into our reintegration programs to guarantee full decommissioning of former combatants. Through community development and livelihood programs, the Barangay Development and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Programs have been effective in addressing the root cause of conflict in the countryside,” he added. (PNA)
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
OF HIS EXCELLENCY FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.
PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES TO THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
[Delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City on July 24, 2023]
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Allow me to greet Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte; the former Presidents – our former Presidents, President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and the Honorable Members of the Senate; House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and the Honorable Members of the House of Representatives; Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and the Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court; His Excellency, Most Reverend Charles John Brown and the esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps; Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the members of the Cabinet; First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos [applause]; former First Lady, First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos [applause]; other distinguished guests; mga minamahal kong kababayan; ladies and gentlemen, magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat.
One year ago today, I stood here before you, setting forth the plans that we have to improve our economy, bring jobs to our people, improve the ease of doing business, recalibrate our educational system to adapt to the new economy, lower and rationalize energy costs, boost agricultural production, enhance healthcare, and continue social programs for the poor and the vulnerable.
Let me now report to the people on the successes that we can now lay claim to, and also the challenges that we continue to face.
Last year, we emphasized certain strong headwinds that were confronting us along with the rest of the world in our post-pandemic economic recovery.
And the biggest problem that we encountered was inflation.
Maraming kaganapan sa mundo ang nakapagpagulo sa maayos na takbo ng pandaigdigang merkado. Bukod sa digmaan sa Ukraine, naroon ang patuloy na epekto ng pandemya. Pinalala pa ito ng pagbabawas ng produksyon ng mga bansang pinagkukuhanan natin ng langis. Nang tumaas ang presyo nito, nagsunuran na rin ang presyo ng iba’t ibang bilihin— ang gasolina, ang kuryente, at ang pagkain.
Ramdam sa buong daigdig, pati na sa Pilipinas, ang naging pagtaas ng mga presyo ng bilihin noong mga nakalipas na buwan.
Sinuri nating mabuti ang sitwasyon. Sa tulong ng ating mga ekonomista, nakapagbalangkas tayo ng mga polisiya na magsisilbing pundasyon ng ating ekonomiya sa mga susunod na taon. Ito ay nakasaad sa ating Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, na sinuportahan ninyo sa Kongreso.
Kasabay nito ang paglulunsad ng mga istratehiya na magpapalakas sa kakayahan ng ating mga kababayan at mga sektor ng ating ekonomiya.
Nakakita po tayo ng magagandang resulta.
While the global prospects were bleak, our economy posted a 7.6 percent growth in 2022—our highest growth rate in 46 years. [applause] For the first quarter of this year, our growth has registered at 6.4 percent. It remains within our target of 6 to 7 percent for 2023. We are still considered to be among the fastest-growing economies in the Asian region and in the world. [applause] It is a testament to our strong macroeconomic fundamentals.
Our financial system, the nerve center of our economy, remains strong and stable. Banks, the transmission arms of our monetary policy, have strong capital and liquidity positions.
Stimulated by the relaxation of pandemic restrictions, transactions once again have flourished—alongside the booming e-commerce that was undeterred by the pandemic. In 2022, the digital economy contributed 2 trillion pesos, the equivalent of 9.4 percent of our GDP. The economy is revived and rejuvenated, backstopped by a favorable enabling environment and the strong rule of law.
This year, the World Bank projects a 6 percent overall growth rate, well within the range of our target for the year. It is anchored on strong local demand, underpinned by consumer spending, and draws strength from the BPO industry, and of course, the steady flow of remittances, and the continuing jobs recovery.
Inflation rate is moving in the right direction. From 8.7 percent in January, our inflation has continued to ease up in all regions, settling now at 5.4 percent for June. What this means is that in spite of all the difficulties, we are transforming the economy. We are stabilizing the prices of all critical commodities.
According to the Bangko Sentral, inflation is expected to ease further by the close of the year, and projected at 2.9 percent by 2024. [applause]
On matters of the economy, there are many things over which we have no control. But over those where we do have control, we are doing everything we can.
Puspusan ang ating ginagawa upang pataasin ang produksyon ng ating ekonomiya. Pinapalago natin ang mga industriya. Dinadagdagan natin ang mga imprastraktura upang mas mapabilis ang daloy ng mga produkto at ng serbisyo. Higit sa lahat, pinapalakas natin ang kakayahan ng mga mamamayan upang mapaganda nila ang kanilang pamumuhay. Ito ang puno’t dulo ng ating Philippine Development Plan.
Investments in public infrastructure and in the capacity of our people—through food, education, health, jobs, and social protection—remain our top priority. For this year, economic and social services were allocated almost 70% of the national budget.
Higher revenue collections will be critical in our bid to bolster public investments. Under our fiscal framework, we envision our tax and revenue efforts to further increase, to up to 16.9 percent and 17.3 percent by 2028.
Revenue generation has improved this year. From January to May, the Bureau of Internal Revenue has posted record collections, amounting to 1.05 trillion pesos, an increase of almost 10 percent over the last year. For its part, the Bureau of Customs has also increased its collection by 7.4 percent for the first seven months of 2023, amounting to 476 billion pesos. Since July 2022, we have seen increased revenues from PAGCOR of 47.9 percent, and from the PCSO of
20 percent.
We therefore seek once again the continued support of Congress to enact into law the policies and reforms under our fiscal framework.
Sa mga nakalipas na buwan, nakita natin ang pagbaba ng presyo ng bilihin sa iba’t ibang mga sektor.
Napatunayan natin na kayang maipababa ang presyo ng bigas, karne, isda, gulay, at asukal.
Malaking tulong ang KADIWA stores na ating muling binuhay at inilunsad. Ang layunin ng KADIWA ay pag-ugnayin ang mga magsasaka at ang mga mamimili. Walang iba pang namamagitan. Walang dagdag na gastos at patong. Maganda ang kita ng magsasaka. Nakakatipid din ang mga mamimili.
Sa mahigit pitong libong KADIWA na idinaos sa buong Pilipinas, 1.8 milyon na na pamilya ang nakinabang sa mababang presyo ng bilihin. Sa kabuuan, halos pitong-daang milyon piso ang naging benta ng mga ito, na nakapagbigay ng hanapbuhay sa mga miyembro ng mahigit tatlong libo na kooperatiba at samahan.
Maganda ang nakita nating resulta, kaya papalawigin pa natin ang KADIWA sa buong bansa. [applause] Kamakailan lamang ay nagsanib-puwersa na ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan upang lalo pang patibayin ang KADIWA. Katuwang natin dito ang buong sektor ng agrikultura at ang lokal na pamahalaan.
Our aim is to boost our local agricultural production—through consolidation, modernization, mechanization, and improvement of value chains—augmented by timely and calibrated importation, as needed.
Nakita nating tumaas nang 2.2 percent ang sektor ng agrikultura sa unang tatlong buwan ng taong ito.
In our quest for food security, our methods are now more guided by science and the balance of nature, so that production is both sustainable and responsible, benefiting both this and future generations.
