Senate OK’s 4 landmark bills to boost public health, banking sector and consumer protection

The Senate today passed six measures, including four landmark bills aimed at advancing public health, promoting competitiveness in the banking sector and improving consumer protection.

 

Approved on third and final reading were Senate Bill No. 27, or the “Picture Based Health Warnings Law;” Senate Bill No. 2273, or the “Act Amending Sec. 21 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act;” Senate Bill No. 2159, or the “Act Liberalizing the Entry and Scope of Operations of Foreign Banks in the Philippines,” and Senate Bill No. 2211, or the “Act Strengthening Consumer Protection in the Purchase of Brand New Vehicles.”  

 

The Senate also passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1281, declaring August 18 as “Jesse Robredo Day,” a special working holiday commemorating the late public servant and House Joint Resolution No. 12, declaring July 27, 2014 as a non-working holiday “to commemorate the founding anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.”  

 

Senate President Franklin Drilon welcomed the passage of the bills, saying that it was “concrete proof of the Senate’s strong legislative performance, which continues to improve even amid issues.”

 

“The approval of six bills, including four landmark legislation, shows that legislation remains the Senate’s focus, and that we are able to effectively deliver on our commitment to pass bills that will raise the quality of life for the Filipinos,” Drilon said.

 

Picture Based Health Warnings on Tobacco Products

Senator Pia Cayetano, principal author and sponsor of the Picture Based Health Warning Act, said that under the measure, “tobacco products have to display picture-based health warnings in full color with accompanying text warnings on 50 percent of their principal display surfaces.” The prescribed size of the warning was set following an amendment introduced by Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile.

Under the bill, cigarette packages are prohibited from “bearing any descriptors or numbers such as, but not limited to “low tar,” “light,” “ultra-light,” or “mild” or “extra” or “ultra” and similar terms that claims or misleads a consumer to believe that a tobacco product or variant is healthier, safe or less harmful.”  The bill also states that “no cigarette packs or other tobacco packages shall contain information that may imply that one variant or brand is healthier, less harmful or safer than the other.”

According to Cayetano, the imposition of graphic health warnings at the front part of cigarette packages is aimed at deterring smokers from “starting the vice and being addicted to it as well as encourage existing smokers to drop the habit.” She said the warnings will show the dangers of tobacco smoking or passive smoking.

Drilon, co-author and co-sponsor of the measure, said it was necessary to address the “estimated P188 billion in annual health care expenses and productivity losses that cigarette smoking is responsible for.”

 

Drilon said the text warning accompanying the picture would be appropriately worded “so that an ordinary layman will understand what the picture is about - the ill-effects of smoking.”

 

Dangerous Drugs Act Strengthened

Filed by Senators Gregorio Honasan II, Joseph Victor Estrada, Jinggoy Ejercito-Estrada, with Senator Grace Poe sponsoring the measure, and Senator Vicente Sotto serving as co-sponsor, SBN 2273 pushes for “crucial amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165, as amended) to strengthen the country's fight against the drug menace and catch perpetrators.”

Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said the bill specifically pertained to the preservation of evidence in seized illegal drugs: "The current law requires that inventory of seized dangerous drugs must take place at the police station."

Once enacted into law, “inventory of seized dangerous drugs can take place at the nearest police station or at the nearest office of the apprehending officer/team, whichever is practicable as long as the integrity and the evidentiary value of the seized items are properly preserved by the apprehending officer/team and shall not render void and invalid,”  Poe said, adding that the introduction of an amendment would also allow two witnesses to be present during the conduction of a drug inventory, an elected public official and a media or DOJ representative, instead of requiring all three to be present during the inventory as witnesses.

Liberalizing Banks for ASEAN integration 

 

SBN 2159, according to Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies Chairman Sen. Sergio Osmeña III, seeks to expand the participation of qualified foreign banks in the Philippines’ financial sector “to allow our economy and our people to reap the benefits therefrom.” The bill was also coauthored by Senator Cynthia Villar.

 

Osmeña said the measure would allow the increase in foreign ownership of domestic banks to up to 100 percent without time limit and permits the entry of “established, reputable and financially sound foreign banks” in the country. The bills also grants locally incorporated subsidiaries of foreign banks “the same banking privileges as domestic banks of the same category.”

 

Osmeña said that the measure would give the Philippines a chance to step ahead take advantage of the economic integration of the ASEAN region, in light of the ASEAN Banking Integration Framework to be implemented in 2020: “Greater foreign participation in the banking and financial sectors  is expected to augment the financial resources to which the Philippine economy may have access, thus supporting the initiatives of the present administration in implementing various infrastructure projects and rehabilitation programs.”

 

Protecting buyers against defective, substandard vehicles

 

Sponsored by Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship Chairman Sen. Paulo Benigno Aquino IV, SBN 2211 or the Lemon Law, “seeks to protect consumers in the sale of motor vehicles against sales and trade practices that are deceptive, unfair or otherwise inimical to the consumers and the public interest.”

 

SBN 2211 is a consolidation of several proposed bills filed by Senators Cynthia Villar and Jinggoy Ejercito-Estrada. Senator Koko Pimentel IV is a co-author of the bill.  

 

            Lemon Law is derived from the western idiom wherein “buying lemon” refers to the purchase of a vehicle that constantly gives problems or a substandard product.

 

Under the bill, vehicles will have a warranty of “12 months from the date of the original delivery to the consumer or up to 20,000 kilometers of operation after delivery, whichever comes first.”

 

“Penalty for a manufacturer, distributor or dealer who violates the prohibition on resalke disclosure shall be liable to pay a minimum amount of P100,000 as damages to the aggrieved party without prejudice to any civil or criminal liability they and/or the responsible officer may incur under existing laws,” Aquino said.

 

Meanwhile, the Senate approved SBN 1281 or the “Jesse Robredo Day” which declares August 18 as a special working holiday in honor of the late Interior and Local Government secretary. The bill was sponsored in the Upper Chamber by Sen. Pia Cayetano.

 

Sen. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, who filed the bill, said Robredo was an exceptional Filipino who won numerous awards and “embodied what a public servant should be.”

 

Also approved was House Joint Resolution No. 12, declaring July 27, 2014 as a non-working holiday “to commemorate the founding anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.”  

 

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Representative Neptali Gonzales II, who introduced the measure, said that large number of Iglesia ni Cristo members will gather from all over the world to take part in their centennial celebration on July 27. The day, they added, should be declared as a non-working holiday to commemorate the event.

Legarda: Integrating Science Into DRR Policy, Key to Resilience

BEIJING, China -- The integration of science into the disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy of governments must be done in order to effectively build resilience, said Senator Loren Legarda at the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) Conference 2014 held at the Beijing International Convention Center from June 7-9, 2014.

Legarda, who delivered an opening keynote speech on June 7, said that science is vital in various stages of disaster risk reduction and management including in risk assessment, better forecasting of natural hazards and establishing early warning systems.

“Science tells us why these extreme weather events happen; it tells us how we can build our resilience to disasters; it warns us what we should and should not do to prevent further rise in global temperature. We have a multitude of studies provided by our scientists and we must use this wealth of information to our advantage. The key is to turn science into practice or promote knowledge into action,” she explained.

The Senator said that in the various sessions of the IRDR Conference, participants discussed the importance of empowering local DRR officials and that the dissemination of information is the first step in creating awareness about DRR.

Legarda, the UN Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, said that the youth should already be engaged in DRR as early as in primary school and that a curriculum on the same should be developed and made part of the education system.

Moreover, the media should also be sensitized on DRR, particularly on how to accurately translate technical terms and scientific explanations into layman’s terms for better understanding of the public. The media should also bring information not only during times of disasters but even without an impending natural hazard so that disaster resilience will be a way of life.

“Science is our ally in building the resilience of nations. We need science in assessing the vulnerability of communities, updating our geo-hazard maps, establishing effective early warning systems, strengthening building codes and making risk-sensitive land use plans that are linked into yearly investment plans of governments. We need science in planning evacuation, building temporary shelters that are equipped with basic necessities, strategizing effective disaster response and in ensuring that in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of disaster-hit communities, the risks will not be rebuilt. We need science in providing the depth and breadth of information that the public needs and in capacitating the private sector to create their business continuity plans that highlight resiliency as a core feature of their operations,” Legarda explained.

“In every step of the way, we need science to guide us. Working with the science community is key to effective governance that builds resilient and sustainable communities,” said Legarda.

PNoy appoints Zamboanga siege overall ground commander as new NOLCOM chief

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City-President Benigno Aquino III has appointed the chief of Army’s 1^st Infantry Division, who was the overall ground commander during the 2013 defense of Zamboanga City against rogue elements, as the new head of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM).

 

Major General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. replaces Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. who was promoted as Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

 

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982, he also served as commander of the 14^th Infantry Battalion of the 8^th Infantry Division initially based in Eastern Samar but was redeployed to Sulu from 2002 to 2003 at the height of AFP’s campaign against Abu Sayyaf and breakaway groups of Moro National Liberation Front.

 

He also became the Director of the Directorate for AFP Modernization and Director of the Army Modernization Program Management Office.

 

In recognition of his efforts during the Zamboanga siege, he was conferred with the Philippine Legion of Honor with a degree of Commander during the 78^th anniversary celebration of AFP.

 

Units now under his command in NOLCOM include the Army 5^th and 7^th Infantry Divisions, Naval Forces Northern Luzon, and Air Force Tactical Operations Groups 1,2, and 3. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

Parts of NE, Aurora to experience 10-hour power interruption on Tuesday

BALER, Aurora-Parts of Nueva Ecija and Aurora will experience up to 10 hours of power interruption on Tuesday, June 10.

 

“Customers of NEECO II-Area 1, NEECO II-Area 2, and AURELCO will have outage from 7:00AM to 5:00PM,” National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Central Luzon Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Officer Ernest Lorenz Vidal said.

 

Affected are the towns of Talavera, General Natividad, Llanera, Bongabon, Gabaldon, Laur, Rizal and Palayan City in Nueva Ecija as well as the municipalities of Dingalan, San Luis, Maria Aurora, Baler, and Dipaculao in Aurora.

 

“Reasons of brownout is to facilitate hotspot correction of Disconnection Switch inside Cabanatuan Substation and corrective and maintenance works along the Cabanatuan-Baler 69kV line. Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion,” Vidal added. (Jojo S. Libranda)

Turn Science to DRRM Practice, Legarda Says in IRDR Conference in Beijing

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda highlighted the challenge of translating knowledge into practice to effectively manage disasters and reduce risks, during her opening keynote speech today at the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) Conference 2014 in Beijing, China.

Legarda, UNISDR Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Asia-Pacific, said that the overflowing information and statistics on natural hazards, disaster risks and climate change should be communicated to and understood by governments and communities to be able to make science work towards building resilient communities.

“It is not enough that climate scientists know the risks. Governments, local leaders and the people on the ground should understand the vulnerability of their communities and be equipped with options, resources and the tools to enable them to become drivers of action in their respective communities,” she said.

The Senator cited the Philippines’ experience during Typhoon Haiyan. Authorities warned communities about storm surges that may reach up to six meters high. Many citizens stocked up on food, secured their homes and stayed indoors, not knowing that it was not the kind of preparation for a storm surge. Even those in evacuation centers were not spared from the deadly onslaught of the storm surges.

“Was it a case of inadequate information or a case of information not being understood and appreciated by national and local officials, and by the people on the ground?  People had no notion of storm surges, plain and simple.  In the end, it cost thousands of lives,” she lamented.

Furthermore, an assessment of Tacloban, which greatly bore the brunt of the storm’s impact, showed that the city’s location is highly susceptible to disaster risks. The geohazard map for Tacloban showed a province massively covered by color purple on its outskirts and red within, which means the coastal areas were susceptible to flooding, while the inland was highly susceptible to landslides.

“The map’s color coding scheme represented susceptibility to landslides and flooding, but the people did not know any of that. The challenge here is to translate scientific terminologies to layman’s terms. Citizens should be able to digest the information on a geo-hazard map or a weather bulletin. Raising public awareness should be made to resonate loudly and as far deep into the communities as possible,” Legarda said.

She explained that science is needed in strengthening building codes; making risk-sensitive land use plans that are linked into yearly investment plans of governments; adopting early warning system for crop harvests; capacitating private sector, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises, in creating business continuity plans that reflect corporate strategy on how to swiftly spring back to operations after each disaster.

“Scientific experts need to be given the wherewithal to do their job of gathering, validating and processing scientific data that will enable the accurate prediction of events. These are indispensable inputs to designing practical solutions and communicating the risks to our people. Knowing when, where and in what magnitude a natural hazard will strike is fundamental to keeping our people prepared,” she said.

“We have come together to this conference to exchange knowledge and devise strategies. We must use this opportunity not just to gain knowledge from one another, but also to transform that knowledge into concrete actions. We are builders not just of communities of today, but communities of the future. Let us not rebuild the risks. We must rebuild stronger and wiser,” said Legarda.

Legarda Hails 2014 Post-Haiyan Tacloban Declaration

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today hailed the 2014 Post-Haiyan Tacloban Declaration, the outcome of the three-day Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Manila Conference held from June 4-6, 2014, as another concrete step towards mainstreaming disaster resilience and building back stronger efforts.

Legarda, ASEM Conference Plenary Speaker on the role of women in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), said that the Declaration magnifies the importance of convergence among national and local governments, international and regional organizations, NGOs, private sector, civil society and media to heighten DRRM efforts as they take into account the massive devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Philippine communities.

“We welcome the Post-Haiyan Tacloban Declaration with great hope that we all have learned our lessons from the disasters of the past and that this will lead to better disaster resilience efforts,” she said.

The Senator said that the document highlights the need to mainstream DRRM in development planning as well as the importance of building back better and stronger communities that have been affected by disasters.

It also calls on DRRM stakeholders to ensure the protection, empowerment and resilience building of vulnerable groups—women, children, the elderly, differently abled people and indigenous communities.

“The Post-Haiyan Tacloban Declaration will help us in our aim to increase the understanding of disaster and climate science, impacts and policy responses, encourage disaster and climate-proofing of development plans and learn from successful experiences of communities and other countries,” said Legarda.

“It is evident that reducing disaster risks and adapting to climate change have become the greatest humanitarian and development challenges of our time. With the concern and involvement of all nations, we will be able to rise as one human community towards safer, resilient societies,” Legarda concluded.

Ecija LGU inks P111-M loan to bankroll infra projects, solve traffic

TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija – Mayor Nerivi Santos-Martinez signed here on Thursday afternoon a P111-million loan with the Land Bank of the Philippines to finance her fledgling administration’s various projects, including infrastructure that would help solve the pestering traffic problem in this town, considered a major bottleneck in its development.

          Santos-Martinez signed the memorandum of agreement in behalf of the municipal government in ceremonies at the municipal hall. Signing in behalf of the LBP were account manager Lito Rivera and Eduardo Reyes Jr., department manager of the bank’s Nueva Ecija Lending Center (NELC). 

          The loan, originally pegged at P120 million, will bankroll projects contained in the town’s annual investments plan for 2014.

          Last February, Santos-Martinez asked the Sangguniang Bayan led by Vice Mayor Anselmo Rodiel III to pass an ordinance approving the proposed terms and conditions for the projects that include road concreting, asphalt overlay, construction of classrooms and gymnasium and improvement of the public market among others.

          Santos-Martinez said an important component of the road project is the concreting of a network from the national highway to Barangay Sampaloc and another stretch from the public market also leading to Sampaloc spanning 750 linear meters.

          Santos-Martinez said that the concreting of the twin road networks are crucial in addressing the traffic problem in the town’s main thoroughfares.  “At least, it will somehow help ease traffic,” she said.

          She said the municipal government is working to undertake construction of a bypass road that will skirt the traffic-prone national highway traversing the town.

The loan also covers asphalting of nine streets, two of which are linked to the national highway and the concreting of 16 barangay roads in Gulog, Poblacion Sur, Tabacao, Bacal 3, Bantug, Burnay, Esguerra, Homestead 2, Minabuyok, Pinagpanaan, Pula, Poblacion Sur, San Miguel na Munti and San Pascual.

          As part of her administration’s development agenda for education, Santos-Martinez said P13.1 million worth of classrooms are now being constructed involving the P8-million two-storey classroom in Pag-asa District and three academic classrooms in barangays Sibul and Tabacao worth P2.5 million each.

          Thirteen gymnasia worth P29.7 million will also be erected in barangays Paludpod, Caputican, Calipahan, Homestead 2, Collado, Mamandil, Poblacion Sur, Burnay, Bagong Silang, Kinalanguyan, Gulod, Bugtong na Buli and Bulac while four stages worth P4.2 million will be constructed in barangays Tagaytay, Calipahan, Burnay and Poblacion Sur.

          Santos-Martinez said the municipal government is eyeing to improve the public market and slaughterhouse, acquire an ambulance, two service vehicles and an amusement facility.

Legarda Tells ASEM: Empowering Women, Part of Addressing New Norm

MANILA-Speaking at the plenary session of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Manila Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Senator Loren Legarda today said that empowering women is part of the change that needs to be introduced in the face of the “new norm.”

“Women around the world and here in the Philippines do extraordinary things to contribute to societies’ growth. We need to heighten their participation in the planning and implementation of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) activities. It is about time that we usher in a new phase where women and girls are no longer just portrayed as victims but as heroes,” said Legarda in stressing the role of women in DRRM.

Legarda, the United Nations Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, said that women are more vulnerable to disasters as shown in several statistics. Women comprised 61% of the fatalities in the 2008 Myanmar cyclone; 67% in the Indian Ocean Tsunami in Banda, Aceh; and 95% in the Cyclone Gorky in Bangladesh.

Furthermore, women have distinct nutritional needs, which when unmet, make coping with disasters tougher for them. For instance, when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, more than 3.5 million women and girls of reproductive age were affected, 250,000 of whom were pregnant and 169,000 were breastfeeding.

Women and girls displaced from their homes are also at greater risk of being subjected to sexual violence or victimized by human traffickers.

“Despite the greater risks they face, Filipino women doctors, nurses, paramedics and civilian volunteers were among the first day responders in the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan,” said Legarda.

“These realities tell us that we need to capacitate women not only as primary caregivers in times of disaster and economic distress, but also as part of the overall strategy on DRRM. To empower women is to reduce their vulnerability to disasters,” she stressed.

The Senator said that women’s practical needs, interests and concerns must be given due consideration in crafting policies and plans and in implementing programs and delivery of interventions.

“As women assume greater role in building a culture of disaster resilience, we must provide stronger support by protecting their needs and rights, capacitating them to be sufficient providers and allowing them to be decision-makers,” she said.

Legarda explained that there is a need to align the institutional mechanisms for DRRM with the policies that address gender issues, including livelihood development, women’s welfare and development, protection from violence and anti-trafficking in women.

“Women share the risks with everyone else, and as the statistics will show, the impacts of disasters have been more telling and more severe upon women. A changeover is needed in the way women are being involved in disaster risk reduction and management efforts.  This is not an option. It is the only way we can have an effective DRRM,” said Legarda.

Address PHL’s Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise, Legarda Tells Gov’t as World Observes Env’t Day

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today called on the government to address the vulnerability of Philippine communities that would be affected by sea level rise, which is seen to displace 13.6 million Filipinos by the year 2050.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, made the call as nations celebrate World Environment Day on today, June 5, with the theme “Raise your voice, not the sea level.”

“The celebration of World Environment Day is not only about the environment per se. Climate change, disasters and extreme weather events are the other issues that are linked to the environment,” she said.

“The message of this year’s World Environment Day focuses on the risks posed by rising sea level and the vulnerability of coastal communities and small island nations. Several studies have already noted the high vulnerability of coastal communities in the Philippines to sea level rise. This is the challenge that we must address because according to a study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), sea level rise will affect at least 13.6 million Filipinos who will have to relocate to higher, safer places,” Legarda stressed.

The 2012 ADB study “Addressing Climate Change and Migration in Asia and the Pacific,” said that the Philippines is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change and it is ranked 5th in terms of individuals affected by sea level rise.

The Senator also noted a study by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Climate Change Program which showed that a total of 167,290 hectares of seashore land in 171 coastal towns under 10 provinces will go underwater due to a one-meter sea level rise.

The 10 provinces are Cagayan, Palawan, Iloilo, Zamboanga Sibugay, Camarines Sur, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Bohol, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

Legarda, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that while there is little the country can do to prevent sea level rise, it can reduce the risks and act ahead of time to protect the communities that will be most affected.

“With the threat of sea level rise, local government units especially of the 10 most vulnerable provinces must already update their respective comprehensive land use plans and they have to gradually relocate communities near the seashore land. Since we are also experiencing stronger storms, we have to build resilient infrastructure and it is important to strengthen the defense of coastal communities by building natural buffers through massive mangrove reforestation,” she explained.

“Sea level rise is a great challenge for an archipelagic country like the Philippines and while we cannot prevent it from happening, we must do everything in our capacity to reduce its effect on our people. Even if our country is a minor emitter of greenhouse gas (GHG), which is the major cause of global warming, we still have to pursue a low carbon lifestyle and strengthen environment conservation efforts as a way of urging other nations, especially the developed countries that are major emitters of GHG, to drastically reduce their GHG emissions and assist countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” Legarda concluded.

PIA conducts basic journalism training for public affairs officers of Northern Luzon Command

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City-Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 3 recently conducted a two-day basic journalism training for designated public affairs officers of Air Force, Army and Naval units within the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM).

“This aims to teach the uniformed personnel on the basics of newswriting, photojournalism and photo editing in order for them to be able to effectively perform their duties and thus becoming our reliable partners,” PIA Regional Director William Beltran said.

 

The activity was conducted pursuant to the vision of former NOLCOM commander and now Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. of integrating the power of information and communication in delivering better service to the Filipino people.

Tarlac Provincial Manager Lorie Gene Cruz and Pampanga Provincial Manager Carlo Lorenzo Datu served as lecturers.

PIA earlier signed a Memorandum of Agreement with NOLCOM for partnership in various areas of development communication namely research, information development, information dissemination, and institutional development. 

Drilon: Competitive compensation for weathermen key to modernizing PAGASA

MANILA-Concerned about a number of meteorologists and forecasters leaving the nation’s main weather bureau and to avert a possible brain drain, Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today filed Senate Bill No. 2265 that will increase the salary and benefits of personnel of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and modernize its equipment and facilities.

The Senate leader urged his colleagues to fast-track the passage of SBN 2265, along with other pending bills on PAGASA modernization, “in order to convince our meteorologists and forecasters to stay and continue serving the country.”

“This bill aims to augment the financial rewards of working in PAGASA, in order to boost the productivity of current personnel and likewise attract newcomers to join the agency,” explained Drilon.

“The government has to prevent this brain drain of our meteorological services by addressing the plights and woes of their personnel regarding adequate compensation. We do not want to arrive at the situation where Filipino weather experts will say ‘Walang pag-asa sa PAGASA’ (There is no hope in PAGASA),” stressed Drilon.

Director Vicente Malano, PAGASA’s officer in charge, revealed before the Senate Committee on Science and Technology’s hearing today on the proposed PAGASA Modernization Act, that a total of 32 personnel, mostly weather forecasters, have already left the agency since 2005 for a more rewarding job opportunities abroad.

“I call on my colleagues in the Senate to prioritize this bill, for it is high time that we take bolder steps towards the modernization of PAGASA to effectively manage weather and geological related risks, minimize the vulnerability of people and investments, and boost the resilience of institutions and communities,” said Drilon.

At the House of Representatives, its counterpart bill, House Bill 4397, was approved on third and final reading last week.

Under the SBN 2265, it tasked the Department of Science and Technology and the administrator of PAGASA, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management and the National Economic and Development Authority to formulate the modernization program for the PAGASA.

According to the bill, there shall be a three-year program for the modernization of the PAGASA that will focus on human resource development, which means training and scholarship for undergraduate and graduate degrees in Meteorology, new salary scale consistent with the Magna Carta for Scientist, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel in Government.

The amount necessary to carry out the implementation of the Act shall be initially charged against the current fiscal year appropriations of the DOST-PAGASA, the bill says.

Senate S&T panel hears measures on free internet access, PAGASA modernization

MANILA-The Senate Committee on Science and Technology today opened deliberations on key proposed measures aimed at improving the science and technology (S&T) sector, broadening internet access and upgrading state weather bureau PAGASA.

The proposed measures under committee consideration are:

Senate Bill 1358 - Hazard Allowance for all S&T Personnel in the Gov’t;

Senate Bill 539 - Science Laboratory for Basic Education Act of 2013; Senate Bill 2124 - ICT Education Act of 2014;

Senate Bill 2232 -Free Metro Manila WiFi Act of 2014; and,

Senate Bills 10, 158, 842, 955, 1160, 1937, 2097, 2265 and House Bill 4397 - PAGASA Modernization Act

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said SB 1358 seeks to increase the benefits of all S&T personnel working in government.

He said the bill proposes to maximize to 30 percent from 10 percent the mandated hazard allowance of state scientists, engineers, researchers and other S&T experts as provided under Republic Act (RA) 8439 or the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers, and other S&T Personnel in Government.

Senate Bill 539, authored by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, will make science laboratory infrastructure in all elementary and secondary education as an intrinsic part of learning, where government is called to invest in it through modern laboratory facilities.

Recto said SB 2124 and SB 2232, on the other hand, complement each other since this would mandate the state to ensure access of public students to computer and internet education while the second measure provides for free internet access in all public places in the National Capital Region.

“These twin measures highlight the importance of ensuring broader access to computer-based learning and internet to bridge the digital divide,” he said.

The Senate leader said his committee is also taking action on several measures seeking to modernize the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and, perhaps restore “hope” for the beleaguered weather agency.

The PAGASA bills were filed by Sens. Loren Legarda, Antonio Trillanes IV, JV Ejercito, Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Cynthia Villar, Francis Escudero, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Franklin Drilon.

“The PAGASA bills, when enacted into law, should result to a more modern PAGASA that has state-of-the-art equipment that are manned by happy personnel who will shun the allure of foreign employment,” Recto said.

Recto said the proposed measures should be out in the plenary soon after the respective committee reports for the bills are prepared and signed by panel members.

DARFO III – 7ID MOU Signing for Fort Mag Livelihood

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7^th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) known as “7ID-DARFO III Memorandum of Understanding” with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III (DARFO) regarding the utilization of Fort Magsaysay Reservation for livelihood projects this May 27, Tuesday, 10 am, at the Kaugnay Officers’ Clubhouse, Fort Magsaysay.

In line with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DA and the Department of National Defense – Armed Forces of the Philippines (DND-AFP) signed last May 2, 2013 regarding the utilization of Military Reservation in the country for livelihood projects, the 7ID, representing the DND-AFP would take an initiative to make a sub-written agreement with the DARFO III, representing the DA for the actual implementation of the projects.

7ID Inspector General Col. Librado Moog who came in behalf of 7ID Brig. Gen. Glorioso Miranda and DARFO III Regional Executive Director Andrew Villacorta were the signatories for the MOU Signing, DARFO III Coordinator Avelino David and 7ID Acting Chief of Staff Col. Wilfredo Villahermosa stood witness to the event.

The program sequence, emceed by 1Lt Erwin Simanca, began with an invocation led by Cpt. Ciryll Abringe. Mr. David afterwards gave the Overview of the Project. He reported what has transpired one year after the mother-MOA signing. “DA had brought some inputs to highlight the agreement. For instance, we had the ceremonial releasing of the tilapia fingerlings in Cordero Dam so we hope you have benefited from them,” Mr. David said.

On the other hand, he mentioned that Typhoon Santi which greatly hit Nueva Ecija devastated some of the project sites such as the rice plantation in Real Estate Preservation and Welfare Center (REPEWC) and the chicken hatchery house. Nevertheless, he assured that the losses won’t amount much because the livelihood project was insured.

He also added that the 4x4 farming tractor with implements given by DA and is now under REPEWC Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Pedro Bedoña’s management has greatly helped in the planting and harvesting of crops such as mung bean, allocated with a 2.5 hectare area which harvested 275 kilos; rice, allocated 5 hectares which harvested measly 132 bags of rice with 65% milling recovery due to the typhoon onslaught. “Kahit sa kaunting paraan, meron tayong nalikom sa “rice planting,” Mr. David emphasized. 

After the Coordinator’s report, the actual MOU Signing followed. As written in the memorandum, DARFO III shall provide all agriculturally-related needs, such as livestock, seedlings, farming equipment and materials, fertilizers, and also the techno-trainings which are very essential to the program’s success. Meanwhile, 7ID shall be responsible for managing the project and whatever is granted by the DA. Their responsibility includes the management of the financial and organizational activities, maintenance and care of the animals, allocation of demo area for each specific commodity, submission of reports, and assignment of permanent personnel or staff to oversee the projects to ensure successful program implementation among others.

Before the program ended, Col. Moog in behalf of Brig. Gen. Miranda and Dir. Villacorta gave their respective remarks. Col. Moog said that since most lands are converted into residential areas, food security is put in danger, and livelihood projects such they had signed last year helped preserve food security and the welfare of the Army personnel and retirees. He added that sooner the entire community can benefit from the project. For example, tilapia could be bought at a much lower price not just by Army personnel but by the entire community surrounding the fort. He also focused on the importance the project can make in the lives of the Army personnel and retirees. “Testing ground is here,” Col. Moog emphasized. With the trainings and exposure in the projects, concerned Army personnel will be more confident in investing on farming and livestock on their own which will by far augment their livelihood. “In behalf of our Commander, we are happy with the effort of the DA,” the Inspector General added.

Dir. Villacorta expressed the same sentiments. He expressed that the MOU had focused on the DARFO III and 7ID which signifies their joy and at the same time, focus and seriousness with the project. “Gusto naming i-evaluate kung saan pa iyung pwedeng taniman and also the planting season,” Dir. Villacorta said. Since the project has gotten bigger, Dir. Villacorta reminded that labor and manpower aside from the climate and weather factors are two concerns which must addressed. “We should learn from our experiences. Alamin kung saan ba talaga suitable so that mautilize yung land area,” Dir. Villacorta added. He said that the 4-wheel tractor and the hand tractor which were granted to the 7ID must increase in number since they are planning to extend the project land area to 50 hectares which will grow crops such as cassava, corn, rice, and permanent crops such as mango, calamansi, and coffee, and raise livestock such as chicken, goat, and sheep. He also expressed that the Fort Magsaysay has a potential to be a certified seed grower which will eventually attract agricultural private companies to invest on the reservation area of the camp.

Indeed, the said MOU has strengthened the partnership between the DA-DARFO III and DND-AFP-7ID which will open more possibilities to fully stretch the potential of Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in agricultural productivity, Army personnel’s welfare, and eventually, the entire community’s welfare as well.

Senate passes bill regulating policies governing inter-school athletic competitions

MANILA-The Senate today approved on third and final reading a bill which seeks to regulate the policies that govern the eligibility status of student-athletes in inter-school competitions such as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Senate Bill No. 2226, otherwise known as the “Student-Athletes Protection Act,” was approved with 15 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and zero abstention.

Senator Pia Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture and sponsor of the bill, said the measure proposes that “no residency requirement shall be imposed on a high school student-athlete transferring to another high school or to a college or university to encourage them to participate in sports competition.”

 In the case of college athletes, transferring from one college or university to another, a maximum period of one-year residency may be imposed by athletic associations, said Cayetano, explaining the bill.

Residency rules require transferees to sit out the incoming school year. In some cases like the UAAP, transferees are restricted from participating in competitive sports for two years.

“One would think that student-athletes would have the pick of schools. But this is not the case for many of them as their right to choose the school they want to study in is restricted by the residency rules imposed by the athletic associations,” Cayetano, who was an athlete herself at the University of the Philippines, said.

 “It is clear that the residency rules were meant to address piracy. Piracy, when it includes the offer of extravagant luxuries to student athletes, should be prohibited. We must remember that a right to quality education is enshrined in the Constitution,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano cited the case of swimmer Mikee Bartolome, who moved from high school to college from the University of Santo Tomas to the University of the Philippines, and was prevented by the UAAP from competing for two seasons.

She said Bartolome was able to secure a temporary restraining order from the court but had to swim under a harsh environment amid a boycott that was reportedly instigated by some UAAP member-schools and league officials who sought to defy the court order.

The proposed legislation also prohibits schools from giving “commercial consideration” to any of its student-athletes or their immediate family members.

“Schools shall not offer a student-athlete or his immediate family members benefits or incentives beyond that enumerated under Section 5, which are contrary to the nature of amateur sports and which may result to the commercialization of a student-athlete,” Cayetano said.

Currently, schools are allowed to give incentives to deserving student-athletes including tuition,miscellaneous school fees, books and other learning materials, board and lodging, uniform, equipment, a reasonable living allowance and other similar benefits.

“Everyone has the right to education and the student-athletes should not be stripped of such right and freedom of choice the moment he wears his jersey,” Cayetano said. (Olive Caunan)