Category: Government

Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to lead the traditional Christmas tree lighting and gift-giving ceremony at Malacañan Palace this weekend. The festivities, scheduled for November 25 and 26, will be held at the Kalayaan Grounds, marking the onset of the holiday season in the presidential residence.

According to Philippines News Agency, this year's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, themed 'Traditions and Innovations', will showcase Filipino artistry and craftsmanship. The Palace Christmas tree will be adorned with lanterns created by students from state colleges and universities (SUCs), part of the "Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin" (One Star, One Goal) nationwide lantern-making contest.

Garafil emphasized that the contest aims to celebrate Filipino creativity and craftsmanship as embodied in the Christmas lanterns, a national symbol of the Filipino Christmas spirit. The competition's winners will be announced during the tree lighting event, with prizes sponsored by the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. SUCs will receive a photo and video editing package, while student winners will receive cash prizes and other rewards, including an all-expense-paid trip to Manila and a special tour of the Malacañang museums. The judging panel included architects Conrad Onglao and Mico Manalo, television host Boy Abunda, Rev. Father Rahnilio Aquino, and fashion icon Heart Evangelista-Escudero.

The event will feature performances by the Coro de San Jacinto Chorale, Cagayan State University Chorale, actress-singer Rita Daniela, and the 'King of Philippine Christmas Carols' Jose Mari Chan. Additionally, President Marcos will lead the 'Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya' Nationwide Gift-Giving Day for over 17,000 children from various shelters and orphan care centers. This initiative, organized by the Office of the President and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, along with private partners like Jolibee and San Miguel Corporation, will celebrate the festive occasion at over 250 locations nationwide.

Anggerek Desa, Brunei Darussalam - The "Share Learn Grow" International Programme, organized by the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam, included an Intergenerational Leadership in Guiding Forum. The event was held at a hotel in Anggerek Desa and focused on the meaning, challenges, and obstacles of intergenerational leadership.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Participants of the program discussed experiences and challenges related to intergenerational leadership in guiding. The forum was a part of various workshops, presentations, and activities designed to benefit the participants, aiming to foster understanding and collaboration across generations within the guiding community.

Cagayan de Oro City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the government of Misamis Oriental have entered into a partnership aimed at enhancing the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia formalized this collaboration with a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the partnership serves as a potential template for other provinces prioritizing healthcare and effective use of government funds for medical assistance. The MOA is part of DSWD's ongoing efforts to strengthen social services for individuals in crisis. The agreement will bolster cooperation with eight public hospitals in the province, enabling the provision of financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries. Gatchalian emphasized the importance of ensuring that government aid is used for its intended purposes and reducing system losses. He commended the provincial government of Misamis Oriental for aligning with DSWD's mission to improve community well-being. The AICS program offers various forms of assistance, including medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial support to individuals or families in crisis.

Makati City – Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual revealed that the European Parliament has shown support for the proposed four-year extension of the Generalized System of Preference Plus (GSP+) trade agreement with the Philippines. This agreement, vital for Filipino exporters, is set to expire by the end of this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pascual shared that since 2014, under the GSP+, the Philippines has enjoyed zero tariffs on two-thirds of all product categories entering the European Union market. The recent development, according to Pascual, is a positive outcome of the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) efforts to continue the Philippines' inclusion in the GSP+ program. The extension until 2027, proposed by the European Commission earlier this year, has received backing from both the EU parliament and the European Council. Pascual highlighted the significance of this extension, particularly for tuna exporters and manufacturers of certain products, who would face tariffs of 20 to 30 percent without the GSP+. The renewal process, which might include changes in conditions and obligations, is underway. Pascual emphasized that the extension would provide a competitive advantage to Filipino exporters in the EU market and encouraged those benefiting from the GSP+ to expand their exports while the preferential tariff remains effective.

Manila – Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri confirmed that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) situation will be a topic of discussion at the upcoming 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF31), which the Philippines is set to host from November 23 to 25.

According to Philippines News Agency, Zubiri indicated that while the issue will definitely be addressed in committee, the Philippines intends to adopt a diplomatic approach, especially considering the participation of a Chinese delegation. The goal is to promote peace and stability in the region. The APPF31 will also focus on political and security matters, economic and trade issues, regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and special discussions among women and young parliamentarians. Zubiri expressed optimism about forming concrete steps forward for shared prosperity in the region during the three-day event. The APPF is a key parliamentary forum involving 28 member countries from Southeast Asia, Oceania, North Asia, and the Americas, where parliamentarians discuss and form agreements on shared regional concerns and interests. Motorists in the vicinity of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, and Makati City have been warned to expect heavy traffic due to the arrival of approximately 300 foreign delegates from these member countries.

Manila – The Senate has passed the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act with unanimous support, marking a significant step toward integrating environmental considerations into national policy and decision-making. Senate Bill No. 2439, a priority bill of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), was approved with 23 affirmative votes.

