#Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

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Philippine Housing Industry and Key Government Leaders to Headline 31st National Developers Convention in Cebu City The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. (SHDA) will gather key government leaders, creatives, and industry leaders in the housing and real estate sector as they host the 31st edition of the National Developers Convention on October 5 and 6, 2023 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. With the theme, “LOKAL NA BAI: [...]The post Philippine Housing Industry and Key Government Leaders to Headline 31st National Developers Convention in Cebu City appeared first on Orange Magazine. https://orangemagazine.ph/2023/ph-housing-industry-and-key-government-leaders-to-headline-31st-national-developers-convention-in-cebu-city/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ph-housing-industry-and-key-government-leaders-to-headline-31st-national-developers-convention-in-cebu-city

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OPINION: 100% Banyagang kapital, Bagsak ang mga mag-aaral

Photo credit: Anna Gabrielle Dalet

“The 1987 Constitution was not written for the globalized world,” iyan ang pangunahing rason ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. para sa economic charter change (Cha-Cha) ng Pambansang Konstitusyon ng 1987 na ipinapanukala ngayon ng parehong kapulungan ng Kongreso.

Upang makamit ang globalized world na ito, nais pahintulutan ng administrasyon ang 100% foreign ownership sa mga institusyon ng edukasyon, advertisement firms, at public utilities ng Pilipinas. Ayon sa mga tagasuporta ng Cha-Cha, sa ganitong paraan makakahabol ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas na matagal nang nahuhuli sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Idinadahilan nila ang kakulangan ng Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) sa Pilipinas bilang rason kung bakit naghihirap ang bansa. Ayon sa kanila, kung ikukumpara sa mga kalapit nating bansa katulad ng Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia at Vietnam, mababa ang ating FDI; at dahil doon, lugmok ang ating ekonomiya.

Ngunit kontra rito, mas mataas pa rin ang ating FDI kaysa sa pinagsama-samang FDI ng Cambodia, Myanmar at Lao PDR. Kamakailan lang, inulat din ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) na 27.8% ang itinaas ng FDI noong Nobyembre 2023 kumpara noong Nobyembre 2022. Kung kaya’t ang tanong: bakit isinusulong pa ang economic charter change?

Sa ganitong punto, makikita ang pagkukulang ng Cha-Cha at ng mga nagsusulong nito. Bukod sa mga kontradiksyon sa kanilang argumento, naghihirap pa rin ang sambayanang Pilipino kahit nagkakaroon ng upward trend ang FDI natin. Ayon sa ulat ng IBON, 75% o tinatayang 20.6 milyong pamilyang Pilipino ang lubog sa kahirapan.

Maliban pa rito, hindi rin angkop na gamitin ang FDI bilang sukatan ng kaunlaran dahil ang ipinapakita lang nito ay ang dami ng foreign investments. Malinaw na hindi ito nangangahulugang maayos na ang ating mga pampublikong serbisyo o walang paghihirap na nararanasan ang pangkaraniwang Pilipino.

Kailangan alalahanin na sa panghihikayat ng mga foreign investors na mamuhunan sa Pilipinas, ang potensyal para sa kita at expansion ang nagsisilbing pangunahing pakay. Kapalit nito ang pangako ng inobasyon at pagsasaayos ng ating mga industriya at ekonomiya. Ngunit dahil nagsisilbing itong investment, ang prayoridad ng mga investors ay kumita. Sa kabila ng kanilang pangako ng kaunlaran, ang kanilang pagpapakahulugan sa “pag-unlad” ay nakaangkla sa kanilang mga layunin at karanasan, hindi sa kalagayan ng bayan.

Sa usapan ng kasalakuyang Cha-Cha, malinaw na malaking kontradiksyon ang lente ng pagnenegosyo na ito sa pampublikong serbisyo at institusyon ng edukasyon na ang pangunahing layunin ay magsilbi sa sambayanang Pilipino. Kung ilalagay natin sa kamay ng mga banyaga ang ating mga paaralan, ang iiral sa silid-aralan ay ang pagpaparami ng kapital sa pandaigdigang merkado kaysa sa ating sariling kasaysayan at bayan. Ang tanging makikinabang dito ay ang mga dayuhang kapitalista at muling mapag-iiwanan ang masang Pilipino.

