Category: General

TACLOBAN – In the city of Tacloban, solo parents are facing the daunting task of raising children alone, which often leads to stress and mental health issues. However, many have developed their own methods to cope with the pressures of solo parenting, ranging from active socialization to physical activities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jocelyn Igaña, a 52-year-old single mother of two, described feeling overwhelmed and anxious due to the pressures of parenting without support. She finds relief by engaging in housework and seeking emotional support from close friends. Babing Ronda, another solo parent, focuses on his work and plays basketball to manage his stress after the death of his wife left him to raise four children on a modest income.

Desiree Dollar, managing a small community store, handles her stress privately through prayer and social activities, wary of sharing her struggles openly due to fear of judgment. Gloria Fabrigas, the city government’s head of special projects, who is also a psychologist and a solo parent, emphasized the impact of financial strain, family problems, and social isolation on mental health. She noted that solo parents often feel alone in their responsibilities, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.

Fabrigas stressed the necessity of proper coping mechanisms, advising solo parents to focus on rest, sleep, connection with others, physical activity, and diet while avoiding substances like alcohol and cigarettes. Additionally, Francis Bernadeth Lerion, a counselor with Dream Quest International, urged those experiencing early signs of mental distress to seek support from friends, family, or groups.

The city’s Social Welfare and Development Office recently organized mental health awareness discussions during Solo Parents Week, providing a platform for solo parents to receive advice and encouragement to maintain their mental health.

MANILA — The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) has declared a PHP2.5 billion offer by Cavitex Infrastructure Co. (CIC) to buy out the government’s stake in the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) as “unfair” and harmful to government interests. This statement was issued on Monday following scrutiny of the proposal submitted by CIC, which is managed by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., led by Manny Pangilinan.

According to Philippines News Agency, the offer, made prior to the expiration of the operating and maintenance agreement on August 25, 2021, was found to be “egregiously unfair, unreasonable, and morally objectionable” upon initial review. Accepting this offer could potentially expose the PRA Board of Directors to legal challenges, including charges of corruption and actions detrimental to state interests.

The PRA highlighted that the acceptance of CIC’s proposal would also lead to the dissolution of the Public Estates Authority Tollways Corp. (PEATC), a government-owned corporation established for the operation, maintenance, and toll collection of Cavitex. The PRA has advised CIC to thoroughly review legal and regulatory frameworks, considering the special obligations and constraints in transactions involving government-owned corporations.

The dispute centers on the revised revenue sharing terms that were supposed to take effect following the expiration of CIC’s operating agreement. Since January 1, 2022, operations should have transitioned to PEATC with a new revenue sharing agreement, favoring the government 60-40 instead of the previous 90-10 in favor of CIC. The PRA Board has repeatedly called for this change, which CIC has resisted, claiming it has yet to recoup its PHP11 billion investment in the project.

The PRA argued that CIC’s failure to recover its investment does not affect the revised revenue sharing terms of Cavitex. According to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, the transition to a more equitable 60-40 revenue share is conditioned solely on the completion of Phase 1 of the project, which includes segments that were opened in 1998 and 2019, with another segment due to complete by 2025.

Recently, PEATC demanded the turnover of Cavitex from CIC, asserting that the expressway is government property, and the operation and maintenance agreement with CIC had expired in 2021. A writ of mandamus was filed in February before the Court of Appeals to assist in the turnover of the expressway to the government.

ALBAY – The “Hapag ng Pamana” Food Festival kicked off on Monday at the Albay Astrodome, featuring an array of famous local delicacies as part of the province’s Filipino Food Month celebrations.

According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the Albay Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office, the festival, themed “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago,” aims to bolster food tourism and celebrate the culinary identity of Albay.

The festival is a collaborative effort with the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) to engage the youth in appreciating and sustaining slow food traditions. Over the two-day event, at least 200 culinary students from local schools participated in a symposium on Albay’s culinary heritage and a series of cooking demonstrations. These sessions highlighted local dishes and delicacies such as Bicol express, tinuktok, kaloko, tagbakon langka, and sinangkutsa na manok.

Colle emphasized the event’s goal to integrate Albay’s unique culinary culture with its tourist attractions, enhancing the educational experience for local culinary students about the importance of preserving regional cuisines. Rhea Lyn Dela Cruz, an NCCA project officer, also noted the festival’s role in safeguarding the rich gastronomic heritage of Albay, a province celebrated for its diverse culinary offerings.

