This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
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Showing posts with label Raymund Antonio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raymund Antonio. Show all posts
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has opened Malacañang to the public for the traditional Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi in this year’s Christmas season.
(Office of the Press Secretary/Facebook)
According to the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), Marcos announced this during last Friday’s Christmas party for employees of the Office of the President (OP).
The Chief Executive joined the Palace employees at the event held in the parking area of Mabini Hall inside the Malacañang compound.
Marcos said daily masses will be held at 4:30 a.m. in front of Mabini Hall and attendees may enter through Gate 6 directly in front of Kalayaan Hall.
A devotional, nine-day series of Catholic Masses, Simbang Gabi is done in anticipation of Christmas Day and to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This tradition has been celebrated by devout Catholics for decades, with the novena prayers beginning in homes around the 1960s and the more formal Masses starting in the 1980s.
Simbang Gabi starts at dawn—at 4 a.m.and 5 a.m.—of Dec. 15 with the final Mass or the Misa de Gallo scheduled on Dec. 24, the Christmas Eve.
The President two weeks ago led a Christmas tree lighting at the Palace Kalayaan Grounds and held a gift-giving event for children.
He noted it was his goal to make sure that every Filipino child would experience Christmas.
Under the theme “‘Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya: Nationwide Gift Giving,” some 600 children were invited for the event, which was also held simultaneously in 40 different areas nationwide.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. raised a question to the European Union (EU) amid discussions on the loss and damage compensation because of climate change: “Who do we go to? Who pays the bulk of it?”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium (Photo from the Office of the Press Secretary)
During a press conference at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union (ASEAN-EU) summit in Brussels, Belgium, the Chief Executive mused about who would shoulder the loss and damage fund in relation to climate financing.
Despite EU being at the “forefront” of the proposal to compensate developing countries for the damages caused by climate change, the President noted the difficulties of determining the actual amount of compensation needed, as well as process to acquire this compensation.
“And however, the issue of damage and loss is still — although it is a big step forward that we all now accept both developing and developed countries, now accept the concept of damage and loss, the actual number is very, very hard to determine,” he told journalists.
“And beyond that, even if we are able to quantify the damage and loss, it says $100 million whatever the number is, what do we do with that number? Who do we go to? Who do we — who pays the bulk of it?,” Marcos asked.
He also raised issues on “how will the compensation for that damage and loss be made.”
“And on my part, I think until we are able to determine that, I think we should think of what we can do in the future, and that I think has great potential to be put into effect in the short term, rather than in the very long term,” the President said.
The concept of climate financing and loss and damage fund was launched in November 2022 during the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) climate summit in Egypt when the EU agreed to help poor countries mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Loss and damage refers to the ravages of extreme weather on the physical and social infrastructure of poor countries, and the finance needed for rescue and reconstruction after climate-related disasters.
Rich countries such as the United States and China both objected to the fund. The two countries are also the top emitters of carbon dioxide.
Marcos, however, noted the “willingness for the developed countries to participate and to help in mitigation, to help in adaptation for those countries like the Philippines, most of the countries around ASEAN that are very vulnerable.”
“There’s a willingness to help but how to provide that help is still a question that we cannot definitively answer,” he said, adding that “a lot of work” needs to be done since this is an “important issue” for the Philippines and many other countries.
Marcos’ remarks came after he asked EU to extend assistance to the Philippines in mitigating the harsh effects of climate change.
“Climate action is particularly important to the Philippines,” the President said, especially since the country is “regarded as probably one of the most, if not the most, vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change.”
“Since that seems to be the case and that is what we are facing in the Philippines, we are very much in need of the assistance of Europe, of all the first world countries and to be able to adjust our economy, our communities to the onset of the effects of climate change,” he added.
Vice President Sara Duterte announced on Wednesday, Nov. 16, the planned opening of three more satellite offices of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) next year to make its services and programs more accessible to the people.
Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her message after the Office of the Vice President (OVP) signed the memorandum of agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)
The OVP has seven existing satellite offices in Bacolod, Surigao del Sur, Cebu, Davao, Tacloban, Dagupan, and Zamboanga.
Its central office is housed at the Robinsons Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluyong City.
Duterte said they could open one to three satellite offices depending on how these could be funded from the OVP’s budget.
“I-assess lang namin kung gaano ‘yung budget namin, paano niya ma-accommodate ‘yung (We only have to assess how much is our budget, how can it accommodate) one to three satellite offices,” she said in a media interview.
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Vice President met with the OVP satellite managers to discuss the concerns of their respective offices.
OVP satellite office in Cebu City (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)
“There was a discussion na dapat maglagay ng (that we should open a) satellite office sa (in the) eastern side ng (of) Luzon,” she noted.
