E. Samar farmers finish farm business school

By LEMUELL SETH TONOG, DAR-E. Samar
September 29, 2023

LAWAAN, Eastern Samar – Thirty-three members of an agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) from a remote farming village in this fifth class municipality completed the Farm Business School (FBS) of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

On Thursday last week, Eastern Samar Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Danilo Lozada handed the certificates of completion to the graduates after satisfactorily completing the 25 sessions of lectures and hands-on training, which started on April 26 this year.

Lozada stressed to the members of the Bolusao Farmers Association (BFA) that farming is business.

He explained, “In FBS, which is one of the training programs extended by DAR to ARBOs, the participants are trained on appropriate marketing strategies to become farmer-entrepreneurs.”

DAR Central Office representative, Preciosa Osit, said BFA is fortunate to have been chosen from the 119 ARBOs in Eastern Samar to undergo the FBS this year.

Mayor Athene Mendros, who was also present during the said occasion, emphasized the important role of the farmers in food security. She encouraged the new graduates to make use of what they have learned to increase food supply, at least here in this town.

She likewise assured the BFA of the local government unit’s (LGU’s) full support to their organization.

On the other hand, BFA president, Marlon Ellema, thanked the DAR for this training and all other assistance extended to them. He also thanked Mendros for the LGU’s support. “Diri la ini pagtikang. Amon ini pag-uupayon (This is just the start. We will work hard to improve this.),” said Ellema.

On the same occasion, BFA held a harvest festival, wherein they earned more than P10,000.

Crops available included: bell pepper, eggplant, pechay, string beans, okra, bitter gourd, water spinach, tomatoes, squash, ginger, winter melon, camote, cassava, pineapple, ube, and green chili.

In the meantime, BFA is planning to sell their harvests at the town’s public market.

CARD Bank marks 26th year as financial inclusion champion to Filipino communities

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
September 29, 2023

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD Bank, Inc., a microfinance-oriented rural bank of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), celebrated its 26th founding anniversary and savings month with the theme “Conquering a new frontier towards more inclusive financial services” on September 1, 2023.

“CARD Bank has broken barriers since it has started. On its 26th year, we are gearing up to conquering new frontiers while staying committed to our mission of poverty eradication. We will continue doing what we do best: serving the most vulnerable and socioeconomically challenged communities through our innovative products and services,” said CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip during the event.

The said activity was also attended by CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito, CARD Bank President and CEO Marivic M. Austria, Senior Management Advisers Dr. Dolores M. Torres and Lorenza dT. Bañez, members of the Executive and Management Committee, Board of Directors, staff, and clients.

CARD Bank, Inc.’s origin can be traced from the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Inc. (CARD, Inc.), which was organized on December 10, 1986, by Dr. Alip with other 14 rural development practitioners as a social development foundation through responsible financial services.

Within a decade, it has successfully formalized its micro-lending operations by transforming itself into a formal financial institution and obtained its license from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as a microfinance-oriented rural bank that aims to provide the poor with diverse financial and non-financial services.

CARD MRI Managing Director Aristeo A. Dequito also shared that 26 years ago they had no experience in banking.

“Without any prior experience in banking, we pursued our dream of opening a bank that is owned by the women we serve. The idea of a microfinance-oriented rural bank was groundbreaking. But since we started our baking operations until now, we have proven that anything is possible, and we have surmounted all the hurdles that have arisen along the way,” he said.

“I am confident that if we work together and trust each other, we will be able to overcome all obstacles and boundaries. Aside from embracing new ideas, let's remember our roots and where we began. Our experiences and back-to-basics concepts will also help us succeed,” he added.

Meanwhile, CARD Bank President and CEO Austria said that the bank is not only serving CARD MRI communities but is also valuing both micro and walk-in clients to continue to foster financial inclusivity across the country.

Throughout the years, CARD Bank has continued to uphold its commitment in empowering women by providing them with continuous access to financial, microinsurance, educational, livelihood, health, and other capacity-building services that will eventually transform them into contributing members of society who care about the environment and their community.

As of August 2023, CARD Bank has 100 branches and 540 branch-lite units across the country serving more than 4.1 million clients with a 99% repayment rate.

Thousands of global leaders gathered in South Korea for building institutional peace

Press Release
September 28, 2023

MANILA – More than 1,800 people from 121 countries, including the United States, the Philippines, Ukraine, South Africa, Pakistan, Thailand, Romania, and India, attended the 9th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit held in Incheon, South Korea from September 18th to 21st.

