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
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to the House appropriations committee for the approval of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) P2.3 billion budget for 2024.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte (OVP photo)
“We are grateful to the members of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives for their continued support for the programs of the Office of the Vice President,” her statement read on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
“We are confident that OVP will be able to continue reaching, serving, and creating meaningful and sustainable changes in the lives of the Filipinos in 2023,” she added.
Duterte was present during the budget deliberations for her office’s 2024 appropriation.
The House Committee on Appropriations also on Wednesday terminated deliberations on the P2.3 billion proposed budget in less than 20 minutes after Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos moved to terminate discussions in respect of the traditional parliamentary courtesy accorded to high-ranking officials.
Though it was seconded, the Makabayan bloc objected which led to a call for a vote. The deliberations ended with 21 panel members voting to finish the discussions.
Duterte said the budget deliberations “allowed the OVP to present the significant strides that we have made in 2022.”
Her office’s accomplishments, she stressed, were highlighted by the establishment of the 10 satellite offices and two extension offices in key areas of the country.
The OVP has satellite offices in the cities of Cebu, Tacloban, Davao, Zamboanga, Isabela, Dagupan, Cotabato City, Legazpi City, Bacolod, and Tandag in Surigao del Sur.
It also has extensions offices in Lipa, Batangas and Tondo, Manila.
Filipinos may have grown up hearing “manong (seller)” shout taho, or silky tofu with sugar, every morning, but this is something new to try for European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron who decided the taho was the perfect celebratory snack for the Filipinas’ first goal in the FIFA World Cup.
(Photos from EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron via Twitter)
In a tweet, the envoy added to his #MeriendaNiLuc series with the taho, a silky tofu topped with sugar syrup and small tapioca pearls that’s recently ranked 25th in the best street foods in the world by online travel guide TasteAtlas.
Veron even tweeted in the way sellers would usually shout at the top of their lungs to sell the popular morning snack.
“Tahoo!!” he emulated in his tweet.
“To celebrate the @PilipinasWNFT win (Philippine flag) trying this iconic affordable snack that also recently won a place in the list of best street foods in the world!” he wrote.
Filipinas, the first Philippine football team to reach the World Cup, stunned New Zealand on Tuesday, July 25, after forward Sarina Bolden made the goal in the 24th minute of the team’s Group A clash.
With the win, the Philippines secured its first World Cup win to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive.
But as for the taho, Veron said he was told of its popularity among Filipinos.
“I am told this is a popular breakfast but is also perfect for #MeriendaNiLuc. Salamat po (Thank you), Mang Ronald!,” he posted.
Among the other native Filipino delicacies and snacks that the ambassador has tried in the past are the pichi-pichi, Choc Nut, Choco Mallows, Cream-O, and Minasa.
When Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte graced the graduation of a school in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, it was to ask students there to honor their parents, whose sacrifices made possible the fruits of their labor.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte at the graduation ceremonies of Mangaldan National High School in Pangasinan. (OVP photo)
Speaking as keynote speaker during a commencement exercise, the official gave tribute to parents for supporting their children and providing them with the means to achieve their dreams.
“This journey would have been unimaginably impossible if not for your parents, whose unconditional love for you they may have shown in a thousand different ways — one of which was the unbelievable amount of sacrifice they had to make to give you the best kind of life,” she told graduates.
Duterte credited the parents for the success of their children finishing senior high, saying that the milestone was also an achievement for them.
“Ang graduation ninyo ngayong hapon na ito ay hindi lang para sa inyo, kundi para sa mga magulang ninyo at sa mga guro ninyo (Your graduation this afternoon isn’t only for you, but for your parents and teachers, too),” she told graduates who braved the rain during the ceremony on Wednesday, July 12.
“Ang araw na ito ay para sa kanila dahil sila ang naghirap. Ang kanilang luha, dugo, at pawis ang rason kung bakit kayo nakaupo dyan ngayon (This day is for them because they were the ones who worked hard. Their tears, blood, and sweat are the reason why you are seated there now),” she added.
