Senator Loren Legarda in Bohol

Senator Loren Legarda, senatorial candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), encourages senior citizens to use their privileges under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act during her visit to the Province of Bohol. Legarda is the author of the said law that enables elderly Filipinos to access the full twenty percent discount on medicines, food, services and other purchases. 

PH humanitarian mission to help China quake victims sought

MANILA, April 23, 2013-Sen. Ralph G. Recto today said government should quickly send a humanitarian mission to help victims of the devastating earthquake that rocked a Southwestern Chinese province last weekend.

“As a neighbor with deep historical and economic ties, the country should send its own humanitarian contingent and find ways to help in the rescue and even in the post-quake effort,” Recto said.

He stressed diplomatic differences on how to approach the issues on West Philippine Sea and the recent grounding of a Chinese fishing boat should be set aside for now to reach out to a neighbor in dire need.

“China must be feeling the weight of losing precious lives and rehabilitating damaged villages. We could unburden it a bit with our compassion and direct help,” Recto, senior foreign relations panel member, said.

"I believe this is not the time to be insensitive and indifferent to what China is undergoing right now. We are humanely obligated to extend assistance to their people," he added.

Recto said finding survivors is a major rescue work for Chinese rescuers and volunteers, which the country could provide some “muscle" and "experience" after going through a series of natural disasters in the last five years.

The senator likewise urged Filipino-Chinese business groups to coordinate with the government if they wish to extend their help to earthquake victims in China.

The death toll continues to climb from the earthquake that hit the Chinese province of Sichuan.

More than 1,100 aftershocks have followed since the quake struck Saturday morning.

Chinese seismologists registered the tremor at 7.0 magnitude while the US Geological Survey recorded it as 6.6.

At least 192 people have been confirmed dead, 24 are missing and nearly 11,500 were injured, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said.

Legarda: Protection of the Environment is a Gut Issue

MANILA, April 22, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda, a leading environmental advocate, today stressed that the protection of the environment is a gut issue.

“Environmental protection is a gut issue because environmental issues matter to our own survival. Despite increasing awareness about environmental protection and climate change over the past few years, the damage of irresponsible development models and large-scale environmental destruction has not yet been reversed,” she said.

"Hindi ito isyu na para lamang sa mga akademiko. Malapit ito sa bituka, at may epekto sa huli ng ating mga mangingisda, ani ng magsasaka, kabuhayan ng mga katutubo at kaligtasan ng mamamayan," she added.

The Senator noted that everybody is challenged anew to work together and act in ensuring that the environment is protected.

“We can do a lot for our environment. Geohazard mapping should be institutionalized and followed down to the grassroots. Funding should be provided in the GAA and in the budgets of LGUs for relocation or for housing, most especially for communities that are in danger. Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction should become part of the DepEd curriculum and there should be mandatory training for LGUs and for frontline agencies,” the Senator added.

The Senator also encouraged Filipinos to adopt an environment-conscious lifestyle.

“We should clean and protect our rivers and lakes. We should push for community-based heritage tourism and ensure that climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction are issues that are understood up until the barangay level,” she said.

For the past three months, Senator Legarda has led the distribution of geohazard maps to LGUs. She has also conducted lectures to LGUs and state universities and colleges (SUCs). She has also called for the effective implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law.

The Senator was the principal author of the Climate Change Act (RA 9729) and co-author and sponsor of its amendatory law which provides for the creation of the People’s Survival Fund (RA 10174).

Legarda was chiefly responsible for the passage of landmark environmental legislations such as the Clean Air Act (RA 8749), Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), Renewable Energy Act (RA 9513) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA 10121).

Trillanes blasts anew black propaganda on anti-military, police measure

Reelectionist Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV denounced anew the circulation of a black propaganda tagging him as one of the key sponsors of a bill that would substantially cut back the retirement benefits of police and military personnel, this time not just in text message s but through flyers being distributed in military and police camps.

The alleged “PNP/AFP Retirement Bill” would remove several benefits that military and police personnel will receive upon reaching the mandatory age for retirement, but Trillanes said that there was no such bill pending in the Senate.

“These desperate political enemies are continuously spreading this black propaganda to taint my reputation and undo the efforts which I have done to uplift the condition of our military and police personnel. For the record, there is no such bill filed in the legislative index of the Senate or would I have advocated for such bill,” Trillanes said.

