MikeLigalig.com

The House Where I Was Born
By Yves Bonnefoy

I open my eyes, yes, it's the house where I was born,
Exactly as it was and nothing more.
The same small dining room whose window
Gives onto a peach tree that never grows.
A man and a woman are seated
At this window, facing one another,
They are talking, for once. And the child
Sees them from the end of the garden, watches them,
He knows that people can be born from such words.
Behind the parents the room is dark.
The man has just come home from work. Weariness,
The halo that surrounds all he does,
The only one given his son to see,
Is already removing him from this shore.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

By Donald Bruce Dawe

Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.

Blink, blink. HOSPITAL. SILENCE.
Ten days old, carried in the front door in his
mother's arms, first thing he heard was
Bobby Dazzler on Channel 7:
Hello, hello hello all you lucky people and he
really was lucky because it didn't mean a thing
to him then...
A year or two to settle in and
get acquainted with the set-up; like every other
well-equipped smoothly-run household, his included
one economy-size Mum, one Anthony Squires-
Coolstream-Summerweight Dad, along with two other kids
straight off the Junior Department rack.

When Mom won the
Luck's-A-Fortch Tricky-Tune Quiz she took him shopping
in the good-as-new station-wagon (£ 495 dep. at Reno's).
Beep, beep. WALK. DON'T WALK. TURN
LEFT. NO PARKING. WAIT HERE. NO
SMOKING. KEEP CLEAR/OUT/OFF GRASS. NO
BREATHING EXCEPT BY ORDER. BEWARE OF
THIS. WATCH OUT FOR THAT. My God (beep)
the congestion here just gets (beep)
worse every day, now what the (beep beep) does
that idiot think he's doing (beep beep and BEEP).

However, what he enjoyed most of all was when they
went to the late show at the local drive-in, on a clear night
and he could see (beyond the fifty-foot screen where
giant faces forever snarled screamed or make
incomprehensible and monstrous love) a pure
unadulterated fringe of sky, littered with stars
no-one had got around to fixing up yet: he'd watch them
circling about in luminous groups like kids at the circus
who never go quite close enough to the elephant to get kicked.

Anyway, pretty soon he was old enough to be
realistic like every other godless
money-hungry back-stabbing miserable
so-and-so, and then it was goodbye stars and the soft
cry in the corner when no-one was looking because
I'm telling you straight, Jim, it's Number One every time
for this chicken, hit wherever you see a head and
kick whoever's down, well thanks for a lovely
evening Clare, it's good to get away from it all
once in a while, I mean it's a real battle all the way
and a man can't help but feel a little soiled, himself,
at times, you know what I mean?

Now take it easy
on those curves, Alice, for God's sake,
I've had enough for one night, with that Clare Jessup,
hey, ease up, will you, watch it -

Probity & Sons, Morticians,
did a really first-class job on his face
(everyone was very pleased) even adding a
healthy tan he'd never had, living, gave him back for keeps
the old automatic smile with nothing behind it,
winding the whole show up with a
nice ride out to the underground metropolis
permanent residentials, no parking tickets, no taximeters
ticking, no Bobby Dazzlers here, no down payments,
nobody grieving over halitosis
flat feet shrinking gums falling hair.

Six feet down nobody interested.

Blink, blink. CEMETERY. Silence.



English Poems
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dictamp.englishpoems

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

CARE FOR THE WEAK

Press Release:: Elected Bohol Governor Art Yap continues making the rounds of district hospitals, visiting today Maribojoc Community Hospital and Cong. Natalio P. Castillo Memorial Hospital (CNPCMH) in Loon.

He sees for himself the needs of hospitals in order to adequately respond to it as part of commitment to provide quality health care.

In Loon, he meets with Architect Steve Atienza of (Manila based) Medicotek Inc., pushing to rush the ongoing construction of the new hospital so that patients no longer suffer the inconveniences at old hospital.

The new 50 bed-capacity classified Level 2 hospital that is situated in a 1.5 hectare lot is expected to be completed by March 2020.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

PIA: President Rodrigo Durerte visits the wake of Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Jason J. Magno, police officer who was killed by a grenade protecting the students of Initao Community College on November 28, 2019.

Upon arrival, PRRD also visits Misamis Oriental Provincial hospital X-Ray room to visit wounded in police operations (WIPO) Personnel PSMS Alice B. Balido then will motor to the wake visit & condoles with the family PSMS Jason J. Magno.

PNP Chief Archie Francisco Gamboa says they have given medal of valor to the deceased police PSMS Magno.

This is the highest award a police can get for being most courageous in his line of duty.

Through this award, aside from the usual pension, the family gets P75,000 a month and scholarship for the kids.

He adds, if àny of the kids enrols in the PMA, they will no longer have to take any entrance exam.

#empoweringcommunities

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release
NEDA BOARD APPROVES MINDANAO RAILWAY PROJECT - PHASE 1

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has confirmed the earlier approval given by the NEDA Investment Coordination Committee - Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) for the Tagum-Davao-Digos segment or Phase 1 of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP-TDD).

In its meeting on Friday, 29 November 2019, the NEDA Board confirmed the 10 July 2019 and 27 September 2019 approvals given by the ICC-CabCom for the project.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade thanked the decision of the NEDA Board, saying the move brings the Mindanao Railway Project closer to realization.

"This builds on the dream of President Rodrigo Duterte to generate development in Mindanao through an efficient rail system that will not only move people throughout the island of Mindanao, but will also generate needed economic growth," said Secretary Tugade. 

The MRP-TDD is the first phase of the proposed 830-kilometer MRP Loop. It aims to establish a 74-km at-grade and 26-km elevated (viaduct) commuter railway from Tagum City in Davao del Norte to Digos City in Davao del Sur.

Phase 1 will have eight stations located in Tagum, Carmen, Panabo, Mudiang, Davao, Toril, Sta. Cruz, and Digos.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary and Government Infrastructure Cluster head Mark Villar positively noted the NEDA Board's decision.

"This project will surely benefit those who call Mindanao their home, and also those doing business in the island. As the first railway to be built outside of Luzon, the MRP will transform the socio-economic landscape of Mindanao," Secretary Villar said.

For his part, Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects, Secretary Vince Dizon, emphasized the President's vision of spurring economic growth throughout the country through infrastructure development.

"The BBB Program has one clear aspiration, that is, to spread development not just in major urban centers but throughout the country. The Mindanao Railway Project as a major transport infrastructure development is part of the realization of this goal," Secretary Dizon stated. 

Phase 1 of the Mindanao Railway Project is designed to accommodate around 130,000 passengers per day in its first year of full operations. Once fully operational, travel time between Tagum City to Digos City will be reduced from currently 3.5 hours to just 1.3 hours.

Partial operations are targeted by the second quarter of 2022 for the Tagum-Davao line, while full operations for the Tagum-Davao-Digos line will be in the fourth quarter of 2022.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release
Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. led the distribution of Seed Fund to 165 beneficiaries composed of 6 associations province-wide. A total of 1,650,000 capital seed fund disbursed held at South Cotabato provincial capitol covered court, earlier this week.

Governor Tamayo clarifies that this is just the beginning of distribution and by next year more batches will receiving seed fund since it is already part of the next year's budget plan.

"Ang pinaka importante abi dire sa aton, ang gusto ko gid nga sabay sabay kita nga mag-angat tanan. Amo nang gina balance naton nga gusto naton mabatyagan kita didto sang mga katawhan naton didto sa purok level, sa sitio level sa smallest unit sang community mabatyagan kita didto kag ma elevate naton sila." Governor Tamayo's message to the beneficiaries.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Reposted from FB
ATM: LET US SUPPORT OUR LOCAL PRODUCTS!!!

Come and witness the Annual Hope Bazaar 2019 at Provincial Capitol Covered Court.

Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. true to his words that every aspects of the community must be uplift so that no one will be left behind in terms of services and development in the province.

This is a product of our Self Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (or SEA-K) province-wide that aims to showcase the associations special and major products.

The Program was transformed into the Sustainable Livelihood Program or SLP that provided a two-track livelihood assistance schemes – the Employment Facilitation Track and the Microenterprise Development Track. The Employment Track opened the opportunity for the marginalized households to access employment while the microenterprise track focused on providing assistance to entrepreneurial activities of the households. The SEA-K scheme became the track towards Microenterprise Development.

As a component of the Microenterprise Track, the SEA-K scheme has been redesigned as a capacity building scheme intended to build up entrepreneurial skills and Microenterprise activities of target families. The main strategies include skills training, entrepreneurial training, participatory livelihood analysis, and market linkages. Less emphasis is given to financial support from the government. Beneficiaries can still tap the SEA-K capital fund for financing but as a "fund of last resort". Households with interest to engage in microenterprise development are linked to banks, MFIs, and other lending institutions and only those households considered ineligible for credit in the formal market and those residing in areas not reached by microfinance services may have access to the fund. (https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1509.pdf)


* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

By RHODA HERNANDEZ
Bong Go accompanies PRRD in awarding medals to killed and wounded MisOr police heroes

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go visited on Thursday, December 5, the wake of the police officer who was killed in a grenade explosion inside a college campus in the town of Initao, Misamis Oriental. They also visited another police officer who was wounded in the same incident.

A trained explosives and ordnance disposal specialist, Police Senior Master Sergeant Jason Magno was among the first to respond when a certain Ibrahim Basher was reported to be inside the Initao College campus while wielding a bladed weapon and grenade. Magno was killed in his attempt to disarm Basher and protect innocent people from getting hurt.

During the wake visit, the President posthumously awarded Magno through his family an Order of Lapu-Lapu Magalong Medal (the highest rank) and a PNP Medal of Valor or Medalya ng Kagitingan. His family was also given special financial assistance.

Before going to the wake, President Duterte and Senator Go also visited Police Senior Master Sergeant Alice B. Balido who was wounded in the same incident. She was awarded an Order of Lapu-lapu Kampilan Medal for her service along with financial assistance from the Office of the President.

The President instructed the PNP to ensure the safety of the victims and their families from possible retaliation from those affiliated with the suspect.

President Duterte also instructed the presidential staff to assist the families of both police officers for their medical and employment needs.

Meanwhile, Senator Go is set to file a Senate resolution on Monday recognizing the two police officers for their "exemplary courage and heroism."

Go describes Magno's deeds as "supreme self-sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry." The Senator believes that the State must consistently honor its military and police officers "in order to strengthen patriotic spirit and nationalistic consciousness."

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

DILG manguna sa paglusad
sa Disiplina Muna sa Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Bohol, Dec 6 (PIA)--Ilusad, karong adlawa dinhi sa Bohol ang kampanya nga nagtumongvsa pagpabalik sa disiplina alang sa mas malungtaron nga pag-ugmad sa nasud.

Pangunahan sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) -7 Central Visayas uban ni Regional Director Leocadio T. Trovela ang kampanya nga nanawagan sa publiko sa pagbansay sa disiplina atul sa Disiplina Muna National Advocacy Campaign dinhi sa Bohol Tropics Resort, Disyembre 6.

Ang paglusad dinhi sa Bohol maoy labing una nga paglusad nga gihimo sa rehiyon human ang kampanya gilusad didto sa Manila pipila ka adlaw na ang minglabay.

Tumong sa Disiplina Muna ang katawhan nga disiplinado ug manggitinahuron sa balaod ug diin ang gimithi nga kausaban may tataw nga kasugdan.

Daghan ang nanawagan sa kausaban apan kasagaran niini, gisalig lamang sa kagamhanan.

Matud sa DILG, ang kabag-ohan magsugod usab sa napabag-o nga hunahuna ug kinaiya nga kapuy-an sa matuod, lukop ug motunhay nga kaugmaran.

Una nga gipasugdan pinaagi sa nasudnong paglusad niadtong Nobyembre 6, 2019 didto sa Metro Manila, sa Disiplina Muna, milaum ang kagamhanan nga kini magpasugod sa pagpabalik sa kinaiya ug kultura sa disiplina sa mga katawhan nga Pilipino isip pamaagi sa pag-aghat sa katawhan nga manginlabut alang sa tunhay nga kalambuan ug pagpalapad sa kalinaw ug kahapsay.

Kini usab ang panglantaw sa administrasyon ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga nagduso sa pagtambayayongay sa kagamhanan ug katawhan alang sa kausaban.

Misalig and administrasyon ni Duterte nga ang pagpa-asdang sa maayo nga kinaiya sa katawhan ug sa ilang responsibilidad sa pagpanday sa lig-on nga nasud, mag-aghat kanila sa pagpanginlabut sa mga proseso sa kagamhanan nga maoy dagway sa maayong pagdumala sa pangagamhanan.

Ang Disiplina Muna nagtutok sa pagpatuman sa mga kampanya sama sa paghawan sa mga babag sa mga kadalanan, pagpangandam sa katalagman, kampanya batok sa pagpanigarilyo ug pagpanabako, pagpasayun sa pagaugod sa pamuhunan, pagpa-undang sa paghuboghubog, paglimpyo sa mga lugar nga gibisita sa mga turista ug ang maayo ng pagpadagan sa Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils.

Ang kampanya sa Bohol nagtumong sa pagpasugod niini sa mga kabataan, batan-on nga propesyonal, ug sa lapad nga katawhan.

Aron mapalapad pa kini, nakig-abin ang DILG sa mga nasudnon ug lokal nga mga ahensya, pribadong sektor, kahugpungan sa katilingpan ug mag sakop sa prensa.

Dinhi sa Bohol, ang paglusad sa Disiplina Muna, ubanan sa bukas nga paglagda sa mga panaad nga sugdan ug suportahan ang pagkadisiplinado, ug kini apilan sa mga lokal nga opisyales sa Bohol, mga mayor ug bise mayor, mga konsehal, mga estudyante, mga kahugpungan, mga negosyante ug daghan pa nga sektor sa katilingban. (rahc/PIA7/Bohol)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

SEC to close more illegal lending apps

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) vowed more illegal online lending operators would be ordered to halt operations amid a continued crackdown.

SEC Commissioner Kelvin Lester Lee, in a chance interview with The Manila Times, said there were ongoing hearings for the complaint cases lodged against unauthorized online lending operators and more decisions will be released in the future.

"More are coming. There some more actions coming," he said.

Asked if more cease and desist orders would be released until next year, he replied, "Let's see."

For now, the SEC Commissioner pointed out complaints have already lessened since the crackdown on illegal online lending operators began.

The National Privacy Commission, on its end, reported earlier that privacy-related complaints against online lending operators dropped by 90 percent in November, compared with January figures.

The SEC, meanwhile, is now reaching out to the head office of Google in the United States to further seek help in making sure that illegal online lending operators would not be able to penetrate Google Play an online application store.

Lee said he was hoping for a response before the year ends.

Google Philippines, during a meeting with SEC last month, vowed to extend assistance on the regulator's concern.

The SEC has been intensifying its crackdown on unauthorized lending applications, closing 48 illegal operators since September.

SEC's findings noted that online lending entities do not have certificates of authority to operate as lending or financing companies.

News article published in The Manila Times on December 5, 2019.
Note: Entities that were issued cease and desist orders and revocation orders as well as advisories could be accessed at the official website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (sec.gov.ph).

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

By Atty. Nilo Ahat
#102yearsofsikatunatoday...
OMNE TRIUM PERFECTUM. "The rule of three" principle suggests things that come in threes are inherently more humorous, satisfying and effective than any other number of things.

Truly indeed, the moniker "Sa Ika To Na" which evolved into our official name "Sikatuna", describes the significance of the NUMBER THREE (3) in our journey to townhood. Firstly, the name Sikatuna is our third name after Cambojod and Cornago. Second, the original seven component barrios of Sikatuna were taken from the three (3) neighboring towns of Alburquerque, Balilihan, and Loboc. Third, the newly created town of Sikatuna sits in a political territory that was re-defined and changed by law for the third time. Fourthly, the newly created town of Sikatuna is our third mother-town after Albur and Baclayon. Fifthly, the proposal to create the town of Sikatuna out of Barrio Cornago passed thru the hands of three (3) Governor Generals beginning with James Francis Smith, William Cameron Forbes, then finally with Francis Burton Harrison who approved and signed Executive Order No. 88, today in history
05 December 2017.

SAIKATONA was the famous moniker coined by the distinguised Miguel Oppus (Mayor of Baclayon) that describes our journey to townhood from Barrio CAMBOJOD of Baclayon, to Barrio CORNAGO of Alburquerque, and finally to the Town SIKATUNA Bohol. "SA IKA TO NA nahimong lungsod ang Sikatuna" , was the witty remark of Miguel Oppus describing our historic leap to three territories and three political struggles. This feat, befits us the name SIKATUNA from the moniker SAIKATONA.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
Authority: PLT NILO A EMBORGO-Officer-in Charge
Hagonoy MPS
Drafter: PCpl Sitti Rasheka T Sajile
Date: December 5, 2019

DOUBLE BLAST LAUNCHING OF "Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo" (KKDAT)

Hagonoy Municipal Police Station- December 5, 2019 at 1:00 PM, personnel of Hagonoy MPS led by PLT NILO A EMBORGO, initiated the nationwide launching of "Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo" (KKDAT) held at Hagonoy National High Shool, Brgy. Guihing Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. It was participated by more or less two hundred fifty (250) Senior High School Students from Grade 11 to Grade 12 in the said activity.

That the first launching of the said activity transpired yesterday, December 4, 2019 at 9:00 AM held at Lapulabao National High School, Brgy Lapulabao, Hagonoy Davao del Sur and participated by more or less two hundred (200) High School Students particularly from Grade 9 to Grade 10. Indeed, it was a double blast launching of KKDAT 2019 in Hagonoy Davao del Sur.  The Philippine National Police (PNP) through the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG), had crafted a nationwide program which aims to educate the Youth/Students against the exploitation of the left learning organizations and the ill-effects of drugs and thereby train and mobilize them as advocacy support group government.

It is also envisioned to inflame the spirit of volunteerism among youth the students sectors through the PCR platforms and programs. As PLT NILO A EMBORGO-Officer In- Charge stated to quote "If we fight this WAR on Drugs As One and Denounce Every Terroristic Ideology, Then we will Win As One"

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

By LGU Gensan: Press Release
Jane Gollon-Rivera Cup 2019 concludes

GENERAL SANTOS CITY- The "Dula Ta! Jane Gollon-Rivera Cup 2019" had its awarding ceremonies on Thursday, December 05, 2019, at the Oval Gymnasium.

Dula Ta! Jane Gollon-Rivera Cup  is a basketball tournament organized by Barangay Volunteers to unite the transportation sector in the city.

It was participated by the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) members, traffice enforcers and pastors.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, GSC Tourism Council Chairperson Jane Gollon-Rivera, City Councilor Vandyke Congson, City Administrator Atty. Arnel Zapatos, Head of GSC Traffic Enforcers Col. Jessie Ramos, Representative of Congresswoman Shirlyn Bañas- Nograles Mr. Jojo Bañas, and Representative from PNP Police Captain Abdulsalam Mamalinta graced the ceremonies.

