Brunei News Gazette

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Western Visayas (DENR-MGB Region 6) has begun a comprehensive vulnerability and risk assessment (VRA) to update Bacolod City's geohazard map, which has not been revised in over a decade.

According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Research and Planning Section, the existing geohazard map from 2013 no longer reflects the current conditions of the city due to numerous developments over the years. "Our last susceptibility map was in 2013. It's now 2024, and many developments have already taken place in the city," Vera stated during a telephone interview.

The assessment commenced on Wednesday, covering the first 10 barangays, with plans to evaluate the next 11 villages on Thursday. Vera noted that the goal is to assess all 61 barangays within two months. The VRA, led by Geologist II ER Ramos from the DENR-MGB, aims to provide a detailed analysis of the risks facing the city, updating Bacolod's susceptibility map on a 1:10,000 scale. This scale will show the level of susceptibility of barangays and sitios to landslides and flooding.

The DENR-MGB explained that the VRA assesses the vulnerability and potential risks based on the exposure of three critical elements: population, built-up areas, and roads. This assessment will generate predictive data on how these elements might be affected by rain-induced landslides and floods, considering their exposure to varying levels of vulnerability.

Geohazard maps are essential tools for local planners and managers, guiding them in identifying safe areas for construction, evacuation sites, and development. These maps are also crucial for formulating effective mitigation and disaster management strategies to enhance community resilience against natural hazards.

DAVAO CITY – The ongoing El Niño phenomenon has inflicted PHP5 million worth of damage on agricultural crops across Davao City, impacting the livelihoods of local farmers.

According to Philippines News Agency, head of the City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO), the adverse weather has particularly affected the districts of Tugbok, Marilog, Calinan, and Paquibato, where approximately 93.3 hectares of crops have been damaged, impacting 108 farmers. "The extreme heat has caused rapid drying of soil and plants, leading to defoliation of fruit trees. We anticipate that the number of affected farmers may continue to rise," Haspe stated. The period from March to May, which is crucial for planting high-value crops, has seen significant disruption due to the dry conditions.

The CAgrO has initiated an El Niño action plan to address the immediate needs arising from the dry spell. Haspe emphasized that the city government had started preparing for El Niño as early as January, with plans to expand irrigation infrastructure significantly. "We have projects set to roll out this year aimed at enhancing irrigation in the Paquibato and Marilog districts, which will benefit over a hundred farmers," he explained.

Moreover, the city has constructed several rainwater catchment systems, with 466 in Marilog, 80 in Paquibato, and 42 in Calinan, some of which are being utilized as fishponds in highland areas. "We've also bolstered our resources with the procurement of 60 new sprayers and 60 units of water pumps in preparation for continuing dry conditions," Haspe added.

Haspe urged farmers experiencing hardships due to the drought to seek assistance from the local government through the CAgrO.

MANILA — The Philippines' national government budget deficit decreased to PHP195.9 billion in March from PHP210.3 billion in the same month last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, The BTr noted that the reduction in the budget gap was supported by an 11.32 percent increase in revenue compared to last year, contrasted with a smaller 3.18-percent rise in government spending. Revenue collections reached PHP287.9 billion, up from PHP258.7 billion in March 2023. This increase occurred despite a slight drop in tax revenues, mainly due to reduced collections by the Bureau of Customs, attributed to fewer working days in the month because of public holidays.

Government expenditures also grew, totaling PHP483.8 billion, up from PHP468.9 billion the previous year. "The increase in disbursements across agencies was moderated by decreased subsidies to government corporations and reduced transfers to local government units, particularly special shares of LGUs in the proceeds of national taxes," the BTr reported. The bureau also mentioned that the transfer of PHP15.0 billion to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund, expected in April this year, contributed to the fiscal dynamics; last year, this transfer occurred in March.

For the first quarter of the year, the cumulative budget deficit was recorded at PHP272.6 billion. Total revenue collections for the period stood at PHP933.7 billion, while expenditures reached PHP1.2 trillion, reflecting the ongoing challenge of managing government spending relative to income.

CEBU CITY – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Central Visayas has announced a commitment to expedite the distribution of vehicle license plates within 11 days from the application, aligning with directives to improve service efficiency.

According to Philippines News Agency, regional director of LTO-7, the office is intensifying efforts to meet the 11-day issuance mandate following instructions from Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza. This commitment was reaffirmed during Mendoza’s visit to Cebu on Tuesday for the inauguration of a new licensing center in Barangay Talamban. Mendoza assured new vehicle buyers that they would receive their license plates within 11 days of the sales invoice issuance, detailing the timeline where dealers have three days to deliver the plates, and the LTO has a subsequent five days to process them.