According to Trillanes, he has always been supportive of the causes to uplift the plight of the men and women in uniform being a former member of the Philippine Navy with the rank of lieutenant senior grade. He was one of the authors of the new Salary Standardization Law which upgraded the salaries of our military and police personnel and all government employees, and the Military Service Board Law which was created to process pending claims of war veterans.

Recently, the new AFP Modernization Law, which Trillanes authored, was signed into law to extend the AFP Modernization Program for another 15 years and help the armed forces improve their capabilities in dealing with internal and external threats.

“Through the years, I have worked toward the uplifting of the lives of our military and police personnel by introducing bills which I hope would have tremendous impact on their professional and economic lives.” He added.

Among the other measures he has put forward in the Senate for the AFP/PNP welfare benefits are:

·                  Senate Bill No. 204 to increase the quarters allowance of AFP personnel to P5,000 for enlisted personnel, and P10,000 to P15,000 for officers;

·                  Senate Joint Resolution 5 to increase the subsistence allowance from P90 to P150 per day for AFP personnel;

·                  Senate Joint Resolution 8 to increase the combat duty pay of PA and PMAR troops to 25 per cent of their base pay;

·                  AFP Insurance Coverage Act to grant additional P250,000 death and disability benefits, and P100,000 medical assistance to members killed/injured in line of duty;

·                  Senate Bill No. 205 to provide payment of the arrears in the veterans’ pensions and benefits;

·                  Senate Bill No. 393 to increase the combat duty pay of PNP combat personnel to 25 per cent of their base pay;

·                  Senate Bill No. 197 to increase quarters allowance of PNP personnel; and

·                  PNP Insurance Coverage Act to grant additional P250,000 death disability benefits, and P100,000 medical assistance to members killed/injured in line of duty.

Trillanes played an important role in exposing various corrupt practices within the military organization. He appealed to voters to remain vigilant against the black propaganda that come their way and be discerning in choosing their candidates. 

Legarda: Let Everyday be "Earth Day"

MANILA, April 20, 2013-As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22, Sen. Loren Legarda urged Filipinos to make each day an "Earth day", stressing that taking action to protect the environment should not be limited to a day.

 “It is not only the responsibility of government and concerned organizations to come up with policies and action plans in the fight against climate change and global warming. Individuals also have an equal obligation to protect Mother Earth and make this their daily mantra,” Legarda said.

She said people complain about the particularly hot weather this summer and of drought in certain provinces, yet also of the frequent flooding and destructive typhoons in the rainy season but may have never asked why.

 “Yung mga maliliit na bagay na ginagawa natin gaya ng pagtapon ng basura kung saan saan; pag putol ng kahoy; paggamit ng smoke-belching na sasakyan at marami pang iba, lahat yan may masamang dulot sa ating kapaligiran at may epekto sa ating klima,” she said.

She said it is long overdue for people to finally face the issue and collectively do their share in preventing further deterioration of the environment. 

“Climate change is no longer a remote and complex issue. It is here and its effects are real. Let everyday be 'Earth Day.' Let's not limit ourselves to celebrating it once or twice a year, during Earth Day and World Environment Day. We should live it because our survival depends on it. Our love for Mother Earth reflects our love for life, for our children and our families," Legarda stressed.

"Tree-growing is just one of the many ways by which we can contribute. We must protect our watersheds, clean our lakes and rivers, and practice solid waste management. We must preserve old trees while growing new ones, and create forest parks in every barangay,” she added.

The Senator also encouraged Filipinos to adopt an environment-conscious lifestyle to help protect the planet. Citizens can start within their own households by (1) patronizing local, plant-based, and in-season foods; (2) considering energy and cost-efficient transport modes like walking, biking, taking public transport and carpooling; (3) practicing traditional energy conservation measures such as using low-wattage appliances and unplugging electronics when not in use; (4) contributing to efficient waste management system by avoiding buying unnecessary goods and patronizing recycled products; and (5) practicing water conservation activities like gathering and storing rainwater or reusing laundry water for daily chores.

"Our commitment to save our planet and contribute to the sustainability of our nation will be best demonstrated when we make it our way of life, and there is no better day to begin than today," Legarda concluded.

HONTIVEROS TO COMELEC: SET ASIDE PROTECTIVE FUND FOR TEACHERS ON POLL DUTY

Team PNoy senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros on Friday/Apr. 19 called on the Commission on Elections to set aside a special protective fund for teachers who will be on poll duty for next month’s elections.

