The government is ready to augment resources on the ground to address gaps in its response to victims of the Mt. Kanlaon eruption, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV said on Wednesday.

Alejandro made the assurance as he reported that evacuation centers are now equipped with necessities to serve as temporary shelters for displaced families.

This would encourage individuals and families to evacuate since they have a place to stay, cook and attend to sanitary needs, he said.

“Our task now is really to prepare the different evacuation centers and assure our local government leaders, yung ating communities na we are ready to receive them jointly with the local government units,” Alejandro said.

“That is what we are addressing now because as far as relief items are concerned, we are assured by DSWD that we can sustain a long haul operation,” he added.

The OCD reported 9,258 persons or 9,942 families have already evacuated, with 12,000 currently in 30 evacuation centers.

Alejandro said the number of evacuees could still increase depending on Mt. Kanlaon’s activity. | PND

The government is prepared for the worst case scenario following the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro said on Wednesday.

Alejandro said evacuation centers are being readied in case the alert level is further raised. Current alert level is 3.

At Alert Level 4, the number of people to be evacuated will increase by 10,000, the official explained.

“Mayroon na tayong worst case scenario planning. At pinapa-ready na natin ‘yung mga evacuation centers na kailangan kasi kapag nagkaroon ng elevation ng Alert Level, kahit sa Alert Level 4 lang, madadagdagan ng sampung-libong tao. From 54,000 magiging 64,000 iyong kailangan ilikas,’ he said.

Alejandro urged local government units (LGUs) to develop a proper evacuation system and ensure that family food packs and water facilities are made available for evacuees.

“So kailangan naka-ready na ang family food packs, evacuation center, wash facilities, tubig, [at] liguan. Kailangan talaga magkaroon na ng proper planning doon sa local government at iyong sustainability doon sa mga evacuation centers,” Alejandro said. | PND

The government will run down underground Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla vowed on Wednesday.

“Guerrilla (POGO) operations will (still) flourish but we will go after them,” Remulla told a press briefing in Malacañang when asked if the Philippines will be POGO-free by 2025.

According to Remulla, the DILG together with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) will ensure that all underground POGO activities will be pursued.

He said they will issue an executive order requiring all local chief executives to submit a report regarding any suspicious activities within their localities, including possible movement or setup of POGO.

“Malalaman ‘yan sa spike bigla ng bandwidth use, entry of suspicious people, congregating in houses not registered as businesses. Makikita ‘yan sa movement ng mga foreigners na gusto mag-setup diyan na hindi naman kilala. So they are enjoined to report immediately sa amin para malaman namin at makagawa kami ng aksyon,” Remulla said.

“Kami po ng PAOCC ay magkasama. Jointly namin tutugisin lahat ng mga ‘yan hanggang matapos lahat,” he added.

In the same briefing, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that by December 15, licenses of remaining POGOs will be revoked.

In his third State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a ban against all POGO operations in the country. He said POGOs have “ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder.” | PND

Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) highlighted on Wednesday its programs and projects to protect women and children from any form of abuse.

The DSWD is the lead agency for Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC).

“Through the shared efforts of the members of the inter-agency both from the national, regional and local level, we continue to harmonize initiatives and build stronger systems to protect the rights and dignity of women and their children across the country,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna said in a Malacañang press briefing.

According to Fallarcuna, they are continuously strengthening their Violence against Women (VAW) Referral Service to ensure victim-survivors have access to social support, legal assistance, medical services, and temporary shelter.

“These efforts are bolstered by our ongoing work to develop a national service directory that maps available services for VAWC victim-survivors and ensures they are accessible at the local level,” Fallarcuna said.

Fallarcuna added they are  “advancing a harmonized data system to improve the collection and analysis of VAW-related information across all agencies.”

This initiative is in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to reduce the retraumatization of victim-survivors by streamlining their interactions with different service providers.

“This system, once fully implemented will not only enhance case management but also form evidence-based policy development and program planning,” the DSWD official said.

The IACVAWC is also prioritizing education and advocacy campaigns such as the annual 18-day campaign to end VAW and increase awareness among all levels of society and drive collective action.

It also supports “Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere” program in engaging men as allies in fighting gender-based violence.

The DSWD conducts programs and services including counselling sessions for the rehabilitation of perpetrators of domestic violence in a bid to transform their abusive behavior and break the cycle of violence.

“This program promotes healing and prevention, addressing the root causes of domestic violence,” Fallarcuna said.

The DSWD have centers and residential care facilities nationwide, providing 24-hour temporary or long-term shelter for victims of VAWC.

Sustainable Livelihood Program such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) were also offered to empower VAW survivors by enhancing their socioeconomic capacity to help them rebuild their lives and gain economic independence.

