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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Monday, April 24, 2023

Let’s fly together

 PANORAMASPECIALS

Let’s fly together

Nine travel industry top guns form an alliance to help tourism not only get back on its feet but also sail away and soar


AT A GLANCE

  • ‘Passengers are booking multiple trips even until next year, whether domestic or international destinations.’


FRIENDS who TRAVEL TOGETHER TravelingBFFsPH in Nagasaki.jpg
FRIENDS WHO TRAVEL TOGETHER TravelingBFFsPH in Nagasaki

“Wanderlust is real,” said International Journey’s Kem Aldrich Lim to me when I asked him how the travel industry was recovering from the disruption caused by the pandemic.

He and eight other travel agents, including Skynet Travel Corporation’s Dorothy Aytona, Travel Specialist Ventures Group’s Rowena Coloma, Skywin Travel and Tours’ Shirley Go, Travel Plus International’s Emily Lo, Golden Sky Travel and Tours’ Dolly Santos, Globetrotters’ Helena Ty, Travel Warehouse’s Jaison Yang, and Fiesta Tours and Travel Corporation’s Robbie Young, banded together to form TravellingBFFsPH when business ground to a halt in 2020 as a result of the global lockdowns. Each member, needless to say, is at the helm of his or her travel agency as president, general manager, vice president, or business development head.

Shirley Go Vice president, Skywin Travel and Tours Corp.jpg
SHIRLEY GO Vice president, Skywin Travel and Tours Corp.

“TravelingBFFsPH is a non-formal alliance of travel industry professionals, who support each other, though there are times we also compete with each other, which is normal for a small industry like ours,” explained Jaison. “But we are also real friends.”

I had the privilege of taking a Philippine Airlines trip with all nine of them to Fukouka, Nagasaki, and Nagoya in Japan just as the world was opening up in earnest after closing up borders to international tourists for over two years to keep Covid-19 at bay.

KEM ALDRICH LIM President, International Jouneys, Inc.jpg
KEM ALDRICH LIM President, International Jouneys, Inc.

In those times that everything was at a standstill and operation at travel agencies was indefinitely suspended, this group sought each other’s help, doing other things, including several advocacies and community engagements. “It was to help each other out not necessarily financially, but more emotionally, mentally by keeping ourselves busy,” added Jaison.

“In the pandemic, TravelingBFFs was the most visible group in the industry. Though most of our businesses were closed, we collaborated with the Tourism Promotions Board, the Department of Tourism, and some airlines to help domestic tourism by slowly organizing familiarization trips to help local destinations recover. Eventually, we started working with international carriers to promote newly opened destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, and now Japan.”

Rowena Coloma President and general manager, Travel Specialist Ventures Group, Inc.jpg

ROWENA COLOMA President and general manager, Travel Specialist Ventures Group, Inc.

Now that it’s almost business as usual, TravelingBFFs is an alliance beneficial not only to its members, but also to its clients, the industry, and allied industries like airlines, hotels, and F&B. “At the very least,” said Jaison, “we learn from each other. We share each other’s trade secrets. We celebrate each other’s successes, and we sympathize with each other’s failures.”

But is it really business as usual for travel in the Philippines?

JAISON YANG President, Travel Warehouse, Inc.jpg
JAISON YANG President, Travel Warehouse, Inc.

“Yes,” said Rowena. She has observed that preferences have changed dramatically after the pandemic. “Before the pandemic, they were more budget-conscious. They would want the most economical way of traveling—economy class tickets, three-star accommodations…They would join group tours or bus tours, which are more affordable,” she explained. “But now, we receive a lot of requests for private tours, small groups, and premium travel. They want to experience luxury travel with their families.

They are conscious about social distancing, so they prefer to take business class. It’s more convenient and less crowded.”

To Emily, in a way, it’s the same as before the pandemic. “But families and friends want to spend time together now more than before,” she said. “More and more people want private tours and DIY tours rather than joining bigger groups to lower the cost. They really do want to spend quality time and build on core memories.”

DOROTHY AYTONA President and general manager, Skynet Travel Corporation.jpg
DOROTHY AYTONA President and general manager, Skynet Travel Corporation

The traveling behavior of Filipinos, according to Dolly, has indeed changed post pandemic. “Majority tend to splurge and buy a minimum of two packages of tours for the family—one long haul (Europe, the US, Canada, or the Middle East) and the other, short haul (Asia),” she said. “They prefer relaxing and meaningful experiences, rather than fast-paced and the usual itineraries. Most of them, especially the well-traveled, go for new destinations with different cultures, specifically destinations like Morocco, East and West Africa, and for the religious, Israel.”

