MANILA – The Philippines’ pursuit of an independent foreign policy that balances relations with all nations has “proven effective,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday.
Marcos noted how Manila, through this approach, was able to enhance bilateral ties with both traditional and non-traditional partners.
“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,” he said in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Apart from sending a message that the Philippines is committed to promoting peace in the region, Marcos said his foreign trips yielded an estimated total investment value of USD71 billion for the Philippines, or PHP3.9 trillion, with the potential to generate 175,000 jobs for Filipinos.
“We have embarked on foreign trips to promote the interests of the country, for peace-building, and for mutually beneficial purposes,” he added.
Marcos, in a span of 10 months, has already engaged counterparts and sought to enhance bilateral cooperation during his trips to Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Belgium, China, Switzerland, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
In his state visit to Japan alone, Marcos witnessed Tokyo affirming its intention to support the Philippines attain Upper Middle-Income Country status by 2025 through the active contribution of official development assistance (ODA) and private-sector investment of 600 billion yen in Japanese Fiscal Years 2022–2023.
This trip also saw Japan and the Philippines working closer to bolster defense and cooperation, starting with the signing of the terms of reference on the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ humanitarian and disaster relief activities in the country.
With the US, the country established the first bilateral defense guidelines to lay out ways for Manila and Washington DC to modernize their alliance.
Despite an ongoing maritime row over the South China Sea, Manila was also able to compartmentalize and continue engaging Beijing in the economic sphere.
Trade between the two states has reached USD87.73 billion, making China the Philippines’ largest trading partner for seven consecutive years.
Marcos said existing bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, notably within the ASEAN framework, and with Japan, and with Europe, allowed the Philippines “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,” he said.
With the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership now in force, Marcos said the Philippines can now have competitive access to a regional market of two billion people.
‘Preserving sovereignty’
Making good on his promise to protect every square inch of Philippine territory, the Marcos administration adopted a policy to publicize maritime incidents in the West Philippine Sea and keep both the public and the international community abreast of Chinese incursions on Philippine waters.
Marcos said the Philippines would continue to protect its sovereign rights and preserve its territorial integrity.
“Our journey to progress requires not only unity and social cohesion among our people. It is also imperative that our nation remains intact and inviolable, our sovereignty preserved,” he said. “We will protect our sovereign rights and preserve our territorial integrity, in defense of a rules-based international order.”
Putting paramount on the national interest, he said his administration “will always pursue constant dialogue and diplomatic approaches to the resolution of any issue that may arise”.
As of July 21, the Philippines has filed 99 diplomatic protests on China’s continuous activities within its exclusive economic zone.
The administration this year also created an office for the presidential adviser on the West Philippine Sea, indicating the importance it places on handling the issues surrounding the area. (PNA)
MANILA – As tourist arrival figures slowly increase and economies reopen post-pandemic, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is optimistic the Philippine tourism sector will soon experience a “great rebound”.
During his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday, Marcos recognized the sector’s contribution to development and highlighted how his administration puts the industry on top of its priorities.
“Our tourism has always been a reliable pillar of our economic growth through the years, providing livelihood to more than five 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,” he said.
As the country addresses its “weaknesses and develop competitiveness in other potential areas”, he said Manila would also maximize its 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 and tourism industries,” he said.
He added that his administration would prioritize “intermodal connectivity” and connect roads, bridges, and mass transport systems to provide access to economic markets, including tourism sites.
READ: Gaining int’l recognition, pulling inbound travelers in
At present, the Department of Tourism closely works with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways to upgrade the country’s airports, seaports and roads.
The agency is also pushing to enhance and continue projects under the existing Tourism Road Infrastructure Program as well as the exploration and pursuit of new infrastructure projects, with at least PHP16 billion invested in tourism roads for 2023. (PNA)
MANILA – The Marcos administration is looking to “fully embrace” digitalization and online payment systems as tools in the government’s arsenal to improve public services, ease of doing business, as well as fight graft and corruption.
During his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said digitalization helps in frontline services, back-end functions, as well as supports the government in “data-driven and science-based planning and decision-making.”
“Digitalization is the call of today; not of the future –but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today,” Marcos said.
He said government streamlining efforts through digitalization has so far “significantly boosted efficiency” such as in government payments, company and business registration, issuance of permits and licenses, loan applications, and revenue collections.
“All our digitalization efforts will be linked to our payment systems, whose digital transformation has been accelerating at a remarkable rate,” he added.
In 2022 alone, Marcos said digital payments accounted for 42 percent of total retail payments for businesses, individuals, and 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,” he said.
