CITY OF MALOLOS – The provincial government of Bulacan and ten of its city and municipalities bagged this year’s Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) during the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance National Awarding Cluster 2 held at The Manila Hotel on Thursday.

The award was given to the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) and to the City of Baliwag and the municipalities of Angat, Balagtas, Bulakan, Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Guiguinto, Marilao, Pandi, Pulilan and Santa Maria.  

The city and town mayors are: City of Baliuag Mayor Ferdie Estrella, Angat Mayor Jowar Bautista, Balagtas Mayor Eladio Gonzales Jr., Bulakan Mayor Vergel Meneses, DRT Mayor Ronaldo “RTF” Flores, Guiguinto Mayor Agatha “Agay” Cruz, Marilao Mayor Henry Lutao, Pandi Mayor Rico Roque, Pulilan Mayor Maritz Ochoa and Sta. Maria Mayor Omeng Ramos.

DILG Secretary and Council of Good Local Governance (CGLG) Chair Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. said the recipients of the most coveted award for local governance bagged their recognition because of their commitment to effective and transparent governance.

Abalos said that in order to qualify for the SGLG award, local government units (LGUs) must pass the assessment criteria across various governance areas including financial administration; disaster preparedness; social protection and sensitivity; health compliance and responsiveness; sustainable education; business-friendliness and competitiveness; safety, peace, and order; environmental management; tourism, heritage development, culture, and the arts; and youth development.

Since the launching of SGLG in 2014, Bulacan has been a consistent awardee, securing the SGLG seal for seven straight years.

Bulacan has also received P4,000,000.00 worth of SGLG Incentive Fund Subsidy which will be used for high-impact projects in the province.

Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando acknowledged the collective efforts of the PGB that led to the attainment of the prestigious recognition.

“This recognition is a reflection of our collective commitment to effective governance, sustainable development, and service excellence. I am truly honored to lead a community that consistently upholds the principles of good governance. Let this milestone inspire us to continue working together for the betterment of our beloved Bulacan,” Fernando said.

The People’s Governor also recognized the efforts of the SGLG in motivating and challenging the local government units to meet the criteria, therefore resulting in a more productive and progressive administration that benefits their respective constituents.

Also, the LGUs in the country that passed the criteria for 2023 SGLG award received the SGLG Incentive Fund Subsidy amounting to P1,800,00.00 each.

 Abalos challenged all the LGUs throughout the country to render a much more effective governance.

“My fellow people in the government, there is a speed improvement in artificial intelligence, in telecommunications, technology, medical and natural science. Let us not allow to be left behind , that’s why our experts are here, our standard is to get what what is far much right and better and to bring them down to the grassroots and let us capacitate each other because for our country to achieve its highest heights is for us to work together and make it to happen,”( Mga kasama, sa gobyerno, mabilis ang improvement sa artificial intelligence, sa telecommunications, technology, medical and natural science. Huwag tayong papahuli rito, kaya nandito ang mga eksperto –na ang mga batayan natin ay lalo nating kunin ang tama, ibaba natin sa grassroots at i-capacitate natin ang bawat isa. Dahil ang ikatataas ng ating bansa ay tayo rin ang magdadala), the secretary added.  

Senate Majority Joel Villanueva vows to renew the fight to provide security of tenure for both private and government workers. Villanueva made the call during the distribution of financial aid to 305 outsourced workers in the Senate on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

The former labor chair in the 18th Congress lamented the veto of the Security of Tenure bill which seeks to ban labor-only contracting and other exploitative labor practices. In the 19th Congress, the Majority Leader refiled Senate Bill No. 130 or the Security of Tenure Act and Senate Bill No. 131 or the Civil Service Security of Tenure Act.

The Social Security System (SSS) urged delinquent employers in Parañaque City to settle their P83-million contribution delinquencies during the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operation held on November 30, 2023.

SSS Vice President for Operations Legal Services Division I Renato Jacinto S. Cuisia (5^th from left), SSS National Capital Region (NCR) South Legal Department Concurrent Acting Head Victorina Pardo-Pajarillo (6^th from left), SSS Account Management Group Acting Head Neil F. Hernaez (right, side view) and SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas (not in photo) led the issuance of Notices of Violation and billing letters to delinquent employers identified by the SSS NCR Large Accounts Department in the West Service Road and Tambo in Parañaque City.

