Women’s Month: DFA to open consular offices for women on March 8, 22

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Mar 3, 2025 10:46 AM 

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that its consular offices will remain open only for women on March 8 and 22 for the celebration of the National Women’s Month.

 

 

In a statement, the DFA said it would provide consular services to women, especially those working during weekdays, to apply for passport and apostille.
 

The Office Consular Affairs located at the Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City and DFA Consular Offices all over the country will be open for all women.
 

“Pagbati para sa lahat ng natatanging kababaihan mula sa Tanggapan ng Ugnayang Konsular ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas (DFA-OCA)! Nakikiisa ang Tanggapan sa pagsulong ng ‘Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas’ (A greeting to all exceptional women from the DFA-OCA. We are one in pushing for ‘Women for all Sectors, Improving the Future in the New Philippines’),” the statement read.
 

However, the OCA also issued a reminder that the courtesy lane privileges for women “does not constitute or guarantee approval of either authentication or passport application.” 

“All applicants will be processed in accordance with the existing laws, rules, and regulations of authentication and passport processing and a complete set of requirements must be submitted by the applicant,” it added.
 

Select consular offices will also be open on other Saturdays of March. A list of participating consular offices and their corresponding special operations schedules can be found on the DFA website and social media pages.
 

Women of any age who would apply for passports can avail of the services through the Passport Online Appointment System or the walk-in through courtesy lane of the consular offices.
 

Women applicants are allowed to bring one immediate family member, such as a spouse, adult children, or adult sibling with proof of relationship or one traveling companion with proof of travel.
 

Minor children of the applicants will also be accommodated.
 

Individuals eligible for the use of courtesy lane must present a duly accomplished Passport Application Form, which could be accessed via the consular’s website.
 

For more information on passport requirements and the use of the courtesy lane, applicants must visit the consular office’s website on https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/services/passport/requirements.

P1-M bank deposit insurance coverage to boost economy--Campos

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Mar 3, 2025 09:30 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Makati City 2nd district Rep. Luis Campos Jr., expressed confidence that the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.'s (PDIC) move of doubling the maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) for bank depositors from P500,000 to P1 million will have a positive impact on the economy. 

Makati City 2nd district Rep. Luis Campos Jr. (Facebook)  

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.'s (PDIC) move of doubling the maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) for bank depositors from P500,000 to P1 million will have a positive impact on the economy.

Thus, said Makati City 2nd district Rep. Luis Campos Jr., who hailed the PDIC's decision over the weekend.

“The 100 percent increase in the MDIC to P1 million per depositor per bank is long overdue,” Campos said.

The increase will take effect on March 15. 

“There’s no doubt that the P1 million MDIC will help strengthen public confidence in our banking system, which plays a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and jobs creation,” Campos noted.

The veteran solon was as the first member of Congress to push for the P1 million MDIC, as he underscored the need to restore its full protective value at today’s prices and encourage Filipinos to continue keeping their money in banks.

“Based on cumulative inflation data, the purchasing power of P1 million today is more or less equal to the buying power of P500,000 in 2009, or 16 years ago,” Campos, the husband of Makati Mayor Abby Binay, noted.

Campos is running for Makati mayor in the May 12 elections while his wife is seeking a Senate seat under the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas ticket.

The MDIC was last increased in 2009, from P250,000 to P500,000.

Since its initial implementation in 1963, the MDIC has been raised several times:

•1963 – P10,000

•1978 – P15,000

•1984 – P40,000

•1992 – P100,000

•2004 – P250,000

•2009 – P500,000

•2025 (effective March 15) – P1,000,000

“This is the first time the PDIC has exercised its authority to increase the MDIC,” Campos pointed out.

He noted that Congress had been periodically increasing the MDIC since 1963, until it passed Republic Act No. 11840, or the new PDIC charter, in 2022.

The new law granted the PDIC’s governing board the authority to increase the MDIC.

In 2024, the PDIC paid P281.5 million in deposit insurance claims, benefiting 7,482 depositors of three distressed rural and cooperative banks that had been shut down by regulators.

World Wildlife Day: Protect PH natural treasures

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mar 3, 2025 07:26 AM 

 

Every March 3, the global community comes together to celebrate World Wildlife Day, a crucial occasion to reflect on the importance of protecting the world’s biodiversity. For the Philippines—an archipelago renowned for its rich ecosystems and endemic species—this observance underlines the urgent need to safeguard our natural heritage from the growing threats of habitat destruction, climate change, and human encroachment.