“Meron pang mga areas sa (There are areas in) Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao na walang kami (that we don’t yet have) presence,” the official added.
Duterte cited those in need from Isabela who had to hire a jeepney to go to the OVP’s Dagupan office.
The OVP will open satellite offices based on the demand in a particular area of coverage.
“Ang nangyayari ang tao ang pumupunta dun sa (What happens is that the people go to our) satellite offices namin so iyon ang tinitingnan namin kung saan magiging parang i-divide (that’s what we’re looking at, maybe divide) geographically iyong (the) areas ng (of) coverage ng (of) satellite offices making it more easier para mga kababayan natin (for our fellowmen),” she said.
Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, Nov. 14, thanked the Senate for approving her office’s P2.3-billion 2023 budget, including the controversial P500 million in confidential funds, emphasizing how the move showed “confidence” and “trust” on the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
(Photo from Inday Sara Duterte via Facebook)
“My deepest gratitude to the members of the Philippine Senate for approving the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President,” she said in a statement.
Duterte stressed the decision “demonstrates confidence and trust by the honorable senators of the integrity, commitment, and dedication of the OVP to good governance and public service.”
The swift approval from the Senate further “bolsters” the OVP’s “determination to ensure that social services and other government programs and projects reach communities and bring about positive development and provide solutions to the problems of our fellow Filipinos across the country,” the statement read.
This is especially true for “those who are living in underprivileged communities and those battered by natural calamities and armed conflicts,” Duterte added.
The OVP’s 2023 budget is 300 percent more than the office’s 2022 budget at P702 million.
During the Senate deliberation on Monday, only Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel questioned the OVP’s 2023 budget, particularly its P500-million confidential funds, as well as the alleged “replication” of existing government programs by the OVP.
The bulk of the OVP budget will be allocated in its social services program or what it called “good governance program.”
Earlier, Vice Presidential spokesman Reynold Munsayac said that the program will cover free rides, “PagbaBAGo” campaign, food trucks, livelihood projects, and medical and burial assistance.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte believes Filipinos must focus on what each of them can do for the Philippines so the country can move forward to achieve progress faster.
Vice President Sara Duterte during the Naval Special Operations Command’s 66th anniversary celebration on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte via Facebook)
In her message during the Naval Special Operations Command’s 66th founding year celebration on Friday, Nov. 4, Duterte said she doesn’t think it’s difficult for every citizen to show love for the country.
“Minsan, may nabasa ako. Ang sabi niya mahirap daw pong mahalin ang Pilipinas. Ang sabi ko (I once read something. He said it’s hard to love the Philippines. I said) that’s not true. At isa kayo…ang makakapagpatotoo, (And you’re one of those who can testify it’s not true),” she said in her speech, a copy of which was sent to the media.
The Vice President explained that if every Filipino will love the Philippines, the country can achieve greater heights.
“Naniniwala po kasi ako na kapag napag-alab natin sa puso ng bawat Pilipino ang pagmamahal sa bayan — ang pagiging tunay na makabansa, ang pagiging tunay na makabayan — maitatawid natin ang Pilipinas. Makakaraos tayo. Uunlad tayo (I believe that if every Filipino will be passionate about loving our country—being a true patriot—we can improve the Philippines. We will survive. We will progress),” she said.
Members of the Philippine Navy, particularly those from the Naval Special Operations Command, received praises from Duterte for their patriotism and heroism.
In previous years, she noted how they were instrumental in several of the government’s counter-terrorism operations, among which was against the Abu Sayyaf Group.
(Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)
“The Philippines and the Filipino people are lucky to experience your patriotism, your love — one that is without condition, one that expects nothing in return, and one that is saddled with so many sacrifices,” she said.
The lady official also said she wished many more Filipino youth would join any branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other allied security forces.
“Alam ninyo, ang isa sa mga pangarap ko ay sana mas maraming kabataang Pilipino ang pumasok sa (You know, one of my dreams is that more young Filipinos join the) Philippine Navy o anumang sangay ng (or any branch of the) Armed Forces of the Philippines o maging sa (or in the) Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP),” she said.
Duterte stressed her respect for the members of the country’s security front stemmed from their courage and love of country.
“Isa itong uri ng pagmamahal na hindi namamatay sa panahon na nahaharap tayo sa pagsubok (This is a kind of love that will not die in a time we are facing trials),” she said.
“Isa itong pagmamahal na mas nag-aalab at mas umiinit sa tuwing tayo ay nakakaranas ng kahirapan (This love becomes more intense every time we experience hardships),” she added.
The Vice President also emphasized the need to provide necessary support and training to the soldiers of the Naval Special Operations Command that would improve their skills and capacities in responding to security threats.