The former Akbayan party-list representative, who has shot up to 13^th place in the recent Stratpoll survey of senatorial candidates, said the fund would go a long way in allaying fears of teachers regarding electoral violence and harassment.

“Kung matatandaan  po natin, yung mga kaso ng harassment at karahasan laban sa ating mga guro noong mga nakaraang eleksiyon ay isang magandang dahilan para i-set up natin ang pondong ito,” Hontiveros pointed out.

She cited the case of two teachers who were burned to death when the school house they were in was torched by unidentified men.

“Dumarami sa media yung mga ulat at reklamo na ganyan, na siyang nagdudulot ng pangamba sa ating kaguruan at hindi natin sila dapat pabayaan,” she said in a media briefing at the Team PNoy headquarters in Makati City.  

Hontiveros said the P3,000 election-duty allowance provided by the Comelec is not enough or commensurate to the risks to which teachers on poll duty are exposed.

With her improved ranking in the surveys, Hontiveros said she is now inspired to campaign even harder and reach out to more people.

“Wala man akong bitbit na mabigat na apelyido o maraming pera, tanging ang track record ko at ang aspirasyon ng ating mga mamamayan  laban sa korapsyon, para sa kababaihan at sa kalusugan ang patuloy kong dadalhin,” Hontiveros said.

Legarda Lauds Bohol, Urges All LGUs to Pursue Community-Based Ecotourism

As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22, Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Climate Change Committee, renewed her call for local government units (LGUs) to pursue community-based activities for ecotourism and culture and ease the impact of climate change in their localities.

During her visit to Abatan River in Bohol, Legarda was impressed by efforts of the provincial government in creating a cultural adventure through the convergence of the five municipalities of Maribojoc, Catigbian, Balilihan, Cortes and Antequera.

“The Abatan River is unique as it is a beautiful journey of both nature and culture. You see the rich history of the towns, while appreciating our country’s natural wonders.” Legarda said. “It is a living ecological museum in itself,” she said.

Legarda likewise lauded the local government for leading in the enactment of model ordinances for tourism and environmental conservation. “The Bohol Tourism Code is a good resource for other ecotourism destinations on how to embark on environment-friendly development plans. It can be the basis for national legislation which I will push for in my next Senate term,” she added.

Legarda said there must be incentives for tourist destinations and resorts to have active plans to maintain and sustain the environmental state in their areas. Local resorts and tourist spots can offer outdoor activities, adventure and nature-related attractions provided that the destinations display friendliness to the environment.

Long an environmental crusader, Legarda has advocated for the enactment of laws on environmental governance like the Clean Air Act and the Solid Waste Management Act. As a strong advocate of climate change awareness, Legarda has authored the Climate Change Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9729), which created the Climate Change Commission and made the adaptation and mitigation strategies a national priority for development planning.

Legarda: Assist in immediate repatriation of stranded OFWs in Jeddah

Senator Loren Legarda, Senate foreign relations committee chair, today called on the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Foreign Affairs to intensify representations with the Saudi government for the immediate repatriation of stranded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

She also called on personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh to actively assist OFWs who want to legalize their status after Saudi King Abdullah gave them a three-month grace period.

The stranded Filipinos are considered undocumented and exit passes have to be secured from Saudi authorities before they may be allowed to return home.  Others have pending labor cases.

"The repatriation of hundreds of stranded Filipinos in Jeddah, some of whom are sick, and others even have children in tow, should be a priority of our government.  This problem has gone on for years.  Repatriation of stranded Filipinos should be a matter of course.  It is not the subject of an 'if and when' proposition," the Senator added.

The Senator also noted that the repatriation of stranded Filipinos in Jeddah have been intermittently undertaken over the years.  Some of the stranded Filipinos have been out of status in Jeddah for many years and have been appealing to the government for repatriation assistance over the years. 

Estimates by Migrante indicate that the number of stranded Filipinos who have camped outside  the Consulate General in Jeddah have reached almost 1,500.

"The Migrant Workers Act mandates the extension of government assistance to distressed Filipinos, including their repatriation.  The DFA and the DOLE need to deliver on its obligations under the law.  We should not pay lip service to our overseas Filipinos," Legarda said.

Legarda Calls for Heavy Penalties for Slaughter of Endangered Pangolins

Sen. Loren Legarda today expressed alarm over the discovery of more than 20,000 pounds of meat from the endangered pangolin in the Chinese vessel that ran aground in Tubbataha and urged the authorities to dig deeper into the matter.

