Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Sa pamamahala ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Aurora, nakiisa ang Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) sa ginanap na Rescuelympics La Niña Challenge (LNC) ng Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 3 nitong Martes, Hulyo 2, 2024 sa San Rafael River Adventure, San Rafael, Bulacan. Ang National Disaster Resilience Month 2024 ay may temang “ð˜‰ð˜¢ð˜¯ð˜µð˜¢ð˜ºð˜°ð˜¨ ð˜¯ð˜¨ ð˜’ð˜¢ð˜µð˜¢ð˜µð˜¢ð˜¨ð˜¢ð˜¯ ð˜¢ð˜µ ð˜¢ð˜¯ð˜¨ ð˜—ð˜¢ð˜¨ð˜£ð˜¶ð˜£ð˜¶ð˜¬ð˜ð˜°ð˜¥ ð˜´ð˜¢ ð˜“ð˜¢ð˜ºð˜¶ð˜¯ð˜ªð˜¯ð˜¨ ð˜’ð˜¢ð˜©ð˜¢ð˜¯ð˜¥ð˜¢ð˜¢ð˜¯” kung saan isinagawa naman sa pangunguna ng OCD3 ang Rescuelympics La Niña Challenge (LNC). Bukod sa mga local disaster risk reduction management offices sa Aurora, nakasama din ang mga lalawigan ng Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, at Tarlac sa aktibidad na may tatlong kategorya: Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR), at Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Management. Ayon kay Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Region 3 Chairperson at OCD3 Regional Director Amador V. Corpus, ang LNC ay isang testamento ng walang humpay na dedikasyon at pasyon ng mga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Offices at local rescue teams upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng kanilang mga komunidad. Ayon pa kay Corpus, ang aktibidad ay hindi lamang sa magandang pagsasama-sama bagkus ay naipapakita ang kanilang mga kakayahan pagdating sa mga emergency scenarios. Sa nasabing aktibidad, nasungkit ng lalawigan ng Bulacan ang best in MOSAR samantalang ang team ng Palayan City, Nueva Ecija ay napanalunan ang WASAR category. Nakuha naman ng team ng Pampanga ang best in MCI Management. Idineklarang overall champion ang Pampanga na sinundan ng lalawigan ng Aurora, Bulacan, at Tarlac. Nabatid na ang mga naging evaluators ng aktibidad ay mula sa Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard at Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD). Pinuri ng mga naging hurado ang mga ipinakitang kakayahan ng lahat ng nakiisa at tinawag na local heroes. Ang LNC ay isinagawa bilang suporta ng OCD3, lalawigan ng Bulacan at RDRRMC member agencies para sa observance ng NDRM. (By PG Aurora page)

Gov. Gambito unveils new program to aid informal sector workers

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito continues to champion innovative programs aimed at enhancing the livelihood of Novo Vizcayanos, with a special focus on the youth. The latest initiative, “Driver’s License Mo, Sagut ni Gayyem ti Umili,” is set to launch soon, offering substantial support to workers from the informal sector who seek to obtain non-professional driver’s licenses. The program, backed by an initial funding of P3.1 million, aims to assist 1,000 drivers annually from various municipalities within the province. It targets individuals who have already secured a student permit or a first-time license and need additional support to acquire a non-professional driver’s license, enabling them to use their driving skills as an additional source of income. “Driver’s License Mo, Sagut ni Gayyem ti Umili” will cover all costs associated with the practical driving course, a mandatory requirement for obtaining a driver’s license. Furthermore, the program will pay for the non-professional/professional license fee and the necessary medical certificate fee. Gambito highlighted the significance of the program, saying, “Our goal is to implement innovative solutions that directly improve the quality of life for our residents. By facilitating the acquisition of driver’s licenses for our informal sector workers, we are not only empowering them to earn additional income but also contributing to the economic vitality of our province.” He added, “This program is about more than just providing financial assistance; it’s about giving our people the tools they need to succeed. We are committed to creating opportunities that will help our residents build better futures for themselves and their families.” The Public Employment Service Division(PESD) of the Office of the Governor will manage the implementation of this program, ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive the support needed to complete the requirements for their driver’s licenses. “This initiative is a testament to our dedication to fostering an inclusive economy where everyone has a chance to thrive,” Governor Gambito continued. “We believe that by investing in our informal sector workers, we are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and resilient community.” This initiative is part of Governor Gambito’s broader strategy to drive economic growth and elevate the standard of living for all residents of the province. As the program is rolled out, it is expected to have a profound impact on informal sector workers, offering them new opportunities for economic stability and advancement. By Rachel Magday