"Kini nga padula gihimo namo para mapromote ang unity ug friendship sa mga Traffic Enforcers ug TODA para ipakita nga walay division ug para atong mapromote ang good sportsmanship  para malipay ang tanan," said Ms. Rivera, the manager of Dula Ta! Cup 2019.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera also showed his support to the event saying that unity is necessary in order to create a livable environment for all the people of General Santos City. (CPIO/OM/RSC)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

By ABS CBN Page Southern Mindanao
Gitubag na ni Pastor Apollo Quiboloy ang mga Pagsaway Nganong wala niya Gi-STOP ang Bagyong Tisoy.

Sa video nga gi post sa facebook page nga  Ito ang Buhay,  gipahayag niini nga wala niya gipugngan ang bagyo kay giulan siya og pagsaway dihang iyang gi-STOP ang linog.

"Kase yong inistop ko yong earthquake nagalit man sila... binasa ko ng napakarami. So, Baka inistop ko yong bagyo magalit na naman, pinabayaan nalang natin"

Hinoon, pinaagi sa iyang video misaad si Pastor Quiboloy nga tabangan ang mga apektado sa bagyo.

"Tulungan nalang natin yong mga nasalanta", sumala ni Pastor Quiboloy.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

By MindaNet Balita
Grand Opening sa Diwanag festival gidugok

Nagdasok ang mga tao nga buot mosaksi sa grand opening sa 19th Diwanag Festival sa Montevista, Compostela Valley kagabii, kung diin makita ang maanindot ug nagkalain-laing desinyo sa mga booths sulod sa plaza nga gipahaom sa  konseptong 'Christmas in Candy Land'.
Sa gawas pa lang, way bugto ang taas nga linya sa daghang mga tao nga buot nga mosulod apan wala dayon nahatagan og kahigayonan sa tumong nga makontrolar ang crowd sa sulod.
Sumala pa ni Mayor Eutropio Jayectin nga kung sa miaging tuig, miabot sa kapin kon kulang 75-mil ka mga tao ang midagsa sa Diwanag, gilaoman nga mas modaghan pa kini karong tuiga gumikan sa mas gipalambo ug mas gipalingaw nga mga pasundayag matag gabii.
Nasayran nga daghang mga artista ug performers gikan sa kaulohan Manila ug sa ubang dapit ang giimbitahan aron modalit og lingaw sa mga festival goers.
Sa iyang bahin, si Vice Governor Maricar Zamora ang mipadayag sa iyang kalipay sa 'paglupad' sa Montevista karon.
Matod pa niya nga gilaomang sunod tuig, mas mogilak pa ang lungsod tungod sa mga dagkong aktibidad nga nakatakdang ipahigayon  didto.
Ang Diwanag Festival gibuksan Disyembre 1 ug nakatakdang mahuman sa petsa 27 ning bulan.
Giawhag usab sa kapulisan ang mga turista nga dili na lang magdala og backpack  bags ug likayan ang pagsuot og jacket for safety reasons.
Si Mayor Jayectin way puas nga mipadangat sa iyang pasalamat sa gobernador, kang Bise Gobernador, municipal officials, mga kapitanes ug uban pa nga nahimong instrumento aron  mahimong nindot ang maong festival.
Karong gabii, Disyembre 2, mo-perform ang ULTIMO BAND featuring GARBO COMVALEÑOS CHAMPIONS.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release
REVITALIZATION OF CULTURE AND ARTS

Themed; "Diha sa mga Buhat sa Kakugi ug Panaghiusa", Elected Governor Art Yap attended Sikatuna's 102nd Foundation Day.

"Im happy that what you are doing now is rooted in the culture of Bohol", Yap said as he spoke to the people who attended the event.
He also said that the tourists who visits Bohol not just only come to eat or shop but because they want to experience the rich culture, food, literature and history.

"Let's continue to improve our culture and industry, Congratulations!", Yap added.

He invited everyone to join the opening of the Belen Showcase at the CPG park tonight.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release
REVITALIZATION OF CULTURE AND ARTS

Themed; "Diha sa mga Buhat sa Kakugi ug Panaghiusa", Elected Governor Art Yap attended Sikatuna's 102nd Foundation Day.

"Im happy that what you are doing now is rooted in the culture of Bohol", Yap said as he spoke to the people who attended the event.
He also said that the tourists who visits Bohol not just only come to eat or shop but because they want to experience the rich culture, food, literature and history.

"Let's continue to improve our culture and industry, Congratulations!", Yap added.

He invited everyone to join the opening of the Belen Showcase at the CPG park tonight.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BUSINESS PERMIT APPLICATION IS EXTENDED: NO WORRIES ON PENALTIES

The Sangguniang Panlungsod on its regular session today approved an Ordinance granting extension of the filing of Business Permits Application free from penalties upto March next year.

This measure gives due consideration to the business sectors who also been devastated by the series of quakes which recently shook  the city.

All members of the Sanggunian Panlungsod favorably approved the measure as relief to the sufferings of the business community who were not excempted in the ferocity of the recent natural calamity.

This act emanates from a letter of City Mayor Joseph Evangelista to the Sanggunian dated December 3, 2019.

CARLO C. AGAMON
Chairman
Committee on Trade, Commerce & Industry and Economic Enterprise.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BIFF's war materials recovered anew in Maguindanao 

Press Release:: Military troops recovered anew several arms and explosives as they pound on eluding BIFF rebels in Maguindanao.

Soldiers of the 33rd Infantry Battalion recovered two Cal. HM Barrette rifles, two 7.62mm rifles, one Rocket-Propelled Grenade, one M79 Grenade Launcher, one 81mm unexploded ordnance, IED paraphernalia, three warhead 81mm mortars, and other war materials while clearing Barangay Lapok in Shariff Aguak at 10am on December 3.

At 11:30am on December 3, soldiers recovered anew one Carbine rifle and medical equipment left by wounded BIFF rebels after a fierce fight with government troops in Barangay Tukanallipao, Mamasapano.

Clearing operations by combined troops of the 33IB and the 5th Special Forces Battalion further led to the recovery of one shotgun, one 9mm Ingram, two improvised explosives, and subversive documents in Barangay Lapok at 1:30pm on Tuesday.

Troops brought said materials to the 33IB command group for consolidation.

"Military forces pursue the enemy of the state in a very deliberate manner to drive the terrorists out of their strongholds," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"We are determined to disintegrate terrorist groups and purge central area from terrorism and violence," he added.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Bohol fish catch drip caused by illegal fishing
By Ric Obedencio

Illegal fishing methods employed in catching fish in the province remains unabated and rampant, neophyte Provincial Board Member Frans Gelaine Garcia bared.

"I wish to call the attention of this council and the public to the prevailing illegal fishing, an issue that is both local and provincial concern for the Bohol and the Philippines," she said in her privilege speech last week's session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

This sad state of fishing industry she learned from some island barangays in mostly second district.

She cited a case in island barangay Maomawan, wherein its barangay chieftain Bernadita M. Pagal bared that illegal fishing is still prevalent.

"Accordingly, the illegal fishing in Bien-Unido specifically in the island barangay of Malingin has been unsolved problem for over thirty (30) ears," she said.

And "illegal fishing is the culprit behind the massive drop of fish production in the region," Garcia quoted Mario Ruinata, chef of Bureau of Fsiheries and Aquatic Resources region 7 for special concerns as saying.

But she did not mention whether the illegal fishing or decline of fish catch contributes to sky-high prices of fish sold in the market in Bohol.

Such rates of prices of fish and other basic goods sold here is considered by Panglao town tourism official as "tourist prices."

Based on data she gathered, the fish catch in Bohol plunged to 44% despite the fact that Bohol is the highest fish producer in region 7.

It suffered a fish produce reduction of 73,471 metric tons in 2017 from 132,003 MT in 2013, she said.

"Following Bohol is Cebu with 76,563 MT fish production in 2013, which decreased to 62,655 MT in 2017, while Negros Oriental yielded 14,339 MT that dove to 11,794 MT in the same priod," Garcia said.

BFAR said that the sufficiency level of fish production in the region is only 38.31% to feed the growing population which is now placed at 5.8 million.

Seaweeds contributes 44% to the total 151,497 MT of current marine produce with only 86,948 MT fish yield, BFAR data showed she said.

"With estimated supplies being provided by other regions at 3,528 MT this leaves an estimate net balance shortage of 136,460 MT annually."

She said that BFAR is targeting to increase the production of at least 3.5% or about 5,582 MT apparently "to bridge the fish insufficiency gap in the region."

"Time and again, overfishing and degradation of our seas like what happened to Boracay should force us to implement long terms solution."

She urged her fellow legislators and the people, "We need to save our seas in order to save our nation."

While she also recommended some important steps that hopefully protect and conserve the seas, "most of marine organisms have been severely overfished due to illegal fishing" but human activities such as coastal development also contributed to the degradation.

One of her serious concerns that she wants her fellow lawmakers to help is the strict implementation of Republic Act 8550, known as The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 and the RA 10654, known as AN Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, amending the aforesaid law. (rvo)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

By CNN Philippines
House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chairman Franz Alvarez told CNN Philippines on Wednesday that his panel has no scheduled hearings until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on December 20.

This is contrary to what House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said in October that a House panel will tackle the renewal by yearend.

ABS-CBN's franchise expires on March 30, 2020 unless Congress and the President approve a new one.

President Duterte on Tuesday said he will personally make sure the TV network will be out of business when its license to operate expires.

ABS-CBN would be forced to shut down if it fails to secure a fresh 25-year franchise from Congress, which is currently dominated by Duterte's allies.

At end-2018, ABS-CBN had 6,730 regular employees, 900 non-regular employees and 3,325 talents per its report to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

"There are  many Tapayanons all over," 10th Infantry "Agila" Division commander, Major General Jose C. Faustino Jr recently said as he urged stakeholders to continue reaching out to peripheral communities.

Read More! of the General's recount on overcoming Tapayanon from the hands of NPAs, his passion to nurture the area, and his gratefulness of the support of LGUs, NGAs and civic organizations.
Click here!
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031093

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

SEC CRACKDOWN ON INVESTMENT SCAMS GETS BOOST FROM INVESTOR PROTECTION WEEK DECLARATION

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is poised to further advance its investor protection campaign, as President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared the second week of November as Investor Protection Week.

The President on November 15 issued Proclamation No. 846 "Declaring the Second Week of November of Every Year as Investor Protection Week," amid the Commission's intensified crackdown on investment scams.
"[T]here is a need to reinforce efforts to inform and educate the public on financial literacy, investor rights and responsibilities, and risks of investment, through the conduct of programs aimed at reducing the investing public's vulnerability to fraudulent schemes," the proclamation noted.
The declaration of the Investor Protection Week aligns with the state policy embodied in Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, to protect investors, ensure full and fair disclosure about securities, and minimize if not eliminate insider trading and other fraudulent or manipulative devices and practices, which create distortions in the free market.
The President tasked the SEC, in coordination with the Presidential Communications Operations Office, to lead the observance and celebration of the Investor Protection Week on the second week of November of every year.
The SEC is the national government regulatory agency charged with the supervision of the corporate sector, the capital market participants, and the securities and investment instrument market, and with the protection of the investing public, by virtue of Republic Act No. 11232, or the Revised Corporation Code, the Securities Regulation Code and other pertinent laws.
The President further directed all other departments, bureaus and agencies of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, to provide assistance to the SEC. The President also encouraged all local government units, as well as the private sector to actively participate in the celebration of the Investor Protection Week.
"We thank President Duterte for providing another significant thrust to our unrelenting efforts to protect the investing public from fraudulent and predatory investment schemes through the declaration of the Investor Protection Week," SEC Chairman Emilio B. Aquino said.
The SEC has been stamping out various forms of investment scams, from boiler-room operations to pyramiding and Ponzi schemes. This year alone, the Commission has issued advisories flagging at least 65 groups soliciting investments from the public without the necessary license. It has also issued cease and desist orders against 10 groups.
Meanwhile, the SEC has revoked the certificates of incorporation of five corporations, as well as filed criminal complaints against five entities for defrauding the public through investment scams.
"While we crack down on individuals and groups taking advantage of the vulnerable, we have to empower the public to discern and reject predatory and fraudulent investment schemes to prevent them from reemerging," Mr. Aquino noted.
"The declaration of the second week of November of every year as Investor Protection Week adds emphasis to the importance of financial literacy in putting an end to investment scams."
###

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

DAVAO CITY- About 450 youth development officers from municipalities and cities across Mindanao are in Davao City for the first ever Mindanao Local Youth Devt Officer Summit held from Dec 3 to 5 at Marco Polo Hotel Davao. Mayjee Dela Cruz of the National Youth Commission Davao said in the summit, participants will be oriented on the duties and mandates of YDO. He said the Mindanao Summit will be attuned to the grassroots as compared to the previous summits held in Manila which were represented by provincial YDOs. ( RG Alama)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release from AFP
Killed NPA identified: A 16-year old minor

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The killed NPA during the encounter between the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and elements of 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB) last November 30, 2019, was properly identified by the authorities during the public identification in Butuan City on December 2, 2019.

Through his brother, the NPA minor killed was identified as Litboy Talja Binongcasan, 16 years old, from Sitio Shiohan, Brgy. Malinao, Gingoog City.

Accordingly, Litboy was a Grade six pupil of Sitio Sioan Elementary School in Brgy. Malinao, Gingoog City when he went missing sometime February 2019.

It can be recalled that the government troops during the encounter, which transpired in Sitio Salvacion, Brgy. Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City recovered of two AK-47 rifles, one M16A1 rifle, one M16A1-RMC rifle, five civilian backpacks, two bandoleers, subversive documents, and other personal belongings along with the body of the said minor.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander Eastern Mindanao Command expresses his grief on the fate of the minor and condemns the CTG's continuous use of children in armed struggle.

"We are saddened with the fate of Litboy. His case is a clear violation of children's rights. He was deceptively recruited for the ideology he does not even understand. This act is being condemned in the highest form. It paints the true color of the CTGs who disregard the concern and human rights of the people, particularly the children," Lt. Gen Santos Jr. said. #SupportOurTroops

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Saan aabot ang P20 mo?

Sa halagang bente pesos, makakapasok ka na sa Christmas Village sa Montevista, Compostela Valley province at mararansan mo ang Christmas in Candy Land na konspeto nila ngayong taon na ito.

Kung bata ka pa, P10 pesos lang ang entrance fee mo.

Maliban sa mga nakakahangan mga bahay-bahayan, may mga kasiyahan din gabi-gabi mula December 1-27, 2019.

Kaya ano pang hinihintay ninyo? Punta Christmas Village ng Montevista na matatagpuan sa Municipal Hall grounds, National Highway.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2477049442563343&id=1446083518993279

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Bong Go recommends to PRRD to grant Christmas incentives for barangay officials

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said on Sunday, December 1, that the Office of the President (OP) will give PhP3,000 as Christmas incentives to elected barangay officials, namely barangay captains, kagawads, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons, and Indigenous People's Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) to show appreciation for their hard work in their respective communities pending the passage of a measure providing for additional compensation for them.

"Sinuggest ko po 'yan kay Pangulong Duterte para mapasaya ang ating mga barangay officials na walang sawang nagseserbisyo sa kanilang mga komunidad," said Go.

"Gumagawa po kami ng paraan ni Pangulong Duterte na mabigyan man lang kayo ng Christmas incentives o anuman po na pwede ninyong magamit ngayong pasko para po sa mga elected barangay officials," he added.

The senator, who has consistently pursued measures to promote the welfare of barangay officials, is hoping that this would provide incentives for their untiring service as providers of frontline services to the community while waiting for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) No. 391 or the "Barangay Services Compensation Act" which is still being deliberated in the Senate Committee on Local Government.

Originally known as the "Magna Carta for Barangays Act of 2019" filed by Senator Go on July this year, SB 391 is a consolidated version of all other related bills filed in the Senate which aim to provide barangay officials additional compensation similarly accorded to a regular government employee as well as other benefits to promote their welfare in return for the service they render to their respective communities.

As the basic unit of governance in the country, the senator has always been vocal about promoting the welfare of barangay officials in return for their critical role they play in their respective communities.

"The barangay serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in our communities," he said during a Senate committee hearing.

"It is through our barangays that government programs and services reach our people. It is through our barangays that our policies, plans, and projects aimed at improving our country materialize. Most importantly, it is in our barangays that we hone dutiful citizens who will become the future builders of our nation," he added.

The senator also said that it is high time that the hard work and efforts of barangay officials are recognized.

"Our barangays are not on autopilot. They are manned by these hard-working and dedicated individuals who, despite their seemingly thankless job, are committed to ensuring that our barangays serve the purpose they are intended for," he said.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

PRRD signs landmark law establishing Malasakit Centers nationwide; also approves postponement of barangay and SK elections

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law two bills that institutionalize the Malasakit Centers and postpone the May 2020 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to December 2022. A ceremonial signing was held in Malacañang on Tuesday, December 3.

In his speech, the President said he is "elated and grateful" with the two laws, which he called "vital in realizing meaningful and lasting reform for the good of our nation."

The two laws, which are the first to be passed in the 18th Congress, were both major items in the legislative agenda of Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go during the campaign period. The bills that the Senator filed in July, right after assuming office, served as bases for the two laws.

Considered as a landmark piece of legislation, Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Center Act of 2019, mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in 73 hospitals that are run by the Department of Health (DOH) all over the country and in the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

"The Malasakit Center is one of the solutions the Duterte government has developed to provide quick and quality access to healthcare to all Filipinos, regardless of their age, sex, ethnic background, religion and political affiliation," Go said in his past statements.

The Malasakit Center, intended to be a one-stop shop, consolidates the financial assistance that patients may apply for from four government agencies, namely, the DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

"With the Malasakit Center Act in place to complement the Universal Health Care Law, we are a step closer towards making quality health care more accessible and affordable for all Filipinos, especially the indigent and poor patients in need of medical assistance from the government," Go said.

Go expressed his gratitude hours before the ceremonial signing of the laws, when he attended the opening of the 52nd Malasakit Center in the country at the Ospital ng Malabon in Malabon City.

"Pera niyo po ito. Ibinabalik lang sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng mabilis, maayos at maaasahang serbisyong medikal para sa lahat ng Pilipino," he said.

President Duterte himself credited Go on several occasions for giving him the idea of opening Malasakit Centers, when Go was still the Special Assistant to the President.

Go sponsored the Malasakit Center Bill in the Senate, while his bill on the postponement of the village elections were consolidated with the bills of other senators.

Republic Act No. 11462, meanwhile, sets the next barangay and SK elections from the second Monday of May 2020 to December 5, 2022, and then on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years thereafter. The law extends the term of the current barangay and SK officials from two years to four years and a half.