            She said the discovery of the banned cargo should prod Philippine Navy and Coast Guard authorities to exercise the highest vigilance as similar illegal activities could be taking place off Philippine waters.  

            Legarda, Senate foreign relations committee chair and a staunch environmentalist, said the crew of the Chinese crew members violated not only the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act but also international law on trading in endangered species.

            “These Chinese crew members are heartless and cruel. They not only rammed their vessel into a World Heritage Site and destroyed valuable marine resources but also slaughtered an endangered species,” Legarda said as she asked Philippine authorities to file the appropriate charges against them. Besides facing poaching charges, the Chinese crew members could be charged with possessing and trading in endangered species.

                The Chinese vessel, which struck a section of the Tubbataha National Marine Park last April 8, was carrying 400 crates of frozen pangolins, also known as the scaly anteater.

An international ban on the trade of pangolins was imposed in 2002. According to the International Union of Conversation of Nature, two species, the Sunda and the Chinese pangolin, are endangered. Another two species, including the Philippine pangolin, are classified as near threatened.

Legarda said Philippine naval and Coast Guard authorities should be on the lookout for similar cargoes and deploy additional personnel and vessels in the area.

“It’s good that the Chinese vessel ran aground in the area and we were able to discover their illegal cargo. What if they were able to pass by undetected and continue with their illegal activity? More harm would have been inflicted by them on our marine resources,” Legarda said.

Legarda: 5,000 Children of Farmers to Benefit Under Pantawid Tuition Program

 About 5,000 students of the Isabela State University who are children of farmers are to be the first batch of beneficiaries of Sen. Loren Legarda’s “Pantawid Tuition Program." Legarda, who has put premium on education, announced her plan for the first batch of student beneficiaries during her visit to the province over the weekend.

            “Kayo ang magiging unang iskolar ng Pantawid Tuition Program na aking ilulunsad para sa mahihirap na pamilya, kasama ng mga pamilya na napapabilang sa Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) na programa ng gobyerno,” Legarda told the students.

            The senator said the first batch of scholars from the Isabela State University will be children of farmers taking up agriculture-related courses. Being from a highly agricultural province, these scholars would be valuable assets to Isabela and nearby provinces as they aim to become an agro-industrial center of the country.

           "Our agricultural sector needs personnel with the education and competence not only to lend their expertise to farmers and agricultural workers but also to man industries," Legarda explained. "Together with the province of Isabela as led by Gov. Faustino Dy III, our target is to be able to offer scholarships to the 21,000 college students at the ISU," she said.

Earlier, Legarda proposed to the government the granting of college scholarship to at least one member of each of the 3.8 million households that are beneficiaries of the CCC program.

“Ang aking hangarin, ang aking gagawin sa aking susunod na termino ay magkaroon ng kahit isang diploma ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, lalo na yung nasa ilalim ng 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), para ang bawat mahirap na pamilya ay siguradong magkakaroon ng isang college graduate,” she has said.

She added: “Mas mararamdaman ng bawat isang mahirap na pamilya ang programa ng gobyerno kung isa sa kanilang anak ay makapagtapos sa kolehiyo dahil matutulungan ng isang nagtapos ang kanyang pamilya, lalo ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid, pag siya ay may permanenteng trabaho na.” 

Legarda Lauds El Nido Award, Urges Incentives System for Ecotourism

The Department of Tourism (DOT) should establish an incentive-based system of best practices for ecotourism development among the country’s resorts and ecotourism destinations to make their service globally competitive and at the same time environment-friendly.  

     

            The call was made by Sen. Loren Legarda after El Nido Resorts (ENR), a cluster of four eco-resorts in Bacuit Bay in Palawan, won the Tourism for Tomorrow Award (TTA) during the recent 13th annual World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit held in Abu Dhabi. It was recognized for best practices in sustainable tourism in four categories—Destination Stewardship Award, Conservation Award, Community Benefit Award and the Global Tourism Business Award.

            “I laud El Nido for this achievement, for showing the whole world that it can engage in development while protecting the country's biodiversity and natural wonders,” Legarda, a leading environmentalist, said.

            She said El Nido’s success could be emulated elsewhere in the country with the DOT establishing a system of best practices so that resorts and other ecotourism destinations could undertake world-class development without destroying their areas’ natural wonders.

            Legarda said there must be incentives for resorts and other tourist destinations which have active plans to maintain and sustain the environmental state in their jurisdictions, just like what the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo did for local government units (LGUs) with good housekeeping plans.

