MANILA–In fulfilment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to further boost the country’s agriculture sector, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina Pangandaman said on Monday that over P10 billion has been allocated to provide fuel and fertilizer assistance to farmers this year under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“Bukod po sa pagpapalakas ng produksyon at suplay ng pagkain sa bansa, nais po ng ating mahal na Pangulo na mabigyan ng nararapat na tulong ang ating local farmers. Napakahalaga po ng tungkulin na ginagampanan nila sa ating ekonomiya at komunidad. Rest assured that this government will always look for the best solutions to provide assistance to them,” Sec Mina emphasized.

Under the Special Provision of the FY 2024 GAA, a total of P9.561 billion has been appropriated for the distribution of fertilizer discount vouchers under the Department of Agriculture’s Production Support Services of the National Rice Program. Of the P9.561 billion, P6.161 billion shall be used for fertilizer assistance to complement the DA Hybrid Seed Program and P3.4 billion for the DA Inbred Certified Seed Program.

The fertilizer assistance program is expected to be implemented within the major rice-producing provinces and promote balanced fertilization to increase rice productivity.

Fuel assistance to farmers

Meanwhile, a total of P510.4 million has been allocated for fuel assistance to farmers, which also includes the operating expenses incurred in the distribution of the said assistance. Implementation of the program shall be subject to the guidelines to be issued by the DA, in coordination with the DBM and the Department of Energy.

MANILA–Naglabas ang Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ng kabuuang P47.54 bilyon para sa pagpapatupad ng Protective Services of Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances (PSIFDC) program noong 2023.

Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni DBM Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman, layon ng malaking pondong ito ang magbigay ng mahalagang suporta sa pagpapatupad ng PSIFDC program, na sumasaklaw sa isang hanay ng serbisyo na nakatuon sa pagpapagaan ng mga pasaning kinakaharap ng mga indibidwal at pamilya sa krisis.

“In times of crisis, our duty as public servants is to extend a helping hand to those who need it most. Marami po sa ating mga kababayan ang umaasa sa tulong na ibinibigay ng programa kaya sinisiguro po natin na patuloy itong aagapay sa mga kababayan nating nangangailangan,” pahayag ni Secretary Mina.

Kabilang sa PSIFDC ang programang Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), isa sa mga pangunahing programa para sa kapakanan ng publiko ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), na nagbibigay ng tulong medikal, panglibing, pang-edukasyon, transportasyon, pagkain, at pera.

Ang pangunahing layunin ng AICS program ay tulungan ang mga Pilipinong nasa matinding kalagayan dahil sa sakit, pagkawala, o iba pang hamon.

Ipagpapatuloy ang social assistance funding ngayong 2024 

Samantala, ngayong taon, may kabuuang P34.27 bilyon ang inilaan para sa parehong layunin sa ilalim ng 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Ang nabanggit na halaga ay naglalayong tulungan ang may 3,876,673 na mga benepisyaryo sa buong bansa.

Ayon sa Budget Secretary, ang pagpapatuloy ng social assistance ay naaayon sa pangarap ng Pangulo ng isang Bagong Pilipinas, kung saan mahusay ang pagtugon ng gobyerno sa mga pangangailangan ng mamamayan at sa pagtulong sa kanila sa panahon ng krisis nang tuluyang makabangon at makapagtatag ng mas mabuting buhay.

“As mandated by our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will remain committed to uplifting the lives of our kababayans, especially the most vulnerable, through supporting targeted social assistance programs. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, sama-sama po tayo, walang maiiwan. As public servants, we need to be there for the Filipino people, especially at times when they need us the most,” ani Secretary Pangandaman.

State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Wick Veloso announced that the GSIS is prepared to extend emergency loan to members and pensioners in the provinces of Davao Del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental and Davao City, that have been affected by continuous rainfall, resulting in flash floods and landslides.  

Under the GSIS Emergency Loan program, qualified members who have no existing emergency loan may borrow up to P20,000. Those who have existing emergency loan balance may borrow up to P40,000 to pay off their outstanding emergency loan balance and will still receive a maximum net amount of P20,000.  Pensioners are also eligible to apply for a loan of P20,000.

Eligible applicants for the emergency loan are active members residing or working in places which have been declared as calamity areas, who are not on leave of absence without pay and have paid their premiums within the last six months prior to application. They should have no pending administrative or criminal case and a have a resulting net take-home pay of at least P5,000 after all the required monthly obligations have been deducted.

