Vice President Sara Duterte Resigns from Cabinet Positions

June 19, 2024 - In a surprising turn of events, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has officially submitted her resignation as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Vice Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The resignation, effective July 19, 2024, was tendered at 2:21 pm today, June 19, 2024, during her visit to Malacañang.

Despite stepping down from her cabinet roles, Vice President Duterte will continue to serve in her capacity as Vice President of the Philippines. The move marks the end of the political alliance that propelled President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte to their respective positions after winning the 2022 elections by a landslide.

The Duterte-Marcos partnership, often described as a “marriage of convenience,” faced challenges throughout its tenure. Notably, Vice President Duterte had a feud with Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Marcos. This tension was reflected in the House of Representatives’ decision to deny Duterte’s request for confidential funds in the 2024 budget.

Additionally, President Marcos’s government explored the possibility of rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is investigating the controversial drug war initiated by Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. While Marcos indicated openness to ICC jurisdiction, he also clarified that his administration would not fully recognize the court’s authority over the Philippines.

The strained relationship between the Duterte and Marcos families further intensified when First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos expressed her displeasure after witnessing Vice President Duterte laugh at her father’s insinuation that Marcos was under the influence of drugs.

As the nation processes this unexpected resignation, we extend our gratitude to Vice President Sara Duterte for her service and await further developments in Philippine politics.

PBBM Declares National Disability Rights Week in July

June 19, 2024 - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has signed a proclamation designating July 17th to 23rd as the annual "National Disability Rights Week." This move reinforces the Philippines' commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

The proclamation tasks the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), with leading the week's activities. The NCDA will be responsible for coordinating, supervising, and planning programs to celebrate the occasion.

All government agencies, including state universities and colleges, are mandated to participate in the observance. Local governments, NGOs, and the private sector are also encouraged to join the celebration.

President Marcos emphasized the Philippines' adherence to the UNCRPD's principles, which promote equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. He highlighted the need to adopt a rights-based approach during "National Disability Rights Week," replacing the previously observed "National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week."

Proclamation No. 1870 (s. 1979), which established the third week of July as "NDPR Week," and Proclamation No. 361 (s. 2000), which designated July 23rd as the culmination point of "NDPR Week" coinciding with Apolinario Mabini's birthday, have been repealed by Proclamation No. 597. This move streamlines the observance and aligns it with the UNCRPD's goals.

DMW Launches Hymn Writing Contest to Find the Voice of Filipino Migrant Workers

June 18, 2024 - The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is calling all Filipino songwriters, composers, and musicians to join their Hymn Writing Contest! This nationwide search aims to create a powerful and uplifting anthem that will serve as the official hymn of the DMW, also known as "Ang Tahanan ng OFW" (The Home of the OFW).

Open to All Filipinos

The competition is open to all Filipinos, aged 18 and above, who can submit their entries either as individuals or as a team.

Showcase the DMW's Mission

The winning hymn will not only be a musical masterpiece, but it will also effectively capture the DMW's mandate, mission, vision, core values, and tagline.

Contest Details

• Entry Period: June 18, 2024 to September 6, 2024 (5:00 PM)
• Eligibility: Filipino citizens, 18 years old and above (individuals or groups)
• Prize: Plaque and Php 200,000 cash prize
• Submission Guidelines:
  • One entry per songwriter/team
  • Original composition, 2-3 minutes long, in Filipino
  • Sealed legal brown envelope containing:
    • Duly accomplished entry form (with photocopy of valid ID)
    • Musical piece on CD (multiple audio formats accepted)
      • Track 1: Full accompaniment version
      • Track 2: Minus one version
    • Lyrics of the composition
• Submission Method:
  • Mail or hand-carry entries to: Strategic Communications Office (SCO) 5th Floor Blas F. Ople Building EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City
  • Deadline: September 6, 2024 (5:00 PM)

Calling all musically talented Filipinos! This is your chance to create a lasting tribute to the Filipino migrant workers and lend your voice to the DMW.

Read more here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=773489978284803&set=pcb.773490764951391

DSWD Receives Vital Water Filtration Kits Donation from Waves For Water

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has received a crucial donation of 10 portable water filtration kits from the humanitarian organization Waves For Water (W4W). On Tuesday, June 18, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian graciously accepted the donation from W4W’s Executive Director Megan Manzano and Operations and Programs Management Officer Sarah Dimalaluan at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

These state-of-the-art kits, which feature 0.2 micron filters, are adept at removing dangerous bacteria such as cholera, salmonella, E. coli, and coliform. The donation includes all necessary components for immediate use: a bucket adapter filter assembly, drill bit, filter hanger, cleaning plunger, and instructional materials. The kits are designed for quick deployment in evacuation centers or communities where water sources are compromised due to natural disasters.

Witnessing the donation were DSWD Assistant Secretary for Community Engagement Ulysses Hermogenes Aguilar and Special Assistant to the Secretary (SAS) for Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) Leo Quintilla, who is also the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB).

Waves For Water has been instrumental in providing clean water solutions globally. Founded by Jon Rose in 2009, W4W has implemented 155 clean water programs in over 45 countries and responded to 33 major natural disasters, aiding approximately 3.75 million individuals.

In the Philippines, W4W’s contributions have been significant, reaching across 56 provinces with the construction of 66 rainwater catchment systems and enhancing the lives of over a million Filipinos through improved access to clean water. This generous donation by W4W will bolster DSWD’s disaster response efforts and ensure that Filipino communities have access to safe drinking water in times of crisis.

Commission on Higher Education Seeks Talented Individuals to Join Its Team

June 18, 2024 - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a government agency responsible for overseeing the quality of higher education in the Philippines, is on the lookout for qualified individuals to fill various key positions within the organization. This is a significant opportunity for passionate professionals to contribute to the development and advancement of Philippine higher education.

The open positions cater to a diverse range of expertise, including leadership roles in administration, education program specialization, and project management. Here's a closer look at the specific openings:

• Leadership and Management:
  • Chief Administrative Officer (AFMS-GSD): This position oversees the agency's overall administrative operations, ensuring smooth and efficient day-to-day functioning.
  • Supervising Administrative Officer (CHED Regional Offices) (x6): These positions provide crucial leadership and direction for administrative functions within CHED's regional offices across the country.
• Education Program Specialists:
  • Chief Education Program Specialist (IAS): This role heads the development, implementation, and monitoring of CHED's policies and programs related to various academic disciplines.
  • Supervising Education Program Specialist (IAS): These specialists provide guidance and oversight in the implementation of CHED's educational programs.
• Project Management:
  • Project Technical Staff (Various Positions): These roles focus on managing specific projects within CHED, ensuring their successful execution and alignment with the agency's strategic goals. The specific project areas include:
    • OPRKM
    • LGSO-LGSC
    • OIQAG-CGD (x2)
    • AFMS-GSD (x2)

In addition to the leadership and specialist roles, CHED is also seeking a Project Support Staff V (AFMS-GSD) and an Administrative Assistant II (AFMS-GSD) to provide valuable support within the agency.

Those interested in propelling their careers forward in a dynamic and impactful environment are highly encouraged to apply. To be considered, visit the CHED website at ched.gov.ph/careers and submit the required documents electronically to hrdd.applications@ched.gov.ph.

This is a great opportunity to join a dedicated team working to shape the future of Philippine higher education. Don't miss out on the chance to make a real difference!