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PBBM eyes more robust PH-Hawaii ties on tourism

13 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday met with delegations of the Pacific Century Fellow (PCF) from Hawaii to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and the American state, particularly in tourism.

“It is always a pleasure for me to welcome our friends from Hawaii, especially when the purpose of your visit is to continue find ways to interact even more closely with the Philippines considering, of course, that the Filipino population in Hawaii is a significant one,” the President said during the meeting in Malacañan Palace.

“So, thank you for making time to visit with me. And I hope we will have a fruitful discussion where we can explore what we can do to further what already are close relations between not just the United States but specifically Hawaii and the Philippines,” he added.

The PCF is a group of established and emerging leaders in Hawaii. It was founded by former Honolulu mayor and current president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association Mufi Hannemann.

Hannemann wanted to discuss more ways to boost the tourism industry of the Philippines and Hawaii.

“And I just wanted to say that there are many opportunities for us to work together. And it’s not just because I wear a tourism hat but I really would like to see how we can work with (Tourism) Secretary (Christina) Garcia-Frasco to see how we can increase tourism both of Philippines to Hawaii and Hawaii to the Philippines,” Hannemann told the President.

“I think there are major opportunities that exist to do that. We know United Airlines has increased the air service here but I think [there’s] an opportunity for Alaska Airlines to rejuvenate what Hawaiian airlines used to do. So, we see many beneficial opportunities there. So, we’re just here today to again express our gratitude and appreciation to you,” he added.

Hannemann is an active supporter of the Filipino community in Hawaii. He pushed for the advancement and promotion of Filipinos in the tourism industry workforce. He has appointed many Filipinos to his Cabinet and to various boards and commissions. | PND

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Gov’t readies P2.2B for typhoon victims

13 November 2024


In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is preparing PhP2.2 billion in standby funds and stockpile items for typhoon victims.

In a press briefing at the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), DSWD Director Michael Cristopher Mathay assured the government has sufficient funds for its disaster response efforts, including food and non-food items for relief operations.

Mathay emphasized the DSWD continues to help typhoon victims.

“Ang response natin sa mga regions na affected ay continuous at tuloy-tuloy. And we are aggressively producing our family food packs. Wala pong pause ito.  Talagang dire-diretso lang ang production ng mga family food packs,” Mathay said.

Mathay said that in Cagayan Valley region alone, the DSWD would be distributing 92,302 family food packs. They started distributing financial assistance in some areas, he added.

He said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian is leading the prepositioning of relief goods. | PND

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PBBM okays program for home-grown agri-machineries

13 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aiming to boost agriculture in the country through the use of home-grown machineries.

In a sectoral meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, President Marcos expressed confidence the program would be supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“For one thing, it’s (locally-produced machineries) cheaper. For sure, it’s always cheaper than the imported. We get to that point where it is always cheaper than the imported. We now have to scale it,” President Marcos said during the meeting.

“Some of these things I see it already, ‘yung pinamimigay natin. ‘Yung mga iba– especially the towed machines that we use for harvesting, for tilling, nakikita na natin ang iba,” the Chief Executive said in referring to previous distribution of government support and services.

President Marcos made the remarks during the meeting where Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. sought approval for DOST’s “Local Manufacturing Capabilities to Support Agri-Mechanization” program.

Solidum said the government’s shift from importation to local production of local machineries would not only benefit the agricultural sector but also strengthen the manufacturing industry.

He highlighted the crucial role of the agriculture sector in the Philippine economy and its direct impact on the country’s food security and livelihood.

“Mechanization is a key driver for improving efficiency and reducing cost in farming. The DA recognizes the need for mechanization. It has been providing farm implements to farmers and cooperatives, particularly through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund,” Solidum said.

“With our limited resources and capabilities, we need to strengthen the agri-machineries sector. Supporting homegrown agri-machinery can lead to more efficient farming practices, increase productivity and, of course, have more employment for our people,” he added.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. supported DOST’s program but emphasized the need to focus on which machinery to be prioritized and ensure the machines meet quality standards.

This prompted President Marcos to direct the DOST, DA and other research institutes to ensure the research and development aspects of the agri-mechanization drive. The President also ordered the smooth implementation of the program. |PND

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Gov’t prepares PH ports ahead of Tropical Storm Ofel

13 November 2024


Following President R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify efforts on disaster risk preparedness, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) issued a memorandum containing advance seaport operation measures in anticipation for the possible impact of Tropical Storm Ofel.