During this event themed "Implementing a Multidimensional Strategies for Institutional Peace”, leaders and experts in the fields of international law, religion, education, youth, women, and media participated in about 30 sessions over four days. The participants engaged in discussions, tailored not only by fields but also by countries, on practical and viable strategies to establish a legally binding international law for peace.

At the press conference on the 18th, Lee Man-hee, Chairman of the host organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), urged politicians and leaders of countries to work together for peace as he called for action, drawing from his personal experience as a war veteran, having witnessed the harsh realities of war.

“Why should the lives of young people be sacrificed in war? What is politics, and for whom is it for? When war breaks out, it is not politicians who go out and fight, but young people who have never bloomed before that are sacrificed. Peace cannot be achieved through words alone. If we don't have one, we have to create one, so we have traveled 32 times around the world to carry out peace activities. If peace had won in this world, there would have been no regrettable deaths. Through the enactment of international law, we must leave peace as a legacy to the global community where our descendants will live,” he stated.

At the main session on the 18th, H.E. Prof. Dr. Emil Constantinescu, the 3rd President of Romania, said, “During the Summit, we agreed that Peace is not an abstract concept, but rather a supreme value of humanity that can generate a calm environment in which people can live without the threat of violent conflict or psychological pressure. We agreed to work towards the implementation of concrete measures, both in the short but above all in the long term, in order to fashion a new system of reference that replaces attitudes of ‘man against man’ with ‘man alongside man’, expressed in the motto we adopted in 2014, ‘We Are One’.”

After the speeches, HWPL signed a Memorandum of Agreement with 18 organizations including five Schools Division Offices (SDO) from the Philippines: SDO City of San Pedro, SDO Cavite Province, SDO Southern Leyte, and SDO Laguna Province under the Department of Education (DepEd), and SDO Cotabato City under the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE). The five SDOs committed to the propagation and integration of peace education in the curriculum.

To achieve fair and sustainable peace, HWPL advocates for building an internationally agreed concrete institutional peace based on the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) that proposes the comprehensive measures of peace continuum, ranging from conflict prevention to maintaining peace. In addition, HWPL continues fostering peace activities led by youth and women, and promoting a culture of peace through media outreach.

In the progress report presentation, Kang Tae-ho, Managing Director of HWPL, introduced the progress of the DPCW, which has received approximately 900,000 supports from civil society in 176 countries as well as from the Central American Parliament and the Bangsamoro Region in the Philippines.

Hon. Ahod B. Ebrahim, Al-haj, Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said, “Today, I stand before all of you with utmost humility and say that the Bangsamoro is now a land of peace, prosperity, and justice where Muslims, Christians, Indigenous Peoples, and our Lumad brothers and sisters co-exist and live in harmony. As we embrace a new age in the name of peace and development, I call upon every influential leader, policymaker, and peace advocate in parts of the world to become a catapult that promotes peace, disarmament, and a sustainable future. Let us continue to write a story of peace.”

HWPL has operated the Religious Peace Academy (RPA), a platform for comparative scriptural studies, in 130 countries worldwide with the aim of preventing conflict and promoting reconciliation through interreligious dialogue. Also, HWPL Peace Education to learn and practice peaceful values has been implemented in the various schools and educational institutions in 90 countries.

HWPL officials expressed gratitude for the visit to South Korea by global peace messengers, including former heads of state and leaders of ministerial rank, all united for the common aspiration of humanity: peace. They also called for the cooperation of the South Korean government along with the support of the international community, to ensure that such non-governmental diplomacy can contribute to achievable and lasting peace.

At this event, the HWPL Peace Award was presented to 13 individuals in recognition of their contributions to cooperating with HWPL’s peace initiatives. The Filipino recipients were BARMM Chief Minister Hon. Ebrahim ; Danilo Mocsin, Founder of Kutawato Greenland Initiatives from Cotabato City; and Archbishop-Emeritus Antonio Ledesma from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

Save the Children condemns reported violence, abuse, forced marriages to over 1000 children by religious cult; calls for immediate protection of affected children

Press Release
September 28, 2023

QUEZON CITY – Save the Children Philippines unequivocally condemns violence against children and expresses grave concern on the reported cases of alleged child abuse, rape, and forced marriages committed against minors in the Municipality of Socorro, Surigao Del Norte.