Our Fisheries Code must be revised to incorporate and strengthen science-based analysis and determination of fishing areas. This approach will protect both the interests of our fisherfolk and our fisheries and aquatic resources.
To this end, we will seek the support of Congress to amend the Code to guarantee sustainable development of our fisheries sector in harmony with environmental balance. [applause]
Ipinagbubuklod natin ang mga magsasaka, sa pamamagitan ng farm and fisheries clustering at mga livestock multiplier farms. Tatlong daang clusters na ang ating natukoy na binubuo ng halos siyam na raang kooperatiba, at may lawak na mahigit dalawang-daang libong ektarya ng bukirin.
Upang mas mapabilis at mas mapadali ang pagbuo ng kooperatiba, kakailanganin natin ang suporta ng Kongreso na maamyendahan ang Cooperative Code. [applause]
Sa pamamagitan nito, unti-unting lalakas ang kanilang produksyon at puwersa sa merkado. Totoo ang kasabihan: mas malakas basta’t sama-sama!
Pinapalawak natin ang kanilang kaalaman sa makabagong mga teknolohiya at pamamaraan. Isa na rito ang paggamit ng bio-fertilizers, na gawa sa Pilipinas at subok din at maaasahan. Sa balanced fertilizer strategy, gaganda ang ani ng mga magsasaka. Hindi na nila kailangan pang umasa sa mas mahal at imported na fertilizer. [applause]
Bilang tulong sa mga magsasaka, namigay ang pamahalaan ng mahigit dalawampu’t walong libong mga makabagong makinarya at mga kagamitan sa iba’t ibang dako ng Pilipinas.
Sa ilalim ng iba’t ibang mga programa ng Kagawaran ng Agrikultura, namigay ang pamahalaan ng mahigit na limampung milyong binhi ng palay, mahigit isang milyong binhi ng mais, at sari-saring mga binhi ng gulay. Nagpamigay tayo ng mahigit isandaang libong binhi ng niyog at nagpatanim sa halos sampunlibong ektarya ng lupa sa buong bansa.
Lahat ng mga binhing ito ay makabago, hybrid, at mataas ang kalidad.
Sa naging pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina at pataba, nagdala ng kaunting ginhawa ang mga fuel at fertilizer discount vouchers na ating pinamigay sa mga nahihirapang magsasaka. Ang mga natanggap nating donasyon na pataba mula sa Tsina, ipinamigay na natin kaagad sa kanila.
Isa sa mga dahilan ng pagtaas ng presyo ay ang mga smugglers, mga hoarders at nagmamanipula ng presyo ng produktong agrikultural. Hinahabol at ihahabla natin sila. [applause] Sadyang hindi tama ang kanilang gawain at hindi rin ito tugma sa ating magandang layunin. Pandaraya ang kanilang ginagawa. Napapahamak hindi lamang ang mga magsasaka, kundi tayo na ring mga mamimili. Kaya hindi natin papayagan ang ganitong kalakaran. [applause] Bilang na ang mga araw ng mga smugglers at hoarders na ‘yan. [applause and cheers]
Mahalaga ang imprastraktura para masuportahan ang may labing-apat na milyong ektarya ng sakahan. Inayos natin ang Geo-Agri map ng mga farm-to-market roads ng buong bansa upang maidugtong mabuti ang mga sakahan sa mga pamilihan. Alinsunod dito, karagdagang anim na raang kilometro ng mga FMRs ang ating nilatag sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa.
Binigyan din natin ng patubig ang mahigit na apatnapu’t siyam na libong ektarya ng bukirin sa buong Pilipinas.
Nagpagawa tayo ng halos apat na libong mga karagdagang fabrication labs, production at cold storage facilities na magagamit ng lahat. Sa tulong ng Kongreso, nakapagpatayo tayo ng dalawampu’t apat na multi-species hatcheries upang maparami ang produksyon ng mga isda.
Nakabantay tayo sa anumang banta ng mga sakit at peste na maaaring dumapo sa mga pananim at alagang hayop. Malapit na tayong magkaroon ng mga epektibong gamot at bakuna laban sa mga ito. Samantala, pinapalakas natin ang bio-security levels ng mga alagang hayop bilang panlaban sa sakit.
Tayo rin ay naghahanda sa El Niño na nagbabadyang tumama sa mga darating na buwan. Nagsimula na tayong maghanda, at ang mga buffer stocks at ang mga kagamitang patubig ay inihahanda na. Kung kinakailangan, magsasagawa pa tayo ng cloud-seeding upang makapagdala ng ulan. Kasabay ng lahat ng ito, hinihimok din natin ang ating sambayanan na magtipid ng tubig para sa malawakang paghahanda sa banta ng tagtuyot.
Tulad ng ating ipinangako, ipinagpatuloy natin ang repormang pansakahan. Mahalagang haligi ito ng sektor ng agrikultura na ating inaayos. Nitong nakalipas na taon, mahigit pitumpong-libong titulo ng lupa ang ginawad sa mga benepisyaryo ng repormang agraryo. [applause]
Tamang-tama ang ating pagpapatigil ng mga bayarin ng mga benepisyaryo sa ilalim ng ating nilagdaang EO No. 4. Isang taon mula noong aking unang SONA, naisabatas na ang bagong Agrarian Emancipation Act. [applause] Dahil dito, ang 57 bilyong pisong utang na pinapasan ng mahigit anim na raang libong benepisyaryo ay tuluyan nang nabura. [applause]
Sa ngalan ng mga magsasakang ito at ang kanilang mga pamilya, maraming salamat muli sa ating mga mambabatas. [applause]
Ang tubig ay kasing-halaga rin ng pagkain. Kailangan nating tiyakin na may sapat at malinis na tubig para sa lahat at sa mga susunod na salinlahi. Kasama na rito ang tubig na ginagamit natin para sa sakahan.
Considering its fundamental importance, water security deserves a special focus. Our efforts must not be scattershot, but rather, cohesive, centralized, and systematic.
So given that urgency, we have created the Water Resources Management Office to specifically handle the delicate job involving this most precious resource. Nakikipag-ugnayan tayo sa Kongreso upang maipasa ang batas para sa pagbuo ng isang Department of Water Resource Management. [applause]
This year, we have allocated 14.6 billion pesos for water supply projects, which will benefit communities all over the country. Recently, the water supply of NCR and Rizal received a significant boost from the first phase of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project. The water supply will increase as the Project enters the second phase.
We have installed six thousand rainwater collection systems across the country, in preparation for the looming dry spell brought about by El Niño.
One of the keys to continuing economic growth is infrastructure development. So, we will build better, and more. Our 8.3-trillion peso “Build Better More” Program is currently in progress and being vigorously implemented. [applause]
Ang buong bansa ay makikinabang sa isandaan at siyamnapu’t apat na proyekto sa ilalim ng Programang ito.
Hindi lamang natin ipinagpapatuloy ang mga nasimulan ng mga proyekto. Lalo pa nating pinapalawak. Kaya naman, ang isangdaan at dalawampu’t tatlong proyekto dito sa Build-Better-More program ay bago.
