MANILA — Quezon City First District Representative Arjo Atayde on Friday (08 Nov 2024) expressed optimism that the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 will help alleviate the traffic in Metro Manila.
Atayde, the vice chairperson of the Metro Manila Development Committee, made the statement after Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista announced that the new railway would begin its partial operations this November.
“This new LRT line will not only help commuters to have more accessible and convenient public transportation but also help ease the traffic in Metro Manila,” the lawmaker said.
Moreover, Atayde furthered that it would ease the experience of commuters traveling from Quezon City to Parañaque, especially this holiday season.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the stations would be Aseana Station, MIA Road Station, PITX Station, Ninoy Aquino Avenue Station, and Dr. Santos Station.
The agency also said that it is expected to reduce the travel time by an hour or less. It is also projected to serve an additional 80,000 passengers daily.
Meanwhile, the legislator-actor lauded the Marcos administration for the new project that would benefit thousands of Filipinos.
QUEZON City First District Representative Arjo Atayde joined Filipinos in commemorating All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, expressing hope that these celebrations would remind everyone to love and respect.
“Nawa’y magsilbing paalala ang araw na ito ng pag-ibig, respeto at pag-alala. Sa bawat kandila, dasal at bulaklak na inaalay natin, hatid natin ang pagmamahal at pasasalamat sa kanilang alaala na patuloy na nagbibigay inspirasyon sa ating mga buhay,” Atayde said.
The lawmaker urged Filipinos to take this opportunity to pray and reflect on the virtues of the saints, considering how these values can be integrated into their daily lives.
“Ngayong undas po, maglaan tayo ng oras para sa pagninilay at pagdarasal. Ipanalangin natin ang kanilang kapayapaan, at magpasalamat sa mga alaala at gabay na iniwan nila sa atin,” Atayde added.
He also reminded the public to stay safe while visiting their loved ones in cemeteries, especially with rain showers affecting parts of the country and after a portion of apartment tombs at Bagbag Public Cemetery was damaged by fire.
“Mag-iingat po tayo, lalo na ngayong maulan ang paggunita natin ng All Souls’ Day. Mahalaga na tayo ay mag-ingat sa paggawa ng ating mga aktibidad,” he said.
Thousands of Filipinos flock to cemeteries across the country to spend time with their departed loved ones.
QUEZON City First District Representative Arjo Atayde continues to give business opportunities to residents of Distrito Uno, saying that the income would help them in their daily lives.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang pagbibigay natin ng tulong at oportunidad para sa mga taga-Distrito Uno sa pamamagitan nitong Aksyon Pangkabuhayan Showcase,” Atayde, vice chairperson of micro, small and medium enterprise development committee, said as he re-launched his program which provides ‘pangkabuhayan showcase’ to chosen residents of District 1.
“Ito ay isa sa mga paraan upang matulungan natin silang mabigyan ng kinakailangang kapital para masimulan ang kanilang negosyo, at mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong umunlad at makapag-ambag sa lokal na ekonomiya,” the lawmaker added.
Since he assumed office in 2022, Atayde has already given several Aksyon Food Cart Pangkabuhayan to deserving residents of District 1, which includes a pedicab and items to start their business.
The legislator-actor vowed to push for legislation to help the MSMEs, ensuring that they will have sufficient assistance and training programs.
Atayde also highlighted the important role of small businesses, saying that they are among the drivers of the economy.
Quezon City First District Representative Arjo Atayde hailed the signing of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) bill into law and said that it would address the learning challenges of basic education students.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed the bill into law on Friday. This aims to establish a national learning intervention program to aid struggling learners catch up with the required standards for their grade levels.
Atayde, a member of the youth and development committee, emphasized the timely implementation of the law as the country remains at the bottom of Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings.
“Malaking tulong ang pagsasabatas ng ARAL law para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga estudyante lalo na pagdating sa kanilang pag-aaral. Inaasahan na isa ito sa magiging susi upang mapataas ang ating ranking sa PISA,” the lawmaker stressed.
According to the 2022 PISA, the Philippines ranked in the bottom 10 out of 81 countries in reading comprehension, mathematics, and science.
With this law, the Quezon City representative said that the quality of education performance of students would improve and would ensure that “no Filipino student will be left behind.”
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the ARAL program will focus on improving students’ competencies in essential learning areas, including reading and mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and science for Grades 3 to 10. There will be tutor sessions which will be conducted in three flexible delivery modes—face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, or blended learning.
MANILA — Quezon City First District Representative Arjo Atayde expressed his gratitude to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for her ongoing support of the local film industry.
The QC solon echoed the First Lady’s call for the public to continue backing Filipino-made movies, encouraging greater appreciation for homegrown talents.
Atayde made his statement in response to the First Lady’s appeal to “rally behind our local film industry,” emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in promoting Filipino cinema.
“We must continue to support our local artists, as this could help elevate the global recognition of Filipinos in the film and creative industries,” the legislator-actor stressed.
