Rotaract Club of Carmen Valley bags Platinum in GEAR Awards 2022
Pilipinas Rotaract MDIO Chair Manuel Joseph Franco, Past Pilipinas Rotaract MDIO Chair Alvin Lagumbay, DRR Al Rean Nuenay, RAC-Carmen Valley President Ladylene Almanzor and other club members during the awarding ceremony at Heritage Hotel, Pasay City last May 1, 2022.
The club received the award during a ceremony held on May 1, 2022 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City.
Not only that, the club was also recognized for having the Most Outstanding Rotaract Club Project in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for its Project Flush and a finalist in the Maternal and Child Health for its #SaveSAM Year 2 Project and Economic Community Development for its Operation RUGalo Project.
RAC-Carmen Valley garnered a total of 4 awards, including the most prestigious PLATINUM Award under the Exemplary Club Category during the awarding ceremony.
The Project Flush: A Toiletbowl Donation Project for households in Brgy. Mambuaya, CDO. This project supports the government’s Zero Open Defecation Campaign as a way to promote sanitation and hygiene and is tantamount to helping the world eradicate polio.
Project #SaveSAM: A 120 days Egg-Feeding program at Brgy. Lapasan and Mambuaya, advances the Rotary’s Maternal and Child Health Campaign as the club extends assistance such as feeding program, providing basic essentials, to children who are under 5 years of age and identified as children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
Most Outstanding Rotaract Club Project in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Nominees of the Most Outstanding Rotaract Club Project in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Category
The Operation RUGalo: A Livelihood Project for Rug Weavers in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, meanwhile supports the government’s anti-insurgency program as the project helps in the reintegration of former rebels to the mainstream society. The club turned over used clothes for the rebels to use in their Rug Making Livelihood.
For RAC President LadyLene Almanzor, more than the awards, the projects’ impact to the lives of the people is what matters most.
RAC-Carmen Valley President Ladylene Almanzor
“These awards inspire us to continue our advocacies and give back to our communities. We are grateful for Pilipinas Rotaract MultiDistrict Information Organization for recognizing our hardwork,” Almanzor said.
Moving forward, the Rotaract Club of Carmen Valley hopes to initiate more projects, inspire the youth, and make an impact to the lives of the people they will continue to serve.
WHY NOT LET PDP CARES CARE FOR US
An
empowered woman with an enormous heart, a compassionate soul and a burning
passion to uplift and better the lives of the underprivileged members of the society.
This is how I describe Ma’am Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, the wife of Senator Koko Pimentel and the frontrunner of PDP Cares Partylist. I call her ma’am Kath every time we meet, especially those times when PDP Cares (Pilipino Dapat Paglingkuran) conducted its relief efforts in the war-stricken Marawi City last 2017.
My first impression of her was that she was meek and introvert, but it didn’t last because there’s more to her than meets the eye. The way she treats and consoles the victims of the Marawi siege is beyond humanitarian works and politics—to me it’s more of a motherly care who only wants the best for her children. Then it became vivid to me why PDP Cares because she really cares, indeed.
When I say care, it is fair regardless of status, religion, affiliations and differences. And true to its vision, PDP Cares does not only carry out charitable activities to areas close to their hearts, but even to provinces and cities hit by calamities and communities with less access, if not totally deprived, of the government’s basic services. If you try to visit its social media pages, there you’ll see that PDP Cares is visible in areas struck by disasters and crisis—to bring not just goods but hope and brighter tomorrow.
During the pandemic, volunteers of PDP-Cares went around the Philippines to provide assistance and relief packages, including medical supplies and protective equipment. The group also trooped to areas affected by Typhoon Odette in Surigao del Norte, Siargao, Caraga, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Negros Occidental, among others.
“We will never know up to when we will still be alive. We must help while we can, and as many people as we can. Tulong lang ng tulong,” ma’am Kath said.
That is why I was not surprised to learn that Ma’am Kath is seeking a congressional seat as the first nominee of PDP Cares Partylist. True that the group can continue its mission and devotion without joining politics, but let us consider the fact that it can further expand its programs and public service once it secures a seat in Congress.