Digital payments
Marcos cited the rise in the share of retail digital payments to 42 percent of the total in 2022, almost near the 50 percent share target of the Bangko Sentral ng ng Pilipinas (BSP) by this year.
Based on the BSP’s 2022 Status of Digital Payments report released last June, digital payments were only 1 percent of the total in 2013.
It rose to 10 percent in 2018, 14 percent in 2019, 20.1 percent in 2020, and 30.3 percent in 2021.
Retail payment transactions grew by 611.7 million in terms of volume in 2022 relative to the previous year, BSP data show.
In 2022 alone, payments made by persons accounted for 68.6 percent of the total, and were followed by the payments made by businesses, 30.3 percent; and payments made by the government, 1.1 percent.
Of the total, 90.6 percent of digital payments volume were accounted for by person-to-business (P2B) payments, 73.7 percent; person-to-person (P2P) and business-to-person (B2P), 14.7 percent; and salaries and wage payments, 2.2 percent.
Authorities have attributed the big rise in digital payments to the impact of the pandemic, which prevented most people from going out, thus the need to do online transactions for most of their purchases.
Marcos said the country’s financial system, which he describes as “the nerve center of our economy”, “remains strong and stable.”
He said banks, the monetary policy’s transmission arms, “have strong capital and liquidity positions.”
With the easing of restrictions put in place during the pandemic, Marcos said, “transactions once again flourished—alongside the booming e-commerce that was undeterred by the pandemic.”
“In 2022, the digital economy contributed PHP2 trillion, equivalent to 9.4 percent of our GDP (gross domestic product). The economy is revived and rejuvenated, backstopped by a favorable enabling environment and the strong rule of law,” he said.
eGov PH app
To eliminate redundancy and further ensure ease of use, Marcos showcased the eGov PH mobile app that aims to integrate all key government services for the convenience of its users.
“The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been directed to consolidate all these digitalized government services into the eGov PH app to establish the National Government Portal and the Philippine Business Databank, and to improve the internet speed in our country,” he said.
On the other hand, Marcos said the National ID System will serve as the core of a “digitally transformed network of government services.”
To date, he said the National ID System reported around 87 percent total registration.
“We are now closer to establishing a complete, accurate, and reliable digital database of our entire population. This has already been integrated into the eGov PH app, and can be accessed by our citizens,” he added.
Improved internet speed
To support the government’s push for digitalization, Marcos said internet speed in the country has also improved.
“As of June this year, our fixed broadband speed ranks 47th among 180 countries. This ranking is 11 places higher than it was in 2022. Our mobile internet speed is now ranked at 83 out of 142 countries, which is 8 places higher than it was last year,” he said.
He took note of the launch of Starlink earlier this year which aims to provide high-speed satellite broadband connectivity –particularly useful in remote areas that cannot be reached by conventional wired broadband service providers.
In addition, Marcos said the government’s National Fiber Backbone and Broadband ng Masa projects will also deliver high-connectivity and high-speed internet to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Last year, the E-Governance Act or House Bill No. 7327, a consolidation of 21 related measures, was highlighted by Marcos as one of his priority measures in his first SONA.
The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on March 6, with Marcos’ marching order to “accelerate the buildup of digital infrastructure in the country.” (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said his administration is reorganizing a “more adaptable, agile and effective” response teams to ensure the disaster preparedness of the Philippines, the most typhoon-prone country in the world.
During his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, Marcos said the government continues to be “alert and prepared” to mitigate the potential impact of disasters.
He stressed that the country has learned “many painful” lessons from the catastrophic weather disturbances induced by climate change.
“It has, in fact, been commented that sometimes we are over-prepared for such natural disasters. 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,” Marcos said.
“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,” he added.
On April 30, Marcos signed Executive Order (EO) 24, creating the Disaster Response and Crisis Management Task Force to ensure a “clear unity of command to lead the government’s efforts in confronting challenges brought about by natural disasters through evidence-driven and science-based approach in crisis management.”
Under EO 24, the task force is tasked to lead the integrated disaster preparedness and response efforts of the national government and ensure the prompt delivery of accessible and coordinated assistance programs to the affected communities
Marcos also ensured that evacuation centers nationwide are being upgraded “to withstand the greater forces of the new normal of extreme weather, as well as other natural and man-made disasters.”
He noted that to date, about 55 new evacuation centers have been built.
“The building blocks of progressive, livable and sustainable communities will never be complete without appropriate and responsible action to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. We can never lose sight of our responsibility to the future,” Marcos said.
Marcos said his administration’s economic agenda “cannot and will not ever be incompatible with our climate change agenda.”
He said the government remains committed to global decarbonization goals, and the reduction of carbon footprint.
