Category: General

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has institutionalized the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-Abot Program to ensure the effective delivery of services to disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals living on the streets.

Under Executive Order (EO) 52, which was signed by Marcos on Thursday, the Pag-Abot Program will consist of nine component assistance packages — financial assistance; transportation or relocation assistance; transitory shelter assistance; livelihood assistance; employment assistance; psychosocial support; capability building of communities; capacity building of local government units (LGUs); and community assistance.

‘The Philippines is fully committed to realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 1 of eradicating poverty, implementing nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, and granting equal access to economic resources, particularly for the poor and vulnerable sector of society,’ EO 52 read.

‘The Pag-Abot P
rogram is hereby institutionalized as a platform for an enhanced and unified delivery of services to vulnerable and disadvantaged children, individuals, and families in street situations, through provision of social safety nets and protection against risks brought about by poverty.’

As part of the efforts to address poverty and social and economic equality in the country, an Inter-Agency Committee is created to ensure alignment with the objectives and complementation of activities of various government agencies.

The DSWD Secretary will chair the inter-agency committee, while the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will be the vice chair.

Members include the respective secretaries of the agriculture, labor, health, budget, and education departments; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general; chairperson of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor; the president and chief executive officer of the Small Business Corp.; and the administrator
of the Cooperative Development Authority.

The Inter-Agency Committee is mandated to determine within 30 days from the issuance of EO 52 the complementary services or assistance packages to be provided by relevant national government agencies, which should be aligned and integrated with the component assistance packages of the Pag-Abot Program.

It is also directed to provide overall direction for the implementation of the Pag-Abot Program, as well as ensure the compliance of concerned government agencies in the implementation and complementation of services to the program.

It is also tasked to develop a strategic communication plan to educate the people and advocate for supportive policies at the local level, in coordination with the Presidential Communications Office.

The Inter-Agency Committee is also designated to engage, consult, and coordinate with LGUs in formulating the policies and implementation of the Pag-Abot Program.

EO 52 also requires the Inter-Agency Committee to seek the support and assist
ance of other government agencies, as well as consult and seek the help of the private sector, relevant stakeholders, advocacy groups, and non-government organizations.

The Inter-Agency Committee shall conduct regular quarterly meetings and may hold special meetings, when deemed necessary by the chairperson, according to the EO.

‘The Inter-Agency Committee shall develop an integrated monitoring framework and a digital monitoring system containing a database of verified individual, family, and community beneficiaries, which shall measure and capture all developed deliverable areas and indicators. The Inter-Agency Committee shall also come up with a comprehensive and integrated sustainability plan,’ the order said.

The Inter-Agency Committee, through the DSWD, is directed to submit to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, a bi-annual report on the implementation of EO 52.

It is also mandated to formulate the rules and regulations necessary to implement the program withi
n 30 working days from the effectivity of the order.

The initial funding requirements necessary for the implementation of EO 52 will be charged against available appropriations of the DSWD and other member agencies of the Inter-Agency Committee, subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations.

The funds needed for the continued implementation of EO 52 will be included in the budget proposals of the said agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process.

The Pag-Abot Program is one of DSWD’s pilot programs, which extends assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, children, and families in street situations by providing various interventions and opportunities to improve their social and economic status and fulfill their fundamental rights.

Under the AmBisyon Natin 2040, as embodied in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the Marcos administration endeavors to implement policies and programs that are centered on coherent economic and social tran
sformation and equitable distribution of regional development opportunities.

Source: Philippines News Agency

DUMAGUETE: The newly inaugurated Pumping Station (PS) 21 and Transmission Pipe Bridge of the Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) will boost the water supply of this Negros Oriental capital city, ensuring that it will not be affected by the El Niño.

MDW chief operating officer Angelo David Berba made the assurance Friday after the ceremonial switch-on of the facility in Barangay Cadawinonan, which is connected to the transmission pipeline in Barangay Candauay.

‘The facility is projected to produce up to 3 million liters a day, benefiting more than 5,000 households or around 20,000 Dumagueteños in the areas of Batinguel, Taclobo, Motong, and Daro,’ Berba said.

He said the switching on of the PHP30-million pumping station, which became operational on Jan. 11, means that there would be plenty of water in this capital city amid the El Niño phenomenon.

‘In terms of the water table and the recharge rate, we have more than enough water as our source is coming from nearby Valencia town with underground systems flowing to
Dumaguete,’ Berba said.

Before the construction of PS 21, he said, the MDW was generating up to 45 million liters per day, depending on the requirements of customers.

As of last year, about 95 percent were already being supplied by the MDW, he said, admitting a “shortage” of water supply during peak hours.

Meanwhile, another pumping station located in Barangay Talay here is expected to be operational this year to fully satisfy the requirements of the city, he said.

‘This is proof of our commitment to excellence and the welfare of the community we serve. It represents a vital step forward in ensuring the sustainable provision of clean and safe water for the people of Dumaguete City. Moreover, it is only one of the multiple joint initiatives with DCWD (Dumaguete City Water District) that are lined up for 2024 and onwards,’ Berba said.

Operating since February 2021, the MDW is the joint venture company of DCWD and Metro Pacific Water. The joint venture aims to provide improved water services to Dumaguete an
d nearby communities.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: San Miguel and Ginebra set up a PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal clash after winning their quarterfinal games at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Friday night.

The Beermen first clinched a semifinal seat after holding off the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters, 127-122.

With the game tied at 67 at halftime, SMB outscored ROS, 42-22, in the third quarter to open a 109-89 lead entering the fourth.