What I know about parylist representation in Congress is that it served as the voice of the underrepresented and marginalized sectors of the society through enactment of laws that will benefit the said sector throughout the country. But, as I read through the 8-point program of government of PDP Cares, it actually addresses what I think are the perennial concerns and issues in the country that need immediate action and long-term solution. These are:
· Financial assistance for the poor in times of crisis and calamaties
· Preparedness for disasters
· Free relocation to safer place
· Anti-Baha Coalition
· Women and Children Rights
· Help for OFWs and their families in the Philippines
· Public works structural code
· Support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Witnessing the leadership of ma’am Kath and how she influenced her fellow volunteers to actively involve in public service, I am more than a hundred percent sure she can deliver and carry out the mandate that will be bestowed on her shoulder.
She is a mother and a wife. And everyone will agree that nothing beats the love and care of our mothers. So why don’t we let PDP Cares care for us? (A&M)
Kaabag to commit half a billion for PhilHealth
SM Prime, DOST address climate change/enviro issues
FOCUSED on sustainability and disaster resilience, the SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched an exhibit on April 25 at SM Downtown Premiere here in Cagayan de Oro.
"DOST and SM Prime have enjoyed a long-standing partnership in promoting sustainability and disaster resilience in the country. In recent years, working together with visionaries like Undersecretary Dr. Renato Solidum, we have made great strides in facilitating discussions and creating long-term solutions in line with these two advocacies, and we hope to continue building on these achievements toward a more sustainable and disaster-resilient Philippines," said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.
(contributed photo)
The exhibit, to last til May, showcases the initiatives and ideas of the two organizations in addressing climate change, the problem which experts say is the world's biggest environmental problem.
Drastic increases in global temperatures has been recorded in recent years. The combined land and ocean temperatures have increased at an average rate of 0.8°C per decade since 1880 while the average rate of increase, however, has been more than twice that rate since 1981, at 0.18°C, based on the recent 2020 Annual Climate Report by the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(photo by steph berganio)
For a country like the Philippines which is quite vulnerable, with huge weather disturbances, solutions must be enacted as climate change solely affects natural systems.
There is strong scientific consensus supporting the idea that climate change causes typhoons to occur more frequently and contributes to stronger storms.
The launching of the exhibit by SM Prime and DOST acknowledges the importance of sustainability and disaster resilience in mitigating the impact of climate change and other environmental problems.
(photo by steph berganio)
Being a trusted integrated property developer and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, SM Prime is committed in promoting these two advocacies in all its properties, and the exhibit is the latest to be implemented as part of this commitment.
SM Prime is joined by its numerous business units, each with its own sustainability and disaster resilience initiatives include SM Supermalls, SMDC Residences, the Commercial Property Group, engaged in the development and leasing of office spaces; Leisure Resorts (Tagaytay Highlands and Pico de Loro) and the Hotels and Convention Centers business unit, which develops and manages hotels and convention centers across the country.
SM Prime allocates 10 percent of its capital expenses in features in its properties supporting these two advocacies, from rain catchment facilities to renewable energy sources, employs a multi-stakeholder approach to sustainability and disaster resilience, working together with partners in the public and private sectors like DOST.
Committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, SM Prime being one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, delivered innovative, sustainable lifestyles and enriching the quality of life of millions of people.
NPC says citizens have privacy even when in public places
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The National Privacy Commission (NPC) underscored that any individual still has his privacy even when he goes in public areas.
NPC Policy Review Division’s lawyer Althea Therese Radovan discussed in the recently conducted Data Privacy Act and Cybercrime Prevention Act awareness webinar of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)-12 and Mainland Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that before, privacy, including the confidentiality of communication, was only known to be what was found within the four corners of the home which then led to the assumption that whenever one would go out, there would already be less of privacy or its concept would not be the first to be magnified.
She then contrasted today's event with the uprising of digital technology wherein privacy is what not a person knowingly exposes to the public even in his own house or office, but what he seeks to preserve as private even in a public area.
“We have to bear in mind that kahit nasa labas tayo, our right to privacy exists. May expectation pa rin tayo lahat sa privacy. Hindi porke’t nagpopost tayo sa social media o ang daling magpost at share ng stories, at kunin ang information natin, hindi nawawala ang konsepto ng privacy,” said Radovan.
