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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Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Palace bares Baste Duterte, Benjamin Magalong, Francis Zamora among heads of regional peace councils


 

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Mar 14, 2023 5:13 PM

  

AT A GLANCE

Malacañang has named the new chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DIG)-Regional Peace and Order Council


The appointees include politicians like Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora


Politicians such as Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora were among the new officials of the Regional Peace and Order Council appointed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.


Malacañang bared on Tuesday, March 14, the long list of new chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DIG)-Regional Peace and Order Council.


The appointed officials were:


-Sebastian Z. Duterte, Chairperson, Region XI

-Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., Chairperson, Region III

-Ahod B. Ebrahim, Chairperson BARMM

-Eduardo B. Gadiano, Chairperson, MIMAROPA

-Jose Edwin B. Hamor, Chairperson, Region V

-Dulce Ann K. Hofer, Chairperson Region IX

-Eugenio Jose B. Lacson, Chairperson, Region VI

-Benjamin B. Magalong, Chairperson CAR

-Raphaelle Veronica A. Ortega-David, Chairperson, Region I

-Carlos M. Padilla, Chairperson, Region II

-Alexander T. Pimentel, Chairperson, Region XIII

-Benedict M. Arevalo, Vice Chairperson, Region VI and VII

-Adonis R. Bajao, Vice Chairperson, Region V

-Mafelino A. Bazar, Vice Chairperson, CAR

-Jerry Bearis, Vice Chairperson, Region VII

-Roberto S. Capulong, Vice Chairperson, Region IV-A and MIMAROPA

-John C. Chua, Vice Chairperson, Region I

-Lawrence B. Coop, Vice Chairperson, Region X

-Rudolph B. Dimas, Vice Chairperson, Region V

-Andrew D. Costelo, Vice Chairperson, Region I and III

-Jonnel C. Estomo, Vice Chairperson, NCR

-Leo M. Francisco, Vice Chairperson, Region VI

-John G. Guyguyon, Vice Chairperson, BARMM

-Sidney S. Hernia, Vice Chairperson, MIMAROPA

-Pablo G. Labra II, Vice Chairperson, Region XIII

-Carmilo Z. Ligayo, Vice Chairperson, Region VIII

-Jimilil L. Macaraeg, Vice Chairperson, Region XII

-Wilbur C. Mamawag, Vice Chairperson, Region X and XIII

-Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Vice Chairperson, Region VIII

-Alexei Musñgi, Vice Chairperson, NCR

-Antonio G. Nafarrete, Vice Chairperson, Region IX

-Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Vice Chairperson, Region IV-A

-Jose Eriel M. Niembra, Vice Chairperson, Region XI

-Audrey L. Pasia, Vice Chairperson, Region II and CAR

-Cesar R. Pasiwen, Vice Chairperson, Region III

-Alex S. Rillera, Vice Chairperson, Region XII

-Percival A. Rumbaoa, Vice Chairperson, Region II

-Benjamin H. Silo Jr., Vice Chairperson, Region XI

-Alfred S. Romualdez, Chairperson, Region VIII

-Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, Chairperson, Region X

-Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., Chairperson, Region XII

-Angelina D.L. Tan, Chairperson, Region IV-A

-Francisco Javier M. Zamora, Chairperson, NCR

-Neil B. Alinsañgan, Vice Chairperson, Region IX


The Palace also named Victor S. Oliveros as member of the Sannguniang Panlungsod, Puerto Princesa City under the DILG.


Marcos also tapped Raul F. Marcelo as a member representing the Business and Investment Sectors, Board of Directors at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.


Change management

 





Change management

BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT MANNY VILLAR


  

OF TREES AND FOREST


Jeepneys are not just utilitarian modes of transportation for Filipinos. It is that, yes. They offer an affordable mode of transportation for students, workers and the general population that also supports the livelihood of thousands of drivers and independent operators. Back in the day, the jeepney was my go-to ride when going to school or when my friends and I would go to downtown Manila to watch movies and eat. Nag-eenjoy ako sumabit sa jeep. The wind against your face (hindi pa masyado polluted noon) and the sense of danger I experienced at that young age.