Old-age and disability pensioners residing in the calamity areas may also avail of the loan as long as their resulting net monthly pension after loan availment is at least 25% of their basic monthly pension and they have no outstanding loan being deducted from their monthly pension except pension loan.

The loan has a low interest rate of 6% and three-year payment term. With a redemption insurance feature, the balance will be deemed fully paid in the event of the borrower’s death, as long as payments are updated.

Members and pensioners may apply for the loan using the GSIS Touch mobile application, which is available for download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. They may also apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks, found in all GSIS offices, selected Robinson’s and SM supermalls, and large government offices such as the Department of Education. Over-the-counter application will be allowed if the GWAPS kiosk is offline or if the borrower has no ecard, has a  defective ecard, unreadable biometrics or temporary-issued eCard.

For further details, members and pensioners may visit the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph) or Facebook page (@gsis.ph); email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8847-4747 (if in Metro Manila) or 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers) or 1-800-10-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N Text subscribers).

CITY OF MALOLOS—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led  on Tuesday the country’s 125th milestone anniversary celebration of the First Philippine Republic, the First Republic in Asia at the Barasoain Church where the historical event unfolds on Jan. 23, 1899 in this capital city of Bulacan. 

Marcos who arrived on time for the 8:00 a.m. start of the program at Barasoain Church grounds was welcomed by Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando and City of Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad. Joined by the two local officials, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Director Emmanuel Franco Calairo, Marcos also led the flag raising and wreath laying ceremonies before the monument of Philippine Republic President Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo at the church grounds.

Following the two ceremonies, Marcos made his way inside the Barasoain Church for the program. 

Adorned with Philippine flags, as a sort of re-enactment of the scene in the actual Philippine Republic inauguration 125 years ago, Marcos delivers a 10-minute speech. 

According to the President, because of the Malolos Congress and the Philippine Republic, a new nation was created that showed the world that the country is ruled by law. 

He said that the Filipino people were fully liberated and although the world was sceptical they can stand on their own, the Philippine Republic erases that doubt.  

“We will continue today what our forefathers who were behind the Philippine Republic and this is what makes our democracy stable, our future secured and our nation strong.  That is the only way we could only honor our forefathers  who established the Philippine Republic,” the President said in his speech. 

“Isinasabuhay natin taun-taon ang kadakilaan ang diwa ng Malolos Congress at ng Philippine Republic. Buhay na buhay sa ating puso ang kanilang ipinakitang kagitingan. Sa ngayon, sa kabila ng patuloy na mga pagsubok sa ating lipunan katulad ng sakit, kalamidad, makakaasa kayong lahat na kasama ninyo ang pamahalaang nasyunal laban sa iba’t ibang pang-aabuso, boses na handang magtanggol para sa lahat at higit sa lahat, may puso, para sa bawat isa. Patuloy nating pag-ibayuhin ang pag-ibig natin sa ating bayan para sa lalo pang mga pagpapala sa ating Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said.

The First Philippine Republic, established after the adoption of the Malolos Constitution of 1899, was Asia’s First Constitutional Republic that served as an inspiration for other Asiatic republics. The Republic replaced the Revolutionary Government created by President Emilio Aguinaldo 18 and 23 June 1898 decrees after the proclamation of Philippine Independence from the Spanish Empire on 12 June 1898. It lasted from January 1899 until Aguinaldo was captured by American Forces during the Philippine-American War in Palanan, Isabela on 22 March 1901, according to the NHCP. 

The milestone is part of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood 2023-2026 which commemorates the events that led up to the Independence and the development of our nation from 1989 to 1901. President Marcos previously enjoined the nation to participate in the commemoration through Administrative Order No. 8, s. 2023 with the NHCP as the Chair of the National Steering Committee, the NHCP also said. 

Fernando said that the Philippine Republic brings great honor and pride to the Filipino race and its 125th milestone celebration today relives each and every Filipino’s great pride and dignity. 

According to Calairo, the celebration reminds us of the freedom brought by the nationalism and the reforms led by our heroes Dr. Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Andres Bonifacio, the Katipunan and the Philippine Republic led by President Emilio Aguinaldo but which was not recognized by the Americans.

