Caraga InFocus –Volume VI, No. 49

LGU-Butuan promotes human rights for all

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

In time with the Stakeholders’ Awarding Ceremony spearheaded by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga, the local government unit of Butuan through Vice Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun, assured that no Butuanon will be deprived of their right to identity and nationality, and urged everyone to continue to respect and promote human rights.

On behalf of Vice Mayor Fortun, Councilor Cromwell Nortega, delivered his message and emphasized

that people should be grateful that all are able to enjoy their right to life and liberty, the right to work and education, the right to an adequate standard of living, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion, religion, and expression, and so much more.

“Personally, I consider our growing recognition of the value of protecting the rights of every human being as part of the advancements of human civilization. That is to say, to violate and trample human rights is to

step back to the ancient, crude, and barbaric times. We are fortunate that we now live at a time when policies, systems, structures, and processes to protect our rights are in place. And this is thanks to everyone – including you, our stakeholders, who have fought and championed for this cause,” he said.

Fortun stressed that with continued collaboration of various stakeholders in its advocacy to promote the protection of human rights, Butuanon could reach more

milestones. “I was happy that when I joined Congress, more actors in the government and civil society had taken the same advocacy. In fact, through our partnership with them, we were able to pass a bill that would provide for a comprehensive civil registration system in the entire country. Although it did not get to see the light of day, I am comforted with the fact that it started serious discussions in the national legislature. And I am hopeful that by keeping this momentum, we will finally get the support of our policymakers,” he elaborated.

“This is just one example on how we can cooperate to open windows for our human rights agenda. For us in the Sangguniang Panlungsod

of Butuan, with Honorable Cromwell Nortega, as the chairperson of the Committee on Good Government, Ethics, Human Rights, Laws, Rules, and Styles at the helm, we are more than open to work with you to pass local policies that will strengthen the promotion and promotion of human rights as the same is aligned with Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada’s vision for a livable and sustainable Butuan City,” added Fortun.

Meanwhile, Atty. Aurora Luanne Cembrano-Ramos, OIC-Regional Director of CHR Caraga, acknowledged all the participating sectors of the Stakeholders Awarding Ceremony, and

“Human rights work is a noble work -- being able to

serve people from all walks of life. This Stakeholders’ Recognition event is an affirmation that the CHR Caraga, through its regional office, recognizes and affirms the different government agencies and partners’ efforts and initiatives in the highest degree for protecting and upholding human rights for everyone,” she said.

Along with other awardees, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by Regional Director Venus Garcia, received a plaque of appreciation for the continuing partnership and unyielding support of the Agency which significantly contributed to CHR Caraga’s human rights services in the region.

News Briefs

Then-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law the Republic Act 10966 to include December 8 of every year to the list of holidays and special non-working holidays observed in the country.

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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga holds the Stakeholders’ Awarding Ceremony at the LMX Convention Center, Butuan City. This is in celebration of the 75th Declaration of Human Rights: Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All and as culmination event of the 2022 National Human Rights Consciousness Week.

Brochure: Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act. This brochure is a summary of the Republic Act 11313: the Space Spaces Act, otherwise known as the Basal Bastos Law. This law covers all forms of genderbased sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplaces, as well as online.

Iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world. As well as affecting a large number of children and women in developing countries, it is the only nutrient deficiency which is also significantly prevalent in industrialized countries. (WHO)

DA CARAGA DISPERSES CATTLE TO LGU ESPERANZA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga distributed cattle, feeds and lot modules worth P1.5 million under the Livestock-based Livelihood and Enterprise Development (LLED) Program on December 6, 2022 at Barangay Hawilian, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

The P1.5M worth of lot module consists of housing, stocks, feeds, drugs, and biologics were turned over by Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega, together with Regional Livestock Program Coordinator Jekem Sanchez to Local Chief Executive Deo Manpatilan, Jr., and OIC-Municipal Agriculturist Jovie Ego-ugan of the Local Government Unit of Esperanza.

The LGU’s counterpart is in terms of lot donation and establishment of forage and pasture grasses.

Being the first recipient of the program, LGU-Esperanza has chosen the Esperanza Livestock and Poultry Raisers Association (ELPRA) chaired by Fernando Lorsan to

manage the LLED project. The association planned to use the 10 heifers and one bull for fattening.