“We preserve and protect the treasure that is our forests. Their value to the environment, the ecology, and the economy is incalculable,” Marcos said, adding that the country has adopted the “circular economy” concept using nature as its 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 — as it is in nature,” he added.
Marcos hoped for the participation of “all sectors of society” to make the climate action laid out by his administration a success.
The Philippines has allocated USD8.2 billion, or 9 percent of its total national budget, for climate change adaptation and mitigation programs this year. (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday assured continued efforts to strengthen the country’s police and military to ensure “strong and stable rule of law” as the foundation of the country’s 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,” the Chief Executive said in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday.
He also said the stiff campaign against illegal drugs continues, which he said has taken on “a new face” and is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among the affected citizenry.
“Last year, we launched the ‘Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan’ or BIDA Program, and established additional 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers nationwide,” Marcos said.
While focusing on rehabilitation of drug dependents, Marcos vowed to continue the fight against drug syndicates by shutting down their illegal activities and dismantling their network of operations.
This includes going after law enforcers and their accomplices found implicated in the illegal drug trade.
“Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations. In their stead, we will install individuals with unquestionable integrity, and 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,” Marcos said.
As this developed, the Chief Executive also said that the country is now nearing a peaceful solution to its problems concerning Filipinos who have taken arms against the government.
“For almost half a century, some of our fellow Filipinos have taken to arms to make their views heard. We are now at a point in our history when their armed struggle has evolved. We have now progressed together towards peace and development,” he noted.
Marcos said the government had incorporated capacity-building and social protection into its 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,” the President emphasized.
Amnesty
Marcos also said that he will issue a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees to complete the reintegration process.
“I ask Congress to support us in this endeavor,” the President said. Marcos is also pleased to note that five years after the Marawi Siege, communities there have started to recover anew with the completion of many projects and infrastructures aimed at improving the life of the citizenry.
He also said the government is now processing the granting of financial aid to those severely affected by the conflict. The assistance, Marcos said, will allow these residents to start fresh.
“Nawa’y mamayani ang pag-asa. Nawa’y magpatuloy ang pagkakaisa, pagmamatyag, at paghahangad ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran (may hope prevail, may unity continue along with vigilance and the desire for peace and progress),” he added.
Marcos also touted the progress achieved by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“We are proud of the progress that the BARMM has taken. It will be self-governing, progressive, and effective,” he added.
This progress, the Chief Executive emphasized, was made possible only because of the cooperation of all key groups.
“The local government, the royal families, the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) were all consulted and represented in the 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 being written,” Marcos said.
With the progress of peace in the BARMM, the Chief Executive said the nation has strengthened its prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in the southern Philippines.
“We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos,” Marcos said.
Judiciary reform
Marcos also stressed the executive department’s unqualified commitment to back reforms and efforts to modernize its co-equal branch, the judiciary.
“We fully support the Judiciary’s efforts to improve the justice system and to protect constitutional rights,” the Chief Executive said, citing that a responsive and modern justice system is part of the crucial underpinnings of a new Philippine republic.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo on Oct. 14, 2022, formally launched the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022-2027, the High Court’s plan of action to address institutional challenges under the guiding principles of striving for timely and fair delivery of justice, transparency and accountability, equality and inclusivity, and technologically adaptive.
Under these principles, the Court targets three major goals: efficiency, innovation, and access in its service delivery.
Last December, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the high tribunal met to map out how the UNODC’s Anti-Corruption Programme can best support several activities under the SPJI.
These include a campaign for ethical responsibility, strengthening the Judicial Integrity Board, and enhancing public access to information and legal services.
The Chief Justice’s vision includes modernizing court processes and operations, strengthening information and communication technology governance, management and operations, ensuring the effective use of data in policy and decision-making, and upgrading information sharing in the justice system.
In providing accessible justice for all, the Supreme Court has also vowed to enhance its public access to information and legal services, improve legal aid initiatives, strengthen the foundations of Shariah justice, and promote gender fairness and inclusivity. (with report from Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to boost the government’s efforts to provide jobs for unemployed Filipinos and better opportunities for the underemployed.
“But even with our current high rate 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,” he said during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City.
“Under the banner of our fast-growing economy, we are aggressive in our investment and business promotions and facilitations,” Marcos added.
The President also reported that the country’s employment rate increased to 95.7 percent.
“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,” he said.
To achieve this, Marcos noted that they are not only looking at local employment opportunities but also overseas.
“For that, we have not limited ourselves to the local economy, but have looked to the global economy for partnerships and agreements,” he added. (PNA)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday assured that the learning recovery of Filipino students from delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic will remain a priority under his administration.
