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Philippines: Over 5K jobs available in 2-day tourism job fairs | Business

Job seekers, especially those looking for opportunities in the tourism sector, may participate in the second special simultaneous job fairs that will run from Thursday to Friday in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Wednesday.

Department-of-labor , Job-seekers , Specially-those-looking-for-opportunities-in-the-tourism-sector , Ay-participate-in-the-second-special-simultaneous-job-fairs-that-will-run-from-thursday-to-friday-luzon , He-visayas , Nd-mindanao , He-department-of-labor-and-employment-dole-said-wednesday- ,

IMEG, HPG tighten drive vs. use of seized vehicles in PNP camps

(PNA file photo by Yancy Lim) MANILA - Two units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) joined forces in cracking down on the use of confiscated vehicles and motorcycles, particularly those seized as pieces of evidence in criminal cases. In a statement Friday, Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) chief Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon said his office and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) have been conducting lockdowns for the measure in several police camps since Jan. 27. "Since January 27 to 31, 2023, we have inspected a total of 2,213 motor vehicles and motorcycles in various camps in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao," De Leon said. Of the total number of inspected vehicles, 36 individuals were issued with citation tickets -- 16 of whom were PNP personnel. The rest of the apprehended violators were civilians and other government agencies who were visiting the camp. He further said that based on the result of the activity, several violations were committed by PNP personnel, foremost among these were expired registration and no attached plate number, or improvised plate. "Our goal for conducting this series of camp lockdowns is to apprehend unscrupulous PNP personnel using unregistered, recovered, impounded and carnapped or stolen motor vehicles and motorcycles and instill discipline within our ranks which is part of our efforts to intensify our internal cleansing program," De Leon said. De Leon said the measure aims to show that the PNP does not tolerate any personnel committing this illegal activity. He said civilian violators were issued with traffic citation tickets by the HPG personnel while the administrative charges are being prepared against active cops. (PNA) }

Manila , Philippines , Philippine , Benguet , Visayas , Philippines-general- , Philippine-national-police , Patrol-group , Enforcement-group , Integrity-monitoring , Warren-de-leon

White onion prices drop to P150/kilo at QC Kadiwa store

(PNA file photo) MANILA - Prices of white onions on Tuesday at the Agribusiness Development Center (ADC)-Kadiwa site in Quezon City has now dropped to PHP150 per kilogram. This is PHP20 lower than the usual price of onions sold in Kadiwa stores, as other sites remain at PHP170/kilo. The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the supply came from the Bonena Multipurpose Cooperative, which provided around 30 sacks of onions. The price is in line with the DA's projected price range of PHP100/kilo to PHP150/kilo following the approval of importation before the peak harvest season. Meanwhile, the prevailing price range of local red onions in Metro Manila remained at PHP320 to PHP450. In an interview, DA deputy spokesperson Rex Estoperez said the cooperative expressed dismay over the earlier announced timing and volume of importation. "According to them, they are against doon sa (to the) importation because of the timing... sinasabi nilang marami ngang pumapasok, even if hindi pa lusot 'yung off-season harvest. Ang peak harvest ata is mid-February until April, pa-continue sa May (They are saying there's high production volume coming in even if we are still in the off-season harvest. I think the peak harvest is from mid-February, up to April to May)," he said. "Pero kung may pumapasok ngayon na sibuyas na from the farmers' side from producers' side, eh 'di better (But if the onions are coming in from the farmers and producers, then that's better)," he added. Estoperez, however, reiterated that the imported volume of fresh yellow and red onions will be only 5,775 metric tons. "Kasi ang darating na lang dun sa ating imported na inallow ay 5,000 metric tons lang. That's divided also in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, so kakaunti lang naman 'yun (Because out of the allowed importation, only around 5,000 metric tons will come. That's divided into Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, so that's only low [volume])," he said. The DA said that once the imported onions arrive in the country, a kilogram of onions is expected to go down to PHP100 to PHP150. Onion purchase probe The Ombudsman earlier announced its planned probe following onion procurement worth PHP537/kilo from the Bonena Multipurpose Cooperative but was sold at only PHP170/kilo in Kadiwa sites. "We'll just wait for the formal charges kung meron man (if there's any), and the reply of the Ombudsman on our compliance for the order," said Estoperez. On Monday, Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) President Robert Tan during a Senate hearing denied any knowledge of the procurement, saying he was on leave during the selection period of the purchase. Tan said the Office of the Ombudsman has already gotten in touch with him and that he has already responded to its questions in connection with the probe. (PNA) }

