Thank you very much Mr. President, Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues.

It is my great honor and privilege to support and co-sponsor the appointment of my senior brod, my boss, my idol, former Senator Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, to the position of Secretary of the Department of Finance.

Mr. President, Senator Recto has been in public service for 32 years. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 at 28 years old. And that is why it has always been a great pleasure Mr. President to be affiliated with him because I remember the first time I met him, he made mention that he was the “Benjamin” of the House. And a few Congresses later, that was the 9^th Congress, in the 12^th Congress this representation became the “Benjamin” of the House.

Mr. President he is also a senior brother, fraternity brother of this representation together with Congressman Abet Garcia. Nowadays Mr. President brotherhood is somehow, some people are saying, is no longer significant Mr. President. But for Brod Ralph Recto Mr. President, he is not just a friend. He is a real brother not only to every Triskelions in the four corners of this world, not just of this country but of this world but to every Juan and Juana dela Cruz.

Mr. President, Secretary Recto has served in various positions in the government, as Congressman, as a Senator, as a Secretary of the NEDA and now as Secretary of the Department of Finance.

Secretary Recto was our resident “numbers guy”, I think everyone knows that Mr. President in this august chamber. We describe him Mr. President as the  “visionary economist.” And tama po yung sinabi ni Senator Grace, kung ikaw ay naging Senador at dumaan ka sa scrutiny ni Senator Ralph Recto, okay ka na. Ibig sabihin pwede mo ng lampasan ang mga iba pang pagdadaanan mo if you defend a particular measure.

Mr. President, no appropriations, alam po nating lahat, no appropriations or tax measure passed without the scrutiny of this nominee Mr. President,specially here in the Senate. 

May kasabihan nga po, may House of Representatives tapos may Senado – House of the Senate at meron pong pangatlong House, House of Recto 

Mr. President, we have nothing but great things to say about our dear friend, colleague, brother Secretary Ralph Recto. As he takes the lead as the Secretary of Finance, we look forward to working alongside with him  to promote the sound and efficient management of the country’s financial resources. 

We are also eager to make positive headway with the Department in further aligning our economic policies to create and generate more quality jobs and livelihood opportunities for our fellow Filipinos, this is in line with the recent signing Mr. President of the  Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11962, or the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act. 

I was here this morning Mr. President, my staff asked me if I would be interested in asking questions in the Committee Hearing of the Ad Interim Appointment of Secretary Ralph Recto. I replied Mr. President by saying it would be awkward if not rude on my part to ask the guru of gurus, my mentor, my senior brod, my idol. And so I told my staff, no one deserves that post in the Department of Finance more than the great Ralph Recto.

Maraming Salamat Ginoong Pangulo. Congratulations sa ating senior brod and may God bless us all.

Over half a million government workers under job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers employment status not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) can now enjoy social security protection thanks to the SSS membership expansion program started by SSS President and Chief Operating Officer (PCEO) Rolando Ledesma Macasaet.

Social Security System (SSS) Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas said the new SSS members would not only improve the financial standing of the state pension fund but also fulfill further its mandate to provide social security protection to as many Filipinos as possible.

Agas said Macasaet decided to include temporary government workers in SSS coverage through the KaSSSangga Collect Program as they were not covered by GSIS programs.

“We are sad to hear their stories that, after decades of public service, they have zero savings and do not receive any pension when they retire, Macasaet was quoted as saying. “Through the KaSSSangga Collect Program, temporary public workers will be registered as self-employed members while their respective organizations shall collect and remit their contributions to the SSS, thereby helping them to become eligible for Social Security and Employees’ Compensation benefits.’

Among the many government agencies that entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOU) with SSS under the KaSSSangga Collect Program were the Quezon City District 2 of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This MOU will cover over 200 of their JO and COS workers, who are mostly street sweepers.

Agas said that the largest membership coverage was recorded in Quezon City with around 15,000 JOs after SSS PCEO Macasaet and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte signed an agreement last January 29, 2024. Prior to the SSS-QC Government partnership, the pension fund has already sealed agreements with the Local Government of Mandaluyong, Taguig and Malabon in 2023.

“As they are exposed to various health hazards while performing their duties, the more these workers deserve social security protection regardless of their employment status in the government,” Agas added.