"Mga barangays natin ang pinaka-frontline ng ating gobyerno sa paghahatid ng serbisyo at sa kampanya natin laban sa iligal na droga at kriminalidad. Kaya dapat lang na mabigyan natin sila ng oportunidad at sapat na oras upang makapagpatupad ng kani-kanilang mga programa at proyekto," Go explained.

The President asked Congress to prioritize both bills when he delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address last July 22, 2019.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BSP HOLDS DIGITAL PAYMENTS LEADERS SUMMIT
AS THE COUNTRY MOVES CLOSER TO A CASH-LITE ECONOMY

Press Release:: Leaders from the government and the private sectors renewed their commitment to accelerate the adoption of electronic payments in the country during the "Digital Payments Leaders Summit" held today at the head office of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) which spearheaded the event.

The summit was marked by the release of the study of the United Nations-based Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) which reported that the volume of e-payments usage in the Philippines grew from 1% in 2013 to 10% in 2018, while the value of e-payments rose from 8% to 20% during the same period. The study also revealed that women in the Philippines are ahead of the men in adopting digital payment solutions.

According to BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno, "This development affirms that significant progress is attainable through effective cooperation as we harmonize our efforts towards promoting a cash-lite economy. In view of its immense potential to foster financial inclusion, the rising usage of e-payments is seen to provide robust support to our shared goal of promoting inclusive economic growth."

In line with this, the leaders summit identified key areas of cooperation, namely: social benefit transfers; payments to merchants and billers including payments to the government; payments to suppliers; and remittances, which are critical use cases in making digital payments widely available and acceptable throughout the country.

Governor Diokno said, "These efforts are aimed at bringing the country closer to our ultimate objective of having an inclusive payment system where no adult Filipino is left behind in terms of access to payment and other basic financial services."

The BSP actively promotes the use of e-payments. Recently, it launched the EGov Pay facility which enables online payment of taxes and government fees; and the QR PH, which is the country's QR Code standard that allows convenient person-to-person money transfers. The BSP pursues these initiatives with the payments industry led by the Philippine Payments Management, Inc.


* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

From upd.edu.ph (DEC. 2)— National Scientist and University Professor Emeritus Edgardo D. Gomez, passed
away on Sunday night, Dec. 1. He was 81.

Gomez was conferred the rank of National Scientist in 2014 "for his outstanding contributions to science particularly his research on marine ecosystems which became the
bases for management of and the conservation programs for the country's marine resources."

He was known for his notable researches in coral reef ecology and restoration, conservation of marine resources, reproduction of marine invertebrates and culture of giant clams.

A founding director of the internationally acclaimed The UP Marine Science Institute from
July 1974 to April 1999, Gomez was conferred the University Professor Emeritus in 2005.

Gomez obtained his BA and BS Education, summa cum laude, from the De La Salle University in 1962. He later earned his MS in Biology from St. Mary's University in Minnesota, USA in 1967 and his PhD in Marine Biology at the Scripps Institution of
Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, USA in 1973.

He received numerous awards as an expert in the field of marine science. Among his prestigious awards were the Global 500 Roll of Honour by the United Nation's Environment
Programme in 1989; the Pew Marine Conservation Fellow in 2001; the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award by the Philippine Civil Service Commission in 2000; and The
Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award in Science in 1992. In 1993, he was elected Academician by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines.

In 2017, Gomez, together with co-authors Mei Lin Neo, Colette C.C. Wabnitz, Richard D. Braley, Gerald A. Heslinga, Cécile Fauvelot, Simon Van Wynsberge, Ser.G.E. Andréfouët,

Charles Waters, Aileen Shau-Hwai Tan, Mark J. Costello, Peter A. Todd, published their research on the "Giant clams (Bivalvia: Cardiidae: Tridacninae): A comprehensive update of species and their distribution, current threats and conservation status" in the book Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, Volume 55, 1 st Edition.

Gomez's works "The spaghetti sponge Callyspongia samarensis (Wilson, 1925) provides temporary habitat for reef fish recruits" (2016) and "Performance of single versus mixed
coral species for transplantation to restore degraded reefs" (2015) were published by peer-reviewed international journals such as the Marine Biodiversity (Springer-Verlag) and Restoration Ecology Journal, respectively. He co-authored both researches with UP MSI professors Patrick C. Cabaitan, PhD and Helen T. Yap, PhD.—Haidee C. Pineda

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

AMLC PROPOSES AMLA AND HSA AMENDMENTS

BSP Press Release: Following the release of the results of the country's Mutual Evaluation. The Mutual Evaluation assesses a country's levels of technical compliance with international anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) standards; and effectiveness of the country's existing AML/CTF mechanisms. (ME) through the adoption of the ME Report (MER) in 22 August 2019, the Philippines' financial intelligence unit, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), proposes amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (AMLA), as amended, and the Human Security Act of 2007 (HSA) to address deficiencies identified in the MER, thus raising the Philippines' level of technical compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. The passage of both laws and their implementation must be accomplished by October 2020.
       
Salient provisions of the AMLC's proposed amendments to the AMLA or Republic Act (RA) No. 9160, as amended, are as follows:

·        Inclusion, as covered persons, of real estate developers, brokers, and sales agents to perform obligations of customer due diligence, recordkeeping, and suspicious transaction reporting;
·        Inclusion of additional predicate offenses to money laundering, such as certain tax crimes; and proliferation financing by managing the trade in strategic or dual-use goods, which are materials that may be utilized in manufacturing nuclear weapons;  

·        Expansion of investigative powers of the AMLC;

·        Inclusion of the authority to implement targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism, terrorism financing, proliferation, or proliferation financing on designated persons and entities identified in the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council;

·        Prohibition of the issuance of injunctive relief against AMLC actions; and

·        Such other provisions that will ensure the operational independence of the AMLC and its Secretariat.

Relative to Senate Bill No. 1083, or An Act Amending Certain Provisions of RA No. 9372, otherwise known as An Act to Secure the State and Protect our People from Terrorism or the HSA, AMLC's proposed additions are as follows:

·        Designation of individuals as terrorists;

·        Criminalization of the financing of travel for purposes of committing terrorist acts;

·        Criminalization of foreign terrorist fighters;

·        Inclusion of the definition of "proliferation of weapons of mass destruction" as this will lay down the framework for the implementation of targeted financial sanctions related to proliferation financing;

·        Strengthen the powers of intelligence and law enforcement agencies to prevent, detect, and combat terrorism; and

·        Expedition of the legal process for obtaining data related to terrorism and terrorism financing.

In the last quarter of 2020, the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) – Joint Group will review if the Philippines has moved toward implementing the MER's recommended actions (RAs), most of which are encapsulated within the AMLC's proposed amendments to the AMLA and the HSA.

Failure to implement key RAs will result to the Philippines automatic referral to the International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG) or to "gray-listing." The FATF requires all countries to notify their financial institutions of "gray-listed" countries and to consider measures to effectively manage the risks of transactions with individuals and entities from those listed countries.

The European Union (EU), in particular, requires its members to apply enhance due diligence on individuals and entities from listed countries. This includes additional inquiries before opening accounts or engaging in transactions, thus creating a mandatory barrier and increasing the cost of doing business in Europe for said individuals and entities. Often, listing results in de-banking or refused transactions. It is the APG's experience that the FATF listing has a significant financial impact on countries as a result of the EU requirements.

Through a reinforced AMLC and closer collaboration among government agencies concerned, however, AMLC Chairman Benjamin E. Diokno takes an optimistic stance in successfully addressing the country's shortcomings in its AML/CTF system.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release: City of Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat on Monday announced bonuses for both the regular, co-terminus, contractuals, and job order employees of the City Government.

Aside from the usual 13th month pay which the employees had already received several weeks ago, Mayor Michelle said that on December 6 all employees would also receive their Christmas bonuses of P15,000 for regular and P10,000 for the job orders.

City employees are also set to receive their Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) incentive of P25,000 on December 15.

Mayor Michelle added that they are also working out on another possible bonus after Christmas which will be sourced from the savings of the City Government from this year's budget.

The City Government of Mati has 390 regular employees, 36 co-terminus, 35 casuals, 15 elected officials, and about 1,843 job order employees. (CIO MATI)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Nagpakilalang bodyguard ni Kapa
Founder Pastor Joel Apolinario, nahuli sa checkpoint dahil sa dala nitong mga hindi lisensyadong baril

By: Cheche Diabordo, abscbn news

Davao City - Inaresto ng Bunawan Police Station si Edilberto Naupan, 44 taong gulang taga Bislig Surigao del Sur alas 9 Martes ng umaga.

Matapos itong makuhanan ng .45 Caliber Pistol pero walang maipakitang mga dokumento, nakunan rin ang suspek ng mga bala ng iba't ibang baril.

Papasok sana ng Davao City si Naupan galing Surigao City, nang mahuli nang mga otoridad matapos itong dumaan sa checkpoint ng Task Force Davao at Bunawan Police Station.

"Wala siyang maipakitang papeles sa kanyang dalang baril, ng e-check natin ang kanyang sasakyan nakuhanan rin siya ng mga bala ng bala, at maraming pera, nagpakilala rin siyang bodyguard ni kapa Founder Pastor Joel Apolinario," ayon kay Police Major Noel Villahermosa, station commander ng Bunawan Police Station.

Narecover mula sa sasakyan ng suspek ang labing tatlong bala ng .45 caliber pistol, limang box na may lamang 77pcs ng bala ng .22 long rifle.

May dala ring walong bundles na tig 500,000 si Naupan na nagkakahalaga lahat ng 4,000,000.00 million pesos.

Dagdag ni Villahermosa, pay out daw d umano ni naupan ang nasabing pera mula sa KAPA Investment Scheme.

Sinubukan din umano ng suspek na bayaran si Police Corporal  Alicer Cañete na bibigyang ng 6,500.00 para hindi na siya hulihin.

Sa ngayon ay nasa kustodita na ng Bunawan Police Station ang suspek.

Inaalam din ng Bunawan Police sa NBI XI kung kasama si Naupan sa mga humaharap ng kasong syndicated estafa.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

PLDT, Smart, Sun, and TNT Network Advisory
[03 Dec 2019]

Customers in parts of Davao, Maramag, Tagum, Malaybalay, and Buda in Southern Mindanao may experience degradation or loss of call, text, and mobile data services due to multiple fiber cuts in the area.

Restoration is ongoing and we will provide updates as efforts progress. Thank you for your patience.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

NDRRMC: (2:50 PM, 02 DEC 2019) Signal#2 sa Metro Manila, Bulacan, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, southern portion of Aurora, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, rest of Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Occ. Mindoro, Marinduque, rest of Cam. Norte, Calamian Islands, southern portion of Zambales, rest of Eastern Samar, rest of Samar, Biliran, Aklan, Capiz, northern Antique, northern Iloilo, northern portion of Negros Occ., northern Cebu, and northern portion of Leyte. Inaasahan ang malakas na hangin na may kasamang pag-ulan sa loob ng 24 oras. Ang lahat ay pinag-iingat.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

1gabby
adjective

fond of talking or conversation a gabby talk-show host whose interviews were almost as much about herself as about her guests
Synonyms blabby, chatty, conversational, talkative, garrulous, loquacious, motormouthed, mouthy, talky
Related Words communicative, expansive; demonstrative, effusive, gushing; free-spoken, outspoken, unreserved, vocal; articulate, fluent, glib, voluble, well-spoken; gossipy, talebearing, tale-telling; long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy; extroverted (also extraverted), gregarious, outgoing, sociable
Near Antonyms quiet, shy; mum, mute, silent, speechless, tongue-tied, wordless; evasive, nonvocal, secretive, self-contained; aloof, indrawn, inhibited, introverted, retiring, unsociable, withdrawn
Antonyms closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

aberration
definition from
Oxford Dictionary of English - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobisystems.msdict.embedded.wireless.oxford.dictionaryofenglish.full

aberration /ˌabəˈreɪʃ(ə)n  /
▸ noun a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically an unwelcome one:
they described the outbreak of violence in the area as an aberration
I see these activities as some kind of mental aberration.
Biology a characteristic that deviates from the normal type:
colour aberrations.
Optics the failure of rays to converge at one focus because of a defect in a lens or mirror.
Astronomy the apparent displacement of a celestial object from its true position, caused by the relative motion of the observer and the object.
– DERIVATIVES
aberrational adjective
– ORIGIN late 16th century : from Latin aberratio(n-), from aberrare 'to stray' (see aberrant).


* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

By Alan Dalagan
ATM: Sports/ Boxing

Casimero mipatumba kang Tete sa 3rd round aron malabni ang WBO bantamweight title

GIPAKUGANG ni Johnriel 'Quadro Alas' Casimero ang bagang panon sa  Birmingham dihang iyang gipatumba ang  title favorite ug defending champion Zolani Tete sa makaduhang higayon alang sa iyang third round TKO nga kadaugan Sabado sa gabii (kun sa sayong buntag sa Dominggo) o kagahapon didto sa Arena Birmingham sa United Kingdom aron malabni ang full WBO world bantamweight title ug nakamugna pag-usab sa kasaysayan human nahimong usa ka three-division world champion.

Si Tete (28-4-0, 21KOs) kinsa motindog og  5'9"  mas taas og lima ka pulgada kang Casimero, nag-inampingon sa opening rounds ug nigamit sa iyang gitas-on ug kataas sa kamot aron pagdakop kang  Casimero sa pagsud. Apan si Casimero (29-4-0, 20KOs) nisukod sa mga lihok ni Tete diin iyang giestablisar ang distansiya  sa iyang  head ug body attacks human ang duha ka rounds nahuman nga diyutay ra og aksiyon.

Ug sa sayong bahin sa  third, si Casimero kalit lamang nakuha si Tete pinaagi sa tuong tira sa ulo gisundan sa laing duha ka tuong suntok aron patumbahon ang kanhi   two-division world champion ngadto sa canvass nga grabeng nasakitan.

Samtang nakuha ni Tete ang pag-ihap uban sa naglubay nga mga paa, gitiwasan ni Casimero pinaagi sa pagbuhi og sunodsunod nga mga suntok sa ulo ug lawas aron tumbahon pag-usab si Tete. Bisan si  Tete nakahimo sa pagbarog sa ikaduhang knockdown apan tataw na kaayo nga  dili na kini makahimo sa pagtiwas sa maong round kay taas pa oras ang nahabilin. Human gipauwanan og mga komo, niduol si Referee Steve Gray aron ipahunong ang away ug nidagan si Casimero sa iyang korner aron pagsaulog sa iyang kadaugan.

"I worked very hard in Las Vegas for this fight," si Casimero nibutyag sa  Skysports human sa away. "My opponents are very good, they are the favorites. I am not good but I always beat them."

"Come on Inoue, let's fight," si Casimero nagkanayon diin iyang gipunting ang iyang pana ngadto sa nailhan nga "monster" kinsa ginganlan sa kadaghanan nga maoy  top dog sa maong division ug usa ka  top pound for pound fighter sa  planeta.

Kini maoy ikaduhang kadaugan ni Casimero sa England, ang primero batok kang  Charlie Edwards kinsa
iyang  gipaundang sa   10th round. Ug nadepensahan ang iyang IBF world flyweight title.

Nidaug si Casimero sa  Interim WBO world title niadtong April batok kang  Ricardo Espinoza ug nakadepensa niini sa makausang higayon batok kang  Cesar Ramirez niadtong  Agosto ug karon mao na ang  full fledged WBO champion pinaagi sa pagpalagpot kang Tete. Ug nitapo sa iyang mga kababayan nga sila si Manny Pacquiao, Jerwin Ancajas ug Pedro Taduran isip kasamtangan nga kampeyon sa nasud.

Si Casimero usab nahilakip uban kang
Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire Jr ug Donnie Nietes isip mga three division world champions sa nasud. (Philboxing.com/ALAN ANDY NALZARO DALAGAN)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

From Blessed the Philippines FB Page

1986 nung simulang palitan ang mga aklat. Kaya hanggang ngayon yung maling akala at pabor sa mga Aquino lang nababasa ng mga kabataan

