DepEd, Save the
Children, and Prudence Foundation cite success of School Safety
Project protecting 47,000 PH schools from disasters, climate change
![Comprehensive School Safety Ecosystem (CSSE) Project](school-safety-project.jpg)
Batang
Empowered and Resilient Team (BERT) members are using the
School Watching Application (SWApp) as they take part in
assessing the dangers after typhoons and other disasters
that hit their schools. {Photo by Anna Dominique
Esmeralda/Save the Children) |
Press Release
October 13, 2023
QUEZON CITY – On
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Department of
Education (DepEd), Save the Children Philippines, and Prudence
Foundation celebrated the success of the Comprehensive School Safety
Ecosystem (CSSE) Project and reiterated their commitments to making
learning safe for Filipino learners.
The CSSE Project is a
multi-stakeholder partnership by DepEd, Prudence Foundation and Save
the Children aimed at strengthening the resilience of the Philippine
school system to all hazards, including the impact of the climate
crisis.
Since its launch in 2018,
the CSSE Project has already reached over 620,000 people across the
Philippines through different interventions that leverage
innovation, technology, data, collaboration, and children’s
participation. It also serves as a sustainable and scalable strategy
for protecting all 47,000 schools in the Philippines against
disasters, including the effects of climate change.
“With the continuous
threats of extreme weather events such as typhoons, floods, and
impacts of climate change, we stand firm in our commitment to keep
students, teachers, and staff safe in schools, and to limit
disruption in learning in case such disasters take place using the
different components of the ecosystem and tools developed by the
project,” said Atty. Christian C. Rivero, Director IV Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Service of the Department of Education. “We
are grateful to have worked with Save the Children Philippines and
Prudence Foundation to help achieve the vision of uninterrupted
education in the country.”
The Philippines ranks
first in the World Risk Index with the highest risk of disasters in
the world in 2022 and 2023. The said report projects that Filipinos
are most vulnerable to disasters due to extreme natural events and
impacts of climate change.
“Education is key to
uplifting the lives of the most marginalized and vulnerable
children, and any interruption in children’s education can
negatively impact their lives in the long run,” said Atty. Alberto
Muyot, CEO of Save the Children Philippines. “We are grateful for
this partnership project with the DepEd and Prudence Foundation. We
hope that the achievements of the CSSE Project will be replicated in
all schools in the Philippines, and influence other countries so
that children can enjoy quality education that is safe from
disasters.”
One of the most notable
accomplishments of the project was the creation of the Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Information System (DRRMIS) within the
Department of Education. This featured three digital apps that were
adapted to the DepEd's needs and integrated into their processes to
increase data collection for school safety response and planning.
The Rapid Assessment of
Damages Report, or RADaR, digital app enables the immediate
reporting of disaster-related damages, allowing the DepEd to respond
quickly. The information from the app helped the DepEd's overall
internal and external school safety coordination and planning, as
well as influencing an increase in the DepEd's disaster response
budget. Comprehensive School Safety (CSS) Monitoring and the School
Watching App (SWApp) are two more applications and tools developed
to support preparedness and children's participation.
“Disaster preparedness and
resilience is very important in any setting – even more so in the
context of children’s education. The risks to children’s education
are increasing, but so is our drive in developing and delivering
programs to increase resilience and create a safe and healthy
learning environment for children,” said Marc Fancy, Executive
Director of Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of
PruLife UK’s parent company Prudential plc.
The CSSE Project received
an award at the United Nations Sasakawa Awards for Disaster Risk
Reduction in 2022. Best practices from the CSSE Project were
recognized at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27)
in 2022, the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk
Reduction in 2022, and the UK Forum for International Education and
Training (UKFIET) Conference in 2023.
DAR proves unending
government support to farmers
![DAR farming equipment support to San Isidro Rural Association](dar-farmer-support1.jpg)
The
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Eastern Samar Provincial
Office turns over farm machineries and farm inputs worth
P1-million to the San Isidro Rural Association in Hernani,
Eastern Samar. |
By
LEMUELL SETH TONOG
October 13, 2023
HERNANI, Eastern Samar
– The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Eastern Samar Provincial
Office proved once again that delivery of government assistance is
unending with the recent turnover of farm machineries and inputs to
an agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) in this town.