The flagship projects cover investments in the areas of physical connectivity, water resources, agriculture, health, digital connectivity, and energy. Physical connectivity infrastructure—such as roads, bridges, seaports, airports, and mass transport—accounts for 83 percent of this program. Our infrastructure spending will stay at 5 to 6 percent of our GDP. [applause]
The underlying logic to our infrastructure development is economic efficiency. We are opening up all gateways to mobilize goods and services at less cost and in less time, and ultimately, to drive the economy forward.
Our road network plans must link not only our 3 major islands, but all prospective sites of economic development.
The 1,200-kilometer Luzon Spine Expressway Network Program will effectively connect Ilocos to Bicol from 20 hours to just 9 hours of travel. [applause and cheers]
Under the Mega-Bridge Program, 12 bridges totaling 90 kilometers will be constructed, connecting islands and areas separated by waters. The Program notably includes the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge [applause] and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges [applause], each spanning 32 kilometers, and also the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge. [applause]
As of June this year, we have constructed, maintained, and upgraded more than 4,000 kilometers of roads and around 500 bridges across the country. Crucial airport and port development projects across the country have also been completed, including Cebu’s Pier 88 smart port, and the new passenger terminal buildings of Clark Airport and the Port of Calapan.
We initiated several railway projects, with a total length of more than 1,000 kilometers. Notably, the southern leg of the North-South Commuter Railway System is now in full swing. In a few years, travel from Pampanga to Laguna will be reduced from 4 hours to just 2. [applause]
Inter-modal connectivity will also be a primary consideration. Roads, bridges and mass transport systems will be interconnected. This network will provide access and passage to vital and bustling economic markets, such as agriculture hubs, tourism sites, and key business districts.
For strategic financing, some of the nation’s high-priority projects can now look to the newly established Maharlika Investment Fund, without the added debt burden.
In pooling a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized government funds, the Fund shall be used to make high-impact and profitable investments, such as the Build-Better-More program. The gains from the Fund shall be reinvested into the country’s economic well-being.
To ensure sound financial management, a group of internationally recognized economic managers shall oversee the operations of the Fund, guided by principles of transparency and accountability. This guarantees that investment decisions will be based on financial considerations alone, absent any political influence. [applause]
The funds for the social security and public health insurance of our people shall remain intact and separate.
Owing to favorable market conditions, the price of crude oil has stabilized. Since last year, gasoline and diesel prices have gone down by 18 to 29 percent, respectively.
We have built 8 new additional power plants. This brings to 17 the total number of power generation facilities that have been switched on across the country since last year, substantially increasing our energy production by 1,174 megawatts.
Alongside power generation, we are also as relentless in pursuing total electrification. Since my assumption into office, almost half a million homes have been given access to electricity. We will spare no effort to achieve full household-electrification by the end of my term. 100% is within our reach. [applause]
When it comes to energy, renewable energy is the way forward. We are aggressively promoting renewables, so that it provides a 35 percent share in the power mix by 2030, and then on to 50 percent by 2040. To accelerate the realization of this green energy goal, we have opened renewable energy projects to foreign investments.
Since last year, an additional 126 renewable energy contracts with potential capacity of 31,000 megawatts have been awarded. To date, we have over a thousand active projects spread all over the country: 299 of these are solar; 187 are wind; 436 are hydroelectric; 58 biomass; 36 geothermal; and 9 are ocean-powered.
The Malampaya project has been a boon to our country, energizing 20 percent of Luzon. The renewal of the contract guarantees continued revenues and energy production for another 15 years. But aside from Malampaya, we will also push for more gas exploration in other parts of the country.
The national government has also partnered with the BARMM in regard to energy exploration and development, and also its utilization within its territorial jurisdiction. We therefore expect to see renewed investor interest in its promising sites.
We finally have a Unified National Grid, with the interconnection of the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids. The “One Grid, One Market” will enable more efficient transfers and more competitive pricing of electricity throughout the country.
However, 68 grid connections are much delayed, according to the ERC’s count. We are conducting a performance review of our private concessionaire, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. [applause] We look to NGCP to complete all of its deliverables, starting with the vital Mindanao-Visayas and Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnections. [applause]
Habang pinapabuti natin ang lagay ng ekonomiya, pinapalakas din natin ang kakayahan ng Pilipino. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng mahahalagang armas ng edukasyon, magandang kalusugan, at trabaho. Malaking bahagi ng pondo ng pamahalaan ay inilaan para sa mga ito.
Sa ating pagtahak sa kaunlaran, walang mamamayang Pilipino ang maiiwanan. [applause] Para sa atin, ang bawat buhay ay mahalaga—anuman ang edad, kasarian, pangkat, relihiyon, o pisikal na kundisyon. Sila ay kukupkupin at tutulungan.
Naglaan tayo ng sapat na pondo para sa mga paglingap ng mga lubos na nangangailangan. Layunin natin na sila ay makabangon, mabigyan ng sapat na kakayahan, at maging produktibo.
Hindi lamang DSWD, kundi pati ang DOLE, ang DepEd, TESDA, at CHED, ay tumutulong sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan. Ang AICS, TUPAD, TVET for Social Equity, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, at ang Cash-for-Work para sa mga PWDs ay ilan lamang sa mga mahahalagang programa ng pamahalaan para sa kanila. Nariyan din ang Integrated Livelihood Program-Kabuhayan upang matulungan ang mga maliliit na negosyo.
We are inclusive in our pursuit of social protection. The pension of the military and the uniformed personnel is as important, as urgent, and as humanitarian as that of all other civilian Filipino employees. Efforts are underway to make it fully functional and financially sustainable. We are once again working closely with Congress to ease the transition from the old system to the new one, so as to be able to guarantee that no effects are felt by those in the uniformed services. [applause]
Nagsisimula ang lahat sa edukasyon. Ito ay para palakasin ang isip at kakayahan ng bawat Pilipino.
Ang ating butihing Bise-Presidente, na Kalihim din ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, ay tumutulong upang tiyakin na ang bawat batang Pilipino ay mabibigyan ng nararapat at kalidad na edukasyon. [applause]
We have renewed hope in giving the best to our next batches of students, especially the 28.4 million learners who returned to school this year. Learning recovery will be at the forefront of our education agenda.
The MATATAG Agenda for basic education has been launched, focusing on relevance of curriculum, rapid and responsive delivery, and the welfare of both learners and teachers.
We are augmenting as well our school workforce.
90 percent of the newly created teaching positions have now been filled, while additional administrative personnel have been hired to unburden the teachers of any extra load.
Taking to heart the lessons of the pandemic, alternative delivery modes and blended learning methodologies have been adopted to ensure unhampered learning. Additional social safety nets, such as school-based feeding programs, are also being implemented.
Learners will be made more resilient. Our public schools and facilities are being increased and fortified.
The shortage of classrooms and facilities is being addressed. Aside from new constructions, schools and facilities are being retrofitted to become ready for the future—ready for hybrid and high-tech learning, and also climate-ready and disaster-proof. [applause] Through the DepEd Partnership Assistance Portal, private sector partners continue their assistance in the rehabilitation and improvement of schools, as part of their corporate social responsibility programs.