“A few years from now, this will bring additional income to the association so as promised, we will develop this enterprise and make use of its benefits,” Lorsan said. RTD Atega also encouraged the group to create a strategy that will serve as a guide for the association to improve the enterprise.

“Create a strategy. Make use of every member’s ability to have the responsibility for developing this cattle enterprise.

And the most important thing, make a recording of all of your transactions,” RTD Atega said.

Mayor Manpatilan Jr. also added that transparency in all of the association’s transactions is the key factor in achieving a successful organization. (Kent Warren Fugoso, Information Officer I, DA-RAFIS/PIAAgusan del Sur)

VTA Link Printing Services signs MOA with DOST for its 2nd SETUP availment worth P1.6M Innovation Fund

The Department of Science and Technology – Caraga through its Provincial Science and Technology Office – Surigao del Norte (PSTO-SDN), forged a Memorandum of Agreement with VTA Link Printing Services on November 30, 2022 for the project entitled “Technology Upgrade of VTA Link Printing Services” with an approved project cost amounting to P1.6 million under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

The business started its operation in 1998 and

was previously named as Jovenjane. Back then, aside from printing, it also offered catering services. In 2006, Mr. Victor L. Centino decided to focus on printing services. The business was renamed as CD-Link which operated until 2014. Eventually, it became VTA Link Printing Services in 2015.

With limitation on resources, the business started its printing operation through silk screen printing and manual heat pressing. They also outsourced other process of the production due to lack of equipment.

Over the years of operation, the firm was able to gain loyal and regular customers in which they have seen the increasing demands for their products and services.

The growing market demands for the firm’s products and services prompt the proprietor to upgrade its production equipment to accommodate customers’ needs. Thus, Mr. Centino sought the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in 2017

to acquire upgraded production equipment.

On November 24, 2017, DOST extended assistance to the firm for the acquisition of Dye Sublimation Printer and Laser Engraving Machine amounting to P1 million through the technological intervention, the firm was able to increase its production volume up to 300%. The firm was able to increase its employment from 8 to 11 workers and provide them with the social benefits mandated by the law.

However, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the firm was one of the greatly affected businesses. Its physical store was closed due to lockdown and restriction on mobilization. To sustain

the firm’s operation and with the increased demands for tarpaulin and signages printing during the pandemic, Mr. Centino decided to convert his sublimation printer to tarpaulin and signage printer. The firm slowly recovered its revenue losses during the pandemic and now back to its regular operation.

Currently, the products and services of VTA Link Printing Services are in high demand. Most of the orders of their clients require sublimation printing and since the present demand far exceeds the production capacity of the existing sublimation printer, the firm refers their customers to other firms for sublimation printing. Thus, Mr. Centino sought assistance from DOST for its second availment of the SETUP innovation

fund to acquire additional production equipment to meet customers’ needs.

During the MOA signing, DOST-Surigao del Norte and VTA Link Printing Services pledged to extend their full support and commitment for the effective implementation of the aforementioned SETUP project.

SETUP enables firms to address their technical problems through acquisition and transfer of technology interventions. DOST-Surigao del Norte is also inviting interested MSMEs in the province to avail of the SETUP Program. Message our page Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte to know more about the benefits, requirements, and identified priority sectors. (DOST- SDN/PIASurigao del Norte)

Kongresista Corvera, giseguro nga padayong mohimo og mga inisyatiba aron mapalambo pa ang kalidad sa Serbisyo sa edukasyon

Gipahalipayan ni Kongresista Dale B. Corvera ang administrasyon, mga magtutudlo ug non-teaching personnel sa Department of Education (DepEd) Cabadbaran City Division sa pagsaluog niini sa 10th Founding Anniversary niini sa E & G Convention Center sa Cabadbaran City kaniadtong Disyembre 8.

Apan samtang gilantaw ang mga nahimo sa mga tulunghaan sulod sa division nga dakung kalampusan, buot ni Kongresista Corvera nga palapdan pa sa tagsa-

tagsa ang horizon nga ilang tan-awon kung ang impact sa kinabuhi sa katawhan nga giserbisyohan ang tan-awon.