Noong Disyembre 14, anim na buwan mula noong naluklok bilang pangulo si Marcos Jr., inanunsyo ng House Committee on Constitutional Amendments ang plano nitong talakayin ang charter change pagkatapos ng holiday break ng Kongreso. Naganap ang unang pagpupulong para sa Cha-Cha ng administrasyon noong Enero 26, 2023. Sa loob ng 16 buwan, mangilan-ngilang bersyon at hearings na rin ang isinagawa upang itaguyod ang pagsasabatas nito. Ngunit, sa kabila ng lahat ng panahon at pakikipagtalastasan, isinasawalang-bahala ng pamahalaan ang taong bayan sa usapan ng pagbabago ng Saligang Batas. Ayon sa isang sarbey ng Pulse Asia noong Marso 27, three-fourths ng mga respondents ang umaamin na sila ay may “little to no knowledge about the 1987 Constitution.” Kasama na rito ang kung paano isinasagawa ang charter change.

Nakakaalarma ito dahil dapat pinagtutuunan ng pansin ang Konstitusyon at kung ano mang rebisyon ang nais gawin dito lalo na sa konteksto ng ating kasaysayan. Maaaring samantalahin ang kakulangan sa impormasyong ito upang basta-bastang baguhin ang Saligang Batas ayon sa interes ng iilan.

Ang Cha-Chang nais isabatas ngayon ng administrasyong Marcos ay isang amendment sa Konstitusyon. Nilalayon nilang dagdagan ang Artikulo 12, 14, at 16 ng “unless otherwise provided by law.” Sa pamamagitan ng pagdaragdag ng sugnay na ito, mabibigyan ng kapangyarihan ang mga mambabatas na piliin ang mga institusyong maaaring maging 100% foreign-owned. Dito pa lang ay malinaw na maaari itong abusuhin at maging breeding ground ng korapsyon.

Dagdag dito, sadyang mahal ang economic charter change. Sa katotohana’y binigyan na ng Kongreso ang Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ng badyet na PHP 14 bilyon upang isagawa ang eleksyong plebisito, ngunit naniniwala sila na hindi pa ito sapat. Nangangailangan pa ng karagdagang PHP 12 bilyon hanggang PHP 13 bilyon upang maisagawa ito. “The COMELEC will have a financial crisis just in case a national plebiscite materializes this year,” sabi ng executive director na si Teopisto Elnas Jr.

Suhestiyon naman ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na kung magkakaroon ng eleksyong plebisito, mas mainam ang dual vote na magaganap sa Mayo 12 sa susunod na taon, kasabay ng eleksyon sa 2024. “Dahil kung paghihiwalayin natin ‘yang election saka ‘yung plebiscite, parang dalawang eleksyon ‘yun e, napakamahal,” amin ng presidente. Ngunit, hindi pa rin nito isinasaalang-alang ang dagdag na materyales, kawani, at makinarya na kinakailangan—sumabay man ito sa isa pang eleksyon o hindi.

Bukod dito, nagkakaroon din ng imbestigasyon patungkol sa posibleng panunuhol sa pagsasagawa ng People’s Initiative. Sa unang bahagi ng Enero, ang mga nilagdaang dokumentong sumasang-ayon sa pag-amyenda sa Konstitusyon ay nagsimula nang kumalat. Ayon kay Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman, mayroong ilang mga mayor na nakatanggap ng mobilization funds na nanggaling sa Ako Bicol partylist coordinators upang makakuha ng suporta sa petisyon. “Voters who would sign the petition or people’s initiative will be given PHP 100 each,” ani ni Lagman. Ito’y tinanggi ng Ako Bicol Representative na si Jil Bongalon at ng presidente ng League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Albay Chapter na si Raymond Adrian Salceda.

Hindi lamang umano sa Albay naganap ang sinasabing vote-buying. Ayon sa Kabataan Partylist, mayroong “template form” na ginagamit upang mangolekta ng mga lagda para sa People’s Initiative. Sabi pa ni Imee Marcos, “PHP 20 million total kada distrito ang inaalok, meron pa akong narining ‘nung malaking siyudad na pinangakuan din ng ganoon at ang sabi magproduce kayo ng 20,000 signatures by January 13.”