This is the reason why the issue of the jeepney modernization program is not just an economic or even a political issue. For many—the drivers, operators, the riding public—it is deeply cultural and personal.


Some years back, the government launched the modernization program which has a noble aim: to modernize our transportation system by making them more efficient, safer and environmentally sustainable. Unfortunately, this involved phasing out old and dilapidated public utility vehicles, including the jeepneys. But the objective was very good. Modern transport systems are the backbone of successful economies, they are the lifelines of cities and regions, and provide important economic and social factors. Just look at Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Modernizing the Philippine transport system means moving more people faster. It also means developing sustainable solutions that are clean, resource efficient, safe and affordable.


Fast forward to today when transport groups held a nationwide strike to protest the jeepney phaseout and decry the implementation of the modernization program. Thanks to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., that strike was averted when he promised to review the program and its implementation.

I was impressed by the way President Bongbong handled this crisis. Since the campaign in 2022, he has consistently placed transportation and infrastructure as critical elements of his economic blueprint. He said: “I assure the Filipino people that the government will strive to modernize and improve the country's transportation system. This will be one of the cornerstones of our progress as we move full speed ahead into a brighter tomorrow.


But while he acknowledged the lofty goals of the transport modernization program he also saw the need to make sure that our people are not left behind by the move to phaseout older vehicles. “Ngunit sa pag-aaral ko,” the President explained, “parang hindi maganda ang naging implementation nung modernization.” He added: “May luma naman na maganda pa rin. May luma naman na puwede pang gamitin.” Such wise words from the President!

The President is essentially saying, “this is something we need to do, but we need to do it right.” With the nationwide strike called off, the government needs to sit down and recalibrate its efforts to modernize our transportation. And there is one principle they need to understand.


Change is difficult. People are generally averse to change especially if they are abrupt and if it will completely threaten their livelihood. For this reason, societies and organizations need to plan changes. In business, we have what we call change management. It refers to the actions a business needs to take in order to effect change or adjust a significant component of its organization—technology, company culture, internal processes, corporate hierarchy, and the like. Government needs to understand that they have to guide all stakeholders of the transport sector in the process of modernization. They need to involve everyone who will be affected by this enormous change from the earliest stages of planning down to its execution.


An important part of change management is preparing all sectors that will be affected for the change that is coming. This in turn requires an effective communication strategy for the modernization plan and how it will be implemented. As a first step, perhaps government should stop using the term phaseout. It is so cold and cruel of a term to be using in an emotionally charged discussion.


In business, it is unthinkable for a manager to just show up at a meeting one day and tell everyone that changes will be made. It does not work that way in business and most certainly, in government which deals with public interest. I hope that with the guidance of the President we can finally get this right.


For comments, please send email to: mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com.

Papal decree elevates Antipolo Cathedral into Southeast Asia's 1st International Shrine

BY NEL ANDRADE


The Antipolo Cathedral, otherwise known as the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City, is now officially the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, making it the first international shrine in Southeast Asia and the 11th in the world.

The Diocese of Antipolo and the Antipolo cathedral, in an announcement on March 13 on its social media pages, said that the Vatican
has finally issued a decree, elevating the cathedral into an International Shrine.
Vatican Decree.jpg

The shrine received the Papal decree on March 13, the 10th anniversary of the papacy of Pope Francis.

The decree will take effect on March 25, coinciding with the occasion of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord and the anniversary of the departure of the image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Senora dela Paz Y Buenviaje) from Acapulco in Mexico, to the Philippines.

The cathedral said the Vatican, prior to the issuance of the decree, announced in June, 2022, that it has approved the petition of the cathedral, through Antipolo Bishop Francis Mendoza De Leon, and the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines for the elevation of the shrine into an international shrine, making the Antipolo’s cathedral as the very first to become an international shrine in Southeast Asia and eleventh worldwide.

