Marcos pushes pay hike for teachers

By Kristina Maralit  and Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

August 15, 2023 370

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to find ways to increase the salaries of teachers.

The presidential directive is on top of the pay hike already mandated by the Salary Standardization Law.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte confirmed the directive in an interview following the "Brigada Eskwela" activities of the DepEd at the Victorino Mapa High School in Barangay San Miguel, Manila, where Marcos was also present.

"We have increases based on the Salary Standardization Law, that is in tranches every year. And when we took over last year, President Marcos ordered a study not just on the yearly increase but the long-term outlook on how to implement increases to the salary of teaching and non-teaching DepEd personnel," Duterte said.

"So, we are waiting for the result of that study which states the increases, and it also contains the comparison of inflation and the economic indicators ... forecast of economic indicators in the coming years," she said.

Increasing teachers' salaries was one of Marcos' campaign promises.

He also vowed to address other pressing concerns of the education sector, such as the lack of school facilities and rundown classrooms, especially in remote areas, and the slow-paced upskilling of teachers and literacy-challenged students.

The President hopes to address the last two issues through the Education department's new "Matatag Curriculum," as it is a significant program that will benefit not just Filipino learners but educators as well.

"This is very significant because ... we are trying to fix the curriculum to be a good fit to the needs of the Filipino youth," he said in the same interview.

He reiterated that the Matatag curriculum will also strengthen the country's "international score," especially when it comes to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

He noted that the revised curriculum will give students the chance to choose between vocational or technical training after finishing 10th grade in the present academic year.

The Matatag Curriculum aims to "decongest" the current K to 12 curriculum by reducing the number of competencies.

It is more focused on the development of foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills for kindergarten to Grade 3.

The President also said he is discussing with DepEd officials and other stakeholders proposals to revert the opening of classes to the pre-pandemic schedule.

He said a thorough study has to be made to determine which schedule would be most beneficial to students and teachers.

The President said the administration has no preference and is only looking at what is best for Filipino learners.

The government is also looking to improve the salaries, allowances and other benefits of other government employees.

In a statement on Monday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said P48 million has been drawn from this year's budget of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) to fund an in-depth study of the government's Compensation and Position Classification System.

"This is intended to encourage our fellow citizens to join the government sector and also to motivate our existing employees to remain in government service and perform diligently and effectively," Pangandaman said.

The Department of Budget and Management has earmarked P1.368 billion in the proposed fiscal year 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to raise the uniform allowance by P1,000 for over 1.3 million state employees.

The department was said to be conducting a simultaneous evaluation of the different benefits granted within various tiers of public service, to ascertain if modifications are necessary.

In January, the final portion of salary raises for government employees was put into effect. The increase is mandated by Republic Act 11466, or the "Salary Standardization Law of 2019."

Under RA 11466, the salary for government workers will be carried out in four phases, spanning fiscal years 2020 to 2023.

Casiguran, Aurora sizzles with 60°C heat index on Aug. 14

 NATIONALNEWS

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Aug 14, 2023 07:00 PM

  

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(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

The heat index, or temperature as perceived by the body, reached 60 degrees Celsius (°C) in Casiguran, Aurora on Monday, Aug. 14, based on the monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

For the fourth day in a row, PAGASA has recorded extremely dangerous heat indices in Casiguran: 53°C on Aug. 11, 53°C on Aug. 12, 59°C on Aug. 13, and 60°C on Aug. 14.

A heat index above 52°C indicates “extreme danger” because “heat stroke is imminent,” PAGASA said.

In addition to Casiguran, 16 other areas on Monday experienced “dangerous” heat indices: Calapan, Oriental Mindoro (45°C); NAIA, Pasay City (43°C); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (43°C); Baler, Aurora (43°C); Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (43°C); Alabat, Quezon (43°C); Daet, Camarines Norte (43°C); Virac, Catanduanes (43°C); Roxas City, Capiz (43°C); Calayan, Cagayan (42°C); Aparri, Cagayan (42°C); Iba, Zambales (42°C); CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (42°C); Sangley Point, Cavite (42°C); and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42°C).

PAGASA said a heat index ranging from 42°C to 51°C indicates impending “danger,” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely,” and “heat stroke is probable with continued activity.”

