Year: 2023

LEGAZPI: In Barangay Bakal, Paracale, Camarines Norte, Melody Portugal, a 60-year-old member of the Manide tribe, stands as a symbol of perseverance and hope. She recently received Christmas gifts including school supplies, essential for her ongoing journey in learning to read and write. For years, Portugal has been attending the Katutubo Village Elementary School (KVES), a critical institution in combating illiteracy among the indigenous community.

According to Philippines News Agency, Portugal was encouraged in 2020 to move closer to KVES to facilitate her access to education. Balancing her day job at a calamansi farm with her educational pursuits, Portugal is determined to overcome her inability to read and write. "I just want to learn so I will not get lost when I travel because I can read the signboards," she explained. Portugal's enrollment at KVES is part of a broader effort by the Department of Education, supported by the provincial and municipal governments of Camarines Norte, to provide education to the Manide tribe, regardless of age.

KVES, a three-room schoolhouse, serves as a literacy hub for the Manide tribe, blending mainstream and modular education for both children and adults, including night classes for those who work during the day. Currently, the school has 184 indigenous students, with 98 children and 86 adults. The institution is staffed by seven teachers dedicated to providing education that respects the Manide tribe's cultural heritage while addressing contemporary educational needs.

Terrazula emphasized the school's commitment to equality and the belief that everyone has the right to education. The daily efforts of KVES teachers, who walk over two kilometers through challenging terrain to reach the school, signify their dedication to eradicating illiteracy among the Manide tribe. Portugal recalled how IP children initially feared attending school, but now it's common to see mothers and children learning side by side.

The resilience and determination displayed by students and staff alike at KVES highlight the school's role in empowering the indigenous community to overcome historical barriers to education. Melody Portugal, at 60, embodies the spirit of never giving up on one's dreams, regardless of age. "As long as my eyes can see clearly, I will study how to read and write," she said, epitomizing the transformative power of education.

MANILA: The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have expressed concern over escalating tensions in the South China Sea. A statement released Saturday night by the ASEAN diplomats highlighted the threat these developments pose to regional peace and stability. "We closely follow with concern the recent developments in the South China Sea that may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region," the statement read, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, safety, security, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, there is a crucial need for all parties involved to exercise self-restraint and re-establish mutual trust in the region. They called for actions that would avoid complicating the situation and stressed the importance of peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The diplomats also reiterated the importance of fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and committed to working towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

The ASEAN foreign ministers welcomed the recent maritime dialogue between China and the United States, expressing hope that it would contribute to ASEAN's efforts to enhance stability and cooperation in the maritime domain of the region. "We reaffirm our unity and solidarity and our shared commitment to maintaining and further strengthening stability in our maritime sphere to bring about overall peace, security, stability, and prosperity in our region," the statement concluded, underlining the collective commitment of ASEAN nations to regional stability and cooperation.

MANILA: From January to November, the Philippine government disbursed PHP153 billion in subsidies to various government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs). The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) released data indicating that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) received the largest portion of these subsidies, amounting to PHP50.7 billion. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) followed as the second largest recipient with PHP38.4 billion, and the National Housing Authority ranked third with subsidies totaling PHP17.8 billion.

According to Philippines News Agency, other top beneficiaries among GOCCs included the National Food Authority (NFA) receiving PHP9.7 billion; the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation with PHP5 billion; the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation at PHP4.6 billion; the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority with PHP3.3 billion; and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, which received PHP2.9 billion. In November alone, the subsidies to GOCCs increased to PHP6.7 billion, up from PHP6.1 billion in the same month of the previous year. During this month, the NIA was the largest beneficiary, receiving a subsidy of PHP2.5 billion, closely followed by the NFA which also received PHP2.5 billion.

MANILA: In a tragic incident, a four-year-old boy from Central Luzon lost all five fingers on his right hand and suffered neck burns after a "dart bomb" exploded, as reported by the Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday. This case was among eight fireworks-related injuries recorded by the DOH from Saturday morning to Sunday morning.

According to Philippines News Agency, the injured individuals were all male, with the oldest being 37 years old. Six of the incidents occurred at home or on the streets, while two happened in designated areas. Alarmingly, five of these cases involved illegal fireworks. The DOH expressed grave concern over the accessibility of dangerous and illegal fireworks to young children. "We are thankful that the Department of the Interior and Local Government and many local government units are heeding the call to have community fireworks displays instead," the DOH stated, urging the police to intensify their efforts against the sale of illegal fireworks that endanger the lives of Filipino children.