Similar to her earlier messages to graduates, the Vice President also advised them about how to face challenges and failures.
“Ang tao na dumanas ng sakit, dumaan sa challenges, failures — yon ang may matututunan (Someone who went through pain, went through challenges, failures — they are the ones who learn),” she said.
Duterte reminded graduates to be open and optimistic as unfulfilled dreams are avenues for much greater opportunities.
“But there are times that even with hard work, even with determination, a dream slips through one’s fingers, causing disappointment and despair,” she said.
“I learned that sometimes, instead of aspiring for the impossible, we should follow the path that leads us to a place that allows us to reach our full potential,” the official added.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led well-wishers of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on her 45th birthday on Wednesday, May 31.
Vice President Sara Duterte (Photo from Atty. Reynold Munsayac's Facebook page)
Friends, supporters, and political allies also sent their greetings to the country’s second-highest official through social media.
“Maligayang kaarawan sa ating Vice President, Inday Sara Duterte! Salamat sa'yong 'di matatawarang serbisyo sa bayan. Nawa'y maging masaya ang iyong selebrasyon (Happy birthday to our Vice President, Inday Sara Duterte! Thank you for your incomparable service to the nation. May you have a happy celebration),” the caption of Marcos’ video greeting said.
In Visayan dialect, he asked the Vice President to take a break from work and not mind the “tambaloslos” around her, referring to a Visayan term Duterte once used to call out those whose ambition has made them thick-faced after her mentor, former president and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Arroyo, was demoted from the House senior deputy speaker post.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also greeted and thanked Duterte for her service to the Philippines, especially the youth.
“Hangad po namin ngayong kaarawan ang inyong mabuting kalusugan at mas mayabong na paparating na mga taon (We wish you good health and more prosperous years to come),” the post said.
Lawyer Reynold Munsayac, her spokesman, also took to social media to greet his “boss.”
“Happy birthday po sa pinakamasipag at pinakamahusay na Boss namin sa OVP! Tunay na mabuting tao. Isang karangalan ang makapaglingkod sa bayan kasama si VP Inday Sara Duterte (Happy birthday to the most hardworking and excellent boss in the OVP! A true good person. It is an honor to serve alongside VP Inday Sara Duterte),” he wrote.
Former senator and business magnate Manny Villar also sent his greetings to the Vice President, who is allied with the Villar political clan.
“You are the future of this country. You are a passionate, energetic, young visionary who, as your shirt in this photo proclaims, has proven your unwavering love for the country,” he said.
“Enjoy your special day and spend it with the people you love. I wish you all the best and I hope the Lord continues to bless you with many more years of inspiring leadership and public service,” he added.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada took the chance in his greeting to thank Duterte for her support for him and his daughter.
“Happy birthday sa napakasipag at napakabait na Pangalawang Pangulo ng ating bansa, VP Inday Sara Duterte. I pray for your good health and may God grant your heart’s desires para sa iyong pamilya at sa ating bansa (Happy birthday to the most hardworking and nicest vice president of the country, VP Inday Sara Duterte. I pray for your good health and may God grant your heart’s desires for your family and our country),” he wrote.
Duterte’s supporters also did not let the day pass without greeting her.
Jocelyn Bebeth Cambaya posted a billboard birthday for the Vice President in the popular Times Square in New York City.
The Rizal Monument and the Musical Dancing Fountain in Rizal Park on Sunday, May 7, lit up in the blue and yellow colors of the European Union flag for the celebration of Europe Day 2023.
(File photo courtesy of European Union in the Philippines)
European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron said in a Facebook post that “the observance of Europe Day presents a chance to highlight the partnership and camaraderie between the European Union and the Philippines.”
He noted that the EU and the Philippines would make the 60th year of their bilateral relations in 2024.
The same post said that the celebration of Europe Day 2023 is made possible by the joint efforts of the National Parks and Development Committee (NPDC), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the European Union Delegation to the Philippines.