NEDA Board must disclose details of June 3 meeting resulting in 15% rice tariff cut – Senator Imee

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Senator Imee Marcos has urged the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to make public details of the June 3, 2024 NEDA Board meeting that resulted in government’s controversial decision to cut the tariff on imported rice to 15 percent up to 2028. This, after it was established during Thursday’s senate hearing into proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RA No. 11203) and Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RA No. 8178), that the proposal did not come from agricultural stakeholders, and was never raised during three consultative hearings of the Tariff Commission in 2023. “Bigla na lang sumulpot ito sa NEDA Board noong June 3. Hihingin po namin, hangga’t kaya, kung sinu-sino ang nagpunta (NEDA Board meeting) at kung may transcript na ibibigay. Kung kinakailangan, mag-e-executive session para lang malaman natin ang ugat nitong EO 62 (Modifying the Nomenclature and Rates of Import Duty on Various Products). “Clearly, this was a small meeting. It was just a board meeting, right? So it can hardly be considered a public hearing with stakeholders and others,” Marcos said. The NEDA Board is composed of the President as chairperson, and NEDA Secretary as vice-chairperson, with the following members: the Executive Secretary, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary of Finance, and Secretary of Budget and Management. The senator noted that in the transcripts of the March, September and October 2023 consultative meetings and public hearings held by the Tariff Commission, there was no single mention of a 15 percent rice tariff rate taking effect for a period of 4 and a half years. Commissioner Marissa Paderon explained that proposed changes to the tariff lines “come from the parties” present during the meetings. “Sa pagbasa ng transcript na yan, was there any new tariff rate on rice proposed or discussed? Wala po akong makita. Sa buong transcript, wala umangal, walang nagsabi ibagsak sa kinse porsyento ang taripa. Wala akong nakita sa buong transcript. Binali-baliktad ko. Saan po nanggaling yan? Kung sinasabi ninyo manggagaling yan sa magtataas ng kamay at magsa-suggest ng panibagong taripa? Wala naman sa transcript; saan nanggaling yan?” Marcos asked the Tariff Commission, as she pointed out the lack of due process in the implementation of the rice tariff cut. The Senator also lamented how farmers groups, federations, and other agricultural stakeholders, and the Senate were left out of the consultative meetings. Five days after the Malacañang issuance, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag), Federation of Free Farmers Inc. (FFFI), United Broiler Raisers Assn. 1 Inc., Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), and Magsasaka Partylist representative Argel Cabatbat challenged EO No. 62 before the Supreme Court (SC). Marcos doubted the periodic review of every 4 months of the 15 percent rice tariff under the executive issuance. “Ang ibig sabihin ng review na napaka-klaro naman sa atin: i-a-assess, i-e-examine at baka—baka palitan, baka hindi, baka palalain. Baka ibagsak pa lalo. Review yun eh. Hanggang doon lang. Pero hindi tayo sigurado na babaguhin.” Farmers groups and rice millers present during the senate hearing bared they were not even invited to the 2023 consultative meetings on the tariff lines, the senator noted. Marcos has consistently voiced her opposition to the 15 percent tariff rate, stating this will not bring down the retail price of rice because exporters of the commodity would just jack up their prices, based on previous experiences. The senator, who has put agriculture and food security among her legislative priorities, lamented how the latest tariff cut would result in the death of the local rice-producing industry.

Cayetano sa DPWH: Mga pagkaantala, nakakadagdag sa gastos sa NSB

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Inamin ng Department of Public Works and Highways o DPWH na naantala ang pagpapatayo ng New Senate Building o NSB dahil sa mga variation order o pagbabago na nagresulta sa pagtaas ng kabuuang gastos sa proyekto. Lumabas ang impormasyong ito sa pagdinig tungkol sa NSB ng Senate Committee on Accounts na pinamumunuan ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano nitong Miyerkules. Kasalukuyang sinusuri ng komite ang P23 bilyong halaga ng estimated cost ng proyekto. Ayon sa senador, may mga naantala na sa pagpapatayo ng NSB bago pa man ang reorganisasyon sa Senado nitong May. “Kasi may mga nagpapalabas na dine-delay namin ito ni Senator Escudero,” aniya. Bukod dito, sinabi rin ni Cayetano na 852 araw ng naantala ang proyekto. Ipinaliwanag ni DPWH Project Director Soledad Florencio na ang Extension of Time (EoT) o delay ay dahil sa mga variation order at patuloy na mga pagbabago sa proyekto kaya hindi masabi ng ahensya kung kailan ito matatapos. Nagresulta ito sa mahigit P78 milyong halaga ng mga singil sa EoT, sa loob ng tinatayang P800 milyong halaga para sa buong variation order ng proyekto. Kinuwestyon din ni Cayetano ang karagdagang design fees na nagkakahalaga ng P173 milyon na bukod pa sa P258 milyon na orihinal na design fee ng proyekto. Binigyang-diin ng senador na maaaring maiwasan ang mga delay at karagdagang gastos kung nakipag-ugnayan sana ang DPWH sa Senate Coordinating Team o SCT bago tapusin ang Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design o DAED ng proyekto. “Hindi niyo kinausap ang Senado before DAED, that’s why nagkaroon EoT. Kinakausap niyo senado after DAED that’s why nagka-VO at kaya may EoT [cost] ka na napakalaki,” pahayag ni Cayetano. “On hindsight, avoidable ito . Pwedeng walang RDAED [revised DAED] kung nag usap,” dagdag niya