In the next 24 hours, the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” may continue to bring scattered light to occasional heavy rains to Palawan, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will continue to experience partly cloudy to cloudy weather with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Blending the different aspects of our life

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

IT’S a skill and art that we need to develop. We cannot deny that we have different aspects of our life that can be competing and conflicting, and we should just learn how to blend them as best that we could into some meaningful unity and consistency.

Our life involves both the material and the spiritual, the temporal and the eternal, the short-term and the long-term, the here-and-now and the last things, the biological, social, cultural, historical, economic, political aspects, etc. We have to learn how to orchestrate them together so as to lead us to our ultimate goal, which is to be with God in heaven.

We are reminded of this need in that gospel episode where Christ already talked about how he was going to end his life and complete his mission here on earth, and then later he was asked about whether he had to pay taxes. (cfr. Mt 17,22-27)

Pursuing this need for consistency and unity of life should be an abiding concern for all of us. Even if we have to contend with many aspects and dimensions of our life, it is only one life that each of us has, not two or three. And thus, to build and keep our unity of life is a daily task of ours. We can neglect it only to our own serious risk and damage.

We can manage to have this consistency and unity of life if we identify ourselves with Christ. Let’s remember what Christ said so clearly. He is the vine, we are the branches. We can only have life, let alone consistency and fruitfulness in our life, if we are united to him. Outside of him, we can only expect death, inconsistency and sterility.

Yes, only in and with Christ can we have the real principle of unity and fruitfulness in our life. We would be fooling ourselves if we fail to recognize this basic truth about ourselves.

This, of course, is a truth of faith, not so much of science. And that’s where the problem lies. There is a crisis of faith in the world, especially involving those who rely more on their human abilities than on belief in Christ.

We have to correct that predicament by realizing more deeply that our life is supposed to be a life with God since not only are we one of his creatures, but a creature that is meant to be his image and likeness. We are meant to be like God through Christ in the Holy Spirit. That’s how we can have consistency and unity of life.

We have to reiterate the truth that we need Christ who is our “way, truth and life” with God to have a solid, genuine unity of life and an unwavering focus even in the midst of so many things in our life.

We just have to learn how to strengthen our relation with Christ, overcoming our natural awkwardness and difficulties, knowing how to pray, studying and assimilating the doctrine, availing of the sacraments, rectifying our intentions, developing the virtues, observing proper priorities, etc.

We need to be more aware of our duty to establish, build up and strengthen the unity in our life. We only have one life, made up of many parts, aspects, stages and levels, and subject to all sorts of conditions, big and small, favorable and unfavorable, etc. The challenge is how to put all these things together in harmony.

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24 Oras is the most watched TV program across the Philippines

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Aug 12, 2023 08:38 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that 24 Oras is still the most watched TV program for Jan. 1 to July 31, 2023 in Total Philippines (combined Urban and Rural). It recorded a combined (GMA/GTV/IHM) people rating of 14.9 percent.

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In less than a year since its relaunch as a dynamic multi-platform and mega news organization, GMA Integrated News has cemented its position as the ‘News Authority ng Filipino.’

Its flagship newscast, 24 Oras, continues to be the viewers’ choice for the latest news, breaking stories, as well as the biggest events here and abroad. 

Data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that 24 Oras is still the most watched TV program for Jan. 1 to July 31, 2023 in Total Philippines (combined Urban and Rural). It recorded a combined (GMA/GTV/IHM) people rating of 14.9 percent.

Further, 24 Oras and 24 Oras Weekend tallied a combined (GMA/GTV/IHM) people net reach of 84 percent or 65 million viewers in Total Philippines.

Anchored by Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, and Emil Sumangil, 24 Oras continues to uphold the tenets of journalism and deliver truthful, balanced, and credible news and information, as well as top-notch public service to Filipinos wherever they may be.

Providing 24 Oras viewers the latest entertainment news and updates is “Chika Minute” segment host Iya Villana-Arellano. The public also discovers new knowledge and stories behind phenomena with Kuya Kim Atienza’s trivia segment, “#KuyaKimAnoNa.” 

With GMA Integrated News’ launch of the “GMA Integrated News Weather Center,” 24 Oras introduced Maureen Schrijvers as its weather presenter to deliver weather news and updates weeknights.