“Filipino actors and directors are gradually gaining international recognition for their creative talents, which is a significant step forward for the entertainment industry,” added Atayde, who serves as the vice chairperson of the creative industries committee, in a statement on Wednesday.
As a committed advocate, the lawmaker continues to push for legislation that safeguards the interests of workers in the entertainment industry.
Earlier, Atayde expressed optimism that with the right support, the Philippines’ entertainment industry could achieve the same level of global recognition as South Korea’s dynamic entertainment scene.
Moreover, he highlighted the entertainment industry’s vital role as a driver of economic growth.
Atayde was one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11996, also known as the Eddie Garcia Law, which he noted “ensures the welfare of all workers in the entertainment industry, including those behind the camera.”
ia/mnm
Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlo “Arjo” Atayde on Tuesday launched the first free dialysis center in Bgy. Bahay Toro, Quezon City, “a project that aims to offer life-saving treatment to those who need it the most—our underprivileged kababayans who are battling kidney disease.”
At the launch of the Aksyon Agad Dialysis Center, Atayde explained that “kidney disease is a major public health issue in our country. Sa katunayan, ang sakit sa bato ay isa sa mga pangunahing problemang pangkalusugan sa ating bansa.”
“Ayon sa National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), ang sakit sa bato ay pang-pitong nangungunang sanhi ng kamatayan sa Pilipinas. Humigit-kumulang 35,000 na mga Pilipino ang sumasailalim sa dialysis kada taon, at patuloy pang tumataas ang bilang na ito.”
The lawmaker lamented that because of the high costs of treatment, “many of our sick countrymen are left struggling, forced to choose between their health and their livelihood. Buhay, o hanapbuhay.”
“Marami sa atin ay may kakilala—isang kamaganak, kaibigan, o kapitbahay—na dumaan o kasalukuyang dumadaan sa hirap ng pagkakaroon ng sakit sa bato. Para sa iba, ito’y matagal nang laban, at para sa iba naman, ito’y biglang dumating at lubos na nakakaapekto sa kanilang buhay,” said Atayde.
He pointed out “isang bagay lang ang tiyak: ang sakit sa bato ay hindi lamang pisikal na pahirap kundi isa ring pasaning pinansyal.”
“Isipin niyo ang sakit na gustong-gusto mong gumaling, pero hindi mo kayang tustusan ang paggamot na maaaring magligtas sa iyong buhay. Maraming Pilipino ang araw-araw ay nahaharap sa ganitong kalunos-lunos na sitwasyon.”
At the launch of center, Atayde acknowledged the support of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and emphasized that the collaboration between the local government and members of Congress helped make the center a reality.
Atayde addressed his constituents in the first district and said that it is his mission “to provide swift action—Aksyon Agad—on the issues that affect our everyday lives. Aksyon agad sa mga isyung nakakaapekto sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay.”
“Access to proper healthcare should not be a privilege for a few but a right for all. Hindi dapat para sa iilan, kundi para sa lahat. This dialysis center is a product of that promise. Here, we are offering not just treatment, but hope. Ang libreng dialysis ay malaking bagay para sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan. Ito ay nagbibigay ng pagkakataong mabuhay nang mas mahaba at mas malusog nang hindi na pinoproblema ang mahal na bayarin sa ospital.”
Quezon City First District Representative Arjo Atayde said that the move to make filming easier in the city is a huge step for the movie and entertainment industry.
Atayde, creative industries vice chairperson, made the statement after Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said that the council will
pass an ordinance that will make it easier for filmmakers to shoot in the city.
“This is a huge step for the movie industry. This shows that the Quezon City local government is committed to promoting Filipino films,” the legislator-actor said.
The city is now called “City of Stars.” The
local government said that it will soon become a “Creative City of Films.”
The lawmaker said that QC could be a place for new filmmakers to shoot their films.
Moreover, Atayde said that it would also boost the city’s economy as featuring the QC would lead to more investors and employment opportunities.
“Mas maraming investors, mas maraming trabaho ang maaari nating maibigay sa ating mga kababayan lalo na dito sa Quezon City,” he said.
“Hindi lamang ang mga nasa movie at entertainment industry ang matutulungan nito kung hindi ang mas marami pang Pilipino.”
Atayde is seeking reelection and vows to continue to file bills that would help the individuals in the creative and entertainment industries.
QUEZON City First District Representative Arjo Atayde is seeking a reelection bid and filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on October 1, Tuesday.
Atayde was accompanied by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte in filing his COC in Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City. Veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez, Atayde’s mother, was also present.
In an interview, the lawmaker said that he would continue the projects against flooding and other programs to uplift the lives of the Filipino people.
“Bibigyang solusyon ang bahaing problema ng Distrito Uno at iaangat ang antas ng buhay ng mga Pilipino [dahil patuloy po tayong gagawa ng mga batas sa Kamara], pagbababa ng presyo at iba pa pong concerns, sa mga pabahay,” Atayde told reporters.