            She said the incentives, to be determined and drawn up by the DOT and other appropriate government agencies, would be the inducement to motivate these resorts and other ecotourism destinations to embark on environment-friendly development plans and practices.

Legarda said local resorts and tourist spots can offer outdoor activities, adventure and nature-related attractions provided that the destinations display friendliness to the environment.

            Earlier, Legarda has hailed the government’s plan to boost ecotourism through a partnership project between the DOT and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

She said the Philippines has already been hailed as the World’s Center of Marine Biodiversity – the epicentre of biodiversity and evolution. However, the country is also one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, with a large number of species either endangered or threatened of extinction.

“It is sad to note that the unique biodiversity that our country is greatly blessed with is deeply threatened by the irresponsible acts of man. But I am hopeful that this partnership project between the DENR and DOT will promote the natural attractions in our country while ensuring environmental conservation and sustainable development,” Legarda added. 

Legarda: Rural Growth Through “Bibingka Economics”

Sen. Loren Legarda today in Isabela Province renewed her call for spurring national growth  by enlarging the agricultural and micro-enterprise base in the countryside through a more effective implementation of  the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act, along with the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Barangay Kabuhayan Act.

            In her visit to the primarily agricultural province of Isabela, Legarda saw a huge potential in income creation as the country's top producer of corn in 2012.

            “The Agri Agra Law which I  principally authored could be more aggressively implemented and bolstered by a sustained awareness campaign among our farmers, the law's intended beneficiaries," Legarda said.

                  Legarda said the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act requires banks to allocate 25 percent of their loanable funds to the agriculture sector to finance the acquisition of work animals, farm equipment or machinery, seeds, fertilizers, livestock, feeds or other similar items for farm production.

            Legarda said the law would ensure that there is “bibingka economics” or economic growth from the grassroots.

“Ibig sabihin mula sa ilalim ang paglago, na gaya ng pagluto ng bibingka, may apoy sa ilalim. Kailangan ang paglago ng kabuhayan, manggaling sa ilalim,” she stressed, referring to former President Fidel V. Ramos’s symbolism of the “bibingka” as the best path towards progress.

Legarda said the MSME law was enacted to help build up micro, small and medium enterprises nationwide and increase the incomes of underprivileged families, especially those in the provinces.

The law helps facilitate the access of micro, small and medium enterprises to sources of funds, requiring lending institutions to set aside for them at least 8 percent of their loan portfolio.

Micro and small enterprises availing of financing programs and incentives are also not required to undergo burdensome collateral requirements. 

On the other hand, the Barangay Kabuhayan Law seeks to empower would-be micro entrepreneurs through skills trainings offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in 4th, 5th and 6th class municipalities.

              A report from the Department of Trade and Industry shows that programs for MSMEs have generated a total employment of over 920,000 from July 2011 to June 2012 alone. New MSMEs assisted or created reached over 180,000. About 76,000 MSMEs expanded their operatioms.

Legarda Urges OFWs to Vote; Sees Need to Strengthen Their Welfare Fund

MANILA, April 12, 2013-Reelectionist Sen. Loren Legarda today expressed hope that the month-long voting for overseas Filipino workers will proceed smoothly in all the voting precincts worldwide as she called on OFWs to exercise their right to vote.

“Overseas Filipinos should take advantage of the opportunity to choose their next leaders, and to choose wisely,” Legarda, co-author of the Overseas Absentee Voting Law of 2003, said. "Hopefully this time, the 975,263 registered Filipino voters overseas will exercise their right to vote today up to May 13," she noted. 

Legarda said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should see to it that the  registered overseas Filipino voters  are adequately assisted as they cast their votes in Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide.

Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, made the call as she assured OFWs that their welfare would remain in her priority agenda in her next term. "Strengthening the OWWA Charter and ensuring that the OWWA fund which is built on the hard labor of our Filipino workers abroad is safely invested and plowed back for their needs is my promise. Also, I will create an information desk for their families here on entrepreneurial ventures that will multiply their earnings and allow our OFWs to retire comfortably," Legarda emphasized.