Agas said more government agencies employing JO workers are expected to join the KaSSSangga Collect Program. In January 2024 alone, Agas said SSS had sealed partnerships with 32 government institutions in the National Capital Region.

Likewise, an additional 74 program partners from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao also joined the agreements which secured the SSS membership of 2,251 temporary government workers, he added.

Agas urged other public sector leaders and groups to extend social security protection to their constituents and colleagues by subsidizing their monthly SSS contributions.

“They can shoulder the contribution payments of their chosen recipients for at least six months through the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program. Let us join forces to invest in the future of our fellow workers in government through equitable social security protection,” Agas said.

Agas noted that SSS was able to collect over P7.08 billion worth of workers’ contributions from 2015 to 2023 under the program. Over 2,100 Local Government Units (LGUs) remitted P4.66 billion worth of contributions while almost 700 National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) paid P2.03 billion.

On the other hand, over 100 State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) remitted P289.91 million SSS contributions and 86 Local Water Districts (LWDs) paid P97.64 million.  “We commend the proactive stance of our partners in the government sector in providing adequate social safety nets to their JO and COS workers through active SSS membership,” Agas said.

He added that their significant role as coverage and collection partners helped SSS in generating higher revenues while also providing meaningful benefits to all members.

It was recently announced that in 2023, SSS achieved P83.13 billion net income that year, with a huge bulk coming from contribution collection of P309.12 billion.

Agas attributed the outstanding financial performance of SSS last year to the efforts of the SSS management and employees in intensifying its collection activities such as registering new paying members, improved collection from delinquent employers, and the 2023 contribution rate hike.

Aligned with Fire Prevention Month, the National Simultaneous Fire Drill was conducted across SM Bulacan malls in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). This significant initiative was a key component of the month’s activities, designed to bolster community awareness and understanding of vital fire safety practices, aligning with the BFP’s theme for the year, “Sa pag-iwas sa sunog, hindi ka nag-iisa.”

The initiative took place at SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan, featuring educational and interactive activities tailored for participants of all ages. The event included live fire extinguisher demonstrations, fire safety workshops led by BFP experts, and emergency evacuation drills, equipping attendees with essential skills and knowledge for fire emergency situations.

This successful event also highlighted the strong collaboration between SM Supermalls and BFP, showcasing a united effort towards safety and preparedness.

As a member of ARISE—Philippines, SM is dedicated to promoting a culture of disaster risk reduction and resilience on both a global and national scale.

BOCAUE, Bulacan—The Joni Villanueva General Hospital (JVGH) is now a Malasakit Center, the fourth Malasakit Center in Bulacan.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go who authored Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 and Senate Majority Floor Leader, Senator Joel Villanueva led the launching of the Malasakit Center in JVGH.

Residents in Bocaue and nearby towns of Balagtas Sta. Maria and Marilao and other areas in Bulacan who seek medical attention at Joni Villanueva can now benefit from the one-stop services the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) a Malasakit Center hospital provides.

Go said Luzon has already 90, Visayas with 30 and Mindanao with 41 Malasakit Centers providing poor and indigent Filipinos easier access in availing the services of the said government agencies for their medical needs.

“Malasakit Center helps make the lives of poor and indigent sick Filipinos easier,” he said.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Clarissa Sinhg-Vergeire who also graced the event said that the 190 Malasakit Centers have served and helped 4.5 Filipino families in 2023.

She said with the continuous expansion of the Malasakit Centers in the country more and more Filipinos will be benefited.

The Bulacan Medical Center in the City of Malolos, the Rogaciano Mercado Memorial District Hospital in Sta. Maria and the City of San Jose del Monte hospital has already been providing Malasakit Center services for more than two years.

Gov. Daniel Fernando thanked Senators Go and Villanueva for their health and other services being provided to the Bulakenyo people. He assured the people of Bulacan of the continuous utmost similar health services the Bulacan provincial government-run hospitals will accord them.

Go, chairman of the senate health committee has also authored a bill that will establish Regional Specialty Hospitals in the country to bring to the regions and provinces specialty hospitals for heart, lung, kidney, cancer and others.  

This he said will help unburden our kababayans who still need to travel to Metro Manila to seek specialty medical attention and services in Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney Institute, Philippine Children’s Hospital, the Philippine General Hospital for the cancer treatments, etc.   