Manila , Philippines , Metro-manila , Philippines-general- , Visayas , Robert-tan , Rex-estoperez , Agribusiness-development-center , Office-of-the-ombudsman , Department-of-agriculture , Food-terminal-incorporated , Bonena-multipurpose

Solon welcomes P114-B funding for PH's railway modernization

(File photo) MANILA - A leader of the House of Representatives on Thursday lauded the almost five-fold increase in the proposed funding totaling PHP113.99 billion for next year to modernize the country's railways as it would help solve the Philippines' transportation problems. In a statement, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" Dalipe said the "massive increase" to finance the expansion of the country's railways shows the Marcos administration's commitment in developing a "fast, efficient, and easily accessible mass transportation system" and in decongesting traffic in Metro Manila and other metropolitan areas. Dalipe noted that the proposed budget for railway modernization swelled to PHP113.99 billion for 2023, which is almost five times the previous budget of PHP23.12 billion in 2022. He said next year's proposed budget would finance various big-ticket railway projects, particularly in building an additional 1,200 kilometers of railways which could provide transportation for 4.5 million passengers a day. "We are happy that the new administration's thrust in solving our transportation problem is to expand and modernize our railways. This should have been the priority a long time ago and we would never have to endure the monstrous traffic in Metro Manila. The railway is still the easiest and fastest way to transport people, not cars," Dalipe said. "We will not just solve our traffic problem but we can also decongest Metro Manila's population. If we have a modern rail system. Filipinos would definitely choose to live outside of Metro Manila," he added. He also lauded the appointment of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Undersecretary for Rails Cesar Chavez, both of whom are experts in the railway and transportation sector and have a very deep background in the various railway projects that are part of the government's long-term development agenda. Their appointments, he said, show President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s resolve in fulfilling his promise to develop a world-class national railway system. "Our long-term goal should be to continuously increase the coverage of our light rail system in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces and extend our rail connection to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao," he said. In his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos said he is determined to continue his predecessor's ambitious "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program but with a new focus on developing the country's railway system. "We shall confidently build on this firm foundation established by my predecessor. As it is in building an edifice. We must keep the momentum. And aspire to 'Build Better More,'" Marcos said. Marcos said the government missed a great opportunity to develop our rail transport system. "It is clear in our mind that railways offer great potential as it continues to be the cheapest way of transporting goods and passengers," he added. Marcos pointed out that there are a dozen rail projects -- at ground, above the ground, and below ground, not just in the National Capital Region, but in five other regions -- at various stages of implementation, and with a combined cost of PHP1.9 trillion. He also said larger scale railway systems like the 102-kilometer Mindanao Railway Project; Panay Railway Project; and Cebu railway system could be integrated as a vital part of the transport and communications systems. Marcos directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to build upon already existing lines by modernizing old railway systems. "Full speed ahead! Improving our railway system, along with modernizing existing airports and seaports, will maximize our strategic location in the Pacific. And connect our many islands," he said. He also maintained that his administration is committed to finish building the current portfolio of investments: approved railway projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway System; the 33-kilometer Metro Manila Subway Project; the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway System; the 12-kilometer LRT-1 Cavite Extension; the 23-kilometer MRT-7 and the Common Station that will connect LRT-1, MRT-3 and MRT-7. (PNA) }

Panay , Ilocos-sur , Philippines , Manila , Cavite , Cavite-city , Metro-manila , Philippines-general- , Visayas , Filipinos , Cesar-chavez , Manuel-jose-mannix-dalipe

