TOP STORIES - Wednesday, April 24, 2024

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online and print media monitoring)

As of 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, 24 April 2024

1. Palace debunks viral deepfake video of President

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Rappler, The Manila Times, Inquirer]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1932919/palace-on-bbm-deepfake

2. LIZA-SARA FEUD:

-Marcos: Sara keeps DepEd; Liza just ‘not used to politics’

-Imee distances self from Sara-Liza feud

[Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Manila Standard, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Abante, Bulgar, People’s Tonight, Pilipino Star NGAYON]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1932883/marcos-sara-keeps-deped-liza-just-not-used-to-politics

3. FOOD SECURITY

-Marcos: PHL rice supply enough despite El Niño

-Marcos eyeing more cold storage facilities to prevent post-harvest losses

-House probes gap in basic goods' farmgate, retail prices

[ABS-CBN News, Manila Bulletin, Inquirer, Abante, The Philippine STAR, The Manila Times, GMA News]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/904508/marcos-rice-supply-enough-el-nino/story/

4. Self-rated poverty, hunger decline in Q1 2024 — OCTA

[Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Philstar, People’s Journal, People’s Tonight, The Manila Times]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/04/24/news/national/self-rated-poverty-hunger-decline-in-first-quarter-poll/1942908

5. Number of Chinese vessels surges in West Philippine Sea amid Balikatan

[ABS-CBN News, Inquirer, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Malaya, Philstar, Rappler] https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/24/2350094/number-chinese-vessels-surges-west-philippine-sea-amid-balikatan

6. DMW bans deployment of Pinoy seafarers to Red Sea, Gulf of Aden-bound passenger, cruise ships

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Rappler, Inquirer]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/233242/ph-prohibits-filipino-seafarers-on-red-sea-gulf-of-aden-routes

7. Marcos rejects increasing illegal parking fines in Metro Manila

[GMA News, Manila Bulletin, News5, Philstar, The Manila Times, Rappler, Inquirer]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1933093/marcos-rejects-increasing-illegal-parking-fines-in-metro-manila

8. QCPD sues transport group Manibela for ‘disruptive behavior’ during strike

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Inquirer, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/quezon-city-police-district-sues-manibela-disruptive-behavior-transport-strike/

9. Red Alert over Luzon, Visayas grids; Mindanao on Yellow Alert

[Inquirer, Business World, Daily Tribune, DZBB, ABS-CBN News, Manila Standard, GMA News]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/904593/luzon-visayas-grids-on-red-alert-on-wednesday-mindanao-grid-on-yellow/story/?just_in

10. HEAT INDEX:

-‘Dangerous’ heat index may be felt in Metro Manila, 29 other areas

-Several on-site classes suspended today amid threat of extreme heat

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Philstar, Manila Bulletin]

https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/23/dangerous-heat-index-may-be-felt-in-metro-manila-29-other-areas-on-april-24-1

11. Ex-senator Rene Saguisag passes away; tributes pour in, Senate flag at half-mast

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Philstar, Inquirer, Daily Tribune, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Rappler, The  Manila Times]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1933003/former-senator-rene-saguisag-dies

12. EJKs remain a serious problem in PH — US gov't report

[BusinessWorld, GMA News, Malaya, Philstar] https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/24/2350107/ejk-remains-serious-problem-philippines-us-state-department

13. Solons urge PNP to reconsider tattoo policy

[Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philstar, GMA News]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/904621/solons-pnp-tattoo-policy/story/

14. PNP firearms office recommends revocation of Quiboloy’s gun license

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/national-police-firearms-office-recommends-revocation-apollo-quiboloy-gun-license/

15. DepEd says report of 2 teachers dying of heatstroke 'misleading'

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/24/2350136/deped-iloilo-teachers-deaths-not-heatstroke-related

16. CA affirms dismissal of 3 BI officers involved in 'pastillas' scam

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Rappler, Business Mirror]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/904519/ca-affirms-dismissal-of-3-bi-officers-involved-in-pastillas-scam/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, 24 April 2024

Caraga dev’t council prioritizes full functionality, upgrading of hospitals

By Renelle Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Gemima A. Olam announced the recent approval of Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City as Level III hospitals in Caraga Region.