Legarda has been responsible for the passage of laws promoting the rights and welfare of OFWs and seafarers.   Through the Senator’s efforts, the Senate has concurred in the ratification of treaties and international agreements that promote the protection of the rights of overseas Filipinos, including the ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, the  Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) for the protection of the rights of seafarers; the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) with the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland and China, which establish a legal framework that obligates Contracting Parties to assist in the investigation, prosecution, and suppression of criminal offenses and proceedings related to criminal matters, the Consular Agreement with the People's Republic of China, which provides assistance to Filipino nationals in China, and the Convention on Social Security between the Philippines and Spain, which ensures that Filipinos in Spain are secured upon retirement.

Governor Yap to spearhead Wednesday’s Paggunita sa Capas

CAPAS, Tarlac, April 12, 2013-Tarlac Governor Victor Yap will spearhead on Wednesday the remembrance ceremony for the Filipino and American soldiers who were part of the 1942 Death March in Capas National Shrine, Tarlac.

Yap will offer a wreath then observe a moment of silence as a World War II veteran and a high school student lead the tolling of bell.

This will be followed by the awarding of recognitions to Belino Alumno (posthumous), Esteban Esco, Raymundo Gadgad, Alberto Bugtong, Robert Bellasi, and Santos Fianza.

According to historical accounts, around 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forcibly marched by the Japanese troops for five to six days with no food and a single sip of water.

An estimated 10,000 of these soldiers failed to reach their prison camp in Capas alive.

The camp was turned over by the Clark Air Base Military Reservation to the Philippine Government on April 9, 1982.

Former President Corazon Aquino proclaimed it as Capas National Shrine on December 7, 1991.

The shrine encompasses 54 hectares of parkland where the Bataan Death March ended.

35 hectares of land have been planted with rows of trees to represent each of the deceased at the camp and to promote environmental consciousness.

On April 9, 2003, a new memorial wall and obelisk was unveiled.

The 70-meter obelisk towers above the grounds of the former internment camp.

It is surrounded by a black marble wall engraved with the names of the Filipinos and Americans known to have died at the location.

On the three large wall segments that almost encircle the obelisk, there are statistics about the total numbers of prisoners and deaths together with poems for peace.

“Paggunita sa Capas” serves as one of the highlights of the annual commemoration of Philippine Veterans Week.

This year’s observance is guided by the theme “Ang Beterano: Sigla at Inspirasyon ng Kabataan Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan.”

Legarda Bats for “Bibingka Economics”

A job creation revolution in the provinces, especially in low-income class municipalities, has long been possible under existing laws that significantly enlarge the micro-enterprises base nationwide. This is according to reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda, principal author of the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Barangay Kabuhayan Act, and the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act.

 During the Inquirer Senate Forum, Legarda said that what is just needed is the full implementation of these laws and an extensive and sustained awareness campaign among the people. 

       “Mayroon na tayong mga polisiya at batas na syang tutugon sa kahirapan at magpapaunlad ng kabuhayan. Kailangan lang i-implement ng mabuti,” Legarda said.  

         Legarda said these laws would ensure that there is “bibingka economics” or economic growth from the grassroots.

          “Ibig sabihin mula sa ilalim ang paglago, na gaya ng pagluto ng bibingka, may apoy sa ilalim. Kailangan ang paglago ng kabuhayan, manggaling sa ilalim,” she stressed, referring to former President Fidel V. Ramos’s symbolism of the “bibingka” as the best path towards progress.

              Legarda said the MSME law was enacted to help build up micro, small and medium enterprises nationwide and increase the incomes of underprivileged families, especially those in the provinces.

         The law helps facilitate the access of micro, small and medium enterprises to sources of funds, requiring lending institutions to set aside for them at least 8 percent of their loan portfolio.

         Micro and small enterprises availing of financing programs and incentives are also not required to undergo burdensome collateral requirements. 

         On the other hand, the Barangay Kabuhayan Law seeks to empower would-be micro entrepreneurs through skills trainings offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in 4th, 5th and 6th class municipalities.

        Legarda said the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act requires banks to allocate 25 percent of their loanable funds to the agriculture sector to finance the acquisition of work animals, farm equipment or machinery, seeds, fertilizers, livestock, feeds or other similar items for farm production.

        A report from the Department of Trade and Industry shows that programs for MSMEs have generated a total employment of over 920,000 from July 2011 to June 2012 alone. New MSMEs assisted or created reached over 180,000. About 76,000 MSMEs expanded their operations.

        “We need to sustain these gains because aside from generating employment opportunities and better incomes, MSMEs are powerful platforms for promotion of viable rural livelihoods, cultural preservation, socio-economic empowerment of indigenous peoples, and environmental protection,” Legarda emphasized.