Mayroon ding nadagdag na PHP 26.7 bilyon na pondo sa naaprubahang 2024 badyet ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) na dapat para sa Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), na ayon kay Sen. Imee Marcos ay ginamit din na panuhol para sa People’s Initiative. Ang lalong nakababahala ay tila sorpresa ang ilang bilyon na ito, hindi lang sa Senado na nag-apruba ng badyet, kundi pati na rin sa DSWD. Ayon nga kay DSWD Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Dimaporo, ang PHP 26.7 bilyon ay isang “happy surprise.”

Bilyong-bilyong pera ang ginagastos para sa paglelehitimo ng charter change na dapat ilaan na lamang sa mga sektor na “nilalayon nitong paunlarin” tulad na lamang ng sektor ng edukasyon. Malinaw sa lahat ng pondong winaldas na sinasayang lang ng Cha-Cha ang oras at pera ng bayan at ang kinabukasan ng milyon-milyong kabataang Pilipino.

Lugmok na lugmok ang estado ng ating sistema ng edukasyon dahil sa pagsasawalambahala ng gobyerno. Hindi rin maikokonsidera ang 100% foreign ownership bilang solusyon dahil sa mahabang kasaysayan ng dayuhang impluwensiya sa ating edukasyon na nagdulot ng negatibong epekto sa kalagayan ng karaniwang mamamayang Pilipino.

“90% of Filipino children aged 10 struggle to read or understand simple text,” ayon kay Prop. Portia Padilla ng UP College of Education. Ngunit hindi lamang mga kabataan ang mababa ang reading comprehension. Ayon sa parehong pag-aaral, 200 na guro mula sa Bangsamoro Region na kasali sa programa para sa pagbabasa ng Department of Education (DepEd) ang nakakuha ng gradong “below 50% in reading comprehension.”

Maraming rasong makapagpapaliwanag sa mababang reading comprehension ng mga Pilipino. Maaari nating isipin ito bilang siklo kung saan ang mga guro at mag-aaral ay kapwa kulang ng kinakailangang kasanayan. Subalit, ang pinakamalaking salik ay ang pagpapahalaga ng ating gobyerno at mga paaralan sa wikang Ingles. Sa unang State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., binanggit nito ang importansya ng marketability natin bilang isang “English-speaking people” sa pandaigdigang merkado. Bunsod nito, nais ng pangulo isulong ang Ingles bilang midyum ng pagtuturo.

Matagal nang mahigpit ang hawak ng wikang Ingles sa edukasyong Pilipino. Simula pa noong pananakop ng mga Amerikano, ginagawang simbolo ng “karunungan” at ng pagiging “maabilidad” ang pagkabihasa sa Ingles. Dahil dito, naisasantabi ang iba pang wika sa Pilipians. Ayon kay Leila Areola, Director IV ng Curriculum and Instruction sa DepEd Bureau of Learning Delivery, na 78,872 lamang sa target na 305,099 na guro ang trained sa paggamit ng mother tongue bilang midyum ng instruksyon.

Kapalit ng paggamit ng wikang hindi atin para sa pandaigdigang merkado, nawawala sa pagsasalin ang ganap na pag-unawa at pagpapalalim ng mga konseptong dapat nakalapat sa karanasang Pilipino. Masasabing kapareho nito ng ideolohiya ang Cha-Cha kung saan nauuna ang marketability at napag-iiwanan ang ipinapangakong pag-unlad.

Dahil dito, hindi maipagkakailang maapektuhan din ng 100% foreign ownership ang karunungan ng mga mag-aaral na magbasa at magsulat sa sarili nilang wika. Sa mas matinding presensya ng mga dayuhan sa ating mga paaralan, lalong maisasantabi ang Filipino. Mananatiling midyum ng instruksyon ang wika ng mga banyagang nagmamay-ari ng ating mga paaralan. Kahit manatili mang asignatura ang Filipino, hindi sila bihasa sa ating wika at kasaysayan kaya’t sinong makakapagsabi na mabibigyan nila ng hustisya ito?

Ganito rin ang alalahanin sa magiging epekto ng dayuhang presensya sa kasalukuyang kurikulum. Wala pa nga sa kanilang kamay ang ating mga paaralan ay matagal nang binabastardo ang ating mga aralin upang iangat ang naratibo ng mga korap at abusado. Halimbawa nito ang baliktad na kwento at kulang-kulang na impormasyon na tinuturo sa mga estudyante patungkol sa mga pang-aabuso sa ilalim ng diktadurya ni Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Bunsod ng isang memorandum ng Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) ng DepEd, ginawang “Diktadura” imbis na “Diktaduryang Marcos” ang pangalan sa yugto ng Batas Militar.

