Thumbnail

Adopt PH human resources for health master plan, gov’t agencies told

6 November 2024


Malacañang has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 72 directing all government agencies to adopt and implement the National Human Resources for Health Master Plan (NHRHMP) 2020-2040.

Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Oct. 28, the NHRHMP 2020-2040 will serve as the country’s long-term plan for HRH management and development.

The Department of Health (DOH) is designated to lead the implementation of the NHRHMP and formulate and adopt its policies and programs.

As the lead agency, the DOH is tasked to monitor HRH plans of the national and local governments and ensure their consistency with the NHRHMP 2020-2040.

The DOH is also directed to coordinate and collaborate with private sector, civil society organizations, and relevant stakeholders relative to the implementation and programs under the master plan.

In coordination with the Professional Regulation Commission, the DOH should also establish and maintain a national health workforce registry.

The DOH is also ordered to institutionalize the HRH Network and create a Technical Working Committee to deliberate and take appropriate actions on technical issues concerning implementation of the plan.

Both the national and local government agencies are instructed to support the implementation of the master plan.

The adoption of the NHRHMP 2020-2040 is aligned with one of the strategies under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, particularly in ensuring sustainable and equitable distribution of health infrastructure and human resources.

This will contribute to the attainment of Goal 3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being of the people. | PND

Thumbnail

PBBM calls for more partnerships with private sector in post-disaster responses

6 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to maximize partnership with the private sector in post-disaster emergency responses.

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, President Marcos told the agencies to reach out to companies who are part of the administration’s ‘Build Better More’ infrastructure programs.

“Sa DPWH at DOTr, naka-standby kayo para sa road clearing operations. Gamitin n’yo hindi lang ang inyong mga makinarya, mga truck. Kasama rin dapat ang mga pribadong kumpanya na kalahok sa ating Build Better More infrastructure programs,’ he said.

President Marcos made the call as part of the disaster response efforts of the government in preparation for the possible impacts of Typhoon Marce this week.

The typhoon is forecasted to make its landfall over Babuyan Islands or the northern portions of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao from Thursday afternoon to Friday early morning. |PND

Thumbnail

PBBM gov’t socio-economic initiatives bear fruits: Joblessness down, employment up

6 November 2024


Key socio-economic reforms and initiatives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s government bore positive results as the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) showed improvements in the country’s employment and unemployment figures.

According to the LFS, the employment rate in the Philippines rose to 96.3% in September this year from 95.5 % for the same period in 2023.

The increase translates to an additional 2.2 million workers employed, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.

On the other hand, the unemployment rate dropped to 3.7% in September last year from 4.5% in the same period in 2023.

“[The decline] is a notable outcome of the continuous adoption of crucial socio-economic reforms and initiatives of the national government under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma explained.

Further, the Labor Force Participation Rate increased to 65.7% from 64.0%, with a notable rise among prime working-age individuals (+1.1 million) and women (+1.2 million), the LFS said.

Female LFPR improved to 55.7%, with fewer women citing household duties as a barrier, it added.

Moreover, the survey showed the underemployment rate increased slightly to 11.9% from 10.7% in September 2023.

“The increase in the underemployment rate from 10.7 percent to 11.9 percent year-on-year for the same period is a positive indication that there are more available jobs,” Laguesma said.

“(B)ut quality of jobs remains to be a challenge,” he added.

Laguesma said “efforts to create and generate quality jobs will continue to be a top priority and will be aggressively pursued in collaboration with the private sector.”

Meanwhile, the government is focusing on upskilling workers, especially in digital technologies, in collaboration with the private sector and academic institutions.

Passage of bills such as the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, Lifelong Learning Bill, and Enterprise Productivity Act is seen as crucial to improving workforce employability.

To be helpful is the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan, a 10-year roadmap to boost employment, attract investments, and improve labor governance. | PND

Thumbnail

PBBM places gov’t on heightened alert for Marce

6 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to remain on high alert in response to Typhoon Marce.

In a statement, President Marcos emphasized the need to ensure relevant information reaches communities promptly and on-the-ground situations are reported accurately.

“Sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, you all know the drill. I am placing you all in high alert,” the President said.

“Simulan natin sa pagkasa ng isang maayos na sistema ng komunikasyon na mabilis maghahatid ng abiso at impormasyon sa mga mamamayan,” he added.

The President also instructed authorities to monitor water levels in waterways and reservoirs.

Rescue units at all levels of government, including those that can reinforce rescue and relief operations, were directed to prepare their equipment and vehicles.

“Ikasa na rin ang lahat ng rescue equipment, sa lahat ng antas ng pamahalaan, sa lahat ng ahensya na maaaring mag-ambag ng mga kagamitan, lalo na mga sasakyan,” he said.

The President also reminded authorities to pre-position relief goods in safe warehouses, where they can be accessed quickly and delivered promptly to areas to be affected.

President Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to standby for road-clearing operations.