They also hosted a free Concert at the Park: Tumutubong Katutubo (Our Evolving Traditional Music Practices) at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium for “a cultural experience like no other!”
Europe Day is held on May 9 every year to mark the anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration, which led to the establishment of the 27 member-state European Union.
Photos that circulated online showed the Musical Dancing Fountain in Rizal Park illuminated with blue and yellow lights.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Tuesday, April 25, turned the spotlight on the role of sports in teaching Filipino youth the discipline and hard work they need to succeed in life.
Vice President Sara Duterte speaks at the inauguration of Oriental Mindoro Sports Complex in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. (OVP photo)
Speaking during the inauguration of Oriental Mindoro Sports Complex in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, the official emphasized that sports could be the key in the growth and development of Filipino youth.
For her, sports and education are deeply connected in ensuring that children are protected from forces that hamper their pursuit of better lives and future.
“Winning becomes the fire that ignites their (children and youth) desire to win more games,” she said.
“But most importantly, sports teach them that winning is sweeter when it is celebrated with humility and when magnanimity becomes a source of inspiration for others to play future games better,” Duterte added.
She believed that those who get into sports learn “the value of discipline, hard work, and healthy competition.”
But more than winning, the Vice President also stressed the lessons learned from losing in competitions.
“In defeat, on the one hand, sports teaches them to harness their inner strength and maturity to persevere, work harder, and pick themselves up when they fall — and stand with a strong resolve to once again fight and fight to win,” she said.
She commended the local government of Oriental Mindoro for building the sports complex, which she described as a “symbol of the aspiration” of the local leaders for their children and youth.
“Magsisilbi itong simbolo ng pag-asa para sa ating mga kabataang may interest sa sports (This will serve as a symbol of hope for our youth who has interest in sports),” Duterte said.
However, this should also serve as a reminder for the officials that they need to push for the programs that would guide the youth toward a better future.
The sports complex features a multi-purpose hall, standard-sized track and field oval, tennis court, basketball court, and a volleyball court.
The inauguration of the sports complex was in time for the opening of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Athletics Meet, where six teams have enlisted to compete in various fields.
Duterte extended monetary contributions to all six participating units, their coaches, and technical officials.
Despite receiving more than 32 million votes, the highest in the country’s election history, during the 2022 national elections, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday, March 8, claimed that there were Filipinos who did not vote for her simply because of her gender, and that more Filipino men voted for her than women.
Vice President Sara Duterte delivers a speech on the International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Philippine Council for Women and United Nations Women in Taguig City on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. (Screenshot from PH Council for Women/Facebook)
In a forum with the theme “Breaking the Code: Equality for All Through Technology and Innovation” at the Samsung Theatre in SM Aura for the International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Philippine Commission on Women and United Nations (UN) Women, the official shared how she managed to survive a male-dominated election.
“But I have to tell you that I never saw myself by my gender, I never presented myself ever when I campaign, when I go out and talk to people and say na, ‘Piliin ninyo ako (Choose me) because I am a woman.’ I never show myself by my gender. I only see myself as a person, an individual with my unique qualities,” she told the audience.
The Vice President shared that a focus group discussion (FGD) during the 2022 campaign period revealed that “people do not vote for me because I am a woman, and more men voted for me than women.”
In her speech, she underscored the importance of education, financial literacy, and economic empowerment for women, especially those in far-flung areas in Mindanao.
“Gaya po ninyo, naniniwala rin ako na kapag ang mga kababaihan sa isang komunidad ay nabigyan ng pagkakataong maging produktibo, kapag sila ay nabigyan ng edukasyon at nagkaroon ng kapangyarihan ng kaalaman, at kapag sila ay nahasa na mamuno, kaya po nilang baguhin ang mukha ng kanilang komunidad (Like you, I also believe that when women in a community are given the chance to become productive, when they are educated and empowered with knowledge, when they are trained to lead, they can change the face of their communities),” Duterte said.