“Among the main changes with the pandemic is that Filipinos want to experience more unique itineraries, as compared to more generic itineraries prior to the pandemic,” added Kem.

Helena Ty Managing director, Globetrotters, Inc.jpg

HELENA TY Managing director, Globetrotters, Inc.

Revenge travel? I asked and Helena exclaimed, “Yes, there is such a thing! Filipinos now are eager to travel all over the world, no matter what it takes. Even then, they are still very practical about their itinerary, choosing the best, most affordable options for their trips.”

Dorothy agrees. “When Filipinos travel, they’re looking for a good time. They want to take advantage of things like low prices and more vacation days,” she says, adding, however, that for her, it’s business more than usual. “Passengers are booking multiple trips even until next year, whether domestic or international destinations,” she explains. “Most of our clients’ popular types of trips are leisure, business, or education.”

Dolly Santos President, Golden Sky Travel and Tours Corp.jpg
DOLLY SANTOS President, Golden Sky Travel and Tours Corp.

Truth be faced, travel is more expensive now. Let’s not even talk about the fluctuating oil prices. “Filipinos have been including travel insurance in their travels more,” Shirley pointed out. “Due to the pandemic, they are more health conscious than before. They also ask about charges regarding how we’ll take care of them in case they get Covid during their trip. Other factors such as inflation also changed their perception in travel. Travel has again become a luxury unlike before the pandemic, when it was budget friendly.”

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ROBBIE YOUNG Business development specialist, Fiesta Tours and Travel Corporation

People want more from travel now, that’s the essence of revenge travel, and therefore so much more is expected of the travel agent. In TravelingBFFsPH, each of the nine members can now draw from the pool of experiences that they have individually and collectively gathered in the line of duty as well as from their own personal travels.

To Robbie, there are three key things that a travel agent must be able to manage for a client on any given trip—Expectations, perceptions, and memories. “These three factors connect the entire processes of the trip, which then create the tourist experience and may even influence other tourists’ expectations for the same or different types of trips,” he said.

Emily Lo President, Travel Plus International, Inc.jpg
EMILY LO President, Travel Plus International, Inc.

But what are a travel agent’s expectations from a trip he or she designed for others? “It’s my pet peeve that Filipinos visit and leave a place without any insight as to the history of the country. Most of our tours, tour members just love taking nice photos,” said Kem. “We should read up on history and interact with the locals. It’s the best way to understand nations and cultures. You also learn about yourself more as you learn more about other places.”

Kem also shared something unique about the Filipinos as travelers. “It is often marveled at that Filipinos always travel with three generations—kids, parents, and grandparents,” he said. “The idea is unimaginable in other countries, where lesser weight is put on family ties.”

There’s a reason Filipinos are at home anywhere in the world. Travel runs in our genes, and passed on through the gene pool, plus ours is an archipelago of such diversity on its 7,641 islands that even travel within the national borders can be extensive enough to make travelers of each of us.

In order to hone such great potential, the travel industry and the government must really get their act together, just as these nine travel professionals got together, nine better than one, as TravelingBFFsPH.

La Salle dumps Ateneo to seal top seed in UAAP women’s volleyball

BY NIKOLE JAVIER


AT A GLANCE

  • The Lady Spikers hiked their record to 12-1 and secured the No. 1 spot in the standings with one remaining game in the eliminations.


De La Salle downed the ousted Ateneo, 25-22, 25-19, 25-18, to lock up the first seed in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, April 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Lady Spikers hiked their record to 12-1 and secured the No. 1 spot in the standings with one remaining game in the eliminations.

La Salle needed only 85 minutes to stretch its head-to-head record to 12 over Ateneo.

Rookie Shevana Laput came through with a career-best 16 points on 15 attacks and one service ace, while fellow rookie Angel Canino had another double-outing of 13 points built on 10 attacks and three blocks.

Middle blocker Thea Gagate, for her part, scattered her 10 points on three attacks, five blocks and two service aces.

UAAP 85 WVB DLSU vs. ADMU-7981.jpg
The La Salle Lady Spikers sealed the No. 1 spot after dumping the Ateneo Blue Eagles in straight sets. (UAAP Media)


Despite trailing at some point in the opening set, the Lady Spikers bucked got over their slow start and sealed the set.

From then on, La Salle rode the momentum to the second set after turning a 7-8 deficit into a 17-11 lead over Ateneo.