We are recalibrating the K to 10 curriculum to ensure that it is always relevant, responsive, and at par with international standards. [applause] Literacy and numeracy skills need to be strengthened. The virtue of good citizenship and sense of community are also now integrated into our curriculum.
We continue to exhaust all efforts to keep our young people away from the sinister influences in the dark corners of society. We are making available to them their participation in formal schooling, alternative learning, non-diploma courses, or in technical-vocational education and training or TVET.
TVET continues to prove itself to be an empowering educational intervention. There are many examples of how its graduates have gone on to secure competitive technical jobs.
Since last year, more than a million Filipinos graduated from the TVET, one-third of whom were TESDA scholars. [applause]
More and more of our higher education institutions (HEIs) have reached world-class status. This year, 52 Philippine HEIs have been included in the World Universities Rankings, compared to just 15 last year. [applause]
We will not let a student’s financial constraints be a hindrance to his or her education. We have activated social safety nets, such as skills development training and youth employment programs. Tertiary education in state universities and colleges will remain free for our qualified students. [applause]
Last year, out of the 4.1 million enrolled college students, almost 50 percent were beneficiaries of the country’s free higher education under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program.
Deserving and talented students without the financial capacity to attend school, will not be left behind in this education agenda.
A culture of innovation, working hand-in-glove with a culture of entrepreneurship, must be fostered. This is “FILIPINNOVATION”. Science and technology, especially R&D, will be at its foundation.
The DOST leads the development of our capabilities in science, technology, and innovation.
Science and technology-related scholarships are made available for the talented and technically-gifted students, from high school all the way to graduate school.
To address the challenge of staying at the cutting-edge of technology, 44 renowned Filipino scientists in diverse areas of expertise have returned home under the Balik-Scientist Program. They will undertake research in various priority fields, and will be supported by upgraded facilities and R&D funding. [applause]
The Philippines has launched 2 additional satellites into space. Together with the first satellite, they will track weather, predict storms, evaluate soil and water supplies, analyze shifts in population, and be used for traffic management, geo-hazard mapping, risk assessment, and even including security and defense.
Science, technology and innovation will drive the quality and competitiveness of our workforce, as well as our manufacturing, export, creative, and service industries, in existing markets and in new ones waiting to be explored.
The bane of the mismatch between jobs and skills among our workforce is being rectified through strengthened government-industry-labor-academe partnerships, and the continuous reskilling and upskilling training programs that we have put before our workforce.
For our seafarers to continue to excel, maritime education in the Philippines has been strengthened. This will progress and solidify our country’s position as a “global maritime hub”, through the steady supply of competent Filipino seafarers to foreign merchant marine vessels.
The question about the European Union’s recognition of the standards of training of Filipino seafarers has, after 17 years, finally been resolved. [applause] This development now effectively maintains the Filipino seafarer’s distinct competitive advantage in the global shipping labor market.
To address the current shortage of healthcare professionals in our country, and to help us achieve our goal of universal healthcare, we are greatly expanding our medical and nursing education programs. We will push the envelope even further. We are helping nursing graduates hurdle their board exams, so that they will obtain their licenses and join our pool of healthcare professionals. [applause]
Ang kalusugan ang ikalawang armas: para sa lakas ng pangangatawan ng bawat Pilipino. Isinu-sulong nating muli ang kalusugan ng Pilipino.
We are now refocusing our health priorities, applying the lessons learnt from the pandemic and addressing the weaknesses that it has exposed.
Healthier communities and lifestyles are our advocacy.
We have launched convergent programs to address hunger and nutrition-related issues amongst our people, especially the children, like stunting and wasting. Last week, we introduced the pilot Food Stamp Program (FSP), which seeks to supply the nutrition needs of the million most food-poor Filipinos. [applause]
The FSP shall complement our nutrition continuity programs, such as the First 1,000 Days program which ensures nourishment for the first three years of a child’s life. The Supplemental Feeding Program is for our children attending daycare centers. The K-to-6 Program will feed Kindergarten to Grade 6 public school students, who are suffering from wasting and severe malnutrition.
We are catching up on the routine vaccinations of our children. As of this year, more than 80 percent of our eligible children have been vaccinated against measles, rubella, and polio.
Nananawagan ako sa lahat ng mga magulang na kumpletuhin ang mga bakuna ng kanilang mga anak, at magtungo sa pinaka-malapit na health center para sa mga libreng bakuna. [applause]
The whole of society must exert efforts to suppress the alarming rise of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. To stem the tide, the strategic plan is to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, and ample testing sites and medications.
Our healthcare system is undergoing structural changes.
Public health facilities are being increased, both in number and in capability. Last year, more than 3,400 projects were completed. To improve capacity for specialized medical treatment, specialty centers in various fields are being established and integrated into our government hospitals. In the last year, additional 60 specialty centers have been opened to the public.
Just last week, we inspected the site of what will soon be a 5-hectare multi-specialty center in Pampanga, which will specialize in pediatrics, cardiology, kidney, and cancer treatment. [applause]
We are working for a more direct, efficient delivery of services, through integrated primary care providers and networks, in partnership with the LGUs and our partners in the private sector. These shall of course be supported by what is now a better and more efficient PhilHealth.
Ang presyo ng mga mahahalaga at pangunahing gamot ay bumaba nang humigit-kumulang na apat-napung porsyento. Mayroon ding iba na bumaba hanggang siyam-napung porsyento.
Aside from the maximum retail price regulation being implemented, strategic VAT exemption also lowered the prices of 59 essential medications, such as those for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and mental illness. [applause]
Palapit nang palapit na tayo sa hangarin na ang lahat ng Pilipino ay makakakuha ng serbisyong-pangkalusugan: sa ngayon, mahigit 93 percent na ang kasapi sa PhilHealth.
Sa pinagandang Konsulta Package ng PhilHealth, dalawampu’t isang klase ng mga gamot at labin-tatlong laboratory service ang ibibigay nang libre. Ngayon, mayroon na tayong mahigit dalawanlibong Konsultacenters sa buong bansa. Ang bilang na ito ay mas marami nang tatlumpu’t limang porsyento mula noong nakalipas na taon.
Upang mas lalo pang makatulong sa mga pasyente, ang dating siyam-napung libreng dialysis session ay inakyat na natin sa isandaan at limampu’t anim. [applause] Mga kababayan, libre na po ngayon ang dialysis para sa karamihan ng Pilipino. [applause]
Noong nakalipas na taon, mahigit 3.4 milyon na Pilipino ang nabigyan ng tulong sa ilalim ng Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program ng DOH.
Tinutugunan natin ngayon ang ating kakulangan sa mga doktor at mga nars, sa pamamagitan ng mga reporma sa edukasyon, patuloy na pagsasanay, at paniniguro sa kanilang kapakanan.