Patuloy na umuulit ang kamalian ng ating kasaysayan noon dahil itinatanggi at binabaluktot ito ng sistema. Mula pagkabata, tinuturuan ang mga Pilipino ng mali at kulang-kulang na impormasyon tungkol sa diktadura ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr.. Parehong-pareho lang ito sa mga paaralan at konserbatoryong itinayo ng mga banyaga noon na nagtuturo ng “malinis na bersyon” ng paghahari. Kaya hanggang ngayon, inaaral pa rin ng mga bata ang mga “kabutihang dala” ng pananakop ng mga Espanyol, Amerikano, at Hapon. Sinong makapagsasabi na hindi ito gagawin ng mga foreign investors, lalo na’t sila na ang nagmamay-ari ng ating mga eskwelahan?

Ngunit, ang pinakamalaking sala ng ating sistema ng edukasyon ay ang pilosopiya ng ating pamahalaan na “Basta nakakapasok ang estudyante.” Halimbawa nito ang No-Fail Policy na umiral noong kasagsagan ng Covid-19. Nais pa rin ng DepEd at CHEd na ituloy noon ang akademikong taon sa harap ng pandemya at ito ang nagsisilbing “solusyon.” Sa halip na tugunan ang krisis sa mental health ng kabataan, binigyan na lang nila ito ng band-aid solution sa pangakong hindi sila babagsak basta’t pumasok sila. Mayroon namang mga batang natulungan ng polisiya: basta’t tapusin lang nila ang kanilang mga gawaing pampaaralan, matiwasay na silang makakaakyat sa susunod na baitang. Ngunit, ipinapakita nitong iba ang prayoridad ng gobyerno patungkol sa ating edukasyon. Malinaw na sinisigurado lang ng ating sistema ng edukasyon ang regular na pagpasok ng mga mag-aaral at ang kanilang pagtapos sa pag-aaral sa lalong madaling panahon. Ang kurikulum natin ay nagsisilbi na lang checklist kaysa sa gabay sa pagtuturo. Dahil dito mas umaangat ang pagsasaulo ng impormasyon kaysa sa pagpapalalim ng pag-uunawa. Ayon kay Cynthia Bautista, EDCOM 2 adviser at dating dean ng UP Diliman College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), ang ganitong pag-uugali ang bumubuo sa reputasyon ng ating mga paaralan bilang mga diploma mills. Bunsod nito, ang maakit din natin na paaralan mula sa mga dayuhang kapitalista ay kapwa diploma mills rin. Sa madaling salita, ang sisiguraduhin lang ng mga foreign investors ay ang bare minimum dahil ito ang nakikita nila mula sa ating pamahalaan. Dagdag dito, di hamak na mas maliit ang kinakailangang puhunan para sa mga paaralang bare minimum. Kahit ano man ang kalidad ng edukasyon, hanggang may mga mag-aaral na pumasok at makapagtapos, kikita sila.

Isa pang problema na kinakaharap sa ating institusyong pang-edukasyon ay ang mababang sahod ng mga guro. “The current salary level of teachers and other workers in government is not livable,” sinabi ni Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Partylist Chairperson Vladimir Quetua. Ang sahod ng mga guro sa mga pampublikong paaralan ay PHP 36,000 lamang, habang ang mga guro naman sa mga pribadong paaralan ay sumasahod nang mas mababa sa halagang PHP 27,000. Sa patuloy na lumalalang “inflation, hindi ito sasapat sa lahat ng mga gastusin, lalo na ng mga may sari-sariling pamilyang binubuhay. At kung hindi sapat ang pagpapasahod ng mga pribadong paaralan natin ngayong investors pa lang ang mga dayuhan, paano pa kaya kung kanila na ang buong pagmamay-ari sa mga ito?