Laput and Canino took turns in leading the Lady Spikers’ offensive scheme as they never looked back.

The Blue Eagles, who are missing out on the Final Four for the first time in 14 years, slid 4-9 in the standings.

Vanie Gandler and Faith Nisperos paced Ateneo with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Heat indices in 7 areas reach ‘danger’ level

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ


Seven locations recorded heat indices under the “danger” classification on Sunday, April 23, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Dangerous heat indices were recorded in Legazpi City, Albay 46 degrees Celsius (℃) in Legazpi City, Albay; and Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (43℃), Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43℃); Davao City, Davao del Sur (42℃); Iba, Zambales (42℃); Masbate City, Masbate (42℃); and Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City (42℃).

IMG_2598.jpeg

(PIXABAY)

PAGASA said the heat index is the measurement of how hot it feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.

It pointed out that heat indices between 42°C and 51°C carry impending “danger” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” and “heat stroke is probable with continued activity.”

It added that continued activity could lead to heat stroke.

The highest observed heat index since March 1, 2023, was 48°C in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on April 21.

In the next 24 hours, PAGASA said partly cloudy to cloudy weather will persist in the entire country.

There may also be isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA advised the public to remain vigilant as there can be flooding or landslides during severe thunderstorms, which are often associated with sudden heavy rains, lightning, thunder, gusts of wind, and sometimes hail. 

World's first trans exclusive model agency opens Asia office in Manila

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT


AT A GLANCE

  • Slay Model Management, the world's first trans-exclusive modeling agency based in Los Angeles, California, USA, announces the launch of its Asian operations with the opening of Manila-based Slay Models Asia last April 22.


SLAY_REVEL_-169.jpg
Nat Manilag designs

Slay Model Management, the world's first trans-exclusive modeling agency based in Los Angeles, California, USA, announces the launch of its Asian operations with the opening of Manila-based Slay Models Asia last April 22.

Slay Model Management founder and director Cece Asuncion announced the appointments of Niccolo Cosme and Ben Bernabe as co-directors of Slay Models Asia, which will hold the license for the Slay Model Management brand not just in the Philippines but also for the whole Asian region.

The announcement was made during the preliminary competition of Slay Model Search Asia at Revel at the Palace, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The Slay Model Search final competition will air live on Thursday, April 27, at 8 p.m. on ABS-CBN platforms iWantTFC and ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel. Bigo Live will live-stream all the excitement backstage.

Cece Asuncion.jpg
Cece Asuncion

A story of resilience and success

The success of Slay Model Management is rooted in Asuncion’s lifelong advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights, and particularly trans visibility. In 2014, he directed the documentary, “What’s The T?”, which chronicled and explored the day-to-day challenges, successes, and lives of five trans women in the US. His work in the documentary allowed him to understand the aspirations of trans women as well as the challenges that he faced. He kept these lessons to heart when he started Slay Model Management in 2016.

“In the beginning of opening Slay, there were no opportunities for trans models. A lot of education had to happen, many awkward conversations, inter-community discourse, and the daily urge to school people on social media that trans is beautiful. However, our story is not one of strife or victimhood, it is one of resilience, success and the importance of vigilance,” Asuncion shares.

Since then, Slay models have worked with many global fashion, beauty, and media brands such as Vogue Paris, Vogue Scandinavia, Elle France, Macy’s, Uber, and Tinder.

SLAY_REVEL_-163.jpg
Queen Victoria of Flux AHF, Crimsona, and Cece Asuncion

Slay Models rides the Asian wave

The spotlights are trained on Asian talents this year, with the recent success of Asian actors Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Stephanie Hsu in the global acting awards circuit. Doors have been opened wide for Asian talentsnot just in Hollywood but all over the world.

“This increased visibility for Asian talents, including models, is an opportunity that I don’t want to miss. That’s why I’ve decided to partner with Niccolo and Ben to launch Slay Models Asia this year,” said Asuncion.

“The modeling agency business is all about trust and personal relationships; as a model, you have to trust your agent to help you build your business and protect your interests. It’s the same with opening a Slay Models agency in Manila for the Asian market. I trust that Niccolo and Ben will not only have the best interest of the Slay brand at heart, they will take good care of our models,” he adds.

Niccolo Cosme and Ben Bernabe (Slay Models Asia).jpg
Niccolo Cosme and Ben Bernabe (Slay Models Asia)

An exciting time for the fashion and beauty industries

For his part, Niccolo Cosme, who is Creative Director of digital marketing and creative agency Howwwl Digital, is excited not just for the trans models but also for the modeling industry in the Philippines as a whole.

