DENR Calls on Filipinos to Join BakhaJuan Campaign: Help Complete the First Philippine Mangrove Map

June 24, 2024 - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is calling on all Filipinos to join the BakhaJuan Campaign, a citizen science initiative to validate the first-ever Philippine Mangrove Map. Launched earlier this year by the DENR and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), this map is a crucial tool for protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems.

Why Mangroves Matter

Mangroves are not just beautiful coastal forests; they are vital for the Philippines' environment and economy. These salt-tolerant trees act as natural barriers, protecting our shorelines from erosion, typhoons, and storm surges. They also serve as nurseries for fish and other marine life, contributing to food security and livelihoods. Additionally, mangroves are champions of carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change.

The BakhaJuan Campaign: Be a Part of the Solution

The Philippine Mangrove Map, created using satellite imagery, provides a valuable baseline for conservation efforts. However, ground-truthing this data is essential to ensure its accuracy. This is where you come in! The BakhaJuan Campaign invites volunteers across the country, particularly those living near mangroves, to participate in the validation process.

How to Get Involved

There are several ways you can contribute to the BakhaJuan Campaign:

• Become a Volunteer: Sign up through the DENR website to receive training and instructions on how to collect data in your local mangrove areas.
• Download the App: A mobile app is available for volunteers to easily record their observations and submit them directly to the DENR.
• Review the Validation Manual: This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on data collection procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Target Sites for Validation: Depending on your location, you can access specific links to see priority areas for validation in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

By joining the BakhaJuan Campaign, you'll be playing a vital role in protecting these precious ecosystems. Together, we can ensure the Philippine Mangrove Map is a reliable tool for guiding conservation efforts, safeguarding our coastlines, and preserving the rich biodiversity of our mangroves.

DND Statement: China's Aggressive Actions in Ayungin Shoal Illegal and Not Accidental

June 24, 2024 – The Department of National Defense (DND) strongly condemned China's aggressive actions in Ayungin Shoal, which resulted in injuries to a Philippine Navy sailor. The DND denounced the incident as a clear violation of international law and a blatant disregard for Philippine sovereignty.

In a joint press briefing held today, the DND, National Security Council, and Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement. The statement emphasized that the government is not downplaying the recent incident in Ayungin Shoal, which occurred on June 17, 2024. According to the statement, Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels deliberately rammed a Philippine resupply ship en route to BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy vessel strategically stationed at Ayungin Shoal since 1999.

Beyond ramming, CCG ships also employed water cannons and harassed Philippine vessels. These actions resulted in a Philippine Navy sailor sustaining serious injuries, including the loss of a thumb, with other Philippine Navy personnel suffering minor injuries.

The DND statement underlines that China's actions are blatant violations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and principles of peaceful dispute settlement. Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and is considered part of the country's continental shelf.

Additional Facts:

• Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea.
• The Spratly Islands are a contested territory claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.
• The Philippines has claims to other features in the Spratly Islands, including Pagasa Island, Reed Bank, and Kalayaan Island.
• China is the most aggressive claimant in the Spratly Islands, building artificial islands and deploying military vessels in the region.
• The United States has expressed support for the Philippines' position in the South China Sea and conducts freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the region.
• The South China Sea is a major shipping lane and a vital resource for oil and gas.
• The dispute in the South China Sea is a potential flashpoint for regional conflict.

Conclusion

China's aggressive actions in Ayungin Shoal pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region. The Philippines calls on China to adhere to international law and respect Philippine sovereignty. The Philippine government remains committed to resolving the South China Sea dispute through peaceful means.

Sen. Sonny Angara Considered for DepEd Chief Post Following Sara Duterte’s Resignation

June 24, 2024 - In the wake of Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation as education secretary, Sen. Sonny Angara’s name has emerged as a potential successor. However, Angara clarified to Senate reporters that he has not been approached about the position. He mentioned that he is one of three University of the Philippines graduates being considered by President Marcos for the role, alongside Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

Angara, currently serving his second and final term in the Senate, will step down in 2025. While he has not disclosed his future plans, there is speculation that he may run for a local position in his home province of Aurora.