According to Philippines News Agency, The bill seeks to institutionalize PENCAS, mandating its use in policy-making and designating responsible agencies for its implementation. Senate Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, who sponsored the measure, emphasized the importance and urgency of PENCAS, noting that it is essential for measuring what is treasured in terms of environmental assets. NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan indicated that PENCAS would support the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, particularly in strengthening resilience to natural hazards and climate change. Senator Grace Poe highlighted PENCAS as a clear and reliable accounting system that would guide the country toward sustainable economic policies. She also pointed out the importance of data transparency and accountability, suggesting that the measure could pave the way for increased government transparency, including a more comprehensive Freedom of Information (FOI) law. Senator Pia Cayetano echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for sustainability concepts to be fully integrated and understood across government agencies, especially those involved in finance and budgeting. The PENCAS Bill introduces an innovative approach that accounts for the value of the country's natural resources and ecosystems, integrating their worth into national accounts. This methodology aims to enable more informed government decisions that balance economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring the sustainability of the Philippines' ecosystems in the long term.

Manila – Senator Ronald dela Rosa stated that the decision to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity during former president Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs rests solely with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, This comment followed the introduction of House of Representatives Resolution 1477, which urges the Marcos administration to collaborate with the ICC. Senator dela Rosa noted that the resolution would remain merely a recommendation unless acted upon favorably by the President, who has previously declared his decision not to allow ICC intrusion into Philippine sovereignty. Several senators, including Senator Imee Marcos, have expressed opposition to the ICC probe, citing the functionality of the country's justice system. The measure, authored by House Human Rights Panel chairperson Bienvenido Abante Jr. and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, has been referred to the House Committee on Justice.

St. Regis - In a significant bilateral meeting, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam met with His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China. The meeting, held at St. Regis, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen and focused on strengthening the partnership between the two nations.

According to Radio Television Brunei, His Majesty highlighted that 2023 marks the 5th Anniversary of the Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the People's Republic of China. His Majesty expressed enthusiasm for continuing to enhance the long-standing goodwill and friendship between the two countries. The meeting covered various areas of bilateral relations, including progress in trade and investment, agriculture and fisheries, education, and people-to-people exchanges. His Majesty also acknowledged the expansion of cooperation into big data and artificial intelligence.

His Majesty informed about the completion of Phase 1 of the Hengyi project and the commencement of Phase 2, with the agreement signed on 8th November 2023. Expressing hope for its completion by the year's end, His Majesty thanked China for its support. Additionally, His Majesty appreciated the scholarships and training provided by Hengyi, which have been instrumental in building Brunei's technical capacity and human capital. His Majesty also expressed interest in tapping into China's expertise in renewable energy and green initiatives, and exploring further exports of agriculture and fisheries products to China.

Emphasizing the importance of resuming travel between Brunei and China, His Majesty noted that it would bolster tourism sectors in both countries. On the South China Sea, His Majesty stressed the necessity for peaceful and stable conditions, advocating for peaceful dialogue and consultations based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea, to address regional tensions.

His Majesty looked forward to working closely with China in negotiating a meaningful Code of Conduct for the South China Sea that could serve as an international example of collective intentions towards peace and security.

His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations. On the 5th anniversary of the Strategic Cooperative Partnership, China expressed readiness to advance bilateral ties and promote high-quality cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative. The leaders also discussed mutual regional matters, including East Asia Cooperation, Brunei's role as a hub for the BIMP-EAGA region, and China's accession to the CPTPP. Both leaders expressed concern over the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip and supported a two-state solution.

San Francisco - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the APEC Economic Leaders' Dinner at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, United States of America. The dinner celebrated the APEC Economic Leaders and delegations participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM). His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen accompanied His Majesty.

According to Radio Television Brunei, His Majesty was welcomed on arrival by the President of the United States and First Lady, Doctor Jill Biden. The event provided an opportunity for leaders and delegations to engage informally, fostering dialogue and collaboration among APEC member economies.

San Francisco - During the APEC Economic Leaders' Retreat, Session Two, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam highlighted the significance of regional economic integration initiatives such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (R-CEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). His Majesty emphasized the importance of establishing the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) as a priority within APEC.

According to His Majesty's address, he acknowledged APEC's role as a catalyst for innovation, noting both the opportunities and risks of Artificial Intelligence. His Majesty stressed the responsible use of technologies and the promotion of research and development. Additionally, His Majesty called for engaging all stakeholders, focusing on youth and MSMEs, to nurture innovation and facilitate international market access.

The meeting, held at Moscone Center in San Francisco, focused on interconnectedness and building inclusive and resilient economies. His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen accompanied His Majesty. The session began with opening remarks from His Excellency Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States and APEC Chairman for 2023, followed by remarks from Her Excellency Dina Boluarte, President of Peru and incoming Chair of the APEC AELM.

His Majesty emphasized the necessity of a rules-based multilateral trading system for building inclusive and resilient economies. The session concluded with the issuance of the APEC Leaders' 2023 Golden Gate Declaration, aiming to create a resilient and sustainable future for all.

San Francisco - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam concluded his visit to San Francisco, United States of America, after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM). Accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen, His Majesty prepared for departure following a Doa Selamat, a prayer for safety, led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the Assistant Chief of Protocol of the United States' State Department and His Excellency Dato Paduka Haji Serbini bin Ali, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the United States of America, were present at San Francisco International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has extended a congratulatory message to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman, as well as to the government and people of Oman on the occasion of its National Day.

According to the Royal Protocol, this gesture reflects the cordial relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Sultanate of Oman, emphasizing the close ties and mutual respect shared by the two monarchs and their nations.