MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III applauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the latter’s decision to grant pardon to three Filipinos who were convicted in the UAE.
Pimentel said this “act of compassion and mercy” extended to three Filipinos, two of whom were facing the dire consequences of being on death row, “is a testament of true friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and UAE.”
Pimentel commended both leaders “for their concerted efforts in securing the pardon of the convicted Filipinos.”
“I congratulate President Marcos and thank the UAE government for this good news. I am sure that this significant development will further strengthen the bond between our country and the UAE,” the former Senate President said.
“President Marcos has shown his resolve and unwavering dedication to help our kababayans and ensure a just resolution for the convicted Filipinos abroad,” Pimentel said.
“The Marcos government’s strong diplomatic relations and effective communication have made the undertaking a huge success. His efforts have brought immense relief to the families of the convicted Filipinos,” Pimentel added.
Pimentel also extended his gratitude to UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi for delivering the momentous news.
“The ambassador’s role in facilitating communication between the two nations has played a crucial part in ensuring the successful outcome of this humanitarian endeavor,” Pimentel said.
Meanwhile, Pimentel reiterated his gratefulness to the UAE government for their generous assistance and donations in support of the families affected by the recent unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay.
The UAE recently donated 50 tons of relief and food supplies for families evacuated due to Mayon Volcano’s unrest.
(ai/mtvn)
MANILA — The Second Congressional Commission on Education explored the possibility of restructuring the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD Council) in a meeting between the two organizations on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
The meeting was attended by EDCOM 2 Co-Chairpersons Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Rep. Roman Romulo and Commissioner Senator Pia Cayetano, as well as Executive Director Teresita G. Inciong of the ECCD Council, with other officials. Also present were EDCOM 2 Advisory Council members Ms. Olie Lucas and Mayor Lani Cayetano, as well as Standing Committee members Ms. Amabelle Cariño and Ms. Rina Lopez Bautista.
Structural issues
The Commissioners pointed out that there is a great need to restructure the ECCD Council, asking whether it should remain an attached agency with the Department of Education.
The Early Years Act, enacted in 2013, mandated the Secretary of the Department of Education to become the Chairperson of the ECCD Council, with the Council Executive Director as the Vice-Chairperson. The roles were divided among the agencies based on the age of the children. The ECCD Council, DOH, and DSWD are responsible for children aged 0-4 years old, while DepEd is responsible for those aged 5-8 years old.
The EDCOM 2 Green Paper on Governance and Financing of ECCD notes that “this interagency collaboration makes accountability difficult”.
“After ten years, it’s really about time to reflect and suggest what we need to change in the law and in the governance structure”, said Sen. Gatchalian who filed the Basic Education and Early Childhood Education Alignment Act (Senate Bill No. 2029).
Aside from aligning the K to 12 basic education curriculum to the ECCD curriculum, Sen. Gatchalian’s proposed measure seeks to mandate greater responsibilities on local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of ECCD programs .
“I think if we don’t change the law, the structure, the governance, we will never achieve [all of the objectives of ECCD Council]. Because all of these are in the hands of the local government units LGUs. Pagbili ng materials, LGUs; producing high quality workers and teachers, LGUs din; the development of Child Development Centers, LGUs din. I think the first order of business is how do we mobilize the LGUs to do all of these things? Kasi if not, mahirap talaga. We’ll be talking about this over and over again, paikot-ikot lang tayo”.
“Ang feeling po ba ninyo ay you will be more effective kung wala po kayo sa pamilya ng DepEd, so you can properly function and carry out your responsibilities? Do you feel na fit kayo under DepEd?”, asked Congressman Roman.
“We are supposed to link with the Department of Education, but it appears that we should not be under the Department of Education so we can move freely”, Executive Director Inciong answered.
Nutrition also a big concern
Nutrition for children aged 0-4 was also a topic of discussion during the meeting.