The DOH reported a total of 115 fireworks-related injuries since December 21, with the National Capital Region accounting for 38 percent of these cases. Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region followed with 13 cases each. Soccsksargen reported nine cases, Calabarzon had six, while Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas each had five cases. In Eastern Visayas, the count of fireworks-related injuries increased to six as of Sunday. The latest reports included a nine-year-old boy from Burauen, Leyte, who sustained head and eye injuries from a lantaka (portable cannon), and a 33-year-old man from Guiuan, Eastern Samar, who suffered multiple injuries in the lower extremities due to a kwitis (mini skyrocket). The four previous victims were males aged 6, 8, 11, and 24.

The DOH noted that Boga (improvised cannon), Five Star, kwitis, Piccolo, luces (sparklers), Pla-Pla, whistle bomb, and other unlabeled items, including the dart bomb and imported fireworks, were responsible for 72 percent of the cases. Illegal fireworks, particularly Boga, Five Star, Piccolo, and Pla-pla, caused 59 percent of these incidents.

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to maintain the spirit of solidarity and contribute to national development as the country welcomes the new year. In his New Year's message, President Marcos emphasized the importance of reflecting on the past year's accomplishments and learning from them to advance unity and development. "As a nation, we bid farewell to the challenges and triumphs of the past year and embrace a new dawn of opportunity and hope that heralds another fresh start for all," he stated.

According to Philippines News Agency, the new year is a time to reinforce the unity forged among the Filipino people and to contribute to the future of the nation. He called upon Filipinos worldwide to engage in acts of kindness, volunteerism, and compassion, considering each individual a catalyst for meaningful social transformation. President Marcos also expressed his commitment to strengthening bonds and charting a new roadmap for the future, envisioning a revitalized Philippines – a Bagong Pilipinas – guiding the nation's endeavors towards peace, progress, and prosperity.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez expressed his hope for a renewed sense of optimism and purpose in 2024. "The challenges ahead are opportunities for us to innovate, collaborate, and build a nation that echoes the dreams and aspirations of every Filipino," Romualdez stated. He acknowledged the transformative journey of 2023 as a milestone and testament to the nation's dedication to progress, unity, and service. The Speaker praised the collective efforts in passing critical bills, measures, and resolutions, emphasizing their role in shaping policy and strengthening democracy in the Philippines. He expressed optimism for a more prosperous future under the leadership of President Marcos, whose vision aligns with the collective desire for progress.

Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo described 2023 as a year of economic challenges and steady progress for the Philippines. She highlighted the need for reforms in various areas to improve the nation's state and uplift the lives of the Filipino people. Quimbo emphasized the consensus on liberalizing some critical economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, along with addressing other critical issues. "The bottom line is we need to send a certain and predictable signal to the global investor community: the Philippines is ready, able, and willing to accept foreign direct investments," she stated.

In the realm of national security, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. called on Filipinos to support the DND's initiatives in protecting the country's security and stability. "We thank our President, our stakeholders, and our people for the trust and confidence in our institution," Teodoro said in his New Year message, calling for continued support to build a stable, secure, and solid Philippines. Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) also appealed to the public to assist in creating a more resilient nation. "As we welcome the New Year, let us carry the spirit of resilience and unity with us. Let us work together to build a safer and more prepared nation. May 2024 bring hope, prosperity, and peace to every Filipino," he added.

MANILA: The Director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, emphasized on Sunday the importance of abstaining from indiscriminate firing during the New Year celebrations. He issued a stern warning to police officers, stating that anyone found involved in such activities would face immediate arrest and subsequent administrative and criminal charges. "We must ensure the safety of our community to avoid any untoward incidents, and we must serve as an example for the community by celebrating responsibly," Maranan said in a news release, urging officers to exercise extreme caution and avoid the use of firearms as part of the celebration.

According to Philippines News Agency, Maranan also advised the public to follow Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices. To enhance safety during the festivities, the QCPD has designated specific areas where the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices will be allowed. In Fairview, these areas include SSS Village open space, Namapa basketball court, Balikatan court, Fairmont clubhouse, UNFHAI clubhouse, and Drachma open space. Cubao Police Station-7 has set areas in front of Barangay Socorro Hall, Murphy Market, Barangay San Roque Hall, and Barangay San Martin de Porres covered court. Anonas Police Station-9 has allocated spaces at K-10th St. corner Kasing-Kasing St., K-H St., Aguho St., Batino St. corner Aurora Blvd., and several open areas and parks.

