Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, on Tuesday, sponsored a measure which seeks to comprehensively address the problem of job-skills mismatch and employability of Filipino workforce by harnessing private sector training initiatives.

Senate Bill No. ___ otherwise known as the “Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework Act” is the accompanying measure to the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act which was enacted into law last September 2023. The bill aims to enhance and provide a framework for bridging all enterprise-based education and training modalities, including existing programs on apprenticeship, learnership and Dual Training System (DTS).

“Kasabay ng ating mga inisyatibo upang lumikha ng dekalidad na trabaho, mahalaga pong tugunan ang pangangailangan ng kakayahan na tugma o akma sa mabilis na pagbabago ng teknolohiya sa produksyon sa bansa,” Villanueva said in his sponsorship speech.

Villanueva, the former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief, noted the prevalence of job-skills mismatch contributes to the country’s unemployment and underemployment rate, which is at 4.3% and 12.3% respectively, based on the 2023 preliminary report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“Hindi po bago ang konsepto ng enterprise-based training. Base sa mga datos na ating nakalap at sa karanasan, basta’t ginawa ang pagsasanay sa loob ng mga pagawaan o sa loob mismo ng kumpanya garantisadong akma ang skills sa trabaho,” he said.

Based on the 2020 and 2021 Studies on the Employment of Techvoc graduates, enterprise-based training modes In-Company Training and Learnership have the highest employment rates over other forms of training, ranging from 86.26% to 91.14%.

The Majority Leader noted that there have been successes in some industries when it comes to EBET which can be replicated in other industries.

“Katulad nalang po ng training program na isinagawa ng TESDA at ng Semi-Conductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (SEIPI), halos lahat ng mga trainees o 97% ay nabigyan ng trabaho. Ang training program naman ng TESDA at ng IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM), umabot sa 70.7% ang agad nabigyan ng trabaho,” he added.

Under the proposed measure, TESDA will take the lead in implementing the framework, including the setting of policies and guidelines, program registration, quality assurance and evaluation of the conduct of EBET programs. 

This bill also seeks to enhance the participation of the private sector as an indispensable partner in addressing job-skills mismatch by increasing their participation in the identification, prioritization and development of competency standards and qualifications.

“Laging magkakaroon ng pagbabago sa larangan ng trabaho. Ang hamon po sa atin ay siguruhin na ang mga polisiyang gagalawan ng ating mga kababayan ay lilikha ng dekalidad na trabaho at magtatawid sa mga manggagawa patungo dito,” he ended. 

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Social Security System (SSS) Executive Vice President for Investments Sector Rizaldy T. Capulong said that SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet announced the condonation of penalties of members with past-due loans to help them regain their good standing with the SSS and once again avail of SSS loans.

Capulong urged members with unpaid short-term member loans to avail of the Consolidation of Past Due Short-Term Member Loans with Condonation of Penalty (Conso Loan), wherein SSS will waive the penalties of their unpaid loans.

“We listen to the clamor of our members and one of which is to offer a condonation program for those who have past-due loans,” Capulong said.

Under the Conso Loan program, Capulong explained SSS shall combine the principal and interest of a member’s past-due short-term member loans into one consolidated loan while all unpaid penalties shall be consolidated and condoned or waived upon full payment of the consolidated loan.

Capulong said that members with outstanding loan obligations in their salary, calamity, emergency, and restructured loans, including the Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP), are qualified to avail of the program.

“We want to persuade our members with unpaid loans to grab this opportunity to pay their past-due loans without penalties through an easy payment scheme. We launched this program as a relief to aid our members who find it challenging to fulfill their loan obligations with the SSS. This offer is available while the program lasts,” Capulong said.

He added that interested members must meet the following requirements to qualify for the program:

• have a past-due short-term member loan at the time of their application;
• have not been granted any final benefit such as permanent total disability or retirement;
• have not been disqualified due to fraud committed against the SSS; and  
• have an active My.SSS account.

He said members may submit their application for the Conso Loan program online through their My.SSS account.

“Members may pay their consolidated loan through a one-time payment within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the approval notice, or they may also opt to pay through installment,” he said.

For the installment scheme, Capulong explained members must pay a down payment equivalent to at least 10% of the consolidated loan within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the approval notice. Meanwhile, they can pay the remaining balance for up to 60 months, wherein the length of the installment term depends on the amount of the unpaid loan.

However, he noted that if the member fails to meet the payment terms based on the consolidated loan agreement, SSS will deduct the outstanding balance of the consolidated loan from the short-term benefits (sickness, maternity, or partial disability benefit claims) and final benefits (permanent total disability, death, retirement), as authorized by the Social Security Commission (SSC).  

