Marcos asks media to take lead in helping Filipinos discern real information, fake news, propaganda

 BY BETHEENA UNITE

  

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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has urged the fourth estate to help the citizenry discern between real information and propaganda at a time when fake news threatens the country's stability and objectivity.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate)

Speaking at the 50th anniversary of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) on Thursday night, April 27, Marcos recognized that the media industry has been facing various issues such as the challenge of ensuring the integrity
and credibility of information.

"Well, we started with mistaken information, then it became more active, disinformation, and misinformation and now, out-and-out, fake news," Marcos said.

He said these are among the negative effects of technological advancement and the social media age.

"However, it is something that is to be expected considering how powerful the tool social media has become," he further said.

"And like any powerful tool, it cuts both ways. And it is up once again to the KBP to bring a measure of stability, a measure of objectivity, to help our people discern what is the real information and what is propaganda," he added.

The President said in this situation, the fourth estate stands as "the stalwart partner of our conscientious and peace-loving citizenry, also of our legitimate and equally conscientious government."

He stressed that the press and broadcast media are instrumental in informing the citizenry, in shaping public opinion, and triggering social mobilization and change.

"Therefore, I exhort the KBP to continue your very important work with our people and with the government, addressing and remedying the issues and challenges that we face," he said.

"Take the lead and foster public discussion, truth and credibility, the rule of law, especially in the practice of broadcasting, news reporting and information-dissemination," he added.

'Continue to be the strong voice'

Marcos also encouraged the KBP to "continue to be the strong voice, it always has been."

The chief executive then committed that the government will continue to ensure transparency and good governance, freedom of expression and of the press, and the protection of media practitioners and their rights in the practice of their profession.

He also vowed that the government will work hand in hand with the press  to improve the Philippines' ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, where the country sits at 147th place.

"Onward to many more decades of important and relevant existence, may you genuinely dedicate them to upholding the truth, freedom, and social justice for the benefit and upliftment of the present and of succeeding generations of Filipinos," he said.

The KBP is a non-government and non-profit organization created on April 27, 1973.  It advocates for professional and ethical standards geared toward promoting responsible and free broadcast media, as well as maintaining a relevant role for its members in society when it comes to press freedom.

Marcos directs gov't agencies to comply with EU standards on seafarers' certification

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Apr 11, 2023 1:00 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. directed government agencies to address issues on maritime education in the country

• It is a move to maintain the European Union recognition of Filipino seafarers after 10 years

• The Philippines' compliance to the European maritime standards was finally recognized by the EU after 16 years

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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered maritime and education agencies to ensure compliance with training, education and certification standards of the European Union in order to ensure the global  recognition of Filipino seafarers' certificates.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of Yummie Dingding/PPA Pool)

After acknowledging the "good decision" of the European Commission to recognize the country's standards of training certification and watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers, he directed his administration to "move forward" and address lingering maritime education issues.

"We reported to him the continuous recognition by the European Union of the Certificate for seafarers issued by MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) and the President acknowledged the good gesture and good decision of the European Union because that would mean continuous employment for around 50,000 seafarers in Europe," Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Tuesday, April 11.

"We also talked how we will move forward considering that there are still some issues that we need to address," Bautista added.

Marcos led a multi-sectoral meeting in Malacañang on Tuesday.

According to MARINA Administrator Hernani Fabia, there are various issues that the government must address which were also the concerns stated by independent evaluators.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III said the government must focus on three matters in order to address the issues on maritime education standards.

"We have an enhanced curriculum that has been put together by MARINA, CHED, and the maritime higher education institutions, we must make sure it is implemented correctly, so the enhanced curriculum satisfies compliance with standards of the STCW," he said.

De Vera further said that they must be able to monitor maritime schools, and make sure that they have the necessary equipment, competent teachers, good facilities so that the intended competencies and outcomes can be measured correctly and satisfy the standard of the European maritime safety standards.