Kamuning Police Station-10's designated celebration areas are Roces Avenue, Rotonda, Scout Chuatoco corner Scout Reyes Streets, Kamuning Road corner 11th Jamboree St., and NIA Road corner BIR Road. Project 6 Police Station-15 has approved areas on the rooftops of SM North and Trinoma Mall, while Pasong Putik Police Station-16 has designated the Robinsons Novaliches rooftop for festivities.

Maranan concluded by seeking public cooperation in reporting any violations and urged residents to find alternative celebration methods that do not involve illegal firecrackers. He emphasized that adherence to these guidelines would ensure a safer and more secure environment for everyone during the New Year celebrations.

MANILA: The Philippines has successfully expanded its international trade network by securing two new free trade agreements (FTAs) in 2023. These include the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and a bilateral trade pact with South Korea. These agreements aim to reduce trade and investment barriers and enhance commercial relationships with partner countries. The RCEP agreement came into effect in the Philippines on June 2, following the Senate's approval on February 21. The agreement involves the 10 ASEAN member states and their FTA partners, which include China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The negotiations for this pact were concluded in November 2020.

According to Philippines News Agency, the RCEP is seen as a significant boost to the country's economic growth. Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the importance of being part of the RCEP, highlighting the enhanced market access it provides and placing the Philippines on equal footing with some of the world's largest economies. The RCEP countries collectively account for a third of the world’s population and economy, making it the largest FTA globally. Balisacan also addressed concerns about the influx of agricultural products, noting that tariff reductions under RCEP apply only to 15 out of 33 agricultural commodity groups.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) encouraged Filipino exporters, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the RCEP. DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual described the RCEP as a modern, comprehensive, high-quality economic partnership that would enhance economic efficiency among member states and strengthen various sectors, including manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and natural resources. He also emphasized the potential for MSMEs to integrate more effectively into global value chains.

The Philippines further extended its trade horizons with the signing of a bilateral FTA with South Korea on September 7. This agreement marks the country's third bilateral trade pact, following the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in 2006 and the European Free Trade Association in 2016. The Philippines-South Korea FTA negotiations began in June 2019, further solidifying trade relations between Manila and Seoul.

MANILA: Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Sunday the completion of small farm reservoirs (SFRs) in selected pilot provinces under Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access). These reservoirs, constructed in Ifugao, Antique, and Davao de Oro, are part of an initiative to mitigate the potential effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Gatchalian emphasized in a news release that these provinces are now better equipped to face the challenges of El Niño as they begin the year 2024.

According to Philippines News Agency, municipalities in these provinces, including Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Hungduan in Ifugao; Sebaste, Barbaza, Sibalom in Antique; and Laak, Monkayo, Compostela in Davao de Oro, were chosen based on the severity of the expected impact of El Niño. The construction of the SFRs was facilitated through the cash-for-work (CFW) and cash-for-training (CFT) components of Project LAWA, involving local residents in the building process. These residents received financial support in exchange for their labor, contributing to the development of alternative water resources for their communities.

The DSWD chief highlighted that Project LAWA aims to assist and protect communities from the slow onset of the El Niño phenomenon by providing sustainable water sources and additional income support. The SFRs, covering an area of 20 by 25 square meters with a maximum depth of 50 feet, are designed to serve as crucial water sources during droughts. They also offer the potential for fish breeding and irrigation for agricultural products.

Gatchalian stated that Project LAWA is not just about ensuring a sustainable water supply; it is also a strategic food security measure. The availability of water from the SFRs enables communities to cultivate more fruit-bearing trees, disaster-resilient crops, and vegetables, and engage in aquaponics and aquaculture, contributing to the goal of eliminating hunger among Filipino families. This initiative particularly benefits indigenous communities, farmers, fisherfolk, and women.

Looking ahead, the DSWD plans to expand Project LAWA to more areas next year. Gatchalian expressed gratitude to partners like the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the World Food Programme, as well as local government units, for their support in Phase 2 of the project. Launched on August 31, Project LAWA is part of the DSWD's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically targeting no poverty, no hunger, and climate action, and aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028, focusing on Climate Resiliency and Food Security.