[We have to bear in mind that although we are out, our right to privacy exists. We all still expect privacy. Just because we post on social media or it is easy to post and share stories, and get information from us does not mean the concept of privacy disappears.]
“Kailangan open pa rin tayo sa limitations kahit na ang daling kunin ng privacy. Atin pa rin ito. Mayroon pa ring dapat matira sa atin o mayroon pa rin tayong control sa data na ibinigay natin,” she added.
[We must still be open to limitations even though it is easy to interfere with privacy. This is still ours. We must leave something for us or we must still have control over the data that we give.]
Radova further noted that privacy is also a significant matter that needs to be preserved as highlighted in the enacted Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
“Itong right to information privacy ay isa sa mga right na pinoprotektahan ng Data Privacy Act. This means privacy does not only apply to locations or kung nasaan na ba tayo. Hindi lang sa loob ng bahay natin or sa lugar na ating pagmamay-ari as even in public places, there still exists the expectation of privacy,” she said.
[This right to information privacy is one of the rights protected by the Data Privacy Act. This means privacy does not only apply to locations or where we are. Not just when we are in our house or in places that we own as even in public places, there still exists the expectation of privacy]. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

DA-10 taps local producers to highlight Filipino food month celeb
With the theme, "Pagkaing Pilipino Susi sa Pag-Unlad at Pagbabago," DA-10 celebrates the Filipino Food Month by displaying and selling agri and fishery products, and also some processed products like coco sugar, coffee at DA-10 compound, April 11-12.
Farmers in the region even donate their produce to other regions, especially those affected by typhoons and other calamities, Collado said.
DPWH-10: Ongoing construction of CDO drainage system stays a priority
by Rexcelle L. Tolentino
She explains that while drainages along national highways are already established and functional, the connected drainages in big waterways, like drainages from the residential areas, barangays or communities, if clogged and silted will only result in water waste overflowing.
(The existing drainage systems aren’t enough, because few of our drainages are already silted, clogged with trash, and a few that are non-functioning. That is why we construct drainage systems under the DPWH, and these are along our national roads)
These projects have also been under Environmental Impact Assessment before implementation for flood management, to prevent harm and hazards to the environment.

PhilHealth-10 strengthens anti-fraud campaign
by Jan Albert K. Araña
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) region 10 inked memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-10, April 8, to strengthen its anti-fraud campaign.
“Ang MOA signing ay isang hudyat na ang Philippine Health Insurance Region 10 ay desidido, seryoso sa pag-implement ng universal health care sa northern Mindanao," said Delio Aseron II, regional vice president of PhilHealth PRO-10.
(The MOA signing is the signal that the Philippine Health Insurance Region 10 is determined, and serious in implementing universal health care in northern Mindanao)
The MOA is in response to the agency’s commitment to protect the interest of its members and stakeholders and make sure remitted funds are used properly and not exploited by those who want to take advantage of the national health insurance fund.
“We would like to protect the hard earned money remitted by our members and stakeholders. We will not allow it to be abused ng iilan na nais mag samantala sa ating mga programa at sa mga polisiyang may maaring kahinaan at kailangan pang palakasin ng PhilHealth (by some who wants to take advantage of our program and policies that may have weaknesses and need to be strengthened by PhilHealth),” Aseron added.
The partnership with the National Bureau of Investigation is a way for the agency to strengthen its investigative capacity so that those who violated the program will be properly investigated and uncovered.
“With this MOA, rest assured that the NBI will be working hand-in-hand with PhilHealth in the investigation of these criminal acts especially frauds and online frauds committed by some scrupulous individuals,” said Lawyer Patricio S. Bernales, Jr., NBI-10 regional director.
PhilHealth also warned those who are thinking to exploit or take advantage of the program that they will run after them and apply the full due process of the law. They also encouraged the public not to patronize fixers on social media for data privacy. (JAKA/PIA-10)
Officials of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)-10 and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-10 sign the anti-fraud memorandum of agreement, April 8. (JAKA/PIA-10)
Pag-IBIG declares record-high P31.79B as 2021 dividends
During the Pag-IBIG Chairman’s Report, February 24, Sec. Eduardo D. del Rosario, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11- member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, announced that the rates of Pag-IBIG Savings remained higher than other instruments in the market.
Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti said the higher rates are a result of a higher dividend pay-out ratio approved by the Board.
"Pag-IBIG Fund has always looked out for the wellbeing of our members. And when we perform well, it’s our members who benefit the most. For 2021, I’m glad to say that the Board decided to retain the highest payout ratio of 92.15%," Moti said.
PDEA holds physical exam for Cocolife employees
PDEA Director General Wilkins M Villanueva led the physical examination of PDEA Cocolife Members on April 4, 2022 at the PDEA Activity Area in Quezon City.
Also in attendance were Assistant Secretary Gregorio R Pimentel, Deputy Director General for Operations; Director III Charlene R Magdurulang, Chief-of-Staff; PDEA Service Directors and personnel.
COVID-19 cases have already decreased but PDEA, in partnership with Cocolife, made sure that their members get the routine physical check-ups that they need to ensure their wellbeing. Villanueva believes that being physically healthy is important because it makes you efficient and more productive at work.
Popcom-10 urges men to uphold women's right via KATROPA
Highlighting the National Women's Month celebration in the Talakayan sa PIA, March 31, Philippine Commission on Population (Popcom)-10 Regional Director Neil Aldrin Omega said they intensify their strategy to foster women's rights by involving men in reproductive health and family planning with their 'Kalalakihang Tapat sa Obligasyon para sa Pamilya' (KATROPA) program.
"Number one gyud nga responsibilidad sa mga bana, sa mga kalalakihan is ang panglawas sa matag miyembro sa pamilya (The number one responsibility of husbands, men, is the health of the members of the family)," Omega added.
KATROPA program, launched in 1999, targets an increase in family planning use especially in nonscalpel vasectomy (NSV), improved health-seeking behavior among men, and decreased incidence of gender-based violence (GBV).
The program also aims for the improved equality in fertility decisions between husband and wife, and participation of husband in household management and rearing of children, as well as for the decreased incidence of STI and HIV/AIDS infections among men.
To further encourage participation of men in reproductive health and family planning, Popcom-10 has scheduled a family planning service provision on vasectomy at JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH), April 19.
The team of doctors, nurses and midwives will also conduct the same in Bukidnon, April 19-20, and in Lanao del Norte, April 21-22.
"Ang pamilyang planado, protektado. Ang pagplano sa pamilya timailhan sa tinuod nga gugma labi na sa kalalakihan (A planned family is protected. Family planning is a manifestation of real love, especially from the men)," Omega said.
To date, 444,543 women are using family planning methods. Omega said among the available family planning methods that they have are the artificial and natural family planning methods.
He added that pills is the most popular method and this is followed by the intrauterine device (IUD) and the progestin sub-dermal implant (PSI)-- the new method.
"We cannot deny that our available nga mga family planning methods have what we call side effects and that's why during the provision of these methods, before we give this method to a woman, naa gyud ta'y counseling nga pagahimuon (we conduct a counseling first," Omega said. (RTP/PIA-10)

COMELEC-10 bares strategies to ensure orderly 2022 NLE
Determined to conduct orderly, safe, honest and fair National and Local Elections 2022, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10 created ways to prevent vote-buying as well as to ensure safety of voters, especially against the spread of COVID-19.
In strengthening campaign against vote-buying, COMELEC-10 Regional Elections Director Lawyer Francisco Pobe shared during the CORDS-X Podcast, April 2, that they created the Operation Bantay Baligya sa Balota.
“The COMELEC has created the committee or task force nga maghimo og mga pamaagi og unsaon nato pagsikop aning mga taong either namaligya o nidawat sa mga boto nga gipamaligya, either in cash or in kind para mataral nato kini sila ug mapahamtangan og silot sa ilang gihimo nga mga kalapasan,” he said.
(that will create ways to arrest those who are buying votes or those who will sell their votes, either in cash or in kind, so they can be penalized on their violation)
During the local campaigns, Pobe said in-house or in-person campaigns are not allowed. Wearing of face masks and proper hand sanitation should also be observed.