Ang lalo pang nakapanghihinayang ay mayroon nang mga panukalang batas ukol sa pagtaas ng sahod ng mga guro na hindi lang binibigyang-pansin ng gobyerno, tulad ng Senate Bill No. 4 at Senate Bill No. 1164. Ang Senate Bill No. 1610 naman ay ukol sa pagbibigay-daan sa mataas na kalidad ng pagtuturo sa state universities at ibang mga kolehiyo sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng libreng tuition. Dagdag dito, kung ikukumpara sa ating mga kapitbahay, kakarampot lang na pondo ang nilalaan natin sa edukasyon kada taon. Inilaan ng gobyerno ang 3.6% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) sa edukasyon mula 2014 hanggang 2022. Noong 2017 naitala ang pinakamataas na budget na umabot sa 3.9% GDP. Subalit, maliit ito kumpara sa Vietnam at Malaysia na naglaan ng 4.2% ng GDP at sa Singapore na naglaan ng 25.8% ng GDP noong 2018. Dahil dito, makikita natin na ang pag-amyenda sa 1987 Konstitusyon ang kanilang pangunahing layunin, hindi ang pagpapaunlad ng kalagayang pang-edukasyon ng ating bansa.

Hindi uunlad at magkakaroon ng matinong edukasyon ang Pilipinas kung patuloy na isusulong ang privatization ng mga paaralan. Ayon sa ulat ng IBON Foundation Setyembre 2023, 13.2 milyong “self-rated” na pamilya o 48% ng pangkalahatang populasyon sa Pilipinas noong ay nagmumula sa mahirap na pamilya. Dagdag pa rito, 18.2 milyon o 67% ng sambahayan ay mababa ang savings sa ikatlong kwarter ng 2023. Mula sa mga nabanggit na datos, masasabi nating ang karamihan sa mga Pilipino ay hindi makatatanggap ng matinong edukasyon hangga’t sila ay mahirap, at ang gobyerno ay patuloy na inaprayoridad ang pagtataguyod ng mga pribadong paaralan.

Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, kailangan nating alalahanin na ang masang Pilipino ay hindi magpapaloko. Mangilan-ngilang kilos-protesta ang isinagawa laban sa economic charter change linggo-linggo, at araw-araw ring dumarami ang mga grupo, organisasyon, at mga network na nanawagan para sa tuluyan nitong pagbasura. Noong Marso 22 lamang ay nagkaroon ng kilos-protesta sa labas ng Commision on Higher Education (CHEd) ang iba’t ibang mga student organizations laban sa 100% foreign ownership sa mga institusyon ng edukasyon. Malaking bahagi rin ng paggunita ng ika-38 na anibersaryo ng EDSA noong Pebrero 25 ang pagkontra sa Cha-Cha. Nagpahayag din ng pagtutol ang iba’t ibang sektor ng UP sa pamamagitan ng papaskil ng mga poster at tarpauling nagtataglay ng panawagang “No to Cha-Cha!” sa buong campus.

Bukod dito, ilang grupo rin ang nabuo upang kondenahin at labanan ang Cha-Cha. Halimbawa nito ang Teachers, Education Workers, and Academics Against Charter Change (TEACH). Nanawagan ang grupo sa kanilang inilabas na pahayag, “Rather than open up our schools to foreign ownership, the Philippine government should be reminded that improving the quality of Philippine education is a state obligation.”

Hindi malulutas ng foreign ownership ang krisis sa edukasyon sa Pilipinas—maaari pa itong makadagdag sa mga kasalukuyang kakulangan sa ating kurikulum. Sa halip na ang pagtuunan ng pansin ay ang mga kapalpakan sa loob ng sistema ng edukasyon, inuuna pa ng administrasyong buhusan ng pera ang economic charter change na wala namang maipapangakong ganap na pagbabago.

Asahang sa araw na tuluyang maipatutupad ang Cha-Cha, tulad ng mga banyagang mananakop noon, gagawing westernized at for-profit ng mga foreign investors ang ating mga paaralan ngayon.

Dati nang kinontrol ng mga dayuhan ang ating mga institusyon ng edukasyon. Nagpondo at nagtayo sila ng mga paaralan upang turuan tayo kung paano maging mas masunurin bilang kolonya. Ginamit nila ang kanilang wika bilang panturo at itinuring nila ang kanilang kultura bilang nakaaangat sa sariling atin. Malaki ang posibilidad na mangyari ito sa pagsasabatas ng Cha-Cha, lalo na't wala sa mismong amendment ang mga regulasyon na maaaring makapagpatigil sa pang-aabusong tiyak na mangyayari.