Ang dugokan niyang ideya sa education, sumala pa sa kongresista, mao nga maghimo kini sa usa ka tawo nga naay moral ug espiritwal nga panukaran sa paghigugma sa pamilya ug katilingban, maghatag og kahibalo ug kahanas aron mahimong produktibo pagtubag sa mga produkto ug serbisyo nga gikinahanglan sa katilingban.

Subay niini, pasabot ni Kongresista Corvera, ang una niyang sukdanan sa kalidad mao ang porsiyento sa mga tawo nga nahatagan og serbisyo. Ang batakang pangutana, sumala pa kaniya “Pila sa atong school-age population ang naa sa eskwelahan imbes maglakawlakaw lang sa kalasada kauban ang barkada o kaha nagtrabaho na aron makatabang sa mga ginikanan nga mokita alang sa galastuhan sa pamilya?”

“Nanghinaut ko nga nagtaas ang porsiyento sa atong

kabatan-onan ang naa sa eskwelahan imbes nga magkat-on paghubog-hubog kauban ang barkada sa miaging 10 ka tuig,” dugang ni Kongresista Corvera.

Dason sa Kongresista: “And if more and more of our people are in school, are they attended to in the classrooms or in campus with utmost care and precision on the values that they must turn into attitudes, on the knowledge that they must learn for them to make it a habit to critically analyze conditions for better application and on the skills that they must master for them to produce the goods or deliver the services needed by society with utmost efficiency.”

“And if indeed our people were taught or trained well, can we say that the education services that we cater have been making a difference in their lives? Are more of our people getting richer? Do you see the rise of more decent houses? Do you see more families partaking on more balance diet?”

Nangayo og dispensa si Kongresista Corvera sa pagdala sa maong mga pangutana sa okasyon sa pagsaulog sa division sa ika 10 ka tuig nga kasumaran niini. Apan pasabot sa kongresista, nga ang maong okasyon ang husto nga higayon aron makita sa stakeholders niini ang lapad nga horizon sa serbisyo sa edukasyon sa ilang pagpahiluna sa mga programa sa mosunod nga dekada.

Ug giangkon ni Kongresista Corvera nga ang mga opisyal sa gobyerno sama kaniya nagpangutana usab sa mas bug-at pa nga mga pangutana: “Are we delivering our services according to the required quality for us to be effective in making the lives of our people better?”

Sunod niini, gilatid usab ni Kongresista Corvera ang iyang mga inisyatiba apil na ang pagtabang pagpahiluna nga mamugna ang DepEd Cabadbaran Division sa mayor pa siya sa syudad ug karon nga kongresista na siya, ang pagpaapil sa scouting sa curriculum sa elementary og high school aron mahimong

batasan ang kanunay andam nga motabang ug manguna, ang iyang pagsuporta sa National Citizens Training or NSCT Program nga maghatag sa mga estduyante og practical ug applicable nga kahibalo ug kahanas nga kinahanglan aron sila makhatag og tabang panahon sa national calamities and disasters.

Dugang sa kongresista nga nagpahiuluna usab ang iyang buhatan og mga scholarship ug educational assistance, ingon man ang mga pagbansay, aron makatampo sa pagseguro nga makuha sa katawhan ang gikinahanglang kalidad sa edukasyon nga magamit sa ilang pagpalambo sa ilang kinabuhi.

Giseguro usab ni Kongresista Corvera nga padayon ang iyang buhatan nga magsilbing partner sa stakeholders sa edukasyon sa nasud, apil na ang DepEd Cabadbaran Division, nga pro-active paghimo og mga inisyatiba aron aron mapataas pa ang kalidad sa pagserbisyo sa katawhan. (Agusan del Norte 2ndCongressional District Office/PIA Agusan del Norte)

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS LIGHT UP

SA AGUSAN DEL NORTE CAPITOL,

GIDAGSA

Gidagsa sa katawhang Agusanons ang usa ka disney themed Christmas Tree, Lights and Decoration human kini opisyal nga gisubhan kaniadtong Martes, sa atubangan ug sa hawanan apil ang tibook palibot nga bahin sa dakbalay sa Kapitolyo sa Agusan del Norte.