Zagala to serve as BBM's PSG chief, senior military assistant

IncomingPresidential Security Group (PSG) acting commander, Col. Ramon Zagala (Photo courtesy of AFP) MANILA - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala will serve as acting commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and senior military assistant of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. "Ang sabi sa akin ni Col. Zagala is for issuance pa ang order, wala pa actually (ang) order, for issuance pa lang, ang effectivity is (June) 30, sabi nya (Col. Zagala told me that the order is still for issuance, there is still no order yet, is still for issuance, but the effectivity is on June 30)," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in an interview with reporters Sunday. Zagala will replace Brig. Gen. Randolph Cabangbang, who is also a former spokesperson of the Philippine Army. Baclor said the AFP has yet to name Zagala's replacement as AFP spokesperson. Zagala was born on Aug. 6, 1969, in Camp Aquino, Tarlac. He completed his primary and secondary education at the La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City in 1983 and 1987, respectively, and took up AB Political Science at the De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila where he graduated in 1990. He was commissioned to the regular force on Aug. 9, 1994. Prior to entering the AFP, Zagala was the Corps Commander of the DLSU Naval ROTC unit from 1989 to 1990. He entered the Officer Candidate School in 1993 and became his class' First Captain earning him the Chief of Staff Saber. After his graduation from the Officer Candidate School in 1994, he was assigned to different Army and General Headquarters units covering Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, holding various command and staff positions. Zagala completed various career and specialization courses here and abroad, including the Special Forces Operation Course, Basic Airborne Course, Scout Ranger Orientation Course, Armor Officer Basic Course, Basic Practical Pistol Course, VIP Protection Course, UN Peacekeeping Operations Pre-Deployment Training, Armor Officer Advanced Course, the Public Affairs Officer Qualifying Course at Fort Meade, Maryland, USA under the International Military Education and Training Program (IMETP), Military Freefall course, Jumpmaster course, Australian Command and Staff Course, Australian Defence College and Master of Military and Defence Studies, Australian National University at Canberra, ACT, Australia under the Philippines and Australia Defence Cooperation Program. He also received a number of awards and decorations both in administrative and combat duties including the Distinguished Service Star, a Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat, Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medal, 2 Bronze Cross Medals, 19 Military Merit Medals (three in combat), AFP Senior Parachutist Badge, Army Aviator's Badge, US public affairs badge, the Presidential Medal of Merit and other distinguished awards and commendations. Zagala belongs to a family whose military heritage spans three generations -- from his grandfather, Col. Ramon Zagala to his father Maj. Gen. Rafael G. Zagala. (PNA) }

Australia , Manila , Philippines , Philippine , Benguet , United-states , Mandaluyong-city , Mandaluyong , Tarlac , City-of-tarlac , Maryland , Visayas

Kain Na 2022: DOT brings gastronomy fair to Metro Manila

(Photo courtesy of DOT) MANILA - The Department of Tourism's (DOT) flagship food festival, Kain Na 2022, is back in the National Capital Region (NCR) to bring every region's best gastronomic offers. The "Kain Na! Foodie Adventure" will run from June 9 to 12 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay's activity center, featuring 13 booths and 40 exhibitors from across the country. DOT Metro Manila Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin said the Philippines as an archipelago is a treasure trove of food beyond the staples adobo, sinigang, and pansit. "This is precisely what this latest iteration of Kain Na! food and travel festival promises to give us-- a glimpse of the rich and delectable food culture in the Philippines to a sampling of local cuisines, heirloom recipes, precious produce, and some indigenous ingredients from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao," she said. In an interview Friday, Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Fe Abling-Yu said food tours do attract tourists to travel. "Malakas ang hatak talaga ng food tours lalo na sa mga families na pupunta sa ibang lugar para lang sa pagkain. Dinadayo talaga nila, there's the curiosity and eventually nagiging word of mouth na iyon, dumadami 'yong dumadayo sa lugar (Food tour is an effective way to attract tourists, especially families because they are willing to visit a destination for it. They'll travel to that place and eventually it becomes a word of mouth luring more visitors to come)," she said. Some of the local delicacies at the expo are bagnet, empanada, and longganisa from the Ilocos Region; tablea and tsokolate bars from MIMAROPA; and artisanal chocolate, fruit jams and pastries from the Davao Region. Apart from these, tour packages offering food, leisure, and adventure tours to the Cagayan Valley region, Bulacan, Calabarzon, Davao, Siargao are also put on sale. During the fair, TED talks-inspired Food Tourism 101, would also be made accessible online and open for registration via https://bit.ly/399L7bW. (PNA) }

Cagayan-valley , Philippines-general- , Philippines , Manila , Metro-manila , Davao , Davao-city , Bulacan , Camarines-norte , Siargao , Masbate , Visayas