Under the helm of Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte, the President is confident that every Filipino student will get quality education.
“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,” Marcos said during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The “Matatag Agenda” for basic education, the President said, will continue to focus on the relevance of curriculum, rapid and responsive delivery, and the welfare of both learners and teachers.
“We are augmenting our school workforce,” Marcos said, noting that 90 percent of the newly created teaching positions have been filled, while additional administrative personnel have been hired to unburden the teachers.
“Matatag” (Stable) involves making the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; taking steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services, including plans to build more resilient schools and classrooms in 2023 and around 6,000 classrooms; taking good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and giving support to teachers to teach better.
“We will rally for an improved learning system in the country. Together, we will rally for every Filipino child,” Duterte said during the release of the Basic Education Report 2023 on Jan. 30.
Marcos said DepEd’s implementation of alternative delivery modes and blended learning methodologies will continue to ensure unhampered learning with additional social safety nets, such as school-based feeding programs.
To make learners more resilient, he said public schools and its 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. 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,” the Chief Executive said.
The President said recalibration of basic education to the K to 10 curriculum will continue to be always relevant, responsive, and at par with international standards.
“Literacy and numeracy skills are to be strengthened. The virtue of good citizenship and sense of community are also integrated in our curriculum,” he said.
Under Duterte, the DepEd has adopted the National Learning Recovery Plan (NLRP) to address learning losses due to the pandemic.
DepEd ordered the mandatory conduct of full in-person classes for School Year 2022-2023 with blended learning or other alternative modes of learning delivery being implemented during natural or man-made calamities.
As part of the NLRP, the agency has also set up the National Learning Camp, an end-of-school year voluntary program aimed to provide enrichment, consolidation, and intervention sessions for learners. (PNA)
The State of the Philippines was described Monday, 24 July 2023, by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as “sound and improving,” despite the country facing significant challenges.
In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, Marcos emphasized the emergence of a “new Philippines” with a “world-class quality workforce,” expressing confidence in the nation’s future.
The achievements of his administration were attributed to the dedication and competence of the public servants and the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including farmers, corporate giants, government officials, school teachers, health workers, and employees.
Regarding economic development, Marcos proudly stated that the country’s growth momentum peaked at 7.6 percent in 2022, the highest rate in 46 years.
The growth for the first quarter of the current year was 6.4 percent, remaining within the targeted range of 6 to 7 percent for 2023.
He also highlighted the improvement in the inflation rate, which has been moving in the right direction, indicating progress in transforming the economy.
To generate more jobs, Marcos embarked on foreign trips to promote the country’s interests and attract investments.
These efforts resulted in an estimated total investment value of 71 billion US dollars, potentially creating 175,000 jobs.
The administration focused on leveraging science, technology, and innovation to enhance the quality and competitiveness of the workforce, encouraging investment in various sectors such as manufacturing, exports, creative industries, and services.
Regarding employment, the President cited a significant improvement, with the current employment rate reaching 95.7 percent as of May, a clear recovery from the low of 82.4 percent during the height of the pandemic.
However, he acknowledged the need to generate more jobs for the remaining 4.3 percent of the workforce and the 11.7 percent of underemployed Filipinos seeking better opportunities.
In terms of agricultural production, Marcos reiterated his commitment to boosting the country’s output through consolidation, modernization, mechanization, and improved value chains, guided by science and sustainable practices.
Another significant goal was achieving full household electrification, and Marcos reported that almost half a million homes gained access to electricity since his assumption into office.
The government aggressively promoted renewable energy, aiming for a 35 percent share in the power mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Foreign investments were opened for renewable energy projects to accelerate the realization of this green energy goal.
The establishment of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the country’s first sovereign wealth fund, was cited as a noteworthy achievement.
The MIF aimed to make high-impact and profitable investments, including infrastructure projects under the “Build Better More” program, with gains reinvested in the country’s economic well-being.
Marcos urged Congress to pass essential tax measures and legislative priorities, including those related to the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, fisheries, anti-agricultural smuggling, cooperative code, government procurement, government auditing, anti-financial accounts scamming, Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino), Blue Economy, ease of paying taxes, automatic income classification of local government units, and the Philippine Immigration Act.
In conclusion, Marcos emphasized that the positive results were a result of the collective efforts of all Filipinos, working together in unity to achieve peace and progress. He called for continued relentless aspiration towards a brighter future for the nation. (ai/mnm)
By Benjie Cuaresma
As expected, various militant groups took advantage of the occasion to demand wage increases and address other issues, gathering along Commonwealth Avenue while President Marcos delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) within the House of Representatives, before a joint session of the legislative branch.