Mismo si Gobernador Angelica Rosedell M.

girepresentahan ni Congressional District Coordinator Orencio Corvera, Bise Gobernador Enrico Corvera uban ang mga Board Members ug mga Alkalde sa lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte ug mga empleyado sa Kapitolyo ug katawhan ning lalawigan.

Ang maong mga anindot ug mabulokong

tema nga “A Livelier Christmas” aron mabati sa katawhan ang “livelier” nga kapaskohan taliwala sa mga nasagubang nato nga mga problema.

Alang kang Gob. Amante, ihatag sa katawhan ang labing maayo nga buhatonon panahon sa pasko tungod kay gisaulog sa matag usa ang importante nga adlaw sa Ginoo.

best during Christmas?

We give our best, we show the best light, we run our brains with things that you would never have seen in your lifetime because we celebrate the birthday of the best being in the universe and that is the birthday of our Lord Savior, Jesus Christ” mensahe ni Gob. Amante.

“And mao sab na akong gikabilin sa inyo nga bisan sa atong everyday

nga experience, please do not forget, we celebrate because we celebrate the savior of our world” panapos nga mensahe sa gobernador.

Gipuno ang Kapitolyo sa kalipay ug kabibo sa ang nasangpit nga seremonya kansang mga pasundayag nagsumikad gikan sa mga performers ilabina sa dihang mibuswak ang usa ka colorful fireworks display.

Nagpadayon ang programa sa mga pagsayaw, kanta ug banda diin nalingaw ang mga nibisita nga mga Agusanons.

Ang Capitol Light Up abri kini matag adlaw sugod sa alas 6 hangtud alas 10 ang takna sa kagabhion. (Karen Decamotan, mga hulagway kuha ni Reuben Te, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

NURSERY DEVELOPMENT, GIPURSIGE GAMIT ANG TRABAHO SA TUPAD NGA NAKALAP NI KONGRESISTA

CORVERA

Gihinayhinayan na pagdevelop ang mahimo unya nga usa sa mga nurseries alang sa falcatta ug indigenous species nga gamiton alang sa gikinahanglan nga lapad nga kakahoyan alang sa ipahiluna nga “Country Wood” project.

Gihimo kini sa komunidad sa indigenous peoples (IP) sa Balaatan ug kasikbit nga mga sitio sa Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte gamit ang pundo nga nakalap ni Kongresista

Dale B. Corvera ubos sa programa nga Tulong Panghapbuhay sa Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Gawas sa DOLE, kaabag usab sa buhatan ni Kongresista Corvera ang Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Nasipit.

Ubos sa “Country Wood” gipunting nga kapin kon kulang 100,000

ektaryas ang matamnan og commercial trees sa tibuok probinsya ug mapailawom sa 10 ka tuig nga plant-harvest-plant cycle aron makasuporta sa gikinahanglang suplay nga kahoy sa processing complex sa ready-toassemble tables, cabinets and other knockdown parts, packaging materials, charcoal briquettes ug uban pang produkto sa kahoy. (Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional District Office/PIA Agusan del Norte)

SURSUR TOURISM TO DECLARE PROVINCIAL WINNERS FOR BEST PUBLIC TOILET ON THURSDAY

By: Nida Grace P. Barcena

The Provincial Government Unit of Surigao del Sur under the administration of Gov. Alexander T. Pimentel through the Provincial Tourism Office headed by Mary Vil C. Chan is set to award the winners of the 2022 Provincial Search for Best Public Toilet through ASEAN Standard on December 15, 2022, in Tandag City. The on-site evaluation for the first round of elimination to the participating LGUs was conducted November 29 to December 1, 2022, as follows:

Public Toilet - Terminal Category

1. Lingig, 2. Hinatuan, 3. Tagbina,

4. Barobo, 5. San Agustin 6. Madrid, and 7. Tandag City

Public Toilet - Gasoline Station Category

1. Bislig City 2. Hinatuan, 3. Tagbina, 4. Barobo, 5. San Agustin, and 6. Tandag City

The final judgment for the top three finalists was completed on December 13, 2022 in two categories namely,

PUBLIC TERMINAL Category: LGU-Tagbina LGU-Madrid, and LGU-Hinatuan

GAS STATION Category:

LGU-Bislig City

LGU-Tagbina, and LGU-San Agustin

Meanwhile, the program implementation since 2021 is primarily designed to strengthen the tourism industry in Surigao del Sur and to offer the best travel experience, with the anticipation that local and foreign tourists have to use the toilet when visiting the province. A basic yet considered vital component in the tourism industry.