Fr. Reynante Tolentino, shrine rector of the Antipolo Cathedral revealed that a solemn declaration of the shrine, which is being anticipated by the church and the devotees, may happen sometime in July, with the bishops of the Philippines possibly attending the momentous occasion.

“Our Shrine, being an international shrine, is a great blessing and a responsibility to the entire Diocese of Antipolo and the whole
country especially to the devotees of the Blessed Virgin. Many thanks to Pope Francis for appointing our shrine as an International Shrine as well as the CBCP and the bishops of the Philippines! Thank you so much to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin of Antipolo!” Tolentino said in a message sent to Manila Bulletin, when asked by this reporter for his reaction.

Tolentino bared that at present, the cathedral's main altar, where the 17th century old image of the Blessed Virgin used to be displayed, is undergoing minor repainting and improvement and may be finished before the Holy Week.

DOH, DepEd urged to launch more HIV awareness, campaign information among Filipino youth

 

BY HANNAH TORREGOZA 



Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday, March 15 called on the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to step up efforts on raising the youth’s awareness on the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
 
Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, made the call following the release of the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines for January 2023, which revealed that 86 cases were recorded among children and adolescents or those aged 19 and below. 
 
The same study cited that 79 percent of these cases were prevalent among adolescents aged 10 to 19, while seven were less than 10 years old.
 
“Nakakaalarma at nakakalungkot isipin na kung sino pa ang dapat na binibigyan ng dobleng pag-aaruga dahil sa kanilang murang edad at kahinaan ay sila pa ang nakakaranas ng matinding pagdurusa (It is alarming and sad to think that those who should be given double care because of their young age and weakness are the ones who are experiencing great suffering),” Gatchalian said in a statement.
 
“Ang nakababahalang balitang ito ay kinakailangan ng mas maigting na pakikipag-ugnayan ng DOH sa iba't ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at mga lokal na pamahalaan para ikalat nang husto ang kaalaman tungkol sa sakit at kung paano maiwasan ito (This alarming news calls for closer collaboration by the DOH with various government agencies and local governments to widely spread knowledge about the disease and how to prevent it),” he said.
 
The same study also showed that the total number of new HIV cases for the month of January was 1,454. Of the 1,365 reported cases acquired through sexual contact, 998 or 70 percent were males who reported having sex with another male, 193 or 13 percent were males having sex with females, and 240 or 17 percent were males having sex with both males and females.
 
Gatchalian pointed out the findings of the University of the Philippines Population Institute’s (UPPI) 2021 Young Adult and Fertility Sexuality Survey (YAFSS) also revealed that youth awareness of HIV and acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) dropped to 78% in 2021—the lowest recorded since 1994 when the rate of youth awareness on HIV and AIDS was 95 percent. 
 
In 2013, the percentage of youth who were aware of HIV and AIDS already dropped to 85 percent.
 
Because of this, the lawmaker said he will pursue a Senate inquiry on HIV infections among youth, as well as adolescent pregnancies. 
 
Last year, Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution No.13 in a bid to review and assess the DepEd’s implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
 
“Nais nating tiyakin na sapat ang kaalaman ng ating mga kabataan pagdating sa HIV, lalo na’t maaaring magdulot ito ng pinsala sa kanilang kalusugan at kapakanan. Susuriin natin kung paano natuturuan ang ating mga kabataan upang pangalagaan ang kanilang mga kalusugan (We want to make sure that our young people have enough knowledge when it comes to HIV, especially because it can cause damage to their health and well-being. We will examine how our youth are educated to take care of their health),” the senator stressed. 

April 6-10 is extended long weekend -- Palace

 


April 6-10 is extended long weekend -- Palace


AT A GLANCE

  • Filipinos will experience an extended long weekend from April 6 to 10

  • This as April 6, 7, and 10 were declared regular holidays in observation of Holy Week and celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan


Long weekend!

