TOP STORIES - Thursday, April 18, 2024

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online and print media monitoring)

As of 5:00 p.m., 18 April 2024, Thursday

1. Marcos among Time's '100 Most Influential People of 2024'

[ABS-CBN News, Business Mirror, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5, Philstar, Rappler, Pilipino Star NGAYON, TIME]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/ferdinand-marcos-jr-named-time-magazine-most-influential-people-2024

2. Do not waste time on hecklers, trolls, Marcos urged

[Daily Tribune, Manila Standard, Inquirer, The Manila Times]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/04/17/news/do-not-waste-time-on-hecklers-trolls-marcos-urged/1942035

3. Marcos sets a grace period before ban on e-bikes, e-trikes is enforced

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Inquirer, News5, Rappler, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1931093/marcos-sets-a-grace-period-before-ban-on-e-bikes-e-trikes-is-enforced

4. Luzon and Visayas grids on red, yellow alert again; DOE asks public to reduce power consumption

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5, Philstar, ABS-CBN News, Rappler]

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/4/18/luzon-grid-on-red-alert-again-on-thursday-april-18-1023

5. China told: ‘Peace-loving’ nations won’t take US-PH-Japan meet as threat

[GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philstar, Rappler, Inquirer]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/232426/china-told-us-japan-ph-summit-shouldnt-be-treated-as-threat

6. BALIKATAN EXERCISES:

-Philippine Coast Guard to join military drills with US for first time

-Speaker seeks expanded Balikatan, appeals for increased US aid

[ABS-CBN News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Philstar, The Manila Times]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/04/18/news/philippine-coast-guard-to-join-military-drills-with-us-for-first-time/1942156

7. WEST PHL SEA:

-China claims Marcos admin knows WPS ‘deal’ with Duterte, new handling of row

-Roque says Cayetano knows about ‘secret agreement’ with China

-Chinese Embassy slams ‘malicious’ claims vs surge of Chinese students in Cagayan

-'Probe presence of Chinese nationals near EDCA sites'

[BusinessMirror, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Pilipino Star Ngayon, Remate, Inquirer]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/232437/china-marcos-admin-knows-wps-deal-with-duterte-new-handling-of-row

8. DFA verifying deaths of 2 Pinoys in flood-stricken Dubai

[ABS-CBN News, Manila Bulletin] https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/18/dfa-verifying-deaths-of-2-pinoys-in-flood-stricken-dubai

9. SC urged to block Comelec-Miru contract for 2025 polls

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5]

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/4/18/sc-urged-to-block-comelec-miru-contract-for-2025-polls-1004

10. ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN

-Batangas drug haul only P9.68 billion

-P218 M 'shabu' shipment seized, consignee falls at NAIA

[ABS-CBN News, Philstar, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5]

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/04/18/2348485/batangas-drug-haul-only-p968-billion

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Program to save learners from dropping out of school launched in Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – The  Provincial Convergence Advisory Committee (PCAC) in Surigao del Sur launched the program dubbed “Lahutay Tungha: Reach a Child” to save learners at risk of dropout at Libas Sud Integrated School in Barangay Libas Sud, San Miguel on April 12.

The pilot program initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Sur Division, and other significant partner stakeholders, as members of the committee, will provide timely intervention to help students and pupils at risk of dropping out (S/PARDO) of school.

The Lahutay Tungha: Reach a Child is a local program and initiative of the Provincial Convergence Advisory Committee (PCAC) in Surigao del Sur. The launching of the program took place at Libas Sud Integrated School in Barangay Libas Sud, San Miguel on April 12. This program addresses dropout cases in schools of the province, especially learners residing in remote areas. Photo courtesy of DSWD - SDS.  

DSWD Provincial Officer Meiraflor Cabigon said, “The program was conceptualized last year as a result of the research study conducted in all schools of DepEd - Surigao del Sur Division that showed the prevalence of S/PARDO, especially among learners residing in remote or far-flung barangays in the province.”

“The research also indicated a list of schools in the province with high and alarming numbers of S/PARDO, such as Libas Sud Integrated School,” Cabigon added.  

Cabigon disclosed that the school has a total of 80 students identified as S/PARDO, comprising 25 pupil-ARDOs and 55 student-ARDOs. Further, 39 of them were children under the  Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The study showed primary root causes based on interviews conducted with parents as respondents, such as some learners' lack of interest in going to school due to poverty and hunger in the family.