“These toilets need to be clean, hygienic, complete with various amenities and facilities, located conveniently, well maintained, and have proper waste management systems, “ Chan noted. (NGPB/PIASurigao del Sur)

MINDANAO NEWS

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) got a boost in its capability against terrorism and kidnapping with the deployment of a missilecapable gunboat on the country’s southern border.

In a statement Friday, Lt. Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, NFWM information officer, said the Philippine Navy (PN) has deployed one of the two newly-acquired missile capable gunboats, BRPNestor Acero (PG901), to the NFWM area of responsibility.

Capt. Dwight Steven Dulnoan, NFWM acting commander, rendered an arrival ceremony for PG901 and its crew Thursday at Ensign Majini Pier of

Naval Forces Western Mindanao gets missile-capable gunboat

the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, which houses the NFWM headquarters here.

PG901, one of two PN’s Acero-class patrol gunboats, is a missilecapable Shaldag Mk. V Fast Attack Interdiction Craft Missile (FAIC-M).

Cabaltera said the 32-meter high-speed vessel is equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable to deliver precision strikes against larger hostiles and highvalue targets on land or sea.

BRP-Nestor Acero will augment the existing NFWM fleet guarding

cross-border terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes in the southern seas.

The PN’s two Acero-class gunboats are named after Philippine Marine Corps heroes and Medal for Valor recipients, the late Pfc. Nestor F. Acero, and the late 1Lt. Lolinato G. To-ong.

The two gunboats are part of the nine FAICS-M acquired by the Philippines from Israel for PHP10 billion.

The acquisition of the FAICS-M are among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program. (PNA/Teofilo Garcia, Jr)

MISSILE CAPABLE. The Philippine Navy deploys one of its two newly acquired missile-capable patrol gunboats to the area of responsibility of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), boosting the capability of the NFWM in its campaign against cross-border terrorism and kidnapping. The new gunboat, BRP-Nestor Acero, arrived Thursday (Dec. 8, 2022) at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon which houses the NFWM headquarters in Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of NFWM)

MULTI-BILLION

Panguil Bridge in N. Mindanao 61% complete: DPWH exec

The construction of the longest sea-crossing bridge in Northern Mindanao is now 61 percent complete, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Thursday.

DPWH senior undersecretary Emil Sadain, who supervises the construction of the PHP7.3 billion Panguil Bay Bridge project that will connect Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod town in Lanao del Norte, led the inspection on Wednesday and vowed to complete the project in December next year.

Sadain said the project, which began in February 2020, is part of DPWH’s continuing Build Better More Program.

“The bridge costing PH7.375 Billion, financed by a loan agreement

between the Government of the Philippines and Korean Export Import Bank not only represents a long dream come true of the people of Lanao Del Norte and Misamis Occidental but a milestone highlighting how the design and construction of a modern bridge with sea offshore excavation depth of up to more than 50 meters has evolved,” he said in a statement.

The construction started following the full completion of all 54 bored piling works to allow the start of construction of the 36 abutments and pier column, 32 coping, and begin on both ends at Tubod and Tangub City the incremental launching method (ILM) for the superstructure.

While construction by about 336 manpower takes

place round-the-clock to complete the project by December 2023, the bridge construction was affected during this last quarter of 2022 by the often rainy weather and strong currents of Panguil Bay.

But Sadain was hopeful that they will complete the project in due time.

Once completed, Panguil Bay Bridge will reduce the travel time between Lanao Del Norte and Misamis Occidental from two hours to just seven minutes.