According to UNICEF data, one in every three Filipino children under five years is chronically malnourished. Chronic malnutrition leads to stunting, where a child fails to grow and develop to full potential and has long-term effects: poor cognition and learning performance.
Commissioner Pia Cayetano pointed out that the DSWD gives a budget of P15 per meal to LGUs. “I noticed that the budget per meal of our day care children is P15 per day…’yung P15 po ba per meal, makakagawa po ba tayo ng nutritious food at P15?”, the Senator asked Advisory Council member Ms. Olie Lucas.
“We have to take a look at supplementation, like Mingo (a meal supplement manufactured by the Negros Volunteers Foundation)”, Ms. Lucas responded. “These will bring the price down”.
“I wonder, how reasonable is it to expect LGUs to encourage self-sustaining (methods), rather than feeding?”, Ms. Rina Lopez proposed.
“For the City of Taguig, we already started our massive urban farming campaign and we really tapped parents to actively participate, so whatever harvests we get, we give to our daycare centers”, Mayor Lani Cayetano narrated. (ai/mtvn)
MANILA — San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) infrastructure unit has secured a P100-billion syndicated loan agreement with a consortium of major Philippine banks for its ongoing Metro Rail Transit 7 (MRT-7) project— its first foray into mass transport systems.
The fund, which reached a financial close last June 1, will help further speed up the construction of the MRT-7, which is at 61.92% completion as of June 14, 2023.
“We are happy to have achieved this milestone. It reflects the confidence that our partner banks have in the government’s vision for progress, and our ability to execute vital projects that are critical to the country’s social and economic development and growth,” SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang said.
This funding is also a testament to the resilience and strong business prospects of SMC and its subsidiaries amid a very challenging macroeconomic environment.
“The support we are getting from major Philippine banks shows that they recognize how important this project is to many Filipinos, and appreciate our overall vision of a Philippines made more progressive, resilient, and competitive, through investments in major projects such as efficient mass transport systems,” And said.
He added: “MRT-7 will generate countless jobs, boost local economies, and create more opportunities for so many Filipinos. We are grateful to our lenders as this facility will allow us to remain on track to meeting our target to start operations in 2025 bringing us closer to a future where Filipinos can reap the benefits of enhanced mobility and accessibility,” he added.
The Marcos administration has identified the MRT-7 project, which runs from Quezon City to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, as one of 194 high-impact infrastructure flagship projects under its “Build Better, More” program, which is deemed crucial to improving the quality of life of Filipinos.
Members of the consortium are BDO Unibank, Philippine National Bank (PNB), Bank of Commerce (BankCom), Security Bank, and the Government Service Insurance System.
Lead arrangers and book-runners for the transaction are BDO Capital & Investment Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp., and BankCom-Investment Banking Group.
Meanwhile, providing advice to the lenders and borrowers are the law firms of Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos, and SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan, respectively.
Members of the consortium said they were honored to be involved in the landmark agreement for the MRT-7, which they described as an important infrastructure investment that will support the economic recovery of the country.
“SMC’s investments in various infrastructure projects boost the economy as these initiatives facilitate improved connectivity between regions and communities, positively impacting trade, tourism, and overall social integration. We commend SMC for taking these steps towards the country’s growth and we are proud to be their partner in this esteemed endeavor,” said BDO Capital & Investment Corporation President Eduardo V. Francisco.
PNB Institutional Banking Head EVP Jun C. Audencial said: “Investing in infrastructure paves the way to improve productivity and growth, expand distribution networks, facilitate trade and connectivity, and promote economic inclusion. SMC helps provide job opportunities for Filipinos and makes the country more industrially competitive. Infrastructure investments are a step towards economic recovery and growth, and nation-building.”
For its part, BankCom said it welcomed the opportunity to participate in the SMC project, which it said would “hugely uplift our society and contribute to the Group’s vision of a resilient and globally competitive Philippines.”