Late last month,
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Danilo
Lozada led the turnover of two hand tractors with trailer, two rice
threshers with blower, six floating tillers, three grass cutters,
eight knapsack sprayers, a water pump, and hybrid seeds to the San
Isidro Rural Association (SIRA) in a simple ceremony held at the
covered court of Barangay San Isidro.
Lozada, emphasized to the
members of the SIRA that the help coming from the government should
be well utilized and used for the betterment, not only for their
organization but, more importantly, for the whole nation. “Let us
help one another and help the government,” said Lozada.
Municipal Agrarian Reform
Program Officer (MARPO) Glicerio Camenforte disclosed that these
packages of assistance amounting to one million pesos is funded
under the Major Crop-based Block Farm Productivity Enhancement of
the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) program.
He further disclosed that
this is in line with Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella
III’s nine primary goals which include provision of modern farm
equipment and farm inputs to ARBOs in order to increase agricultural
production and eventually improve the quality of lives of the
farmers, particularly the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
Meanwhile, Elias Gayoso,
president of the SIRA, assured the officials of the Department of
Agrarian Reform (DAR) that they will value everything given to them
and maximize the use of the farm equipment, as he expressed their
gratitude.
SIRA is composed of 97
members, wherein 45 are ARBs. Most of them are into rice farming.
![San Isidro Rural Association](dar-farmer-support2.jpg)
Filing of complaints
now easier with CARe System – DTI
![DTI care system](dti-care-system.jpg)
From
L to R: Atty. M. Marcus N. Valdez, Atty. Marimel Porciuncula,
Atty. Cherryl Carbonell, Asec. Mary Jean Pacheco,
Undersecretary Kim Lokin, Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona,
Secretary Fred Pascual, EDGA-USAID Deputy Director Eric
Florimon-Reed, UPPAF-RESPOND Chief-of-Party Dr. Enrico L.
Basillo, UPPAF RESPOND Dr. Mario Lamberte, Asec. Agaton
Uvero, FTEB Director Atty. Fhillip D. Sawali, and USAID Mr.
Jay De Quiros |
By
DTI-Consumer
Protection and Advocacy Bureau
October 13, 2023
MAKATI CITY – To
provide a more efficient and seamless complaint filing process, the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID) through the University of the
Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services
Foundation Inc. (UPPAF) introduced the DTI Consumer Complaints
Assistance and Resolution System (CARe System) to the general public
today, 13 October 2023 held at the New World Hotel Manila.
During the launch, DTI
Secretary Fred Pascual emphasized, “The PODRS and CARe Systems are
not just tools but symbols of our commitment to justice, fairness,
and progress. They signify our government's dedication to fostering
a more inclusive and equitable society where access to justice and
consumer protection is within everyone's reach. With such systems,
consumers will have a strong ally in their corner to safeguard their
interests.”
Establishing an Online
Dispute Resolution (ODR) system is an ASEAN Commitment, as stated in
Strategic Goal 3 of the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan on Consumer
Protection (ASAPCP) 2016-2025. This commitment aims to enhance
consumer confidence in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and
cross-border commercial transactions by creating an ODR System in
each ASEAN Member State.
The DTI CARe System offers
a user-friendly interface and robust security features, enabling
consumers to file complaints and find resolutions easily. The system
will address complaints that fall within the jurisdiction of the
Department. Any other concerns will be directed to the appropriate
government office or local government unit (LGU) for further action.
To register in the DTI
Consumer CARe System, individuals must provide the following
information:
a. Name;
b. Complete Postal
Address;
c. Age Group;
d. Social Classification,
if applicable [Senior Citizen, Person with Disability (PWD),
e. Indigenous People and
Solo Parent];
f. Email Address;
g. DTI Consumer CARe
System Account Password;
h. Telephone or Mobile
Phone number; and
i. Copy of one Valid
Government ID [Students may use their valid School ID].
Upon registration,
individuals are required to provide their consent to the DTI
Consumer CARe System and Privacy Statement. The system will send an
email containing the registration information and verification link
to the email address provided. Registrants who successfully complete
the DTI Consumer CARe System will receive a copy of their
information and a verification link sent to the email address they
provided.