The Quezon City government granted permission for the militant groups to conduct their rally at the corner of Tandang Sora and Commonwealth Avenues from 8 a.m. to noon.
A contingent of approximately 22,000 state security forces and force multipliers were deployed to ensure the security of PBBM’s second SONA.
Thankfully, no untoward incidents were reported, as the police exercised maximum tolerance throughout the protests.
The choice cuts of the day are as follows:
Imelda Marcos, the former first lady, expressed her desire to attend her son President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday but she failed to make it due to her doctor’s advice.
Her eldest daughter, Sen. Imee Marcos, revealed that her doctor advised her to stay at home due to concerns about the large crowd expected at the event.
Despite her wish to be present at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City, where her son and the President will deliver the SONA, Sen. Marcos explained that the doctor’s cautionary advice was still in effect, prioritizing her health and safety. (ai/mnm)
In the lead-up to the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes has been forthright in expressing the team’s objective — to emerge as the top Asian team. Such an achievement would secure a coveted spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Gilas Pilipinas finds itself grouped with the Dominican Republic (ranked 23rd in the world), Angola (41st), and Italy (ranked 10th) in Group A during the opening round.
Meanwhile, China, a 16-time Asian champion, is placed in Group B alongside sixth-ranked Serbia, Puerto Rico (ranked 20th), and South Sudan (ranked 62nd).
Following the group stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the second group phase, while the bottom two teams will enter the classification phase.
Gilas faces challenges, including injury concerns and the absence of key players like Kai Sotto and NBA star Jordan Clarkson from team practice. With just a month left, the team is striving to develop a cohesive unit that can secure crucial victories during the group stage.
Before the FIBA World Cup, the Philippine team is scheduled to participate in a pocket tournament in Guangdong, China, where they will compete against Iran, Lebanon, and Senegal.
Additionally, they recently completed a 16-day Europe training camp, playing tuneup matches against Estonia, Finland, Ukraine’s under-20 team, and two Lithuanian squads, ending with a 3-3 record in those matches.
Reyes also confirmed that Gilas will have a friendly match against Mexico, just one week before their FIBA World Cup debut against the Dominican Republic on August 25th at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The stage is set for an intense battle as Gilas Pilipinas aims to seize the lone Olympic slot and potentially collide with powerhouse China in the process.
(ai/mnm)
Amenah Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, has commended the achievements of the Marcos administration, particularly in its efforts to restore the Philippines’ standing on the global stage and transform it into an attractive investment destination.
In a recent radio interview, Pangandaman highlighted the administration’s remarkable initiatives, which resulted in an increase in foreign investments and international recognition of the country’s growth trajectory. This influx of business opportunities has played a pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic progress.
A key advantage of becoming a focal point for investments is the potential to generate more job opportunities for the Filipino workforce, leading to further economic advancement. To support these objectives, the government is committed to accelerating GDP growth within a range of 6.5 to 8.0 percent in the medium term.
Looking towards the future, the administration has set ambitious goals, such as achieving a single-digit poverty level, reducing the country’s deficit by 3.0 percent, lowering the GDP debt ratio, and aspiring to attain an upper-middle-income economy status by 2025. By pursuing these targets, the government aims to uplift the nation and enhance the overall well-being of its citizens. (ai/mnm)
In the ITF W100 tournament held in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, promising Filipino tennis star Alex Eala encountered a tough challenge in the semifinals, facing off against French competitor Jessika Ponchet. Despite putting up an intense fight, Eala narrowly missed out on victory, with Ponchet emerging as the victor with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Before her semifinal defeat, Eala showcased her skills and determination by securing wins against local hopeful Lucia Cortez Llorca in the quarterfinals, as well as triumphs over China’s Tianmi Mi and Romanian player Jaqueline Cristian in the earlier rounds of the tournament.
With her journey in this event concluding at the semifinals, all eyes are now on Jessika Ponchet, who will compete against Ukraine’s Daria Snigur in the finals.
This year has been filled with notable achievements and experiences for Eala.
Earlier in the season, she clinched her first professional title in W25 Yecla.
Subsequently, she progressed to the quarterfinals in W25 Madrid, followed by a first-round exit in W25+H Tauste-Zaragoza.
Later, Eala achieved another commendable quarterfinal finish in W40 Palma del Rio but then faced a first-round exit in W25 Corroios-Seixal.
Despite the semifinal loss, Alex Eala’s journey in professional tennis continues to be a promising and exciting one, with her accomplishments reflecting her potential and dedication to the sport.