1. Ferdinand Marcos is the best president in the world on his term.
2. Philippines is called Super Power Nation under Marcos leadership.
3. Marcos was rich before he became a President of the Philippines because he was the lawyer of a wealthy family and in return for his accomplishment he was rewarded with 192,000 MT of gold
4. Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law over acts of protest and defamation of goverment that called black propaganda.
5. Cory Aquino is the reason why the Philippines is suffering today.
6. Marcos is not a dictator. He had to declare martial law to save the country.
7. Ninoy Aquino is a communist leader who wants to seize and lead the Philippines.
8. Emilio Aguinaldo is a big traitor in the philippine history.
9. Marcos are worshiped by other nations for he's ability to lead.
10. The dollar was only two pesos when Marcos is the President of the Philippines.
11. Apolinario Mabini should be president too if he's not just crippled.
12. Nung si marcos pa ang namumuno sa Pilipinas ay disiplinado lahat ng tao.
13. Andres Bonifacio is the first President of the Philippines.
14. Hindi kinilala si Andres Bonifacio bilang unang pangulo ng Pilipinas sa kadahilanang isa syang mababang supremo.
15. Nang maging pangulo si Cory Aquino nag simula ng bumaba ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas at nag karoon na ng madaming krimen sa Pilipinas.
16. Kung natupad lang sana lahat ng plano ni Marcos wala sanang mahirap na Pilipino ngayon.
17. Si marcos ang dahilan ng pag unlad ng iba't ibang bansa sapagkat sinusolusyunan nya o binibigyang payo kung pano ma resolba ang problema nito.
18. Isa dahilan kung bakit napatalsik si Marcos sa kanyang termino dahil sa tulong na rin ng mga Amerikano na naiingit sa kanyang katalinuhang mamuno.
19. Philippine history did not start with the Spanish Colonization.
20. Higit pa sa Amerika ang Pilipinas ngayon kung natuloy lang ang plano ni Marcos.
21. Hindi nakasaad sa libro ang mga nagawa ni Marcos at mga naitulong nya sa Pilipinas dahil lang na gusto nila ipalabas na masama si Marcos yun ang dahilan na martial law lang ang mababasa mo sa libro.
22. Kaya natuloy ang people power dahil binayaran ni Cory Aquino ang bawat isa na dumalo kapalit ng dalawang daan mapaalis lang si Marcos sa termino.
23. Pinahiram ni Marcos ang blueprint nang kanyang plano para sa Pilipinas sa Singapore kaya naging isang maunlad ang bansang ito.
24. Maibabalik na sana ni Marcos ang dating pangalan ng Pilipinas na "Maharlika" kung di lang sya pinag tulong-tulungan patalsikin ng mga taong ina akala syang mag nanakaw sa kaban ng bayan.
25. Nung panahon ni Marcos meron syang tinayong grupo na "Kadiwa" na tumutulong at nag bibigay ng libreng pagkain sa mga taong mahihirap kaya walang nagugutom na Pilipino nung kapanahunan nya.
26. Yung yaman at mga alahas ng pamilya Marcos ay nanggaling mismo sa kanilang pag sisikap, hindi galing sa kaban ng bayan.
27. Ipinatigil ni Cory Aquino ang pag papagawa ng Nuclear Power Plant sa Bataan sa kadahilanang makakasama raw sa kalusugan ng tao ito na dapat sana makakatulong satin hanggang ngayon para mapamura ang bayarin sa kuryente.
28. Isa si Marcos sa mga sundalong lumaban noong panahon mg World War II at dahil sa kanyang kabayanihan ay pinangaralan sya ng mga Amerikano.
29. Si Ferdinand Marcos ay inalipustang bayani na totoong maraming nagawa para sa bansa.
30. Sapilitang umupo si Cory Aquino bilang Presidente ng Pilipinas na dapat ay ang Vice Presidente na si Laurel.
31.Ninoy Aquino is a true dictator, not Ferdinand Marcos.
32. Naging Bayani lang si Ninoy Aquino dahil nilinis ni Cory ang pangalan nito nang maupo bilang presidente ng Pilipinas.
33. Kung di nag deklara si Marcos ng Martial Law ay nasakop na sana tayo ng mga komunista na pinamumunuan ni Ninoy Aquino.
34. Sa pag kakaupo palang ni Cory Aquino ay mag nagawa agad syang kasalanan na tinatawag na "Mendiola Massacre" na kung saan pinag papapatay nya ang mga mag sasaka.
35. Ninoy Aquino is a traitor, not a hero.
36. Ang ugat ng kahirapan sa Pilipinas ay nung mula ng maupo si Cory Aquino na walang ibang ginawa sa ating bansa kundi paburan ang taong nasa tabi nya.
37. Nawalan ng disiplina ang mga tao simula nung naganap ang Edsa People Power.
38. Ang kahirapan ng Pilipinas ngayon ay nag papatunay na si Marcos ay tama, tama sa kanyang mga plano noon na pauunalarin ang bansang Pilipinas.
39. The original name of the Philippines is "The Kingdom Of Maharlika"
40. Tayo'y hindi mga Pilipino't Pilipina kundi tayo ay isang Maharlikano at Maharlikana.
41. Kahirapan ang resulta ng 1986 Edsa People Power sa Pilipinas.
42. Napakaraming magsasaka na pinatay noong sa kapanahunang mamuno si Cory Aquino.
43. Isa sa pinaka malaking kasinungalingan na hanggang ngayon ay bitbit ng maraming Pilipino ay isang mabuting tao si Ninoy Aquino na naging dahilan noon at pinamunuan ang mga komunista para gawing komunista ang Pilipinas ngunit nilinis ni Cory Aquino ang kanyang pangalan noong sapilitan syang umupo bilang Presidente ng Pilipinas at iniba nya ang katotohanan at pinagtakpan na si Ninoy Aquino raw ay isang bayani at si Marcos daw ang traydor at maalipustang Pangulo ng Pilipinas na hanggang ngayon ay pinaniniwalaan ng karamihan sa atin ang isa kasinungalungan.
44. Bukod kay Marcos meron tayong isang Pinakamagaling na Presidente na hindi na luklok sa pwesto yun ay walang iba kundi si "Miriam Defonsor Santiago"
45. Pinag takpan lang ng pamilya Aquino ang mga mali nilang nagawa at ibinaling lahat kay Marcos upang malason ang utak ng mga Pilipino, karamihan sa mga kabataan.
46. Binago ng pamilyo Aquino ang mga impormasyon sa mga libro at walang ibang makikita kundi ang mga maling paratang at ang Martial Law na sabe sabe nila na masama ang idinulot sa ating bansa.
47. Kung di nag deklara si Ferdinand Marcos ng Martial Law ay nasakop na tayo ng mga komunista at di lalaganap ang Kristyanismo.
48. Si Ferdinand Marcos talaga ang ama ng demokrasya at sya rin ang tanging Pangulo na nag tanggol sa ating bansa na hindi masabi ng Main Stream Media sapagkat siniraan at kumalat ang mga Black Propaganda laban sa kanya. Ang natatangin nasasabi nalang sa kanya ng Media ay masama.
49. Wala silang ibang sinisi sa mga patayang nangyayari kundi si Marcos at napaniwala ang karamihan lalo na mga kabataan dahil walang social media na kung ano lang ang kanilang marinig sa mga radyo o television o kaya nababasa nila sa mga diyaryo ay yun na kagad ang paniniwalaan nila na di tulad ngayon na kahit lokohin man tayo ng mga television o mga pahayag sa radyo ay di nila magagawa sapagkat merong "Social Media".
50. Ang Martial Law na idineklara ni Marcos ay naging dahilan upang mapanatili ang kalayaan ng ating bayan.
51. Ang pilipinas noon ay pag mamay ari ng isang pamilya ( Taganea-Tallano).

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

From PIA
PANOORIN: Rebeldeng CPP-NPA, itinakwil ng 11 barangay sa Bukidnon

Labing isang barangay sa isang munisipalidad ng Bukidnon province ang nagsanib-pwersa para ideklarang persona non-grata ang mga rebeldeng grupo na Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army o mas kilala sa tawag na CPP-NPA.

Isang resolusyon na suportado ng lokal na pamahalaan ang kanilang nilagdaan bilang pagpapakita ng pagkundena sa mga panggugulo at pananakot ng grupo sa kanilang pamayanan.

Para sa kanila, tama na, sobra na at kailangan ng wakasan ang maling gawain ng mga rebeldeng grupo. Hangad nila anga mas matiwasay at mapayang buhay para sa kanilang pamilya at komunidad.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Augustinian Abbey School, Division of Las Piñas, Wins First Place in 24th BSP-DepEd Annual Oratorical Contest

Press Release:: The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), held the 24th BSP-DepEd Oratorical Contest, the culminating activity of the 30th National Statistics Month, last 29 October 2019 at the BSP Assembly Hall. Sixteen 10th Grade students from the National Capital Region (NCR) divisions showcased their oratorical skills and insights on the importance of the innovative use of statistics in advancing the country's development agenda, in line with the theme, "Data Innovation: Key to a Better Nation."

Of the sixteen finalists, Mr. Shawn Kelly B. Lizardo from the Augustinian Abbey School in Las Piñas won this year's first prize. He was awarded a cash prize of ₱25,000 and a trophy by BSP Monetary Board Member Felipe M. Medalla and DepEd Director John Arnold S. Siena. The oratorical coach of Mr. Lizardo was Ms. Izah Rizza T. San Francisco.

Mr. Paul Resty V. Arcega from Rizal High School in Pasig came in second, while Ms. Sofia Marie G. Marquito from Navotas National High School came in third in the competition.

The thirteen finalists in this year's oratorical contest were:

(1) Mr. Judgeon Haendel P. Boniel from Caloocan National Science and Technology High School, Caloocan;

(2) Ms. Merry Joy G. Tablanda from Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino High School, Makati;

(3) Ms. Dinelin Love T. Demdam from Malabon National High School, Malabon;

(4) Ms. lannah Chelsea L. Belonia from Mataas na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales, Mandaluyong;

(5) Ms. Chenelle Ashley G. Palileo from Lakan Dula High School, Manila;

(6) Mr. Julian Miguel G. Tecson from Marikina Heights High School, Marikina;

(7) Ms. Rona Joy P. Tomondong from Muntinlupa National High School, Muntinlupa;

( Ms. Sharlla Mae S. Cerilles from Parañaque National High School, Parañaque;

(9) Ms. Ezra Andrei A. Ezpañola from Pasay City West High School, Pasay;

(10) Ms. Althea Pableo from San Bartolome High School, Quezon City;

(11) Mr. Shirbert T. Villanueva from San Juan National High School, San Juan;

(12) Mr. Jumar D. Pata from Taguig Science High School, Taguig Pateros; and

(13) Ms. Ma. Loraine D. Labrador from Malanday National High School, Valenzuela.

The orators passed through different stages of elimination conducted by the DepEd in the 16 NCR divisions. Winners of the division level eliminations represented their respective divisions in the oratorical finals.

For more than two decades, the oratorical contest has been a platform for instilling greater awareness and appreciation of the crucial role of statistics in our country's development, especially among the youth.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BILL SEEKS TO MAKE IMPROVED TELECOMS SYSTEMS FOR THE DIFFERENTLY-ABLED A NATIONAL POLICY

Press Release:: Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy has filed a bill making the establishment of better telecommunications facilities for the differently-abled a matter of national policy.

Citing information from Better Hearing Philippines, Inc., the House Deputy Majority Leader said, "as many as 3 out of 10 Filipinos suffers from some hearing loss, while about 1 in 10 Filipinos suffers from complete hearing loss."

"The Department of Health pegs the prevalence of speaking disability at 1/3 the percentage of hearing disability," Herrera also said.

[The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons every 3rd of December was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3]

House Bill 4322 aims to create a telecommunications relay system for people with hearing and speech disabilities.

"It is the declared purpose of this Act to establish a system whereby Filipinos with hearing disabilities, speech disabilities, or dual sensory disabilities have access to basic telecommunications services at a cost no greater than that paid by other customers," Herrera said.

Although the government already recognized the need to encourage telephone providers to install devices for the differently-abled, the proposed bill seeks to elevate the importance of these measures to the national level.

"Moreover, creating a firm requirement to provide these services will ensure to the greatest extent possible that the needs of Filipinos with hearing and speech disabilities are met," she added.

"Communications is an essential human need and therefore, a basic human right," Herrera, who in her private capacity as a Governor of Rotary International here in the Philippines, is coordinating efforts of Rotary Clubs against polio and other public health concerns. (END)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release
100% COMPLETED NA ang Malalag Port sa Davao del Sur!

Dahil sa masigasig na implementasyon ng Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), mapakikinabangan na ng ating mga kababayang Davaoeño ang itinuturing na ikatlo sa mga pangunahing 'international maritime gateway' sa bansa, matapos itong sumailalim sa komprehensibong rehabilitasyon.

Nakapaloob sa port development project ang konstruksyon ng RC wharf, access trestle at back-up area. Upgraded na rin ang lighting system sa naturang pantalan.

Inaasahang makatutulong ang rehabilitasyon ng Malalag Port sa higit pang paglago ng ekonomiya ng lalawigan ng Davao del Sur. Bahagi ito ng paggabay ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) sa PPA sa paglulunsad ng mga seaport project upang isulong ang pag-unlad sa iba't ibang bahagi ng bansa.

Ilan sa mga pangunahing cargo na idinadaan sa Malalag Port ang steel products, mga sasakyan, heavy equipment, at asukal.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

ABS-CBN NEWS: The country's disaster management agency on Thursday advised the public to prepare for Typhoon Kammuri as the tropical cyclone may intensify into a super typhoon while barreling towards east of the Philippines. Typhoon Kammuri, which is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility by Sunday, is projected to strengthen further as it approaches, and may bring continuous heavy rains over Luzon and eastern Visayas which could cause flooding and landslides in coming days. In an advisory, the NDRRMC said Kammuri, which will be named Tisoy once it enters PAR, will bring "heavy damage to high-risk structures, unroof houses made of medium-strength materials, damage shrubbery, break or uproot large trees, and topple electric posts." Storm surge is also possible in coastal areas, NDRRMC said. [pia-dr/ad] https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/29/19/ndrrmc-warns-kammuri-may-become-super-typhoon-tells-public-to-prepare

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

DZRH BREAKING: Bagyong Tisoy nakapasok na sa Philippine Area of Responsibility. https://twitter.com/dzrhnews/status/1200691449165045760?s=19

RAPPLER BREAKING: PAGASA says Typhoon Kammuri, locally named Tisoy, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 4 pm on Saturday, November 30, 2019.

CNN PHL BREAKING: Typhoon Kammuri, now named Tisoy, enters PH — PAGASA

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release::
NPA Commander surrenders Squad Firearms

A certain alias Lakay, a former Squad Leader of a CPP- NPA Terrorist Group (CTG) Platoon being monitored in Misamis Oriental, revealed to 58th Infantry Battalion (IB)  on November 30, 2019 an arms cache in Balatukan Complex, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

Stashed in the said arms cache are two M16 rifles and two AK 47 rifles, all belonging to the squad he previously handled.

Alias Lakay first surrendered to Barangay Captain Claresa E. Bacullo of brgy Linabu, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on November 28, 2019 bringing along with him his firearm, an AK 47 rifle.

Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command welcomes the continuing surrender of the members and supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

"We are confident that our efforts of reaching out to the members of the CTG is continuously gaining ground. It is expected that CTGs will be stashing their firearms, for what is firearms without personnel." Lt Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command said.

On a separate instance, Barangay Councils of Brgys  San Isidro, Tudela and Manat all of Trento, Agusan Del Sur together with 75th Infantry Battalion facilitated the surrender of 23 Militia ng Bayan and the withdrawal of support  of 160 members of the CTG's Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) on November 29, 2019.

Meanwhile, from January 1 to November 30, 2019 a total of 696 NPA regulars surrendered to the authorities or an average of two NPAs per day. For the same period 1050 Militia ng Bayan have surrendered while 4402 UGMO members have severed their connection with the CTG. These surrenderees have brought with them a total of 689 firearms of various caliber.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

The Monetary Board (MB) approved the enhancements to the rules on the issuance of long-term negotiable certificates of time deposit (LTNCTDs), bonds and commercial papers (CPs) that allow related companies of the issuing universal/commercial banks (U/KBs) and quasi-banks (QBs) to underwrite or arrange the said financial instruments subject to certain conditions. Said enhancement is aimed at contributing to the development of the capital market.

The amended rules require that there are other third party underwriters/arrangers that are not related in any manner to the issuing U/KB or QB.  The parties shall ensure that an objective conduct of the due diligence review is not undermined and that appropriate safeguards and controls on related party transactions shall be instituted to prevent conflict of interest on the arrangement.  These prudential reforms are aimed to promote efficiency in the issuance of the said instruments by U/KBs and QBs and at the same time protect the interest of the investing public.

Meanwhile, the MB approved an indefinite moratorium on the issuance of LTNCTDs which will commence on 1 January 2021. Banks are given until 30 September 2020 to submit their request for authority to issue LTNCTD. The moratorium is seen to shift the banks' funding channel from LTNCTDs to bond issuances that is to likewise further deepen the local debt market.  
:: press release ::

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BSP Enhances Guidelines on Peso Consumer Loans for OFWs
 
In order to facilitate the access of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to bank credit, the Monetary Board has approved the enhanced policy expressly allowing banks to grant Peso consumer loans for OFWs without prior Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approval. This is in line with the  BSP's financial inclusion and empowerment agenda.

The revised guidelines likewise liberalize the rules limiting the grant of Peso consumer loans to certain types of visa holders. In particular, Peso consumer loans, except residential real estate and housing loans, may also be extended to all eligible foreign nationals with valid visa issued by relevant Philippine authorities. Likewise, embassy officials and employees based in the Philippines are allowed to avail any type of Peso consumer loans.

The enhancements are premised on the banks' continued adherence to sound credit underwriting practices and effective control measures in managing risks involved in granting Peso consumer loans to OFWs and eligible foreign nationals. The new guidelines promote greater access to bank financing for these borrowers, while expanding and broadening market segment for banks. :: press release ::

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

By Darnell West
We all know the story of the Titanic, how on April 14, 1912 an iceberg scraped the ships's starboard side, ripping open six watertight compartments and leading to the death of over 1500 people.

On board the ship that night was John Harper and his much-beloved six-year-old daughter Nana. According to documented reports, as soon as it was apparent that the ship was going to sink, John Harper immediately took his daughter to a lifeboat. It is reasonable to assume that this widowed preacher could have easily gotten on board this boat to safety; however, it never seems to have crossed his mind. He bent down and kissed his precious little girl; looking into her eyes he told her that she would see him again someday. The flares going off in the dark sky above reflected the tears on his face as he turned and headed towards the crowd of desperate humanity on the sinking ocean liner. As the rear of the huge ship began to lurch upwards, it was reported that Harper was seen making his way up the deck yelling "Women, children and unsaved into the lifeboats!" It was only minutes later that the Titanic began to rumble deep within. Most people thought it was an explosion; actually the gargantuan ship was literally breaking in half. At this point, many people jumped off the decks and into the icy, dark waters below. John Harper was one of these people.

That night 1528 people went into the frigid waters. John Harper was seen swimming frantically to people in the water leading them to Jesus before the hypothermia became fatal. Mr. Harper swam up to one young man who had climbed up on a piece of debris. Rev. Harper asked him between breaths, "Are you saved?" The young man replied that he was not.

Harper then tried to lead him to Christ only to have the young man who was near shock, reply no. John Harper then took off his life jacket and threw it to the man and said "Here then, you need this more than I do..." and swam away to other people. A few minutes later Harper swam back to the young man and succeeded in leading him to salvation. Of the 1528 people that went into the water that night, six were rescued by the lifeboats. One of them was this young man on the debris. Four years later, at a survivors meeting, this young man stood up and in tears recounted how John Harper had led him to Christ. Mr. Harper had tried to swim back to help other people, yet because of the intense cold, had grown too weak to swim. His last words before going under in the frigid waters were "Believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus and you will be saved." Does Hollywood remember this man? No. Oh well, no matter. This servant of God did what he had to do. While other people were trying to buy their way onto the lifeboats and selfishly trying to save their own lives, John Harper gave up his life so that others could be saved.

John Harper knew what it meant to live life with urgency.


* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Report by Ern Pahayahay
BALITA;

2 ANG NADAKPAN SA BUYBUST OPERATION KARONG HAPON DIDTO SA LUNGSOD SA PANGLAO. 11/30/19

Ang Suspek gipaila nga mao sila si Felimon Restauro y' Pardillo , 42 anyos, ulitawo, walay trabaho ug Si Joel Balorio y' Subaan 39 anyos , minyo, pulos sila Lumad nga Taga Brgy. Pooc, Talisay City , Cebu ug Kasamtangan nga Gapuyo sa Brgy. Danao , Lungsod sa Panglao.

Nadakpan sila sa mga Alas 3:30 sa Hapon karong Adlawa 11/30/19 sa Tinugyanan sa Panglao Police Drugs Enforcement Unit pinangulohan ni PCapt. Romar Labasbas diin ang Operasyon Gihimo didto sa Purok 5, Danao Panglao.

Nasakmit Kanila ang Shabu nga Mutimbang ngadto sa 1 ka gramo ug May Street value ngadto sa 6,800 pesos lakip ang Dahon sa Marijuana. Kasamtangan nga Gibilango karon sila sa Panglao PNP Lock up jail ug giandam na ang Kaso nga ipasaka batok Kanila.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

DSWD, DepEd, DILG, DOH
buy rice from local farmers

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Nov 26 (PIA)—The government will very soon directly purchase its rice requirement from the farmers themselves, in a bid to motivate the country's food growers to produce more and earn more.