NLEX to implement new toll rates starting May 12

NEW TOLL RATES. The NLEX Corporation will start to implement new toll rates for North Luzon Expressway starting May 12, 2022. The Toll Regulatory Board gave NLEX Corporation the go-signal to increase its toll by PHP2 in the open system and PHP0.34 per kilometer in the closed system. (Photo courtesy of NLEX Corporation) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga - The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation will start to implement new toll rates for North Luzon Expressway starting May 12, this year. This is after the Toll Regulatory Board gave the firm the go-signal to increase its toll by PHP2 in the open system and PHP0.34 per kilometer in the closed system. The adjustments, which followed regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review, were part of the approved periodic adjustments of NLEX Corporation due in 2016 and the completion of the new Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) in 2021. Under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional PHP2 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), PHP6 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and PHP8 for Class 3 vehicles. The open system is from Balintawak, Caloocan City to Marilao, Bulacan while the closed system covers the portion between Bocaue, Bulacan and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga including Subic-Tipo. Those traveling the NLEX end-to-end between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will pay an additional PHP27 for Class 1, PHP69 for Class 2 and PHP82 for Class 3 vehicles. NLEX Corporation president and general manager J. Luigi L. Bautista, in a statement, said to help cushion the impact of the toll increase, public utility jeepneys (PUJs) under the NLEX Passada and Tsuper Card discount and rebate program will continue to enjoy the old rates. Bautista said provincial buses will also be covered by a graduated rebate scheme for three months. The tollway company spent PHP6.9 billion to complete several major projects and enhancements at NLEX-SCTEX since 2015 that improved the region's landscape, increased accessibility, enhanced safety, and provided travel convenience to motorists. These included the expansion of San Fernando Interchange, the new toll lanes in Marilao, Bocaue, Tipo, Balintawak, Meycauayan, and Mindanao, the pavement upgrade at NLEX, the new exits in Meycauayan and Valenzuela and entry in Balagtas, rehabilitation of bridges in Bigaa, Bocaue, and Meycauayan, improvement of drainages in Balintawak, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan, and retrofitting of San Simon and Sta. Rita bridges. (PNA) }

Balintawak , Lipa , Philippines , Marilao , Bulacan , Meycauayan , City-of-meycauayan , Metro-manila , Philippines-general- , Camarines-norte , Mabalacat , Pampanga

DILG exec tells SK: Urge youth to vote

SK SUMMIT. The four-day Sangguniang Kabataan national summit starts in Baguio City on April 7, 2022, with around 500 participants physically attending. During the opening program, Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Marjorie Jalosjos said more than half of the 65.7 million voters in the country are between the ages 18 and 41, with a total of 37,015,901 falling under the youth age bracket. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot) BAGUIO CITY - An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to encourage eligible members of the youth sector to take an active role and cast their votes in the upcoming May national elections. Undersecretary Marjorie Jalosjos, during the opening of the four-day SK National Summit here from April 7 to 10, said SK officials should urge the youth to exercise their right to political participation and engagement via the upcoming elections. "Ngayong paparating na ang halalan, mahalaga ang inyong papel na gagampanan sa pagkumbinse sa ating mga kabataan na makibahagi at makilahok sa ating eleksyon. Mahalagang ipagbigay alam ninyo sa kanila ang kahalagahan ng kanilang boto (This coming election, it is important to tell them that they play a big role in exercising their right and casting their votes and the importance of their votes)," she said on Thursday afternoon. The SK summit is being physically attended by over 500 youth leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with about 900 online participants. Jalosjos, a former local elected official, stressed the SK's role in empowering and encouraging the youth to "enhance their social, political, economic, cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual and physical development." She said Commission on Elections data shows more than half of the 65.7 million voters in the country are between the ages 18 and 41 years old. A total of 37,015,901 voters fall under the youth age bracket, accounting for 56 percent of local voters. Persons aged between 15 and 24 years old are considered "youth," according to the United Nations. "Following this, we can see that the youth will become a prime mover and play a huge role in deciding the next elected officials of the country," Jalosjos said. "It is your duty and responsibility to acknowledge and empower your communities to become key partners to nation-building," she added. The four-day event will include the discussion of the proposed amendment to the SK Reform Law, the recognition of the outstanding coronavirus disease 2019 initiatives of SK units, and a visit to the Philippine Military Academy to interact with the cadets. (PNA) }

Philippine-military-academy , Benguet , Philippines , Visayas , Philippines-general- , Marjorie-jalosjos , Department-of-the , Sk-national-summit , United-nations , Local-government , Sangguniang-kabataan , Sk-summit-the-four-day-sangguniang-kabataan-national-starts-in-baguio-city-on-april-7