“Sa Alert Level 1 ug Level 2 base sa IATF, wala namo’y kinahanglanon nga permiso gikan sa COMELEC so buot ipasabot mangayo lang mo og permiso gikan sa local government inyong mga permit on the utilization of the venue,” Pobe added.
(Based on the IATF [Inter Agency Task Force], for areas under Alert Level 1 and 2, there is no need to ask permission from the COMELEC for conducting campaigns. They will just need to ask a permit from the local government for the utilization of the venue)
For areas under Alert Level 3, 4, and 5, candidates will need the permission from the Local Campaign Committee Center so the latter will be able to regulate the attendance or participants of the campaign to be held.
He added that hand shaking, and taking of 'selfies' or photos in close contact with the candidates and voters are also not allowed during the campaign period. COMELEC-10 is working closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Health (DOH) to monitor such acts.

COMELEC-10 bares strategies to ensure orderly 2022 NLE
Determined to conduct orderly, safe, honest and fair National and Local Elections 2022, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10 created ways to prevent vote-buying as well as to ensure safety of voters, especially against the spread of COVID-19.
In strengthening campaign against vote-buying, COMELEC-10 Regional Elections Director Lawyer Francisco Pobe shared during the CORDS-X Podcast, April 2, that they created the Operation Bantay Baligya sa Balota.
“The COMELEC has created the committee or task force nga maghimo og mga pamaagi og unsaon nato pagsikop aning mga taong either namaligya o nidawat sa mga boto nga gipamaligya, either in cash or in kind para mataral nato kini sila ug mapahamtangan og silot sa ilang gihimo nga mga kalapasan,” he said.
(that will create ways to arrest those who are buying votes or those who will sell their votes, either in cash or in kind, so they can be penalized on their violation)
During the local campaigns, Pobe said in-house or in-person campaigns are not allowed. Wearing of face masks and proper hand sanitation should also be observed.
“Sa Alert Level 1 ug Level 2 base sa IATF, wala namo’y kinahanglanon nga permiso gikan sa COMELEC so buot ipasabot mangayo lang mo og permiso gikan sa local government inyong mga permit on the utilization of the venue,” Pobe added.
(Based on the IATF [Inter Agency Task Force], for areas under Alert Level 1 and 2, there is no need to ask permission from the COMELEC for conducting campaigns. They will just need to ask a permit from the local government for the utilization of the venue)
For areas under Alert Level 3, 4, and 5, candidates will need the permission from the Local Campaign Committee Center so the latter will be able to regulate the attendance or participants of the campaign to be held.
He added that hand shaking, and taking of 'selfies' or photos in close contact with the candidates and voters are also not allowed during the campaign period. COMELEC-10 is working closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Health (DOH) to monitor such acts.

PRESIDENT DUTERTE URGED PDEA TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO ICC
by Jerick G. Sanga-an/USTP Intern
The PDEA was urged by President Duterte to submit a report to the Human Rights Groups and International Criminal Court or ICC regarding on the Illegal Drugs that has entered in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, DILG has reported about the 453 million pesos worth of illegal drugs that was confiscated on the conducted police operations from March 20 to 26, 2022. 72 individuals has personally surrendered while 1,627 people were arrested and with no records of any assault according to the data.
On the remaining time of President Duterte’s tenure, the Duterte Administration is even more in pursuit to War on Drugs. In the midst of war on drugs of the Administration, there are groups who continuously look for a mistake on the effort of the government on its war against drugs. One of these groups are the Human Rights Groups and the International Criminal Court. President Duterte advices the critics to study the situation of drugs in the Philippines before criticizing the administration
On the TALK TO THE PEOPLE ADDRESS of President Duterte on March 30, 2022, he urged the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the other agencies to submit a report to the Human Rights Group and the ICC about their confiscated drugs in the Philippines.
Kawiyagan for Women’s Month features 28 coops, 37 vendors
At least 28 cooperatives and 37 vendors have been showcased in another round of Kawiyagan hosted by the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and the local government here together with the development partners, including the Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative, Save the Children Philippines, World Vision Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress and Fundacion Concordia y Libertad, among others.
Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative’s Sittie Aishah Baicon Cayongcat Nusca shared that in this second round of Kawiyagan, a trade fair majorly organized by them was held giving spotlight to women behind the major actions constituting the overall Kawiyagan.
She said the event came out festive with the presence of the cooperatives, vendors and many more individuals who came to participate as they were encouraged to do so, such as the vendors who were found along the streets selling palapa and other basic commodities.
Nusca further stated that in this initiative backed by her organization, everyone will see women as traders, supporting different economic activities and spearheading crucial activities like the culmination of Kawiyagan.
She expounded that this is part as well of their continued effort and commitment to ensuring that they are able to bring peace as they provide opportunities for every woman and other vulnerable sectors in the society to produce more local producer cooperatives.
With the affair taking place as planned, Nusca expressed her contentment that their overall mission of magnifying women was upheld.
“It is actually so fulfilling. You can just see the smile, fun and fulfillment of every woman around. I am also very happy that there are very supportive men around to help us survive and accomplish all of these at kasama doon ang aming tatay sa [and that include our father in] Task Force Bangon Marawi and the local chief executive of this city,” she said.
Nusca conveyed her thankfulness to the fellow humanitarian organization who stood along with them in raising the banner of betterment of the society.
She likewise urged the women’s sector to continue striving in life as they will be assured of brighter days ahead.
“Raheemah is very thankful to all its partners for the trust and for allowing us to call on you to provide a marketing platform for our local producers… Sa ating mga kababaihan, huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Basta magpursige lang tayo, Inshallah [To our women, do not lose hope. As long as we persevere, if God wills it], everything will be fine in the future,” said Nusca.
This month’s Kawiyagan lasted for three days starting March 27 to 29 this year bearing the theme, “Siyap Ko Manga Bae, Siyap Ko Pagtaw.” (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)
PCW-10 strengthens response vs VAWC, gender-based inequality

DOT inks partnership with PNP, PDEA to beef up security in tourist destinations

Bistek asks gov’t to take proactive role in preventing food supply shortages

DPWH Sec. Mercado leads call to achieve desired DPWH level of performance
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--“We must work together as a team to deliver more infrastructure for the welfare of the Filipino people by attaining the level of performance we can be proud of.”
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Roger G. Mercado said the department will be stepping up efforts to meaningfully, substantially, and sustainably contribute to the country’s socio economic recovery and development, during the DPWH Unified Directors’ Meeting, March 25, at the new Convention Center, here.
Hosted by DPWH-10 headed by Regional Director Zenaida T. Tan, this fifth meeting under the leadership of Mercado was attended by the Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Regional Directors, Project Directors, Service Directors, and Bureau Directors including District Engineers of northern Mindanao.
"As the first quarter draws to a close, let us look back at the gains, experiences and lessons and help the Philippines start with the rebound of the economy from the pandemic by pushing the implementation of a much needed infrastructure program," Mercado said.
The meeting was an opportunity to discuss how the department can optimize its currently available resources.
“Let us continue to be mindful of our mandate by continually improving the absorptive capacity or financial accomplishments so that the budget allotted for infrastructure projects will be delivered to completion at the right time with the right quality,” Mercado added.
Although Mercado acknowledged the major challenges brought by limited available funds in the 2022 budget for highway maintenance, right of way payment, and counterpart fund to support foreign-assisted flagship infrastructure projects under the Build Build Build Program, the DPWH management continues to look for funds from other sources within the General Appropriations Act specifically from the Special Support Fund to augment the requirements.
Mercado recently approved the release of P1.6 Billion to augment funds needed to pursue the maintenance of Philippine national highways.
"As we move forward, let us strengthen the bond that unites us one DPWH family as our action today will change the future," Mercado urged. (DPWH/PIA-10)
The Department of Public Works and Highways held their Unified Directors’ Meeting, March 25, at the new Convention Center, Cagayan de Oro City to discuss ways on stepping up efforts to meaningfully, substantially, and sustainably contribute to the country’s socio economic recovery and development. (DPWH)
PhilHealth marks 27th year: Defying odds. Unfazed by Challenges
The
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
(PhilHealth) celebrates the 27th year of the National Health Insurance Program pursuant to Republic Act 7875, as amended which was signed into law in February 14, 1995.