24 Oras continues to evolve amid the changing landscape of journalism and news consumption. Earlier this month, it launched its latest segment, “Game Changer” with GMA Synergy sportscaster Martin Javier featuring the latest trends and new discoveries on fitness, lifestyle, technology, and anything that can change the pace of everyday life.

24 Oras Weekend, on the other hand, is anchored by Ivan Mayrina and Pia Arcangel and airs Saturdays and Sundays.

With GMA Integrated News’ roster of award-winning anchors and reporters, 24 Oras and 24 Oras Weekend also draw viewers to become inspired, moved, and socially involved through various feature stories and special reports.

Some of these stories include the exposes on the alleged killing of high-profile inmates at the Bilibid as well as the special series “Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima” (The Climate Change Threat Series).

Last July, GMA Integrated News was conferred the “Pambansang Balita Award” at the Hiraya Awards 2023 for the said series on climate change. “Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima” sheds light on the impact of extreme weather conditions, deforestation, and the displacement of communities. 

At the 2023 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards, 24 Oras won “Best TV News Program,” with Vicky Morales taking home the “Female News Anchor of the Year” award.

Meanwhile, Mel Tiangco was conferred the “Gandingan ng Kababaihan” at the 17th UP BroadSoc Gandingan Awards. She also received the “JPL Lifetime Achievement Award” at The Golden Laurel: The Batangas Province Media Awards 2023.

GMA Integrated News also took home the “Journalism of the Year for TV News Reporting” distinction at this year’s Rotary Club of Manila’s Pro Patria Journalism Awards.

Catch 24 Oras weeknights at 6:30 p.m. and 24 Oras Weekend on weekends at 5:30 p.m. on GMA with simulcast on GTV, I Heart Movies, and Pinoy Hits.

GMA Synergy announces 'Queendom: Live' featuring AOS vocal queens

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Aug 12, 2023 10:17 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• From making waves on their weekly performances on GMA’s musical variety show, ‘All-Out Sundays,’ the quintessential queens are all set to captivate the live audience together for the very first time on one concert stage. “Queendom: Live” is set to showcase each diva’s individual style and presence while also allowing collaborative performances that will truly wow and entertain the audience.

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A royal and majestic night awaits fans and concert enthusiasts as GMA Synergy, in partnership with GMA Entertainment Group, brings together the highly-acclaimed vocal queens of ‘All-Out Sundays (AOS)’ – Rita Daniela, Jessica Villarubin, Thea Astley, Mariane Osabel, Hannah Precillas, and Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose – in an epic concert dubbed “Queendom: Live,” this Dec. 2 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

The ticket selling to this much-awaited event begins this Aug. 14 exclusively at Ticket2Me via www.gmanetwork.com/synergy and Ticket World via www.ticketworld.com.ph. Tickets are priced at P5,000 (Queen); P4,000 (Princess); and P1,000 (Duchess). Queen ticket holders can exclusively avail of the add-on VIP pass for an additional P1,500. 

From making waves on their weekly performances on GMA’s musical variety show, ‘All-Out Sundays,’ the quintessential queens are all set to captivate the live audience together for the very first time on one concert stage. “Queendom: Live” is set to showcase each diva’s individual style and presence while also allowing collaborative performances that will truly wow and entertain the audience.

“Queendom: Live” promises to showcase the exemplary vocal prowess of Rita,  Jessica, Thea, Mariane, Hannah, and Julie Anne as they perform ovation-worthy solos, power duets, trio renditions, and ensemble acts.

The night of Dec. 2 will be set ablaze with a string of popular songs that celebrate womanhood, individuality, and empowerment. Fans should also definitely not miss out each queen’s breathtaking signature birit pieces performed in full diva rendition.

More surprises are lined up for the night as powerful duets, grand vocal collaborations, and showdowns are set to happen on one stage. There will also be special guests who will surely excite and captivate the hearts of concertgoers. 

“Queendom: Live” is made possible through GMA Synergy, the team behind the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards 2022 Silver Medallist “Limitless: A Musical Trilogy,” Julie Anne San Jose-Rayver Cruz headliner concert “JulieVerse,” and the Philippines’ first-ever virtual reality concert and 2021 New York Festivals finalist “Alden’s Reality: The Virtual Reality Concert.”