Endorsements for New DepEd Chief

Meanwhile, Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the House committee on ways and means, has endorsed Commission on Higher Education chair Prospero de Vera III and Synergeia Foundation’s Milwida Guevara as potential candidates for the DepEd chief position. Salceda praised De Vera for his significant contributions to the education sector, particularly his efforts to secure funding for community colleges under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program. This initiative has greatly benefited poor and underserved communities by increasing the number of college graduates.

Salceda also highlighted Guevara’s role in identifying and addressing structural issues within the education system. He noted that Synergeia Foundation has been instrumental in advocating for necessary reforms.

The search for a new education secretary continues as the government seeks a leader who can build on the progress made and address the ongoing challenges in the education sector.

DSWD's 4Ps Marks 5th Anniversary of Program Institutionalization with 4-Day Celebration

June 24, 2024 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)'s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its institutionalization with a four-day event from June 25 to June 28, according to DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.

Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Monday that the celebration aims to highlight the program's achievements and encourage stakeholders to work towards a better future for 4Ps beneficiaries. The National Program Management Office (NPMO) of the 4Ps is spearheading the event.

The 4Ps program, launched in 2008, provides conditional cash transfers to millions of poor Filipino households. Beneficiaries receive monetary assistance on the condition that their children attend school and get regular check-ups. The program has been credited with helping improve the lives of many Filipinos by increasing school enrollment, immunization rates, and access to prenatal care.

According to the DSWD, as of December 2023, there were over 4.2 million households enrolled in the 4Ps program. These households receive cash grants every quarter, with the amount depending on the number of children enrolled in school and complying with health check-ups. The program is a key component of the DSWD's social protection strategy and is seen as a vital tool in alleviating poverty and promoting human development in the Philippines.

The four-day celebration is expected to include various activities, such as forums, exhibits, and awarding ceremonies. These events will likely showcase the program's successes over the past five years and discuss its future directions. Stakeholders from the government, civil society organizations, and the private sector are expected to participate in the celebration.

RA 11315: Community-Based Monitoring System Act

What is the CBMS?

The Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) is an organized technology-based system that collects, processes, and validates disaggregated data at the local level. It empowers communities to participate in the process while serving as the basis for planning, budgeting, and implementing government programs aimed at poverty alleviation and economic development.

Key Provisions of RA 11315:

1. Short Title: The law is known as the “Community-Based Monitoring System Act.”
2. Declaration of Policy: RA 11315 aims to free people from poverty by providing adequate social services, promoting a rising standard of living, and ensuring access to an improved quality of life. It recognizes the need for focused measures to reduce poverty and allocates resources where they are most needed.
3. Data Collection System: The CBMS generates updated and disaggregated data necessary for targeting beneficiaries, conducting comprehensive poverty analysis, prioritizing needs, designing policies, and monitoring impact over time.
4. Privacy and Data Protection: The system respects privacy rights, ensures data quality, and upholds principles of transparency and proportionality.
5. Terms Defined:
   • CBMS: An organized system for collecting and validating data at the local level.
   • Geo-tagging: Adding metadata about government projects to various media, allowing real-time progress tracking.
   • Data: Compendium of localized facts, figures, and maps related to dimensions of poverty (e.g., health, nutrition, education, income, security).

How Does CBMS Benefit Communities?

1. Informed Decision-Making: CBMS data helps citizens make informed choices by providing accurate information on local needs and priorities.
2. Targeted Interventions: The system identifies households requiring assistance, enabling targeted poverty reduction programs.
3. Evidence-Based Policies: Policymakers use CBMS data to design effective policies and allocate resources efficiently.
4. Impact Monitoring: CBMS allows monitoring of project impacts over time, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Implementation Nationwide

• RA 11315 institutionalizes CBMS across all cities and municipalities in the Philippines, ensuring synchronized and standardized data collection.
• The CBMS Council facilitates secure data sharing between local governments and national agencies for social protection and welfare programs.

In summary, the CBMS is a powerful tool that empowers communities, informs decision-makers, and contributes to poverty reduction. By conducting synchronized data collection, we pave the way for more resilient and prosperous communities.