Bilang mga mag-aaral, kailangan natin idiin sa mga nanunungkulan ang pagbabasura ng Cha-Cha. Sapagkat ang tunay na kailangan ng mga estudyanteng Pilipino ay isang sistemang pang-edukasyon na nakalapat sa kanilang mga karanasan at realidad bilang Pilipino. Manawagan tayo na mabigyan ng respeto ang ating kasaysayan at wika sa pagtuturo. Mag-anyaya tayo ng ating mga kamag-aral na gamitin ang ating wika at humanap ng mga paraan upang pahalagahan ito. Makiisa tayo sa mga kilos-protesta para sa sapat na sahod at benepisyo ng mga guro at staff ng bawat paaralan. Dagdag dito, suportahan natin ang mga unyon at ang mga indibidwal na namumuno sa mga pagkikilos na ito. Matitiyak lang natin ang ating karapatan sa dekalidad na edukasyon kung pagsasama-samahin natin ang ating mga boses.

Hindi malabong matugunan ang mga panawagang ito ng ating gobyerno lalo na’t may pondo namang nakalaan para rito. Huwag tayong magsawa sa pangangalampag at paggigiit na itigil ang Cha-Cha, at sa pangangampanya para sa makamasang sistema ng edukasyon! //nina Mayden Bartolabac, Japhet Casabar, at Eda White

#NoToChaCha

Mga Sanggunian:

Africa, S. (2024, February 4). The spectacular errors of economic cha-cha proponents. IBON Foundation. https://www.ibon.org/the-spectacular-errors-of-economic-cha-cha-proponents/

Ager, M. (2024, March 13). Bill on people’s initiative, penalties for signature buying, selling filed. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1917149/pimentels-bill-provides-for-pi-penalizes-signature-buying-selling

Canlas, R. (2024, March 6). Women organizations oppose ‘Cha-cha’. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/6/women-organizations-express-opposition-vs-cha-cha-on-women-s-day

Cayabyab, M. J. (2023, September 12). DepEd hit for rebranding of Marcos dictatorship. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/13/2295879/deped-hit-rebranding-marcos-dictatorship

Chi, C. (2024, January 13). Explainer: With students’ poor literacy, are all teachers now ‘reading teachers’? Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/11/2325063/explainer-students-poor-literacy-are-all-teachers-now-reading-teachers#:~:text=At%20 least%2090%25%20 of%20 Filipino,in%20the%20Philippines%20at%2070%25.

Chi, C. (2024, March 5). DepEd objects to foreign control of schools via Cha-cha, cites national security risk. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/05/2338262/deped-objects-foreign-control-schools-cha-cha-cites-national-security-risk

Chi, C. (2024, February 15). Salary hike for teachers? DepEd defers answer until World Bank study complete. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/15/2333571/salary-hike-teachers-deped-defers-answer-until-world-bank-study-complete

Chi, C. (2023, July 17). Most private school teachers paid less than entry-level salary in public schools — survey. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/07/17/2281732/most-private-school-teachers-paid-less-entry-level-salary-public-schools-survey

Chi, C. (2024, February 23). Philippines’ “diploma mill” rep may attract low-tier foreihn universities, expert warns. Philstar. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/22/2335333/philippines-diploma-mill-rep-may-attract-low-tier-foreign-universities-expert-warns

Cigaral, I. N. P. (2024, February 13). Net FDI inflows soared to near two-year high in Nov 2023. INQUIRER.net. https://business.inquirer.net/445148/net-fdi-inflows-soared-to-near-2-year-high-in-november-2023

Communications, E. 2. (2024, February 20). Allowing foreign ownership is only a first step in promoting internationalization in education – EDCOM 2 Executive Director. EDCOM 2. https://edcom2.gov.ph/allowing-foreign-ownership-is-only-a-first-step-in-promoting-internationalization-in-education-edcom-2-executive-director/

De Leon, D. (2024, January 25). Why mounting a 2024 plebiscite on charter change will be a daunting task for Comelec. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/issues-comelec-face-plebiscite-charter-change-people-initiative-2024/

De Leon, D. (2023, February 27). FAST FACTS: What does the House bill on charter change contain? RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/nation/things-to-know-key-provisions-house-bill-charter-change/