The trade and industry
chief further highlighted that the DTI Consumer CARe System launched
today is very timely serving as a prelude to the provision under the
proposed Internet Transactions Act (ITA), recently approved by
Congress on third reading for signature into law by the President.
He reiterated that this is part of the DTI’s vision to promote the
digitalization of government services.
Under the proposed
Internet Transactions Act, the DTI is directed to facilitate an
alternative mode of dispute resolution for online consumers as well
as online businesses.
Through the Consumer CARe
System, consumers would have a seamless and stress-free experience,
from the time they file their initial complaint until the final
resolution.
Highlighting the DTI’s
goals of ensuring consumer protection, Secretary Pascual said, “By
embracing technology while simultaneously implementing safeguards
and raising awareness, we can create an environment where consumers
can confidently engage in commerce and other activities online,
knowing that their interests and security are protected. The DTI
firmly believes that establishing the PODRS and Consumer CARe System
will signify a momentous achievement, revolutionizing how consumer
complaints are addressed and resolved nationally and
internationally.”
For more information on
the DTI Consumer CARe System, send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.
Nabang-Gadgaran road
commenced construction
![nabang-gadgaran road construction](nabang-gadgaran_road_construction.jpg)
By
GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
October 12, 2023
CALBAYOG CITY –
Samar First DEO has commenced the construction of the
Nabang-Gadgaran road with the contract amount of P94.8 million under
the Convergence and Special Support Program (Tatag ng Imprastruktura
para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad or TIKAS).
The first phase will work
on the embankment of gravel road which will span 2.2 kilometers and
a width of 30 meters. The project started in Barangay Nabang which
will reach until Barangay Limarayon.
The construction of the
entire Nabang-Gadgaran road will approximately span a total of 6.19
kilometers with four (4) lanes and slope protection. The project
will connect Barangay Nabang in Oquendo District and traverse
different barangays until its endpoint in Barangay Gadgaran in
Calbayog Diversion Road. This will serve as an alternate and faster
route for motorist coming from Leyte going to Northern Samar and
vice versa instead of taking Brgy. Lonoy junction which will lead
them to go through the Calbayog-Catarman and Calbayog-Allen roads.
To provide/build quality
and safe infrastructure facilities that connects and speed up
movement of people, goods and services, as well as connects
barangays in the district by integrated transport system.
This multi-year project is
targeted to be completed in 2025.
PSA brings services closer to the people of Tolosa, Leyte
![PSA services in Tolosa, Leyte](psa-bpsf-tolosa.jpg)
Press Release
October 12, 2023
TACLOBAN CITY – As
a continuing effort to bring its services much closer to the
Filipino people, the Philippine Statistics Authority Regional
Statistical Services Office (RSSO) VIII in collaboration with PSA
Leyte, once again had the honor to serve the people of Tolosa, Leyte
during the recently concluded “Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair”
(BPSF) held in Visayas State University last 23-24 September 2023.
PSA delegates attended the
event headed by Deputy National Statisticain, Minerva Eloisa P.
Esquivias together with Regional Director Wilma A. Perante, Civil
Registration and Administrative Support Division Chief, Anesia S.
Babante, Registration Officer III, Marife R. Molon and PSA Leyte
Chief Statistical Specialist, Sheryl Ann A. Jamisola and other PSA
and Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) personnel of Tolosa. PSA
officials assisted during the Awarding of the Certificates of Liver
Birth (COLB) in Security Paper to 262 beneficiaries under the
PhilSys Birth Registration Assistance Project (PBRAP).
The PSA also catered
clients under the various services provided with the overall count
as follows:
Step 2 PhilSys
Registration: |
|
228 |
ePhilID
issued/printed: |
|
69 |
Prepared COLBs
under PBRAP: |
|
46 |
PBRAP Listing
for verification: |
|
52 |
The PSA also conducted
mobile acceptance for requests of civil registry documents with the
following total number of applications filed:
Live
Birth: |
|
525 |
Marriage: |
|
45 |
CenoMar: |
|
22 |
Death: |
|
6 |
The BPSF is the country’s
biggest service caravan aimed at providing government services to
the Filipino people across the country who may not have the means to
avail of these benefits. It is one of several flagship programs and
projects being launched with the goal of attaining comprehensive
policy reforms and full economic recovery.