“Every child deserves the right to live in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment –free from all forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation. Protecting children’s well-being is non-negotiable and should always be an absolute priority of parents, schools, communities, authorities, and the government in all settings, at all times,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, CEO of Save the Children Philippines.

In light of the issue, Save the Children believes time is of the essence and fears that there could be more affected children who are unaccounted for and whose lives and futures are at risk.

“We urgently call upon the government, specifically our law enforcement agencies, to conduct immediate and thorough investigations into these incidents, secure the protection of the affected children, and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Muyot.

Save the Children Philippines has long been at the forefront of advocating for legislation aimed at eradicating violence against children such as Republic Act 11648 raising the age of sexual consent which increased the age of statutory rape from 12 to 16, and R.A. 11596 that prohibits and criminalizes the practice of child marriage.

“These milestones represent the tangible progress we have made in our unwavering commitment to safeguarding children's rights. However, our work doesn't end with the passage of these laws; it begins there. It is of utmost importance that these legislative measures are not merely words on paper but are instead, rigorously implemented and enforced. We firmly believe that every child has the right to be protected and this must be upheld without compromise,” Muyot said.

Save the Children earnestly calls upon all relevant authorities to align their actions with these crucial legal provisions and urges local governments to strengthen their child protection systems.

Save the Children sounds the alarm for everyone to remain vigilant in ensuring that every last child grows up safe, free, and happy, and that violence against children is no longer tolerated.

“Together, we can collectively create a safer and more secure environment for all children in our society, ensuring that the promise of these laws becomes a reality, and no child is left vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Together, we can forge a brighter future where every child can thrive, free from fear and harm,” Muyot concludes.

PSA-RSSO 8 awards Outstanding Stakeholders in Eastern Visayas

By PSA-8
September 27, 2023

TACLOBAN CITY – During the 2023 Outstanding PSA Stakeholders’ Appreciation Ceremony, the Philippine Statistics Authority -Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA-RSSO 8) recognized its partner organizations and individuals who have been instrumental in the success of PSA programs and activities for the past 10 years. The ceremony serves as the culminating activity of the 10th PSA Anniversary celebration anchored on the theme, “Providing Quality Services Through Digital Transformation”.

In her message for the stakeholders, National Economic and Development Authority VIII (NEDA 8) Regional Director and Regional Statistics Committee VIII (RSC 8) Chairperson Meylene Rosales said that significant strides have been made in improving the quality and timeliness of national and regional data as well as the efficiency of data collection, in the past ten years. She attributed the better data environment to the dedication of PSA and the continuing support of many agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals, especially the survey respondents.

Congratulatory messages and impressions were also keyed in by Dr. Norberto Milla who represented Pres. Edgardo Tulin of Visayas State University (VSU)-Main Campus; Ofelia Pagay, the Chief of Policy and Plans Division of Department of Social Welfare and Development VIII (DSWD-8); and Ofelia Royandoyan, Municipal Civil Registrar of Catbalogan City.

The stakeholder-nominees were evaluated based on five (5) award categories with specific criteria rating for activities conducted in 2018 to 2023. At the regional office, the awardees were the following:

PSA-RSSO 8 sweeps 6 major accomplishments in 2022 PSA Awards

By PSA-8
September 21, 2023

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority -Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA-RSSO 8) was among 17 other regions in the country that garnered major accolades during the 2022 PSA Awards held during PSA 10th Anniversary Celebration at PSA Central Office.

The PSA Awards is an annual incentive system aimed at ensuring timely delivery of quality outputs in the implementation of PSA’s mandate. During the recently concluded 2022 PSA Awards, PSA-RSSO 8 and its Provincial Statistical Offices won the following awards:

1. 2nd Place Best in Partnership and Linkages – PSA-RSSO 8

2. 5th Place Best in Information Dissemination – PSA-RSSO 8

3. 3rd Place Best in Partnership and Linkages – PSA Biliran

4. 10th Place Highest PhilSys Step 2 Registration Accomplishment – PSA Eastern Samar

5. 1st Place Best in Civil Registration – PSA Leyte

6. 4th Place Highest PhilSys Step 2 Registration Accomplishment - PSA Leyte

At the PSA-RSSO 8, the anniversary celebration served as venue for the giving of non-monetary awards through the 2023 Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE). Vianey Marie Almia, Administrative Officer I of PSA Leyte, was awarded with a plaque of recognition for Career and Self Development Incentive. Loyalty awards were given to Judith Joy Avila and Dir. Wilma Perante for 20 years and 35 years of public service, respectively.