Naglagay po tayo ng doktor sa halos dalawangdaang munisipyo sa bansa. Lalagyan natin din ng doktor ang natitirang labing-siyam na bayan na wala pang doktor. [applause]
Upang masuklian naman natin ang naging sakripisyo ng ating mga health workers sa pribado at pampubliko na mga ospital noong nakaraang pandemya, ipapamahagi na sa kanila ang kanilang COVID health emergency allowance at iba pang mga nabinbing benepisyo. [applause]
Kasabay ng pangangalaga natin sa edukasyon at kalusugan ng ating mamamayan, tinitiyak din natin na may sapat at magandang hanapbuhay—sa loob at maging sa labas ng bansa.
As of May this year, our employment rate rose to 95.7 percent, clear proof of the improvement from the severe unemployment that we experienced during the height of the pandemic. Employment then was at a low of 82.4 percent.
But even with our current high level of employment, we must do more. We will generate additional jobs for the remaining 4.3 percent of our workforce, as well as for the 11.7 percent underemployed Filipinos seeking better employment opportunities.
Under the banner of our fast-growing economy, we are aggressive in our investment and business promotions and facilitations. For that, we have not limited ourselves to the local economy, but we have looked to the global economy for partnerships and agreements.
Our independent foreign policy—a friend to all and enemy of none—has proven effective. We have formed strategic alliances with our traditional and newfound partners in the international community.
We have embarked on foreign trips to promote the interests of the country, for peace-building and for mutually beneficial purposes. Those economic missions have yielded an estimated total investment value of 3.9 trillion pesos or 71 billion US dollars with a potential to generate 175,000 jobs. [applause]
The implementation of recent economic reforms is underway. BOI-approved investment projects have reached 1.2 trillion pesos during our first year, while other strategic investments approved for processing through the newly established “green lanes” amount now to 230 billion pesos.
Our existing bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, notably within the ASEAN framework, and with Japan, and with Europe, allow us to leverage our competitive advantages and reap economic benefits. We will continue to forge more of these international partnerships that will lead to a more balanced trade strategy and a healthier economic position.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP is now in force. It is a multilateral trade arrangement with the ASEAN and other countries, such as Australia, China, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand. We can now have competitive access to a regional market that comprises two billion people.
As we address our weaknesses and develop competitiveness in other potential areas, we also must play to our strengths. Our competitive advantage must be leveraged. As a “service export powerhouse”, we must continue to nurture the growth of the services sector, particularly the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector and of course the tourism industry.
Our tourism has always been a reliable pillar of our economic growth through the years, providing livelihood to more than 5 million of our citizens. Because of the reopening of the economy, and the phenomenon of “revenge travel”, this sector is headed for a great rebound.
From January to June this year, we have received 3 million international visitors. This number is already 62 percent of our 4.8-million target for the entire year.
Mga kababayan, ang lahat ng mga ginagawa nating ito ay magbibigay-bunga sa libo-libong hanapbuhay para sa ating mga kababayan. [applause]
To create these investment opportunities, we must ensure that an enabling business environment is in place; that there is peace and order, and that the rule of law governs. We will solidify our country’s reputation as an attractive and reliable investment destination.
Building on institutional reforms of recent years, we have created “green lanes” for strategic investments, and expedited the business processes in various sectors and investment modalities.
A progressive and rationalized system of taxation is a component of the ease of doing business. The CREATE Law has made our corporate tax and incentive schemes equitable and business-friendly. There are more structural tax reforms that must be introduced to allow us to reach our socioeconomic targets.
Digitalization is the call of today; not the call of the future—but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today.
Government must fully embrace digitalization to provide better service to the people, through its vital frontline services and its back-end functions.
Digitalization will support the government’s data-driven and science-based planning and decision-making. It is the greatest, most powerful tool, not just to improve the ease of doing business, but also against many forms of graft and corruption.
Data shows that digitalization, in conjunction with government’s streamlining efforts, has significantly boosted efficiency. Notable examples are in the areas of government payments, company and business registrations, issuance of permits and licenses, loan applications, and revenue collection.
All our digitalization efforts will be linked to our payment systems, whose digital transformation has been accelerating at a remarkable rate.
Digital payments accounted for 42 percent of the total retail payments made in 2022, whether by businesses or individuals or by the government. Its high trajectory is now well-positioned to achieve Bangko Sentral’s target of 50 percent of total retail payments by this year.
The eGov PH app has also been launched. As envisioned, all key government services are to be integrated into this single and centralized mobile app, for the convenience of the general public.
The National ID system will be at the core of this digitally transformed network of government services. It will fundamentally change the lives of each Filipino. At 87% total registration, we are now closer to establishing a complete, accurate, and reliable digital database of our own for the entire population. This has already been integrated into the eGov PH app, and can be now accessed by our citizens.
Consistent with this transformative policy direction, all government offices must then ensure that their vital services are digitalised immediately.
In response to this call, the Department of Migrant Workers launched last week the Department of Migrant Workers Mobile to make the journey of our Overseas Filipino Workers easier.
Because of system upgrades, our internet speed has improved. As of June of this year, our fixed broadband speed ranks 47th amongst 180 countries. This ranking is 11 places higher than it was in last year. [applause]
Our mobile internet speed is now ranked at 83 out of 142 countries, which is 8 places higher than it was last year.
There will be more improvements, as our internet infrastructure undergoes further upgrades. Early this year, Starlink went live in the Philippines, now providing high-speed satellite broadband connectivity. Our National Fiber Backbone and Broadband ng Masa projects will also deliver high-connectivity and high-speed internet. We are prioritising geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
The DICT has been directed to consolidate all these digitalised government services into the eGov PH app, to establish the National Government Portal and the Philippine Business Databank, to improve the internet speed in our country.
With our E-Commerce Roadmap firmly in place, we are poised to take this digitalization drive further and beyond, utilising e-commerce to take full advantage of new technologies.
The first bill that I signed into law was the SIM Registration Act because we are mindful of the risks and vulnerabilities that can lead to negative consequences. Digital users and consumers shall be protected from identity theft, phishing, other online scams, through essential systems and safeguards, such as cybersecurity, data privacy, consumer complaint mechanisms, and financial literacy campaigns.
The trainings necessary to ease the transition of those whose jobs would be affected by the shift to digitalization are also now being included in the curricula and programs offered by TESDA, DICT, and other agencies of government.
It is our wish that one day foreign employment will be driven by choice, not by necessity. It remains a noble calling that our OFWs have answered, requiring great sacrifice from them, their families, and their communities.
We are engaging with our partners in the international community to ensure a safe working environment for our countrymen. And as we do so, we are also putting in place responsive mechanisms for the social welfare, repatriation, and reintegration of our returning OFWs into the Philippine economy. [applause]
As the world economy reopens, we are witnessing a rise in overseas Filipino deployment. In 2022, the number has increased by 62 percent. OFWs continue to send in historically high remittances, solidifying their role in our transformative economic growth. In 2022, our OFWs contributed 32.5 billion dollars, or roughly 1.8 trillion pesos, to our economy.