The move also empowers farmers to be motivated to return to the farm where they could prop up the country's food supply while getting all the help from the government.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexie Nograles bared this to the resounding applause of farmers gathered for the Farmer's Forum on government assistance to irrigator's association in Region 7 at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Regional office here, November 26.

Nograles, who also sits as NIA Board Chair, hinted that the government believes part of the problem in the continued high price of rice is the presence of middlemen: businessmen who largely influence the buying price of rice, to the detriment of the rice farmers.

In the past few months, the farm gate buying price of rice, especially in Luzon has gone considerably down, but the market price for rice has remained high, noted the young cabinet secretary from Davao.

The move to procure directly from the farmers would ultimately eliminate middlemen who tend to add up another layer in the pricing of rice in the markets.

Farmers have also shared that with businessmen buying then, they hardly have the control in the price as the buyers procure in bulk and haggle for low prices.

Then too, only the National Food Authority buys their stocks from farmers, and buys  it at government price, upon which businessmen can easily buy at a lower price when bought in bulk.

Recently however, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the government agencies with feeding and social relief programs to directly deal with the farmers in their rice requirement, reports Nograles.

The order from the President to the NFA is to empty their stocks now and start buying local rice

On top of the requirement is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (
DSWD) 20 kilos monthly rice allowance to indigent beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), as well as its relief program's rice requirement

Nograles also said the government also tasks the Department of Education (DepEd) to source out its supplementary feeding program requirements from the farmers.

Also, among the government agencies tasked to buy their rice from the farmers is the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for their inmate food requirement of the government detention facilities all over the country.

Finally, according to the cabsec, the Department of Health is also tasked by the President to secure their patient feeding requirements directly from the farmers to spur up local buying.

With the government finally looking at securing food from local sources, a cut in importation could also save the country its precious dollar resources but the bigger premium is empowering farmers to finally earn its place in the society. (rahc/PIA7/Bohol)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

For a new monthly magazine entitled "True Story, Creative Nonfiction" seeks unpublished works of narrative nonfiction between 3,500 and 10,000 words long, on any subject and in any style. No deadline. Complete guidelines at www.creativenonfiction.org/submissions

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Local vehicle sales grow 27.8% in January 2017

Sales of local vehicles reached 30,425 units in January this year, up 6,617 units or 27.8 percent from 23,808 units in January last year, data released Friday the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) show.

"Although we expected lower sales due to seasonality, reaching 30,000-unit level in January is a good start for the industry," said CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez.

Both passenger car and commercial vehicle segments have strong sales increase in January.

Passenger car sales accelerated by 27.2 percent to 10,984 units this year from 8,632 unit sales in the previous year.

Commercial vehicle sales also increased by 28.1 percent year-on-year from 15,176 units to 19,441 units.
Light commercial vehicles shared largest sales for this segment, selling 12,340 units last month from 9,678 units in January 2016 -- an increase of 27.5 percent.

Asian utility vehicle sales grew by 26.1 percent year-on-year to 6,026 units from 4,780 units.

Likewise, sales of trucks and buses had increments at the start of the year.
Light trucks segment jumped it sales by 60.7 percent year-on-year to 630 units; trucks and buses category IV surged its sales by 74.4 percent to 272 units, while category V had an increase of 1.8 percent to 173 units.

The local auto industry is targeting to reach the 450,000 unit sales for this year, which industry experts noted as "conservative target" for 2017.
"We welcome appropriate measures that will not hamper the growth of the auto industry as it positively contribute to the economy," Gutierrez said.
Meanwhile, market leaders at the start of the year were Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, Honda, and Nissan. (Kris M. Crismundo/PNA)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' Consumer Expectations Survey published in the second quarter of 2019, 33.9% of Filipino households that received overseas Filipino workers (OFW) remittances allot money for savings and 5.2% have investments.

To improve these figures and help these modern heroes build better lives with their loved ones, BPI Sulong has made its way this year to Singapore, one of the Philippines' top sources of OFW remittances and employing over 180,000 OFWs. BPI Sulong is BPI Foundation's core initiative to help migrant workers through financial management and entrepreneurship workshops so they can save money more efficiently and return home to the Philippines sooner.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release:: Since 2015, the Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), in partnership with the Netherlands Embassy, have been engaged in an innovative, integrated and multi-stakeholder cooperation through the "Manila International Dialogue", a platform for enhancing international cooperation brought about by an urgent need for a comprehensive international approach to prevent and combat human trafficking.

The first dialogue resulted in the signing of the "Manila Declaration", an official non-binding document that emphasizes the intent and determination of all nineteen (19) signatory countries to cooperate closely, recognizing trafficking in persons as a serious international concern that requires innovative actions, continued dialogue, exchange of information, and cooperation, to address it.

This year, the IACAT will again be organizing the annual Manila International Dialogue for the fifth year on 12 December 2019, 9:00 am, at the Manila Hotel. Rep. Herrera is honored to be invited in the Dialogue in support of House Bill 5651 and all legislative policy agenda meant to combat human trafficking.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BH BILL UPDATES ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING LAW WITH CYBERCRIME UPGRADES

Press Release:: A ranking child rights advocate in Congress has filed a bill enabling courts to authorize the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation to conduct electronic and communications surveillance of cybercriminals engaged in human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

"House Bill 5651 empowers the courts, PNP, and NBI to fight the cybercriminals using the new technologies the criminals also have. This law updates the crime-fighting capabilities of the PNP, NBI and the courts," Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera said.

The House deputy majority leader also said, "HB 5651 adds the heads of the DICT, DoTr, DOH, OWWA, and NBI to the membership of the Inter-Agency Council on Trafficking for a more holistic approach to fighting human trafficking."

"These updates to RA 9208 are in HB 5651's most extensive and detailed amendments to the Anti-Human Trafficking Law (RA 9208) involve its Sections 8, 16, 20, 21, and 24," Herrera pointed out.

"Kinailangan ang mga amendments na ito para bigyang-kakayahan ang PNP at NBI na labanan ang human traffickers and sex predators sa internet, social media, mobile messaging, at lahat ng sulok ng cyberspace. Naroon ang mga kriminal kaya doon din sila dapat tugisin, manmanan, at labanan ng PNP at NBI," Herrera explained. (END)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

GMA NEWS TV: Nangangailangan ngayon ang DOT ng mga volunteer para sa 30th SEA Games. Kailangan na 21 years old pataas at bibigyan ng P800 na daily allowance, libreng pagkain, transportasyon, at uniporme ng SEA Games. Para sa mga interesado, i-check ang Facebook page ng DOT at ipasa ang mga impormasyon na kailangan. [pia-ts/ad]

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Greetings!

AN INVITATION
The City Government of Tagum formally announces the schedule for the Lighting of the Giant Christmas Tree on Sunday, December 1, 2019, 6pm at the open ground, City Hall of Tagum City.

We hope to see all of you on December 1 to light the city's Christmas icon.

Special guests:
Tawag ng Tanghalan season 3 Grand Finalist, 7th placer, Mr. Rafaello Cañedo and Tawag ng Tanghalan Instant Resbaker Ms. Adelle Nicole Uy

See you!

CIO TAGUM

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, along with Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in and fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders, participated in the 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in Busan, South Korea from November 25-26, 2019.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of dialogue partnership between the ASEAN and ROK, the Summit served as an avenue for the leaders to assess the development of ASEAN-ROK relations over three (3) decades with the theme, "Partnership for Peace, Prosperity for People."  The theme symbolizes the vision of the partnership that follows a people-centered community of peace and prosperity.  Likewise, the meeting presented the shared vision of ASEAN and ROK for the next 30 years.

On the sideline of the Summit, President Duterte, together with some of his Cabinet Secretaries and government officials, convened with South Korean President Moon in a bilateral meeting.  The two leaders witnessed the signing and exchange of agreements between the Governments of the Philippines and Republic of Korea. :: press release ::

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Mr. Frederick Riker provides the ceremonial truck key to Philippine Navy Capt. Alfonspin P. Tumanda Jr. during the transfer of 12 Ford F-550 trucks to the Philippine Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite. Mr. Riker is the security cooperation manager for the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group, and Capt. Tumanda is the Commander of NAVSOG. (Courtesy photo)
 
Press Release:: Manila, July 5, 2017 — On June 29, 2017, The United States transferred 12 Ford F-550 trucks to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) during a ceremony at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite.

Present at the ceremony were representatives from the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group, as well as Capt. Alfonspin P. Tumanda Jr. and Cmdr. Jim P. Razo, the Commander and Deputy Commander of Philippine NAVSOG, respectively.

These trucks will help ease the mobility of the NAVSOG units spread throughout the Philippines including units located in Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, and Davao.  They will also aid in the transport and deployment to critical areas of rigid-hulled inflatable boats that were previously delivered by the U.S. to the AFP.

Through a variety of assistance packages over the past three years, the U.S. has provided the Philippines with over 200 million dollars of grant assistance to assist our partner forces in building the required capabilities for success.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release:: Manila, July 3, 2017 — Landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday, July 2, 67 new U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers joined the family of more than 9,000 Americans who have served as Peace Corps Volunteers in the Philippines since 1961, making the Philippines the second oldest Peace Corps program.  Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, the goal of the U.S. Peace Corps in the Philippines is to promote peace and friendship between our two nations as Volunteers work side-by-side with Filipinos to help build better lives for their communities. 
 
The new Volunteers range in age from 21 to 69, bringing diverse experience, technical expertise, and spirited enthusiasm to learn about the Philippines as they embark on their new adventure.  Immediately following their arrival, the Volunteers will undergo an intensive 10.5 weeks of pre-service training covering technical skills, language, and cultural studies to prepare them for their service.  In partnership with the Department of Education, the Department of Welfare and Social Development, local government units, and local non-governmental organizations, these Volunteers will be assigned to work for a period of 27 months in communities throughout the Philippines, in the fields of education, youth development, and environment.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

U.S., Philippines Co-Host Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Engagement

Press Release:: Manila, July 3, 2017 — From June 27-28, 2017, representatives from the Governments of the Philippines and the United States discussed ways to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their delivery systems, and related materials in the first bilateral Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) engagement held in the Philippines.

The U.S. Department of Defense and the Philippines Anti-Terrorism Council-Program Management Center led a whole-of-government discussion that included representatives from nearly 20 entities from the Government of the Philippines and four from the U.S. Government.

Participants sought to examine national and international legal authorities which enable WMD interdictions; exercise whole-of-government decision-making processes; discuss challenges in countering WMD proliferation when only limited or ambiguous information is available; demonstrate the benefits of cooperation within the PSI context; and consider our mutual role in implementing relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

"The challenges in preventing WMD proliferation are not getting any easier, with bad actors seeking to acquire dual-use materials to advance their WMD or missile programs, disguising the transactions, and using front companies to hide the end users.  We are pleased that the Government of the Philippines partnered with us to explore these issues and to demonstrate their continued commitment to PSI's Statement of Interdiction Principles," said Andrea Yaffe, the U.S. lead for the event.

"PSI is an area of increased cooperative engagement, not only between the U.S. and Philippine government, but also with other PSI partner countries as we perform our international obligations under the UN Security Council mandates," MGen Danilo M. Servando (Ret), the Head of Philippine delegation, said in his opening statement.

The PSI is an international cooperative effort endorsed by 105 countries to stop trafficking in WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials to and from State and non-state actors of proliferation concern.  PSI is designed to counter the threat posed by WMD proliferation through international cooperation and information sharing, and when necessary, coordinated action.  The PSI is an activity, not an organization, and participation is voluntary: each participating state decides whether and how to engage in PSI activities on a case-by-case basis.  Participating countries demonstrate their commitment to the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles by undertaking actions consistent with their national legal authorities and relevant international law and legal frameworks.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release from the US Embassy: During Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama 2017 last week in Zambales, Philippines, U.S. Marines from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, 3d Marine Division helped Philippine Marines to improve their basic urban warfare techniques based on feedback from Philippine military forces in Marawi.  These techniques included how to clear rooms, hallways, and multi-level buildings.  The bilateral maritime exercise between U.S. and Philippine naval forces is designed to strengthen cooperation and interoperability between the nations' armed forces.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

FOCAP STATEMENT ON SEA GAMES ISSUES

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines denounces remarks by Southeast Asian Games organizers blaming the media partly for the flurry of negative reports on logistical issues that were raised publicly by Philippine and Southeast Asian athletes and officials themselves.

Independent journalists report problems and issues imbued with public interest as they happen and become evident and do not delay the time to press for accountability. We report defeats and victories, failures and triumphs.

We specially take exception to insinuations by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who serves as the organizing committee chairman, that there may have been attempts to bribe the media to malign the Philippines' hosting of the Southeast Asian Games. Such sweeping accusations, without a shred of evidence and laced with threats of libel suits, are totally unacceptable and tend to intimidate journalists from reporting irregularities objectively.

Calls by the organizers for the media to report only the good news
betray our bedrock mandate of providing the public with truthful information that is at the heart of the basic freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

Doing their work diligently and honestly would be the best way for independent journalists to show love for country and people in this jubilant season of sportsmanship. Anything less would be tantamount to cheating that is so detested in athletics.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release:: Manila, November 19, 2019 — U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper visited the Philippines for the first time as Defense Secretary to reaffirm the steadfast and enduring U.S. – Philippine alliance.

While here, Secretary Esper and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim met with Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr. to discuss the importance of our broad bilateral relationship in the Indo-Pacific region.  During these engagements, discussions touched on counterterrorism, defense capacity building, and a reaffirmation of U.S. commitment to the Philippines.

During his trip, Secretary Esper also visited the Manila American Cemetery, where he participated in a wreath laying ceremony, and Camp Aguinaldo, where he met with U.S. service members currently serving in the Philippines.

As longstanding friends, partners, and allies, the United States and the Philippines continue to strengthen bilateral ties through key leadership visits and engagements.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

KEYS TO BANNING VAPING: LABELING VAPING DEVICES AS TOBACCO PRODUCTS, USING THE DANGEROUS DRUGS LAW & CLEAN AIR ACT AS ADDED LEGAL BASIS

Press Release:: "President Duterte, being consistent with his Executive Order No. 26, series of 2017, can expand the scope of said order to interpret organic nicotine-loaded vaping devices as falling within the definition of tobacco products," said Deputy Majority Leader Len Alonte.

"I hope the new EO would also be able to include vaping devices containing artificial nicotine or other chemicals other than nicotine because the Tobacco Regulation Act was worded such that it was very specific as to the definitions of tobacco and tobacco product," the lawmaker added.

Alonte also said, "another creative way to ban vaping could involve  invoking the laws against dangerous drugs to declare vaping liquids as illegal and dangerous drugs."

"Health experts say vaporized liquid nicotine is much more potent as an addictive substance than the nicotine from lighting cigarettes. Add the other chemicals mixed in with the nicotine, the threat level to people, especially the youth increases much more. This is why vaping is more dangerous than cigarette smoking," Alonte pointed out.

"Fumes from vaping can also be considered toxic, poisonous, hazardous, or air pollutants in the context of the Clean Air Act. President Duterte could invoke the right of Filipinos to clean air that is without fumes created by vaping devices. This would include vaping and smoking in the coverage of RA 8749. It can be done," the legislator said.

Republic Act 9211 states that "tobacco refers to agricultural components derived from the tobacco plant, which are processed for use in the manufacturing of cigarettes and other tobacco products" while "tobacco product refers to any product that consists of loose tobacco that contains nicotine and is intended for use in a cigarette, including any product containing tobacco and intended for smoking or oral or nasal use."

The Biñan City Representative said, "not included in this definition are artificial nicotine and the other chemicals used to manufacture non-nicotine vaping liquids."

"The swift remedy to this is urgent legislation so that the definitions are reworked to include any kind of vaping product whether containing nicotine from tobacco leaves or any other chemical," the solon explained.

"I believe the legislative template should be RA 9211. Amend the law, not create an entirely new law. Expand the coverage of the Tobacco Regulation Act, not craft a separate law just for vaping. New provisions can be added to RA 9211. This is the better way," the lawmaker elaborated. (END)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Filipino cemetery volunteer educator nominated for an international award in London

London, United Kingdom — A cemetery volunteer teacher from the Philippines' ATD Fourth World Foundation has been nominated as the Community Employee of the Year in the Investors in People (IIP) Awards 2019. IIP is a standard for people management across the globe.

Reymond "Rey" de Jesus is a member of a volunteer organization that envisions a world without poverty, primarily focusing on education and human rights. Through ATD's "Ang Galing" education program, Rey spends his Saturdays teaching street children in the Manila North Cemetery. The graveyard becomes an alternative avenue for bolstering learning because of its accessibility to the poor communities.

Rey began volunteering for ATD in 2010. One of the reasons he keeps on with his volunteer work is because of the children who inspire him. "When you start to notice that there is already change from the children, after weeks, months, or years that you are with them, it will put a smile on your face. You will notice a change in terms of how they read, how they write, and even how they interact with people," he says.

Apart from being a volunteer, Rey is also a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager at TaskUs. The company's unique appraisal process on rewarding passion and purpose was able to shed light on Rey's work for ATD, and because of this, he was empowered to set up an 'Ang Galing' group in his office. Today, there are over 300 TaskUs employees who are part of the program. This became the springboard for the company to nominate Rey for IIP's Community Employee of the Year award.

TaskUs has won The Social Responsibility Award has also been shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusion category.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

REP. ALONTE BILL BANS VAPING, RAISES VAPING PRODUCTS TO SAME CATEGORY OF TOBACCO REGULATION

Press Release:: "There is mounting evidence of the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes on public health and safety ranging from lung injury from the liquid nicotine and chemicals, to bone fractures and burns from exploding vaping devices. Congress must step forward to protect the people," said  House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Marlyn Alonte (Biñan City)

Alonte files House Bill 5561 (Tobacco and Vaping Regulation Act) the morning after President Duterte said he will ban the use of vaping devices or e-cigarettes in public, as well as the importation of such devices.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BANGKO SENTRAL AND THE INDUSTRY LAUNCHES EGOV PAY AND QR PH

Press Release:: Under the guidance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the payment industry participants led by the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI), launched on 20 November 2019 another set of milestone initiatives under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS)—the Government e-Payments ("EGov Pay") Facility and the pilot of the first use case aligned with the National QR Code Standard ("QR Ph").

EGov Pay Facility

After a successful pilot run with the Bureau of internal Revenue (BIR) last 15 August 2019, the EGov Pay facility is now fully launched to the public as a payment solution that enables a streamlined digitalization of government collections and disbursements.

By digitalizing payments to the government, it is able to curb revenue leaks through efficient collection means, better audit trail, and enhanced transparency. On the disbursement side, digital payment services help the government to promptly deliver social services through the quick and safe means of disbursement or paying out of funds to concerned stakeholders.