“Massive infrastructure projects such as the San Miguel Group’s investment in the MRT-7 play a crucial role in building the nation. As SMC Infrastructure continues to strengthen its portfolio and operate the largest infrastructure network in the country, the lives of thousands of Filipinos are made better through safe, sustainable, and accessible transport systems,” said BankCom President and CEO Michelangelo R. Aguilar.
Security Bank president and CEO Sanjiv Vohra, meanwhile, said the bank fully supports infrastructure projects that contribute to the overall development and growth of the Philippine economy, saying that SMC “is at the forefront of nation-building through its various infrastructure projects that bear national importance and greatly benefit Filipinos.”
“We recognize the economic importance of the MRT-7 as it provides a much-needed mobility option for the general population that is safe, fast, and reliable. With this project, we are truly proud to enable a convenient, alternative means of transportation that will help commuters from Quezon City to Bulacan to have more time for work, family, and recreation,” the bank official said.
GSIS, the pension fund for government workers, explained that “state involvement in infrastructure projects plays a crucial role in establishing a robust economy. “Aligned with the GSIS’s vision of actively contributing to nation-building, we are pleased to lend a hand in easing passenger transportation challenges and reducing traffic congestion in Metro Manila, particularly in the transportation routes heading to and from the northern part of the Greater Manila Area,” GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso said.
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; Tala; and San Jose del Monte. It can accommodate 300,000 passengers in its first year of operations, and up to 850,000 passengers daily in its 12th year.
The project will also feature an intermodal transportation hub catering to other types of public transportation, as well as a 19-km highway from San Jose del Monte to Bocaue, Bulacan.
(ai/mtvn)
The “pamamanhikan” photo: (From left) Art Atayde, Sylvia Sanchez, Arjo Atayde, and Maine Mendoza, accompanied by Mary Ann and Teddy Mendoza (PHOTO CREDIT: SYLVIA SANCHEZ)
MANILA — The highly anticipated wedding of Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza is on the horizon, as veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez, Atayde’s mother, shared videos of their family’s “pamamanhikan” with Mendoza’s family.
“Pamamanhikan” is a Filipino tradition where a man and his family visit the family of his future bride to formally ask for her hand in marriage.
A successful actor, Atayde is at present a lawmaker representing the first district of Quezon City.
Sanchez took to Instagram on Monday to announce that the momentous occasion took place on June 25 at “Casa Mendoza” in Bulacan.
Both families were present for this special event. Alongside Sanchez were her husband Art, their children Ria, Gela, and Xavi, as well as Mendoza’s parents Teodoro “Teddy” and Mary Ann. Also in attendance were Mendoza’s siblings, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
In a heartfelt caption, Sanchez wrote, “The Ataydes and Mendozas will soon become one family. Excited (dancing emojis). #family #happiness #thankuLord.”
Ria, on the other hand, shared the photos on her Instagram story and expressed her joy for the soon-to-be-married couple, saying, “But I mean, would it be a proper introduction if we weren’t the entire Barangay Atayde? A first for our little barangay.”
Mendoza, 28, and Atayde, 32, have not yet disclosed further details regarding the date and venue of their wedding.
The couple officially confirmed their relationship on December 21, 2019, which also marked their first anniversary. Atayde proposed to Mendoza on July 28, 2022.
(Source: Online/ai/mtvn)
MANILA — Rianne Malixi got off to a fantastic start, scoring a five-under 67 to tie for first place with Kelly Xu of the US in the 18-hole US Women’s Amateur Qualifying Tournament held at Soule Park Golf Course in Ojai, California on Monday.
Joining them in the tournament proper are Jeneath Wong from Malaysia and Americans Kellie Vongsaga, who both shot 69s, as well as Hong Kong’s Arianne Lau and Caroline Canales of the US, who recorded identical scores of 70. Unfortunately, Alethea Gaccion, another Filipino participant, failed to advance after shooting a 72.