According to a memorandum issued by PPA on Tuesday, all Port Managers are directed to implement the following strategies including conduct of Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment on port infrastructure, facilities, and equipment to identify vulnerabilities, and ensure that preventive measures are in place to minimize potential damage and disruption.

The PPA also ordered the activation of emergency response teams, review of evacuation plans, and the enforcement of safety protocols to safeguard personnel, port users, and assets. Personnel must be briefed on safety procedures and prepared for any necessary operational changes.

All Port managers must also maintain communication lines with the Operations Center at the PPA Head Office to relay situational reports and receive further instructions. They are tasked to provide timely updates on the status of preparations and any incidents that may occur.

The PPA said Port Managers should coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMO), and other agencies to stay updated on the storm’s trajectory and receive safety advisories. | PND

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Maximum security facility eyed for 200 high-value drug inmates

12 November 2024


Approximately 200 high-value detainees at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City will soon be transferred to a maximum-security facility, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. said on Tuesday.

Secretary Remulla said a meeting was held with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to discuss plans for establishing a maximum-security facility to house inmates allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

A key objective of the plan is to disrupt drug trade communication, Remulla said. During recent sweeps inside NBP, authorities confiscated cell phones and illegal drugs despite prior raids, he added.

Remulla said authorities are investigating the sources of the drugs inside NBP.

President Marcos convened with the DILG, Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strengthen collaboration in the administration’s fight against prohibited narcotics..

Secretary Remulla shared that President Marcos is well aware of the issue and has directed them to take proactive measures.

“I think the operations (of the maximum security facility) will start pretty soon. And we should see a marked difference in the war against drugs in the Philippines,” Secretary Remulla also said.

For security reasons, Secretary Remulla declined to provide details about the facility’s location. | PND

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Timely announcement on gov’t work, school class suspensions vowed

12 November 2024


The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) vowed to announce the suspension of government work and classes a day ahead of a typhoon’s arrival.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla made the remark after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. authorized the agency to announce the suspension amid an incoming weather disturbance.

Such authority could be exercised by the DILG if the Office of the President has not made any announcement.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Remulla said he used to announce the suspension of work and classes a day ahead of a typhoon’s arrival when he was Cavite governor.

Remulla said he will do the same as DILG chief in compliance with the President’s directive.

“When I was governor of Cavite, I was always a day ahead,” he said.

Remulla said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is now more adept at weather forecasting.

However, they rely on the US’ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Windy.app, and the Japan Meteorological Agency, he said.

“So, lahat ng information gina-gather naming. And we make a predictive model and the rain forecast model. Dati kasi ang ginagamit lang path and wind. Ngayon pati ang rain forecast sinasama,” Remulla said. | PND

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Aid for typhoon victims enough — OCD

12 November 2024


Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for efficient and robust relief operations, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Director Leon Rafael on Tuesday assured sufficient aid for typhoon victims.

In a press briefing, Rafael said food supply for typhoon-hit families is enough, adding that the government has always been on top of the situation amid the calamities.

“Sa mga Local Government Units naman natin ay may sapat po na mga food packs o kaya pagkain sila,” Rafael said.

“Kung nangangailangan po sila ay magsabi lamang dahil nakahanda po ating national government, nakatutok po sila sa amin dito sa Region II at saka lahat ng Region na tatamaan ng mga susunod pang mga bagyo at handa po silang mamigay ng kakailanganin ng ating mga regional offices po,” he added.

Rafael said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is continuously distributing family food packs (FFPs) in Cagayan Valley, particularly Isabela.

“Sa ngayon po ay nagre-replenish na po ‘yung ating DSWD lalong lalo na ‘yung mga family food packs po natin. Ang Isabela ay binibigyan na po ng replenishment kasi paparating na naman po, at mukhang tutumbukin na naman ‘yung ating eastern seaboard ng Cagayan Valley,” he said.

As of November 11, a total of 32,293 FFPs were released in Region II.

Rafael reported calm weather in Cagayan Valley as of today, providing DSWD more opportunity to immediately replenish goods and supplies.

“Kagaya po nito, gumaganda ‘yung panahon. Ito po ‘yung window namin para mag-replenish,” he said. | PND

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Major dams below spilling level despite ‘Nika’– PAGASA

12 November 2024


Water levels in major dams in Luzon remained below spilling levels despite Typhoon ‘Nika’, state hydrologists said on Tuesday.

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Hydrologist Richard Orendain reported the status of the dams’ water levels amid the threat of two more potential storms after Nika.