He added that the government must make sure that all the requirements to produce a good seafarer are there including shipboard training "so that we make sure that at the end of the whole process, we produce seafarers that are up to the international standards."

"That means we have a lot of work to do in monitoring and evaluating all the maritime education institutions in the country," he said.

De Vera also bared that CHED and MARINA need more personnel in order to monitor all maritime schools around the country.

"Kailangan namin ng dagdag na tao kasi marami (We need more people because there are many schools). That's why kami ni Secretary Bautista we have to look for additional allies to help monitor compliance kasi hindi naman ganun kadami ang staff ng CHED, hindi rin ganun kadami ang staff ng MARINA (because CHED and MARINA do not have many personnel) and the schools are located all over the country," the CHED chairperson said.

The Philippines' compliance with the European maritime standards was finally recognized by the EU after 16 years.

Fabia clarified that the recognition of the Philippine government by the European Commission "is a normal recognition that means there is no condition."

"It is a regular recognition issued by EC and we have a clean slate to start with. But then the recognition is good for 10 years, subject to reassessment and monitoring by the EMSA. That's why we have also to conduct regular training and capacity building for our stakeholders and marine personnel," Fabia said.

VP Sara seeks Filipinos' solidarity in Lenten message

BY BETHEENA UNITE

  

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On Good Friday, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed hopes that the Lenten season would guide Catholic faithful to set aside differences and uphold solidarity in building a just and humane society.

"These recent years, our strong faith as a nation has allowed us to display resiliency despite the global crises affecting our nation and the challenges in our personal and professional lives," Duterte said in a video message on April 7.

"Let the way of the Cross guide us in upholding solidarity, setting aside our differences to build a just and humane society, and fostering equitable governance that will ease the plight of our kababayans (fellowmen)," she added.

The Vice President said the Lenten season is a time when the "entire Christian community unites in the solemn observance of our deep faith founded on Christ’s blood-brought sacrifice at the cross."

She, therefore, enjoined the faithful to use their faith in fighting local communism, corruption, criminality, and the proliferation of illegal drugs.
Duterte also expressed hopes that the Lenten season would inspire Filipinos to unite for a peaceful and progressive Philippines.

"Sa ating pananalangin, pasasalamat at pananampalataya, nawa'y ipakita natin ang walang hanggang pag-asa ng ating pananampalatayang Kristiyano kasabay ng determinasyong mangampanya laban sa lokal na komunismo, katiwalian, kriminalidad, at ilegal na droga na nagbabanta sa ating mga demokratikong mithiin at sumisira sa buhay ng marami (I our prayers, thanksgiving and faith, may you show our endless hope in our Christian faith while we show determination in the campaign against local communism, corruption, criminality, and illegal drugs that threatens our democratic goal and the lives of many)," Duterte said.

Ako ay umaasa, na ang diwa ng Kuwaresma at muling pagkabuhay ni Hesus ay magbibigay-inspirasyon sa mga Pilipino na magsama-sama at makibahagi sa pagbuong muli ng ating bansa--isang Pilipinas na mapayapa, matatag, inklusibo at progresibo para sa ikabubuti ng bawat mamamayan (I am hoping that the spirit of Lent and the resurrection of Jesus would bring inspiration to Filipinos to unite and join in building a peaceful, strong, inclusive, and progressive Philippines for the benefit of every Filipino)," Duterte added.

 

April 6-10 is extended long weekend -- Palace

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Mar 14, 2023 7:49 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Filipinos will experience an extended long weekend from April 6 to 10

• This as April 6, 7, and 10 were declared regular holidays in observation of Holy Week and celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan

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Long weekend!

Malacañang has reminded the public that the traditional Holy Week break will be extended until Araw ng Kagitingan which was moved to April 10.

In an advisory on Tuesday, March 14, the Palace reiterated previous proclamations, declaring April 6 (Maundy Thursday), April 7 (Good Friday), and April 10 (Araw ng Kagitingan) as regular holidays.