These qualifiers will join other top finishers from various qualifying sites in the US Women’s Amateur, scheduled for August 7-13 at Bel Air Country Club in Los Angeles, California. A field of 156 players will compete for the top 64 spots in the 36-hole stroke play elimination round before transitioning to match play.
Supported by ICTSI, Malixi’s impressive performance came after missing opportunities within 10 feet on the first two holes. She found her rhythm by sinking a five-footer on the par-3 third hole, followed by dominant play on the consecutive par-5s from the fourth hole, where she nailed two four-footers. Building on her self-confidence, she drained a 16-foot putt on the par-3 sixth, an eight-footer on the next hole, and another five-footer on the eighth.
However, her birdie run hit a snag on the ninth when a three-putt error interrupted her flow. Her initial putt from a long distance stopped abruptly on a sloping part of the green, and her second stroke veered to the right at the finish from around 14 feet away.
She slightly slowed down on the back nine, missing a couple of birdie chances from short range, including a four-footer on the par-5 11th. Despite missing the 12th, 13th, and 14th greens, she managed to salvage three pars as the wind picked up in the closing holes.
After two consecutive regulation pars, the 16-year-old golfer found herself in trouble on the 17th hole, landing her approach shot in the right greenside bunker and blasting it past the hole. She missed the subsequent putt, resulting in a bogey, but swiftly recovered with a two-foot birdie putt on the final par-5 hole, concluding her round with a 31-36 score.
Xu matched Malixi’s impressive five-under score, sharing the top honors with her.
In the meantime, Malixi, who recently reached the first round of the (British) Women’s Amateur Championship, will prepare for the US Women’s Amateur by participating in the IMG Junior World starting on July 11 at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California.
(Source: Online/ai/mtvn)
MANILA — According to a recent survey conducted by Manila-based firm PUBLiCUS Asia, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has emerged as the most trusted government agency, gaining the highest approval and trust ratings among registered voters.
In the Pahayag 2023 Second Quarter Survey conducted from June 7 to 12, Tesda obtained an approval rating of 72 percent and a trust rating of 58 percent.
Previously, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held the top position, but they now share second to third places with the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), both receiving 66 percent approval and 56 percent trust ratings.
In response to the survey results, Col. Jorry Baclor, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence bestowed upon the military organization by the Filipino people. He acknowledged the challenge to further enhance their performance as the protectors of the people and the state.
Baclor mentioned that the AFP has reached out to PUBLiCUS to gain a better understanding of areas that need improvement in their services, ensuring that they continue to deserve the trust and approval of the Filipino populace.
He extended congratulations to Tesda for securing the top spot, highlighting their role as reliable partners in providing better opportunities to people in areas where the military is deployed, including former rebels. He commended Tesda’s effective efforts in reaching underprivileged Filipinos and acknowledged the appreciation they receive from the people they serve.
While the AFP experienced a slight decline, the approval rating of the DoST remained stable, indicating the continued trust of the public in the agency’s scientific initiatives and technological advancements, according to PUBLiCUS.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secured the fourth position with a 65 percent approval rate. The Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) witnessed a decrease in their approval ratings, placing fifth and sixth, respectively.
The Department of Education (DepEd) maintained its approval rating of 63 percent, while the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) improved its approval rating from 58 percent in the previous survey to 60 percent.
DepEd held a trust rating of 52 percent, closely followed by BSP and DSWD with 51 percent.
DoT and DoLE received trust ratings of 49 percent and 46 percent, respectively.
PUBLiCUS noted in the survey results that the decline in BSP’s ratings “may be linked” to the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), which only requires the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to become law after being passed by Congress.
BSP experienced the most significant decline among respondents aged 18 to 29 years old, as well as those belonging to middle-income households and non-Catholics.
The Department of Finance (DoF) also witnessed a slip in ratings, as respondents from Northern Central Luzon, middle-income households, and families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) expressed opposition to the MIF, as reported by PUBLiCUS.