He added that the outstanding balance of the consolidated loan can also be deducted from the death benefit of the members’ beneficiaries or deducted from the actual final benefit claims.

As of December 2023, Capulong said that more than half a million members has availed of the Conso Loan program and SSS has already condoned more than P7.3 billion loan penalties.

Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando with the recipients of wheelchairs during the Regular Awarding of Assistive and Medical Devices coinciding the Monday Flag Ceremony at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan recently. With them are (from left) Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Rowena J. Tiongson, Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for Public Safety Florencio M. Bernabe, Jr., and DILG Assistant Regional Director Jay E. Timbreza.

PPAO

CITY OF MALOLOS – Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for Public Safety Florencio M. Bernabe, Jr. announced during the observance of Fire Prevention Month last Monday at the Flag Raising Ceremony held at Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here that a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) will soon rise in Bulacan.

The said facility is expected to impact the lives of illegal drug dependents and help the community in its effort to curb illegal drug dependency.

He further explained that DATRC is one of the effective mechanisms in reintegrating individuals into the society through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation.

Also, Bernabe invited the Bulakenyos to participate in the program of DILG dubbed as “BIDA – Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan”, a year-round advocacy program which aims to raise awareness and encourage participation from all sectors of the community in drug demand reduction.

The assistant secretary likewise praised the leadership of Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro for having a functioning Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office with complete emergency response equipment and tools such as newly purchased disaster response vehicle, fire suits, boots, helmet, gloves, hoses and nozzles, AED, body monitor and self-contained breathing apparatus to name a few as well as reliable and well-trained emergency responders.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Fire Protection Regional Director FCSUPT Roy Roderick P. Aguto reminded the public to be prepared for any unexpected fire incidents by staying safe and to have a list of emergency numbers ready and easily accessible to ensure help right away.

For its part, the PDRRMO headed by Manuel M. Lukban, Jr. has lined up different activities in line with the observance of Fire Prevention Month including preparatory coordination meeting; provincewide distribution of IEC materials from March 1-31; Radyo Kapitolyo’s  Bulacan Rescue Program hosting at the Provincial Public Affairs Office every Tuesday at 9:00 am -10:00 am; conduct of fire safety inspection  in coordination with BFP at the Provincial Capitol building and other government agencies; Oplan Lakbay Alalay (SUMVAC) in Divine Mercy Shrine in Marilao, Kapitangan, Paombong and Malolos Cathedral in City of Malolos from March 27 to 31; Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill in San Ildefonso on March 25 and PGB Fire Marshalls Quarterly Meeting at the PDRRMO Training Room on March 26.

Also, the PGB-PDRRMO, BFP, DILG, other LGUs and partner agencies kicked off the launch of Fire Prevention Month by a motorcade and conducted the oath-taking of Bulacan Fire Fighter Volunteers.

Prior to this, Basic/Advance Fire Fighting with Hazardous Materials Trainings was held in Olongapo City from February 26 to March 2 and Kaalaman at Kahandaan ay Katatagan sa Kalamidad (K4) Training last February 23 in Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Fernando urges the public to always take extra precautions to prevent fire incidents as the Bulacan PDRRMO has recorded 129 fire incident emergency responses for the year 2023.

To cap off the National Arts Month celebration, the Bulacan Provincial Government, together with the Baliwag City LGU and SM City Baliwag, paid tribute to Baliwag’s very own, National Artist for Music Col. Antonino Buenaventura, through a docufilm viewing, concert, and exhibit alongside the awarding of the SINEliksik Bulacan Research Hub Seal and books to 34 public schools in the province.

To mark the celebration, a docufilm viewing was held at the mall annex of SM City Baliwag featuring “Kol. Antonino Buenaventura: Musika para sa Bayan,” which is under the SINEliksik Bulacan program, an initiative led by the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office (PHACTO). The program aims to ignite appreciation, awareness, and a profound interest among Bulakeños in safeguarding their rich cultural heritage and nurturing the flourishing tourism industry.

“Kol. Antonino Buenaventura: Musika para sa Bayan,” of Baliwag City, is a docufilm which featured the life and music of National Artist Col. Antonino Buenaventura. Said entry received accolades in different categories during the 2022 SINEliksik Bulacan DocuFest, including Best Exhibit, Best Poster, Best Sound Design, and Special Jury Prize.

To honor Col. Antonino Buenaventura’s exemplary contribution to Philippine music, a concert featuring some of his compositions, including “Echoes from the Philippines”, A.F.P on Parade March,” and “Philippine Army March,” was brought to life by the Hiyas ng Bulacan Provincial Band under musical conductor Maestro Felicito “Chito” S. Sacdalan. Additionally, an exhibit featuring photos of Col. Buenaventura and his works are showcased during the program.