The pilot implementation of the EGov Pay Facility was initially offered for BIR's tax collections so that taxpayers can simply initiate payments through the Land Bank of the Philippines' (LBP's) Link.Biz Portal. It will then direct the taxpayers to the Philippine Clearing House Corporation's (PCHC's) PayGate platform, which allows taxpayers to choose the payment service provider (PSP) from which funds will be transferred to the government via the PESONet, the batch electronic fund transfer (EFT) facility, and the first automated clearing house (ACH) formed under the NRPS.

With the full launch of the EGov Pay Facility, more government agencies are expected to leverage on the efficiencies of e-payments by participating as billers thereby allowing more Filipinos to experience the secure, fast, and convenient way of electronically paying the government.
As of launch date, the following government agencies have been onboarded in the EGov Pay Facility:

(1) BIR;
(2) Department of Trade and Industry;
(3) City Government of General Santos;
(4) City Government of Manila;
(5) City Government of Valenzuela;
(6) City Government of San Pedro, Laguna;
(7) Local Government Unit of Baler;
( Philippine National Police;
(9) Quezon City Government. Nos. 3-9 will complete onboarding on or before 20 November 2019.

QR Ph

The event also celebrated the pilot launch of the first payment use case developed by the payment industry that is aligned with the QRPh. Six (6) pilot participants demonstrated how secure and easy transfer of funds are by scanning the QR code. The funds are transferred through the InstaPay, the real-time low value ACH formed under the NRPS. The PSPs that participated in the demonstration are likewise InstaPay participating institutions, namely, Asia United Bank (AUB), China Banking Corporation (CBC), LBP, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Paymaya, and Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP).

The use of QR codes for payments has been gaining traction as an alternative to the traditional debit and credit card payments. The QR technology has emerged as the most expedient means of payment since it essentially entails code scanning which is faster and easier to do than bringing out a card, tapping, dipping or swiping it, and signing a charge slip in most cases. Likewise, consumers benefit having faster, easier and cheaper payment options with greater convenience.

The BSP thus required all PSPs to adopt the national QR code standard developed by the PPMI, as provided in BSP Circular No. 1055, in order to transform the fragmented QR-driven payment services into interoperable payment solutions, thereby eliminating the need for the merchants and customers to maintain several accounts and for the merchants to display numerous QRs.

Strategic Roadmap to a Cash-lite Economy

The EGov Pay and the pilot of P2P payments using the QR Ph are only among the first set of initiatives that the BSP and the payments industry are working on to support the roadmap of shifting from a cash-heavy to a cash-light Philippine economy. This emanates from the recognition that digital payments are the gateway to financial inclusion.

"The QR is primarily intended to enable micro-merchants to accept electronic payments," BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said. "We hope that through the help of our industry partners, we can not only achieve our goal of a cash-lite economy but also enable more Filipinos to reap the benefits of a growing economy."

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

UST ALUMNA REP. ALONTE LAUDS GENIUS OF ALDIN AYO, GRIT OF UST GROWLING TIGERS

Press Release:: [Biñan City solon to refile Magna Carta of Student Athletes]

"Congratulations to the UST men's basketball squad and the entire USTe community for our success at reaching the finals of UAAP Season 82. It was a storied season of top-notch basketball punctuated by the genius of coach Aldin Ayo and our Tigers," said Binan City Rep. Marlyn 'Len' Alonte, UST alumna with a BS in Tourism degree.
 
Alonte said, "UST Tigers are made of championship stuff. We will learn from this season and return in Season 83 with much more grit and growl."

"I also take this occasion to echo the principle Coach Aldin Ayo stressed as regards attempted poaching of star players and other student-athletes," said Alonte who watched the finals game in her home in Biñan City on television.

"College athletes are students first, not professionals for trading, barter or auction. When schools care for varsity players, their most important investment in them is the brand of education their institutions represent and that education is priceless," Alonte said.

She said, "for these reasons, I will refile the Magna Carta of Student-Athletes from the 17th Congress authored by my friend and colleague in the 17th Congress and now Senator Pia Cayetano."

"I will also co-author HB 2440 (An Act Creating The Philippine Sports Academy As An Attached Agency Of The Philippine Sports Commission, Providing Its Structure, Powers And Functions Thereof, And For Other Purposes)," Alonte said.

Alonte said, "these two bills will institutionalize protections and welfare processes for all student-athletes all over the country." (END)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BSP HOLDS INFO DRIVE ON AMENDED CENTRAL BANK LAW IN BATANGAS

Press Release:: The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) conducted a briefing on "Republic Act No. 11211, or An Act Amending Republic Act No. 7653, Otherwise Known as the 'New Central Bank Act', and for Other Purposes" at the Lima Park Pavilion, Lima Commercial Estate, Lipa-Malvar, Batangas on November 20.

The briefing is part of BSP's information campaign to foster better appreciation of the Amended BSP Charter among bankers, the media and regional stakeholders.

The resource persons for the briefing are BSP Financial Supervision Sector Managing Director Arifa A. Ala, Office of General Counsel and Legal Services Deputy Director Noel Neil Q. Malimban and Department of Economic Research Senior Economist Sarah Amabelle A. Milla.

According to the BSP, "The Amended Central Bank Law enhances the BSP's capacity to foster price stability, financial stability and a safe and reliable payments system. Ultimately, the law is aimed at promoting the economic and financial well-being of Filipinos."

Already conducted earlier this year in Davao and Cebu, the information campaign will also be held in Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Baguio.


* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

TEACHER MELITA LIMJUCO HAS STRONG BASIS TO SUE RAFFY TULFO, TV5, AND PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS OF PUPIL
:: Press Release

[They are liable for criminal, civil, and administrative offenses against Mrs. Limjuco]

Veteran public school teacher Mrs. Melita Limjuco, a teacher in her 50s of  Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School, who has been teaching for some 29 years, and who was publicly "tried" in the TV program of Mr. Raffy Tulfo TV5 has strong legal basis to sue Mr. Tulfo, the parents and grandparent of the pupil " said Atty. Bong Belaro, former Commissioner of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and current dean of the Wesleyan University College of Law.

"Mrs.  Limjuco's right to due process was clearly violated by Raffy Tulfo, TV5, and her pupil's parents and grandparents during that televised interview. Mrs. Limjuco and her family are also suffering intense mental and emotional anguish from being humiliated and degraded in that interview," Belaro said.

The veteran lawyer said, "Teacher Melita Limjuco is also well within her rights to sue Raffy Tulfo for, among others, acting as judge, jury, and executioner because by his actions, Tulfo also usurped the authority of the Department of Education to conduct its proper administrative procedures consistent with the DepEd Child Protection Policy."

"Raffy Tulfo even went to the extreme of threatening Mrs. Limjuco with the revocation of her license as a professional teacher, in addition to disrespectfully, maliciously, and inhumanely denigrating her person and reputation. TV5, by allowing the public humiliation and trial by publicity to continue airing on national television, is also civilly and criminally liable in aiding and abetting Mr. Tulfo's verbal assaults, slander, and defamation inflicted upon Mrs. Limjuco," Belaro explained.

Belaro said, "based on the available facts, Mrs. Limjuco's disciplinary measure is not inconsistent with the provisions of the DepEd Child Protection Policy and is yet to be proven to have infringed any of our country's child protection laws. Let us await the DepEd decision on this issue. In fact, it is Mrs. Limjuco's person and rights that have been violated on live national television."

"Raffy Tulfo, TV5, and the parents and grandparent of the pupil should be ashamed of themselves, publicly apologize to Mrs. Limjuco, properly compensate her for the mental anguish and malice they have inflicted upon her. Tulfo and TV5 should also be administratively penalized for violations of laws and regulations on standards of broadcasting. All these are on top of the possible criminal liability for slander, defamation, and other pertinent crimes" Belaro pointed out.

"In the 17th Congress, I was one of the authors of the proposed Teacher Protection Bill as Representative of 1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list. Teachers, as the second parents of our children, should be given some leeway to assert their authority in the classroom otherwise we will be raising untouchable students and inutile second parents," said Belaro, a 2018 UP Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus for Public Service and Good Governance honoree.

Belaro, founder and first nominee of 1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list, also lamented the occurrence of teacher-shaming incidents saying that they are inimical to our quest for the improvement of quality of education in our country. If we are serious about it, we should be protecting our teachers all the more since they are at the forefront of our educational system. The government owes them the assurance that incidents like these which are based on flimsy, malicious, dubious and insubstantial causes will not be tolerated. (END)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

REP. ALONTE ASKS PAO LAWYERS TO SWIFTLY AID TEACHERS BEING BULLIED IN MEDIA, WHOSE DUE PROCESS RIGHTS ARE BEING TRAMPLED UPON
 
Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Marlyn 'Len' Alonte is reviving in the 18th Congress the House bill on teacher protection sent to the Senate last June as the 17th Congress drew to a close.

Press Release:: "For teachers whose rights need protecting right now, I ask the Public Attorney's Office to swiftly come to the aid of these teachers," said Alonte, a Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee in the field of Government & Public Service cited for her contribution to public education.

"The bill I am filing is a slightly-improved iteration of the House-approved version, which is the better starting point for the 18th Congress because it was already the product of detailed scrutiny, technical working group analysis, public hearings and plenary floor deliberations," Alonte explained.

"There is urgent need for this bill because teachers are being denied due process and competent legal defense, humiliated in trial by publicity, and are under attack by trolls and heartless misinformed netizens in social media," the former three-term mayor of Biñan City said.

Alonte said she supported then House Bill 9065 in the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture. HB 9065 was originally HB 58 of Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro.

"But the 17th Congress lacked time to pass the bill and send it to the President for signature. I am hoping that in this 18th Congress, by filing it now, both the House and the Senate will have enough time to approve it before this first regular session ends," the House Deputy Majority Leader said.

"In addition to the House-approved text of the Teachers' Protection bill, I incorporated a few improvements, including a mandate for the Department of Education to ensure that free legal services are made available plus measures to make sure both students and teachers are reasonably protected from trial by publicity," Alonte also said.

She said, "legal counsel, whether a pro bono private attorney, teachers' union lawyer, or from Public Attorney's Office must be made available to teachers in distress, especially during media interviews to ensure that the due process rights and other human rights of teachers are upheld."

The ranking lady solon said, "the DepEd should have, in addition to its long-established Positive Discipline Policy, a Media Relations and Crisis Communications Policy with implementing measures against slander, defamation, libel, and cyberbullying, as well as training for school principals on proper crisis management." (END)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Hi there,

I came across your blog and was wondering if you ever do product reviews or influencer campaigns. If you do, we'd love to have you in our network doing commissioned videos and product reviews via https://intellifluence.com/influencers. We're an influencer marketing platform that helps connect small business and medium sized brands with willing product reviewers across a variety of mediums and blogs; reviewers are compensated monetarily and /or with product by the brands that reach out.

If you've made the transition from creative to creative influencer, or if you haven't yet but are interested in doing so, it will cost you nothing as an influencer and we'd be very happy to have you in the family.

While the typical experience would include brands reaching out to you inside our app, we're excited to have recently launched a new system where you as an influencer can view what brands are looking for and interact with them directly. Check out what some of our brands are offering here: https://intellifluence.com/offers.

If you're not quite ready to sign up but are interested in learning more about what influencer marketing is all about, I encourage you to check out our introduction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhiTIGQcxcU.

Cheers,

Joe Sinkwitz

9171 E Bell Rd, Suite 101
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

 

Click here to unsubscribe

 




* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release:: Manila, November 26, 2019 — In celebration of International Education Week (IEW) in November, EducationUSA staged a series of education programs, culminating in a college application drive at the Philippine Science High School in Quezon City.

On November 18, EducationUSA kicked off the week-long celebration with a workshop for students and prospective Masters of Business Administration (MBA) candidates, sharing practical insights on how to actualize their goals as budding entrepreneurs and describing what U.S. universities offer.  A University of Pennsylvania admissions director spoke at the event, alongside a successful Filipino entrepreneur and current Stanford MBA student.  EducationUSA also sponsored an advising session to assist with application development.

In conjunction with IEW, EducationUSA sponsored a speech and poster contest with the theme "The Importance of International Education in a Globalized World" that was advertised at all 15 American Corners in the Philippines.  On November 20, EducationUSA hosted a virtual award ceremony to honor winners and share their entries.

On November 21, EducationUSA and CHED partnered to launch a speaker series to support the internationalization efforts of Philippine universities and build new linkages between U.S. and Philippine institutions.  Approximately 50 representatives from universities in the Philippines participated in the series to strengthen Filipino universities' internationalization efforts and build linkages between U.S. and Filipino institutions of higher education.

On November 22, EducationUSA hosted an application drive at the Philippine Science High School, where hundreds of students from a variety of schools received direct advising on college applications and essays by both EducationUSA advisers and other Filipino-American alumni volunteers.

EducationUSA promotes the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide by providing free advising services to prospective international students and local educators in more than 170 countries.  With more than 4,700 accredited higher education institutions in the United States, an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their options and plan their college careers.

You can also find more information about EducationUSA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/educationusa.philippines, on Instagram at @educationusa.philippines, and on Twitter at @EducationUSA_PH.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Filipinos Studying in the U.S. Increases for Third Straight Year

Press Release:: Manila, November 27, 2019 — For the third straight year, the number of Filipinos studying in the United States increased, according to an annual survey of international exchange activity in the United States of America.

Based on Open Doors data released this November, 3,320 Filipino students enrolled in U.S. Universities this past year.  This is a 2.9 percent increase from 3,225 in 2018.

"We are delighted to see continued strong growth in educational exchange between the United States and the Philippines, and hope it will continue.  Our countries share deep historical and cultural ties, and the Philippines is brimming with talent and opportunity.  The U.S higher education system, with its unmatched quality and range of options, is a natural fit for Filipinos seeking an international education and we are ready to welcome the next generation of Filipino leaders," said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Cultural Affairs Counselor Matt Keener.

To learn more, prospective students can contact EducationUSA, the U.S. government's official resource for students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States.

EducationUSA provides free advising services to prospective international students in more than 170 countries, and offers student resources and tools to navigate the Five Steps to U.S. Study: researching schools, identifying financing, completing the application, obtaining a student visa, and preparing for departure.  There are more than 4,500 accredited higher education institutions in the United States and an EducationUSA adviser can help students define their priorities in order to narrow their options and plan their college careers.  EducationUSA does not offer scholarships, but can assist students in identifying scholarship and financial assistance opportunities.

You can also find more information about EducationUSA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/educationusa.philippines, on Instagram at educationusa.philippines, and on Twitter at @EducationUSA_PH.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

NO SERVICE CHARGE SHARE FOR 'CONTRACTUALS' ILLEGAL – SOLON

Press Release:: "This agreement excluding contractual employees from the coverage of R.A. 11360 is highly questionable not only for its inconsistencies with the law, but also for being a circumvention of the lawful procedure for its implementation," said Rep. Lawrence Fortun, a Member of the House Committee on Labor and Employment.

"This alleged agreement entered into by Philippine Hotel Owners Association and Department of Labor and Employment to exclude contractual employees of their rightful share in service charges contradicts the law and its implementing rules and regulations. The law is very clear that only managerial employees are the exception and cannot have a share in the service charge. The IRR threshes this out in even greater detail but remains consistent with the law. What is an expressed exception, excludes all others." Fortun said.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

2017-2018 ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COUNCIL (AMLC) ANNUAL REPORT

The AMLC released an annual report (AR), covering its performance and activities for the years
2017 and 2018.

The AR chronicles the AMLC as a hybrid type of financial intelligence unit (FlU), showing that,
in addition to the core functions of an FlU, the AMLC also performs investigative,
prosecutorial, and supervisory functions with overarching support services. The report details
that as of 2018, the AMLC has frozen PhP1,718,386,789 worth of assets; and forfeited
PhP1,009,116,707 worth of assets.

The AR also discusses the Second National Risk Assessment, the National AML/CFT Strategy
and the Third Mutual Evaluation of the Philippines.
:: press release

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

LOCALIZED HOLIDAYS SUGGESTED WHEN PHL HOSTS SEA GAMES

Press Release:: House Committee on Games & Amusements Member Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo has recommended the declaration of non-working holidays on select provinces and cities in Luzon, and  prayed for good weather while the country hosts the Southeast Asian Games.

"Fortunately November 30, the opening day is a Saturday and a regular non-working holiday because it is Bonifacio Day. The opening venue is the Philippine Arena which is easy to go to because it is just north of Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Manila," Tulfo noted.

"But I respectfully ask the Executive Department that December 1 to 11 be declared non-working holidays all over provinces and cities which will host games," Tulfo said.

The MMDA, DILG, and PNP already recommended the declaration of holidays during SEA Games citing security and traffic-related concerns.

SEA Games venues will be in Clark in Pampanga, Subic in Zambales, Metro-Manila, and other areas like Biñan City (women's football), San Juan in La Union (surfing), Calatagan in Batangas (polo), Santa Rosa City (netball), Tagaytay (skateboarding, cycling) & Imus (underwater hockey) in Cavite, and Los Baños in Laguna (floorball, indoor hockey).

KAHIT TATLONG ARAW NA HOLIDAY LANG

"Kung sa tingin ng Executive department masyadong mahaba yung December 1-11 na non-working holidays on select areas, pwede rin namang three (3) days na lang, say December 2 (Monday), 6 (Friday), at 11 (Wednesday - closing) para magkaroon ng dalawang long-weekends," Tulfo said.

"Isang paraan din ito upang makabawi tayo sa mga nag-trending na aberya nitong mga nagdaang araw noong dumating ang ating mga bisita," Tulfo said.

The Thailand team had to cancel scheduled practice at UP Diliman football field due to traffic.

"Pwede nga ring hindi lang sa SEA Games venues, kundi buong Central Luzon, CALABARZON, at NCR, isali na sa i-hoholiday on those days, para talagang maraming mag-cheer at lumuwag nang husto ang daloy ng trapiko. Again, Executive department pa rin po ang masusunod, suhestiyon lamang po ito. Pero sana i-go na natin ito dahil minsan lang naman tayo mag-host ng SEA Games," Tulfo added.

"This way, we give the Filipinos who are closest to the SEA Games venues the opportunity to personally witness and experience sports history during our country's hosting. We also want all the delegations to feel the full warmth and energy of Filipino hospitality when they see all the arenas filled to capacity," she added.

Tulfo also said the Commission on Higher Education can "enjoin" the Luzon-based state universities and colleges, and private higher education institutions to support the SEA Games hosting by sending delegations to watch all the athletes compete.

"The Sangguniang Kabataan all over Luzon can also go to the SEA Games in full force under the leadership of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the National Youth Commission," the ACT-CIS Party-list lawmaker said.

"The uncontrollable factor is the weather, so I urge the entire country to pray for good weather while we host the SEA Games. I also hope the 'Manny Pacquiao effect' will also happen so that we will have much less traffic and incidence of crime during the games," Tulfo said. (END).