Don't miss your chance to witness the queens in action. Save the date and book your tickets via www.gmanetwork.com/synergy or www.ticketworld.com.ph.

5 things to do at the Philippine Book Festival in Davao

The largest book festival is back—this time in Davao! Here’s how you can make the most of it.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Aug 11, 2023 12:34 PM

  

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Coming off its well-attended run in Manila from June 2 to 4, the National Book Development Board’s (NBDB) Philippine Book Festival (PBF) is back—this time in Davao, where it’s part of the 38th Kadayawan Festival. The latest edition of the all Filipino book experience will be held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang from Aug. 18 to 20, 2023. As with its last run, the PBF promises a slew of festivities, including author meet-and-greets, book launches, and musical performances. We’ve prepared another cheat sheet to help you make the most of your PBF Davao experience.

1. Learn the craft of writing historical fiction with award-winning author Candy Gourlay

The Davao-born, London-based author Candy Gourlay is known for her young adult novels about the pains and joys of coming of age. Her novel, "Bone Talk," follows the life of a young boy at the onset of the Philippine-American war. Learn how to effectively craft compelling narratives set in the past with Candy herself, who will be holding short one-on-one consultations with those who are already working on a project. If you’re already a fan of Candy’s work, you can also join her book launch for a one-of-a-kind meet-and-greet session on the festival’s main stage.

Unforgetting: The Art of Crafting Historical Fiction with Candy Gourlay - Aug. 19, 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m, SMX Davao Meeting Room 1, and Book Launch by Candy Gourlay - Aug. 20, 12:00 p.m to 1:00 p.m., SMX Davao Main Stage

2. Get to know the Davao literary scene by listening to young Davao writers in conversation 

Davao has its diverse population and indigenous communities to thank for its vibrant literary scene. In an attempt to better understand the role of literature in the region, writers Elizabeth Serrano-Quijano, John Bengan, and Jade Capiñanes, in a panel moderated by Jhoanna Cruz, talk about what it means to be working as writers living in Davao. They ask, how do writers contribute to building a creative ecosystem that celebrates the many facets of a city? Join these writers for an afternoon of reflections on creative life and its role in building a city.

Out-of-the-Box: Writing in Davao - Aug. 18, 1:00 p.m to 2:00 p.m, SMX Davao Main Stage

3. Have your copy of Trese signed by its co-creator, Kajo Baldisimo

Part of the festival’s lineup of authors is Kajo Baldisimo, the acclaimed artist and co-creator of the widely popular komiks series, Trese. He will be signing copies of "Trese" from 1:00 p.m onwards at his booth. The talented artist is one of the many creatives who will be signing their books at the PBF, so make sure to bring copies of your favorite books by your favorite authors.

Book Signing: TRESE comics - Aug. 18 to 20, 1 p.m., Kajo Baldisimo’s Booth

4. Jam with the Kaliwat Performing Arts Collective as they pay tribute to one of Davao’s foremost writers  

The PBF wouldn’t be the book experience it promises to be without immersive musical numbers that celebrate the love for words and sounds with dance! Celebrate community and culture with the Kaliwat Performing Arts Collective as they pay tribute to Aida Rivera Ford, one of the country’s leading fictionists, and Don Pagusara, the founder of the Davao Writers Guild. This event at the festival’s main stage will also include the launch of poet and scholar Ricky De Ungria’s Kalandrakas, a monumental two-volume anthology on Mindanao.

Lunas-Banwa: Healing, Community, and Performance - Aug. 19, 8:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m., SMX Davao Main Stage

5. Perform your poems on stage

The Book Development Association of the Philippines, one of the NBDB’s partners who made the PBF possible, is hosting a poetry slam on the festival’s main stage. If you want to share your passion for poetry onstage, don’t miss this opportunity. Cash prizes will be given to performers who can impress the panel of judges.

BDAP Poetry Slam - Aug. 19, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., SMX Davao Main Stage

Register for free now at official website. Walk-ins are also welcome. For more updates, follow the National Book Development Board  on Facebook and @bookfestph on Instagram and TikTok.

