Kalinga Pasalubong Center Opens, Boosting Local Businesses and Tourism

June 26, 2024 - Over 1,300 micro-businesses in Kalinga province are set to benefit from the newly opened "Kalinga Pasalubong Center," a one-stop shop showcasing locally-produced products.

Regina Madjo, president of the Chamber of Tabuk City -Kalinga Producers Association (C-KaPI) and the center manager, hailed the facility's prime location. "The location is perfect because most travelers entering and leaving Kalinga pass by here, giving them a chance to buy pasalubong (souvenirs)," Madjo said in an interview.

Situated at the entrance and exit arc of Kalinga near Quezon, Isabela, the pasalubong center has seen a positive impact on sales since opening with a limited selection in May. The C-KaPI itself represents 67 manufacturers and producers of various goods, including woven products, processed food and drinks, metal crafts, wearables, furniture, and handicrafts.

Open to all Kalinga producers, the center aims to be inclusive. Funded by the Office of Kalinga Lone District Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang, the facility boasts sustainable operations with solar panels powering its electricity and water needs. It even provides a convenient rest area for travelers.

Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estrañero expressed plans for further development. "We'll allocate funds for landscaping and a permanent one-stop-shop tourist information center," he said. "Tabuk sees significant tourist traffic, with roughly 100,000 overnight tourists and an equal number of day-trippers visiting, many on their way to see Whang-od. These visitors significantly contribute to our local economy."

The Kalinga Pasalubong Center serves as a welcome addition, offering a platform for local businesses to thrive while enhancing the overall tourism experience in Kalinga.

Over 90,000 Trees Planted Nationwide in Massive DENR Arbor Day Celebration

June 26, 2024 - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led a nationwide tree-planting activity in celebration of Arbor Day, resulting in the planting of over 90,000 tree seedlings across 200 hectares of land in 205 locations.

DENR Undersecretaries Atty. Jonas Leones and Marilou Erni, along with DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria, spearheaded the tree-planting ceremony in Tanay, Rizal. The event, dubbed Project TRANSFORM, saw participation from local government units (LGUs), private corporations, non-government organizations, youth groups, and DENR personnel. Over 1,543 volunteers joined the initiative that spanned across five towns in Rizal: Tanay, Antipolo, Baras, San Mateo, and Rodriguez.

This tree-planting activity serves as the Philippines' contribution to global efforts in combating climate change brought about by greenhouse gases. It is also a significant step towards environmental restoration and promoting a healthy ecosystem.

Around 6,600 native tree seedlings, including narra, apitong, molave, and fruit-bearing trees like guyabano (soursop or graviola), were planted during the event.

Planting sites in Rizal included a total of 13 hectares of protected areas within the Kaliwa River Forest Reserve, Upper Marikina River Basin, and Marikina River Watershed. These protected areas serve as natural shields against soil erosion and floods, while ensuring a steady water supply for Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The planted trees are expected to mature and propagate naturally through wind and animal seed dispersal.

Participating LGUs designated tree-growing sites in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay; Sitio San Ysiro, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo City; Sitio San Roque, Baras; Brgy. Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo; and Sitio Paruwagan in Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez.

Partner companies such as A. Brown Co., Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp., Manila Water Company, and Eastern Rizal Miners’ Association joined the event alongside local stakeholders, youth groups, and non-government organizations.

Philippine Arbor Day is observed annually nationwide on June 25th. Presidential Proclamation No. 396, series of 2003, mandates the DENR to provide technical assistance for Arbor Day celebrations. Additionally, Republic Act No. 10176, series of 2012, requires all Filipino citizens aged 12 and above to plant at least one tree every year.

Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program Empowers College Students to Boost Elementary Reading Proficiency

June 26, 2024 - In a bid to enhance elementary reading proficiency, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program. This initiative engages college students as tutors and youth development workers (YDWs) to support struggling and non-reader elementary learners.

Under the program, student-tutors conduct reading sessions for young learners, while YDWs facilitate Nanay-Tatay teacher sessions for parents and guardians. The goal is to create a strong family and community support system for elementary students who face challenges in reading.

To prepare for this year’s implementation, the DSWD conducted capability-building sessions for 3,881 tutors and YDWs. These participants were trained in effective teaching techniques, ensuring they can guide struggling learners and their families.