The Elasto Painters tried to rally back after holding the Beermen scoreless in the final three minutes of the game, coming to within eight, 127-119, with 1:49 to go. However, they got to score again on a Keith Datu three with only 11 seconds left.

Bennie Boatwright led SMB with 41 points on 17-of-28 field goals, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block.

Jericho Cruz added 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 5-for-5 on twos, 1 rebound, and 1 assist, while June Mar Fajardo chipped in 13 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, and 3 steals.

Tree Treadwell led ROS with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assis
ts, and 1 block.

In the nightcap, the Gin Kings drubbed the NorthPort Batang Pier, 106-93.

Ginebra dominated the second quarter, outscoring NorthPort, 30-13, to open a 55-35 halftime lead.

The Batang Pier slowly crawled back in the third quarter and was within 10 points, 73-63, late in the period.

The Gin Kings regained their rhythm midway through the fourth quarter and stretched the gap to 20 points, 102-82, with three-and-a-half minutes left.

NorthPort went on a 9-0 run afterward to cut the lead down to 11, 102-91, with 1:41 remaining but it was their last gasp.

Tony Bishop led Ginebra with 31 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.

Jamie Malonzo added 21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, while Christian Standhardinger chipped in 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block.

JM Calma and Joshua Munzon each scored 19 points with Calma also grabbing 10 rebounds for NorthPort, which conspicuously played without Arvin Tolentino.

Venky Jois added 18 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists, 4 bl
ocks, and 2 steals.

Game 1 of the best-of-five series between the Beermen and the Gin Kings is scheduled at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.

Source: Philippines News Agency

WASHINGTON, The United States on Friday called on North Korea to refrain from further “provocative” and “destabilizing” actions, and to return to dialogue, after Pyongyang claimed to have tested an underwater nuclear weapons system under development.

The North’s defense ministry said the country conducted an “important” test of the Haeil-5-23 system, denouncing this week’s naval drills between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan as “reckless confrontation hysteria,” according to the Korean Central News Agency.

“We call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocative, destabilizing actions and return to diplomacy,” a State Department spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency. DPRK stands for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“In particular, we encourage the DPRK to engage in substantive discussions on identifying ways to manage military risks and create lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula,” the official added, reiterating the U.S. harbors no hosti
le intent toward the North.

Commenting on the North’s weapons test, John Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, said that the U.S. is in contact with South Korea.

“I don’t have a lot of specific information. We’re not in a position where we can validate those claims,” Kirby told a press briefing.

“We’re in touch obviously with our South Korean partners to see whatever information context they might have about that. So I can’t verify the claims by the North,” he added.

Kirby pointed out that if Pyongyang had actually tested the claimed weapon, it underscores the North Korean regime’s continued provocations.

“There’s little doubt that they continue to pursue advanced military capabilities to threaten their neighbors, to threaten the region,” he said.

Regarding the North’s hardening rhetoric against Seoul and Washington, Kirby stressed the need to take it “seriously.”

“You have to take rhetoric like that seriously from a man in charge of the regime that continues to
pursue advanced military capabilities, including nuclear capabilities,” he said. “(North Korean leader) Kim Jong-un ought to focus more on feeding his people than on buying and purchasing advanced military capabilities.”

Separately, a Pentagon spokesperson reiterated the U.S.’ security commitment to South Korea and Japan.

“We have been very clear on the threat posed by the DPRK military programs, and our commitment to the defense of the ROK, Japan, and our commitment to uphold regional peace and stability,” the spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency.

“We will continue to work with the both the ROK and Japanese governments to address the threats posed by the DPRK,” the official added, noting the U.S. is monitoring North Korean activities. ROK stands for South Korea’s official name.

From Monday through Wednesday, South Korea, the U.S. and Japan conducted trilateral naval drills that involved USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The drills followed Pyongyang
‘s latest launch of a hypersonic missile.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

ZHENGZHOU: Thirteen people have been confirmed dead in a fire that took place in a school dormitory in the county of Fangcheng, Nanyang City, central China’s Henan Province, on Friday night, local authorities said Saturday morning.

At 11 p.m. on Friday, the local fire department received an alarm about a fire in the dormitory of Yingcai School in Yanshanpu Village, Dushu Town.

Rescuers arrived at the scene quickly and the flames were put out at 11:38 p.m. However, over a dozen people died in the blaze.

One person was injured and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital and is in stable condition.

The investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched by local authorities.

Source: Philippines News Agency

SEOUL, Lee Jun-seok, a former leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), was elected as the inaugural chairman of a new party with reform pledges ahead of the April parliamentary elections.

The party, translated as The Reform Party, was officially launched 24 days after Lee left the PPP due to long-running feuds with President Yoon Suk Yeol and his loyalists in the conservative party.

The 38-year-old Harvard graduate, who has avid followers among young male voters, said he will push for a series of reform measures by winning seats in the upcoming elections.

“The real game for reform is now beginning,” Lee said during the party’s launching ceremony held at the National Assembly.”

“I will shout for reform until the end during the upcoming parliamentary elections. I will lead the election to victory,” he added.

Lee, who wore an orange jumper, the color of his party, said he is open to uniting other minor parties for the election, fueling speculations of a “big tent” created by those who are not affilia
ted with either of the two major rival parties.

Lee said his party will push for reform measures in controversial areas, including replacing the free subway rides for seniors with transportation vouchers and a fare discount system, and a revision of the male-only conscription system.

Lee, who served as PPP leader from June 2021 to August 2023, was ousted from the post last year as his party membership was suspended over allegations of sexual bribery in 2013.

Source: Yonhap News Agency