(Sourced online/ai/mnm)
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina ㅡ The NBA Board of Governors has given its seal of approval to the sale of the Charlotte Hornets by Michael Jordan to an ownership group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, as disclosed by a reliable source.
The insider, who requested anonymity due to the pending official announcement in about a week, revealed that the decision concludes Michael Jordan’s 13-year tenure as the majority owner of the franchise. Nonetheless, he will retain a minority ownership stake.
The agreement for the team’s sale was reached on June 16, but the final step was obtaining the consent of the NBA’s Board of Governors, as required when an owner decides to sell a franchise.
(Sourced online/AI/MNM)
MANILA – Typhoon Egay and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) will cause strong winds and gusty conditions over most of Luzon, the Visayas and some areas in Mindanao, the weather bureau said Monday.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Egay was packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph.
The typhoon was last located 565 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, and moving westward at 15 kph.
Minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible in these areas where tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 2 is in effect: southeastern portion of Isabela (Palanan, Dinapigue) and northeastern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto).
Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible in areas where TCWS No. 1 has been hoisted: Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the northern portion of Pangasinan (Natividad, San Nicolas, San Quintin, Sison, Pozorrubio, San Manuel, San Fabian, Anda, Bolinao, San Jacinto, Manaoag, Laoac, Binalonan, Asingan, Tayug, Santa Maria, Umingan, Dagupan City, Mangaldan), Aurora, the northern and eastern portions of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Bongabon, Gabaldon, Pantabangan, Lupao, San Jose City), the northern and southeastern portions of Quezon (Pitogo, San Andres, Buenavista, San Francisco, Calauag, Infanta, Lopez, Catanauan, Mulanay, Guinayangan, Unisan, General Luna, Plaridel, Quezon, Alabat, Padre Burgos, Macalelon, Mauban, General Nakar, Perez, Agdangan, Gumaca, Atimonan, Real, San Narciso, Tagkawayan) including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, the rest of Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate.
PAGASA said gusty conditions due to Egay and the “habagat” may be experienced in Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Region 4-B (Mimaropa), the Visayas, and the northern portions of Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga.
Both Egay and the “habagat” are also forecast to cause occasional monsoon rains over the western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and the Visayas in the next three days.
Canceled flights
As of 7:50 a.m., the Manila International Airport Authority reported cancelations of only two flights due to inclement weather: Cebu Pacific flights 5J 821/822 between Manila and Virac.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said sea travel is risky for small sea vessels on the coastal waters along the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon, the seaboards of Southeastern Luzon, and the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao.
Egay is forecast to make landfall or pass very close to the Babuyan Islands-Batanes area between Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon.
The typhoon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday. (PNA)
MANILA – Ten Philippine athletes will join the 14th World Outdoor Bowls Championships in Queensland, Australia from Aug. 29 to Sept. 10, the Philippine Lawn Bowls Association (PLBA) said Sunday.
Rodel Labayo, Elmer Abatayo, Hommer Mercado, Leoncio Carreon Jr., Ronald Lising, Marisa Baronda, Rosita Bradborn, Sonia Bruce, Hazel Jagonoy and Ronalyn Greenlees will leave on Aug. 22 with Filipino coaches Reynaldo Samia and Chris Dagpin, and foreign coaches.
Also joining the trip are PLBA Board member Genaro Lopez (men’s team manager) and Sarah Greenlees (women’s team manager).
Except for Greenlees, all are medalists at the 14th Asian Championships in Ipoh, Malaysia last Feb. 26.
Labayo and Abayato captured the gold medal in the men’s pairs, Lising, Carreon Jr. and Mercado topped the men’s triples, while Baronda and Bradborn ruled the women’s pairs.
Baronda also took the bronze in the singles while Abayato, Lising, Carreon and Mercado bagged the bronze in the men’s fours.
For bagging three golds and two silvers in Malaysia, the Philippines improved on its performance at the 2018 edition in Henan, China where it finished with one silver (Bradborn and Bruce in women’s pairs) and two bronzes from the women’s fours (Bradborn, Bruce, Jagonoy and Greenlees) and women’s singles (Ainie Knight).
Greenlees, the former PLBA president who is now a Level 2 international coach, pocketed the women’s fours bronze medal with Bradborn, Bruce and Hagonoy at the 2016 World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The national bowlers are regularly training at the Clark Global City in Pampanga, the same venue of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
(PNA)
BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) here is on high alert for possible protest actions during the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, coinciding with the kickoff of the three-day nationwide strike organized by Metro Manila-based transport groups.
Col. Noel Aliño, BCPO director, said on Sunday that “Team BCPO is 100 percent ready for the SONA.”