Officially started in February 2020, the design and build of the structure have been pushed back attributed to the work restrictions imposed by the government at the height of the pandemic. (PNA/ Ferdinand Patinio)

BRIDGE. The Panguil Bay Bridge project, the longest sea-crossing bridge in Northern Mindanao, is now 61 percent complete, the Department of Public Works and Highways says Thursday (Dec. 8, 2022). The bridge will reduce the travel time between Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod town in Lanao del Norte from two hours to just seven minutes. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)

PBBM’S ECONOMIC MANAGERS: ‘MAHARLIKA’ IN AGRICULTURE, BOOST COUNTRYSIDE

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic managers said the Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) is expected to increase investments and the funding of infrastructure projects and countryside development, particularly in agriculture.

The statement was released Friday and was signed by Department of Finance (DOF) Sec. Benjamin E. Diokno, Department of Budget and Management

(DBM) Sec. Amenah F. Pangandaman, National Economic & Development Authority (NEDA) Sec. Arsenio M. Balisacan, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe M. Medalla.

“Intergenerational benefits include increased access of future generations to income from investments, such as potential earnings from extracted natural resources such as in mining,” the joint statement said.

The economic managers stressed that in the near and medium term, a Sovereign Wealth Fund is seen to enhance the country’s fiscal space and reduce fiscal pressures as the fund “pursue public infrastructure projects, as well as reduce uncertainties in cases when fund resources are channeled to high-yielding financial undertakings.”

Tried and tested

The establishment of

‘MAHARLIKA’ TO FUND BIG-TICKET INFRA

COUNTRYSIDE DEVELOPMENT

a Sovereign Wealth Fund, according to the economic team, is a “tried and tested investment vehicle” that has been used by governments in both first world and developing countries to achieve their economic objectives.

The economic team, which called for the enactment of the bill creating the Maharlika Investments Corp., expressed confidence that with professionals managing the funds, “there will be efficient use and management of these investible public funds.”

“They will be able to ensure the availability of an alternative high-return investment platform, obtain the best absolute return for the funds, find additional sources of liquidity as the need arises and perform better risk management, given additional layers of checks and balances in the use of investible funds,” the economic

managers said.

Successful wealth fund models

President Marcos’ economic team cited the model of the Indonesia Investment Authority, which it said has been a “successful model of a sovereign wealth fund” that was used to fund the country’s big-ticket infrastructure projects even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, for Singapore, the economic managers said the investment gains from the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), the central bank and state investor Temasek Holdings Pte have been the biggest contributors to the national budget since 2018.

“Without a doubt, the creation of the MWF will help us achieve our Agenda for Prosperity and the objectives for inclusive and sustainable

economic growth we have outlined in our Medium Term Fiscal Framework, 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, and in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” the statement pointed out.

The economic managers thanked President Marcos for “recognizing the benefits of a Sovereign Wealth Fund,” which included both direct and intergenerational benefits. The economic managers also thanked legislators for their “hard work and openness” in improving the bill and for their continued support in the passage of economic and fiscal reforms.

“Ultimately, this will redound to growth and help us achieve our economic transformation towards inclusivity and sustainability… Let us not delay economic progress. Let us not deprive our people of this opportunity for prosperity,” the statement said.

PBBM: ‘MICRO-CREDENTIALS’ TO HELP PINOY WORKERS BECOME ADAPTABLE, DIVERSELY SKILLED

the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), hence the need to support Filipino workers in upskilling to stay competitive.

Scaling up micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) also took center stage in the meeting.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said micro-credentials prove to be vital for Filipino workers to remain competitive in the workforce.

The chief executive made this remark in a meeting with members of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), where workers’ skills development and learning recovery programs were tackled.

“Yung micro-credentials, it’s not a four-year course. It’s not a degree. But you can present this to qualify for a job,” said President Marcos.

Micro-credentials are short skills-focused qualifications that seek to support learners to skill up in a wide array of

knowledge areas.

“It’s really skills training. We have to upskill everybody. We need to have a system that will work with everyone,” the chief executive pointed out.

In the meeting, the President raised the need to retrain and reskill overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who wish to come back to the country for good.

The President cited the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry as an example, where workers have ramped up efforts to upskill for offshore medical jobs.

Marcos, who presided over the meeting, reported that 16 innovation centers are with

The PSAC stressed the need to provide them access to money, markets and mentoring and enable them to undertake digital transformation.