The Provincial Convergence Advisory Committee (PCAC) in Surigao del Sur identified 80 learners from Libas Sud Integrated School in Barangay Libas Sud, San Miguel to participate as beneficiaries of the program on Lahutay Tungha: Reach a Child. These learners will receive support such as feeding and nutritional assistance, fare assistance and other support from the members of the committee and stakeholders. Photo courtesy of DSWD-SDS.  

Adding to the situation is the distance of the school from their residence, and they needed to cross a stream to reach the nearest school in the area, including the painstaking journey on rough and muddy roads, especially during the rainy season.

Provincial Nutrition Office chief Miloniza Serra said, “The provincial government of Surigao del Sur, through the Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO), provided a month of dietary supplementation known as ‘Nutripack’ intended for the 80 identified learners.“

Another intervention made by the committee is the provision of free fare from April to May to the 34 learners who are living in far-flung areas, funded by the local government unit of San Miguel with a total amount of P56,760.

Babyjen Libura, as a beneficiary of the program, expressed her gratitude to the people behind the program for the help she received so she could continue with her studies.

“Salamat sa Lahutay Tungha nga programa kay dako kini nga tabang sa ako para mapadayon ako pag-eskwela. Labina layo ang amo eskwelahan sa among panimalay. Usahay moeskuyla da lamang kami nan way kinaon tungod sa kalisud,” Libura said.

[Thank you for the Lahutay Tungha as it greatly helps me continue my education, especially since our school is far from our house. Sometimes we go to school hungry because we do not have food to eat due to poverty.]

Meanwhile, to sustain the program and initiative of PCAC, partner stakeholders are also committed to the provision of hot meals for schoolchildren and beneficiaries. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

DSWD turns over 1st tribal center in Caraga to Surigao Sur town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office in Caraga recently turned over the indigenous people's (IP) cultural center to the municipality of Tagbina in the province of Surigao del Sur.

DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez led the turnover and  inauguration of the facility.

This serves as the first IP cultural center in the Caraga region.

DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez led the turnover of the first indigenous peoples cultural center in Caraga Region to the municipality of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. Photo courtesy of DSWD Caraga.  

According to Tagbina Special Programs Division chief Glenn B. Lazaro, the event was a vibrant celebration of the region's rich cultural heritage, of which a traditional IP ritual and blessing, invoking the spirits' guidance on the momentous occasion, took place during the inauguration. It was then followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling the cultural center's marker that signifies its official opening.

Lazaro said, “A presentation and the signing of the partnership agreement took place between the DSWD with its grant and the local government unit through its local counterpart contribution (LCC) for the IP cultural center with a total project cost of P6.1 million.”

The ceremony  highlighted the symbolic turnover of the key of responsibility, signifying the cascading of the duties of managing the sub-project to the different stakeholders,” Lazaro added.

A turnover of the key of responsibility highlighted the inauguration of the first indigenous people's (IP) cultural center in Caraga region as witnessed by DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez, Atty. Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin, KALAHI-CIDSS national project management office manager; DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, NCIP Regional Director Ordonio Rocero; Tagbina Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete; and Hinatuan Mayor Shem G. Garay. Photo courtesy of DSWD Caraga.   

After the turn-over rights, Tagbina Municipal Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Hawudon Nelbert Sahay expressed gratitude for the realization of the project that will serve as a hub for preserving indigenous culture, tradition, and history.

Sahay emphasized that the center will also provide a space for indigenous communities to come together, share experiences, and strengthen cultural connections. It can also serve as a venue  for community events, gatherings, and celebrations, as well as as a meeting place for tribal councils and organizations.

Second District Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel also delivered his message to support the welfare of the IPs in the province.

It can be recalled that the project started in 2023 and its contract was signed on Sept. 28 last year, signifying a monumental leap toward realizing the IP cultural center’s vision as a commitment to preserve and celebrate Tagbina’s indigenous roots and promote its unique cultural heritage.

The establishment of the cultural center was realized through the collaboration of the DSWD Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), LGU of Tagbina, barangay LGU, and tribal communities of Manobo and Mandaya.

The significant activity was also witnessed by Atty. Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin, KALAHI-CIDSS national project management office manager; DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, NCIP Regional Director Ordonio Rocero; Tagbina Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete; and Hinatuan Mayor Shem G. Garay. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Remote town in Surigao Norte launches 1st digital library

By Susil Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- A ceremonial turnover and training orientation on Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS) digital library took place on April 3 in Mainit town, Surigao del Norte.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Surigao del Norte spearheaded the said activity, which served as an official introduction of the STARBOOKS  digital library system to the community and served as a bridge to access to scientific and technological resources.