This year’s observance will have the theme: “PhilHealth, Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Panahon” to give emphasis to its resilience and firm commitment in the face of numerous challenges brought about by the current pandemic. Despite uncertainties, PhilHealth had defied and continues to defy all odds that come its way in providing every Filipino with financial risk protection against costly hospitalizations.
PhilHealth and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2020 has greatly challenged the country, compromising the viability of numerous businesses, triggering massive layoffs and joblessness, and sending the nation’s economy to record high contraction.
But for countless members and their families afflicted with COVID-19, PhilHealth has been able to provide the needed financial relief from the high cost of treatment for the novel coronavirus.
As a crucial partner of the Government in its overall pandemic response, PhilHealth immediately put together benefit packages
ranging from testing, facility-based and home isolation, treatment and hospitalization, and a vaccine injury compensation package for those who will experience serious adverse effects following COVID19 inoculation.
As of January 22, 2022, PhilHealth paid more than to 7 million COVID claims amounting to P36.8 billion, where P22.2 billion was for COVID testing, P13.7 billion for hospitalization claims and P939.8 million for community isolation claims.
Undaunted by the pandemic
True to its mandate of ensuring every Filipino’s access to a full spectrum of essential, quality health services as mandated by the Universal Health Care Law, PhilHealth continued serving its members, partners and stakeholders despite mobility restrictions brought about by strict quarantine levels. This despite the fact that many in its ranks had to go on quarantine,
seek treatment, or succumbed to the dreaded disease. Not to mention the various inquiries that aggravated the pandemic effects on the morale of its employees.
Despite all these, PhilHealth has not reneged on its mission to its members and healthcare providers through steadfast processing and payment of their benefit claims. While it had to reduce client traffic in its frontline offices due to human resource constraints, all while observing minimum health standards, PhilHealth continue to break more grounds to make its services accessible and felt by the people. It opened two additional offices in CARAGA.
On benefit payments, it released a staggering P162.6 billion covering more than 18.5 million in COVID and non-COVID claims filed by its healthcare delivery partners.
Accelerated payments to health facilities Balancing its response to the clamor for fast tracked payments without compromising pertinent laws and regulations that govern the management of public funds, PhilHealth introduced the Debit-Credit Payment Method (DCPM) in the early part of 2021.
Through the DCPM, the agency is able to expedite settlement of its payables and provide needed funds to health care facilities. The DCPM is already in its third wave benefitting hospitals treating COVID patients anywhere in the country.
As of January 20, 2022, PhilHealth has paid a total of P12.48 billion to 464 hospitals that applied to the DCPM.
The DCPM is just one of the many positive results of numerous dialogues with key partners in the healthcare provider sector. PhilHealth has
opened its doors, and continues to hold talks with providers for the resolution of various issues that the current pandemic has brought to fore.
Uninterrupted services
This pandemic has likewise resulted to limited movement for the members who have not ceased seeking the services as well as from fulfilling their obligations to the Program.
To respond to such demands, important and timely innovations in frontline services were
introduced such as the PhilHealth Member Portal wherein members can access their membership and contribution records, and download their Member Data Record with just a few taps on their smart phones or gadgets essentially anywhere and everywhere.
The said Portal also enables self-paying members to pay their premium contributions online either via credit card, debit card or GCash.
PhilHealth’s Corporate Action Center (CAC) was also challenged by the current pandemic, but it did not waver in its resolve to continue serving the information needs of members. Complementing its automated voice response for basic queries is the Callback Channel wherein clients can simply text a request for callback to 0921-630-0009. Within 72 hours, agents will call them back for relevant information or assistance being requested. For the year 2021, more than 35,000 calls were received and acted upon by the CAC.
As it celebrates its 27th year and sets its sight beyond, PhilHealth vows to be more relevant and responsive to the growing healthcare needs of its 110 million members here and abroad. It is committed to level up its benefits and services by constantly strengthening its organizational, financial and more importantly its human resource capability to efficiently and effectively meet the demands of these changing times.
Hindi po kami titigil na tumugon sa anumang hamon ng panahon.