“Tagumpay na naibalik ang dangal ng mga Pilipino, hindi na tayo insurekto, tayo ay mga republikano at kinikilala ng malayang bansa sa buong mundo. Ito ang panahon upang lalong magkaisa,” he said. Calairo enjoins every Filipino to support President Marcos Bagong Pilipinas thrust. 

Romualdez on his part said the Philippine Republic in the Barasoain Church proves that the power reigns in the people including the power to choose their leaders. “Today, we have our freedom of expression, this is good. It is a reason to celebrate. We enjoy the democracy and freedom that was brought to us by the Philippine Republic,” he said. 

Zubiri who traces his ancestry, Pablo Ocampo Sr. , one of the delegates to the Malolos Congress expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Republic being the first democracy in Asia. 

“Sovereignty emanates from the people. Binigyang pundasyon at hugis ng Philippine Republic ang ating kalayaan,” he said. 

The senate president also hailed the delegates to the Malolos Congress who were behind the Malolos Constitution and the Philippine Republic for not using the constitution they crafted for their own personal gain. 

“Hindi sinamantala ang posisyon sa Constitution para sa pansariling kapakanan. They stood as uncompromising for freedom. We should continue this. We remain free from invasion, poverty, foreign aggression. These were what our forefathers did. Ano mang pagbabago sa atin, hindi dapat ang pansariling motibo. Upang balang araw ay mahusgahan tayo na gumawa tayo ng tama,” Zubiri also said. 

BALIWAG, BULACAN –Sinampahan ng kasong sexual abuse ng dating dalawang menor de edad si ex-municipal Councilor Melvin Santos ng Bayan ng San Miguel, Bulacan nito lamang nakaraang linggo sa Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office sa Lungsod ng Malolos.

Sa naging pahayag ni Atty. Joey Cruz, abogqdo ng dalawang biktima sa mga mamamahayag nitong araw ng Linggo, kinilala ang dalawang biktima na sina alyas “Mark”, 35-anyos at alyas “Joey, 30.

Ayon kay  Cruz, sa salayasay ng dalawang biktima, sinabi ng mga ito na kapwa sila 17-anyos noon ng sila ay dalhin ni Santos sa kanyang bahay at doon sila umano ay minolestya.

Dahil sa takot at may hawak daw na baril noon si Santos ay hindi na sila nakapanlaban ng pagsamantalahan umano sila ng dating konsehal na nagbanta pa na sila ay papatayin kapag nagsumbong.

Sa panayam ng media ay sinabi ng dalawa na makaraan ang ilang taon ng pananahimik ay nagdesisyon na sila ngayon na magsampa ng reklamo dahil marami na daw ang naglalabasan na mga kabataan na nabiktima din ni Santos.

Ito na ang ikatlong kaso ng sexual abuse na isinampa laban kay Santos sa piskalya.

Unang naghain ng reklamong rape at sexual abuse nitong nakaraang ika-18 ng Disyembre ang isang 21-anyos na lalake na si alyas “Roy” na dati namang tauhan ni Santos sa punerarya.

Sa salaysay ng biktima ay 16-anyos pa lamang siya noong naganap ang umano ay panghahalay sa kanya ni Santos kung saan ay tinakot din siya nito gamit ang baril at pagbabanta pati na sa kanyang pamilya.

Sa panig naman ni Santos, ipinahayag nito sa NEWS CORE na character assassination lamang ang pagsasampa sa kanya ng nasabing mga kaso. Gayundin, ito umano ay politically motivated at kalaban lang niya sa pulitika sa kanilang bayan ang nasa likod ng nasabing hakbang laban sa kanya. 

Dagdag pa nito, ganti lamang umano ng kanyang kalaban sa pulitika ang nasabing pagsasampa ng kaso laban sa kanya dahil umano sa nauna ng mga kasong isinampa niya laban dito. 

SM Supermalls, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Group, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), and SM Retail are set to host job fairs on January 25 at SM City San Lazaro Event Center, February 16 at SM City Grand Central 5^th Level, and March 1 at SM City North EDSA The Block.

This initiative aims to provide valuable employment opportunities for job seekers, aligning with the government’s efforts to address unemployment. This also aims to contribute to economic activity by increasing the workforce in companies.