The announcement was highlighted during the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 provincial caravan on its final leg in Surigao City on April 19.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Dir. Gemima A. Olam shared the good news in the healthcare system of the region with the confirmation of Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City as Level III hospitals in the region during the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 provincial caravans in the cities of Tandag and Surigao. (Photo: PIA-SDN)

“Before, there were only two regions in the country that did not have a Level III hospital, and Caraga was one of them. Today, I am proud to announce that we have two hospitals in the region that are already approved and declared as Level III hospitals, namely, Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City,” Olam said.

However, she underscored that these hospitals are still not fully functional as Level III hospitals, saying, “We are strongly pushing for support and funding for the full functionality of these Level III hospitals through their inclusion in the top three priority projects of Caraga Region to be presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 30 in a meeting with all RDC chairpersons.”

She added that the project also includes upgrading Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital and Butuan Medical Center to Level III from Levels I and II hospitals, respectively.

This project, with a budget cost of P63 billion, shall address the need for specialized medical services while reducing the out-of-pocket expenditure of patients in the region.

On February 11, 1997, Republic Act No. 8255 signed into law on Feb. 11, 1997 converted the Surigao Provincial Hospital in Surigao City into Caraga Regional Hospital with an authorized initial bed capacity of 150. Today, Caraga Regional Hospital is one of the premier referral hospitals in the region and the neighboring provinces. Photo courtesy of Caraga Regional Hospital.

In the Philippines, a Level III hospital is considered a tertiary hospital that can provide all kinds of health services and can offer advanced specialized health care, such as neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, and other complex medical interventions, with a bed capacity of 200 to 1,500. 

The Surigao del Sur Provincial Hospital was renamed Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center on Feb. 15, 1993 by virtue of Republic Act No. 7433 sponsored by then-Congressman Mario Serra Ty, with a 100-bed capacity. It is an ISO-certified health facility, providing comprehensive, affordable, sustainable and quality health services through utilization of modern health care facilities. Photo courtesy of ASTMMC.

With this initiative, the academe in the region is motivated to produce future doctors  by offering the Doctor of Medicine program to complement the manpower requirements of these hospitals. Caraga State University in Butuan City is eagerly waiting to receive the go signal from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) so it can start to accept pioneering students for the program. North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) in Tandag City, on the other hand, is tediously working on its application to include the school of medicine in its curriculum soon. (RLE/PIA-Caraga)

Wednesday, 24 April 2024

DTI trains female weavers in Dinagat Islands town

By Renelle Escuadro

Butuan City (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Dinagat Islands, in partnership with the local government of Loreto and its Municipal Tourism Office, spearheaded a three-day enhancement training on tikog and buri weaving at the Negosyo Center in Sta. Cruz, Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands on April 15-17.

It upskilled the members of the San Juan Women Mat Weavers Association.

The activity was designed for the women weavers of Loreto who were eager to explore the intricacies and finesse of “tikog” and “buri” product development to strengthen the weaving industry and stimulate economic growth in the town.

The members of the San Juan Women Mat Weavers Association in Loreto, Dinagat Islands felt proud as they completed the DTI’s three-day enhancement training on tikog and buri weaving. For them, weaving and learning are intertwined and promote inclusivity. Photo courtesy of DTI - PDI.

Director Elmer Natad of DTI said, “The participants gained comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience in every aspect of tikog and buri product development, from raw material sourcing to processing and product development.’

Natad added that through interactive sessions on weaving, dyeing, and finishing techniques, the participants acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance product quality and increase productivity.

Gloria Ramos, president of the women’s group, expressed appreciation to DTI and the local government of Loreto for teaching them with new techniques on weaving.

“From mats, we now learn how to weave vibrant and beautiful handbags, accessories, and other household items,” she said.

“I thank DTI and LGU-Loreto through the tourism office for considering our group as vital contributors in the weaving industry. This training only showed their concern to make us competitive by teaching us new things and to produce quality products from tikog and buri,” Ramos added.