The family of Senator Villanueva donated the lot property and pushed for the construction of the hospital in honor of late Bocaue Mayor Joni Villanueva, younger sister of the senator who died of ailment while providing utmost services and care to her constituents at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020.

The hospital, the first DOH-run hospital in Bulacan which was opened and inaugurated in December 2022 provides ancillary services such as laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, nutrition and dietary, and social services.

JVGH has undergone its process to become a Level 1 hospital and will be further licensed as a Level 2 hospital in accordance with Republic Act 11720 where intensive care unit, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, surgery, fully equipped laboratories, and more hospital beds will also be provided.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (March 8, 2024)— The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), in collaboration with the Globe Group, has formally launched “Planting for the Future,” a groundbreaking reforestation initiative that aims to plant 3 million trees.

The program marks a significant step forward in conservation efforts for the endangered Philippine eagle by focusing on the restoration of its natural habitat while also addressing broader climate change and sustainability challenges.

“The ‘Planting for the Future’ program goes beyond simple planting. PEF will be involved throughout every stage of reforestation— from the propagation and selection of seedlings to the maintenance of mature trees,” says Dennis I. Salvador, Executive Director, PEF. “In line with our commitment to sustainability, the initiative is also designed to foster stakeholder collaboration, particularly with our partner communities, as well as provide transparency to our funders.”

End-to-end approach to conservation

“Planting for the Future” is a comprehensive approach that encompasses extensive activities including nursery care, site preparation, planting, monitoring, and database management. To help ensure success, it will focus on introducing climax native and fruit trees known suited to the conditions of the selected areas.

At the end of the program, PEF aims to rehabilitate 1,200 hectares of degraded land close to nine (9) Philippine eagle nesting sites through both restoration and agroforestry initiatives. These sites are located across four provinces of Mindanao: Bukidnon, Cotabato, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Sur. Apart from fostering biodiversity, including the Philippine eagle, the forest areas to be developed will also act as carbon sinks, with every young tree to be planted able to sequester a conservative estimate of 5 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per plant per year according to OneTreePlanted.

Further, the program is set to provide at least 150 jobs for PEF’s partner communities, many of which are inhabited by indigenous peoples (IP). These jobs primarily involve hiring staff to conduct nursery, planting, maintenance, and monitoring operations. These local communities will receive reforestation training from PEF so they could take care of the trees to be planted in target areas. They will also get additional livelihood opportunities from harvesting the produce of fruit-bearing trees.

“What we are doing contributes to the national government’s forest restoration target as outlined in the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) which, in turn, aligns with the

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF),” shares Salvador, noting also the program’s alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Commitment to transparency

In a bid for greater openness, “Planting for the Future” makes use of a comprehensive database and tracking system that will be accessible to funders. This system, available at www.threemilliontrees.com/track, combines GIS and GPS-based technology to provide real-time updates on the progress of adopted plants, from their initial nursery care to ongoing monitoring efforts. Adopters are granted unique login credentials, offering them access to detailed information about all trees they have adopted.

Central to the monitoring process is the assignment of unique QR codes to each nursery seedling. Jayson Ibañez, Director for Operations, PEF, says, “These codes serve as identifiers and are scanned regularly using a dedicated web application. Through this method, the system updates information on tree growth and characteristics, allowing for precise monitoring of each tree’s development.” He further adds that “with this data-driven approach, the project aims to closely track and evaluate the impact of reforestation efforts, including measurements of tree height, diameter at breast height, and carbon stock.”

“This move towards transparency aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to accountability in its operations,” says Felicia Atienza, President, PEF. “Through this mechanism, we empower stakeholders to actively participate in our reforestation journey.”

Send help via Globe, GCash

The launch event included an overview of the “Planting for the Future” program, a marker unveiling, and ceremonial tree adoptions. Among the notable attendees include representatives from Ayala Land, Inc., PK Holdings, and Enchanted Kingdom.