“The civil disturbance management team is on standby and ready for any untoward incident. BCPO will exercise maximum tolerance and ensure the safety and security of Bacolodnons,” he added.
Aliño said that in coordination with the city government, the BCPO will also deploy vehicles to assist commuters who may be affected by the transport strike, although majority of public utility jeepney operators here have announced they are not joining the “untat byahe.”
These include the Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros and the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association.
The Metro Manila transport groups are protesting the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline for the consolidation phase of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, claiming they are being deprived of routes under the new local public transport route plan.
City Administrator Pacifico Maghari III said there is “no specific group joining the strike” on Monday.
“Most of the transport leaders told us they will not participate in gratitude to the efforts of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for helping them out in the issuance of the provisional authority (PA) from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board,” he added.
In Bacolod, almost 1,300 traditional jeepneys have been granted the PA until the end of the year.
Maghari said commuters who might be stranded can avail of free rides through the mobile vehicles that will be deployed by the BCPO.
The Team BCPO “Libre Sakay” service will be dispatched in specific locations covered by all 10 police stations in the city. (PNA)
MANILA – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) needs all hands on deck in improving governance trough digitalization.
The E-Governance Act or House Bill No. 7327, a consolidation of 21 related measures, was highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as one of his priority measures in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last year.
The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on March 6.
Marcos’ marching order was to “accelerate the buildup of digital infrastructure in the country,” that through information and communications technology, Filipinos have a better and efficient government that is easier to transact with.
During his presentation at the “A Year After Build Better More” event of the British Chamber of Commerce–Philippines on July 13, DICT chief of staff for the Office of E-Government TR Mon Gutierrez gave an update on the six priority projects of the DICT under e-governance — eLGU, eTravel, eGovPay, eGovCloud, eReport, and eGov PH app.
The eLGU is a one-stop system that combines all local government unit (LGU) services such as business permit licensing, notice of violations, a notification system, community tax, health certificates, local civil registry, business tax, and real property tax.
“Its objective is to provide Filipinos with a comprehensive online platform that serves as a centralized hub for LGU system automation and e-services, offering a diverse array of services. This platform is designed to streamline the process of doing business, ensuring convenience and efficiency,” Gutierrez said.
To date, about 210 LGUs have already implemented the Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) under eLGU, 450 have ongoing implementation, and 82 have requested for its implementation.
On the other hand, the eTravel system is a one-stop electronic travel declaration system available in 10 international airports and five international seaports. It has so far served around 7.3 million passengers.
With eTravel, he said passengers would need only need to complete their declaration in a single app versus having to fill up multiple documents in the past such as the arrival card, local airport or seaport forms, tourism form, customs form, and the health declaration form when travel restrictions were at its peak due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the eGovPay is a secured one-stop government payment gateway available for users of digital payment systems such as online and typical banks, e-wallets, ecards, cash payment systems, and kiosks.
“eGovPay helps government simplify payment processing. It reduces cost while enhancing customer experience and makes it easier to reconcile transactions due to improved data management as it supports a broad range of payment methods,” Gutierrez said.
The service, he said, would provide easy integration, automated reports, transparency, and reduced costs.
The eGovCloud, Gutierrez said, is the government’s cloud-first policy that promotes cloud computing as the preferred technology for government administration and the delivery of government services.
Instead of government agencies having to use multiple data centers, they will instead have access to a centralized cloud system that is standardized, cost-effective, secure, efficient, compliant, and will allow for better decision-making.
The eReport, or the People’s Feedback Mechanism mobile app, allows the public to file a report or feedback to the government.
The app allows users to choose from eight categories — red tape, overpricing, child abuse, women abuse, accident, fire, crime, scam, and other concerns.
Following Marcos’ approval in April, the DICT began work on a single operating system that aims to address current challenges in government services such as excessive forms and documents, costly, multiple and complex websites, time-consuming, and long lines.
From 2024 to 2026, it would include other systems such as eTourism, eBusiness, eHealth, eCommerce, eServices, eApostille, eFinance, eLearning, ePassport, and eTransport.
To date, the culmination of the single operating system is the eGov PH app, a mobile app that allows the public to access government services and information and is available from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
The app is the Philippines’ first one-stop-shop platform for local and national government services that will streamline processes, transactions, and bring a total ease of doing business. (PNA)
MANILA — The Marcos administration is making significant strides in improving the railway sector, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Saturday.
At a News Forum in Quezon City, DOTr Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said the Philippine National Railways (PNR), Light Railway Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2, and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) – Line 3 are “improving significantly.”
Chavez noted that the DOTr is hoping to produce additional PNR train sets by August.
He also cited increased ridership in both the MRT-3 and LRT-2 amid government efforts to improve the railway system.
