Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) to Visit Three More Mindanao Provinces

May 05, 2024 - The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) of the Marcos administration, which has already provided billions of pesos in government services, financial aid, and livelihood assistance to 18 locations, is set to visit three more provinces in Mindanao this May and early June.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez announced on Sunday that the financial aid interventions initiated by the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. have already distributed billions of pesos in financial and livelihood aid to deserving citizens in the country, including Mindanao.

“Four out of the 18 places and provinces are in Mindanao. Almost all regions have been visited by this Service Caravan, including Bukidnon, Agusan del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, and Davao de Oro. In the coming days and weeks, we will be visiting Zamboanga City, Tawi-Tawi, and Davao del Norte,” Speaker Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives, revealed.

In addition to the BPSF, the House of Representatives, through Speaker Romualdez’s initiative, has also spearheaded the Cash and Rice Distribution (CARD) Program; the Integrated Scholarships and Incentives Program (ISIP) for the Youth; the Start-up, Investment, Business Opportunity and Livelihood (SIBOL); and the Farmers Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM).

The BPSF, along with the CARD Program, ISIP, FARM, and SIBOL, is scheduled to roll out government programs and cash aid to beneficiaries in Zamboanga City on May 10-11, Tawi-Tawi on May 25-26, and Davao del Norte on June 7-8.

Speaker Romualdez stated that the Marcos administration fully utilizes the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) to aid vulnerable sectors who are also the beneficiaries of the flagship Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The cash aid programs of the Marcos administration, including the initiatives brought to life by the leadership of the House of Representatives, have already benefited millions of Filipinos, especially those from vulnerable sectors.

“Under the direction of our beloved President Bongbong Marcos, we continue to reach out to our fellow citizens who are struggling in these difficult times. The President is aware of this, so his marching order to the entire government is to do everything possible to make people feel the help from the government,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“In addition to this, the government has many other programs such as free college education, free health insurance, and the provision of direct cash subsidies. And not only that, we here in Congress have been tasked by the beloved President to think of more ways to improve the lives of our citizens,” Speaker Romualdez expressed.

The BPSF alone has facilitated the release of billions of pesos in government services and financial and livelihood aid, having serviced a total of 18 places and provinces already and benefitted millions of Filipinos.

As an example, Speaker Romualdez said a total of P1.2 billion in government services and cash grants were rolled out in Sultan Kudarat alone to around 150,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, the House leader from Leyte continued, a total of 500,000 kilograms of rice were also distributed in Sultan Kudarat, along with scholarship and livelihood aid to its residents.

“For all these initiatives in response to President Marcos’s challenge to provide direct services to the people, we have partnered with the DSWD’s AICS to address the needs of vulnerable sectors, students struggling with school expenses, farmers who need a little push to get going, and small entrepreneurs who need help in starting up,” Speaker Romualdez concluded.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts to Lead Birth Centennial Celebration for Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Galinato Gamayo

May 04, 2024 - The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is set to lead the celebration of the Birth Centennial of Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena Galinato Gamayo. The event will formally commence with the unveiling of the Birth Centennial Logo on May 6, 2024, in her hometown, Lumbaan-Bicbica, Pinili, Ilocos Norte.

The event is scheduled to start at 5 PM with a keynote message from Senate President Pro Tempore Loren B. Legarda. NCCA Chair Victorino M. Manalo will introduce the birth centennial celebration, followed by messages of support from the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon, ASec. Ana Carmela V. Remigio, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, and Pinili Mayor Rommel T. Labasan.

The event will also present the lineup of activities planned for the year, culminating in the unveiling of the Birth Centennial Logo. This marks the start of the 100-day countdown to MB Gamayo’s birth centennial on August 13, 2024.

As the highest agency in charge of cultural and artistic affairs in the country, the NCCA is spearheading the celebration for MB Magdalena Gamayo. The commission is inviting the public to participate in this momentous occasion and engage in forthcoming initiatives related to the celebration.

This event is a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of MB Magdalena Gamayo to the culture and arts of the country. The public’s participation is highly encouraged to make this event a success and to further promote the importance of preserving and celebrating our rich cultural heritage.

DepEd Issues Warning Against Fake Cash Assistance Scam

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a warning to the public about a fake cash assistance scheme circulating online. The scam falsely claims to be a part of DepEd’s initiatives, misleading the public into believing they are eligible for financial aid from the department.

DepEd has strongly urged everyone to stay vigilant against such misinformation. The department has reminded the public to rely only on its official platforms for accurate and up-to-date information. These platforms include their Facebook page (fb.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH), Twitter account (twitter.com/DepEd_PH), Instagram account (instagram.com/depedphilippines), and their official website (www.deped.gov.ph).

In an effort to combat the spread of false information, DepEd has also encouraged the public to report any misleading or suspicious information related to basic education. Reports can be sent directly to their action center at depedactioncenter@deped.gov.ph.

DepEd continues to work towards providing quality education and accurate information to the public, and such scams undermine these efforts. The department remains committed to taking necessary actions against these fraudulent activities to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the education system.

Philippines’ Defense Department Denounces China’s Devious Machinations

May 5, 2024 - In a bold move, the Department of National Defense (DND) of the Philippines has issued a statement condemning what it calls “devious machinations” by China. The statement, released by Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., categorically denies any involvement of the DND in a so-called “new model” purportedly being advanced by China.

The statement comes in the wake of the recent SQUAD meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, where China’s actions were condemned. Secretary Teodoro has made it clear that he has disallowed any contact between the DND and the Chinese Embassy since his assumption of office in July last year.