Malacañang has reminded the public that the traditional Holy Week break will be extended until Araw ng Kagitingan which was moved to April 10.

In an advisory on Tuesday, March 14, the Palace reiterated previous proclamations, declaring April 6 (Maundy Thursday), April 7 (Good Friday), and April 10 (Araw ng Kagitingan) as regular holidays.

April 8 and 9 fall on a weekend and sandwiched between the three regular holidays, making it a five-day long weekend break for Filipinos.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. already declared April 6 to 7 as regular holidays through Proclamation No. 42 in August 2022 while April 10, which falls on a Monday, was declared holiday through Proclamation No. 90 in November last year.

The changes made in November, according to Marcos, were made to encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures.

Malacañang said the extended long weekend aims to give Filipinos an opportunity to observe the Holy Week and have more time with their families and loved ones.

"Gamitin natin ang pagkakataong ito upang makapagbigay ng oras sa ating mga mahal sa buhay habang responsable tayo sa pagsunod sa mga health at safety protocols. Nawa'y maging mapayapa at makabuluhan ang panahong ito para sa lahat (Let's use this opportunity to make time for our loved ones while we responsibly practice health safety measures. May this be a peaceful and meaningful time for all of us)," the Palace said in a statement.

Under Proclamation No. 90, Bonifacio Day-Nov. 30 (Thursday) was also moved to Nov. 27 (Monday).

Marcos then said that "there is a need to adjust these holidays pursuant to the principle of holiday economics wherein a longer weekend will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country."

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Scattered rain showers, thunderstorms in Mindanao due to LPA

DWD-Warnung bereits am Morgen: Wetterkarte färbt sich orange - Sturm-Alarm in ganz Deutschland

Erstellt: 

Von: Michelle Brey 

Am Dienstag erwartet uns ungemütliches Wetter in Deutschland. Der DWD warnt am Morgen für ganz Deutschland.

München - Am Montag kamen in weiten Teilen Deutschlands echte Frühlingsgefühle auf. Angenehme Temperaturen und Sonnenschein ließen sich im Freien genießen. Schon am Dienstag ist jedoch das ungemütliche März-Wetter zurück. Es wird stürmisch, kalt und nass - und das nahezu im ganzen Land.  

Hintergrund ist dem Deutschen Wetterdienst (DWD) zufolge eine „markante Kaltfront“, die Deutschland von West nach Ost überquert. „Dahinter strömen deutlich kältere Luftmassen polaren Ursprungs ein“, heißt es im DWD-Warnlagebericht. Ein Mix aus Wolken, Sonne, Wind und Regen erwartet auch Wetterexperte Dominik Jung von wetter.net.

Wetteraussichten: DWD warnt für ganz Deutschland

Der DWD warnt am Dienstagmorgen vor markantem Wetter in ganz Deutschland. Dementsprechend ist die komplette Wetterkarte orange - stehend für die Warnstufe zwei - eingefärbt. Die Unwetterwarnung gilt im Norden Deutschlands teilweise bereits für morgens ab neun Uhr, in der Mitte und im Süden ab zwölf oder 14 Uhr. Gewarnt wird vor Sturmböen, die sich gebietsweise in ihrer Stärke unterscheiden. 

Von starken bis stürmischen Böen (55 bis 75km/h) über einzelne Sturmböen (bis 85km/h) bis hin zu schweren Sturmböen (bis 100km/h) ist alles dabei - so etwa „im Alpenvorland ausgreifend bis nach München“. Auf einzelnen Berggipfeln könne es auch zu orkanartigen Böen mit bis zu 115 km/h kommen. An der Nordsee seien stürmische Böen und Sturmböen aus nordwestlichen Richtungen möglich, schreibt der Wetterdienst.