DOST Surigao del Norte Provincial Director Mariel P. Makinano said,  “This initiative, which involved the provision of five computer sets equipped with STARBOOKS technology, was made possible through community empowerment under the Science and Technology (CEST) Program of the DOST Caraga’s local grants-in-aid.

The director said that STARBOOKS is a digital library packed with a wealth of science and technology-related content that offers users access to a vast array of academic and research materials, interactive modules, and multimedia resources.

“With its user-friendly interface and offline capabilities, STARBOOKS serves as an invaluable tool for students, educators, and researchers alike, fostering a culture of inquiry, discovery, and innovation,” Makinano added.

Makinano explained that STARBOOKS will revolutionize the learning experiences of students in the town and beyond as readers are encouraged to explore this cutting-edge technology and unlock a world of knowledge at their fingertips.

Meanwhile, DOST Caraga Regional Office Science and Research Specialist Narciso M. Batingal Jr. provided a comprehensive training orientation on the utilization of STARBOOKS and explained its myriad features and functionalities.

The Department of Science and Technology in Surigao del Norte turned over the five computer sets equipped with STARBOOKS technology to the local government unit of Mainit, Surigao del Norte. Starbooks, as a digital library, will serve as an invaluable tool for students, educators, and researchers in the town to strengthen the culture of inquiry, discovery, and innovation in the community. Photo courtesy of DOST-SDN.

Mayor Crisanta O. Mondano welcomed and expressed gratitude to the personnel of DOST. She emphasized the invaluable role of STARBOOKS in enhancing learning experiences for both teachers and pupils.

The Municipal Planning and Development Officer of Mainit, Vanesa Naldoza, underscored the importance of such initiatives in advancing education in the locality.

Representatives from recipient schools such as Binga Elementary School (ES), Cantugas ES, Magpayang ES, Mansayao ES, and Marayag ES also expressed their appreciation and eagerness to integrate this innovative technology into their educational practices. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte with a report from DOST-SDN)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Surigao Norte gears up for investment exploration

By Susil Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Surigao del Norte and the Board of Investments (BOI) conducted a three-day investment exploration in the province of Surigao del Norte from April 2 to 4.

The significant activity highlighted a roundtable discussion on energy and conservation projects (EECP) and other projects under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) with stakeholders from various sectors, including mining companies, private schools and hospitals, and local government units.

According to DTI Provincial Director Arnold Faelnar, the activity identified and promoted investment opportunities and locating potential ones, particularly in priority sectors such as energy efficiency and conservation projects, renewable energy, and other projects eligible for Board of Investment Registration.

The director said, “The significant gathering updated and validated the information on stakeholders involvement in green metals,to assess ready for occupancy areas, and to attract more investments in the province for economic growth and development.”

Faelnar further said that part of the investment exploration was a consultative meeting with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Caraga Region to ensure accuracy and to verify data on mining companies and their community projects.

A roundtable discussion recently took place between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Board of Investments (BOI) to discuss the potential investments in the province of Surigao del Norte as anchored on the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which provides incentives to investors such as income tax holidays (ITH), enhanced deductions (EH), and a preferential five percent corporate income tax rate (CIT) that will motivate them to venture and invest in the province. Photo courtesy of DTI-SDN. 

The investment exploration team identified and visited the municipalities of Claver and Tagana-an, as they are hosting several mining firms in the province, including Barangay Hayanggabon in Claver,  to assess the readiness of the reclamation area, which is also identified as an industrial zone and a potential site for investors.

With SIPP, launched in 2022, investing in the country became more friendly as it extended the tax incentives for investments in numerous fields, such as income tax holidays (ITH), enhanced deductions (EH), and a preferential five percent corporate income tax rate (CIT).

The Board of Investment, on the other hand, is tasked withassisting Filipino and foreign investors to venture and prosper economically and provides tax breaks and other incentives to registered entities that engage in activities identified as investment priorities or those that promote the general economic development of the country.

Those companies that are registered with the BOI may now enjoy the income tax holidays for three to eight years, exemption from local business taxes for a period of four to six years, equity investments in Philippine corporations, simplified customs procedures, simplified employment for foreign nationals and expats, exemptions from wharf dues, tax credits, and tax exemptions on breeding stocks and agricultural produce. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte with a report from DTI-Surigao del Norte)