Galario also disclosed that the region is addressing a backlog of 670,000 undistributed license plates dating back to 2018. The LTO-7 has adopted new strategies for clearing this backlog, which include flagging down vehicles with temporary plates and enhancing coordination with vehicle dealers.

Further boosting this effort, the LTO recently received a shipment of 404,000 license plates, with an additional 1.1 million expected in the coming weeks, which should significantly aid in resolving the existing distribution delays.

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Local officials have highlighted the role of cooperatives in combatting poverty within the city, with initiatives aimed at significant reductions in poverty rates.

According to Philippines News Agency, speaking at the Provincial Cooperative Development Council meeting on Wednesday, enhancing the role of cooperatives in the city is vital for achieving a single-digit poverty incidence. Mayor Cañosa voiced strong support for the efforts of City Cooperative Development Officer (CCDO) Norma Carcido and Provincial Cooperative Officer Alberto Acain. These efforts include extending city services and project implementations to local cooperatives, particularly those involving farmers and other livelihood-based organizations.

The CCDO has initiated a series of upskilling programs for cooperative members, focusing on sustainable livelihood projects that align with the provincial government’s poverty reduction strategies. The Philippine Statistics Authority reports that Misamis Oriental’s poverty rate stood at 18.1 percent in 2021. In response, Governor Peter Unabia has mandated an interdepartmental and comprehensive local government approach to align socio-economic programs and policy agendas with poverty reduction targets.

CARMONA, CAVITE – The City of Carmona is collaborating with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and various international partners to transform into a smart city, utilizing modern technology to improve urban functionality, sustainability, and livability.

According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke on Wednesday, the Carmona City government has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with DOST's Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-based Development Program (iSTART). The MOA enables DOST to assist in transferring relevant technologies and providing training to the city's personnel.

A smart city, as defined in the Philippine context, employs innovation and technology to enhance urban areas, making them more responsive to the needs of their residents and the environment. In this vein, the Smart City Network (SCN) in partnership with DOST-Calabarzon and the city government, hosted a workshop on smart city transformation at the Carmona Training Center on Tuesday. The session featured insights from SCN chair Dr. Kok Chin Tay, also the executive director of the ASEAN Smart Cities Council, and Dr. Piyush Sinha, chief business officer of L and T Technology Services, Ltd.

During the workshop, Sinha discussed the logistical challenges and opportunities presented by the Philippines' archipelagic structure, emphasizing the potential of connectivity advancements to facilitate data sharing across islands through an open data platform. Sinha also highlighted the importance of digital literacy programs, particularly for indigenous groups, to ensure inclusive participation in the smart city transformation.

SCN, a non-profit, membership-based organization, brings together professionals with expertise across a range of fields including strategic planning, cyber security, smart mobility, and smart healthcare, among others. This collective expertise is geared towards supporting urban centers like Carmona in their journey towards becoming responsive, integrated smart cities.

MANILA — A policy regulating tattoos among personnel and applicants of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is under scrutiny for lacking legal foundation, according to a statement from Manila Representative Joel Chua.

According to Philippines News Agency, current laws, including Republic Act (RA) 6713, which sets the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and RA 6975 that established the PNP, do not prohibit tattoos. Chua emphasized that the PNP's restrictions on tattoos are absent from the general qualifications for appointment listed under Section 30 of RA 6975. He also argued that the policy infringes on constitutional freedoms as tattoos represent a form of artistic expression protected under the right to free expression. "The PNP should discard that policy now before they face legal challenges for its unconstitutionality," Chua stated.

During a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo explained that the policy requires personnel with visible tattoos to have them removed, citing the need for a professional appearance in uniform. The policy, detailed in Memorandum Circular 2024-023, also mandates that officers with tattoos that are not visible file an affidavit. However, aesthetic tattoos such as those used for eyebrows, eyeliner, or lips are exempt from this rule.

Chua criticized the policy as a negative perception of individuals with tattoos and stated that tattoos should only be a concern if they signify active participation in a criminal organization. He further noted that the policy could unjustly affect former convicts who have reintegrated into society post-incarceration, as current laws promote restorative justice.

The lawmaker also highlighted potential health risks associated with the mandatory removal of tattoos, pointing out the danger of infection. Meanwhile, Fajardo mentioned that the PNP Health Service would issue recommendations on how to safely remove visible tattoos.