MAKATI CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has introduced a proposal to maintain up to 10 days of buffer stock of key agricultural products to prevent illegal price manipulation. This proposal was presented during a meeting with the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) held at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA’s plan aims to stabilize commodity prices by increasing the available supply, thereby reducing market prices. Nograles noted that this stockpiling would include essential items such as rice, corn, sugar, onion, pork, and fertilizers. The implementation of this strategy is pending as the DA is currently developing the necessary implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

Nograles added that while immediate implementation is not confirmed, the IRR will outline specific circumstances under which the government may activate this buffer stocking. She emphasized that the availability of such stocks would serve as a deterrent to hoarders and those engaged in price manipulation by allowing government intervention at any moment.

DTI Undersecretary Jose Edgardo Sunico highlighted that this would mark the first utilization of the Price Act’s provision on buffer stocking by the DA. Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, permits the procurement and distribution of basic necessities or prime commodities to regulate prices in regions experiencing shortages or needing price adjustments.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual has expressed support for the DA’s initiative, viewing it as a vital tool to help manage inflation pressures. This proposal represents one of several measures the government is considering to address economic challenges.

CEBU CITY – On Labor Day, a job fair featuring approximately 3,000 vacant positions will take place in Cebu City, aiming to provide numerous employment opportunities for local residents.

According to Philippines News Agency, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Central Visayas, the event marks the 199th Labor Day celebration and will be held at the SM Seaside City’s wing atrium.

The job fair, themed “Sa Bagong Pilipinas: Manggagawang Pilipino, Kabalikat at Kasama sa Pag-asenso,” will include a wide variety of positions. Among the highlighted opportunities are 600 vacancies for instructors of English as a second language, targeting different employers. Additionally, 100 positions for online instructors are available for those seeking either part-time or full-time teaching roles.

Further job openings at the fair include 200 vacancies for service crew members, 100 for customer service associates, 100 for customer service advisors, and 100 for sales associates. Estillore also noted that the fair would feature 30 openings for counter-service professionals and 10 for business center operations officers, with a prominent chain of malls among the employers.

This substantial offering underscores the region’s commitment to fostering employment and supporting the local workforce in their career advancement.

MANILA — The Supreme Court has overturned a decision by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which had rejected a disqualification petition against Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba filed before the 2022 elections. The court found that the Comelec committed a “grave abuse of discretion” and has remanded the case back to the Comelec en banc for proper review as of April 16.

According to Philippines News Agency, the case was elevated to its attention after the Comelec en banc overturned an initial decision by its Second Division, which had disqualified Governor Mamba based on substantial evidence that he violated Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code. This section prohibits the unauthorized release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds during the campaign period. The petitioner, Ma. Zarah Rose Lara, who also ran for governor, filed the petition on May 10, 2022, at 6:21 p.m., more than 24 hours after the elections had concluded.

The controversy arose when the Comelec en banc deemed Lara’s petition filed the next business day, May 11, at 8 a.m., after Mamba was proclaimed the winner at 1:39 a.m. that day. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the petition was validly filed within the day of the proclamation, noting that disqualification petitions could be submitted at any time during the 24-hour period of the proclamation day, as per Article 13 of the Civil Code.

The court also emphasized the need for Comelec procedures to adapt to modern technological realities, recognizing that email submissions are not constrained by traditional office hours. The Supreme Court stated that the Comelec, with its significant resources, should be capable of accessing and processing filings made via email outside of regular office hours. This decision underscores the court’s directive that procedural rules should align with substantive laws and adapt to technological advancements to ensure fairness and accessibility in electoral processes.

LANAO DEL NORTE – Lanao del Norte province is enacting new legislative measures to bolster its reproductive health programs and strengthen environmental protection, as announced by local officials this Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed legislation focuses on conserving natural assets including watersheds and mountain ranges. Buandang, who chairs the Committee on Environmental Protection, noted that these measures are critical for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring a sustainable water supply. He emphasized the importance of legal safeguards for coastal wetlands and the management of prominent green spaces such as Mt. Torong Torong, the San Antonio Eco Park, and the Provincial Capitol Children’s Park.

In parallel, provincial population officer Annete Daniel highlighted the Service Delivery Network for Adolescents Health and Development (ISDN4AHD). This network, integral to the province’s implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, facilitates the pooling and sharing of resources to optimize service delivery and impact. Daniel explained that ISDN4AHD includes a referral system connecting various stakeholders to maintain a continuum of information and services mandated by the law.