Member-countries of the United Nations are called upon to participate in achieving the Strategic Vision of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework.

Considering that more than half of global gross domestic product (GDP) is nature-based, it is imperative that sustainability of biodiversity becomes a priority concern of governments. Further decimation of biodiversity translates into threats to livelihood at the grassroots and financial stability of nations.

According to latest studies, more than one million species of Philippine wildlife are threatened with extinction; thus, the urgency of innovative finance for wildlife conservation cannot be overemphasized.

The Philippines is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that exemplify our country’s unique and fragile biodiversity. Among them is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a marvel of nature that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered Palawan hornbill and the Philippine cockatoo. Another iconic site is the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, an underwater sanctuary teeming with marine life and serving as a vital breeding ground for various fish species, sea turtles, and sharks.

Equally significant are the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for rare species such as the Philippine eagle and the pygmy fruit bat, and the Ifugao Rice Terraces, which, beyond their cultural significance, sustain diverse ecosystems and traditional farming practices that promote environmental balance. These sites are more than just picturesque landscapes; they are vital ecological zones that support both wildlife and human communities.

These precious sites face mounting threats. Deforestation, often driven by illegal logging and agricultural expansion, continues to diminish crucial habitats. Pollution, particularly plastic waste and chemical runoff, endangers marine ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Climate change accelerates coral bleaching in Tubbataha and disrupts ecological cycles, while poaching and illegal wildlife trade further deplete already endangered species.

If left unaddressed, these threats could lead to irreversible biodiversity loss, undermining not only ecological balance but also local economies that depend on ecotourism and sustainable natural resources.

Protecting the Philippines’ wildlife and natural heritage requires a collective effort from government agencies, local communities, private enterprises, and individuals. Strengthening environmental laws and enforcement is essential, particularly against illegal logging, mining, and wildlife trafficking. Investments in sustainable ecotourism can provide livelihood opportunities while promoting conservation.

Additionally, community engagement and education are key to fostering environmental stewardship. Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices should be integrated into conservation strategies to ensure that local communities become active partners in protecting their natural surroundings. Climate resilience measures, such as reforestation and coral reef restoration, must also be prioritized to mitigate the impacts of global warming.

As we mark World Wildlife Day 2025, let this be a clarion call for Filipinos to champion the protection of our UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the vast biodiversity they nurture. The responsibility to conserve our environment does not rest solely on policymakers or conservationists. It is a duty we all share.

FAMAS Short Film Festival sets March 25 deadline for entries

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Mar 2, 2025 01:38 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• It setsamilestone in 2025 with the first FAMAS Short Film Festival to break ground for this new form of storytelling and recognize the best creatives in this category. 

Established in 1952, the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences is the local film industry's oldest award-giving body. It sets a milestone in 2025 with the first FAMAS Short Film Festival to break ground for this new form of storytelling and recognize the best creatives in this category.

Festival Director Gabby Ramos of REMS Entertainment said that March 25 is the absolute deadline for submitting entries which should be made through this link: https://forms.gle/dnH5Y53U3jaxWqWB8. Payment of a screener's fee of P2500 is required, while the rate is P2000 for students. The jury selections will be officially announced in the first week of April while cinema screenings will be held from May 3 to 9. The grand awards night will be staged at the Music Museum on May 10.   

FAMAS President Francia Conrado

FAMAS president Francia Conrado revealed that winners of the shorts film fest will have the honor of receiving trophies in solid bronze that weigh approximately 3.5 kg each.

"It's always been my dream to have an award for the people behind short films," Francia revealed. "We might not know it, but there are now more short film makers than the mainstream because they don't need a big budget. You can just have a good phone and you can already make a film. You don't need to have a lot of cast, and you can tell the story in 20 minutes. " 

Director Gabby stated that "the selection team will be focusing on the creativity of the short, its narrative, and what message it is trying to convey." 

"Of course, from this we will be able to see the ability of  the entire team in the whole process of creating the short film. In terms of  creativity, how you light it, how you act it, how you direct it, it's the same as how we judge in the FAMAS  film festival. It's just that this time, there will be separate winners for the shorts," he added. 

The director said FAMAS Short Film Festival 2025 "is open to all ages, all regions, all parts of the country, even the OFW community, as long as you meet the criteria for 20 minutes and maximum of 30 minutes, including credits."

Director Gabby Ramos, CEO of REMS Entertainment, Famas Short Film Festival Director

Here are the other eligibility requirements:

- The director must be a Philippine citizen.

- Films can be in any Philippine language but must include English subtitles.