“Sa DPWH at DOTr, naka-standby kayo para sa road clearing operations. Gamitin n’yo hindi lang ang inyong mga makinarya, mga truck. Kasama rin dapat ang mga pribadong kumpanya na kalahok sa ating Build Better More infrastructure programs,” he said. | PND

Thumbnail

Pahayag ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ukol sa paghahanda ng gobyerno sa Bagyong Marce

6 November 2024


Salubungin natin ang Bagyong Marce na may ibayong paghahanda, sa abot ng ating makakaya, alinsunod sa mga matagal ng nailatag na mga patnubay sa ganitong hamon.

Sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, you all know the drill. I am placing you all in high alert.

Simulan natin sa pagkasa ng isang maayos na sistema ng komunikasyon na mabilis maghahatid ng abiso at impormasyon sa mga mamamayan .

Tandaan na nakabatay ang kanilang pagkilos sa mga maagang warnings na inyong ipaaabot. Knowledge saves lives.

Siguraduhin na lahat ng ilog, lawa, baybayin at anumang lagusan ng tubig ay nasa ilalim ng 24-hour na pagmamatyag. Paulit-ulit ko ng sinasabi yan. Hindi ako magsasawang ulit-ulitin yan.

Sa mga dams na maapektuhan, ipinauubaya ko sa mga ekspertong kawani ng mga ito na sundin ang nararapat na hakbang batay sa existing protocols kung may nagbabadyang pag-apaw ng tubig.

Ikasa na rin ang lahat ng rescue equipment, sa lahat ng antas ng pamahalaan, sa lahat ng ahensya na maaaring mag-ambag ng mga kagamitan, lalo na mga sasakyan.

Ang mga relief goods ay dapat forward deployed na sa mga ligtas na imbakan upang mabilis silang maipamigay sa mga nasalanta.

Sa DPWH at DOTr, naka-standby kayo para sa road clearing operations. Gamitin nyo hindi lang ang inyong mga makinarya, mga truck, kasama rin dapat ang mga pribadong kumpanya na kalahok sa ating Build Better More infrastructure programs.

Ngayon pa lang pinapasalamatan ko na ang lahat ng medical personnel, sa publiko man o pribadong mga pasilidad, na nakaantabay na maglapat ng lunas sa mga nangangailangan.

Tandaan, ang bawat buhay ay mahalaga. Kaya dapat tayo ay laging handa, laging mag-iingat. ###

Thumbnail

Gov’t to start building Bicol River Basin Development Project on Q1 2025 — PBBM

6 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday committed to start building the Bicol River Basin Development Project (BRBDP) on the first quarter of 2025.

In his speech in Albay, the President said the final Detailed Engineering Design is no longer a concept as the actual building is now being drawn for construction.

“Sa kasalukuyan, isinasagawa na natin ang tinatawag na Detailed Engineering Design. Ibig sabihin dine-design na talaga at ito na hindi na ‘yung konsepto lamang, kung hindi talaga ‘yung dini-drawing na ‘yung itatayo natin. At inaasahan natin na itong proyekto na ito ay masisimulan sa susunod na taon,” President Marcos said.

“Sa umpisang-umpisa pa lang. Pagdating ng bagong taon ng 2025, first quarter ng 2025, mararamdaman na po natin na may nagsisimula na para hindi na tayo naghahabol dahil nababaha ang Bicol River Basin at wala tayong magawa kundi mag-antay bago mawala ‘yung tubig,” the President said.

The Chief Executive highlighted BRBDP’s benefits to Bicolanos. “Kapag nabuo po natin itong proyektong ito, unang-una, hindi na masyadong babaha. At pangalawa, kung babaha man ay mas mabilis ang labas ng tubig para lahat ng naapektuhan ay matulungan natin kaagad,” he said. | PND

Thumbnail

PBBM vows more aid for Bicol calamity victims

6 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday vowed for more aid to calamity victims in Bicol.

On the sidelines of the presidential aid distribution event in Albay, President Marcos said the government would exhaust all means available to ensure help reaches the needy even in remote areas.

“Hindi lamang ‘yung binibigay ng Department of Agriculture [ang aming ihahandog]. Idadagdag pa natin [ang] mahahanap na pondo galing sa Office of the President para matulungan [ang mga biktima ng bagyo],” President Marcos said.

The President extended more than PhP100 million in financial assistance and government services to farmers, fisherfolk and their families affected by recent calamities in Camarines Sur and Albay.

The visit on Wednesday is the President’s second to the region following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

On his first visit, the President released PhP130 million in financial assistance — PhP50 million to acting Albay Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao; PhP30 million to Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion; and PhP50 million to Camarines Sur — in Naga City Hall last week.

“Ngayon na medyo na nalampasan na natin ‘yung phase na ‘yun, nandito naman tayo para bigyan ng tulong ’yung mga nasiraan ng hanapbuhay lalo na ‘yung ating mga magsasaka at ‘yung ating mga mangingisda,” he said.

“Kaya’t naulit ang pagbalik ko rito. At sana naman ay pagbalik ko uli rito ay hindi na bagyo ang pinag-uusapan natin. Pag-uusapan na lang natin na naging maayos ang pagdala ng tulong para sa ating mga kababayan,” he added. | PND

Thumbnail

PBBM brings over P100-M financial aid, gov’t services to Bicol’s calamity victims

6 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought over PhP100 million in financial assistance and government services to farmers, fisherfolk and their families affected by recent calamities in Bicol.