“As a fashion and beauty photographer for more than two decades, I have made it a point to advocate for trans visibility and representation in fashion and beauty, not just through my words but also through my body of work. I have been working with trans models — whether for my conceptual art pieces or my commercial work—to promote inclusivity in my industry and I’m excited that I will be able to do this on a larger scale as co-director of Slay Models Asia,” says Cosme.

Hosts Jasmine Gabrielle and Cameron Scrase.jpg
Hosts Jasmine Gabrielle and Cameron Scrase

Trans representation, visibility matter

Ben Bernabe, who is Executive Director of health and human rights NGO The Red Whistle, is thrilled about the impact of this launch on trans representation and visibility in the Philippines and in Asia.

“Speaking as an LGBTQIA+ rights advocate, the success of Slay Model Management is a concrete example that trans visibility matters; trans representation matters. I am excited to be a co-director of Slay Models Asia and to work towards greater inclusivity for trans people in the region. Trans models, just like any model of any gender identity, just want to work and give their best at what they do and we will do our best to find them clients who will see them as the beautiful persons that they are,” Bernabe stresses.

Karylle and Nat Manilag.jpg
Karylle and Nat Manilag

What it takes to be the next Slay model

Asked about what they’re looking for in the next Slay model, Asuncion says, “What I’m looking for in the next Slay Model is someone who is passionate about this world. Not only should you be passionate about being a model, you should also be passionate about the people you work with and the art that you create. And you should also be passionate about prosperity. There’s nothing wrong with being financially better.” For Cosme, self-awareness and professionalism matters: “I have worked with many fashion models, from young startups to supermodels, and what always appreciate and admire in a model is when they know and understand their own body and their beauty, when they can move and find the best angles that will produce the best quality of work. There is something so powerful about this level of self-awareness. It shows that you are professional, you have done your homework by studying yourself and your own body of work and you constantly find ways to make yourself better."

Lastly, Bernabe is looking for models who understand that they are more than “just models”: “It’s important that the next Slay model understands that they are more than the work that they do. They are a beacon of representation and visibility for the trans community and everything that they do will matter. Their body of work will be their statements. It might feel like a huge imposition but their life experience will guide them along the way. As long as they live their authentic lives and believe in their own beauty, they will find their way towards success.”

For more information about Slay Model Management and Slay Models Asia, visit the Slay Model Management website at slaymodels.com, the Slay Models Instagram account at
instagram.com/slaymodelsla (@slaymodelsla), and the Slay Models Facebook page, facebook.com/slaymodels (Slay Model Management).

26 areas under Covid-19 Alert Level 2 status—IATF

BY ANALOU DE VERA


Twenty-six areas in the country were placed under Covid-19 Alert Level 2 status until the end of this month, based on the recent resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

Areas under Alert Level 2 until April 30 are: Benguet, Ifugao, Quezon Province, Palawan, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Antique, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu Province, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Western Samar, Lanao Del Norte, Davao De Oro, Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur, and Davao Occidental.

Also included are: North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Dinagat Islands, Basilan, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

"The following provinces, HUCs, and ICCs shall be placed under Alert Level 2, without prejudice to their respective component cities and municipalities which may be under a different alert level classification," the IATF said.

Under Alert Level 2, Some establishments or activities, “shall be allowed to operate, or be undertaken at a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those below 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70 percent outdoor venue capacity,” the Department of Health (DOH) stated in its website.

Alert Level 1

Meanwhile, the IATF placed the following areas under Alert Level 1:

National Capital Region

  • Caloocan City
  • Malabon City
  • Navotas City
  • Valenzuela City
  • Pateros
  • Pasig City
  • Marikina City
  • Taguig City
  • Quezon City
  • Manila
  • Makati City
  • Mandaluyong City
  • San Juan City
  • Muntinlupa City
  • Paranaque City
  • Las Pinas City
  • Pasay City

Cordillera Administrative Region

  • Abra
  • Apayao
  • Baguio City
  • Kalinga
  • Mountain Province
  • Benguet: Buguias, Sablan, and Tublay
  • Ifugao: Alfonso Lista (Potia), Kiangan, Lagawe (Capital), Lamut

Ilocos Region

  • Dagupan City
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Pangasinan

Cagayan Valley

  • Batanes
  • Cagayan
  • City of Santiago
  • Isabela
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Quirino