MANILA: Filipino-born Japanese golfer Yuka Saso reflected on her 2023 season, expressing gratitude for her health and accomplishments. With eight top-10 finishes in 22 LPGA Tour tournaments, Saso ended the year with a strong performance, including a 23rd-place tie in the CME Group Tour Championship in November. She concluded the season ranked 17th in the Race to CME Globe Season points competition. "I think that's the most important thing (to stay healthy)," stated the 22-year-old US Women's Open champion, who represented the Philippines, during a Sunday interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, her standout achievement in 2023 was finishing as runner-up in the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in Springfield, New Jersey, in July. She narrowly missed the championship by one stroke to Ruoning Yin of China but earned a substantial USD875,130 (approximately PHP48 million) in the process. With total earnings of USD1,822,486 (about PHP100 million), Saso is currently ninth on the official money list. Born in San Ildefonso, Bulacan to a Filipino mother and Japanese father, Saso has been consistent in her approach to the sport, emphasizing the importance of practice and hard work. "It's a process - doing the same thing over and over again," said the world No. 27 golfer.

In a significant decision, Saso announced in 2021 her choice to renounce Filipino citizenship in compliance with Japanese law, which requires her to select one nationality upon turning 22. Despite this, her connection to the Philippines remains strong, as evidenced by her recent one-day clinic for upcoming golfers at The Country Club in Laguna on December 27. Looking ahead to 2024, Saso plans to participate in all major tournaments, including the Chevron Championship, Women's PGA Championship, US Women's Open, The Evian Championship, and The Women's Open. She is also focused on qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite stiff competition from the Japanese contingent. "There will be tournaments every week, so each week will be important to get to the Olympics," Saso remarked, highlighting her strategy to stay present and not look too far ahead.

Saso's golfing career includes notable achievements as a member of the Philippine team, such as winning the women's individual gold and contributing to the team victory in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. She also achieved a joint ninth-place finish in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed to the following year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

CEBU CITY: On Sunday, the Archbishop of Cebu, Jose Palma, delivered a New Year's message encouraging the Roman Catholic faithful to embrace hope and gratitude as they enter the new year. According to Philippines News Agency, Reflecting on the lessons learned in 2023, the Archbishop emphasized the importance of carrying these experiences into the new year. "It's better to start the new year with lessons learned from your experiences," he stated. Emphasizing faith, Archbishop Palma reassured the congregation that, despite uncertainties about the future, they can be confident in God's benevolent plans. He also highlighted the significance of the new year as a celebration of the Virgin Mary, urging the 4.6 million baptized Catholics in the Archdiocese of Cebu to seek guidance through prayer.

TACLOBAN CITY: The city government of Catbalogan in Samar has been granted 18 sub-projects funded by the Local Government Support Fund - Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP). These projects aim to promote peace in areas previously influenced by the New People's Army (NPA). According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Samar provincial director, each project is allocated a PHP6.6 million budget for implementation in 11 villages. The initiatives, including road construction, renewable electrification, health stations, and school buildings, were identified by residents through the Retooled Community Support Program earlier this year. Batulan emphasized the LGSF-SBDP's commitment to conflict resolution, food security, and enhancing essential services such as healthcare and education. These projects, which began on December 27, are expected to be completed in 2024. They are part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), established under Executive Order 70 on December 4, 2018, to foster development in former conflict-prone communities using a whole-of-nation approach.

CEBU CITY: A significant fire engulfed a restaurant inside a department store in Talisay City on Sunday morning, resulting in damages exceeding PHP8 million. The incident, which began at 9:55 a.m., quickly escalated, prompting a second alarm within 10 minutes, as reported by Talisay City Fire Officer 2 Mar Dee Auxtero. Remarkable efforts by firefighters, including reinforcements from neighboring Cebu City and Minglanilla town, brought the blaze under control within 40 minutes. The fire was completely extinguished by 10:46 a.m. Auxtero confirmed to the press that there were no injuries, and the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

According to Philippines News Agency, another fire incident occurred in Barangay Apas at 5 a.m., affecting a residential area. This earlier fire resulted in the total destruction of three houses and partial damage to four others, with an estimated loss of PHP1.5 million. The incident displaced six families, totaling 18 individuals. Benjie Sevilla, a 23-year-old local, suffered first-degree burns on his back and left arm while attempting to salvage belongings from his house. Preliminary findings suggest that the fire originated from a 500-square-meter establishment. The series of fire incidents on New Year's Eve has brought a somber start to the year for the affected residents of Cebu City.