BENECO links up with NEA’s national dashboard

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) took one more step ahead when its highly benchmarked Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) became officially connected to the national command center launched by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) on July 4. The command center, a NEA flagship project conceptualized by administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, has a national dashboard to closely monitor in real time the situation on the ground of electric cooperatives especially during calamities. The command center also seeks to immediately address major electricity distribution concerns through data driven intervention mechanisms. Almeda and Sec. Raphael Lotilla of the Department of Energy (DOE) led energy officials and other stakeholders during the launch that saw an actual demonstration of the connectivity of the dashboard with the systems of three pilot electric cooperatives in their main offices – BENECO, Cebu III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CEBECO III), and Misamis Oriental – 1 Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO 1). Melchor Licoben, BENECO general manager, was seen being personally congratulated by Lotilla following the explanation by NEA officials on how the command center will elevate to a significant level of innovation the way the country’s 121 ECs will be monitored. BENECO’s engineers and local mediamen witnessed the initial switch on connection from the SCADA room of the cooperative’s office in South Drive, Baguio City. It was a virtual affair that saw the guests and visitors at NEA and the SCADA engineers in South Drive, Baguio City in close watch with each other. BENECO, CEBECO II and MORESCO 1 were chosen for the pilot launching of the project since they have existing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) in place. Almeda said 60 other electric cooperatives are expected to hook up with the dashboard before the year ends and hopefully, all coops will be on board by 2025. The facility for the command center was erected at the ground floor of the NEA building in Quezon City. “Rural Electrification is not anymore limited to simply extending distribution lines to households, but now also includes establishing systems for resiliency and energy security,” Almeda said during the launch. Among the 121 ECs in the country, BENECO was the first to have a SCADA which was installed in 2007. It was also the first to implement its own geographic information system (GIS) in 1999. The dashboard will rely heavily on the data provided both by the SCADA and GIS in NEA’S bid to timely inspect, assess and respond to the situation quickly in cases of power outages due to operational issues or natural and man-made disasters. Lotilla lauded the efforts of BENECO and the two other cooperatives to become technologically advanced by becoming smart grid distribution utilities. He said that through the command center, the electric cooperatives will be able to show the importance of their role as first level in the distribution sector. “The ECs will be able to provide timely data and information for key government agencies, the second level, and all the way to the office of the president during state of emergencies like typhoons and calamities. The 121 ECs are at the forefront in delivery of electricity. You have to interface effectively with your customers,“ Lotilla said in his congratulatory speech to the NEA. By Laarni Ilagan

PRO-CAR pinahuhusay ang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga retirado, tauhan at kanilang mga pamilya