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Banks Remain Optimistic on Economic Prospects Based on Banking Sector Outlook Survey

Press Release:: The banking industry remains optimistic on the country's economic prospect amid global uncertainties and market volatilities based on the results of the Banking Sector Outlook Survey (BSOS) for the first semester of 2019.  Majority of the BSOS respondents projected the gross domestic product (GDP) to grow between 6 percent and 7 percent within the next two years.  

Similarly, the outlook on the Philippine banking system (PBS) remains stable, with most of the BSOS respondents projecting double-digit growth in assets, loans, deposits and net income. The bullish outlook on the banking system indicates that banks will continue to provide an environment conducive to the sustained domestic economic growth.

The new BSOS section on Fintech/Cybersecurity Plans underscored the banking industry's aptitude on the use of technology-enabled solutions and strong interest in participating in the digital finance ecosystem. This is expected to add further impetus to the growth and operational efficiency of banks. The report also noted that most of the banks planning or already employing technology in their operations find its most important application in areas of data security and privacy, know your customer (KYC) procedures and loan scoring.  Moreover, most of the respondent banks revealed preparedness in managing cybersecurity risks.

Meanwhile, institutional risk was considered as the top concern to the banks' operation which include cybersecurity threat, regulatory/compliance risk, credit risk, and market competition. Respondent banks considered enhancing their risk management systems to strengthen the banks against potential shocks and external vulnerabilities. Likewise, they planned to strengthen client relationships and upgrade personnel capabilities. Banks also recognize the need to keep a high level of risk-based capital and liquidity; and to strengthen organizational conduct and risk culture in order to thrive amid the volatility and complexity of the operating environment.

The BSOS provides insights of bank management on the strategic direction of the industry and emerging risks and trends. This is part of BSP's surveillance tools in promoting the resilience of the banking system.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

About 80% of global GDP is created in cities, helping hundreds of millions lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Over recent decades, cities have become a magnet for talent and investment – and for youth seeking a prosperous future. Join this event live on December 2, 2019.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Venezuelan migration is not abating. Since 2016, more than 4.6 million people have fled the country, mostly to other Latin American countries like Peru. How can host countries not just cope with the influx but take advantage of the potential?

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Press Release
WEDNESDAY'S YEAR-END PRE-EMPLOYMENT Orientation Seminar (PEOS) produced a total of 2,624 participants which filled the Bohol Cultural Center to more than its capacity.

The participants, who are beneficiaries of the Government Internship Program (GIP) currently working in the different local government units (LGUs) in the province including those deployed at the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), heeded the call of the Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) through its Head, Maria Vilma C. Yorong, who incidentally, welcomed all participants to the activity.

The year-end seminar specifically focused on the legal aspects of employment here and abroad and how illegal recruitment could be avoided in this day and age, which was thoroughly explained by Hadassah Liezel T. Pizaña, Labor and Employment Officer (LEO III) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Providing first-hand information and precautionary measures on how to spot illegal recruiters early on was Officer-in-Charge of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Regional Office, Glenda M. Aligonza.

Archie Lungay, who represented Acting Governor Rene Lopez Relampagos, delivered the latter's inspirational message, also giving his own insights and experiences as a neophyte job seeker during his time.
Giving the participants an overview on how to apply for jobs on-line, Kim Brain Chua, the Managing Director of Jobs180.com himself, guided the students through each step so their names and resumes could be uploaded and included in the roster of applicants so that prospective employers could easily find their choices for their companies' respective job vacancies.

He also cited very relevant examples of productive job interviews, which he assured everyone, would give an applicant THE edge over his/her competitors for the position applied for, by giving the desired "boom!" or impact to make interviewers "remember and bat for" the applicant.
The activity's highlight was the giving of certificates to participants, which gave each of them a sense of belonging and accomplishment in being able to complete the whole PEOS activity despite its very early morning start and the long lines during registration.

Vilma Yorong reiterated that "at BEPO, we always make it a point to conduct trainings and seminars that could help boost our labor force and open our people's eyes to the realities of life and what to do about it; and more importantly, make them realize that the Provincial Government, through BEPO, is making everything possible to help alleviate poverty and address unemployment and underemployment in Bohol. (PGBh/JANETV/BEPO)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) acknowledges the concerns of the banking public on news reports about the possible increase in ATM fees. The BSP assures the public that its policy on ATM fees is guided by best industry practices and that it is driven with the broader welfare of consumers in mind.  
Towards this end, the BSP has issued regulations that require banks to adhere to the principles of reasonable and market-based pricing in their ATM operations. As such, banks cannot increase the ATM fee on their own. In fact, any bank that intends to adjust ATM fees must file its request with the BSP, indicating their proposed fees, as well as the costs currently incurred by the bank with respect to its ATM activities.  

In addition, costs declared should be clear, properly supported, and may be validated by the BSP when deemed necessary. The BSP also disallows the imposition of set fees arising from agreements between market participants.

Rest assured that the BSP shall examine each request and decide if the increase is warranted to cover the cost of maintaining the ATMs.  Should an increase be necessary in order for banks to continue providing ATM services to the banking public, the BSP will ensure that the increase will be reasonable and will adhere to pricing principles provided under BSP Circular No. 980 dated 6 November 2017.

In any case, said fees should be lower than the fees collected from transactions made over-the-counter (OTC) and comply with transparency in pricing.
:: Press Release::

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

REP. ROMERO FILES BILL TO MANDATE LANDBANK TO ALLOCATE 60 PERCENT OF ITS LOANS TO FARMING AND FISHING

Heeding the guidance of President Rodrigo Duterte on the need to align the Land Bank of the Philippines to its original purpose as an agricultural bank, Deputy Speaker Michael "Mikee" L. Romero filed House Bill 183 requiring Landbank to set aside 60 percent of its loan portfolio for farmers and fisherfolk.

Landbank competes against the major banks such as Metrobank, BPI, Banco de Oro and Philippine National Bank. "In rural areas, depending the situation, it either competes against or complements rural banks," Romero, an economist, said.

"On the other end of the spectrum Landbank takes on a dual role with the Development Bank of the Philippines...it either competes against or works with DBP, depending on the situation involved," he added.

The 1-PACMAN solon noted, that according to Landbank's latest available annual report covering 2017, "only 45.4 percent of its total loan portfolio were for the agriculture and fisheries sector", broken down as follows:

·      7.5 percent - small farmers and small fisherfolk and their associations;
·      13.7 percent - agribusiness;
·      0.4 percent aqua-business;
·      8.9 percent agri-aqua projects of local government units and GOCCs;
·      14.9 percent - micro, small and medium enterprises.
:: Press Release::

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

HB 5048 FILED TO GIVE SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TO SPORADIC COASTAL CLEANUPS VS SOLID WASTE

"Those sporadic cleanup operations at Manila Bay and our coastal areas, where are they now? Ningas cogon. Unsustainable show of force. We need a sustainable and scalable solution to the solid waste crisis. Our comprehensive solution is contained in House Bill 5048," said Rep. Frederick W. Siao of Iligan City.

Siao said, "HB 5048 gives people and organizations persuasive reason to practice better solid waste management."

[Mga basura sa bangketa | Photo taken in Iligan City]

"Aside from putting in place a system for exchanging recyclable solid waste for cash or rice, water, canned goods, basic household consumer items, HB 5048 adapts the Carbon Credits system for reducing carbon emissions to the realm of solid waste recovery and reduction," the ranking solon said.

The bill provides for collaboration of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with the  Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry, to encourage individuals, households, civic associations, parents-teachers associations, homeowners associations, and non-profit institutions to gather and exchange collected non-hazardous and recyclable solid wastes.

Recyclable solid waste includes plastic bottles, wrappers, bags, sachets, metal canisters, unserviceable or used electrical and electronic devices, discarded hardware and recyclable computer parts.

The bill further provides that the DENR, DA, and DTI shall determine the reasonable and compliance-inducing exchange values for graduated weights or volumes of solid wastes surrendered.

For hazardous waste recovery, the bill authorizes the DENR, DTI, and DA to establish a Hazardous Waste Recovery Protocols and Reporting System, through which individuals may report the exact location and details of the suspected hazardous waste.

"Specially-trained and equipped personnel or teams may be deployed to safely recover the confirmed hazardous waste. The  Hazardous Waste Recovery Protocols and Reporting System shall have a Cash Rewards feature to encourage the public to help government pinpoint and confirm the exact location of hazardous wastes," Siao said in the bill's explanatory note.

"For large-scale, corporate-level systemic recovery of solid wastes, the DENR, DTI, and Department of Finance would be tasked to adapt the Carbon Credits system," Siao added.

The bill also lets private corporations and government-owned or controlled corporations establish special purpose corporations or joint ventures with the specific mission of redeeming and recovering plastic wastes.

"Enabling shall include a combination of mechanisms and incentives designed for corporate social responsibility programs and non-tax incentives," Siao said. (END)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

ROTARY PHILIPPINES JOINS RELIEF OPS FOR QUAKE VICTIMS

Rep. Bernadette Herrera, in coordination with Rotary District 3780, is supporting relief operations for Region XII, and is calling on the public for help with much-needed supplies.

[Source: Facebook of Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy]

The region was hit by a strong earthquake last October 30, with over 8,000 people directly affected, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

Rotary District Governor Herrera is asking the public for relief goods consisting of the following: food, water, medicine, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters like camping tents.

Donations can be sent to the Rotary Center in Madre Ignacia St. cor. Roces Ave. in Quezon City.

"We will consolidate our efforts as a district. We will set a day for packing and a day for distribution. Thank you in advance for your compassion," Herrera said. (END)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

RANKING SOLONS URGE 'STATE OF CALAMITY' IN QUAKE-RAVAGED NORTH COTABATO, POLIO-THREATENED MAGUINDANAO

Rep. Marlyn Alonte and Rep. Alfredo Garbin, Jr. have suggested the immediate declaration of state of calamity and other crisis response in the wake of recent strong earthquakes in Mindanao.

Garbin said, "there are social media postings of profiteering in North Cotabato, particularly in Kidapawan City. I appeal to the North Cotabato Provincial Board to please declare a state of calamity so that price controls and penalties can be imposed."

Alonte called for the declaration of a "localized state of calamity" in polio-afflicted areas due to the potential disruption and contamination of groundwater as a result of the quakes.

"Localized state of calamity is the proportionate response to the reemergence of polio after 19 years because it seeks to contain the spread of the poliovirus contaminating water and food sources and sewerage systems," she said.

"A systemic solution to a systemic problem affecting not just one household but entire communities where sanitation and related basic systems have been compromised," said Alonte, author of House Bill 4811 seeking to expand the coverage of the government's mandatory basic immunization program.

Alonte, a former city mayor explained that "the state of calamity declaration would directly address components of the systemic problems. For example, neighbors of the affected families can avail of calamity loans to repair or replace their homes' plumbing and pozzo negro. Local governments can use some of the calamity funds to repair sewer systems outside the homes of affected families. LGUs can also impose price controls on the sale of drinking water and personal hygiene items like soap."  (END)

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Our "Share & Care Solar" Projects in Danao & Talibon, Bohol.

In December 2016 we donated 135 solar lights to all the high school students in Danao, Bohol that lived in homes without electricity.
We believe that these high school students are the future of the Philippines and deserve whatever help we can give them.
A solar light makes a a very big difference to the student and to all the the family members. 
We were very pleased to find that the solar light actually benefited 410 children living in those homes.

The prime reason was to help these 'disadvantaged' students with their homework, studying and education.
But the long term goal is to help break the continuous cycle of poverty in the province by education, which will in turn help the students with job opportunities.
Nelson Mandela said: "With an education a rice farmers daughter can become a Doctor"
"With an education a fisherman's son can become an Engineer"

We recently revisited these schools and we very pleased to find that the solar light significantly helps the students and their families in many different ways.
Plus most of the students grades had radically improved (by up to 45%) and a number of them had become 'Honour Students' - absolutely fantastic!

Best bonus is that every students family no longer uses or needs the unhealthy & dangerous kerosene lamp.
This is a health and safety issue, getting rid of the kerosene lamp that can cause respiratory diseases, severe burns & its not uncommon to hear of home/s burnt down. Plus it saves the average family approximately 350p month on expensive kerosene.
135 homes x350p =  47,250 pesos a month extra in the community to spend on food etc.
Every kerosene lamp gives off 130 kgs of greenhouse gases a year, so by getting rid of them we significantly help the household and the environment.
Clean air in the home, and with a solar light families feel a lot safer. 

Please find solar light feedback meeting with Danao high school students attached:

In April 2017 we moved to Talibon, and thought it would be good to conduct a similar project here.
After visiting all the eleven public high schools we were amazed that 1,102 of the students lived in homes without electricity.
We personally financed the Share & Care Solar Project in Danao, but this Talibon project was above our means.
With quite a lot of requirements to overcome we put together a grant application to the Australian Embassy in Manila
After several months we have been informed that our application for 1,102 solar lights costing 551,000 pesos has been approved.

The light are currently on order from overseas, and we won't get delivery before the school year ends in early April.
So we intend to carry out the presentations in early June (start of new school year) at each of the eleven Talibon public high schools on different days.
Our solar lights last for 5 years and we purchase them because they have proven to be 100% reliable from Mr Jamie Ayala in Manila.

Sir Jim Ayala is the CEO of Hybrid Social Solutions inc., he gave up corporate life to help rural Filipinos with solar lighting & clean water.
Representatives from Sir Jim Ayala's company will come to the Talibon high school presentations, plus a representative from the Australian Embassy.
We have been very strongly supported in this project by Ma'am Wilfreda Bongalos the superintendent in charge of DEPED Bohol, we will be inviting her as well.
Strong letter of support from the Talibon Bishops Chancellor Rev. Father Gerzon Justiniani, he is very busy but we hope he can also attend at least one presentation.

For your information I have attached an overview of all the information we collected at each Talibon high school
As you can see the solar lights will not only benefit the 1,102 high school students but the 5,729 children living in those homes.

It would be wonderful if your paper could give us some publicity in June because we are then going to start work on our next project in the high schools of Ubay.
I have much more information that I can share with you if you can help us via your media outlets.
I've included an extra couple of documents about the benefits and the danger of black carbon greenhouse gases from kerosene lamps.

We want to grow these "Share & Care Solar Projects in other Municipalities of Bohol so your help to publicise our endeavours are vital.
I've tried to call you but I know you are a busy man, however please contact me when you can at the numbers or emails addresses below.

Thanking you for your time and consideration, .

Yours Sincerely,

Patrick & Jehma Hennessy
Share & Care Solar Coordinators
Kapawan Village, Poblacion Talibon, Bohol
038) 515 5833
0920 703 4882

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

The Philippines' External Debt Remains Manageable in Second Quarter 2018

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. announced that the Philippines' outstanding external debt stood at US$72.2 billion as of end-June 2018, down by US$997 million (or 1.4 percent) from the end-March 2018 level of US$73.2 billion.

The reduction in the debt stock during the second quarter was mainly driven by negative foreign exchange (FX) revaluation adjustments (US$720 million) as the US Dollar strengthened against third currencies, particularly the Japanese Yen (US$454 million). The decline in non-resident investments (US$309 million) in Philippine debt papers and net principal repayments (US$246 million) further contributed to the decline in the external debt stock.

Year-on-year, the debt stock declined by US$294 million (or 0.4 percent) from US$72.5 billion in June 2017, which was brought about by offsetting factors: (a) net principal repayments (US$2.4 billion),
primarily on private sector's short-term (ST) bank liabilities; vis-a-vis (b) prior periods' adjustments (US$1.8 billion) due to late reporting; and (c) transfer of Philippine debt papers from residents to non-residents (US$419 million).

The country's level of external debt has continued to decline in recent years (from US$77.7 billion as of end-2014 to US$72.2 billion in end-June 2018) which may be attributed to prudent debt management and Philippine corporate borrowers' deleveraging from foreign borrowings in order to minimize FX risk.

External debt refers to all types of borrowings by Philippine residents from non-residents, following the residency criterion for international statistics.

Debt Profile

As of end-June 2018, the maturity profile of the country's external debt remained medium- to long-term (MLT) [i.e., those with maturities longer than one year], with its share to total external debt at 83.2 percent. ST loans [or those with maturities of up to one year] accounted for 16.8 percent balance of the debt stock and consisted of bank liabilities, trade credits and others. The weighted average maturity of MLT accounts stood at 17.1 years, with public sector borrowings having a longer average term of 22.6 years compared to 7.9 years for the private sector. This means that FX requirements for debt payments are well spread out and, thus, more manageable.

Public sector external debt decreased to US$38.0 billion (or by US$1.2 billion) in end-June from US$39.2 billion as of end-March 2018, accounting for 52.6 percent of total external debt. This was due to: (a) negative FX revaluation adjustments (US$647 million); (b) increase in residents' investments (US$338 million) in debt papers issued offshore by the public sector; and (c) net principal repayments (US$245 million). About US$31.7 billion (83.5 percent of public sector obligations) were NG borrowings.

Private sector external debt, on the other hand, increased slightly to US$34.2 billion in end-June from US$34.0 billion resulting from adjustments in prior periods (US$278 million) due to late reporting. Private sector foreign borrowings have been declining in recent years which may be attributed to Philippine corporate borrowers' deleveraging from foreign borrowings in order to minimize FX risk, among others.

Loans from official sources (multilateral and bilateral creditors - US$23.9 billion) had the largest share (33.1 percent) of total outstanding debt, followed by foreign holders of bonds and notes (30.7 percent), and obligations to foreign banks and other financial institutions (29.3 percent); the rest (7.0 percent) were owed to other creditor types (mainly suppliers/exporters).The creditor mix continues to be well diversified, demonstrating the country's ability to tap varied sources of financing (both official and commercial sources), which gives the country sufficient flexibility to choose from a broad range of fund sources.
In terms of currency mix, the country's debt stock remained largely denominated in US Dollar (61.5 percent) and Japanese Yen (12.9 percent). US dollar denominated multi-currency loans from the World Bank and ADB had a 14.6 percent share to total, while the remaining 11.0 percent balance pertained to 17 other currencies, including the Philippine Peso (6.0 percent), Euro (2.0 percent) and SDR (2.0 percent).

External Debt Ratios

The Governor further stated that key external debt indicators continued to improve in the second quarter of 2018. Gross international reserves (GIR) stood at US$77.5 billion as of end-June 2018 and represented 6.4 times cover for ST debt under the original maturity concept.

The debt service ratio (DSR), which relates principal and interest payments (debt service burden or DSB) to exports of goods and receipts from services and primary income, is a measure of adequacy of the country's FX earnings to meet maturing debt obligations. As of end-June 2018, the ratio improved to 6.1 percent compared to 7.8 percent in end-March 2018, and 6.7 percent in end-June 2017 due to higher receipts and lower payments during the 12-month period (July 2017 - June 2018). The DSR has consistently remained at single digit levels, and well below the international benchmark range of 20.0 to 25.0 percent.