April 8 and 9 fall on a weekend and sandwiched between the three regular holidays, making it a five-day long weekend break for Filipinos.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. already declared April 6 to 7 as regular holidays through Proclamation No. 42 in August 2022 while April 10, which falls on a Monday, was declared holiday through Proclamation No. 90 in November last year.

The changes made in November, according to Marcos, were made to encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures.

Malacañang said the extended long weekend aims to give Filipinos an opportunity to observe the Holy Week and have more time with their families and loved ones.

"Gamitin natin ang pagkakataong ito upang makapagbigay ng oras sa ating mga mahal sa buhay habang responsable tayo sa pagsunod sa mga health at safety protocols. Nawa'y maging mapayapa at makabuluhan ang panahong ito para sa lahat (Let's use this opportunity to make time for our loved ones while we responsibly practice health safety measures. May this be a peaceful and meaningful time for all of us)," the Palace said in a statement.

Under Proclamation No. 90, Bonifacio Day-Nov. 30 (Thursday) was also moved to Nov. 27 (Monday).

Marcos then said that "there is a need to adjust these holidays pursuant to the principle of holiday economics wherein a longer weekend will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country."

Transport strike ends; restudy of PUV modernization plan eyed

by Betheena Unite

The transport strike in the country supposed to last for a week has ended, Malacañang announced on Wednesday, March 8, when the strike was about to enter its third day.

MB File photo

Transport group leaders Mar Valbuena, chairman of Manibela Transport Group, and Mody Florada, PISTON president, announced through a video posted by the Palace on Facebook that they are halting the planned week-long strike.

This came after a meeting between Valbuena and Florada, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil. 

The transport groups said they were ending the transport strike as they hold on to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s pronouncement that the implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program will be restudied.

“[U]pang masimulan ang diskurso, nagdesisyon ang aming grupo na ihinto ang transport strike kasama ng PISTON at magbalik pasada na simula bukas (In order for the discourse to begin, our group and PISTON decided to stop the transport strike and resume plying starting tomorrow),” Valbuena said.

They apologized to the commuters for the inconvenience their planned week-long transport strike caused, stressing that they are not against the government’s PUV modernization program.

“Ang grupong Manibela ay kaisa ng pamahalaan sa adhikaing makapagbigay ng maayos, kumportable, at ligtas na pampublikong transportasyon sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi namin hinahadlangan ang planong modernisasyon ng mga pampublikong sasakyan, sana lamang gawin ito sa pamamaraang walang mapag-iiwanan, makatao, at makatwiran (Manibela is one with the government in providing comfortable and safe public transportation to our fellowmen. We are not going against the PUV modernization program, we are only hoping it to be implemented in a humane and just way),” Valbuena said.

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“Panghahawakan namin ang pahayag ng ating mahal na pangulo Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. na bukas ang admnistrasyon sa pag-aaral at pagrebisa ng implementasyon ng PUV modernization program upang mapanatili ang kabuhayan ng ating mga PUV drivers at operators (We will hold on to the statement of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. that his administration is open to study and revise the PUV modernization program to ensure the continuous livelihood of our PUV drivers and operators),” Valbuena added.

The Palace, meanwhile, welcomed the decision of the transport groups to halt the strike.

Garafil said the President has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to study the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) until Dec. 31.

Gararil said the DOTr and LTFRB will also conduct an intensive consultation to ensure a better implementation of the PUV modernization program for the benefit of drivers, operators, and commuters.

53 Filipino families find shelter in Turkiye capital after 7.8-magnitude quake

by Betheena Unite, MB

More than 50 Filipino families were evacuated to shelter in Ankara, Turkiye following the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake.

Filipino evacuees in Ankara, Turkiye (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in Turkiye) 

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said 53 Filipinos, including their husbands and children are currently taking shelter in the Turkiye capital, while 25 Filipinos have already received relief goods as of Saturday afternoon, Feb. 11.