President Marcos said the Office of the President (OP) has allocated PhP50 million each for calamity victims in various cities and municipalities of Camarines Sur and Albay.

“Narito po ako muli upang personal na maghatid ng mga karagdagang tulong para sa mga kababayan nating lubhang naapektuhan ng Bagyong Kristine dito sa Camarines Sur,” President Marcos said in his speech during the aid distribution in Camarines Sur.

The President earlier released PhP130 million in financial assistance — PhP50 million to acting Albay Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao; PhP30 million to Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion; and PhP50 million to Camarines Sur — in Naga City Hall last week.

“Umaasa ako na sa tulong at suportang iniaabot namin sa inyo ngayon, kayo ay magkakaroon ng sapat na kakayahan upang makabangon muli… Talaga pong nagpupursige tayo na maibalik sa normal ang kondisyon, sa lalong madaling panahon, ang mga nasirang tahanan, imprastraktura, at kabuhayan nitong bagyo,” he added.

In his speech in Albay, President Marcos said the financial assistance would help farmers and fisherfolk and their families start a new life after the calamity.

All financial assistance were distributed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In an interview, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian told reporters the financial assistance extended by the Office of the President is only one of the aid provided by the government to calamity victims.

“Bukod diyan, nakahanda na rin ang DSWD. Inuna lang natin ito dahil nga gusto ng Pangulo na magamit ‘yung pondo sa kaniyang tanggapan kaagad para makatulong sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” Gatchalian said.

“Susunod diyan naman ang DSWD para sa mga affected at severely affected na maaring hindi bahagi ng sektor ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda pero naging bahagi din ng pinasala nitong Bagyong Kristine,” he added.

For Camarines Sur, the government identified 600 beneficiaries each from the municipalities of Minalabac and Nabua; 500 each from Milaor and Bula; 450 from San Fernando; 400 each from Gainza and Baao; and 350 from Canaman.

At least 250 beneficiaries each from Libmanan and Camaligan, also in Camarines Sur, received the cash assistance along with 200 each from Calabanga and Pili; and 100 residents each from the municipalities of Pamplona, Bombon and Magarao.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel also extended PhP247,442.25 in crop insurance payments to 10 farmers affected by Super Typhoon Julian in Camarines Sur.

The crop insurance payments for farmers affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine are currently being processed by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.

In Albay, President Marcos extended assistance to 1,000 beneficiaries in the municipalities of Libon; 900 in Oas; 400 in Guinobatan; and 300 each in Camalig and Polangui; 200 each in Pio Duran and Malinao; and 150 each in Daraga and Tiwi.

The President also extended aid to 100 beneficiaries each in Rapu-Rapu, Malilipot, Jovellar; and 80 each in Sto. Domingo and Bacacay; 60 in Manito; 450 in the city of Tabaco; 350 in Legazpi; and 80 in Ligao.

Aside from the financial aid from the Office of the President, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided a Training Support Fund of PhP3,413,700 to 1,162 beneficiaries from Albay. | PND

Thumbnail

PBBM seeks high quality, durable building materials for climate-resilient infra projects

6 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed all concerned government agencies to ensure the quality, safety, and durability of materials used for infrastructure projects.

This is to make the infrastructure resilient to severe weather conditions, the President said.

“Sa DPWH, DOTr, DTI, at iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan, tiyakin ninyong de-kalidad, ligtas, at matibay ang mga materyales na gagamitin sa pagpapatayo ng mga imprastraktura natin. Sa gayon, magtatagal at maaasahan ito anuman ang panahon,” the President said during his visit to Legazpi City in Albay.

With the increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons, the President emphasized the need to implement modern designs for roads and bridges nationwide.

“Alam nating palakas nang palakas ang mga bagyo at palaki nang palaki ang pinsalang iniiwan nito. Kaya naman, ipinapatupad na natin ang mga makabagong disenyo para sa ating mga kalsada, para sa ating mga tulay,” he added.

The President was in Legazpi on Wednesday where he led the distribution of Presidential Assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and other families (PAFFF) affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. |PND

Thumbnail

PBBM grateful to all aiders of typhoon victims

6 November 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his heartfelt appreciation on Wednesday to everyone who dedicated their time and resources to help typhoon victims.

In his speech during the distribution of assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families in Albay, President Marcos highlighted his gratitude for the unwavering support from the private sector to help storm-hit Filipinos.

“Sa lahat ng naglalaan ng kanilang panahon, kakayanan, at puso sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan— tanggapin po ninyo ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat,” President Marcos said on Wednesday.

“Gayundin — hindi lang po ang mga kawani, hindi lamang po ang ating mga kasama sa pamahalaan. Gayundin, sa pribadong sektor na walang sawang nakiisa sa pagtiyak ng karapatan at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino—salamat sa inyong tulong. Salamat sa inyong suporta,” he added.

The President called on everyone to reunite in building a more prepared, prosperous, and progressive “Bagong Pilipinas.”

“Sama-sama nating itatag ang isang mas handa, masagana, at progresibong Bagong Pilipinas.” |PND