SSS NCR Large Accounts Department Acting Head Henry D. Bonete said that the four large account employers incurred a total of P83 million unpaid contributions and corresponding penalties, affecting around 2,438 employees. “We advise them to coordinate with the SSS NCR Large Accounts Department within the next 15 days to settle their contribution delinquencies and avoid facing civil and criminal cases for violation of Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018,” Bonete added.

Ni Shane F. Velasco

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS, Bulacan (PIA) – Inabisuhan ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas o BSP ang publikong mamimili at mga establisemento na tanggapin ang P1 libong polymer banknote kahit na ito’y naitiklop o nailupi, lalo ngayong holiday season kung saan maraming gumagastos.

Ipinaliwanag ni Rodora Teresa Openiano, bank officer IV ng BSP-North Luzon Regional Office, na hindi ikatatanggal at hindi mawawala ang halaga o value ng P1 libong polymer banknote kung ito’y magkaroon ng tiklop o lupi.

Kalakip ng paalala ng BSP, tiniyak din nito na hinding hindi mapepeke ang P1 libong polymer banknote dahil sa pagkakaroon ng karagdagang mga security features.

Pangunahin rito ang see through design, Sampaguita clear window at ang vertical clear window na nasa gawing kanan kung nakarap sa tumitingin ang pera.

May mga existing security features din na nai-adopt sa polymer banknote na nasa mga naunang regular banknotes na inilabas ng BSP.

Nilagyan din ng mga tactile marks para sa mga malalabo ang mata at sa mga hindi nakakakita. Ito ang nakaangat na limang tuldok na uubrang mahipo o makapa sa gawing itaas ng polymer banknote.

Ang metallic foil o security thread na inilagay dito ay naka-integrate sa plastic ng polymer banknote, na hindi na natatanggal kumpara noon na maaaring mahila kapag luma na ang isang perang papel.

Binigyang diin ni Openiano na kung papaano aniya trinatrato ang ibang umiiral na banknotes o perang papel, ay ganoon din dapat sa polymer banknote.

Kaya’t pinayuhan din ang mga manininda sa palengke na huwag ikabahala na tanggapin ang polymer banknote sa pagbabayad, dahil matibay sa basa o water resistant ito. Hindi ito masisira kahit maipatong sa ibabaw ng sariwang Isda, mga karne o anumang basang paninda.

Mas malinis aniyang hawakan ang gawa sa plastic na polymer banknote dahil madali itong ma-disinfect. Pwedeng bugahan ng alcohol spray nang hindi mapipilas o hindi mawawala ang anumang nailimbag.

Samantala, ibinalita rin ni Openiano nailabas na ng BSP sa pambansang sirkulasyon ang 490 milyong piraso pa ng P1 libong polymer banknote mula noong Oktubre 2022 hanggang nitong Oktubre 2023.

Katumbas ito ng halagang P490 bilyon na dumagdag sa P200 bilyong currency reserves ng BSP na naitala nitong Hulyo 2023. Nauna nang nailabas ang 10 milyong piraso ng P1 libong polymer banknote o halagang  P10 bilyon noong Abril 2022

Kaya’t nasa 500 milyong piraso P1 libong polymer banknote o katumbas ng P500 bilyon na halaga ang nasa pambansang sirkulasyon na.

Katunayan, mas laganap na aniya ang P1 libong polymer banknote sa buong bansa partikular na sa mga automated teller machine o ATM, kung saan mayroong 2,285 nang units sa gitnang Luzon. (SFV/PIA-3/BULACAN)

UPD-CS Science Communication

The Philippines should brace for potentially stronger and more destructive typhoons due to climate change, warns new research coming out of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s  Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UPD-CS IESM).

Dr. Rafaela Jane Delfino and Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, together with colleagues from the UK, found that future Philippine typhoons may have a higher cyclone damage potential (CDP) than today’s typhoons. 

CDP is a metric that takes into account several factors, including the size of the cyclone and the speed of its winds. The scientists gathered data from recent typhoons and projected these onto likely future climate scenarios to figure out future CDPs. The greater the CDP, the greater potential damage costs, particularly from winds.

Specifically, the researchers looked at three of the most deadly super typhoons in recent history: Haiyan (which happened in 2013 and was locally named Yolanda); Bopha (2012, Pablo); and Mangkhut (2018, Ompong). They then hypothesized the potential damage from these typhoons if they happened in a future where the climate is forecast to be warmer and more humid, based on multiple climate projections for the years 2070 to 2099. 