- The production origin must be the Philippines, although co-productions are accepted.

- Films must not have been previously submitted to FAMAS, including re-edited versions. 

- Student films must be endorsed by their educational institutions.

- Regional films must focus on regional stories, languages and lifestyles.

- Advocacy  and documentary films must address societal issues and inspire action.

The award categories at stake are the following:

Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Music & Sound Design, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Documentary, Best Student Film, Best Regional Film, and Best Advocacy Film.

For more inquiries, contact famas.shortfilm@gmail.com

A German Expat in the Philippines (III): Land of the Setting Sun

 

ESCAPE TO PARADISE: DISCOVER PALAWAN, THE PHILIPPINES' UNTAMED PARADISE

Despite rapid development, Palawan remains a true untamed paradise, where hidden beaches, limestone cliffs, and remote islands continue to captivate travelers seeking raw adventure. Once an off-the-grid escape, El Nido has evolved into a bustling tourist hub, with half a million visitors in 2023 alone. While concerns over environmental sustainability and overcrowding loom, efforts from businesses and local communities aim to preserve the region’s natural beauty.

Writer and traveler Eddie Brock Agamos reflects on Palawan’s transformation:

"We were hippies before, we didn’t believe in running a company. Now we embrace it as a means to empower the local community. It takes time to build a functioning project. You have to be patient and adapt to the local attitude and culture."

Even with modern comforts, Palawan still offers remote adventures. Island expeditions continue to provide off-the-grid experiences, where travelers sleep in open huts, explore coral reefs, and immerse themselves in the region’s rich marine life. As tourism grows, Palawan faces a challenge—to develop responsibly while preserving the untouched magic that makes it unlike anywhere else in the world.

Read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/.../palawan-untamed-paradise/

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Who do you think you are?

BY FR. ROLANDO V. DE LA ROSA, OP

Mar 2, 2025 00:07 AM 

THROUGH UNTRUE

In today's society, which places a strong emphasis on individual autonomy, freedom, and diversity, fraternal correction can often be perceived as intrusive or unwelcome. Negative feedback regarding a person’s behavior is frequently seen as manipulative, an overstep of boundaries, or an attempt to advance the critic's agenda. As a result, the person may defensively deflect attention toward the critic's authority and legitimacy by asking, “Who do you think you are?” 

Social media and digital communication have aggravated this discomfort with corrections, even when offered constructively. The way these are formulated is often brutal and impersonal, almost similar to public shaming.

Consequently, even those in positions of authority hesitate to offer correction, fearing they will be seen as intolerant, judgmental, or, worse, self-righteous. Pope Francis’s famous words, “Who am I to judge?” are frequently used as an excuse to remain silent, even when gross behavior is displayed in one’s presence.

At first glance, today’s Gospel reading seems to discourage fraternal correction. Jesus says to His disciples: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you fail to see the plank in your eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Luke 6:39-45).

However, a closer examination reveals that Jesus is, in fact, offering fraternal correction to the Pharisees, who, due to their pride and inflated sense of moral superiority, refuse to acknowledge their flaws and sins while harshly criticizing others based on self-defined standards of righteousness. Jesus encourages fraternal correction, but he wants us to do it with sincerity, good will, and humility. 

Now more than ever, fraternal correction is crucial — not only for improving our relationships but also for addressing the many socio-economic challenges we face. For example, our democratic institutions, which are vital to society, can only effectively function when we provide constructive feedback to our leaders, hold them accountable, and ensure their actions align with the nation's best interests.

History has shown that many leaders falter because those closest to them hesitate to speak out, fearing the loss of privileges or benefits. These individuals remain silent to maintain peace. But is this genuine peace?

St. Thomas Aquinas writes that true peace can only thrive in a community where members are not afraid to speak the truth. Unprincipled compromises that hide the truth do not lead to true peace. Instead, they foster shallow alliances — similar to those among criminals who remain silent, deaf, and blind to the wrongdoings of their peers in order to protect their mutual interests.

For those who have close relationships with our leaders but refuse to offer correction, even in the face of blatant wrongdoing, God says: “When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,” and you do not warn or correct him to save his life, that wicked person will die for his sin, but I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if, in spite of your warning and correction, the wicked person does not turn from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will save yourself” (Ezekiel 3:18-20).

The power of correction lies not in condemnation, but in offering a chance for redemption. A wayward leader, faced with a corrective intervention, may reconsider his choices and recognize the potential for positive change. This is especially true when the correction is framed constructively, focusing on the importance of ethical behavior for the betterment of society rather than punishing past wrongs.