“They (Philippine Embassy in Turkiye) will try to give additional data on the number of Filipinos met, called, texted, emailed plus increases in number of evacuees and Filipinos given relief goods in due course,” Daza said.

She added that “the shelter referred to is a dormitory arranged by the Embassy for its evacuees.”

In a statement on Sunday, the Philippine Embassy in Ankara said “the number of Filipino families sheltered in Ankara” while kind-hearted Filipinos continue to share their own resources and time to augment the Embassy efforts amid the disaster.

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It also reiterated the Embassy will continue to accommodate evacuees.

“We acknowledge that several intrepid Filipinos were able to escape danger on their own accord, through sheer will and the kindness of their Turkish friends and family. We reiterate that the doors of the Embassy shelter are open for them,” the embassy said.

It also disclosed that a Filipino and her children remain missing and “feared to be still under rubble” in Hatay City. This, according to the embassy, was confirmed by her husband and her sister-in-law.

The embassy has sought assistance from search and rescue teams to find her and her children.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent, through the direction of the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, were assigned to conduct structure assessment on collapsed buildings and establish a satellite field hospital to cater to patients and injured personnel.

A team from the embassy also continues to be present in Mersin, less than 100 kilometers (km) to Adana and roughly 250 kms to Hatay, in order to respond to the needs of Filipinos there. 

The embassy can be reached via telephone and WhatsApp (+905345772344), via email at ankara.pe@dfa.gov.ph, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/PHinTurkey.

Marcos appeals support from diplomatic community in achieving PH dev’t goals

by Betheena Unite

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged the diplomatic community to support the Philippines in its mission to achieve its development plans, which he approved a day ago.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (RTVM Screenshot)

During the Vin d’ Honneur held at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday night, Jan. 31, Marcos appealed for support as he informed the attending foreign envoys that he just rolled out the Philippine Development Plan on Monday, Jan. 30 which will serve as his administration’s roadmap for economic and social transformation in the next six years.

“I urge our friends in the diplomatic community to work with us in achieving our development goals through partnerships and cooperation with your respective government and also your private sectors. Let us discuss opportunities where our countries can participate to the mutual benefit of the Philippines and your countries,” Marcos said.

In his speech, Marcos said that “the Philippines is poised to reach upper middle income status very soon,” telling his diplomatic guests that it “is a daunting but achievable milestone and the development well-earned and long overdue.”

“We want this to have meaning and impact to the lives of more than 110 million Filipinos and to set the future generations of Filipinos,” he said, thus he urged them to work with the Philippines in its endeavors under his term.

On foreign relations, the President stressed that the Philippines will continue to elevate its foreign relations with bilateral and multilateral partners, saying that “we are a staunch champion of multilateralism and remain invested in working with partners in building a stronger united nations, one that is more fair, more constructive, more united.”

He also took the opportunity to campaign for the Philippines in its goal to secure a seat in the UN Security Council as the country’s bid stands on its “strong foundation” of “well-recognized contributions” to the shaping of a global rules-based architecture and respect for the sovereignty of nations.

“The Philippines counts on your support for our candidature for non permanent seat in the UN Security Council for term 2027-2028. You’ll excuse my little bit of campaigning for the Philippines and our membership,” he said.

“The legacies of the Philippines as a responsible global citizen I dare say are solid,” he added.

The chief executive also called on the diplomatic community to “continue to strengthen the bond of our countries for the mutual benefit of our peoples and our countries.”

Papal Nuncio Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, meanwhile, expressed that the “diplomatic corps assures you our support for this goal in the new year of 2023 and beyond.”

“So your excellency, it is an honor for me to express in behalf of all members of the diplomatic corps our heartfelt best wishes for a new year blessed by peace, prosperity, mutual understanding and global solidarity,” Brown said as he offered a toast to the President.