Moreover, by employing various projections and considering several factors such as atmospheric temperature, sea surface temperature, pressure, and relative humidity, the researchers were able to conclusively link climate change to the intensification of the three Philippine typhoons mentioned in the study. They also found that future typhoons may be expected to be stronger and more damaging. Like spinning tops, the potentially faster winds and slower movement of these future typhoons could lead to them lingering longer over land and therefore causing more damage.

For example, under one forecast model, the CDP from a future cyclone similar to Super Typhoon Yolanda was seen to be as much as 37% greater than the damage experienced in 2013. In another simulation, Super Typhoon Ompong, which had a simulated maximum wind speed of 205 kph under present climate conditions, could potentially hit 270 kph under future climate conditions. The projections also showed an increase of as much as 50 kph in the maximum wind speeds of future typhoons like Yolanda and Pablo.

“Based on our simulations, it is found that the most damaging tropical cyclones like Haiyan, Bopha, and Mangkhut will have higher wind-related damage potential in the future,” the researchers concluded in their paper. 

“Tropical cyclones of such intensity and damage potential in the future will have serious implications with the increasing exposure and vulnerability in the Philippines,” they added, calling for further research using other models and typhoon data sets.

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Inatasan ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando ang mga Bulakenyo sa pamamagitan ng inilabas na Memorandum No. DRF-12122023-658 noong Martes, Disyembre 12, 2023, na magsuot ng face masks upang maiwasan ang paglaganap ng respiratory infections at iba pang sakit na maaaring makapagbigay panganib sa kalusugan sa lalawigan ng Bulacan.

Bagamat hindi sapilitan, ang mga indibidwal sa mga health facility, may COVID-19 o respiratory infections, mga matatanda, mga mayroong underlying health conditions, mga buntis, mga hindi pa nababakunahan, at mga nagpapakita ng anumang senyales ng sakit ay nirerekomenda na magsuot ng face masks bilang pag-iingat.

“Panatilihin sana natin ang maayos na kalusugan dito sa lalawigan. Ito po ang magiging pundasyon natin sa pagbuo ng isang masigla at maunlad na komunidad,” ani Fernando.

Noong Hulyo 21, 2023, sa pamamagitan ng Proclamation No. 297, ay binawi na ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang Public Health Emergency na dulot ng COVID-19.

As leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan meet in Tokyo to celebrate 50 years of cooperation, we urge the Japanese government to use this golden opportunity to stop the financing and promotion of fossil fuels and dangerous distractions in Southeast Asia’s path to a clean and renewable energy future.

ASEAN was founded in the spirit of peace, unity, and prosperity by promoting sustainable development to protect its environment, natural resources, cultural heritage, and people’s quality of life. Today, ASEAN members face a critical juncture: the potential of massively advancing renewable energy in the region to benefit its people and the environment or continued and expanded dependence on fossil fuels, especially gas, in the face of an intensifying climate crisis. The Japanese government, despite its supposed commitment to a clean energy transition and the development of this region, is culprit to the latter.

Since the Paris Agreement was signed, Japanese public and private financial institutions have continued to pour funds to fossil gas projects and developers in Southeast Asia. In a report, four Japanese banks (Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Sumitomo Mitsui, Mizuho Financial Group, Mitsubishi UFJ) have combined funding of USD 9.7 billion towards fossil gas projects, and are among the top 10 biggest financiers of gas in SEA. 

During COP28, Japan Prime Minister Kishida pledged to triple renewable energy, alongside over 120 other countries. While this can lead to great strides in the energy transition, a renewable energy transition will serve toward keeping the 1.5 degree C climate goal only if it is pursued in displacement of all fossil fuels – coal, gas, and oil. Japan’s pledge must thus not be viewed in silos from the glaring contradiction of its role in Southeast Asia’s gas buildout. 

While Japan touts carbon capture and storage (CCS), ammonia, and hydrogen as solutions to assist ASEAN in decarbonization, we reject these dangerous distractions as they only, in fact, prolong the use of fossil fuels. SEA is a region ripe with renewable energy potential which Japan must support, not derail. It is self-defeating for Japan to advocate for clean energy domestically while investing in fossil fuels abroad. Japan’s dual narrative is a contradiction to the global urgency for a cohesive climate strategy.

For Japan to genuinely value its friendship with ASEAN, it must support a genuine, just, and rapid 100% renewable energy transition and commit to the phase-out of the use and financing of fossil fuels. The pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and commitments it has signed cannot be achieved as long as fossil fuels continue to be financed and used.