Chua also pointed out the disparity in policy applications, noting that unlike the PNP, the Supreme Court does not prohibit judges from having tattoos, referencing a ruling from September 29, 2021. "It is disappointing that our PNP maintains this negative mindset about people with tattoos," Chua concluded.

ILOCOS NORTE – The Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) of Ilocos Norte continues to report a 99 percent employment rate, distinguishing itself as a leading performer in Region 1 with its extensive range of employment programs.

According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke in a media interview on Wednesday, the province saw about 350,000 individuals gainfully employed in 2023.

The provincial government actively posts hundreds of job vacancies daily on its dedicated portal, https://www.workinilocosnorte.ph. Further, Ilocos Norte facilitates year-round job fairs and runs several initiatives such as the Special Program for the Employment of Students, the Jobstart program, and emergency employment and livelihood assistance programs aimed at marginalized groups, including out-of-school youth.

Since its inception in 2012, the Task Force Trabaho program, launched by the provincial government, has created approximately 50,000 jobs. Residents like Jordan Mistranza, a local call center agent, praise the ease of job hunting in the province thanks to the collaborative efforts of the provincial government, private companies, and other agencies. "I am thankful for the many job opportunities that came my way. I no longer have to travel far to get the job I want," he stated.

Kenneth Natividad, a former intern at the provincial government, now employed as a content writer in the Communications and Media Office, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted the valuable training and growth opportunities offered by his employment with the provincial government.

Additionally, over PHP10 million was distributed on Tuesday to 1,616 marginalized workers hired under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating mga Displaced/Disadvantaged (TUPAD) program. Atuan noted that this disbursement marks the first batch of the year's emergency employment initiative, with over a thousand more job vacancies expected to be available in May, coinciding with the Labor Day celebrations.

SOROGON CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with its National Advisory Council and National Technical Working Group, is currently assessing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to refine its implementation and increase its impact on beneficiaries.

According to Philippines News Agency, over 350 delegates from 17 regions have gathered in Sorsogon for a four-day field visit. The aim is to examine the 4Ps program's application in the province and to identify and address challenges. "Officials and personnel from our central office, along with other national government agencies, will tour towns in Sorsogon province to understand firsthand the hurdles faced by the recipients and to determine necessary interventions to improve their well-being. Our goal with the 4Ps is to interrupt the cycle of inter-generational poverty," Laurio explained.

The visit included trips to five towns known for their effective practices in running the 4Ps. Laurio highlighted several achievements, such as the adoption of anti-cash card pawning ordinances, effective workforce caseload assessments, and capacity-building efforts that have significantly contributed to the program's success. "We are pleased to share the success stories of over 80,000 children who graduated from the program, former beneficiaries who are now program staff, and instances where beneficiaries voluntarily ended their participation due to improved socio-economic status," he added.

Activities during the visit also involved home visitations and interviews focusing on key areas such as education, health, compliance with program conditions, livelihood, and family development sessions. Laurio noted that after the field visit, a focus group discussion will take place to address program issues, concerns, and gaps identified during the visit. "The insights gathered will form the basis of recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the 4Ps program," he stated.

DSWD-5 reports indicate that there are currently 405,588 active 4Ps household beneficiaries in the region as of March 2024.

DAGUPAN CITY – The annual Bangus Festival in Dagupan, which commenced on April 14, is projected to invigorate the local milkfish industry and the city's economy, while also heightening environmental consciousness among its attendees. The festival, peaking with a grand street party on April 30, will see about 12,000 pieces or 5,000 kilos of bangus grilled, celebrating the city’s most cherished produce.

According to Philippines News Agency, despite the typical post-Holy Week downturn, there are no present concerns regarding bangus production, though prices have dropped due to fluctuating demand. Currently, fresh bangus is sold for PHP140 to PHP150 per kilo, reduced from PHP180-PHP200 during the Holy Week. The festival is not only a cultural spectacle but also a significant economic event, anticipated to attract many tourists who seek out Dagupan’s renowned bangus. Last year, the event led to a price increase post-festival due to boosted tourist visits.

In support of local industry, the mayor stated that consignacion (fish vendors) are encouraged to source 90 percent of their bangus from local producers, limiting external procurement to 10 percent. Additional plans are underway to establish designated areas for vendors to sell fresh bangus directly to festival-goers, enhancing the event's appeal.

The festival also includes a variety of activities such as the Barkada Fun Run, a bangus rodeo, cooking competitions, river clean-up initiatives, esports tournaments, and traditional street dancing, all designed to enhance both community engagement and tourism. Mayor Fernandez has also confirmed that measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of all participants during these events.