President Marcos has committed to helping them flourish by streamlining existing processes and making it easier for MSMEs to thrive.

Among those present in the meeting with PSAC officials were Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

Also present were Aboitiz Group CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz, JG Summit CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei, as well as representatives from McKinsey & Company.

PBBM WELCOMES 2 NEW ATAK

HELICOPTERS; VOWS ACCELERATION OF PAF MODERNIZATION

Forces of the Philippines for their invaluable contribution to the nation’s external defense, internal security operations, as well as disaster relief and response operations.

Last March, PAF received the two T129 along with unspecific logistics support equipment under a $269 million government-togovernment contract with Turkiye that was signed in July 2020.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday gave assurance that his administration will fully support the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in fulfilling its vision to become world-class as he led the ceremonial blessing of two new T129 ATAK helicopters in Malacañang.

The President expressed hope that the modernization goal and PAF’s recent advancement will drive it to enhance its defense capabilities consistently, perform its duties effectively and protect the nation with vigor and pride.

Congratulating PAF for the acquisition of the

new air assets, President Marcos expects that the recently acquired stateof-the-art helicopters will improve the Air Force’s operational readiness and responsiveness and empower it to fulfill its mandate to the country and the people.

The President also appreciated the contribution of the government of Turkiye and the Turkish Aerospace Industries for being reliable partners of the Philippine government in modernizing the country’s air force.

At the same time, President Marcos expressed gratitude to the PAF and the Armed

The Philippines has six helicopters on order under the multi-million dollar contract, which is part of the Horizon 2 phase of the AFP modernization program.

The T129 helicopters are manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries and are based on the AgustaWestland A129 Mangusta design.

The new assets will complement a pair of refurbished Bell AH1S HueyCobra attack helicopters from Jordan, along with armed light observation and transport helicopters in PAF’s inventory.

PBBM PUSH TO CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, REOPEN ECONOMY DROVE JOBLESS RATE BACK TO

PRE-PANDEMIC LEVEL

A business leader believes the opening of the economy and the push of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to create more job opportunities pushed the country’s employment rate to pick up.

Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. made this remark Thursday, saying recovery of the country’s micro industries helped fuel the growth of the economy.

“Kung hindi doon sa pagbubukas ng ekonomiya ay marami, alam mo naman, lalo na iyong mga micro industries natin ay kalahati niyan ay nagsara during the pandemic. 65 percent of employment comes from them. Ngayon, nakikita nating unti-unti na silang nagbubukas, at marami na ang tao na naka-standby ang tinatawag nila,” Ortiz-Luis said in an interview over People’s Television Network (PTV).

Inflation remains manageable, the ECOP president said, and the country remains on the path to economic recovery.

“Well, I will not say out of control iyong inflation, medyo mataas lang pero iyan naman ay manageable pa iyan. At talaga namang on track tayo dahil tuluy-tuloy naman ang paglago

ng ating ekonomiya,” said OrtizLuis.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) preliminary results of its latest labor force survey released on Wednesday, the country’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.5 percent in October, lower than the 7.4 percent in October 2021 and 5 percent in September.

President Marcos had said he sees bright prospects for the country’s economy after the unemployment rate dipped in October.

The ECOP president, for his part, cited the need to intensify efforts to address skills mismatch and attract investments that will generate more jobs.

“Ang name of the game there is addressing the mismatch –

kung ano iyong hinahanap ng mga industriya, hinahanap ng mga employers, ay iyon ang hinahanapan natin ng ka-match. So, iyon ang importante,” said Ortiz-Luis.

The recent travels of President Marcos, according to OrtizLuis, paved the way to woo more investors and drive critical investments in a wide range of sectors.

“So, iyong pagbiyahe-biyahe ng Pangulo sa iba’t ibang bansa ay talagang nakaka-attract ng investments iyan,” the ECOP head said.

“Lahat ng mga pledges ay hindi naman nagkakatotoo iyong iba, pero marami rin ay talagang natutuloy at marami riyan ang nagki-create ng jobs. At saka iyong tiwala ng mga international investments sa atin ay tumataas,” Ortiz-Luis pointed out.

PBBM: PH HAS GOOD ECONOMIC PROSPECTS WITH LOW UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

how to cushion the impact of high prices of basic goods on ordinary Filipinos.