The external debt ratio (a solvency indicator), or total outstanding debt expressed as a percentage of Gross National Income (GNI), continued to improve, declining to 18.7 percent from 19.1 percent in end-March 2018 and 19.5 percent in end-June 2017. The same improving trend was observed using Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The ratio indicates the country's sustained strong position to service foreign borrowings in the medium to long-term.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Honors its Stakeholders in Region IV

Monetary Board Member Peter B. Favila and Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier led the awards ceremony for the stakeholders of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in Region IV during the annual awards and appreciation ceremony held at the Joya Pavillion, Hotel Kimberly Tagaytay on 14 September 2018.

Drapery Hardware, Inc. was the recipient of the Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms, while Senju Solder (Phils.), Inc., was recognized as the Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms for the Business Expectation Survey (BES). Meanwhile, Acbel Polytech Philippines, Inc. received the award for Outstanding Respondent for the Cross Border Transaction Survey. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) - CALABARZON and NEDA-MIMAROPA received the awards for Outstanding Partners for the Report on the Regional Economic Developments. The Outstanding Partner for the Financial Learning Campaign was conferred to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) - Regional Welfare Office IV - B. The Outstanding Financial Inclusion Champion award was given to CARD Bank, Inc. The Asset Disposal Partner of the Year was granted to Mr. Larry D. Tabay. The Outstanding Regional Partners in Currency Programs of the BSP were awarded to the following: Department of Education (DepEd)-Cavite Division for Clean Note Policy; Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - CALABARZON for Coin Recirculation; and Quezon Provincial Cooperative Development Office for the Demonetization of the New Design Series. The Outstanding Regional Partner for Implementing BSP Advocacy on the Conduct of Public Information Campaigns was granted to the Provincial Government of Palawan. Lastly, Acbel Polytech Philippines, Inc., PSA - CALABARZON and Provincial Government of Palawan were the recipients of the Gold Hall of Fame awards, after winning in the same award category for three (3) consecutive years. Each awardee was presented the "Dynamic Balance, Philippine Eagle" trophy, while the Gold Hall of Fame awardees received the "Soaring to Greater Heights" trophy, both of which were crafted by visual artist and multi-awarded sculptor, Mr. Ferdinand Cacnio.

This event embodies the successful alliances that have helped the BSP with the attainment of its mandate. Stakeholders of the BSP in the National Capital Region were earlier recognized during the awards ceremony at the BSP Main Complex, Manila on 10 July 2018. The annual stakeholders' awards in Region IV marked the ninth (9th) in a series of 12 regional stakeholders' events for this year.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BSP constructs a Philippine Financial Social Accounting Matrix

The BSP has constructed a Philippine Financial Social Accounting Matrix for 2010 (PFSAM 2010). The PFSAM provides an overview of the real and financial transactions in the economy. It presents the connection from the multi-industrial relationships in production to the multi-sectoral distribution of income, consumption, investment in produced and non-produced assets and financial instruments, and the interlinkages among the domestic institutions, and between these institutions with the Rest of the World (ROW).

It provides a comprehensive database that can be used to assess the performance of the economy. It also serves as a statistical framework for identifying data gaps/weaknesses as well as inconsistencies in the related macroeconomic aggregates. As such, the PFSAM also serves as input to a financial computable general equilibrium model to simulate responses to what-if questions using policy or behavioral assumptions.

Major findings of PFSAM 2010

Household-based enterprises played a significant role in the economy's production activities contributing 39.9 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The household sector also had the largest share of the Gross National Income (GNI), given that mixed income and compensation which accrue to the household sector contributed about 64.6 percent of the GDP. The household sector's income was supported by the compensation earned abroad by resident Overseas Filipinos' (OF) and current transfers, primarily in the form remittances of non-resident OFs.

The Non-financial Corporations (NFCs) sector was the largest saver in the economy followed by the household sector. Thus, the NFCs financed their investment demand (also the highest), which includes both real and financial investments, mainly with their saving and with only 35.4 percent sourced through the incurrence of liabilities, largely in the form of loans and equities.

Except for the general government, all sectors were net lenders whose gross saving provided basically all the funds for gross capital formation and asset acquisition. Deposits and debt securities emerged as the domestic economy's most preferred financial instrument for net fund provision.

Domestic production accounted for 84.2 percent of the total supply of goods and services, while the rest was sourced from the ROW. Of the total supply, 87.8 percent was absorbed by domestic institutions mainly as intermediate inputs for production activities. The remaining was exported to the ROW, largely from the manufacturing and real estate and business service industries, exporting 16.8 percent and 14.9 percent of their production, respectively. Their combined exports comprised 81.7 percent of the country's total exports.

A major outcome, albeit indirect, of the construction of the PFSAM 2010 is the adoption of a new approach—the Sequence of Accounts (SOA)—in the compilation of the Philippine Flow of Funds. In addition to improving the compilation of saving, this enhanced the estimates for the rest of the accounts in the PFSAM, as the SOA ensures the interconnectedness of the different accounts from production to the financial accounts.

The construction of the PFSAM 2016 is underway to be completed by 2020.

The construction of the PFSAM is a collaborative project involving the Department of Economic Statistics (DES) and the Center for Monetary and Financial Policy (CMFP).

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

OVERALL BOP POSITION POSTS US$1.27 BILLION SURPLUS IN AUGUST 2018

The country's overall balance of payments (BOP) position yielded a surplus of US$1.27 billion in August 2018, a reversal from the US$7 million deficit recorded in the same month last year. Inflows in August 2018 stemmed mainly from net foreign currency deposits of the National Government (NG) and income from the BSP's investments abroad during the month. These were partially offset, however, by the payments made by the NG for its foreign exchange obligations and foreign exchange operations of the BSP during the month in review.

Notwithstanding the surplus posted in August, the cumulative BOP position for the period January-August 2018 registered a deficit of US$2.44 billion, higher than the US$1.39 billion BOP deficit recorded in the comparable period in 2017. The higher cumulative BOP deficit for the period may be attributed partly to the widening merchandise trade deficit (based on the Philippine Statistics Authority's preliminary data) for the first seven months of the year that was brought about by the sustained rise in imports of raw materials and intermediate goods as well as capital goods to support domestic economic expansion. The reported BOP position is consistent with the final GIR level of US$77.93 billion as of end-August 2018. At this level, the GIR represents a more than ample liquidity buffer and is equivalent to 7.1 months' worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It is also equivalent to 6.4 times the country's short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.4 times based on residual maturity.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Foreign portfolio investment transactions yield net outflows in September

Registered investments for the month of September 2018 amounted to US$743 million, reflecting a 33.7 percent decrease from the US$1.1 billion figure in
August 2018. Likewise, a 42.7 percent year-on-year decline was noted from the US$1.3 billion level recorded during the same month last year.

About 85.7 percent of investments registered during the month were listed securities in the Philippine Stock Exchange (pertaining mainly to holding firms, banks,
property companies, food, beverage and tobacco firms, and telecommunication companies). The balance went mostly to Peso government securities (GS)
(14.3 percent). Net outflows were noted for all investment instruments; [i.e. PSE-listed securities (US$351 million). Peso GS (US$89 million), other Peso
denominated debt instruments (less than US$1 million).]

The United Kingdom, United States (US), Singapore, Switzerland, and Malaysia were the top five (5) investor countries for the month, with combined
share to total at 81.8 percent

Outflows for the month (US$1.2 billion) were higher by 32.2 percent vis-a-vis August 2018 level (US$895 million). A minimal decline (less than US$1 million) was
noted when said amount was compared to the level recorded in September 2017 (US$1.2 billion). The US continued to be the main destination of outflows, receiving
73.7 percent of total remittances.

On the overall, transactions for the month yielded net outflows of US$440 million, in contrast to the net inflows of US$226 million in August 2018, as
well as net inflows of US$113 million recorded a year ago. This may be attributed to investors' continuing concerns on trade tensions between the United States and
China, the weakening of the Philippine peso and the continued uptick in inflation which may have been aggravated by the effects of Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut).

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is optional under the liberalized rules on foreign exchange transactions. The issuance of a BSP registration document entitles the investor or his representative to buy foreign exchange from authorized agent banks and/or their
subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment. Without such registration, the foreign investor can stili repatriate capital and remit earnings on his investment but the foreign exchange will have to be sourced outside the banking
system.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

OVERALL BOP POSITION POSTS US$2.7 BILLION DEFICIT IN SEPTEMBER 2018

The country's overall balance of payments (BOP) position posted a deficit of US$2.7 billion in September 2018, a reversal of the US$24 million surplus recorded in the same
month last year. Outflows in September 2018 stemmed mainly from foreign exchange operations of the BSP and payments made by the National Government (NG) for its foreign
exchange obligations. These were partially offset, however, by the net foreign currency deposits of the NG.

On a cumulative basis, the BOP registered a deficit of US$5.14 billion during the period January-September 2018. The higher deficit may be attributed partly to the widening
merchandise trade deficit (based on the Philippine Statistics Authority's preliminary data) for the first eight months of the year. This, in turn, was brought about mainly by the sustained rise in imports of raw materials and intermediate goods as well as capital goods to support domestic economic expansion.

The reported BOP position is consistent with the final GIR level of US$74.94 billion as of end-September 2018. At this level, the GIR represents a more than ample liquidity buffer and is equivalent to 6.8 months' worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It is also equivalent to 5.9 times the country's short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.2 times based on residual maturity.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

MONETARY POLICY TIGHTENS FURTHER IN Q3 2018

The BSP publishes today the 68th issue of the quarterly BSP Inflation Report covering the period July-September 2018. The full text is also released in electronic format as a downloadable PDF file on the BSP website (http://www.bsp.gov.ph/publications/regular_inflation.asp). The BSP Inflation Report is published as part of the BSP's efforts to improve the transparency of monetary policy under inflation targeting and to convey to the public the overall thinking and analysis behind the Monetary Board's decisions on monetary policy.

The following are the highlights of the Q3 2018 BSP Inflation Report:

• Headline inflation increases further. Year-on-year headline inflation rose in Q3 2018 to 6.2 percent from the quarter ago-average of 4.8 percent. This brought the year-to-date average inflation to 5.0 percent, higher than the upper end of the National Government's (NG) target range of 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for the year. Inflation pressures during the review quarter were attributed mainly to rising food and energy prices. Similarly, core inflation increased to 4.7 percent, higher than the rates posted in the previous quarter and a year ago. The BSP's three alternative measures for core inflation were also higher during the quarter.

• Domestic demand expands at a slower pace. Real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 6.0 percent in Q2 2018, slower than the 6.6-percent expansion registered both in Q1 2017 and Q1 2018. Average GDP growth for the first half of 2018 was 6.3 percent, also below the NG's growth target of 7.0-8.0 percent for 2018. On the expenditure side, the slowdown in real GDP growth in Q2 2018 was due to the moderation in government and household consumption and acceleration of imports. On the production side, lower GDP growth was noted in the services, industry, and agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing sectors. High-frequency real sector indicators of domestic economic activity presented mixed signals. The composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) remained firmly above the 50-point expansion threshold, pointing to sustained expansion across all sectors. Consumer confidence also remained positive during the quarter, while business outlook turned less optimistic. By contrast, vehicle sales eased due to the impact of the higher
excise tax on automobiles, which was implemented earlier this year.

• Prospects for global economic activity are broadly steady. Real GDP growth in the US accelerated in Q2 2018, reflecting faster increases in personal consumption expenditures, nonresidential fixed investment, exports, federal government spending, and state and local government spending. In the euro area, economic activity continued to expand due to an upturn in service sector activity as incoming new work rose. In Japan, real GDP growth was steady as domestic demand growth increased slightly during the quarter. Meanwhile, even as activity in China moderated in Q2 2018, aggregate growth in emerging Asian economies continued during the quarter, driven by a domestic demand-led pickup in India.

• Domestic financial system remains stable and resilient. Volatility stemming mainly from the external environment has contributed to the depreciation of the peso and volatility in the Philippine stock market. The Philippine Stock Exchange index retreated during the review quarter while the peso continued to depreciate owing mainly to lingering concerns over trade tensions between the US and China. Meanwhile, sovereign debt spreads narrowed on account of some positive external developments while investor demand for government securities remained strong. In addition, the banking system saw continued growth in total assets, lending, and deposits, while capital adequacy ratios remained comfortably above the BSP's prescribed levels and international norms. Meanwhile, based on the latest round of the BSP survey on senior bank loan officers, bank lending standards for loans to both enterprises and households were broadly unchanged during the quarter, indicating a steady supply of credit.

The BSP raises key policy rates in Q3 2018. The BSP's latest baseline forecasts using the 2012-based CPI series show that average inflation is likely to exceed the upper end of the target range in 2018 and may do so in 2019, even as inflation is expected to revert to within the target in 2020. However, the implementation of non-monetary mitigating measures, particularly the approval of rice tariffication, could temper further price pressures and thus lead to an earlier return of inflation to within the target range in 2019. Meanwhile, inflation expectations have also remained elevated amid indications of second-round effects.

With persistent signs of sustained and broadening price pressures, and the balance of risks skewing to the upside, the successive increases in the policy rate during the quarter were undertaken to further anchor inflation expectations and to safeguard the inflation target over the policy horizon. At the same time, amid continued uncertainty in the external environment, the BSP is closely monitoring recent fluctuations in the foreign exchange market and how the sustained pressures on the peso could affect inflation expectations and spill over to the demand side.

The BSP reassures the public of its strong commitment to take all necessary policy actions to address the threat of high inflation and deliver on its mandate of price stability.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

U.S., Philippines Partner to Train Anew on Prosecuting Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC)

Manila, November 29, 2019 — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT), partnered with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and the International Justice Mission (IJM) to train 72 prosecutors and investigators in Clark, Angeles City from November 19 to 21.

This is the fourth in a series of Prosecuting Online Sexual Exploitation (POSE) trainings which have provided participating prosecutors and investigators practical skills to effectively combat OSEC.  USDOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) legal and digital forensic experts shared best practices in using digital evidence to effectively investigate and prosecute these crimes.  Alongside Philippine forensic examiners, OSEC prosecutors discussed the fundamentals in collection, preservation, and use of digital evidence.  Cyber Court Judge Romeo Tagra of Marikina City discussed the legal framework governing cybercrime warrants, including the disposition of collected digital evidence in legal proceedings.  Other topics discussed included means to obtain digital evidence from other countries, plea bargaining, and the special handling of child victims.

The program culminated with mock trials where prosecutors, alongside investigators, built their cases against fictional perpetrators.  Actual Metro Manila-based Cyber Court judges, including Judge Tagra, conducted the mock trials for each prosecutor-investigator team.

Judge Tagra said of the training, "The participation of cybercrime court judges in the training is significant.  It gave law enforcement officers and the prosecutors direct and hands-on tips about what to look for to obtain a favorable ruling."  He concluded that, "Hands down, the training is an avenue for everyone to learn and enhance their respective skills."

OPDAT Resident Legal Advisor Don Calvert, in his keynote address, urged vigilance in investigating online sexual exploitation as it is a crime without borders affecting children around the world.   This batch of 72 prosecutors and investigators join the growing group of alumni who, since the first POSE training in March 2017, have gone on to achieve 31 OSEC convictions.

In its Justice Sector Reform portfolio led by Resident Legal Advisor Don Calvert and Technical Advisor Felix Z. Camerino, Jr., USDOJ OPDAT, works with Philippine partners to enhance capacity in countering cybercrime and other transnational crimes by training judges, prosecutors, investigators, and other government officials.  OPDAT also assists criminology schools nationwide develop and implement new courses to prepare next generation investigators and prosecutors.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

BSP DER statement on the month-ahead forecast

The BSP Department of Economic Research projects November 2019 inflation to settle within the 0.9 – 1.7 percent range. The increase in electricity rates as well as higher prices of gasoline, LPG, and selected food items are seen as the primary sources of upward price pressures for the month. Meanwhile, inflation could be tempered by lower domestic rice prices and the appreciation of the peso. Looking ahead, the BSP will remain watchful of evolving inflationary conditions to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with the BSP's price stability mandate.
- BSP Press Release

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Bank Lending for Household Consumption Grew by 26.7 percent in October

Loans from universal and commercial banks for household consumption grew by
26.7 percent in October from 26.2 percent in September, due to faster growth in motor
vehicle, credit card, and salary-based general purpose consumption loans during the month.

Meanwhile, loans for production activities—which comprised 87.2 percent of banks'
aggregate loan portfolio, net of RRPs—expanded at a rate of 7.5 percent in October, lower
than the reported growth in September at 9.0 percent. The sustained increase in production
loans was driven primarily by lending to the following sectors: real estate activities
(18.4 percent); financial and insurance activities (11.6 percent); construction (28.9 percent);
electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (5.2 percent); and wholesale and retail trade,
repair of motor vehicles and motorcycle (3.0 percent).

Bank lending to other sectors also increased during the month, except those in
professional, scientific and technical activities (-28.0 percent) and other community, social and
personal activities (-34.4 percent).

Notwithstanding the expansion in credit across sectors, growth in outstanding loans of
universal and commercial banks, net o f reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, was
slower at 9.3 percent in October, from 10.5 percent in the previous month. On a month-on-month
seasonally-adjusted basis, commercial bank loans net of RRPs grew by 0.3 percent.

Going forward, the BSP will continue to ensure that the expansion in domestic credit
and liquidity remains consistent with the BSP's price and financial stability objectives.
- BSP Press Release

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp

Domestic Liquidity Expands at a Faster Pace in October

Preliminary data show that domestic liquidity (M3) expanded by 8.5 percent year-on-
year to about P12.1 trillion in October 2019, faster than the 7.7-percent growth in
September. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 increased by 0.9 percent.

Demand for credit remained the principal driver of money supply growth. Domestic
claims grew by 6.7 percent in October from 7.5 percent in the previous month due mainly
to the sustained growth in credit to the private sector. Loans for production activities
continued to be driven by lending to key sectors such as real estate activities; financial and
insurance activities; construction; electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply; and
wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Loans for household consumption increased due to the growth in motor vehicle
loans, credit card loans, and salary-based general purpose consumption loans during the
month. Meanwhile, net claims on the central government grew by 6.5 percent in October
from 6.0 percent in September, reflecting the increased borrowings by the National
Government.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms expanded by 9.6 percent in October from
8.3 percent in the previous month. The BSP's NFA position increased during the month,
supported by foreign exchange inflows coming mainly from overseas Filipinos' remittances,
business process outsourcing receipts, and foreign portfolio investments. Similarly, the NFA
of banks increased as their foreign assets grew as a result o f higher loans and investments in
marketable debt securities.

The BSP will continue to monitor domestic liquidity dynamics to ensure that overall
monetary conditions remain in line with maintaining the BSP's price and financial stability
objectives.

* Today's Helpful Tip *
Tala app is a fast and easy way to borrow money, and it's used and trusted by many. Download Tala to join millions of Filipino users today! >>> http://inv.re/9o3vp