Previously, the legislator-actor urged the national government to fund QC flood control projects following the heavy flooding in the city after several typhoons hit the country.
“Hindi naman makaturungan na i-expect na taon-taon magtitiis sila kung kaya naman natin tugunan ang problema na ito,” he earlier said.
Moreover, Atayde, the creative industries vice chairperson, will continue to champion the welfare of those individuals in the movie and creative industry.
This would be the second term of Atayde. He won in the 2022 elections as the QC’s first district representative.
“THE Eddie Garcia Law is more than just legislation; it is a lasting and fitting tribute to a legend of Philippine cinema. It is a constant reminder that the safety of everyone in the entertainment industry cannot be taken for granted.”
This according to Quezon City First District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, who at the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11996 or the Eddie Garcia Law stressed that the success of the law depends on the entertainment industry’s collective commitment to its proper implementation.
“There can be no better way to honor the memory of the late, great Eddie Garcia than for the industry to work hand in hand with the government to make the law work. Those of us in showbiz must realize that this law is not just about compliance, it’s about protecting every person who works tirelessly to produce content intended to entertain our people,” said the legislator-actor.
Atayde, one of the authors of the measure, explained that the law “isn’t about imposing new requirements; it’s about creating a safe environment for everyone on set. It’s a safeguard, not a restriction, one that ensures that artists and crew can work with peace of mind.”
“Wag natin isipin na pabigat ito o dagdag na requirements o gastos. Isipin natin na you cannot put a price on the health and safety of our industry’s workers. You cannot put a value on the life of any person.”
The Eddie Garcia Law was signed last May by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Covering the entertainment industry, it mandates the implementation of work hours, wages and other wage-related benefits, social security and welfare benefits, basic necessities, health and safety, working conditions and standards, and insurance.
The IRR mandates the establishment of a Movie and Television Industry Tripartite Council. The Council will be composed of government representatives and representatives from the employers or principals and workers in the movie and television industry.
It shall serve “as a continuing forum for tripartite advisement and consultation with the industry stakeholders on policies and programs pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10395 and its implementing rules and regulations.”
Atayde added that “sa batas na ito, may boses tayo sa pag-implement ng batas.”
“Those of us in the entertainment industry should use the Council as a forum to work with government on how to make the law practicable and easier to implement. There will be challenges as we begin to implement the law, but several years down the road I believe the industry will adapt and this will be all automatic for all of us.”
Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde said on Tuesday that the government must step up the campaign against “deepfakes” during the 2025 midterm elections, especially given how technological advancements have made it easy to “transform lies into truths in order to destroy the reputations of elected officials and candidates.”
Atayde, a member of the House information and communications technology committee, made the remark following the statement of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) that deepfakes are considered the biggest threat to the 2025 midterm elections.
“Dapat paigtingin pa ng pamahalaan, lalo na ng DICT, ang kanilang paghahanda para sa 2025 elections para labanan ang pagkalat ng mga ganitong uri ng panlilinlang sa publiko gamit ang internet,” Atayde said.
Deepfakes are Artificial Intelligence (AI) used to create convincing images, videos, and recordings intended to mislead the public.
Earlier, Sumsub, an AI-based identity verification and anti-fraud solution, revealed that the number of scam calls and messages in the Philippines increased by 200 percent during the first eight months of 2024 compared to last year.
The lawmaker also urged the public to be wary of the posts they see on social media and not be deceived unless such are verified to be authentic.
According to the lawmaker, “dapat maging maingat sa mga nakikita sa social media lalo na ngayong napakadali na lamang ang pamemeke ng digital pictures and videos.”
CICC Director Alexander Ramos said that the agency is currently looking for a technology to counter or detect deepfakes.
DICT is also collaborating with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to find technologies which are helpful in maintaining the election’s integrity.
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Apprehensive of the possibility that the advancement of technology will eventually affect the human labor force, former movie actor and Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlo “Arjo” Atayde has filed a bill seeking to prohibit employers from making decisions based solely on recommendations or results generated by the artificial intelligence (AI) or automation systems.
Atayde said his House Bill 9448 seeks to prohibit the replacement of human workers, displacement, loss of security of tenure, or diminution of existing salaries and/or benefits because of the adoption and use of AI and automation technologies.
“There is a fear that the use of AI will result in displacement by substituting human workers who will then lose their jobs,” Atayde said in the explanatory note of HB 9448.
Atayde said his bill, if passed, will regulate the use of AI and automation systems.
He added that the measure also seeks to promote labor augmentation as employers may deem AI useful in the workplace, provided that AI governance policies are in place.
“It is important to create a clear framework on the use of AI to minimize the chances of discrimination. The government should set forth policies in welcoming the adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence that would augment human intelligence and skills without destroying or replacing jobs,” Atayde stressed.
(IAmigo/MNM)
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)