As the former mayor of Davao City, the official shared the transformation story of Paquibato District, which used to be a “stronghold” of the New People’s Army (NPA) there.
She reflected on how the district became a “landscape of peace” by simply empowering the women there through livelihood programs, financial literacy, and by setting up a market for their produce.
Through her Peace 911, “a government-initiated but civilian-led peace initiative that required people to help us help themselves,” they were able to turn Paquibato District around.
“Today, it is important for us to advocate for an inclusive digital education that will provide opportunities for women and girls to overcome any inequality affecting their development and involvement in the community,” Duterte said, expressing hopes for several programs, such as the Innovations for Women Enterprises or iWomen Project, Women-Helping-Women: Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise) Program, and the newly launched Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day program.
Meanwhile, Duterte also stressed that while the country tries to “narrow the gender gap to digital accessibility,” it should likewise protect Filipinas, including girls, from violence committed against them at home, in their workplaces, and in online communities.
As an Education chief, which she holds in a concurrent capacity, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched Learner Telesafe Contact Center national hotline, where learners can report cases of abuse including online child sexual exploitation.
And while teenage pregnancy is still a problem in the country, Duterte said this could be addressed by allowing teenage mothers to continue their education through Alternative Learning Systems (ALS), open universities, and Alternative Delivery Modes.
“Let me emphasize that the pursuit of gender equality is not solely a women’s issue. Filipino men are encouraged and have been advocating for gender equality, too,” she stressed.
“By helping women access economic opportunities, for example, we empower them to be financially independent, improve the standard of living of their families, and are better able to ensure the good health and education of their children,” the Vice President added.
Foreign ambassadors trooped to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s main office in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Jan. 25, to discuss various programs and projects that aim to help the country’s development in education, peace and security, labor force, renewable energy, and other shared interests.
Vice President Sara Duterte (left) shakes hands with Danish Ambassador Franz Michael Skjold Mellbin (right) during a meeting at her office in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. (OVP photo)
The Vice President’s official Facebook page made several posts to show her meetings with Ambassadors Christian Halaas Lyster of Norway, Dr. Titanilla Tóth of Hungary, Franz Michael Skjold Mellbin of Denmark, Laure Beaufils of the United Kingdom, Marat Ignatyevich Pavlov of Russia, and Miguel Utray Delgado of Spain.
Aside from thanking the foreign envoys for visiting her office, Duterte also shared the topics discussed during their meetings.
Lyster, she said, recognized the “quality” of the Filipino labor force.
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“Ipinaabot niya ang paghanga sa mga manggagawang Pinoy lalo na sa mga seafarers na bumubuo ng malaking bilang sa (He extended his recognition of the Filipino workers especially seafarers who make up a large part of the) maritime industry ng (of) Norway,” Duterte wrote.
Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster of Norway (right) during a courtesy call to Vice President Sara Duterte (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)
The official added that she and the envoy also discussed their countries’ development agenda, such as renewable energy, peace and security, and education.
The Philippines and Norway will celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this March.
The Vice President also wrote about Tóth’s visit to her office as this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and the Philippines.
The envoy introduced her country’s The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program, which aims to provide free support for Filipino students.
“Dagdag pa niya, ang programang ito ay nakatutok sa (She added that this program is focused on) undergraduate, masters at (and) doctorate studies sa larangan ng agrikultura (in the fields of agriculture), sustainable development, water management engineering and hydrology, architecture and protection of cultural heritage, natural sciences, environmental studies, at iba pang larangan ng interes sa Pilipinas (and other interests of the Philippines),” Duterte, who sits as Education chief in a concurrent capacity, said in a post.
Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Titanilla Toth (left) and Vice President Sara Duterte (right) (OVP photo)
The Danish envoy also visited the official to talk about his government’s interest in investments, education, and peace-building.
Mellbin also plans to visit Davao City for their project in agriculture and other investment opportunities, Duterte said.
She also took the opportunity to invite the ambassador to attend the Basic Education Report 2023 by the Department of Education (DepEd) on Jan. 30.