CARD Inc. Medical Services opens in Tanauan, Leyte
![CARD, Inc. Medical Services in Tanauan, Leyte](cardinc-tanauan-leyte.jpg)
MaHP Director Dr. Roderick Belen
(rightmost, front row), CARD, Inc. Board of Trustee Ms. Haydee
Eulin (leftmost, second row), CARD, Inc. Deputy Executive
Director for Finance and Admin Lousel Cortes (2nd to the left,
front row), CARD Bank Regional Director Ms. Luella Bulalacao
(2nd to the right, front row), Mayor’s Office representative
Judge Efren Abando (3rd to the left, front row), and Brgy.
Captain Mr. Romeo M. Tecson (3rd to the right, front row)
alongside other CARD MRI’s staff and clients attended the
inauguration of CARD, Inc. new healthcare facility. It aims to
bring healthcare services closer to more Filipino communities. |
By
EDRIAN B. BANANIA
October 11, 2023
TANAUAN, Leyte – To
provide healthcare access to far-flung communities, CARD, Inc. (A
Microfinance NGO) - CARD MRI’s Microfinance and Health Protection
(MaHP) opens a clinic and laboratory facility that offers medical
services in Tanauan, Leyte on October 5, 2023.
Recognizing clients'
critical need for a health protection program urged CARD, Inc. to
establish clinics and laboratories across the Philippines, offering
affordable medical consultations and laboratory services, including
maternal care, child health, family planning, and diagnostic tests.
CARD, Inc. also partnered
with private healthcare practitioners and facilities to ensure the
continuous availability of healthcare support and extend the
services not only to CARD MRIs clients and their dependents but also
to the general public.
“Our mission is to empower
the community to make healthier choices and establish an accessible
and affordable healthcare facility,” MaHP Director Dr. Roderick
Belen said.
The said activity was part
of the CARD MRI’s mission to combat poverty through enhanced
healthcare access.
Among those who graced the
opening of the facility were MaHP Director Dr. Roderick Belen, CARD,
Inc. Board of Trustee Ms. Haydee Eulin; Deputy Executive Director
for Finance and Admin Ms. Lousel Cortes; CARD, Inc. Assistant
Executive Director Larry Jun Barcoma; Regional Director Isidro
Guevarra Jr.; CARD Bank Regional Director Ms. Luella Bulalacao; and
MaHP Chief MedTech Laarni Fernandez. Also invited were Municipal
Mayor Gina E. Merilo represented by Judge Efren Abando and Brgy.
Captain Mr. Romeo M. Tecson and some clients.
“This achievement serves
as a testament to our unwavering commitment to bringing quality
healthcare access for all, a cause that is set to transform lives
and communities in the Philippines and beyond,” CARD, Inc. Trustee
Ms. Haydee Eulin said.
As of October 2023, CARD,
Inc. (MaHP) operates three clinics and laboratories located in San
Pablo City, Laguna, and Tagum City Davao del Norte. Meanwhile the
third clinic is located in Barangay Buntay, Tanauan, Leyte.
Going Digital
In 2012, CARD recognized
the critical need for health protection, thus with the support of
CARD, Inc., CARD Laboratory was inaugurated, offering diagnostic
services at a minimal fee, in addition to free consultations.
Eight years after, with
the advancement of technology and with the COVID-19 pandemic, the
company introduced CARD e-Doctor to offer free online medical
consultations via Facebook messenger and a series of informative
lectures on various health topics, including disease descriptions,
symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures, were conducted by
partner doctors via live Facebook sessions.
This interactive platform
allowed viewers to actively participate, posing questions during the
live discussions, and receiving expert answers.
As CARD MRI continues in
uplifting the marginalized, the new clinic and laboratory is now
open and ready to serve clients, staff, and Tanauan communities with
holistic and accessible healthcare services. The said facility is
open from Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Flood control structure erected in Brgy. Casab-ahan
![Brgy. Casab-ahan flood control](casabahan-flood-control.jpg)
By
FLORSELISSA A. JUSAYAN
October 11, 2023
CALBAYOG CITY – A
flood control structure built along Gandara River in Brgy.
Casab-ahan has already been completed according to the Department of
Public Works and Highways Samar First District Engineering Office.