“We hope to continue to foster greater cooperation and strengthen security ties with other nations as we maintain that the Philippines is a friend to everyone,” she said.
Amid temptations of substance abuse, rebellion, and extremism that face today’s Filipino youth, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Oct. 26, called on the Church to shape the minds of the youth and guide them toward the “right path” as she vouched for the government’s support.
Vice President Sara Duterte speaks during the Jesus is Lord Church Pastors’ Congress at Novotel Manila on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. (OVP photo)
The official spoke during the Jesus is Lord Church Pastors’ Congress at Novotel Manila for its 44th anniversary.
Citing the Church’s “significant role” in shaping the mind and conscience of the community, especially the youth, Duterte underscored how Filipinos all over the world seek the Church when they celebrate milestones and struggle with life’s challenges.
But she particularly urged the Church to guide the Filipino youth and contribute in rebuilding the nation.
“Our youth are vulnerable and easily impressionable and I call upon the Church to help us guide our young Filipinos into the right path. The lures of substance abuse, violent extremism, and rebellion keep pulling away our country’s future. I believe this is where the Church can support nation-building,” the Vice President said.
“Your ministries to the communities have never been more relevant than now when our youth’s mental and psychological health are held hostage by various social media influences and peer and social pressure,” she added, noting also how the isolation brought by the Covid-19 pandemic led to loss of confidence to navigate life.
(Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)
“Without professional help and spiritual guidance, some have been driven to self-harm and harm others,” she furthered.
But aside from the youth, the official also highlighted how the Church must unify the family as society’s basic unit.
“As you come together to reinforce your vision of nation-building, rest assured that we, at the government, are your partners in advocacies and ministries for the Filipino people,” she said, adding that a society guided by a “moral compass” is a shared dream by the Church and government.
“The call to build a strong nation is an open invitation. It is for us all. After all, we speak in universal truths of kindness, compassion, love, joy, and peace for all,” Duterte asserted.
The Vice President, who shared that Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s Jesus is Lord Church is the same age as hers, expressed admiration for the Church’s 44 years of dedication “to spreading the word of God and winning spiritual battles for our nation.”
“Your commitment and sacrifice to reach out, spend time, and minister to these people have truly changed lives one prayer at a time,” she said.
True to their campaign promise of “unity,” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, Oct. 17, raised a “unity toast” during the Philippine Tourism Industry Convergence Reception for the revitalization of the country’s tourism sector in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
(From left to right) Vice President Sara Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco raise a “unity toast” for the tourism industry during the Philippine Tourism Industry Convergence Reception on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022. (Ali Vicoy/MANILA BULLETIN)
Speaking during the event at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the Chief Executive noted how the country’s “majestic and natural wonders and exciting man-made sites” should bring back the imagination and confidence of the people in exploring the “best destinations” in the Philippines. “We want one of the key players in our nation’s progress to be buzzing once again with life stronger than ever so that they will be able to keep up with these fast-moving times,” Marcos said.
The President thanked the key players of the tourism sector who were there at the event, which he described as the “perfect opportunity to talk one another, to network and expand our plans for the future.”
“All of you who have been and will continue to be partners with DOT will be influential in achieving our goal to revitalize this sector. Thank you for coming tonight. Thank you for your presence. I look forward that you will play, that we will play together in ensuring the progress and recovery of our tourism industry,” he said.
“It is my hope that this reception will foster a meaningful discourse and yield concrete plans that we can immediately put into action,” he added.
(Photo by Ali Vicoy/MANILA BULLETIN)
Marcos hoped that “initiatives for greater tourism, connectivity, and convenience” would be pursued after the event as he stressed the support of the administration, which ran on the campaign promise of unity.
“Allow me to repeat that under this admin, the government will remain committed to ensuring that the inputs that you have acquired from your listening tours will be optimized for the benefit of the sector,” he said.
The “unity toast” was also joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, Deputy House Speaker Rep. Duke Frasco, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Ilocos Norte’s 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos, Cabinet members, government officials, and partner private stakeholders leaders.
“The best days of the tourism industry are yet to come,” Frasco vowed as she highlighted the accomplishments of the department in the past 100 days.
Among these accomplishments are exceeding the 1.7 million tourist arrivals target, the relaunching of the Philippine Tourism Awards, and the launching of the Philippine Experience: arts, heritage, and culture caravans.
Marcos himself was all praises for the Tourism department and Frasco for their “energy, passion and continuing belief in the tourism industry in the Philippines.”
“And let us keep going, we can, I believe and I am certain in my heart that if (we) work together properly, if we continue from this very good start, and we continue that trajectory which we have started in the last 100 plus days that we will succeed and to the benefit of our people and our country,” he said.