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

CAMP DANGWA,Benguet — Sa sama-samang pagsisikap na pahusayin ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan at pagyamanin ang kagalingan ng mga tauhan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at kanilang mga pamilya, ang Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) at ang PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Service (PRBS) ay lumagda sa isang Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) kasama ang Cordillera Hospital of the Divine Grace (CHDG) sa multi-purpose gym, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, noong Hulyo 5. Nagsimula ang programa sa paglagda ng MOU nina Regional Director Brig.Gen.David Peredo,Jr.; PRBS Director BGen. Dindo Reyes at CHDG Medical Director Dr. Edgar A. Biteng. Ang seremonya ay sinaksihan ni PRO-CAR Deputy Regional Director for Administration BGen. Rogelio Raymundo,Jr., Chief of the PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Unit-CAR Capt. Marjorie Tadeo at Chairman ng Cordillera Police Retirees Association Inc. Retired BGen. Joseph Adnol. Sa ilalim ng mga tuntunin ng kasunduan, malapit na makikipagtulungan ang PRO-CAR at PRBS sa CHDG upang matiyak ang paghahatid ng mga serbisyong naa-access, tumutugon, at cost-effective na pangangalagang pangkalusugan sa mga aktibong tauhan, mga pensiyonado, mga pensiyonado, mga nakaligtas, at kanilang mga pamilya. Binibigyang-diin ng partnership na ito ang iisang pangako sa pagbibigay ng komprehensibong solusyon sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan na iniayon sa mga natatanging pangangailangan ng mga tauhan ng PNP at kanilang mga dependent. Bukod pa rito, sa parehong araw, isa pang MOU ang nilagdaan sa pagitan ng Maezelle Psychometier at Diagnostic Center, na kinakatawan ng Pangulo nito na si Jocelyn A. Suello, PRBS Director Reyes CHDG Director Dr. Biteng. Ang kasunduang ito ay naglalayong palakasin ang pakikipagtulungan ng mga ospital sa pagbibigay ng accessible na serbisyong medikal sa mga tauhan ng PNP, mga retirado, at kanilang mga pamilya. Ang partnership na ito ay ipinagdiwang kasabay ng outreach activity kung saan halos 200 retirees, aktibong PNP personnel, at kanilang mga pamilya ang nakatanggap ng libreng medical, dental, at optical check-up at konsultasyon. Binibigyang-diin ng inisyatiba na ito ang patuloy na pangako ng PRO-CAR sa pagtataguyod ng kalusugan at kapakanan ng mga nakatuon sa serbisyo publiko. By Zaldy Comanda

SM Prime Holdings to implement P2.5-B modern Central and Terminal Markets projects in Iloilo City

Business

Business / Street Journal

SM Prime Holdings is set to implement the modern Central and Terminal Markets worth P1.5 to P2.5 billion projects through a public-private partnership of the city government of Iloilo City. This project is aimed at the promise of Mayor Jerry Treñas to the citizens, especially to the local businessmen that the market facilities will be modernized, and to give a good space to the local businessmen that will help them to develop and feature their products. Iloilo City stands as a shining example of development, fueled by a commitment to continuous advancement and empowerment of communities. In the past six years, Iloilo City has achieved several recognitions under the leadership of Mayor Treñas, who are committed to actions that will promote economic growth, cultural enrichment, and continuous enrichment of our nature. With these actions, not only did the level of the city increase, but the lives of its residents were also improved. “We see these markets not only as economic hubs but community centers that promote local culture and entrepreneurship,” emphasized Mayor Treñas. “By revitalizing these spaces, we are creating an opportunity for our vendors to grow their businesses continuously.” Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, echoed this view of Mayor Trenas, emphasizing SM’s role in supporting local communities and promoting continuous advancement through investment in infrastructure. It can be remembered that Iloilo City has received awards, such as being a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, which is part of its rich culinary and cultural knowledge. The city’s innovative I-Bike Program also won the prestigious 2022 Galing Pook Award, underscoring its dedication to urban mobility. “Iloilo City is more than a place, it is a community where change and tradition meet,” said Mayor Treñas. “Our achievements reflect our collective desire to build a city that thrives on creativity, inclusivity and sustainability.” In recognition of promoting a strengthened climate for doing business, the city also earned the 2023 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) award from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). This award recognizes the city’s efforts to support local businesses and attract entrepreneurs who will add to the economic vitality. In the future, Trenas said that his desire is strong to promote the goal of continuous development for Iloilo City. “Our focus is on building a city that accelerates innovation, preserves cultural heritage, and improves the quality of life for all Ilonggo,” he said.

PH improves ICT index standing but still lags globally Globe calls for removal of barriers to connectivity