Meanwhile, the British ambassador shared in a tweet her visit to the Vice President’s office.
Sharing two photos, Beaufils said in her post that she visited Duterte to discuss about education.
Vice President Sara Duterte (left) and British Ambassador Laure Beaufils (right) (Photo from Amb. Beaufils via Twitter)
“Great meeting with @indaysara @VPPilipinas. We spoke about @DepEd_PH’s determination to make quality, inclusive, and relevant education available to all Filipino learners and UK’s contribution to this vision. #EducationDay,” she wrote.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s trip to Negros Occidental on Monday, Jan. 23, enabled her to help two patients, who are both suffering from serious medical conditions.
Vice President Sara Duterte visits one-year-old Adezequel Ramirez, who has a cleft palate, in Talisay City on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. (OVP photo)
In a Facebook post, the official shared about meeting one-year-old Adezequel Ramirez, who has cleft palate, in Talisay City.
Duterte said that she met Adezequel’s mother, Girlie, during the campaign trail in April last year.
“Noong nag-caravan sila dito sa Talisay, nanood kami sa labas, nakatayo, tapos nalampasan po niya kami. Paglingon niya sa amin nakita niya kami ni baby. Pinapunta niya kami at kinausap kami ng isa po sa mga staff niya (When they had a caravan here in Talisay, we were there outside, standing, then they passed by. When she looked back, she saw me and baby. She called us and one of her staff talked to us),” Ramirez, who was quoted by Duterte’s office, said.
“Humihingi po kami na sana matulungan niya po kami na ma-operahan ‘yung anak ko hangang matapos po (We asked for help for my child to be operated on),” she added.
Acezequel was just three months when he and his mother met the then-vice presidential candidate.
Aside from a cleft palate, Acezequel also needs to undergo a colostomy.
Ramirez thanked Duterte for promising to help in Acezequel’s operations.
“Maam, nagpapasalamat po ako nang sobra-sobra dahil araw-araw po akong nag-pray na sana may isang tao na tumulong sa aking problema para sa baby ko pero hindi ko inaasahan na dahil sa caravan nila, siya mismo, si (Ma’am, I am thankful because I pray every day for someone to help in my problem for my baby but I didn’t expect that because of the caravan, it’s) Vice (President) Sara Duterte, ‘yung taong ipinadala ni God para tumulong sa amin (herself who was sent by God to help us),” she Duterte.
The Vice President also visited April Dream Bangero, a supporter who reached out to her through email and asked for a chance to meet her in person.
VP Sara Duterte (left) and April Dream Bangero (right) (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)
In her email, the 40-year-old Bangero disclosed her medical conditions, which include a brain aneurysm.
Bangero expressed happiness for meeting Duterte.
“I am very honored that despite her busy schedule, she made sure to find the time to visit me. And my family is glad that she honored our home with her presence,” she said in a statement released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
As for the Vice President, she said in her Facebook post that she personally wants to see how she could be of help.
“Dinalaw natin sila upang makita ang kanilang mga kalagayan at matingnan kung anong tulong ang pwede nating maiabot para sa kanilang medikasyon (We visited them to see their conditions and to see what help we can extend for their medication),” she added.
Duterte shared photos of her with the Ramirez family, as well as with Bangero.
Meanwhile, the official also took time to visit the OVP-Bacolod Satellite Office, which was opened in August of last year .
OVP satellite office in Bacolod City (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte via Facebook)
“Naging pagkakataon ko ang pagbisitang ito upang personal na makilala ang ating mga empleyado at mapag-usapan ang estado ng ating mga programa dito sa (This visit became an opportunity to personally meet our employees and discuss the state of our programs here at the) Bacolod City Satellite Office at ang pagro-roll-out ng iba pang mga proyektong nakahilera ngayong taon (and the rollout of the different projects planned this year),” she said.
Apart from official photos with the employees standing before the OVP’s official seal, Duterte also shared photos where a supporter was seen taking a selfie with her.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte (OVP photo)