Marcos to promote PH economic dev’t initiatives, seal investment deals in Davos

by Betheena Unite

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. departed for Davos, Switzerland on Sunday morning for the World Economic Forum (WEF) where he aims to seal more investments for the country.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (RTVM Screenshot)

Marcos said he was looking forward to his participation in the summit which will give him the opportunity to present to the world the Philippines’ economic development efforts, as well as the steps it is taking to address various pressing concerns. 

“The World Economic Forum is hosting a Country Strategy Dialogue for us where we are given the opportunity to promote the Philippines as leader and driver of growth and a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region – one that is open for business – ever ready to complement regional and global expansion plans of both foreign and Philippine-based enterprises anchored on the competent and well-educated Filipino workers, managers, and professionals,” Marcos said in his departure speech on Jan. 15.

The President will attend the first in-person meeting of the WEF since 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world.

“As such, our theme of ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’ is quite apropos. We will highlight the steps the Philippines is taking to mend the fissures of such fragmentation, especially in our country but certainly in partnership with our friends, allies, and partners around the world,” he said.

He further said that he will also take the opportunity to exchange views with other business and world leaders on the challenges posed by rising food prices, the impact of conflict in other parts of the world, and the continuing existential threat posed by climate change. 

He noted that the country is also being given a “unique opportunity” to highlight the significant economic gains achieved in the last part of the year as attested to by upward growth projections of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

“I will draw attention to our efforts at building resilient infrastructure that bolsters our efforts to reinforce robust and resilient supply chains, ensure food security including its critical interlinkages with health and nutrition, while furthering climate-friendly, clean and green energy to power the Philippine economy,” Marcos said.

He will also share the country’s experience “as a model for managing” the disruptive and transformative impact of Covid-19 to global partners.

“I intend to share our efforts in saving both lives and livelihoods, as well as the people-centered next steps that we are taking to ensure that we are ready to meet the lingering effects of the pandemic and address the occurrence of the next one,” he said.

“I look forward to meeting with various government and business leaders at the WEF and strengthen our partnerships in the years to come,” he added.

The chief executive was invited by Professor Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the WEF, when they met at the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits in Cambodia last year.

2.6-M tourist arrivals seen by DOT in 2023

by Betheena Unite

The government aims at least 2.6-million international tourist arrivals next year, Malacañang said.

TOURISTS enjoy the sunset at world-famous Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province. (Tara Yap)

“For next year, the DOT (Department of Tourism) said it targets 2.6 million international tourist arrivals in a low scenario, and 6.4 million in a high scenario,” the Palace said in a statement on Wednesday, Dec. 28. 

According to the department’s report to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., some 2.4-million foreign tourists flocked to the country this year.

The tourism department also spelled out its plans and programs for 2023, with its major thrust focusing on connectivity, convenience, and e(Quality).

These initiatives are under the DOT’s Seven-Point Agenda aimed at improving tourism infrastructure, establishing cohesive digitalization and connectivity, enhancing the country’s overall tourism experience and equalizing product development.

To improve connectivity, the department said it will support local government-initiated tourism infrastructure, open up Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) properties to development through public-private partnerships (PPPs), develop Cruise Tourism involving at least 136 ports of call in over 40 islands, conduct regional travel fairs, develop tourism circuits and continue convergence with tourism-enhancing government agencies.

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The DOT is also looking to improve convenience by establishing tourism information desks and tourist rest areas, enhancing the Filipino brand of service excellence, and improving the accreditation standards to ensure the competitiveness of the Philippine tourism sector.

Under its e(Quality) initiative, the DOT will enhance the Philippine Tourism Brand campaign, finalize and approve the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, launch the Philippine Experience Program and develop Overwintering packages.

The tourism department also plans to open Mindanao for tourism and promote Halal tourism, conduct Philippine national job fairs, and expand the tourism opportunity markets.