VP Leni numbers down in 2021 satisfaction survey

CAMPAIGN. Vice President Leni Robredo and running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan, conclude their campaign in Negros Occidental on Friday night (March 11, 2022). A December 2021 survey showed Robredo's satisfaction rating plunged. (Photo courtesy of VP Leni Robredo Facebook) MANILA - Vice President Leni Robredo's satisfaction rating dropped in a 2021 last quarter survey of top government officials, according to results released on Friday by private polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS). The SWS Fourth Quarter 2021 poll conducted Dec. 12 to 16, 2021 revealed that the number of Filipinos satisfied with Robredo's performance dropped to 41 percent from 51 percent recorded in September 2021. Forty percent of 1,440 respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the presidential candidate, up by 13-percentage points from September 2021's 27 percent. Nineteen percent were ambivalent on the matter. The poll results pulled Robredo's net satisfaction score to "neutral" +1, down by 23 points from "good" +24 in September 2021. SWS said the 23-point decline in Robredo's overall net satisfaction rating was "due to decreases in all areas, especially in Mindanao". Robredo's net satisfaction score fell from "neutral" to "poor" in Metro Manila (from +1 to -16) and Mindanao (from +20 to -27), and from "good" +47 to "moderate" +27 in the Visayas. She retained a "moderate" net satisfaction rating in Balance Luzon, despite a 14-point drop from +24 to +10. Robredo's net satisfaction also plunged from "good" to "moderate" in rural areas (from +34 to +14). Her net satisfaction fell from "good" to "neutral" among women (from +32 to +6), those 55 years old and above (from +32 to +6), non-elementary graduates (from +42 to +5), and elementary graduates (from +36 to +4). It likewise fell from "moderate" to "neutral" among men, down (from +17 to -4), junior high school graduates (from +15 to -1), college graduates (from +20 to +1), and those belonging from 18 to 54 age groups (from +16 to +26 range -5 to +2 range). Robredo's net satisfaction rating fell from "moderate" +13 to "poor" -13 in urban areas. Other officials Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III was the only high-ranking official who received a "very good" net satisfaction score, the SWS said. "Senate President Sotto's net satisfaction rating rose from good to very good, up from +46 in September 2021 to +52 (correctly rounded) in December 2021," the survey said. "The 6-point increase in the overall net satisfaction rating of Senate President Sotto was due to increases in all areas except Mindanao". The net satisfaction of Sotto, who is vying for the country's second top post, rose from "good" to "very good" in Metro Manila (from +49 to +53) and in Balance Luzon (from +47 to +56). Sotto's net satisfaction stayed "very good" in the Visayas (from +51 to +63) and "good" in Mindanao (from +37 to +31). Two other top government officials - House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo - posted a "neutral" net satisfaction rating each. Velasco's net satisfaction remained "neutral", three points down from +8 in September 2021 to +5 in December 2021. Gesmundo's net satisfaction score also stayed "neutral," five points higher from +2 in September 2021 to +7 in December 2021. SWS interviewed 360 respondents each in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao, using sampling error margins of 2.6 percentage points for national percentages and 5.2 percentage points for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. In February, SWS released a survey that showed President Rodrigo Duterte obtained a "very good" net satisfaction rating of +60 in December 2021, eight percent higher than his rating in September 2021. (PNA) }

Manila , Philippines , Metro-manila , Philippines-general- , Visayas , Filipinos , Justice-alexander-gesmundo , Rodrigo-duterte , Leni-robredo , Allan-velasco , President-leni-robredo

LPA to continue to bring rain showers across PH

MANILA - Most parts of the country will continue to experience rains caused by the low-pressure area (LPA), the weather bureau said Wednesday. "The LPA still has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. However, it will cause cloudy skies and rains over Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao," said Aldczar Aurelio of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). These areas are likely to experience flash floods or landslides during moderate to heavy rains. The LPA was last tracked 45 km. south of Zamboanga City. Aurelio said the northeast monsoon or "amihan" is affecting most of Luzon and the Visayas, while the shear line affects eastern Visayas. Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon, and the Bicol region will have light rains, and the rest of Luzon will have isolated light rains due to the northeast monsoon. Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail over Luzon and the Visayas. Strong to gale force winds will be experienced over the seaboards of northern Luzon, and the eastern seaboards of central and southern Luzon. PAGASA advised fishing boats and other small sea vessels not to venture into the sea, and larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves. Over Mindanao, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas. (PNA) }

Cagayan-valley , Philippines-general- , Philippines , Manila , Philippine , Benguet , Palawan , Dapitan , Bicol , Camarines-sur , Zamboanga-city , Zamboanga