Ausnahmslos orange eingefärbt: Die Wetterkarte des DWD zeigt für ganz Deutschland Warnungen der Stufe 2 (markantes Wetter) an.
Ausnahmslos orange eingefärbt: Die Wetterkarte des DWD zeigt für ganz Deutschland Warnungen der Stufe 2 (markantes Wetter) an. © Screenshot Deutscher Wetterdienst

Im Tagesverlauf, so der DWD, könne es zudem zu „schauerartig verstärkten Niederschlägen“ kommen. In den westlichen und zentralen Mittelgebirgen ebenso wie im Harz seien schon ab Nachmittag mit ersten Schneeschauern zu rechnen. Zu Frost, Glätte und teilweise auch Schnee komme es in der Nacht auf Mittwoch. Dementsprechend sehen auch die Temperaturen für Dienstag aus: Die Höchstwerte erstrecken sich ab acht Grad im Nordwesten bis 16 Grad im Osten. Ab dem Nachmittag soll es dann kühler werden. 

Das Wetter für die Restwoche: Trend macht Hoffnung auf den Frühling

Die milden Temperaturen am Montag waren offenbar nur ein erster kleiner Vorgeschmack. Diesen könnten die kommenden Tage schnell vergessen machen. Doch ganz so ungemütlich, wie es am Dienstag in Deutschland sein soll, wird die restliche Woche laut den Experten aus Offenbach nicht. „Der Frühling hat Lust und versucht es immer wieder“, resümierte Jung dazu passend am Montag mit Blick auf die Wetterlage. Gegen die Kaltluft aus Nordeuropa habe er es jedoch noch immer schwer, sagte der Meteorologe.

Einen Anlauf nimmt der Frühling diese Woche jedenfalls erneut. Von Mittwoch an steigern sich laut DWD nämlich die Temperaturen, sodass am Freitag (17. März) vielerorts die Winterjacken wieder gegen Frühlingsjacken getauscht werden können. Ein Überblick:


Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson. File Photo

By Eugene Y. Adiong, Manila Times

March 14, 2023 


BACOLOD CITY: Checkpoints may scare away tourists, especially foreigners, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson claimed on Monday.


"I understand that there are more security checkpoints in Negros Oriental. This is not good for tourism, especially for foreigners," Lacson said.


The governor added that Filipinos "understand checkpoints but foreigners don't like it."


Police and military checkpoints were established 21 areas in the island to heighten security and help pursue the suspects behind the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo who remain at large.


"Basically, the instructions of the President was to suppress criminal activities and impunity in Negros Oriental," said Lacson, adding that the Philippine Army sent reinforcements in the province.


"This is the judgement call of Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez to carry out the order of the President. Hopefully, they can resolve the issue on the suspects that have not been arrested yet. It would be good if they could be identified as to their whereabouts and arrested."


He also said that the sooner the security forces apprehend the suspects "the better for the island."


"Negros Occidental is open for tourists. We just have to be prepared, especially resort owners to accept more visitors," he said.


Meanwhile, Maj. Cenon Pancito, acting spokesman of Special Joint Task Force Negros (SJTFN), said that a ceremonial send-off of troops from the 11th, 62nd, 94th, 7th, 79th and 15th Infantry Battalions was held on Sunday in Siaton, Negros Oriental, following the activation of the task force for the security operations in the second and third districts of Negros Oriental.


The SJTFN is composed of the Army's 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigade, and six of its Army battalions, as well as PNP Special Action Force and other police units.


On the other hand, Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said troops were deployed in the third district of Negros Oriental, including Basay, Bayawan City, Santa Catalina, Siaton, Dauin, Zamboanguita and Bacong areas.


"Seaports as well as airports will also be covered," Salayo said.


The Philippine National Police has also deployed additional Special Action Force troopers to augment local police units.


Salayo allayed fears that their additional tasking will compromise their anti-insurgency operations.

Davao Oro declares state of calamity

By Ruth Palo

March 14, 2023 


DAVAO CITY: The province of Davao de Oro has been placed under a state of calamity due to the extensive damage from the series of earthquakes that hit the province last week.