To ensure the sustainability of the group as well as the income of the members, DTI opened an opportunity for the members of San Juan Women Mat Weavers Association in Loreto, Dinagat Islands to learn new techniques, designs, and improvements, among others, on tikog and buri weaving. Photo courtesy of DTI - PDI.

The rise of modern artisans, synthetic materials, and aesthetic designs, resulting in stiff market competition, has motivated the women weavers of Loreto town to thrive on their age-old tradition of weaving.

This government support allowed the women weavers to sustain the tikog and buri weaving industry in Loreto and in the province of Dinagat Islands by empowering them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and initiative to preserve a cherished cultural tradition and contribute to the socio-economic development of the community. (RLE/PIA–Dinagat Islands with a report from DTI-Dinagat Islands)

Wednesday, 24 April 2024

SEC provides resilient funding alternative to Caraga’s local enterprises

By Mariesh Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) conducted a roadshow on Capital Formation for MSMEs and Startups in Butuan City on April 12. 

SEC Commissioner Karlo S. Bello attended the roadshow that served as the kick-off engagement of SEC in Butuan as  its first and only satellite office in Caraga, which opened to the public on March 22. 

The activity was attended by more than 200 MSMEs and individuals from different parts of the region who were interested in knowing and learning about financing and capital markets made available for their sector. 

This assisted the different micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing the financial market as startup and expansion capital for their businesses.

It can be recalled that after Super Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) struck Caraga on Dec. 16, 2021 followed by other natural calamities and COVID-19, several businesses in the region were either completely or partially destroyed, which caused losses in financial resources and left these MSMEs with difficulty to staying afloat and recovering.

SEC Commissioner Karlo S. Bello delivered his message and announced its upcoming collaboration with the city government of Butuan for the Securities and Exchange Commission-Communication Awareness Network (SEC-CAN). (Photo: PIA Caraga)

Bello expressed his support for the Marcos administration’s mandate and priority in addressing the needs of MSMEs, especially in vulnerable areas. 

“This government continues to highlight the importance of providing different financing options for MSMEs, especially as businesses continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognized that there really is a need to broaden the financing instruments available for MSMEs,” said Bello.

Oliver Leonardo, director of Markets and Securities Regulation Department of SEC, highlighted the option of crowdfunding as a fundraising method, which was participated in by a large number of investors.

Crowdfunding is an alternative to traditional loans, which offer or involve sale of securities on a limited scale, conducted by an intermediary using an online electronic platform.

Lawyer Oliver Leonardo, director of Markets and Securities Regulation Department of the Securities and Exchange Commission, together with the resource speakers of the roadshow on Capital Formation for MSMEs and Startups answered thequestions from participants, especially on the topic of crowdfunding as a funding alternative for MSMEs. (Photo: PIA Caraga)

This option became substantial when guest speakers from Round One, The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc., and Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines discussed further the crowdfunding platform that MSMEs may avail of for their business capital. 

He also introduced some programs of the SEC,  such as Securing and Expanding Capital for Farms and Agri-Business Related Modernization Schemes (SEC FARMS), which helps agri-businesses register their securities not exceeding P500 million per project through a simplified process, and the SEC Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) for real estate businesses established for the purpose of owning income-generating real estate assets.

As host city of the roadshow, Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada presented the various plans and long-term future developments of the city that can help in the progress of the MSMEs.

"I would like to thank the SEC for doing this roadshow that established partners with funding institutions and better access to finance groups, we can at least develop new industries based on our strengths," Lagnada  said. 

Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada presented the projects and programs in the pipeline to aid in the city’s development and progress as the regional and capital hub of Caraga Region. (Photo courtesy of Butuan City PIO)

According to Josephine Fugoso, a participant in the activity, “One of the struggles of business owners and MSMEs is how to maintain and gain financial capital for their businesses, especially after being hit by unforeseen events like calamities.”