One of the most anticipated’ annual meteor showers will reach its peak on Aug. 13 — PAGASA

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

  

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The view of the north-northeastern sky during the peak of Perseids on Aug. 13, 2023 at 4 a.m. using the Stellarium software. (PAGASA)

The annual Perseids meteor shower will reach its peak activity on Sunday, Aug. 13, with as many as 150 meteors an hour under clear skies, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its August astronomical diary.

PAGASA said the Perseids, which is known as “one of the most anticipated annual meteor showers,” is active from July 17 to Aug. 24.

“The shower will be visible once Perseus, the shower radiant, rises in the northeastern sky around midnight until just before sunrise. The number of visible meteors increases as the radiant reaches the highest point in the sky, right after dawn, and will be best observed just before sunrise,” it pointed out. 

The waning crescent moon's minimal interference could make the astronomical event remarkable.

According to PAGASA, meteor showers can be seen with the naked eye and do not require any special equipment such as telescopes or binoculars.

However, it recommended a dark location away from city lights with a clear sky and no moon to maximize the viewing experience.

κ-Cygnids meteor shower 

Another meteor shower observable this month is the κ-Cygnids.

PAGASA said the meteor shower is active from Aug. 3 to 25, with peak activity on Aug. 18.

“During its peak, κ-Cygnids is expected to produce three meteors per hour. The shower’s radiant, Draco, is already observable after sunset until it sets on the horizon at around 5 a.m.,” PAGASA said.

“It will be best observed around 9 p.m., when the radiant is at its highest position in the sky. The shower will peak close to the new moon, presenting minimal interference from the moonlight,” it added.

Hey there sports fans ...

 

August 11, 2023

Jordan Clarkson is now in the Philippines to join the national team's preparations for the Fiba World Cup.  (Marlo Cueto)

Hey there sports fan, One World Cup stint for the country done. Another one looms in the horizon. After all the problems Gilas Pilipinas encountered over the past months—even years—leading to the Fiba World Cup, things are starting to have a little clarity now. Well, at least, Jordan Clarkson's here now. And he's ready to spearhead the country's participation in basketball's global showcase. The Philippines is looking to score a different kind of win in the World Cup. Aftern all, it wouldn't be realistic to think that Gilas Pilipinas can go all the way to the title match. But if the team becomes the highest ranking Asian squad at the end of the tournament, the Philippines qualifies for the Paris Olympics next year. Meanwhile, in a tournament devoid of stars, let's all be thankful Luka Doncic is still raring to play in the World Cup, and he's showing glimpses of what he will put on display when Slovenia opens its bid. And as Doncic and his teammates continue preparing, the United States continues to show why it remains the team to beat in the tournament.

Fans welcome Reina Bonta to . (AFP)

Meanwhile... Still yearning for more Filipinas content? We've got a couple for you, on homecomings and "aww" moments with coach Alen  Stajcic. If you need a football fix, though, the Women's World Cup is still ongoing, which gives us time to throw this trivia question at you:  Of the quarterfinalists in the Women’s World Cup, which country is the only one with a female coach? Also, Ateneo is in Japan now, getting ready to defend its UAAP crown by defending another collegiate title in the Land of the Rising Sun. The team will get to test its new core while battling some of the best school basketball programs from different countries. What we're up to next: Watch out for our subscriber-only side feature on the Women's World Cup, which is being prepared by Mr. Jonas Terrado, our intrepid football journalist who covered history in New Zealand. We will also begin stories on the Asian Games in China, which will serve as Olympic qualifiers for some sports, like boxing. We will also begin PBA updates. All these, while we provide stories and updates on Gilas Pilipinas' preparations for the Fiba World Cup. Number of the Week: 5 Number of goals scored by Japan's Hinata Miyazawa so far in the Women's World Cup, a tournament-best.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We didn’t have long enough, really. But all the superlatives, I’ve used them all up. It was memorable, magical and unforgettable to feel and see that many Filipinos connected and engaged with the team.” —Alen Stajcic, Filipinas coach, on his stint with the national women's football team.

If you answered England to the question above, you are right. And you have a shot at going 7-for-7 on our weekly sports quiz. Go check out the rest of the questions by joining our Viber community, which also features the freshest sports updates.  Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. Have a great and safe weekend! See you next Friday. Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).