“Globe champions sustainability and fosters environmental stewardship not just by greening our operations but also by leveraging partnerships and engaging our customers so that we are able to take care of our environment together,” says Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Globe provided an overview of how it enables its customers and the general public to participate in the program. Globe offers convenient options for donations through GCash and soon, the GlobeOne app. GCash can be used for cash donations. Globe customers can soon also convert their Globe Rewards points into donations via the GlobeOne app. A Reward point is equivalent to PHP 1.

To donate, users can download the Globe Rewards app on their mobile device via https://www.globe.com.ph/rewards#GRewardsApp. Access the app and click the “Rewards” banner, then look for the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) under the “Donations” tab. For GCash donations, visit https://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/donate-capital-campaign and scan the QR Code using the GCash app.

Support may also be sent via Paypal, where individuals can adopt a tree for PHP 250.

“As stewards of our nation’s natural heritage, we believe that every individual has a role to play in conservation. Together, we can make a difference and secure a brighter future not just for the Philippine eagle, but for all life that depends on healthy ecosystems.” Salvador adds.

Globe expanded its network in 2023 with 1,217 new cell sites and upgrade of 6,975 existing mobile sites to 4G LTE technology to ensure greater access to life-enabling connectivity among more Filipinos nationwide.

Globe also advanced its 5G network rollout, activating 894 new 5G sites in 2023 in line with current market dynamics, offering improved browsing experience for customers.

Likewise, Globe deployed over 199,000 fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) lines as the company continues to maximize the use of its existing fiber inventory and ensure the delivery of the right product to the underserved prepaid fiber market.

“Our priorities remain consistent and focused on delivering network builds and optimizing network services across all regions and territories to expand and strengthen our coverage across the country. These days, connectivity is life-enabling, and Globe consistently builds up its network to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Joel Agustin, SVP and Head of Network, Planning, and Engineering at Globe.

The company’s ongoing efforts to improve its network infrastructure are poised to offer customers enhanced connectivity, paving the way for a more connected and innovative future in the Philippines.

Globe spent US$1.3 billion in capex in 2023 following peak spending during the pandemic, when demand for connectivity surged amid the accelerated digital shift.  Out of last year’s total capex, 91% was used to boost data infrastructure as demand for data connectivity steadily increased.

Apart from its sustained network expansion, Globe continues to deploy green network solutions in line with its commitment to achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050.  These include using the latest technologies to achieve energy efficiency, use of eco-friendly batteries in core sites, and shifting high-energy facilities to renewable energy.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

With just a few weeks left before Holy Week, the Municipality of Pulilan and “Hermandad de la Ascension del Señor of Parokya ng Pag-akyat sa Langit ni Hesukristo” Sto. Cristo, Pulilan, in partnership with SM Center Pulilan, marks one of Bulacan’s biggest Lenten events, reflecting faith and tradition through the “Korona at Pako” exhibit.

Located at the SM Center Pulilan Mall Atrium, the “Korona at Pako” Lenten Exhibit showcases artistry and symbolism through spiritual awakening, with at least 30 Catholic images hailing from different towns in Bulacan featured in one venue. The event is expected to usher in a season of reflection among Catholic devotees and aims to promote catechism among patrons.

“Korona at Pako” Lenten Exhibit invites mallgoers to a spiritual journey, recalling the significant scenes leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as Mary, the Holy Mother of God, his disciples, apostles, and some remarkable saints.

Instilling faith and spirituality, this is the second time the “Korona at Pako” Lenten Exhibit has been opened to the public. In 2023, the religious event drew devotees and crowds from the different towns inside and outside Bulacan as it marked its first exhibit in SM Center Pulilan. The exhibit will run until March 13.

Josephine M. Ramos, Junior Writer

The CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), the insurance arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), opened its 90th provincial office (PO) in North Cotabato on  March 5, 2024.

This strategic initiative aims to provide affordable insurance benefits to its members, aligning with CARD MBA’s mission of safeguarding millions of lives.

“This additional provincial office is our approach in bridging the gap between our institution and the members that we serve,” said CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn Dequito, highlighting the importance of opening more provincial offices across the country.

Furthermore, she added, “Through this, we can further fasten the claim processing of the members’ benefits, since that is the reason why CARD MBA exists—to ensure timely support when our members need it most.”

Established in September 1999, CARD MBA operates as a mutual benefit association, extending financial assistance to members and their families in the form of death benefits, accident benefits, medical subsidies, pensions, and other loan redemption packages.