Meanwhile, Christian Guy-ab of Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD) and Jackielou Manco of Provincial Statistical Office (PSO) Biliran, were hailed PSA Gala King and Queen during the PSA 10th Anniversary Gala Night. The top three PSOs proclaimed winners in the series of team building games were Samar, Leyte and Eastern Samar.

Republic Act 10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013 was signed into law by the late Pres. Benigno Aquino III on 12 September 2013. This mandated the reorganization of Philippine Statistical System and the creation of Philippine Statistics Authority, attached to National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for purposes of policy and coordination. The PSA was constituted from among the major statistical agencies engaged in primary data collection and compilation of secondary data, namely: National Statistics Office (NSO), National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) and Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES).

Slope protection built in Brgy. Marcatubig

By FLORSELISSA A. JUSAYAN
September 20, 2023

CALBAYOG CITY – Samar First District Engineering Office has completed the construction of the slope protection in Brgy. Marcatubig, Calbayog City, Samar.

The abovementioned project was allocated from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2023.

The P32.81 million slope protection structure has a height of 3 meters and a total length of 43 meters on the left portion of the road. Meanwhile on its right portion, another structure has been built with varied dimensions due to uneven terrain to an average height of 9-12 meters and a total length of 158 meters. The scope of work includes 612-meter length of shouldering and a width of 1.5 meters as well as the installation of 30 solar street LED lights along the structure.

Slope protection was built to safeguard residents from surface erosion and rapid drawdown at the site, as well as to offer long-term slope stabilization in the area.

Road from Barangays Bisitahan to Bonga constructed

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
September 19, 2023

CALBAYOG CITY – A road has been recently constructed which is allotted from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2023 from Barangays Bisitahan to Bonga in the Municipality of Tarangnan, said Samar First DEO.

The project has a contract amount of P24.47 million under the Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP).

A road opening of one kilometer is constructed and 700 meters of that has Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP). Its scope of work includes slope protection with a total length of 148 meters and varied heights of 1.5 to 2.6 meters on areas with steep slopes to prevent erosion.

This constructed road is a big upgrade from the concrete foot path or tire path that they are using before. This will eventually connect or tap on the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Mahayag which will give faster mobility of goods, people and services in the area.

Micro rice retailers in Eastern Visayas receive cash assistance

By DTI-Regional Operations Group
September 16, 2023

MAKATI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), led the simultaneous distribution of cash assistance to qualified micro retailers across Eastern Visayas on September 11-12, 2023.

As mandated by Executive Order No. 39, the DTI is in charge of identifying and verifying the target beneficiaries for the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Assistance (SLP) (cash assistance for micro rice retailers) through the provision of a list that was coordinated with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the LGUs' Business Permits and Licensing Offices (BPLOs).

Through the SLP, a total of sixty-seven (67) qualified micro rice retailers received P15,000 pesos each. The DTI confirmed that these beneficiaries are also compliant with the guidelines established in identifying the recipients of cash assistance from the DSWD.

The DTI Eastern Visayas Region assures the public that they will continue working with the national government in providing assistance to affected micro rice retailers while also conducting day-to-day monitoring activities to protect consumers and ensure compliance with the price cap.

DTI Chief Pascual highlights Philippine investment opportunities at Milken Asia Summit in Singapore

By DTI-OSEC-Public Relations Unit
September 16, 2023

SINGAPORE – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual highlighted the Philippines' readiness to welcome global investors, emphasizing the nation's strategic trade policies and investment priorities at the 10th Milken Institute Asia Summit held on September 14 in Singapore.

During the panel entitled "Global Overview: Illuminating Pathways Through Complexities," Pascual spotlighted the Philippines as a burgeoning hub for global investments, emphasizing the nation's strategic focus on sectors such as telecom, media, technology, semiconductor, aerospace, and healthcare. He identified these sectors to be the key drivers for the Philippines to enhance its participation in the global value chain.

The DTI chief shared that the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing economies globally in the last two decades, securing a pipeline of big-ticket investments exceeding the initial target under the Marcos Jr. administration. Despite facing some setbacks due to various external headwinds, he shared that this led the Board of Investments to increase the target from the original USD 17 billion to USD 26 billion.

Further, he shared that the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), coupled with the revitalized and forward-thinking Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP), sets a promising trajectory to bolster the nation's position in the global market. He also explained that the administration is working on industry-specific and firm-centric plans to ensure the development of trade policies in the country.