“At asahan ninyo na lahat ng paraaan na maari nating gawin ay gagawin natin para pababain ang inflation rate at gawing mas mabagal man lang ang pagtaas ng presyo,” the chief executive said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday he sees bright prospects for the country’s economy after the unemployment rate dipped in October.

President Marcos made this remark in a video message, where he assured the Filipino people of easing their burden amid the present challenges, specifically the global rise in the prices of basic goods.

“Ang balita na tumaas ang inflation rate na hanggang eight percent last November. Mayroon naman kasabay na mas magandang balita na bumaba ang unemployment rate sa four

and a half percent mula sa five percent,” President Marcos said.

“Kaya’t kahit papaano ay malakas ang loob natin na hindi tayo magkakaroon ng recession dito sa Pilipinas dahil masyadong mababa ang unemployment rate at kung maaalala ninyo sa pagsimula namin dito sa administrasyong ito ay pinag-usapan na namin ay trabaho talaga ang aming uunahin. Kaya’t ‘yan ang nakikita ngayon natin na nangyayari. Ipagpatuloy lang natin ‘yan,” the President pointed out.

His administration, Marcos said, is working to find ways

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) preliminary results of its latest labor force survey released on Wednesday, the country’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.5 percent in October, lower than the 7.4 percent in October 2021 and 5 percent in September.

The PSA survey results showed the number of unemployed Filipinos decreased to 2.24 million in October from 3.5 million a year ago, with 1.26 million securing employment this year.

The PSA survey also indicated the employment rate in October rose to 95.5 percent, from 95 percent in the previous month, the highest rate recorded since January 2020.

PH daily average of new Covid-19 cases up by 7%

The daily average of new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases has increased by 7 percent from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

From 7,731 per day recorded from Nov. 21 to 27, the number went up to 8,292 daily in the recent week.

The latest case bulletin showed that there were 8,292 new cases and 156

verified deaths. Of the additional deaths, the DOH said 158 occurred from Nov. 28 to Dec. 11.

In the same period, six cases were added to the tally of severe and critical infections, which also went up to 650 from the previous week’s 595.

Only 22.4 percent or 596 out of the 2,435 intensive care unit (ICU) beds are in use, while 24 percent or 4,758 of 19,824 non-

ICU beds are utilized.

To date, about 73,709,100 or 94.38 percent of the country’s target population (78,100,578) are vaccinated against Covid-19, including 79.41 percent of 8,721,357 senior citizens.

As of Dec. 11, a total of 21,038,386 have received booster shots out of the fully vaccinated population. (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

A girl gets vaccinated against Covid-19. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

NCR COVID POSITIVITY RATE DIPS TO 13.9% AS OF DEC. 17

The positivity rate or the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the National Capital Region (NCR) decreased to 13.9 percent as of Dec. 17.

OCTA Research Group fellow Dr. Guido David on Monday said the figure is a 0.5-point decrease from 14.4 percent rate in the region as of Dec. 10.

“It looks like the BQ.1 wave is receding in time for a Happy Holiday. In the rest of Luzon, increase in positivity rates were observed in Bataan, Laguna, Zambales,” he said on Twitter.

As of Dec. 17, the other areas with decreased positivity rates include Albay with 23.3 percent from 34.6 percent; Camarines Sur with 32.9 percent from 39.2 percent; Ilocos Sur with

30.6 percent from 36.9 percent; Isabela with 39.7 percent from 40.5 percent; Kalinga with 26.2 percent from 57.9 percent; Nueva Ecija with 37.2 percent from 49 percent; Rizal with 23.8 percent from 23.2 percent; and Tarlac with 23.9 percent from 23.6 percent.

Outside Luzon, an increase in positivity rate was observed in Misamis Oriental with

13.8 percent from 9.8 percent.

High positivity rates in Aklan (23.8 percent), Palawan (23.6 percent), and Zamboanga del Sur (26.1 percent) were also observed.

Meantime, low positivity rates were reported in Capiz (5 percent), Davao del Norte (1.7 percent), Iloilo (4.4 percent), and South Cotabato (4 percent). (PNA/ Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

(PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

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