The DND has also refuted claims of a “gentleman’s agreement” or “new model” discussed during a courtesy call by Ambassador Huang Xilian, terming it contrary to the Chinese Embassy’s pronouncements.

In a stern warning, Secretary Teodoro said, “This charade must stop.” He further emphasized that the statement was issued to generate awareness about China’s attempts to “advance another falsehood in order to divide our people and distract us from their unlawful presence and actions in our EEZ.”

The DND has urged citizens, the media, and the international community to be wary of China’s methods of manipulation, interference, and malign influence in furthering its own interests.

For more information, visit the official website of the Department of National Defense at dnd.gov.ph.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Urges PCG Not to Be Provoked by China

May 04, 2024 - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will not be provoked by China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a PCG official. Commodore Jay Tarriela of the West Philippine Sea Transparency Office of the PCG made this statement during a news forum held in Quezon City on Saturday.

Tarriela brushed off public criticisms regarding the PCG’s response to China’s recent provocative actions in the WPS. He emphasized that the Coast Guard personnel have a chain of command to follow and respect the guidance of the President.

“The guidance of the President is that we should not be provoked, we should not be the reason for intensifying the escalation for China to justify to once again bring the next level of aggression, whatever their plan may be,” Tarriela said.

He also noted that the Coast Guard personnel share the level of emotion the public is experiencing. “But we cannot do otherwise because we have to comply and we know for a fact – we trust our Commander-in-Chief, the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea, of course, the National Security Adviser – but we have to maintain professionalism in dealing with this kind of bullying of the Chinese Coast Guard,” he explained.

Tarriela defended the Coast Guard personnel, stating it’s unfair to describe them as cowards. “We are just doing our patriotic duty,” he said.

The statement comes after China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels blasted water cannons against PCG’s BRP Bagacay and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ BRP Datu Bankaw last April 30, causing over P2 million in damages.

This incident underscores the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea and the resilience of the Philippine Coast Guard in the face of adversity.

Antonino R. Buenaventura: A National Treasure in Philippine Music

Antonino R. Buenaventura, born on May 4, 1904, in Baliuag, Bulacan, is a name that resonates profoundly in the realm of Philippine music. A composer, conductor, music director, and teacher, Buenaventura’s contributions to the field of music are nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Life and Education

Born into a family of musicians, Buenaventura’s passion for music was ignited at a young age. His father, Lucino Buenaventura, was a musician at the Spanish Artillery Band in Intramuros. He pursued his musical education under Nicanor Abelardo at the University of the Philippines Diliman Conservatory of Music and graduated in 1932 with a Teacher’s Diploma in Music, major in Science and Composition. He furthered his studies in composition for a post-graduate degree under Jenő Takács.

Career and Contributions

Buenaventura’s career spanned seven decades, during which he remained unwaveringly committed to advancing the frontiers of Philippine music. In 1935, he joined Francisca Reyes-Aquino in researching Philippine folksongs and dances. This research led to the popularization of these traditional art forms.

As a composer, Buenaventura’s music was influenced by different ethnic Philippine folksongs. He composed the accompaniment to the folk dance “Pandanggo sa Ilaw” and incorporated ethnic melodies and instruments into some of his compositions. His works include several marches such as the “Triumphal March,” “Echoes of the Past,” “History Fantasy,” Second Symphony in E-flat, “Echoes from the Philippines,” “Ode to Freedom.” His orchestral music compositions include Concert Overture, Prelude, Fugue in G Minor, Philippines Triumphant, Mindanao Sketches, and Symphony in C Major, among others.

After the war, he became the conductor of the devastated Philippine Constabulary Band for 16 years and brought it back to its former glory. He also served as the music director of the UST Conservatory of Music in 1961 and the UE School of Music and Arts in 1964.

Recognition and Legacy

Buenaventura’s contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards. He was named Band Conductor of the Year in 1951 by the Music Lovers Society. He received the Republic Cultural Heritage Award for Music in 1966 for his Symphony in C. In 1988, he was conferred the title of National Artist by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Antonino R. Buenaventura passed away on January 25, 1996, at the age of 91. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the field of Philippine music.

In conclusion, Antonino R. Buenaventura’s life and work serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to Philippine music. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of the Philippines, earning him a well-deserved place as a National Artist.

PCG Ship Crew Honored for Bravery Following Water Cannon Incident

May 03, 2024 - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has honored the ship crew of BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) with the Coast Guard Merit Medal and Ribbon in recognition of their bravery during a water cannon attack by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) near Bajo de Masinloc.

The 38 ship crew members and their leader, Captain Jane Gesulgon, received the recognition from PCG officer in charge, Vice Admiral Rolando Lizon Punzalan Jr. in a ceremony in Port Area, Manila. Gesulgon and his crew members were praised for accomplishing their mission while ensuring everyone’s safety amid a water cannon attack from two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels that damaged their ship.

The incident occurred on April 30, when the PCG and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels encountered at least 10 Chinese vessels – four CCG vessels and six Chinese maritime militia vessels – during a routine mission to distribute food and other supplies to Filipino fisherfolk in the area. The Chinese ships performed dangerous maneuvering, blocking, and water cannon attacks near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.

The water cannon attacks were so forceful that they damaged both Philippine vessels. This is the first time the CCG directly hit a PCG vessel, deeming the recent incident as an escalation.

Despite the harassment and provocative actions of the Chinese Coast Guard, both the PCG and BFAR vessels stood their ground and continued their maritime patrol. They were not deterred and will persist in carrying out their legitimate operations to support Filipino fishermen and ensure their safety.

The PCG continues to stand firm in its commitment to protect the country’s maritime interests and uphold the rights of Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.