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BONGABON, Nueva Ecija–In the five Aeta communities in Porac, Pampanga, only the “kulot” or the Aeta themselves can have a seat as elected and appointed leader in their their respective barangays and not any from among the “unats” or the “mestizos”.

Councilor Edwin Abuque, occupies a seat in Porac municipal government as the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).

As representative of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) in the newly created Central Luzon Media-Citizen Council (CLMCC) during the group’s organizational workshop in Sevilla Paradise Resort in Barangay Labi in this town on Saturday, Dec. 9, Abuque said the four barangays of Camias, Villa Maria, Inararo and Sapang Uwak including Sitio Target in their town have passed respective ordinances allowing only their fellow Aetas to run for an elected position and be assigned with appointed positions.

Abuque, 64, was a college graduate who was nine years elected kagawad and also has become a barangay captain in Barangay Camias. He was also the former chairman of Pagkakaisa ng mga Katutubo, an Aeta organization in their place before he became an IPMR.  

Abuque was also a former teacher and a social worker.

He explained that such ordinance which they strictly implement and abide is to help strongly pursue the preservation of their own culture, beliefs and tradition and to also ensure that the concerns of their minority tribe will be at the top priority.

“We have high respect to the “unat,” the “mestizos,” but in our communities, we, Aetas are the majority of people, we are not minority, that’s why the leaders in our areas must be from among our ranks,” he told NEWS CORE. The unat and mestizo are the non-Aeta or the non-tribe members ordinary Filipino.

Of the 10,000 Aetas in Porac, only, 15 percent are unat and mestizos. These non-native or non Aeta tribes abide with the rules and barangay ordinance pursuing protection and preservation of the Aeta culture and traditions.

Floridablanca and Mabalacat City are also Aeta communities.

Abuque haa his daughter-in-law, also a college graduate, Annie Abuque and another Aeta resident, Shirley Capuno as his appointed secretaries and staff.

Newly elected Camias Barangay Kagawad Honasan Isip said keeping their communities governed and ruled by fellow Aetas will strongly preserve their traditions and beliefs. “Ipinaglalaban namin ang aming katutubong kultura at tradisyon upang hindi mapalitan o kaya ay mahaluan,” he said.

According to Capuno, they call their God as “Apo Mallari”. They have their harvest tradition during the month of August. Among their bounty harvests are purple yam and various types of vegetables.

Abuque hails and thanked Mayor Jaime Capil for ensuring protection of their tribe through preservation of their ancestral domains and their culture and traditions.

“He valued us Aetas, we are assured that as Porac economy grows, not a single Aeta will be left behind, and we belief and salute him. He has done so many great works and services to our communities,” Abuque added.   

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Olivete Farmers Association, organized by the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army, received a rice-harvesting machine worth P1.8 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA) on December 7 in a simple ceremony held at covered court, PhilMec, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. 

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. led the turnover/awarding of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment to Marcos Flores, President of Olivete Farmers Association, together with 1st Lieutenant Jevie J. Sagragao, Executive Officer of Alpha Company, 91IB. 

Said activity was in line with the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization program of the DA. 

Lieutenant Colonel Julito B. Recto Jr., Commanding Officer of 91IB, said that with the agricultural machinery the association received, the rice farmers in Barangay Olivete in Bongabon will no longer worry about harvest losses due to the delays in harvesting their crop because of mechanization. 

“This will also reduce their harvesting costs and will increase their income. This would also address the labor shortage during harvest season, generate more income, and generate more savings from harvesting costs for the members,” Lt. Col. Recto Jr. said.

Agriculture Secretary Laurel said that Nueva Ecija is considered the leading rice-growing province of the country; thus, it is often referred to as the ‘Rice Granary of the Philippines.’  

“I am happy to be with the Nueva Ecija farmers who always give us food, the country’s top producer of palay in our country. With that our government are doing its best to help our farmers to attain high yields. Hindi po matatawaran ang inyong pagsusumikap kung kaya hindi rin kayo nahuhuli pagdating sa pagpapala ng ating gobyerno,” Laurel said.

Meanwhile, Flores expressed his gratitude to the Army, DA, Local Government Units of Nueva Ecija, PHILMECH, and among others for the blessing they received.

“Our gratitude to 91IB for always taking care of us towards the realization of this farm equipment,” Flores said.

Also present during the turnover are other farmer’s associations and cooperatives that also receive the RCEF Mechanization Program.