The program has expanded its reach, partnering with local government units in Regions 3, 7, 8, 10, 12, CALABARZON, and the National Capital Region. A total of 85,213 elementary learners, along with their parents and guardians, will benefit from the initiative.

Community assemblies orient parents of incoming Grade 2 learners about program guidelines, providing a platform for concerns and clarifications. Parents attending Nanay-Tatay teacher sessions receive cash aid and actively contribute to their children’s learning journey.

To enhance effectiveness, tutors and YDWs receive kits containing essential teaching tools. Additionally, elementary learners receive school supplies like crayons, notebooks, pencils, and erasers.

The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program exemplifies the DSWD’s commitment to creating a supportive learning ecosystem, where college students play a vital role in improving reading skills for struggling elementary students.

GSIS Allots P6 Billion in Emergency Loans for Calamity Victims

June 25, 2024 - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced a P6 billion emergency loan program to assist members and pensioners affected by Mount Kanlaon's eruption, El Niño, and Typhoon Aghon.

An estimated 231,250 Filipinos will benefit from the program. The deadline for applications varies depending on the location:

• Bohol, Capiz, and Kalibo (Aklan) - July 4
• Cabanatuan City, Aborlan, El Nido (Palawan), Quezon Province's 1st and 2nd districts - July 6
• San Andres (Romblon) - July 9
• San Lorenzo, Sibunag (Guimaras), San Carlos City, San Enrique, and La Castellana (Negros Occidental) - July 19

Loan amounts depend on existing loans:

• P40,000 - For members with existing loans (allows for some consolidation)
• P20,000 - For members without existing loans

Eligibility requirements include:

• Active GSIS member status
• Residency or work in a declared calamity area
• No unpaid leave status
• No pending legal cases
• Minimum of six months of premium payments
• Net take-home pay of at least P5,000 (for active members)
• Ability to maintain at least 25% of net monthly pension after amortization (for pensioners)

The loan offers a low 6% interest rate and a manageable three-year repayment term. Applications can be submitted conveniently through the GSIS Touch mobile app.

For further information, visit the GSIS website or Facebook page, email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph, or call the GSIS Contact Center.

LTO Chief Intensifies Road Safety Push for Tricycle Drivers, Orders More TODA Learning Centers Opened

June 25, 2024 - The Land Transportation Office (LTO), headed by Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, is stepping up its road safety efforts for tricycle drivers. Assec Mendoza has directed all Regional Directors and District Office heads to conduct more intensive road safety seminars for tricycle operators and drivers.

This directive comes after the recent launch of TODA (Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association) Learning Centers across the country. These centers aim to educate TODA members on road safety rules and regulations, aligning with the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) advocacy for safer roads for everyone.

"We've seen numerous viral videos where tricycles have been involved in road rage incidents," said Assec Mendoza. "We want to protect our friends in TODA by equipping them with proper knowledge on road safety."

The TODA Learning Centers will serve as a venue to educate tricycle drivers on their rights and responsibilities as road users. Recognizing the vital role tricycle drivers play in providing for their families, Assec Mendoza emphasized the importance of establishing more learning centers.

He has instructed LTO Regional Directors, District Office heads, and Extension and Satellite Office heads to initiate road safety seminars for all tricycle drivers within their jurisdictions. Assec Mendoza also stressed the need for strong collaboration with local government units (LGUs) who grant tricycle operation permits.

"Everyone deserves safe access to roads," said Assec Mendoza. "However, we need to follow traffic laws and regulations to ensure everyone's safety."

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the alarming statistics from the United Nations. According to their data, road accidents claim roughly 1.3 million lives globally each year, with 58% of these fatalities occurring in the Asia-Pacific region. In the Philippines alone, road accidents cause an average of 32 deaths daily.

To address this issue, DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista has been actively pushing for the reduction of road accidents in the Philippines. The Philippine Road Safety Action Plan, presented at the 2023 Asia Pacific Road Safety Observatory Annual Meeting, outlines strategies to achieve this goal.

"Our plan to reduce road accident deaths by 35% by 2028 and by 50% by 2033 has been endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly," said Secretary Bautista. "This plan, which actively promotes road safety, is a cornerstone of our efforts."