Currently, there are over 39,619 barangays nationwide with VAW desks, serving as the first line of responders to cases of abuse, Fallarcuna said. | PND

The total closure of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country won’t have a significant impact on the economy, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Remulla addressed the possible effects on the economy of the impending closure of all POGOs in the country.

“As per NEDA, .25 of 1 percent of total GDP (gross domestic product) ang maaapektuhan. We don’t see a significant dent sa economy natin,” Remulla explained.

“I think ma-make up naman ‘yan sa mga iba pang mga revenue enhancing measures ng Department of Finance,” he added.

According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), the government is expected to lose at least P20 billion annually with the expected shutdown of POGOs.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last month issued Executive Order No. 74 implementing the immediate ban on POGOs in the country.

Remulla warned POGOs should “wind down” starting December 15 as they will be closed by Dec. 31.

Remulla said he will personally oversee the closure of a POGO hub in Island Cove in Kawit, Cavite on December 15 to show the government’s resolve in shutting down POGO operations in the country. | PND

Licenses of remaining Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be revoked by Dec. 15 this year, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco announced on Wednesday.

This is in response to the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to wind down operations of POGOs across the country, Tengco said.

“Inulat ko po sa Pangulo na sa Dec. 15, apat na raw po mula ngayon, kanselado na po ang lahat [ng lisensiya ng mga POGO],” Tengco said in a press briefing at Malacañang.

Tengco clarified there will also be no renewal of permits for the subsequent year.

“Wala pong mayroon [pang] lisensiya pagtungtong po ng Jan. 1, 2025,” he said.

“So, kung mayroon pa diyang nagsasabi na sila ay nagpapatuloy na maghanapbuhay o [magconduct] ng operation dahil mayroon silang valid PAGCOR license, hindi po totoo ‘yun,” he added.

When President Marcos announced he’s banning POGOs during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) this year, the PAGCOR has already trimmed down the number of offshore gaming operators and service providers in the country to about 60, according to Tengco.

This is from the more than 300 POGOs and IGLs that were issued with licenses prior to the announcement.

To date, there are only seven POGOs with active PAGCOR licenses.

“As we speak sa araw na ito, pito na lang po ang natitira. Sapagkat voluntary na po, dahan-dahan na pong sumusunod sila and requesting for cancellation of their respective licenses,” Tengco said.

Former operators are now ordered to coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to downgrade their work visas, he added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the government’s commitment on Wednesday to implementing governance and economic reforms to realize the vision of making overseas work an option rather than a necessity.

“Our dream is to, one day, make overseas work a choice rather than a necessity,” President Marcos said in his speech during the awarding of the 13 honorees of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO).

“We continue to implement reforms in governance and economic development to provide our people with opportunities here at home,” he added.

President Marcos acknowledged that millions of individuals are migrating internationally for work opportunities.

The President emphasized the government’s steadfast dedication to safeguard the rights and well-being of overseas Filipinos and their families, regardless of their location.

Among the government’s initiatives are strengthening labor agreements with foreign countries, conducting aggressive campaigns against illegal recruitment and trafficking, and mobilizing the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) na Nangangailangan Fund.

The President also highlighted open government communication channels for migrant workers through the One Repatriation command, as well as efforts to facilitate the safe repatriation of OFWs affected by calamities and conflicts.

“Our embassies and consulates abroad remain vigilant in looking after our people wherever they may be in the world,” the President said.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos urged the awardees and all Filipinos overseas to continue serving their countrymen and the communities they call home. He also encouraged the public to draw inspiration from the remarkable contributions of the awardees.

The President extended his best wishes for a meaningful celebration and observance of the Overseas Filipino Month and a Merry Christmas. “And as you spend time with your loved ones, I invite you to revisit the beauty of our country, the richness of our culture, and the warmth of our people,” President Marcos said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized 13 honorees of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) on Wednesday for bringing pride to the Philippines and Filipinos abroad.

In his speech, President Marcos highlighted the accomplishments of the PAFIOO awardees in various fields. Their noble works enhanced the quality of life in their respective communities, he said.

President Marcos said the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Pamana ng Pilipino, and Banaag awardees have ventured into foreign lands, faced challenges head-on, and triumphantly excelled in their lines of work.

“Your stories continue to inspire us to make a difference and to rise above whatever adversity we face. Salamat po sa [ipinamalas] ninyong kabayanihan at kakayahan na nagbigay karangalan sa ating bansa, sa ating mga kababayan at sa Republika ng Pilipinas,” President Marcos said.

The President also thanked the “Kaanib ng Bayan” awardees – natural-born foreign individuals or organizations that have shown the same level of support, passion and care for overseas Filipino communities.