“If there is a project and then there is a calamity, they have to start all over again because the initial project was disrupted by the calamity or disaster. With the situation, MSMEs are challenged  to find ways to recover and rebuild their businesses, especially since each has a family to also prioritize,” Fugoso said.

“This activity greatly helped me, and I am very thankful because I gained a lot of input, especially on crowdfunding and other services of SEC that are important, thatI can share with other organizations,” she added.

Through the roadshow on capital formation, the young and existing MSMEs in the region were provided with new financing options that will make them and their businesses sustainable and resilient. (MFC/PIA-Caraga)

TOP STORIES - Tuesday, April 23, 2024

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online and print media monitoring)

As of 5:00 p.m., 23 April 2024, Tuesday

Sen. Risa Hontiveros—INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

1. FL LIZA-VP SARA FEUD:

-PBBM says wife’s sentiments vs VP Sara will not affect their working relationship

-Marcos sees no reason to replace Sara Duterte as DepEd chief

-Sara prefers private talk with Marcos on First Lady issues

-Manila solon defends First Lady, questions VP Duterte's 'character and integrity'

[Abante, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, News5, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, The Philippine STAR, The Manila Times, Manila Standard, People’s Tonight, Pilipino Star NGAYON, People’s Tonight, The Philippine STAR]

https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/997350-marcos-working-relationship-with-sara-duterte-not-affected-liza-comments

2. PHL, Qatar sign 9 key deals

[Manila Bulletin, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Malaya, The Manila Times, Abante]

https://tribune.net.ph/2024/04/22/phl-qatar-sign-moa-amid-emirs-visit

3. Leachon bares doc-pharma firms ‘collusion’ in prescribing meds; DOH warns health workers vs gifts from pharma firms

[BusinessMirror, GMA News, Inquirer, The Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, Rappler]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1932589/fwd-leachon-on-doctor-and-pharmaceutical-scheme

4. Marcos appoints retired CA magistrate Sadang as new PCGG chief

[The Philippine Star, Malaya, Manila Standard, News5, Inquirer, Rappler, ABS-CBN News]

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/4/22/marcos-appoints-retired-ca-magistrate-sadang-as-new-pcgg-chief-1614

5. BIFF top leader, 11 others killed in Maguindanao military ops

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Philstar, Rappler, The Manila Times]

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/biff-top-leader-others-killed-maguindanao-military-operations-april-22-2024

6. Over 11 million Filipinos still consider themselves poor —OCTA Research

[GMA News, Manila Bulletin, The Manila Times, Manila Standard]

https://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/314438804/over-11-million-filipinos-still-consider-themselves-poor-octa-research.html

7. SC overturns dismissal of disqualification petition against Cagayan governor

[BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Philstar, The Manila Times, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/nation/luzon/sc-overturns-dismissal-disqualification-petition-cagayan-governor-manuel-mamba/

8. PNP prohibits visible, offensive tattoos for cops

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5]

https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/22/di-magandang-tingnan-pnp-prohibits-visible-offensive-tattoos-for-cops

9. DMW: No OFWs reported hurt in latest Taiwan earthquakes

[GMA News, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Philstar, The Manila Times]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/904456/dmw-ofws-taiwan-earthquakes/story/

10. Yellow alert up in Luzon, Visayas grids

[ABS-CBN News, News5, Philstar, Inquirer]

https://business.inquirer.net/455957/luzon-visayas-grids-under-yellow-alert

11. EASING EL NIÑO EFFECTS:

-Marcos gives aid to farmers in Occidental Mindoro amid El Niño onslaught

-Marcos tells farmers gov’t is building dam, working to ease effects of El Niño

-Marcos wants wider coverage of irrigation system in El Niño-hit Occidental Mindoro

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Daily Tribune]

https://tribune.net.ph/2024/04/23/marcos-bares-irrigation-plans-to-ease-el-ni%C3%B1o-effects

12. PISTON urges SC: Issue TRO vs PUVMP before April 30 consolidation deadline

[ABS-CBN News, Philstar, News5, GMA News]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/904472/piston-asks-sc-to-act-on-tro-bid-vs-puvmp/story/?just_in

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit