Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Happy New Year 2021
In behalf of Sulu 1st
Engineering District together with my family, officials and employees wishing you all a Happy New Year 2021.
Thank you for inspiring me to do my best this past year. I wish that this new year we embrace together an open heart and go forward with faith,
hope, courage, peace and good health to our family…
Happy New Year Everyone!!!..
Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul
District Engineer
Sulu 1st DEO, MPW-BARMM
Jolo, Sulu
Sulu 1st DEO, MPW-BARMM
Jolo, Sulu
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Bangsamoro challenges and wins tackled in 4th BangsaForum
As the Bangsamoro interim government reaches its midterm, key personalities from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) tackled issues concerning the region through the 4th edition of the BangsaForum series entitled “Bangsamoro & Beyond.”
“One of the most important aspects of the implementation phase is the normalization track. We have to normalize the situation in Mindanao, and we have to transform the life of each combatant from a combat life into a productive civilian life. More importantly, we need to have peace, justice, and development in Mindanao,” said BARMM Minister of Education Mohagher Iqbal during the recent forum held by The Asia Foundation and British Embassy in Manila, in partnership with BARMM and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Iqbal was referring to one of the major aspects of the normalization track of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) which is the decommissioning of the 40,000 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Iqbal who is also the MILF Implementing Panel Chair said, “We have hurdled the most difficult and the most arduous part of the search for peace and justice in Mindanao, and we are now in the implementing stage,” adding that the interim Bangsamoro administration is also requesting to extend the transition up to 2025 to ensure the success of the peace process.
The televised policy forum was convened for the purpose of strengthening community engagement in the Bangsamoro through public awareness campaigns about the new parliamentary system and voting rights. Participants included members of underrepresented groups such as women, youth, and non-Moro indigenous peoples which have reserved seats in the Bangsamoro parliament that is composed of 80 representatives.
Social Services Minister Raissa Jajurie said that the reserved seats will allow “vulnerable sectors” such as the non-Moro indigenous peoples, settler communities, youth, women, traditional leaders, and the ulama to be part of the parliament. “The political parties should also have their women’s agenda, and they should ensure that women and the youth are actively participating in the nomination process,” she added.
On ensuring the rights of women, Atty. Laisa Alamia, Member and Minority Floor Leader of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), said that there are several provisions in RA 11054 (Bangsamoro Organic Law) that promote and protect the rights of women. “There are many avenues upon which women are able to participate,” she said.
In an interview, Maguindanaon youth leader Suwaidi Ebrahim expressed that it is important to have a representation of the underrepresented sectors since they are the most knowledgeable about their needs as a sector. “The voice of the youth is important because we compose a big chunk of the population. It is only right to give us a platform to relay our needs to the parliament,” he said.
For Reymon Tenorio of the United Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (UNIPYO), it is comforting to know that they are putting into action the advocacy of inclusivity of BARMM. “We feel that we belong because we now have a greater chance to raise our issues and concerns,” he said in an interview.
Atty. Nabil Tan, another BTA member, said that extending the transition period is not for the term of the members of the interim parliament. “Everyone is appointed by the President, so we can all be replaced,” he stressed. He also reported that the parliament has passed the Administrative Code and is now deliberating the Bangsamoro Civil Service Code as well as the Local Government Code. There are also the Electoral and the Revenue codes that are still in the Cabinet level but will have to be deliberated by the interim Parliament hence the need for extending its legislative sessions.
Nothing malicious about naming solons in DPWH corruption
By Azer Parrocha
MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday said there is nothing malicious about President Rodrigo Duterte naming lawmakers allegedly involved in corruption at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In a taped speech on Monday night, Duterte named at least nine lawmakers who allegedly received kickbacks from project contractors. These legislators have since denied the allegations.
Despite having named them, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said
Duterte himself clarified that they are still under investigation and have not
yet been proven guilty.
“There was nothing unfair, there was nothing malicious kasi
inulit-ulit po ni Presidente, hindi pa naman sila proven guilty (because
the President repeatedly said that they’re not yet proven guilty),” he said in
a virtual presser.
He denied claims that Duterte was subjecting the said lawmakers to
trial by publicity.
“It's not a trial by publicity dahil nilinaw po ni Presidente (because
the President clarified) they have the presumption of innocence and these are
people who are being investigated. So di naman sinasabi nagkasala na pero
merong imbestigasyon ongoing sa mga ito (he didn’t say they’re already
guilty but they are being investigated),” he added.
Roque also rejected the remark made by former Ifugao Rep. Teodoro
"Teddy" Baguilat, one of the lawmakers on the list, that Duterte’s
decision to bare their names was a “diversionary tactic” to draw attention from
some of his close-in security members receiving a Covid-19 vaccine from China.
“Siya po ang nagda-diversionary tactic. Sagutin na lang po former
Congressman Baguilat…sagutin ninyo lang po kung hindi totoo na nanghihingi kayo
ng tongpats, sabihin ninyo po ‘no. Pero huwag na po natin palitan pa ang issue
(He’s the one making diversionary tactics. Congressman Baguilat should just
answer the question if it’s true he received kickbacks, just say it. But don’t
change the issue),” he said.
Freedom of information
Roque said the President finally decided to reveal the names of alleged
dishonest lawmakers as reported to him by the PACC as part of “freedom of
information.”
“Sinabi naman po niya ‘no, freedom of information ‘no. Ito po ay
report na galing sa PACC, opisyal na na-receive ng Palasyo. Ito
po’y naging public document at bagama’t sinabi nga po niya na
mayroong presumption of innocence at hindi pa po napapatunayan ang
kanilang pagkakasala ay minabuti rin po niya na basahin iyan kasi nga po ang
pula ng media dati bakit hindi binasa iyong mga pangalan ng congressmen
(He said it himself ‘freedom of information’. This report came from the PACC
which the Palace officially received. It becomes a public document and even if
he said that there is presumption of innocence and they have not yet been
proven guilty, he opted to read them out loud because media previously
criticized him for not doing so),” he said.
Last November, Duterte previously refused to reveal their names because
he had no jurisdiction over members of a co-equal branch of government.
Instead, the President said he would refer information provided to him
to the Office of the Ombudsman for investigation.
Roque, meanwhile, lamented that it seemed like there was no way to
please reporters who criticized Duterte for either revealing names or
withholding them.
“Kayo namang mga kasama sa (You in the) media ‘no “damn
if you do, damn if you don’t” – noong hindi brinodkast, pinulaan na ang
mga maliliit lang daw ang tinitira natin ‘no. Ngayong brinodkast, bakit pa raw
brinodkast (when it wasn’t broadcasted, you criticized him for only
targeting small time persons. Now that he broadcasted their names, you question
why he did),” he said.
Shape up
Roque said Duterte’s intention in naming the lawmakers who allegedly
received kickbacks was to push them into changing their corrupt ways.
“Binanggit nga niya yung mga pangalan ng kongresista, hindi pa sila
nagkakasala, iniimbestigahan pa, pero ang mensahe sa mga kongresista at sa mga DPWH,
shape up dahil (He mentioned the congressmen’s names even if they have
yet to be proven guilty and are still being investigation, but his message to
the solons and the DPWH is to shape up because) the good days are over,” he
said.
He noted that Duterte’s effort to publicize names of supposed dishonest
politicians is the “first time in Philippine history that a President dared to
touch this institutional source of corruption.”
“Alam niyo po ang kaniyang sinabi na irerevamp niya lahat ng [district
engineers] napakalaki ng magagawa niyang ng pagbawas ng koruspyon sa DPWH
(You know what he said that he will revamp district engineers, that would make
a huge difference in efforts to curb corruption at the DPWH),” he said.
Follow procedure
Asked if Duterte’s support for freedom of information would also mean
willingness to release his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth
(SALN), Roque said persons and parties requesting for the President’s SALN must
follow procedures prescribed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Meron na pong procedure na sinabi ang Ombudsman. Sumunod
lang po tayo dun sa procedure (The Ombudsman has already prescribed
procedures. Let’s just follow those procedures),” he said.
Roque has repeatedly insisted that Duterte is “not hiding anything”
even if his SALN has not been released to the public.
Under the Ombudsman's Memorandum Circular No. 1, SALNs would now be
released only in three situations—if the government official who filed it and
his or her official representative made a request; if it is legally ordered by
the court in relation to a pending case; and if the request is made through the
Office of the Ombudsman’s field investigation office for the purpose of a
fact-finding probe.
In all other instances, the circular said that “no SALN will be
furnished to the requester unless he/she presents a notarized letter of
authority from the declarant allowing the release of the requested SALN”.
50 journalists lost lives in 2020, says global NGO
ANKARA – At least 50 journalists were reported killed in 2020, more
than one-third in the countries considered “at peace", according to
Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) -- an international NGO that
safeguards the right to freedom of information.
“While the number of journalists killed in countries at war continues to fall, more get murdered in countries, not at war,” said the RSF in a statement.
“Of all the journalists killed in 2020, 84 percent were knowingly targeted and deliberately murdered, as compared to 63 percent in 2019. Some were murdered particularly in a barbaric manner,” the statement added.
While seven journalists got killed while covering protests this year, 10 lost lives investigating local corruption or misuse of public funds. Four got killed when they were investigating organized crime activities.
The number of women journalists arbitrarily detained this year increased by 35 percent. And 14 journalists who “were arrested in connection with their coverage of the pandemic are still being held.”
“Some may think that journalists are just the victims of the risks of their profession, but journalists are increasingly getting targeted when they investigate or cover sensitive subjects. What is being attacked is the right to be informed, which is everyone’s right,” said Christophe Deloire, RSF secretary-general.
The RSF said as many as 937 journalists have lost lives over the past decade. (Anadolu)
Friday, December 25, 2020
MPW officials take oath, pledge to deliver moral governance
Other notable officials who also assumed office were Director General Engr. Danilo A. Ong and Director for Management Support Service Atty. Sittie Nadia M. Karim, CPA.
“I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to the Bangsamoro leadership under the stewardship of our Ameril Mujahidden Chief Minister Ahob Balawag Ebrahim and to Minister Eduard Guerra of MPW-BARMM and to other ministers,” said Decampong.
“I assure to the Bangsamoro leadership that I will live up to their expectations and will deliver MPW’s commitments through moral governance,” he added.
Decampong, together with Deputy Chief Minister Ali Solaiman, recently turned over Php 90-million worth completed infra-projects to respective local government in Lanao’s 2nd District last November.
BARMM Parliament’s Committee on Finance approved approximately Php 15-billion worth of infra-projects for the whole region’s fiscal year 2021, including the recently turned over 63 Barangays in North Cotabato.
Identified projects on MPWs Bangsamoro Expenditure Program (BEP) include bridges, major and local road networks, shore/slope and flood control facilities, seaports and potable water systems. (Bureau of Public Information)
Thursday, December 24, 2020
P10-M Covid-19 treatment, monitoring hub to rise in Koronadal
By Richelyn Gubalani
The city hall building of Koronadal.(Photo courtesy of the city government)
KORONADAL CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) has allotted
around PHP10 million for the construction early next year of a temporary
treatment and monitoring center here for the coronavirus disease 2019
(Covid-19).
Mayor Eliordo Ogena said Wednesday the initial preparations are underway for
the project, to be built inside a government-owned property in Barangay
Concepcion.
With a total area of 500 square meters, the medical facility will have a
capacity of 26 beds and equipped with standard amenities.
The project, one of the six approved for Region 12 (Soccsksargen) under
Republic Act 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), will
be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“It is expected to be finished by the end of the first quarter of 2021,” the
mayor said in a statement.
As its counterpart, Ogena said the city will shoulder the provision of more
back-filling and rip-rapping for the site, the electricity and water
connections, and the maintenance and other operating expenses. It will also
provide for the facility's workforce requirement.
“Once the Covid-19 pandemic ends, it will be utilized as a district health
center,” he added.
The project is among the health infrastructures being funded by the national
government in the city.
The DPWH is currently constructing a 32-bed Covid-19 isolation center using
container vans, with a budget of PHP23 million.
DOH earlier released some PHP35 million for the completion and expansion of the
three-story City Health Office building. (PNA)
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2021!!!....
We hope your holidays will be filled with joy and laughter through the New Year 2021.
Merry Christmas!
Greetings from:
Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul
District Engineer
Happy Holiday Everyone...
In behalf of Sulu 1st Engineering District, MPW-BARMM together with my employees, staff and my family. I would like to extend our Christmas greetings to all Christian believers.
May this Christmas holiday brings more happiness and more blessings to come.
Merry Christmas and have bountiful New Years 2021...
Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul
District Engineer
Sulu 1st DEO, MPW-BARMM
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Killer-cop a disgrace to police; will pay for crimes: DILG
 |
| Police MSgt. Jonel Nuezca (PNP photo) |
MANILA – Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday labeled Police MSgt. Jonel Nuezca a "cold-blooded murderer" and a "disgrace to the police profession."
In a news release, Año assured the public that Nuezca would face the
full force of the law for the double murder of a mother and son over an
altercation in Paniqui, Tarlac last Sunday.
The shooting incident, recorded on a mobile phone, has since gone
viral.
“Justice will be served to the family of victims Sonya and son Frank
Anthony Gregorio. Hindi natin palalagpasin ang karumal-dumal na pagpatay
sa kanila. Mabubulok si Nuezca sa kulungan (We will not let this
gruesome killing pass. He will rot in jail),” he said. “Sinira nya ang
magandang imahe ng kapulisan na mahabang taon na nating pinaghihirapan. Isa
siya sa mga bulok sa hanay ng kapulisan na kailangan nating walisin at turuan
ng leksiyon (He tainted the good image of the police that we have worked
hard to improve for a long time. He is one of the rotten eggs in the ranks of
the police whom we have to get rid of and teach a lesson).”
Año updated President Rodrigo Duterte on the criminal case against
Nuezca who has been subjected to an inquest by the Tarlac provincial prosecutor
for two counts of murder.
The cases were docketed as Criminal Case Nos. 313-20 and 314-20 at the
Regional Trial Court of Paniqui.
The accused, he said, has smeared the memory of 229 police officers who
were killed in action while fighting crime, drug syndicates, and
communist-terrorists since 2016, apart from 812 others who have been wounded in
police operations.
"We will now have to work doubly hard to rebuild the reputation of
the police organization and institute more reforms to prevent a repeat of this
incident,” Año said, noting that the Philippines’ improved 12th ranking in the
2020 Global Law and Order Gallup Survey and the people’s confidence in the
police force were largely due to the Philippine National Police’s (PNP)
intensive anti-criminality campaign in previous years.
He called the survey result a testament to the PNP’s long but decisive
efforts to improve the law enforcement system in the country.
Both the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the
PNP would never tolerate wrongdoings in the police service, Año said, appealing
to the public not to condemn the entire police organization for Nuezca’s
crimes.
"Ang kasalanan ng ilang bulok na pulis ay hindi kasalanan ng buong 220,800
police organization (The sins of a few rotten cops are not the sins of the
entire police organization),” he said. “Ang ating kapulisan ay buong
tapang na nagsisilbi ng tapat sa publiko. Sana huwag natin iyang kalimutan (The
police force is bravely serving the public. We should not forget that).”
Reforms in PNP
A total of 16,839 police officers have been penalized since 2016 under
the PNP’s internal cleansing program to rid its ranks of scalawags.
Data showed that 4,784 police personnel have been dismissed from the
service, 8,349 have been suspended, and 1,803 have been reprimanded.
Other punishments included demotion, forfeiture of salary, restriction,
and withholding of privileges.
Some 564 PNP personnel have also been removed for involvement in
illegal drugs.
“Kaya itong si Nuezca ay tiyak na mabubulok sa kulungan tulad
ng mga nauna nang tinanggal at kinasuhan ng PNP (Nuezca will surely rot in
jail, just like the others before him who have been dismissed and facing
charges),” Año said.
In a public address, Duterte condemned the senseless killings, warning
other police officers against abuse.
“Your actions must be in accordance with the law. You do not follow the
law, mag-salvage ka, magpatay ka diyan (if you salvage or kill),
then I’m sorry, that is not part of the agreement of how we should do our
work,” he said.
Police as anti-Covid front-liners
Año said since the start of the pandemic in March, a total of 91,544
police officers have been serving on the front lines to fight the deadly virus.
As a result, 8,735 Covid cases within the police organization have been
reported, with 27 deaths, 337 still battling the disease, and 8,371 who have
since recovered.
Of the 91,544 police officers, 54,471 have been deployed to quarantine
control points, dedicated control points, quick response teams, national
support units, and various ports, among others, while 37,073 have been assigned
as reactionary standby support force.
"Let’s not forget that there are thousands of policemen and
policewomen out there who are performing their duties well to serve and protect
the people, even those who condemn them,” Ano said. “Kaya huwag po nating
lahatin ang ating kapulisan (Let's not include the entire police force in
this).” (PR)
Monday, December 21, 2020
Cop in Tarlac shooting to 'rot in jail': Go
By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Monday denounced the killing of a mother and son by a police officer in Tarlac as he vowed justice for the victims.
"Mariin kong kinokondena ang brutal na pagpatay ng pulis sa mag-inang Sonya at Frank Gregorio sa Paniqui, Tarlac kahapon. Hindi natin palalampasin ito. Nakikiramay ako sa mga naulilang pamilya. (I condemn this brutal killing by a policeman of Sonya and Frank Gregorio of Paniqui, Tarlac. We will not allow this to go unpunished. We extend our condolences to the family
Go also assured that President Rodrigo Duterte and his office would provide assistance in any form to the kin of the victims and that the perpetrator of the "senseless crime" would be brought to justice.
"Nananawagan ako sa ating otoridad na siguraduhing mabubulok sa kulungan ang taong ito at malinis dapat ang hanay ng kapulisan upang matanggal ang mga bulok sa sistema (I call on the authorities to ensure that this person would rot in jail and the ranks of our policemen be cleaned of scalawags)," he added.
While stressing that they are supportive of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Go said the government will not tolerate any abuse of law enforcers.
"Ang pulis ngayon ay ginagalang at nirerespeto. Malayo na po ang narating natin upang ibalik ang dignidad ng kapulisan at mas lalong paigtingin ang kakayahan nila na gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin. Buo po ang aming suporta ni Pangulong Duterte sa mga pulis. Full support po kami sa kanila basta in line of duty at kung ginawa niyo po ang trabaho ninyo bilang isang pulis na poprotekta sa kapakanan ng nakakarami. Pero hindi natin hahayaan na may mga mapang-abusong tulad nito na sisira sa mga reporma na ipinaglalaban natin. (We respect our policemen. We have gone far in bringing back the dignity and capability of our law enforcers. I join President Duterte in his support for the police. Our full support is ensured as long as they do well in the line of duty and to protect the greater good. We will not allow abusive policemen to taint the reforms we have achieved),"
On Monday, murder charges have been filed before the Paniqui, Tarlac Regional Trial Court against Senior M/Sgt. Jonel Nuezca of Barangay Cabayaosan, Paniqui, Tarlac.
Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Manuel M. Pascua. Jr. ordered the filing of the murder charges following the incident that led to the death of Sonya Gregorio and her son Frank Anthon, which was captured on video and has gone viral on social media.
No bail was recommended by the prosecutors for Nuezca.
Nuezca, based on records from the Philippine National Police (PNP), has faced several cases in the past.
These include two homicide charges in May and December last year, which were both dismissed for lack of substantial evidence.
A case for serious neglect of duty against him for failing to attend court hearings as a prosecution witness in a drug case was also dropped in 2016.
In 2014, he was suspended for 21 days due to less grave neglect of duty for refusing drug tests and leaving the testing area without permission. (PNA)
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Engineer's - The Builders of Tomorrow
The working engineer never surrender in times of disaster, calamities
and other skirmishes that may distract their projects or works along the way, It’s impossible
to say how the engineers will continue
to impact the future through new technologies and innovations to improve the
quality of life for others/
Some engineers prepared to help their constituents by constructed roads, bridges, school buildings and other development projects that may help people to change their living conditions.
District Engineer Ajan S. Ajijul of 1st DEO, in Misnistry of Public Works of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for example, has strong personality and ready to pursue his projects by all means even though risk his own life for the sake of others. He build more projects in some war zone areas of Sulu known as Abussayaf stronghold. But he neve r mind it because he wants to build the future of their children -( By Becky de Asis)
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Duterte okays add’l budget to register more people in PhilSys
By Azer Parrocha
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has approved PHP3.52 billion in additional funding to register 20 million more individuals in the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) by the end of 2021, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the 20 million more people to be registered under PhilSys would be on top of the government’s 50-million target.
“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with the members of his Cabinet, approved the PHP3.52-B additional budget for 2021 to register 20 million more individuals (on top of the 50-million target) to the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) by the end of 2021, as presented by Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua,” Roque said in a statement.
The government targets to provide about 92 million Filipinos with the national ID by the end of June 2022.
Last November, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) began collecting demographic data from targeted low-income Filipinos in 664 cities and municipalities in 32 provinces identified as “low-risk” areas for the coronavirus outbreak, among them Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Tawi-Tawi.
The PSA earlier said registration of all households will be made starting January 2021 through the help of local government units, partner-agencies, and other stakeholders.
Of the nine million individuals to be included in the initial batch of national ID registrants, five million are low-income household heads while the rest are adult household members.
The demographic data that will be asked by the survey enumerators include full name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, permanent and present address, and whether the registrant is a Filipino or a resident alien.
Optional questions are marital status, mobile number, and e-mail address.
Signed into law in August 2018, Republic Act 11055 or the PhilSys Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.
The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrolment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.
It will also boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services, where people would only need to present the ID during transactions.
Last April, Duterte said the PhilSys would have fast-tracked the distribution of emergency relief to indigent families under the national government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) during the Covid-19 crisis.
One of Duterte’s marching orders to acting National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) acting Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua in April was to hasten the implementation of the PhilSys Act.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Men @ Work - Sulu 1st Engineering District, MPW-BARMM
Many project of the country are being impacted by Covid 19 pandemic in
numerous ways and many projects have
stopped but the engineers and men in 1st Engineering in Sulu continue
working....
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
CA confirms promotion, nomination of 52 AFP officers
By Priam Nepomuceno
CONFIRMED. Members of the Commission on Appointments pose for a photo opportunity with the 52 AFP officers whose appointments and nominations were confirmed at the Senate on Wednesday (Dec. 9, 2020). The AFP said the confirmation of ad interim appointments and nominations of senior military officers by CA signifies the commitment and professionalism of its personnel. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)
Cebu Pacific launches seat sale with DOT to boost tourism
By Ma. Cristina
 |
| Candice Iyog, vice president for Cebu Pacific's Marketing and Customer Experience, during the virtual presser on Dec. 9, 2020. (PNA photo by Cristina Arayata) |
MANILA – As more local destinations are opening their doors for travel, Cebu Pacific (CEB) was joined by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as it launched its "12.12 Piso sale", virtually on Wednesday.
The seat sale can be availed of from December 10-12, for travel from
August 1 to November 30, 2021. The price for one-way base fare is as low as
PHP1, according to CEB.
In the virtual presser, Candice Iyog, vice president for CEB's
Marketing and Customer Experience said the carrier has partnered with the DOT
for the "Juan Love" campaign, which highlights the wonders of local
destinations.
Launched in September, the "Juan Love" campaign has a total
of one million seats open in the entire "Ber" months.
Despite the challenges, Iyog said the pandemic has still brought some
positive changes for CEB and for its customers.
"Covid-19 has provided the industry a platform to adapt to digital
transformation," she said, adding that this also applies to the customers
-- from the rebooking of flights to online check-in.
Iyog said that in the last few weeks, their customers' top searches
were Caticlan or Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Busuanga or Coron.
Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr., in the same presser, said
their recent survey showed people are looking forward to visit Boracay,
Siargao, and Baguio.
"They have a preference for outdoor activities such as water
sports activities, mountain trekking, motorbike tourism," he said.
Meanwhile, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the agency
supports CEB president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei's suggestion
for travelers to have a Covid passport.
"The DOT supports Lance Gokongwei's suggestion to have a Covid
passport, which is vital to recovery of international travel,"
Romulo-Puyat said.
In a briefing with Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday,
Gokongwei said there has to be a global Covid passport showing a person has
been vaccinated by a credible vaccination source that every country would
respect and recognize.
The CEB boss said the priority needs to be getting the vaccines in the
hands of as many populations as possible, then connect this to a Covid passport
"so that countries would trust when we say that a passenger has already
achieved the levels of antibodies so he would not be infectious to anyone".
Bengzon said there has been an initial discussion regarding that, and
different options are being looked at.
"We will explore to make it easier for the traveling public to
move around," Bengzon said. (PNA)
Kidnap group leader killed in Zambo shootout
By Teofilo Garcia, Jr
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The leader of an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-linked kidnap-for-ransom group (KFRG) was killed in a shootout with lawmen here on Wednesday.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command
(Westmincom), identified the suspect as Samad Awang alias Ahmad Jamal of the
Zamboanga Sibugay-based Abdussalam KFRG.
Vinluan said the shootout occurred in Sitio Sahaya, Barangay Mampang
when Awang, armed with a caliber .45 pistol, opened fire on the joint military
and police team serving a warrant against him.
“With their lives in danger, the apprehending team retaliated which
resulted in the instantaneous death of Awang,” he said.
Vinluan said the troops recovered from Awang a caliber .45 pistol with
magazine loaded with four live ammunition, an extra magazine with seven live
ammunition, and two fired cartridges.
Col. Antonio John Divinagracia, Joint Task Force Zamboanga commander,
said the KFRG leader had a warrant of arrest for violation of Article 267 of
the Revised Penal Code (Serious Illegal Detention, Kidnapping, and
Hostage-Taking) issued by the court in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.
He added that Awang is listed as No. 25 on the KFRG wanted list of the
Police Regional Office 9.
Divinagracia said Awang was involved in the kidnapping of Reynaldo
Drapeza and Joel Endino, both businessmen, on Nov. 9, 2010 at the border of
Kabasalan and Payao towns, Zamboanga Sibugay; Italian priest, Fr. Gian Carlo
Bossi on June 10, 2007 in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Cathy Mae Casipong, a
public school teacher on Dec. 18, 2013 in Barangay Limaong. (PNA)
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
500 orphans receive rice assistance from BARMM
PIKIT, North Cotabato—In line with the continuous Coronavirus Disease
(Covid-19) response of the regional autonomous government, the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is distributing rice and food items
to at least 500 orphans in Cotabato City and some towns in Maguindanao and
North Cotabato.
Each of the orphans, living in different orphanage centers, is set to receive 25-kilo sack of rice and several food items from the Bangsamoro Government's Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG).
The Project TABANG is one of the flagship programs of Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim.
Abdulraof Macacua, BARMM’s executive secretary, said the orphans were selected as beneficiaries, because they are one of the “most vulnerable and affected sectors of the society” by the Covid-19 crisis.
A total of 150 half sacks of rice and several food items were distributed on Tuesday, Oct. 13, to five orphange centers in Pikit, North Cotabato.
Among these centers is the Markaz Tadabbur that houses 40 orphans. Orphanage head Ustadh Mojahed Pamansag said the orphans came from different places such as Carmen in North Cotabato, while others came from as far as Basilan.
The distribution, made through a partenrship with youth organization Al-Jalis As-Salih, Inc.-Cotabato, started early last week to seven orphanage centers in Cotabato City and Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao with 273 orphans.
The distribution to orphanage centers in Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Shariff Aguak, both in Maguindanao, is set this week.
Earlier this month, at least 3,000 tricycle drivers in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur also received 25-kilo sack of rice as the province was placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) brought about by Covid-19 pandemic.
In June 2020, the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) also distributed rice and food items to Darul Aytam Orphanage Center in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. (Bureau of Public Information)
Sulu -The Road of Promise boosts businesses including tourism - D.E Ajan S. Ajijul
By: Becky D. de Asis
The road of promise it will benefited businesses including tourism by
connecting of some municipalities of 1st
District to 2nd District with various tourism spots and local businesses,
increasing economically efficiency and helping make
Sulu a peaceful and progressive said Engr. Ajan Ajijul of Sulu 1st Engineering
District said.
Monday, December 7, 2020
Let’s have solemn Xmas, forego big gatherings: DOH chief
 |
| A belen (Nativity) display in Quezon City (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler) |
MANILA – Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Tuesday reminded the public to refrain from celebrating Christmas and New Year with activities that have higher risks of Covid-19 transmission, including karaoke singing which is a usual Filipino activity during celebrations.
Dating pugad ng Abussayaf ngayon progreso na, sinsirong implementasyon ng mga proyekto ng MPW-BARMM ipinatupad
Feature story:
By Becky D. de Asis
 |
| District Engineer Ajan S. Ajijul |
Maraming taon ang nakalipas at samo't saring artikulo hinggil sa gulo at giyera sa lupaing ito ng Sulu puro patayan at giyera lamang ang nakalathala sa bawat pahayagan, maging local man at national.
Ang kaguluhan dito tila wala ng katapusan, maging ang pag aaral ng mga
bata at ekonomiya ay tila wala ng pag
aangat at apektado na sa gulong ito.
Hindi naman lingid sa lahat ang mga balitang nakakaantig ng puso at
nakakabahala sa kinabukasan ng mga bagong sibol na hinirasyon, na tila wala ng
magandang kinabukasan na siyang sisibol
sa lupaing ito ng Sulu.
Bagamat ang mga malalaking politiko, grupo ng mga ibat ibang relihiyon at gobeyerno ay nag uudyok na magkaisa para maituwid at mabago ang sistemang kinagisnan ng mga tagarito, pero minsan bigo sila dahil tila wala ng pag asa pang maituwid ang mga kaaway ng lipunan, ang grupo ng Abussayaf na hanggang ngayon ay nagpapatuloy pa rin sa kanilang paghahasik ng kasamaan.
Gayunpaman , ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas ay nagpapatuloy sa paglipol sa
mga kaaway ng gobyerno lalong lalo na
ang mga teroristang Abussayaf na kamakailan lang ay kumikitil ng maraming buhay
sa pamamagitan ng pagbobomba sa ating mga kasundaluhan at sibilyan sa public
plaza ng Jolo.