“Thank you for showing compassion to Filipinos, especially in their times of need. Maraming, maraming salamat po,” the President said.

He called on Filipino communities to emulate the awardees and continue contributing to the overall progress of local and global societies.

In his speech, President Marcos assured the government is working tirelessly to implement reforms and foster economic development to create domestic opportunities for Filipino workers.

The President also wished everyone a meaningful celebration of the Overseas Filipino Month and a Merry Christmas.

The PAFIOO is a biennial award system that recognizes outstanding overseas Filipinos, as well as foreign individuals and organizations, for their exceptional achievements and significant contributions.

These contributions include advancing the welfare of overseas Filipinos, supporting national development efforts, or raising the international profile of the Filipino diaspora.

From 1991 to 2022, a total of 540 individuals and organizations from 53 countries and territories have been recognized and awarded. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the establishment of a one-stop system for reporting incidents of child rights’ violations.

Executive Order 79, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Dec. 6, establishes the Mahalin at Kalingain ating mga Bata (MAKABATA) Program and institutionalizes the MAKABATA Helpline 1383.

The program will establish a one-stop system for addressing and monitoring all issues and concerns of children in need of special protection (CNSPs), with components including reporting; rescue and relief; rehabilitation; and reintegration.

The EO defines CNSPs as persons below 18 years old or those 18 years old and over but are unable to fully take care of themselves because of physical or mental disability or conditions, and are vulnerable to, or are victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, cruelty, discrimination, violence, and other similar circumstances, including but not limited to child labor, online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), child sexual abuse or exploitation of materials (CSAEM), child trafficking, and other circumstances which gravely threaten or endanger a child’s survival and normal development.

CNSPs also refer to children in conflict with the law, children living in alternative care, and children living with human immunodeficiency virus.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the implementation of the MAKABATA program. The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) will serve as the overall coordinating and monitoring body for the implementation of the MAKABATA Program.

EO 79 directs the institutionalization of the existing MAKABATA Helpline 1383, a dedicated hotline number for the program operating round the clock.

“All concerns received through any of the communication platforms of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 shall be immediately acted upon or referred, directly or indirectly, to concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, including LGUs and private sector partners, for appropriate action and/or intervention,” the EO reads. | PND

Citing cancer as the second leading cause of death in the Philippines, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated the “Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center” of the OFW Hospital in Pampanga on Tuesday.

In his speech, the President highlighted the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing that cancer ranked as the second leading cause of death in the country from January to May this year.

He said the data prompted the government to take a more aggressive action.

“Aggressive as this terrible disease is, we need to be as equally aggressive in providing treatment for our patients – to give them hope, to provide them with care, make them feel right at home, at the time when they need it the most,” President Marcos said.

“This is why the hospital’s second floor will be dedicated to the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center. While the vision is clear, we acknowledge that much work remains to be done to ensure that this facility would be equipped to serve those in need,” he added.

The Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center will address the increasing demand for cancer treatment and the limited capacity of the OFW Hospital. It will function as both an outpatient department and a cancer treatment facility.

Since the inauguration of the OFW Hospital in 2022, President Marcos emphasized its daily outpatient capacity already exceeded 160 patients, with vital areas like the reception and admitting sections repurposed as triage zones.

The new cancer care center is expected to accommodate 64 patients and will provide various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, diagnostic and staging services, and surgical oncology, among others.

Construction of the facility is set to begin in January 2025 and is expected to be completed by November 2025. It’s targeted to become operational in the first quarter of 2026, following the acquisition of necessary permits and licenses from the Department of Health (DOH).

President Marcos also paid tribute to the late Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople, acknowledging his tireless dedication to the welfare of OFWs.

He said that her legacy continues to guide the Filipinos and reminds the public to approach every patient with compassion and care.

“Sa aming minamahal na OFWs, ang karagdagang pasilidad na ito ay para po sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya. Hindi naman natin hinahangad na magamit ninyo ito, ngunit mas makakahinga tayo nang maluwag kung alam natin na may matatakbuhan na ospital ang ating mga OFWs sa oras ng inyong pangangailangan,” the President said.

“Nawa’y ang Cancer Care [Center] na ito ay maging simbolo ng ating mas magandang kinabukasan—kung saan ang sakripisyo ng ating mga OFWs ay masuklian, ang kanilang pangarap ay mabigyang katuparan, at ang kanilang kalusugan ay pinapahalagahan,” he added.

During his speech, President Marcos expressed his gratitude to the DOH for making the project a reality through its Health Facility Enhancement Program.

The President also noted there are already two existing cancer centers in the Philippines: the UP-PGHl Cancer Center in Manila and the Philippine Cancer Center in Quezon City. | PND