“We at SM are honored to be part of this meaningful celebration. More than just a shopping destination, this partnership cements our commitment to be one with the community in preserving the province’s cultural heritage and promoting tourism,” shares SM City Baliwag Mall Manager Rodora Tolentino. The event concluded with the awarding of the Sineliksik Bulacan Research Hub Seal and books to teachers representing 34 public schools in the province.

MANILA, Philippines— Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), has launched the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM): Balik PET Bottle Program in Bacolod City.

By engaging 500 sari-sari stores and carinderias as new collection partners, consumers in Bacolod City can take more action around recycling and help advance a circular economy for plastic packaging.

Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of partnering with industries, companies, social enterprises, and non-government institutions to deliver impactful and sustainable opportunities that can help uplift lives.

“The Tindahan Extra Mile Program is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By mobilizing our local entrepreneurs and fostering community engagement, we are taking significant strides towards a greener and more sustainable Bacolod,” he said.

“As we launch the Tindahan Extra Mile Program, we are not merely initiating a program; we are igniting a movement,” Mayor Albee emphasized. “Together with BENRO, BEST, Coca-Cola Philippines, and our dedicated micro-retailers, we have the power to effect real change and preserve our environment for future generations,” he added.

How does TEM benefit micro-retailers?

Through Tindahan Extra Mile, participating micro-retailers will receive financial incentives by collecting PET plastic bottles. The program encourages the community to partake in a shared responsibility towards a cleaner Bacolod by providing convenient collection points in front of sari-sari stores and carinderias. Residents can easily drop off their empty bottles for recycling. Store owners will accrue environmental points proportional to the bottles they collect, redeemable for cash or products through the bXTRA app.

“Investing in the Tindahan Extra Mile program aligns perfectly with Coca-Cola Philippines’ goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle we sell in the country. By empowering women micro-retailers, who make up a significant portion of sari-sari stores and carinderia owners in the Philippines, TEM creates a convenient and accessible network for consumers to recycle,” said Pablo Medina, Senior Director for Franchise Operations at Coca-Cola Philippines. “This program not only helps foster environmental responsibility but also provides opportunities for financial independence and growth for these female entrepreneurs, driving positive change within their communities.”
 

How can a micro-retailer become a TEM member?

Any sari-sari store and carinderia owner can become a member of the Tindahan Extra Mile in three easy steps. 

• Step 1: On the Tindahan Extra Mile Facebook page, sign up on the bXTRA website using your email address.
• Step 2: Collect empty PET plastic bottles and bring them to the nearest TEM Trash to Cashback Collection Hub.
• Step 3: Exchange your PET bottles for a TEM kit and card to start earning environmental points.

Watch here to learn more about Tindahan Extra Mile.

BEST Senior Vice President Jan Vincent Mercado urges micro-retailers to join TEM as

members. “In partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, our aim is to empower micro- entrepreneurs to become environmental stewards,” he said. “We acknowledge their significance and influence within communities, emphasizing their potential to encourage community members to segregate plastic waste and participate in recycling endeavors,” Mercado said.

Empowering micro-retailers for a World Without Waste

To enable more micro-retailers and inspire collective action towards plastic bottle recycling, Coca-Cola Philippines will bring the Tindahan Extra Mile Program to other areas such as Cebu and Cagayan de Oro in 2024.

Last year, Coca-Cola Philippines launched its consumer engagement program, “May Ikabobote Pa”, to educate, inspire, and engage more consumers to return their empty bottles and cans for recycling.

To advance the circularity of plastic packaging, the company also introduced new bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic. This packaging innovation is now available in Coca-Cola Original 190ml, Wilkins Pure 500ml, and Sprite 500ml. These bottles can be recycled many times, significantly reducing the volume of virgin plastic created and used. 

Consumers can locate the nearest collection points and discover more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling initiatives through the Coca-Cola Sustainability Hub. 

In its bid to further reduce the carbon footprint of its expressway operations, NLEX Corporation adds more electric vehicles to its fleet. The tollway company now has six (6) electric vehicles (EV) and eight (8) more are expected to be delivered this month.

“Electric vehicles create a lower carbon footprint over the course of their lifetime compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The transition to electric vehicles for company vehicles, which we started last year, is an impactful way to integrate sustainability into our day- to-day operations,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager, J. Luigi L. Bautista.

To further facilitate the integration of e-vehicles into the company’s transportation network, an EV charging station is being built in its Sta. Rita office in Bulacan and is targeted to be completed by next month while another charging station will be built in its Balintawak office by the 3^rd quarter of this year. These EV charging stations will use solar energy capable of charging an e-vehicle battery from 0% to 85% in only 40 minutes.