Several countries have also signified interest to explore bilateral labor cooperation with the Philippines in the areas of healthcare, tourism, hospitality, engineering, construction, and information technology. Recently, we signed agreements with Singapore, Austria, and the province of Alberta in Canada.
Our priority is to ensure that the principles of ethical recruitment, fair employment, and the safe and orderly migration of our people, are embodied in our agreements with other countries.
For example, the deployment issue in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has now been resolved. And as of today, 70,000 of our OFWs have already been deployed to Saudi Arabia for employment. [applause]
Moreover, the unpaid salaries and other related claims of some 14,000 OFWs, who have been put out of work in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic, are now being processed. The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia himself personally committed to me that the unpaid claims of Filipino workers would now be paid. [applause]
The continued employment of some 50,000 workers and the deployment of many more Filipino seafarers aboard EU vessels, has also been assured. The lesson for us is that our education and skills training must always be attuned to the high, exacting and constantly evolving global standards.
Sa pagsusumikap ng mga mamamayan, walang hindi kakayanin. Kahit ang mga matatayog na pangarap ay maaabot, kasama ang inaasam na tahanan.
Katuwang natin ang lokal na pamahalaan at pribadong sektor upang matulungan ang Pilipino sa pangangailangan na pabahay.
Patuloy ang serbisyo ng Pag-IBIG Fund upang makatulong sa kanyang labinlimang milyong miyembro para makabili ng bahay. Sa nakaraang taon, mahigit isang daang libo ang kumuha ng housing loan sa Pag-IBIG, na nagkaka-halaga ng 117 bilyon na piso. Ito ang pinakamataas na bilang sa buong kasaysayan ng Pag-IBIG. [applause]
Itong nakalipas na taon, mahigit 148,000 na kabahayan at mahigit tatlumpung libong mga certificates of eligibility of lot award ang naipamahagi sa Luzon, sa Visayas, at sa Mindanao—sa ilalim ng sari-saring mga programang pabahay ng pamahalaan.
Mahigit tatlumpu’t limanlibong residential free patent at agricultural patent titles naman ang naibigay sa mga benepisyaryo nito sa buong bansa.
Hindi pa dito natatapos. Papalawigin pa natin ang ating programa sa abot-kayang pabahay, lalo na para sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Itong nakalipas na taon, inilunsad natin ang Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Program o 4PH.
Nagkaroon na tayo ng groundbreaking sa dalawampu’t limang lugar sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa. Nagpirmahan na rin ng kasunduan upang simulan ang mga proyekto sa mahigit isang daang lokasyon. Kung susumahin natin ito, mahigit isang milyong kabahayan ang maiaalay natin sa ating mga kababayan sa buong bansa. [applause]
The building blocks of progressive, livable and sustainable communities will never be complete without appropriate and responsible action to mitigate and to adapt to the effects of climate change.
We can never lose sight of our responsibility to the future. The economic agenda cannot and will not ever be incompatible with our climate change agenda.
Climate change is now an important criterion in our integral national policies, in planning, decision-making, up to the implementation of programs. The potential advantages of such enlightened policies extend to jobs and livelihood, with the unlocking of the development of the green and blue economies.
We have learned many painful lessons from past disasters but we continue to be alert and prepared in our disaster response. It has, in fact, been commented that sometimes we are over-prepared for such natural disasters. Well, to continue that, we are reorganizing our response teams to make them more adaptable, agile and effective in times of calamities and crises, with a clear unity of command.
Our evacuation centers are being upgraded to withstand the greater forces of the new normal of extreme weather, as well as other natural and man-made disasters. Furthermore, new evacuation centers are also being built, of which 55 have already been completed.
We remain committed to global decarbonization goals, and the reduction of our carbon footprint. We preserve and protect the treasure that is our forests. Their value to the environment, to the ecology, and the economy is incalculable.
We have adopted the concept of the “circular economy”, using nature as our model. The aim is to keep raw materials in a closed loop. In our world with scarce resources, the circular economy allows us to fully use these resources, minimize waste and reduce the need for new resources—just as it is in nature.
Just like our climate change action, this new system requires the participation of all sectors of society, up to each individual citizen, for it to succeed.
Only a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach will enable us to do all of these. It is necessary to apply all the resources that are at hand if we are to progress as quickly as we need to.
Collaboration is the key: between and among government offices; between government and the private sector; between industries and the academe; between government and international partners. And most importantly, collaboration between and among our populace.
Kakailanganin natin ang tulong at kakayahan ng buong pamahalaan at ng buong bansa.
And so, we shall do the same for the next 5 years. We seek not only to become more effective, but more, to become truly transformative.
This approach will be operationalized through inter-agency cooperations; as well as through coordinated efforts between and among the three branches of government, and the independent constitutional bodies. We have organized private sector advisory councils, and national-local mechanisms to establish the needed linkages.
Once again, on this same principle, I urge the government to enact a new Government Procurement Law and a new Government Auditing Code. [applause] This to make government procurement and auditing more attuned to these changing times.
We will give effect to the mandate of the Constitution and the Local Government Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court very soon. Almost all the required Devolution Transition Plans of the LGUs are done. To fully prepare them for optimal devolution, the necessary technical and financial assistance is being extended to our local governments.
In everything that we do, the enduring Filipino quality of Bayanihan will still be our guide.
Limang taon mula noong matinding kaguluhan, babangon na ang Marawi City. [applause] Nanunumbalik na ang sigla sa pamayanan. Maraming proyekto ang nakumpleto at mga imprastrakturang naitatayo. Kasalukuyan na tayong nagpoproseso ng tulong-pinansyal para sa mga biktima ng Marawi siege upang sila ay makapagsimula muli. Nawa’y mamayani ang pag-asa. Nawa’y magpatuloy ang pagkakaisa, pagmamatyag, at paghahangad ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran.
We are proud of the progress that the BARMM has taken. [applause] It will be self-governing, it will be progressive, and it will be effective.
But this was only made possible because of the cooperation of all key groups. We talked to the local governments, the royal families, the MNLF and the MILF were all consulted and represented in this transition phase. The international community has also supported us in this smooth transition. Former adversaries are now partners in peace. Its functions have been defined, and its basic laws are now being written.
Through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation’s prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in Southern Philippines. We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos. [applause]
A strong and stable rule of law will strengthen the foundation of our transformation.
Our Police and Armed Forces are being strengthened and modernized to be more effective in maintaining peace and order and in defending our sovereignty. We fully support the Judiciary’s efforts to improve the justice system and to protect constitutional rights.
The campaign against illegal drugs continues—but it has taken on a new face. [applause] It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence amongst our affected citizenry. Last year, we launched the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA Program, and established additional 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers nationwide.
We will relentlessly continue our fight against drug syndicates, shutting down their illegal activities [applause] – we will shut down their activities and dismantle their network of operations.
Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations. [applause and cheers] In their stead, we will install individuals with unquestionable integrity, who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse. We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government. [applause]
For almost half a century, some of our fellow Filipinos have taken to arms to make their views known and felt. We are now at a point in our history when their armed struggle has evolved. We have now progressed together towards peace and development.