“The railway projects under the Marcos administration are on the right track,” he said, stressing that the agency is fast-tracking the implementation of projects funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Asian Development Bank (ADB), as well as those under public-private partnerships.
Chavez said the seven stations from Valenzuela City in Metro Manila to the City of Malolos in Bulacan under the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project will be operational by 2027.
The 147.26-kilometer NSCR System under the “Build, Better, More” program has a total project cost of PHP873.62 billion. It will connect Clark, Pampanga and Calamba City, Laguna.
The whole system will have 35 stations and three depots composed of the original NSCR projects, the Malolos-Clark Railway Project and the South Commuter Railway Project.
Chavez also noted that about 10 stations of the MRT-7 project will be completed and operational by the third quarter of 2025.
The MRT-7 project will have 14 stations, namely Quezon North Avenue Joint Station, Quezon Memorial Circle, University Avenue, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio; Batasan, Manggahan, Dona Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Avenue, Quirino, Sacred Heart, and Tala, all in Quezon City; and City of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan province.
It can accommodate 300,000 passengers during the first year of operations.
The project will also feature an intermodal transportation hub catering to other types of public transportation, as well as a 19-kilometer highway from San Jose del Monte to Bocaue.
Chavez said the MRT-4 project is already in the “advanced stage” and will be funded by the ADB.
“Ito po ang estado ng riles ngayon. Improving ang ating existing four operating lines (This is the status of our railway system now. Our existing four operating lines are improving),” he said.
“We’re fast-tracking the implementation of the existing rail projects and we have secured funding for the feasibility study of major railway projects for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” he added. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now on full alert for the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday.
The full alert took effect 5 p.m. Sunday and will last until 12 noon on July 25, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a statement.
“All systems go in so far as security coverage is concerned,” Fajardo said, adding that the police have not monitored any serious threats that may compromise peace, order, and security during the SONA.
“The PNP is continuously coordinating with other security sectors to preempt any attempt. We are hoping for the best, but prepared for any worst scenario.”
She urged the rallyists, both pro and anti-government, to observe the extent and limitations provided in their permits to rally.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos assured that all necessary contingencies are in place to ensure that the SONA, which is expected to draw over 2,000 guests, will flow smoothly.
He assured that the police will practice restraint and maximum tolerance towards the rallyists who are expected to converge in various areas.
The Quezon City government said its Transport and Traffic Management Department will deploy 800 enforcers to major thoroughfares, the Quezon City Police District will assign 6,123 uniformed officers, and the Department of Public Order and Safety will utilize 375 personnel to assist the police, according to a news release.
The QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department will likewise dispatch 287 personnel from its Emergency Medical Services, Search and Rescue teams, and other additional resources to ensure the safety of the public and respond to any untoward incident.
The city government reminds all groups to follow laws and regulations.
“QC is a bastion of free speech and we value the right of everyone to peacefully assemble as protected by our Constitution,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Pro-administration groups can gather near the Commission on Audit while protesters may assemble near the Tandang Sora overpass.
Meanwhile, as the jeepney operators and drivers’ group Manibela announced holding a three-day strike starting on the day of SONA, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said the Novaliches-Balintawak-Blumentritt Transport Cooperative (NOBABLUM T/C) has shunned the protest action.
He said the officials and members of the NOBABLUM T/C based in North Caloocan City fully support the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) and have decided not to join the planned “tigil-pasada” (stop operation) on July 24 to 26.
Emily Pilotos, NOBABLUM T/C chairperson, said the members of the cooperative will continue to operate on the Novaliches-Balintawak-Rizal Avenue (Manila) route and vice versa by way of Quirino Highway and A. Bonifacio Avenue during the three-day strike.
Pilotos said their members started plying the Novaliches-Manila route in July 2021 with an initial 15 modern units ordered by the cooperative and financed by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
“The favorable reaction and patronage by daily commuters of the air-conditioned modernized jeepneys prompted us to apply for a second loan with DBP for an additional 23 units,” she said in an interview.
At the same time, she disagreed with the claim of some operators and drivers of traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) that the government requirement for them to consolidate and join a cooperative is counterproductive and unprofitable.
Earlier, two other transport cooperatives based in Novaliches, Quezon City and operating a total of 84 modern jeepneys on the Novaliches-Malinta-Valenzuela City route told the LTFRB that their drivers would not be joining the transport strike.
These are the Novaliches-Malinta Jeepney Transport Service Cooperative (NMJTSC) and the Novaliches Development Cooperative Inc. (NOVADECI) Transport Service Cooperative which have 52 units and 32 units, respectively. (With a report from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)