CARD MBA offers several microinsurance products, including the Basic Life Insurance Program, Retirement Fund, Loan Redemption Fund Plus, Golden Life Insurance Program, Family Security Plan, Acci Plan, and Remitter Protek Plan.

In addition, the institution is also engaged in community development programs such as the Build-Operate-and-Transfer-Program (BOAT), mass weddings, CARD MRI Disaster Relief Assistance Program, and other community development activities.

The newly opened PO, located at Purok Rosas, Poblacion 8, Midsayap, North Cotabato, will cater to a total of 54,455 members from CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) and CARD Bank, Inc.

As of January 2024, CARD MBA has insured 24,184,745 individuals and has total accumulated claims of PHP 18,999,753,366.84. To learn more about CARD MBA, you can visit their official Facebook page @CARDMBAOfficial or their website at www.cardmba.com.

The Honorable Senate President, dear colleagues, and to our esteemed guests from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea:

Annyeong Hashimnikka

I am honored to co-sponsor Senate Resolution No. 946, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. At the core of this strong partnership between our two nations is our shared values, our enduring commitment to democracy, and our strong people-to-people ties that date back to the inauguration of South Korea and perhaps even earlier.

On March 3, 1949, the Philippines was the fifth country to recognize the Republic of Korea. A year after that, 7,420 Filipino soldiers fought arm-in-arm with our South Korean brothers.^[1] In a public rally held shortly before the 10^th Battalion of the AFP embarked for the Korean battle front, President Quirino told our men, “Yours is a heroic mission. It is also a historic mission. Today we begin to write a wonderful page in our history…What you will do in Korea will be part of our country’s special investment in world cooperation for peace and freedom.”^[2] The decades that followed were a testament to how this investment in peace blossomed into an enduring and sincere friendship.

Today, South Korea is our 4^th largest partner in terms of bilateral trade, valued at 15.45 billion US dollars, and 6^th in terms of approved investments, valued at 90.62 million US dollars.^[3]

In terms of culture, Filipinos have fully embraced the Korean Wave, known as Hallyu, as K-Pop music and K-dramas have become part of our daily lives. As a matter of fact, this representation is a proud “girl-dad” who has accompanied and cheered with my daughter during recent concerts of popular groups like ATEEZ and Blackpink. Filipino actors have also made waves and have gained recognition in South Korea. 

We also value the exchanges in education and training between our two countries. We are grateful to the Korean government for providing grant-in-aid projects to develop and showcase Filipino talents in various fields. I remember during my time as TESDA Secretary, I signed a MOA to allow the South Korean government to invest in the construction of training centers, provide equipment, and dispatch Korean experts to the Philippines, and train Filipinos in Korea. We also forged partnerships with South Korean universities and industries.^[4]

Mr. President, these are but a few of the many areas of cooperation between our two nations. 75 years of partnership is an incredible milestone and a long time for friendship, but I believe there are still many opportunities to further deepen our relations. 

In closing, Mr. President, allow me to thank the Republic of Korea, represented here by His Excellency Ambassador Lee Sang Hwa and officials of the Korean Embassy, for 75 years of meaningful and fruitful relations. 

From the bottom of our hearts, CHIN-SIM-MURO KAMSA-DURIM-NIDA (we sincerely thank you) for 75 years of friendship.

Thank you, Mr. President.

The Honorable Senate President, dear colleagues, and esteemed guests:

I am honored to co-sponsor Senate Resolution No. 806, recognizing and commending Dr. Carmencita Padilla for Receiving the Order of National Scientist Award, the highest recognition given to a man or woman of science in the Philippines. 

She is no stranger to us. This representation supported her when she ran for Chancellor of UP Manila. We also recently honored her, along with other UP President Edgardo J. Angara Fellowship Awardees as partners of EDCOM II.

Mr. President, as we celebrate Women’s Month this March, we celebrate and recognize the achievements of one remarkable woman. Dr. Padilla showed decades of excellence and commitment to her field. She is an important figure in the country’s public health; a role model for young girls who dream of pursuing careers in science. 

Our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Padilla at Maligayang Buwan ng mga Kababaihan po. Maraming salamat, Mr. President, at pagpalain po tayo ng Diyos.