Over the course of a year, the Department of Health (DoH) steadily gained public approval, with an approval rating of 62 percent and a trust rating of 50 percent, marking a 12 percentage point increase from the first quarter of 2022.
PUBLiCUS attributed the DoH’s consistent rise in approval to Maria Rosario Vegeire, who took over as caretaker of the department following Dr. Francisco Duque 3rd. Vegeire received a commendation for her commendable performance in filling the void within the DoH as the country began its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The upward trend for the DoH was primarily driven by respondents from the Visayas, individuals belonging to middle-high income households, and government workers.
The Department of Migrant Workers, led by Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, garnered approval from over half of the respondents.
On the other hand, the Philippine National Police (PNP) received poor ratings in the survey, with an approval rating dropping from 54 percent to 49 percent and a trust rating decreasing from 43 percent to 39 percent.
PUBLiCUS mentioned that the low ratings of the AFP and PNP were mainly influenced by respondents from Mindanao, high-income households, and middle-income households, respectively.
The survey included 1,500 respondents distributed across the National Capital Region, North Central Luzon, South Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The margin of error was +/- 3 percent.
PUBLiCUS ensured that only registered voters were polled to provide an accurate representation of the sentiments of the voting population.
(ai/mtvn)
Atty. Larry Gadon (Yahoo photo)
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has designated attorney Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon as the Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation, announced Malacañang on Monday.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, Gadon’s appointment signifies the administration’s dedication to addressing one of the most critical challenges our nation faces.
Having graduated from Far Eastern University in Manila, Gadon possesses extensive legal expertise and a wealth of experience across various industries.
In his new role, he will assume a crucial position, advising the President on strategies and policies geared towards combating poverty and enhancing the well-being of society’s most vulnerable sectors, as stated by the PCO.
Previously, Gadon served as the managing partner of Gadon and Associates Law Office, and he was also associated with Antonio Abad and Associates Law Office.
(ai/mtvn)
(Photo courtesy of Philippine Canadian Inquirer)
MANILA — Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need to address global warming, considering the Philippines’ vulnerability to approximately 20 annual typhoons due to its proximity to the equator.
As per the United Nations (UN), the heat index of global temperatures has risen by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to the late 1800s.
The previous decade (2011-2020) was recorded as the warmest in history, indicating the unmistakable impact of climate change. Commissioner Dela Cruz revealed that human activities, such as landfill operations, deforestation, and the combustion of fossil fuels, are primarily responsible for climate change.
He highlighted that the warm ocean waters near the equator in the Philippines contribute to the formation of storms.
Over the past decade, super typhoons have been unleashed due to global warming, resulting in significant loss of life, property, and infrastructure.
The commissioner also stressed the negative consequences of landfills, which generate methane—an influential greenhouse gas. Deforestation, on the other hand, reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to the release of accumulated carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Moreover, the burning of fossil fuels for electricity production significantly contributes to carbon dioxide emissions, amplifying the presence of greenhouse gases. These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere but hinder the dissipation of heat, leading to global warming.
Global warming profoundly affects our lives. It triggers the melting of polar ice caps, causing rising sea levels, the formation of powerful typhoons, and prolonged droughts. Given the destructive nature of these natural disasters, we cannot afford to be complacent or turn a blind eye while witnessing fellow Filipinos’ homes and agricultural crops being submerged after heavy rainfall.
Commissioner Dela Cruz emphasized the importance of collective action to address this issue. Merely relying on the government is insufficient; we must also take individual responsibility by focusing on mitigation and adaptation strategies.
“We cannot disregard the desperate cries of those who suffer from climate change-induced disasters while comfortably staying in our own homes. So, how can we confront this problem? We must not solely rely on the government but also play our part, primarily through proactive measures and adaptation,” concluded Commissioner Dela Cruz.
(ai/mtvn)