According to Orendain, PAGASA is closely monitoring the water level of Magat Dam, located between Ifugao and Isabela, due to heavy inflow of water.

“Actually ‘yung Magat Dam nag-release na ito noong nagsimula siya nung kay Tropical Storm Leon, Marce. Ibinaba nila ito hanggang elevation 182 meters. So, napakalayo na po nito sa spilling level na 193,” Orendain said.

“Malaki pa rin ‘yung inflow ng Magat Dam sa ngayon dahil umaabot siya ng halos 2,000 cubic meter per second ‘yung pumapasok sa reservoir. And ang inilalabas lang niya is halos 700 cubic meter per second. So medyo matatagalan, mapo-prolong ang pagre-release ng Magat Dam gawa ng may paparating pang bagyo,” he added.

Orendain warned of possible flooding within Cagayan Area because of heavy inflow of water in Magat Dam. One of the Dam’s gates has been opened but more could be opened if water reaches critical level to prepare for the incoming storms, he said.

The official assured PAGASA is following directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the gradual release of water from dams to avoid severe flooding in downstream communities.

He said as of 8 a.m., the water levels of Angat (201.73 meters), Ipo (99.99 meters) and La Mesa Dams (79.5 meters) decreased.

Two gates of Ambuklao Dam in Benguet were opened with total opening of 1.0 meter and total discharge of 154.00 cubic meters per second (CMS). The water level of Ambuklao Dam was at 751.58 meters, which is within the normal high water level of 752 meters.

Binga Dam’s water level was at 574.7 meters (normal range – 752 m) with two gates opened; San Roque Dam – 278.3 (normal range 280 m) with one gate opened; and Pantabangan Dam – 209.94 (normal range – 221 m). | PND

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PAGASA warns of possible flash floods, landslides in N. Luzon due to ‘Ofel’

12 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reminded the public to heed advisories of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on the potential impact of Tropical Storm Ofel.

In a press briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Cris Perez of PAGASA’s Weather Division said residents in areas already impacted by Nika should remain vigilant against the typhoon’s effects.

The soil in the mentioned areas have become saturated with rainwater, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides, the official said.

Perez explained Nika has brought a significant amount of rainfall in the Northern Luzon area.

“Sa mga kababayan natin sa Northern Luzon, kung nag-uulan na during the last few days, medyo saturated na mga kalupaan. Mas malaki ang tsansa na magkaroon ng flashfloods and landslides sa mga darating na araw dahil andito pa ‘yung epekto ng bagyong si Nika and then paparating na bagyong Ofel,” Perez said.

“Dapat paghandaan ng mga kababayan natin partikular na sa Northern, Central Luzon area sa posibleng epekto ni Ofel sa kanilang lugar,” he added.

In its latest advisory, PAGASA reported Nika has weakened, moving northwestward over the West Philippine Sea. Signal Number 1 was raised in several areas, including Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur, and the northern portion of Apayao.

The northern and western portions of Abra, the western portion of Babuyan Islands, and the northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan are also under Signal Number 1.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Tropical Storm Ofel entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, moving west north-westward at 25 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 90 km/h.

No tropical cyclone wind signal has been raised so far. | PND

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PAGASA, other agencies synergize for timely typhoon updates

12 November 2024


The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday assured close coordination with partner agencies to monitor movements of the new typhoons.

PAGASA said the move is in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for concerned government agencies to track typhoon directions and provide the public timely information on the storms and their impacts.

“As early as last week, we’ve been coordinating with partner agencies natin in terms of disaster preparedness and mitigation regarding the effects of not only Nika but also tropical cyclone Ofel,” PAGASA Weather Division Officer-in-charge Cris Perez said in a press briefing in Quezon City.

Perez said they informed relevant agencies of possible effects of the typhoons in areas recently affected by the previous storms, particularly in Northern and Central Luzon.

“Patuloy po tayong makikipag-coordinate [to] provide updates on rainfall forecast, [at] wind signal para po we [can] prepare yung mga kababayan natin in those regions na posibleng maapektuhan din nitong paparating na bagyo,” he said.

PAGASA is currently monitoring three storms. The agency issued general flood advisories in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and MIMAROPA.

As of early Tuesday, Severe Tropical Storm “Nika” was spotted 185km west of Laoag City, and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) later today.

Tropical Storm Ofel (international name Usagi) also entered the PAR early Tuesday.

PAGASA is currently monitoring another storm (international name Man-yi) outside of PAR. | PND