BRUNEI MUARA — The Brunei Muara District Scouts Association celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri with an open house event on the afternoon of April 21st, at the association’s headquarters. The celebration was marked by the presence of notable attendees including Skip Haji Junaidi bin Haji Hussin, Chief Commissioner of the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association.

According to Radio Television Brunei, The event featured a variety of activities, including a lucky draw and performances by scout members. The open house provided an opportunity for community members and scouts to come together in celebration, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

MANILA – The Philippines has publicly expressed its gratitude for the Group of Seven’s (G7) firm opposition to China’s claims in the South China Sea, highlighting the perceived threats to its vessels and sovereignty.

According to Philippines News Agency, the G7’s stance reinforces the rule of law and the maritime order based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The G7, which includes Canada, France, the United States, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, issued a communiqué on Friday opposing China’s aggressive actions in the region, including the use of coast guard and maritime militia in dangerous maneuvers.

The DFA underscored the importance of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which it views as a significant milestone for peaceful management and resolution of maritime disputes. The statement also recounted a recent incident on March 5, when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, supported by a militia ship, attacked a Philippine supply vessel with water cannons near Ayungin Shoal, causing significant damage and injuring crew members. This incident, among others, has drawn global criticism.

The Philippines aligns itself with the G7’s vision of maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region and advocates for a peaceful South China Sea, free from interference. The DFA also voiced readiness to cooperate with the G7 on economic initiatives to bolster growth within the region and beyond.

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a directive for extended construction hours and continuous emergency repairs on government infrastructure projects to accelerate the administration’s ambitious ‘Build, Better, More’ program.

According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative is designed to expedite the completion of essential infrastructure developments across the Philippines. “Under the Build, Better, More program, we will intensify ongoing infrastructure projects. Construction hours will be extended and emergency repairs will be conducted round-the-clock to ensure timely completion,” Marcos stated.

He further emphasized that the priority will be given to projects that not only meet quality standards but also address the government’s focus on climate resilience. These projects are expected to endure over time and withstand severe weather events, reducing the need for frequent repairs. “So the public won’t be bothered by substandard infrastructure projects that need to be fixed repeatedly in just a few years or after a typhoon,” he explained.

The ‘Build, Better, More’ program aims to continue what the administration calls the ‘Golden Age of Infrastructure’ by enhancing the construction and maintenance of crucial projects, including farm-to-market roads, mass transport systems, airports, expressways, bridges, and ports.

SITARO ISLANDS DISTRICT – Following the recent eruption of Mount Ruang, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has reported significant damage across the Sitaro Islands District in North Sulawesi, with nearly 500 houses and several public facilities affected. The eruption has disrupted the lives of thousands of local residents and caused widespread property damage.

According to Philippines News Agency, the head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, a detailed assessment carried out on April 20 revealed that 135 houses suffered minor damage, while 363 homes experienced moderate to severe damage. Additionally, two churches and an elementary school in the Tagulandang area have also been impacted. “This data was compiled from reports by the disaster emergency management team immediately following the eruption,” Muhari stated.

The BNPB has also disclosed that approximately 11,624 residents from 12 villages within the Tagulandang Sub-district have been affected by the disaster. Many of these individuals have been evacuated to safer locations such as emergency shelters, places of worship, and relatives’ homes to escape the aftermath of the eruption.

Furthermore, specific measures have been taken for vulnerable groups; for instance, 31 patients from the Tagulandang Regional General Hospital were moved to the Bethel Paninteang Church for safety. The BNPB has initiated a relief operation, deploying essential supplies including tents, food packages, and medical equipment to support the displaced residents and aid in their recovery efforts.

TUTONG — Orphans and underprivileged families from Kampung Kuala Ungar and Kampung Merimbun in the Tutong District celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri with a special event organized to bring joy and support to the community. The event took place recently, involving the distribution of green packets and souvenirs to those in need.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the event was a collaborative effort by the Kampung Kuala Ungar and Kampung Merimbun Village Consultative Council, ‘Persatuan Kereta Tahan Lasak Brunei’ (PKTLB), and the Brotherhood Group. A Member of the Legislative Council participated in the festivities, distributing green packets to attendees. Additionally, 41 underprivileged individuals received souvenirs during the celebration. This Hari Raya event was part of a series of community support activities, following the ‘Titian Amal Ramadan Programme’ hosted by PKTLB during Ramadan, aimed at providing aid and fostering community spirit among residents.