In a resolution passed on Saturday, March 11, through a special session, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan said the declaration would allow the provincial government to immediately address the needs of its residents displaced by the earthquakes.


Based on Section 21 of Republic Act 10121 or "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010," at least 30 percent of the local disaster risk reduction management fund "shall be allocated as Quick Response Fund or standby fund for relief and recovery programs in order that situation and living conditions of people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, calamities, epidemics, or complex emergencies, may be normalized as quickly as possible."


Based on the latest situational report of the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council, a total of 194,057 households or 229,647 families were affected by the series of strong quakes.


It also reported that the recent earthquakes left an estimated damage of P265 million to infrastructures.

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake rocked Davao de Oro and neighboring provinces last March 6 while two more strong tremors ranging from magnitude 5.6 to 5.9 were reported the following day with epicenters in the municipality of New Bataan in said province.

Currently, all the concerned agencies are in close coordination to address the need for potable water to nine evacuation centers situated in the towns of Maco, Nabunturan, and New Bataan.

PH cyberattack defense now more robust --- PBBM



AT A GLANCE

  • President Marcos described the signing as "important" in the country's continuing efforts to protect itself against cyberattacks, noting that businesses, which he likened to wars, will now happen in cyberspace.

  • Under the MOU, the NGCP will provide technical assistance to the NICA, especially on energy-related security issues, that will significantly contribute to the latter's endeavors in cybersecurity.

  • Featured photo: President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate)


The Philippines now has better defenses against any attack on its cybersystems following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would assist its premiere intelligence agency, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said.

Marcos said this as he witnessed the signing of the MOU between the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Malacañang on Monday, March 13.

Under the MOU, the NGCP will provide technical assistance to the NICA, especially on energy-related security issues, that will significantly contribute to the latter's endeavors in cybersecurity.

In his speech, the President described the signing as "important" in the country's continuing efforts to protect itself against cyberattacks, noting that businesses, which he likened to wars, will now happen in cyberspace.

"That is why we are continuing to shore up our defenses when it comes to cybersecurity," Marcos said.

"This is an important day because now we have made robust the defenses against any possible attack on our power systems, on any other of the elements in our everyday lives that require power, and, for that matter, that require the exchange of secure information amongst ourselves in society," he added.

President Marcos thanked the NGCP for taking on this initiative as it addressed concerns that the involvement of foreign entities in the Philippines' power transmission system would threaten the country's security.

"This is a very good step towards answering that challenge. It is but one step because we are continuing to do this-- not only with NGCP-- but we are developing our cyber systems," he said.

"We are developing our cyber systems so that we are secure and so that the data that we need to collect and to disseminate is available to us and we are able to do and handle that data in a secure fashion without the risk of it being used, somehow, against the Philippines," he added.

According to the President, the MOU between NICA and the NGCP will clarify the requirements of the Philippines' intelligence services to ensure that the country is safe and secure.

He said there would be more similar partnerships to help sectors that could be assessed at risk regarding cybersecurity. However, those that we will be done "quietly."

"But, nonetheless, it is something we must continue to develop, and it is a good development," Marcos said.

"It is a good signal to all of us who have concerns in this regard that we are doing many things to make sure that the Philippines remains secure, that the Philippines remains in accordance with international law, and that the Philippines and its people can rest assured that their territory, their data, their personal information will not be used against us and that they can feel secure," he added.

The MOU was signed by NGCP president and chief executive officer Antony Almeda and NICA chief Gen. Ricardo de Leon.

Based on its website, the NGCP is a privately owned corporation taking the lead in the operations, maintenance, and development of the country's state-owned power grid, which is an interconnected system that transmits gigawatts of power from where it is made to where it is needed.

On the other hand, the NICA, as the government agency mandated to direct, coordinate, and integrate all government activities involving national intelligence, commits itself to providing the NGCP with intelligence that will aid in protecting power transmission assets operated and maintained by the NGCP across the country.