Sa kabila ng kaguluhan, ang ating mga enhenyero o engineer mula sa 1st Engineering Office ng Ministry of Public Works ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao na pinangunahan ni District Engineer Ajan S. Ajijul at ang buong manggagawa ng ahensiya ay hindi nagpapatinag sa pagtulong at pagawa ng maraming proyekto na makatulong sa mga taong sinalanta ng giyera at iba pang kahirapan na minsan nauudyok ng kasamaan para lamang mabuhay.
Ang Enhenyero na si Ajan S. Ajijul na kamakailan lang ay nagging full
pledged District Engineer na, mula
maintenance department at nagging OIC-District Engineer ngayon isang
Full Pledged District Engineer na.
Mula’t sapol ang pagpapatupad ng proyekto dito sa lalawigan ng Sulu ay
hindi biro, sa kadahilanan ngpagbabanta ng buhay at sa pagpapatuloy ng giyera
laban sa mga terorista at gobeyerno.
Pero itong si Engineer Ajan S. Ajijul ay porsigidong maipatupad ang mga
proyekto na nag uugnay sa kawalan at para sa bagong pag asa ng mga mamamayan nga naniniwala pa
rin gobeyerno.
Ang Ist engineering District ng Sulu ay gumagawa ng mga kalsada mula
sentro ng Jolo hanggang sa dulo na pinagpugaran ng mga teroristang o Abussayaf na walang
kinatakutan. Nais lamang ng gobeyerno ng BARMM at sa tulong ng Presidente ng
Pilipinas na si Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte na mabigyan ng bagong pag asa ang mga
taga Sulu at maitaboy ang mga terorista at ang nais na bumalik sa gobeyerno ay
mabigyan ng patas na batas at pamumuhay.
Maraming Farm to Market roads ang naitaapos gawin ng mga enhenyero
ng 1st Engineering District na siyang gabay para maibsan ang kahirapan para maibalik ang ekonomiya ng Sulu at mamuhay ng sapat.
May mga mosque o
simbahan na rin ang itinayo ng BARMM government para na rin sa pag respito sa mga nanampalataya.
Matiwasay na rin ang paglipad ng mga eroplano sa Jolo airport dahil sa
ginawang mga proyekto o bakod na inayos ng mga enhenyero para maiwasan ang disgrasya at proteksiyon na rin sa mga pasahero at mga mamayan.
Ang daungan ng mga barko ay nagging maayos at secure na dahil sa mga
proyekto na ginawa ng 1st Engineering District na nagging dahilan at dumadami
na ang mga barter traders na bumiyahe at
lumagak ng kanilang mga capital para mag negosyo dito sa Jolo.
Maraming proyekto ang maipapatupad ng ating gobyerno kung ang bawat tagapagpatupad ay sinsero at maka Tao.
Napakagandang adhikain, tiwala at sinsiro and naging sandata sa isang taong gustong
tumulong para sa ikauunlad ng kanilang sariling bayan. (By Becky D. De Asis)
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Recoveries among Pinoys with Covid-19 abroad reach 7,564
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recorded a total of 67 recoveries since Nov. 29, raising the total to 7,564.
In its latest bulletin, the DFA said the overall case count is 11,671,
a total of 846 died while about 3,261 are still undergoing treatment.
DFA data from Nov. 28 up to Dec. 4 showed that there are 71 more active
cases and 10 new deaths from Covid-19.
The Middle East/Africa remains the region with the most number of
active cases with 2,334 followed by the Asia Pacific with 561, Europe with 307,
and the Americas with 59.
The decrease of around 72 from the 131 active cases reported on Nov. 29
in the Americas was due to a corrected report, clarifying that 72 of the
previously confirmed Covid-19 cases were not Filipinos.
Meanwhile, the recoveries this week are also concentrated in the Middle
East/Africa with 4,657 followed by the Asia Pacific with 1,377, Europe with
1010, and the Americas with 520.
Nine of the new fatalities reported this week, meanwhile, were from the
Americas while the one recorded last Nov. 30 was from the Middle East/Africa.
Compared to last week’s percentages, the DFA said the total number of
Covid-19 recoveries and fatalities saw a slight increase to 64.81 percent and
7.25 percent, respectively. Those under treatment decreased to 27.94 percent. (PNA)
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