Guided by its commitment to nation building, these initiatives are part of NLEX’s efforts to do more for its motorists and the environment, as this improves the company’s operational efficiency and promotes sustainability. This is also in line with the Metro Pacific Group’s commitment to help the Philippines meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly UNSDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Shifting to an e-vehicle fleet is also part of NLEX’s sustainability efforts as an ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), ISO 50001 (Energy Management System) and Integrated Management System (IMS) certified company.

“This year, we will also broaden the use of renewable and solar energy in our premises, and we will execute even the simplest greening initiatives we possibly can, to contribute to a cleaner and sustainable future,” said Bautista. Aside from the use of electric vehicles, the company also advances its use of solar power roofing and solar perimeter lighting system in the parking areas of the NLEX offices. Targeted to be completed by the 3^rd quarter of this year, the tollway company aims to reduce electricity consumption by using solar energy in its workplace.

In addition, three NLEX technical shelters are now being run by solar energy. Telecoms systems are installed in these shelters, allowing functionality of NLEX’s phones and intercoms in case of power outage.

Another significant contribution to sustainability is the construction of the four (6) rainwater recovery systems located in Dolores, Dinalupihan, Floridablanca,, Mabiga, Clark North and South. These can store and repurpose approximately 81,000 liters of water each that are being used in SCTEX areas.

Meanwhile, over 10,067 trees were planted through last year’s Greening the NLEX program while 28.57 tons of residual waste was reduced through its strict implementation of proper waste segregation and prohibition of single-used plastics inside NLEX’s premises and corporate activities it has conducted. This year, the company has committed to planting another 10,000 more trees as part of this continuing program.

“There is no effort too small in trying to make a change in our environment. Even simple waste segregation makes a huge impact in rescuing our planet. We at NLEX assure the public that we will continue our journey towards a greener tomorrow,” Bautista stated. NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

Explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Enjoy this breathtaking action adventure film with a crystal-clear and wide view with SM Cinema Marilao, SM Cinema Baliwag, and SM Cinema Pulilan’s huge screens and laser projection, accompanied by the most immersive audio experience as you indulge in plush seats and delectable treats from Snack Time.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

🔗: https://bit.ly/DunePartTwoAtSMCinema

📱: SM Cinema app

🎟: SM Cinema ticket booths

#DunePartTwoPH #DunePartTwoAtSMCinema #SMCinema

DONA REMEDIOS TRINIDAD (DRT), Bulacan—The 7.4 billion DRT-Dingalan bypass road initiative project of Bulacan Third District Rep. Lorna SIlverio has already started its construction last February 1.

The road project, earlier known as the East Alignment road  will shorten to only 68 kilometers (km) the 300 km travel distance between the two towns across the three provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Aurora in Central Luzon, which started construction last month.

Melquiades Sto. Domingo, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 3 assistant regional director said in a media interview at his office last week that the works for the P200 million worth first 4.33 km of the 19.27 km DRT section of the bypass road started through a simple ground breaking in Sitio Betis, Barangay Kalawakan, DRT on Feb. 1.

The DRT-Dingalan bypass is a 67.93 km two lane road with 3.35 meter wide each lane and 2.5 each shoulder lane on both sides.

Silverio, proponent of the project said the bypass road will provide a road network within the municipality of San Miguel and DRT in Bulacan, Gen. Tinio (Papaya) Nueva Ecija and Dingalan in Aurora and will aid in accelerating economic development and increasing agricultural activities in the three provinces.

The dream road link will also enhance more access to tourist destinations in the three provinces, Silverio added.

Gen. Tinio portion covers 38.46 km while Dingalan covers 10. 20 km.

Sto. Domingo told NEWSCORE the project will have a phase by phase multi-year completion but full construction and availability for motorists use is expected in 2029.

The Bulacan portion is expected to be completed in 2026.

Other than works in DRT, partial works in Dingalan have also started, Sto. Domingo added.

The DRT-Dingalan bypass is the second major bypass initiative project of Silverio after the Plaridel Bypass road in 2011.

Plaridel bypass road continues to bring fast economic growth in the eastern side of Bulacan. The bypass directly connects the northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) through Balagtas exit to San Ildefonso town bound to San Miguel town and Nueva Ecija passing along the towns of Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Baliwag, San Rafael.

Industrial, commercial and residential activities continue to spur in the said towns because of the bypass.

Bulacan’s new DPWH third district office (a sub-office) headed by district engineer Ruben Santos and assistant district engineer Edgardo Pingol will assist and support the agency’s regional office in the supervision and monitoring of the works in the project.