We have incorporated capacity-building and social protection into our reintegration programs to guarantee full decommissioning of former combatants. Through community development and livelihood programs, the Barangay Development and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Programs have been effective in addressing the root cause of conflict in the countryside.
To complete this reintegration process, I will issue a Proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees, and I ask Congress to support me in this endeavor. [applause]
Our journey to progress requires not only unity and social cohesion amongst our people. It is also imperative that our nation remains intact and inviolable, our sovereignty preserved. We will protect our sovereign rights and preserve our territorial integrity, in defense of a rules-based international order. [applause]
With our national interest paramount, we will always pursue constant dialogue and diplomatic approaches to the resolution of any issue that may arise.
So, the initial results of our efforts inspire confidence. Let us continue to be relentless in our aspiration of peace and progress. This has not been the work of a single person. Neither a single branch of government, nor even the whole Government acting alone.
This is the collective synergy achieved by all Filipinos working together. It took a whole-of-nation effort to achieve this immediate recovery from our pandemic slump. Unity was what made us rise once more.
Nagsisimula pa lamang tayo. Ang pagbangon ng ating bayan ay magpapatuloy pa.
Hinihiling ko ang inyong tiwala at pakikiisa. Sa ganitong paraan, makakamtan natin ang ating tanging hangarin: ang maginhawa, matatag, at panatag na buhay para sa lahat ng Pilipino. [applause]
Makikipagtulungan tayo nang mabuti sa Kongreso para sa mga mahahalagang batas na kinakailangan para sa ating tuloy-tuloy na pag-ahon.
And once again, I appeal to Congress for its support for the following priority legislations:
1) The essential tax measures under our Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, such as–
- Excise tax on single-use plastics
- VAT on digital services
- Rationalization of mining fiscal regime
- Motor vehicle user’s charge/road user’s tax
- Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension
2) Amendment of the Fisheries Code;
3) Amendment of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act;
4) Amendment of the Cooperative Code;
5) New Government Procurement Law;
6) New Government Auditing Code;
7) Anti-financial accounts scamming;
8) Tatak-Pinoy law;
9) The Blue Economy law;
10) Ease of paying taxes;
11) LGU income classification; and
12) The Philippine Immigration Act.
In the past year, it has been a source of great hope and optimism to me to now know that there is an enormous pool of highly competent and dedicated workers serving in our government. It is up to us to provide good leadership and guidance. They love the Philippines and have responded to our call. [applause]
I have stated before that my confidence in our future was grounded in our world-class quality workforce—be they the farmers in the field, corporate giants, government officials, school teachers, health workers, or employees.
That confidence has been further buoyed by the demonstration of love for the Philippines. Every Filipino has unanimously risen to the challenge that we have made to them to be part of our nation’s future. Handa silang maghandog ng tulong dahil mahal nila ang kanilang kapwa-Pilipino at mahal na mahal nila ang Pilipinas.
And thus, with this in my heart, I know that the state of the nation is sound, and is improving.
Dumating na po ang Bagong Pilipinas. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. [applause and cheers]
— END —
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday that eight new power generation facilities were built during the first year of his term.
“This brings to 17 the total number of power generation facilities that have been switched on across the country since last year, substantially increasing our energy production by 1,174 megawatts,” he said.
These additional power plants built since he assumed office have contributed to the increase of power supply in the country.
The Chief Executive said these new power plants also helped in the electrification efforts of the government.
“Since my assumption into office, almost half a million homes have been given access to electricity,” he said.
Marcos also vowed to achieve full household-electrification by 2028.
“One hundred percent electrification is within our reach,” he added. (PNA)
MANILA – Oil firms will increase pump prices for two consecutive weeks starting 12:01 a.m. on July 25.
In separate advisories, Caltex, Cleanfuel, PTT, Seaoil, and Shell said they will hike gasoline prices by PHP1.35 per liter and diesel by PHP0.45 per liter.
Caltex, Seaoil, and Shell will also increase kerosene prices by PHP0.35 per liter.
Other oil players are expected to follow suit.
Industry experts forecast tighter oil supply due to the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine and output cuts by Saudi Arabia.
Despite the lower-than-expected second-quarter growth in China, the global oil market reacted positively to the stimulus measures of the Chinese government to back economic expansion.
Meanwhile, the local price adjustments last week brought a year-to-date net increase in gasoline prices of PHP11.05 per liter and PHP0.75 increment in diesel prices.
On the other hand, kerosene prices were lower by PHP1 per liter since the start of 2023. (PNA)
MANILA – In pursuit of searching for new indigenous energy sources, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to push for gas explorations in the country.
“Aside from Malampaya, we will also push for more gas exploration in other parts of the country,” Marcos said during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday.
The Chief Executive said the national government has partnered with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in energy exploration, development, and utilization within its territorial jurisdiction.
“We therefore expect to see renewed investor interest in its promising sites,” he added.
Marcos also highlighted the importance of the country’s lone natural gas-fired power facility, the Malampaya gas field, which energizes 20 percent of the Luzon grid.
Last May 15, Marcos approved the extension of Malampaya Service Contract (SC) No. 38 until Feb. 22, 2039.
“The Malampaya project has been a boon to our country,” he said. “The renewal of the contract guarantees continued revenues and energy production for another 15 years.” (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday appealed to Congress to pass the essential tax measures under the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework.
In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said these include the excise tax on single-use plastics, value added tax (VAT) on digital services, rationalization of mining fiscal regime, motor vehicle user’s charge or road user’s tax, and the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension.
These tax measures disclosed by the Department of Finance (DOF) last year aim to steer the country back to a high growth trajectory.
“We therefore seek once again the continued support of Congress to enact into law the policies and reforms under our fiscal framework,” Marcos said.
Under the proposed pension system, MUPs will be required to contribute a portion of their salaries as a form of savings, which will be supplemented by the government.
“The pension of the military and uniformed personnel is as important, urgent, and humanitarian as that of all other civilian Filipino employees. Efforts are underway to make it fully functional and financially sustainable,” Marcos said.
The President also assured they are working closely with Congress to ease the transition process and to guarantee that “no effects are felt by those in the uniformed services.”
Marcos also cited the importance of higher revenue collections in the government’s bid to increase public investments.
“Under our fiscal framework, we envision our tax and revenue efforts to further increase, to up to 16.9 percent and 17.3 percent by 2028,” he said.
Citing data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Marcos said that in the first five months of the year, tax collections already amounted to PHP1.05 trillion, higher by 10 percent year-on-year.
Collections of the Bureau of Customs also went up by 7.4 percent to PHP476 billion in the first seven months of 2023.
Marcos said revenues from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) also grew by 47.9 percent and 20 percent, respectively. (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday his administration will give a “special focus” on improving water security.
During his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said efforts to enhance water security should be “cohesive, centralized, and systematic” rather than “scattershot”.
“Ang tubig ay kasing-halaga rin ng pagkain. Kailangan nating tiyakin na may sapat at malinis na tubig para sa lahat at sa mga susunod na salinlahi. Kasama na rito ang tubig na ginagamit natin para sa sakahan (Water is as important as food. We need to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and clean water, including the future generations. This also includes water for agriculture use,” Marcos said.