Central Luzon

  • Angeles City
  • Aurora
  • Bataan
  • Bulacan
  • Nueva Ecija
  • Olongapo City
  • Pampanga
  • Tarlac
  • Zambales

Calabarzon

  • Batangas
  • Cavite
  • Laguna
  • Lucena City
  • Rizal
  • Quezon: Alabat, Atimonan, Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Dolores, Gumaca, Lucban, Mauban, Padre Burgos, Pagbilao, Perez, Plaridel, Polillo, Quezon, Sampaloc, San Antonio, Sariaya, Tiaong, Unisan

Mimaropa

  • Marinduque
  • Occidental Mindoro
  • Oriental Mindoro
  • Puerto Princesa City
  • Romblon
  • Palawan: Cagayancillo, Culion, El Nido (Bacuit), Kalayaan

Bicol Region

  • Albay
  • Camarines Sur
  • Catanduanes
  • Naga City
  • Sorsogon
  • Camarines Norte: Basud, Capalonga, Daet (Capital), San Vicente, Talisay
  • Masbate: Balud, Batuan, City of Masbate (Capital), Mandaon, Milagros, San Fernando

Western Visayas

  • Aklan
  • Bacolod City
  • Capiz
  • Guimaras
  • Iloilo Province
  • Iloilo City
  • Antique: Anini-y, Barbaza, San Jose (Capital), Sebaste, Tobias Fornier (Dao)
  • Negros Occidental: Cadiz City, Candoni, City of Himamaylan, City of Talisay, City of Victorias, Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia), Ilog, La Carlota City, Murcia, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Sagay City, San Enrique, Silay City, Valladolid

Central Visayas

  • Cebu City
  • Lapu-Lapu City
  • Mandaue City
  • Siquijor
  • Bohol: Alburquerque, Balilihan, Batuan, Calape, Corella, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Maribojoc, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia (Pitogo), San Isidro, San Miguel, Sevilla, Sikatuna, Tagbilaran City (Capital)
  • Cebu: Alcoy, Borbon, City of Naga, City of Talisay, Oslob, Pilar, Poro, Santander, Tudela
  • Negros Oriental: Amlan (Ayuquitan), Bacong, Dauin, Dumaguete City (Capital), Valencia (Luzurriaga), Zamboanguita

Eastern Visayas

  • Biliran
  • Eastern Samar
  • Northern Samar
  • Ormoc City
  • Southern Leyte
  • Tacloban City
  • Leyte: Abuyog, Albuera, Bato, Barugo, City of Baybay, Dulag, Hindang, Inopacan, Javier (Bugho), La Paz, Leyte, Matag-ob, Matalom, Palo, Pastrana, Tabontabon, Tunga, Villaba
  • Samar (Western Samar): City of Catbalogan (Capital), Marabut, Motiong, Pagsanghan, Paranas (Wright), San Sebastian, Talalora, Tarangnan, Zumarraga

Zamboanga Peninsula

  • City of Isabela
  • Zamboanga City
  • Zamboanga del Norte
  • Zamboanga del Sur
  • Zamboanga Sibugay

Northern Mindanao

  • Bukidnon
  • Cagayan de Oro City
  • Camiguin
  • Iligan City
  • Misamis Occidental
  • Misamis Oriental
  • Lanao del Norte: Bacolod, Baroy, Kauswagan, Kolambugan, Lala, Linamon, Tubod (Capital)

Davao Region

  • Davao City
  • Davao Oriental
  • Davao de Oro: Mawab, Montevista, Nabunturan (Capital), New Bataan
  • Davao del Norte: Braulio E. Dujali, Island Garden City of Samal, Santo Tomas
  • Davao del Sur: Padada
  • Davao Occidental: Don Marcelino, Malita, Santa Maria

Soccsksargen

  • General Santos City
  • South Cotabato
  • Cotabato (North Cotabato): Antipas, Arakan, City of Kidapawan (Capital), Kabacan, President Roxas
  • Sarangani: Maitum
  • Sultan Kudarat: Bagumbayan, City of Tacurong, Kalamansig, Lebak, President Quirino

Caraga

  • Butuan City
  • Surigao del Norte
  • Surigao del Sur
  • Agusan del Norte
  • Agusan del Sur
  • Dinagat Islands: Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo (Albor), Loreto, Tubajon

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

  • Cotabato City
  • Lanao del Sur
  • Maguindanao: South Upi, Upi
  • Sulu: Hadji Panglima Tahil (Marunggas)
  • Tawi-Tawi: Turtle Islands

The DOH said that under Alert Level 1, "intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities."