Aspiring candidates have the opportunity to also find their place at SM, the proud partner for the February 16 Job Fair at SM City Grand Central and the March 1 Job Fair at SM City North EDSA. This collaboration includes well-known companies such as SM Retail, SM Store, SM Supermalls, and various other SM Retail Affiliates, featuring Ace Hardware, Baby Company, Crocs, Dyson, Miniso, Our Home, SM Appliance Center, SM Fashion, SM Home, Sports Central, Stationery, Toy Kingdom, Pet Express, Snack Exchange, and Watsons. SM Markets adds to the lineup, introducing SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, Savemore Markets, Alfamart, and Waltermart to the mix.

These job fairs extend an invitation to all job seekers, including recent graduates, returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and individuals seeking new career paths.

During these events, attendees have the chance to submit their resumes and engage in preliminary interviews with participating companies. Some organizations may even present on-the-spot job offers, granting qualified applicants with immediate access to employment opportunities.

Since 2008, SM Supermalls has collaborated with DOLE, co-hosting job fairs that aim to bridge the gap between job seekers and prospective employers.

“In 2024, our commitment to fostering employment opportunities across the nation is stronger than ever. It’s not merely about jobs; it’s about empowerment, growth, and the unwavering belief that, together, we can build a workforce that transforms challenges into opportunities,” said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.

To know more about the SM Supermalls’ Job Fairs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—A 40-year old robbery hold-up suspect who used plastic toy gun in preying on Indian nationals was arrested by the police in Marilao town over the weekend.

Marilao town police chief Col. Eduardo Guevara Jr. said Lari Bangcaray, a laborer from Barangay Tala, Caloocan City was collared after his men responded to a report of a robbery hold-up at around 5:10 p.m. in Barangay Lambakin.

Bangcaray’s victim, an Indian national engaged in lending business run off towards the town police station after he was just robbed of his day’s collections and earnings.

Prompt police response and chase operation resulted to the arrest of the suspect.

Guevara said Bangcaray could be the same suspect behind the series of a robbery hold-up incidents victimizing many Indian nationals involved in lending business in the town.

He told NEWS CORE on Monday that the suspect could later use a real gun in his illegal activities which could get him killed when he engaged policemen in exchange of fires.

Confiscated from him were the colored black replica (toy gun) he used in the robbery hold-up, 3 plastic sachets of suspected shabu wrighing  2.2 grams and worth P12, 000.

Charges of robbery with violence and intimidation against person, Violation of R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002) and Violation of R.A. 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition) were already filed against him before the Bulacan Prosecutors Office.

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS—Umabot sa P517,500,000 ang halagang naipamigay ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., sa pamamagitan ng pondo ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa may 100,000 pamilyang Bulakenyo na naapektuhan ng typhoon Egay noong nakaraang taon.

Ayon kay Gob. Daniel Fernando, ngayong Enero 2024 ay tinatapos na lamang ang ilang huling mga benepisyaryo.

Sinabi ng gobernador na naapektuhan ng bagyong Egay kasama pa ang bagyong Falcon at southwest monsoon noong Hulyo at Agosto 2023 ang halos lahat ng 572 na mga barangay sa apat na siyudad at 20 bayan sa lalawigan.

Ang kada isang pamilya na apektado at nasalanta ay pinagkalooban ng P5,175 halaga ng cash money bilang Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance sa ilalim ng Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program ng DSWD, pahayag naman ni Rowena Tiongson, hepe ng Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) ng Bulacan.

Matatandaang inatasan ni Pangulong Marcos si DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian na mag-release ng nasabing mahigit P1-bilyong halaga para sa perang ayuda sa mga naapektuhan ng malawakan at halos tatlong linggong pagbaha dala ng nasabing mga bagyo at malalakas na pag-ulan.

Si Pangulong Marcos ay bumisita sa Bulacan at nakipagpulong kina Fernando kasama rin si Bise Gob. Alexis Castro at personal na inalam sa nasabing mga opisyal ng lalawigan ang mga naging dahilan ng pagbaha, ang mga pinsalang tinamo ng probinsiya at ang mga suhestiyon at kahilingan ng mga taga-Bulacan upang masolusyunan ang nasabing mga pagbaha tuwing may mga bagyo at malakas na ulan.

Nakadagdag din sa mga pagbaha ang sunod-sunod na high tide at gayundin ang pagpapawala ng tubig ng mga dams.

Nagpahayag ng taos-pusong pasasalamat sina Fernando at Castro kay Pangulong Marcos at Secretary Gatchalian dahil sa prioridad na ibinigay sa lalawigan para makatanggap ang 100,000 pamilya ng nasabing halaga ng ayuda.