He said the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) was created to synergize efforts to address water security challenges and specifically handle the “delicate job involving this most precious resource”.
The newly-created WRMO integrates the functions of all agencies with water-related mandates to effectively manage the country’s water resources and achieve water security.
The WRMO, created under Executive Order 22, is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Marcos said he has already coordinated with Congress to pass a measure to create the Department of Water Resource Management to be tasked to implement necessary policy and resource reforms concerning the management of all water resources including irrigation, sewage and sanitation.
The department also monitors the evaluation of compliance with the national goals relating to water, irrigation, sewage and sanitation; formulate a national updated road map to address the water, sewage and sanitation requirements of the State; and improve water conservation and increase system efficiencies.
Marcos also noted that around PHP14.6 billion has been allocated for water supply projects this year, which will benefit communities nationwide.
He said the water supply of the National Capital Region and Rizal received a significant boost from the first phase of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project.
“The water supply will increase as the Project enters the second phase,” Marcos said.
In terms of the preparations for the looming dry spell of El Niño, Marcos said 6,000 rainwater collection systems have been installed across the country. (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has prioritized the increase in capability and in the number of health facilities nationwide.
“Our healthcare system is undergoing structural enhancements. Last year, more than 3,400 projects were completed,” Marcos said in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Specialty centers in various fields are being established and integrated into the government hospitals and about 60 of them have been opened to the public to improve capacity for specialized medical treatment, he said.
Among these include the Clark Multi Specialty Medical Center (CMSMC) in Pampanga which started construction this month.
Equipped with cutting-edge facilities, the CMSMC aims to provide topnotch medical care to its patients through a comprehensive range of specialized departments, including heart, kidney, cancer, and pediatric centers.
The CMSMC is a result of the collaboration between the Department of Health, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Clark Development Corporation, Pampanga local government units, and in partnership with the private sector like the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc.
The DOH considers the CMSMC a pioneering catalyst for transformative change in establishing specialized medical centers nationwide as it provides improved accessibility to advanced medical services.
Meanwhile, residents of Central Luzon needing the services of interventional cardiac procedures and non-cardiac procedures under interventional radiology (both vascular and non-vascular) no longer have to travel to Manila.
This is after a new Catheterization Laboratory (CathLab) at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga opened on March 24.
Its construction was made possible through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program and in coordination with provincial and local government units.
The construction fund was taken out of the PHP1 billion-budget given to the hospital in 2013 for the completion of its equipment and buildings.
It was completed in 120 days so it can immediately cater to all diseases faced by the patients in the region.
To ensure that Filipinos nationwide receive specialized medical care, the President signed Executive Order No. 19, series of 2023, directing the establishment of the Philippine Heart Center Annex at the Clark Freeport Zone last March 10.
The Cancer Institute and Oxygen Generating Plant of Cotabato Regional and Medical Center was also inaugurated on June 22 this year.
The oxygen-generating plant aims to provide local hospitals with sufficient supplies of medical oxygen which significantly increased in price when the Covid-19 pandemic started.
To date, the DOH has 46 specialty centers and 26 hospitals nationwide.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation also supports the Marcos administration as it works on a more direct and efficient delivery of services.
In PhilHealth’s Improved Konsulta Package, about 21 types of medicines and 13 laboratory services will be provided for free. Currently, there are over 2,000 Konsulta centers nationwide — a 35 percent increase in number from last year.
To better help patients suffering from kidney disease, the PhilHealth increased the number of free dialysis sessions to 156 from last year’s 90 sessions.
The price of important and primary medicines decreased by 40 percent while other medicines have decreased by 90 percent.
“Aside from the maximum retail price regulation being implemented, strategic VAT exemption also lowered the prices of 59 essential medications, such as those for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and mental illness,” Marcos said.
As the government continues to push for free health services for all, more than 93 percent of Filipinos are already members of the PhilHealth to date.
In the past year, over 3.4 millions Filipinos received help from the government through the DOH’s Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients program.
The Marcos administration is also keen to pursue measures for the improvement of the welfare of doctors, nurses, and other medical front-liners.
“Upang masuklian ang naging sakripisyo ng ating mga health workers sa pribado at pampublikong mga ospital noong nakaraang pandemya, ipapamahagi na sa kanila ang kanilang COVID health emergency allowance at iba pang mga nabinbing benepisyo (To repay the sacrifices of our healthcare workers in public and private hospitals during the pandemic, the COVID health emergency allowance will be distributed to them together with all their pending benefits),” Marcos said.
Four bills have already been filed in the House of the Representatives and the Senate on the amendment of the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers.
The DOH bill version for the said legislation includes ongoing staff work along with the the salary standardization for human resources for health.
Nutrition, feeding programs
“We are now refocusing our health priorities, applying the lessons learnt from the pandemic and addressing the weaknesses that it has exposed. Healthier communities and lifestyles are our advocacy,” Marcos said.
The Marcos administration has also launched convergent programs to address hunger and nutrition-related issues especially among the children, like stunting and wasting.
The government introduced the pilot Food Stamp Program (FSP) which seeks to supply the nutrition needs of the million most food-poor Filipinos while complementing the current nutrition continuity programs, such as the First 1,000 Days initiative which ensures nourishment for the first three years of the child’s life.
The supplemental feeding program is for children attending daycare centers. The K-to-6 Program shall feed Kindergarten to Grade 6 public school students, who are suffering from severe wasting.
Vaccination for all
“We are catching up on the routine vaccinations of our children. As of this year, more than 80 percent of our eligible children have been vaccinated against measles, rubella, and polio,” Marcos said.
“Nananawagan ako sa lahat ng mga magulang na kumpletuhin ang mga bakuna ng kanilang mga anak, at magtungo sa pinakamalapit na health center para sa mga libreng bakuna (I’m calling on parents to complete the vaccination of their children and go to the nearest health centers for free vaccines).”
The DOH, through its MRV-OPV supplemental immunization activity or Chikiting Ligtas from May 1 to June 15, has vaccinated 8,016,954 or 82.61 percent of the target children against measles and rubella as of June 8.
About 2,307,564 children or 80.5 percent received bivalent oral polio vaccines while a total of 3,884,629 children have received vitamin A supplementation.
The Marcos administration also continued the rollout of booster doses for the fully-vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The Public Health Operations Centers conducted the Bakunahang Bayan II: Special Covid-19 Vaccination Days from December 5 to 7, 2022 where an average of 36, 693 jabs for the booster dose and 8,727 jabs for the primary doses were done for the five to 11 years old population.
For the bivalent Covid-19 vaccines, the DOH started its rollout on June 21 at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City for 500 healthcare workers.
The country has received 391,860 doses of Comirnaty Pfizer-BioNtech-adapted bivalent vaccines from the government of Lithuania on June 3.
The doses were allocated to all DOH-Centers for Health Development and the Ministry of Health-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (PNA)