"All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards," it added.

Group bats for a ‘more strategic approach’ to address extreme heat in schools

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT


While it recognized the move of the Department of Education (DepEd) reminding schools to shift to distance learning due to extreme heat, a group of teachers pushed for a “more strategic approach” that will address the concern of students and personnel who attend in-person classes during the hottest months of the year.

Students DepEd MB Visual Content Group.jpg

(DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) issued a statement acknowledging the action taken by the DepEd in response to the constant cries of teachers and children to consider the extreme heat and suspend face-to-face classes.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/22/schools-may-suspend-classes-switch-to-distance-learning-during-extreme-climate-conditions-dep-ed

In the memorandum signed by DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas issued on April 20, the agency reiterated its policy "to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather and environment such as, but not limited to, extremely high temperatures which may considerably affect the conduct of classroom learning and put the learners' health and wellbeing at risk.”

However, TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said that a “more strategic approach” is needed to address the issue.

For example, he mentioned lowering the class size to no more than 25 students. TDC also suggested the construction of “more stable classrooms designed for student comfort and provision of electric fans or even air -conditioning system.”

To implement such adjustments, he noted that “funds and policies” will have to be in place.

Reverting to the old school calendar

The DepEd’s reiteration of the policy came after some school children fainted in Laguna and Mindoro due to the extreme heat.

Before the implementation of distance learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, public schools held classes from June to March. They spend “summer” vacation from April to May.

With the resumption of in-person classes, groups of teachers and even parents called for DepEd to return to the old school calendar.

However, TDC pointed out that it will take at least four years to gradually return to the old school calendar where the months of April and May are designated as school breaks.

“For now the alternative methods that can be used are shortened teaching time and modular and online learning,” Basas, who is also a teacher in Caloocan City, said.

Basas also noted that returning to the old academic calendar “would require adjustments that could take years to implement, while the suffering of teachers and students is felt in real-time.”

Related to this, TDC reiterated that public school teachers “have the right to a two-month school break that could be compromised if DepEd immediately reverts to the old system.”

The group cited DepEd Order No. 34, s. 2022, which sets the August opening of the school calendar for the 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025 school years.

“We need to fix it and make sure that the welfare of our teachers is taken into account before implementing the return to the old school calendar,” Basas said.

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Mehr Geld für Beschäftigte im öffentlichen Dienst


Innenministerin Faeser (SPD, r.) bei den Tarifverhandlungen

Foto: Monika Skolimowska/dpa

Potsdam – Bund, Kommunen und Gewerkschaften haben sich auf mehr Geld für die 2,5 Millionen Beschäftigten des öffentlichen Dienstes geeinigt.

Das teilten alle Tarifparteien nach mehrstündigen Verhandlungen am späten Samstagabend in Potsdam mit. Damit sind weitere Streiks im öffentlichen Dienst vom Tisch.

So viel gibt es mehr:


► Steuer- und abgabenfreie Sonderzahlungen von insgesamt 3000 Euro in mehreren Stufen. 1240 Euro davon sollen bereits in diesem Juni fließen, weitere 220 Euro dann jeweils in den Monaten von Juli bis Februar 2024.



► Ab März 2024 soll es dann als Lohnplus einen Sockelbetrag von 200 Euro sowie anschließend 5,5 Prozent mehr geben. Wird dabei keine Erhöhung um 340 Euro erreicht, soll der betreffende Erhöhungsbetrag auf diese Summe gesetzt werden.

Bei dieser Lösung orientierten sich die Tarifparteien in großen Teilen am Kompromissvorschlag aus dem vor einer Woche beendeten Schlichtungsverfahren. Die Laufzeit der Vereinbarung soll 24 Monate betragen.

„Wir sind den Gewerkschaften so weit entgegengekommen, wie wir es in schwieriger Haushaltslage noch verantworten können“, teilte Bundesinnenministerin  Nancy Faeser (SPD) im Anschluss an die Verhandlungsrunde mit.

Verdi-Chef Frank Werneke zufolge waren es keine leichten Verhandlungen. „Mit unserer Entscheidung, diesen Kompromiss einzugehen, sind wir an die Schmerzgrenze gegangen“, sagte er.

Von der Erhöhung profitieren Angehörige etlicher Berufe – unter anderem Erzieherinnen, Busfahrer, Angestellte von Bädern, Feuerwehrleute, Krankenschwestern, Verwaltungsangestellte, Altenpflegerinnen, Klärwerksmitarbeiter, Förster und Ärzte.