The flood mitigating
structure has a total length of 370 meters (left side has a length
of 272 meters while its right side has 98 meters) and a height of
three (3) meters which connects to the initial flood control wall
built in the area. Part of its scope of work includes a
1.6-meter-wide walkway that runs along the same length as the
structure itself and a 0.8 parapet that serves as a protection wall
for the residents of the barangay.
The flood control
structure will benefit the community with 1,291 population (2020
Census) by reducing flood-related environmental impacts, especially
during heavy rains.
This project has total
revised contract amount of P53.05 million funded under the General
Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2023.
Tubod in Surigao del Norte named most competitive municipality
![most competitive municipality](most-competitive-municipality.jpg)
By
DTI-Regional Operations Group
October 10, 2023
BUTUAN CITY –
Tubod, a municipality in Surigao del Norte, has been recognized as
the most competitive among 315 5th–6th class municipalities during
the Philippine Creative Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness
Congress held on September 28, underscoring its unwavering
dedication to excellence and advancement across diverse sectors.
This distinction was
awarded as part of the annual Cities and Municipalities
Competitiveness Index, a program devised by the National
Competitiveness Council in partnership with regional competitiveness
committees. The ranking evaluates the competitiveness of cities and
municipalities based on an overall competitiveness score, which is
derived from combining scores across five crucial dimensions:
economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure,
resilience, and innovation.
Tubod Mayor Richelle B.
Romarate emphasized the importance of this award for the local
government, saying that, "this award is of great significance to
LGU-Tubod because it signifies what has been accomplished across the
five pillars: economic dynamism, government efficiency, disaster
resilience, infrastructure, and innovation."
Romarate stressed the
municipality's commitment to maintaining its competitive position,
adding that "in order to sustain our position, we will focus on
surpassing our own records. Although this is a competitive index, we
are not competing with other municipalities. Our main goal is to
identify and address shortcomings for the coming year. Our actions
are guided by the standards set by DTI for CMCI, and we strive to
meet those standards in every way possible."
Tubod's outstanding
performance also earned recognition in several other categories,
including Top 1 in the government efficiency and innovation pillars,
Top 3 in the resilience pillar, Top 4 in the infrastructure pillar,
and Top 9 in the economic dynamism pillar among 5th–6th class
municipalities.
Notably, Tubod was not the
sole local government unit (LGU) from the Caraga region honored
during the event. Other awardees from Caraga included General Luna,
Surigao del Norte, which was ranked as the top 5 overall most
competitive LGU for 5th–6th class municipalities, securing the top 1
spot in the infrastructure pillar and the top 7 spot in the economic
dynamism pillar.
Butuan City was recognized
as the Top 2 Most Improved Highly Urbanized City. Tagana-an, Surigao
del Norte, secured a spot in the Top 10 of the economic dynamism
pillar.
San Jose in the Province
of Dinagat Islands achieved the Top 4 in the Government Efficiency
Pillar among 3rd–4th class municipalities, while Burgos, Surigao del
Norte, was acknowledged in the Top 8 of the Infrastructure Pillar
among 5th–6th class municipalities.
"These awards not only
highlight the LGUs’ excellence but also underscore the region's
dedication to progress and development in various key areas,
positioning Caraga as a substantial contributor to the Philippines'
competitive landscape," DTI Caraga Regional Director Gay Tidalgo
said.
Samar I continues to build road connectivity in Calbayog City
![Libertad to Barangay Roxas I barangay road](libertad-roxas1-brgy.road.jpg)
By
GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
October 9, 2023
CALBAYOG CITY – A
paved road from Barangay Libertad to Barangay Roxas I has been
constructed by Samar First DEO drawn from the General Appropriations
Act (GAA) for FY 2023.
A 350-meter Portland
Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) with a width of five (5) meters is
built in the said area to replace the footh path that residents
would trudge in order to reach said barangays. Part of the scope is
a 175-meter open drainage to discharge water. Moreover, this
drainage structure stops where the ricefields are located so that
water can flow freely towards it to help with irrigation.
The project has a contract
amount of P9.89 million.
The road construction
primarily aims to connect all areas as well as to provide ease and
safe mobility of people and products. This road in the said barangay
will allow faster transportation of their produce such as root crops
and “copra” since it now offers different alternate routes to the
marketplace which will lessen the travel time.