Additionally, he underscored the pivotal role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippine economy, referring to them as the "backbone" and "lifeblood" of the country.

“We're doing a lot of things to introduce digitalization in their operations,” the DTI Chief cited, highlighting the government's concerted efforts to foster digital transformation.

Secretary Pascual shared that as part of this digital shift, the DTI launched a Philippine E-commerce Platform to expand the market reach of small businesses, both nationally and globally. He also emphasized the establishment of a center for artificial intelligence, designed to serve the needs of both small and large businesses in optimizing the application of AI in their operations.

The trade and industry chief also shared the implementation of an Industry 4.0 pilot factory aimed at equipping businesses, especially MSMEs, with the knowledge to integrate new technologies into their operations.

In line with this, he cited that the government is revisiting the legal framework governing Internet transactions through the introduction of the Internet Transaction Act, which seeks to protect consumers and facilitate the participation of small businesses in the digital economy. He also linked these to the efforts of harmonizing national regulations with regional and international standards, including the recently launched Digital Economy Framework Agreement in Jakarta.

Further, Secretary Pascual highlighted the young Filipino population, with a median age of 25 and a significant presence in the IT and business process outsourcing sectors, which stands as a driving force in the nation's transition into the digital economy. Pascual also cited the emerging field of cybersecurity as a potential industry that presents both a new challenge and an opportunity that should be developed by the government.

“We're trying our best to develop the capability of our young population," the DTI Chief added, in response to the growing global demand for cybersecurity experts.

The Trade Chief also highlighted the proactive strategy of the government in pursuing free trade agreements (FTAs), including the recently concluded one with South Korea, as part of the country’s broader strategy to expand its market access, particularly for exports. The DTI Chief also stated that the administration is optimistic on its goal of becoming a middle-income country in the next two to three years.

In addition to trade and investment efforts, he affirmed that the government remains dedicated to ensuring food security for the Filipino population. Through the DTI’s Three-Year Food Logistics Action Agenda, the current administration aims to reduce the friction from farm gate to the consumer to ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for Filipinos.

In closing, the DTI Chief underscored, “The Philippines warmly welcomes businesses and investors. Our trade policies are designed to facilitate a secure and seamless exchange of goods and services, emphasizing critical aspects like consumer protection, privacy, and intellectual property rights. Through collaboration between the public and private sectors, we can create a harmonized and cohesive global trade environment."

The panel moderated by Pamela Mar, the Managing Director of the Digital Standards Initiative at the International Chamber of Commerce, brought together a distinguished group of speakers. These include Natalie Black, United Kingdom’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific; Gargee Ghosh, President of Global Policy and Advocacy at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and, Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia. The discussion centered on the new opportunities and complexities emerging in the global post-pandemic period, with a focus on driving success, innovation, and rebuilding a spirit of global collaboration.

The Milken Asia Summit is a prestigious event known for gathering the world's most influential leaders and thinkers that continues to foster dialogues that shape the future of Asia and the world. It features a roster of high-profile speakers including global policymakers, industry leaders, and financial experts.

DTI rolls out the Rice on Wheels Program in coordination with Bulacan rice millers and traders

By DTI-OSEC-Public Relations Unit
September 8, 2023

NOVALICHES, Quezon City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in coordination with Bulacan rice millers and traders, will officially roll out the “Rice on Wheels Program for Retailers” to ensure the availability of affordable regular and well-milled rice to the general public. Through this caravan, the DTI targets to supply retailers in the public market with affordable rice stock.

Secretary Fred Pascual said, “The DTI will work closely with different government agencies and private stakeholders to ensure that Filipino families will be able to access affordable rice during the implementation of Executive Order No. 39. We will continue to find ways and means to work with the private sector to stabilize the supply and price of rice in the market.”

Before the roll-out in different public markets on 11 September 2023, the DTI spearheaded a simultaneous dry-run today, 8 September 2023, in public markets located in Makati, Parañaque, and Manila City, with the launch in Quezon City. Through the Rice on Wheels for Retailers, Bulacan rice millers and traders wanted to show support to EO 39, and this temporary price stabilization measure of the government is workable. During the roll-out in Brgy. Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City, the Bulacan Rice Millers and Traders brought a supply of 12,500 kilos to be sold.

Further, as part of the ongoing efforts to address the concerns on the implementation of E.O. No. 39, financial aid will also be distributed by DSWD to small retailers beginning tomorrow.