Bago ang ECT ay nagpamahagi rin ang DSWD ng mga kahon-kahong pagkaing ayuda kasama pa ang ilang personal hygiene kit sa nasabing pamilya na nasalanta at naapektuhan ng nasabing kalamidad.

Double time at halos walang pahinga ang ginawa nila Fernando, Castro at Joson na pamimigay ng nasabing mga ayuda sa mga benepisyaryo sa mga bayan-bayan at kada distrito ng lalawigan.

Nitong Kapaskuhan, sinabi ng gobernador na isang biyaya at sadyang mapalad pa rin ang mga pamilyang nakatanggap ng nasabing ayusa mula sa Pangulo.

Oktubre noong isang taon ng sinimulan itong ipamahagi. Matatandaang mula sa pagpapahinga ng ilang linggo dahil sa pagkakasakit ay inuna ng gobernador ang pamamahagi nito nang siya ay muling magbalik sa araw araw niyang aktibong mga programa at aktibidad.

Matatandaan ding inatasan ni Pangulong Marcos ang Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 3 office na resolbahin ang nasabing mga pagbaha. Katulad ng Bulacan, binaha rin ang Pampanga, maging ang iba pang mga lalawigan sa Gitnang Luzon.

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—Police seized P120,000 worth of marijuana and other illegal drugs and arrested six wanted persons during simultaneous anti-criminality operations in different towns and cities on Friday.

Bulacan Police Director Col. Relly Arnedo said one alias Jhonet, 20; and alias Ronald, 28, were arrested in an Anti-Criminality Checkpoint Operation (Oplan-Sita) at about 2:50 a.m. in Barangay Guyong, Sta. Maria town.

Sta. Maria police station mobile patrollers confiscated from them 1 plastic wrapped brick containing 1 kilogram of suspected dried marijuana fruiting tops worth P120,000, 1 Unit Beretta (replica), 3 pieces of cellphones, 1 piece of bag, and 1 colored black and orange Honda Click 125 motorcycle without plate number.

Similar anti-illegal drugs operations conducted by Station Drug Enforcement Units (SDEU) of City Meycauayan and Calumpit town police resulted in the arrest of 10 drug peddlers. Confiscation from them were 7 sachets of suspected shabu worth almost P14,000, drug paraphernalia and buy-bust money.

On the other hand, tracker teams of Hagonoy police station arrested Luciano Santos, the Top 5 Provincial Level and Top 1 Municipal Level (MWP) in the town for the crime of statutory rape with no bail recommended. The warrant of arrest was issued by the Presiding Judge, Family Court, Third Judicial Region, Branch 4, City of Malolos, Bulacan.

Also, the tracker teams of the San Miguel, City of San Jose Del Monte, Sta. Maria and Plaridel police stations have arrested 5 wanted persons, identified as alias Marineth for violations of Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002; alias Alejandro for charges of direct assault; alias Jenny for New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016 (R.A. 10883); alias Renato for Social Security Act of 2018; and alias “FPJ” for rape respectively.

All accused are presently under the custody of the arresting unit/stations for proper disposition.

The Bulacan PNP is devoted to keeping a safe community free from criminal activities. The ability to stop individuals who incite fear and use violence in the community shows how steadfastly committed the police are to battling lawlessness and violence under the “Pulis ng PRO 3, Partner ng Pamayanan” thrust, Arnedo said.

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)- Bulacan Provincial Office (PDEA Bulacan PO) dismantled a suspected drug den and collared four drug suspects after a buy-bust operation in Barangay Muzon on Saturday.

PDEA Bulacan Chief identified the arrested suspects as Balbino Magdayao Jr. , alias Jun, 46; Alvin Masarque, 18; Arjannel Pusing, 18, Rholan James Ellena, 18, all of Barangay South Muzon.

The four suspects yielded 7 pieces of plastic sachets containing more or less 15 grams of shabu amounting to P102,000; assorted drug paraphernalia; and the buy-bust money used during.

Recovered illegal substances will be forwarded to the PDEA RO III laboratory for quantitative and qualitative examinations.

PDEA Aurora PO and PDEA-3 Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET) also joined the said operation.

Appropriate charges for the violation of the anti- drug law (Republic Act 9165) will be filed against them.