Business, NCR

Business, NCR / Street Journal

Globe welcomes the Philippines’ advancement in the latest ICT Development Index of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as it calls for greater collaboration to remove barriers to connectivity. This, as the Philippines continues to rate below the global average, lagging behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia. The 2024 edition of the index released by the ITU, a specialized agency of the UN, scored the Philippines 74.4, an improvement by 14% from last year. But this score is still below the global average of 74.8 and way behind Southeast Asian neighbors such as Singapore, which scored 97.8, Malaysia with 95.0, and Thailand at 91.0. The Philippines’ score places it among the lowest five in the region, better only than Cambodia (72.6), Laos (65.3), Myanmar (63.8), and Timor-Leste (39.2). “We are optimistic that we can score even higher in the global ICT Development Index. This should serve as an impetus for all stakeholders including industry players and the government to work more closely to address persistent gaps in our connectivity infrastructure,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “The private sector has poured several billions in resources for ICT development. We cannot do it alone. There are barriers that can only be addressed through strong collaboration among the industry, government, and other stakeholders,” said Cu. Greater ICT investment Cu reiterated that the country needs more substantial investments in digital infrastructure. The private sector has invested a combined P640 billion in just three years, from 2021 to 2023, to upgrade the quality of the country’s connectivity infrastructure. Globe alone has invested P265 billion in capital expenditure and P236 billion in operational expenses in the past three years to enhance its network capabilities. In contrast, the Department of Information and Communications Technology invested only P7.6 billion for internet infrastructure from 2018 to 2024. The Private Sector Advisory Council, a Malacañang-initiated body that brings together industry players, has called on the government to allocate at least P240 billion to improve internet infrastructure and work with the private sector to build 35,000 new cell sites across the country. The Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), led by Cu under the PSAC, is also working with the DICT for the rollout of connectivity infrastructure in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). Globe’s network currently reaches over 500 GIDAs. Policy reform Globe also reiterated its call for policy reform to allow connectivity to flourish. These include the provision of space for telco infrastructure in housing developments and the removal of lease fees for telco infrastructure in buildings and developments through amendments to the outdated National Building Code (1977). Bills seeking this reform are still pending in Congress. “Telcos should not be charged for installing infrastructure inside buildings and developments that will provide connectivity, which is now a basic necessity like power and water. It is a life enabler, supporting commerce, people’s livelihood, education and leisure needs,” said Cu. Globe also hopes for the full implementation of Executive Order No. 32, issued in 2023 to streamline the permitting process for telco infrastructure. Globe notes how certain local government units still find ways to circumvent the order, making the approval of permits difficult and slow for telcos. Broadband access Amid policy gaps that hinder connectivity, Globe continues to find ways to make broadband connection more affordable to Filipinos. Last year, Globe launched GFiber Prepaid, which seeks to democratize connectivity by offering fiber-strong broadband connection for as low as Php 33/day. Rolled out in line with Globe’s drive for digital inclusion, GFiber Prepaid offers flexible and reloadable UNLI internet access with no lock ups and monthly bills. Globe also looks forward to the implementation of the government’s National Broadband Plan, which aims to provide free WiFi connectivity across the country. This project involves the development of a neutral fiber backbone to provide connectivity for government agencies and government-led last mile projects.

SBMA recognized for outstanding upcycling efforts in CL

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT —Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recently recognized for its best efforts to upcycle wastes from among other contenders in Central Luzon. Themed “Celebrating the Excellence and Partnership of Environmental Champions,” the Environmental Summit 2024 was held on June 28 at the Widus Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga to give recognition to local government units (LGUs), industries and stakeholders with best practices in waste management. OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Group and SBMA Ecology Center manager Amethya Dela Llana-Koval personally received the agency’s award for its “Outstanding Practice in Upcycling Operation” from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Central Luzon. Dela Llana-Koval acknowledged the various departments and offices of the SBMA and its stakeholders for its all-out support that largely contributed to the success of Ecology Center’s events and activities. “We are very grateful to the EMB for recognizing our efforts in solid waste management, especially in recycling and upcycling. It is with pride and honor that the Ecology Center shares this award to the entire agency. It is only through the support of other SBMA departments and offices and our stakeholders that we are able to achieve this,” she said. The Environmental Summit was attended by representatives of various agencies and LGUs in Central Luzon–EMB regional director, DENR assistant regional executive director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director, Provincial Environmental Management Unit (PEMU), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and awardees from Region 3, governors, mayors, barangay captains, SBMA, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and industries, to name a few. The accolade is attributed to the Ecology Center’s continuous conduct of Recyclable Collection Events, Scrap to Craft contest in collaboration with schools within the SBF, Green Runway Fashion competition, and other related environmental activities, to reduce, recycle and upcycle wastes, which are regularly witnessed by EMB R3 personnel from the Waste Management Division. Other awards which gave cognizance to other entities for their efforts to promote environmental protection and waste management were, “Most compliant in Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementation,” “Best Materials Recovery Facility,” “Best Composting Innovation,” “Outstanding Support in Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementation,” “Industry Partners in Environmental Protection, Enhancement and Restoration,” to name a few. Meanwhile, Dela Llana-Koval assured that the Ecology Center, together with the entire agency, will always do their best and further innovate to address solid waste management concerns. The Environmental Summit is the culminating event for the Environment Month, which is conducted annually by the Environmental Management Bureau-Region 3. (PR)

Author name: Street Journal

Aurora province nakiisa sa Rescuelympics La Niña challenge ng OCD Region 3 sa Bulacan