De Leon, D. (2024, March 1). Marcos says proposal to hold Cha-Cha plebiscite alongside 2025 polls for ‘practical’ reasons. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-proposal-simultaneous-conduct-charter-change-plebiscite-2025-polls-practical-reasons/

Felipe, C. S. (2021, February 6). ‘No-fail policy not good for students.’ Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/02/07/2075903/no-fail-policy-not-good-students

Galvez, D. (2022, July 25). Marcos wants to reexamine medium of instruction in schools. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1634255/english-speaking-people-marcos-wants-to-reexamine-medium-of-instruction-in-schools#ixzz7aA6ZU7H6

Gavilan, J. (2018, January 16). What you need to know about Charter Change. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/193718-charter-change-explainer-philippine-constitution/

Gorecho, D. (2024, February 21). “No to cha cha” in UP Fair and oblation run. INQUIRER.net. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/557610/no-to-cha-cha-in-up-fair-and-oblation-run

IBON Foundation. (2023, December 9). Marcos Jr admin fails to respect, protect, and fulfill social and economic rights. https://www.ibon.org/marcos-jr-admin-fails-to-respect-protect-and-fulfill-social-and-economic-rights/

Leon, D. (2024, January 23). Marcos now open to amending economic provisions of 1987 Constitution. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-open-economic-charter-change-january-2024/

Limlingan, V. S. (2024, March 11). EDCOM II Year One Report: Misreading the Philippine Education situation. BusinessWorld. https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2024/03/11/580722/edcom-ii-year-one-report-misreading-the-philippine-education-situation/

Magsambol, B. (2024, February 25). IN PHOTOS: On 38th People Power anniversary, groups oppose charter change. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/photos-protests-edsa-people-power-revolution-anniversary-2024/

Marcelo, E. (2024, March 9). Teachers oppose 100 percent foreign ownership of schools. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/10/2339415/teachers-oppose-100-percent-foreign-ownership-schools#:~:text=The%20TEACH%20pointed%20out%20that,are%20underserved%20by%20public%20schools.%E2%80%9D

Miguel, M. J. S. (2023, August 30). 2024 education budget: When will government learn? IBON Foundation. https://www.ibon.org/2024-education-budget-when-will-government-learn/

Philstar. (2022, October 17). DepEd to junk ‘mother tongue’ subject, but not as medium of instruction. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/10/17/2217367/deped-junk-mother-tongue-subject-not-medium-instruction

Punongbayan, J. (2024, April 1). [In This Economy] Economic charter change is very unpopular – it’s time lawmakers listened. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/in-this-economy-economic-charter-change-very-unpopular-time-lawmakers-listen/

Quismorio, E. (2023, March 13). (Update) A short timeline: Cha-cha in the House, 19th Congress Edition. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2023/3/12/a-short-timeline-cha-cha-in-the-house-19th-congress-edition#google_vignette

Second Congressional Commission on Education. (2024). Miseducation: The failed system of Philippine education, EDCOM II year one report. Second Congressional Commission on Education. https://edcom2.gov.ph/media/2024/02/EDCOM-II-Year-One-Report-PDF-022924.pdf

Valmonte, K. (2024, January 10). Will you sell your soul for P100? Allegations vs charter change bid via people’s initiative. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/things-to-know-allegations-charter-change-via-people-initiative/

Valmonte, K. (2024, March 6). Why 4 lawmakers voted against RBH7, the economic charter change proposal. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/why-lawmakers-opposed-resolution-both-houses-7-economic-charter-change-2024/

[444-and]

Loss and Damage Fund

(For Education Purpose Only)

Let's pray and give a little help to those affected by the typhoon just so that somehow we can help our country and ourselves And in other countries

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr earlier said allowing the Philippines to host the Loss and Damage Fund would symbolize inclusivity and will also ensure that the needs of the countries most affected by climate change would be addressed.

The establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund was, for many, the highlight of the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 27) and the culmination of decades of pressure from climate-vulnerable developing countries. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to nations most vulnerable and impacted by the effects of climate change.

The Philippines, along with other developing nations, has been pushing for the creation of a loss and damage fund to respond to the adverse impacts of climate change, noting that while the carbon emission of developing countries is miniscule versus global levels, it is disproportionately affected by extreme weather events.

The conference in Dubai marks the culmination of the “Global Stocktake,” an evaluation of nations’ progress to date on reaching key provisions of the Paris Agreement, particularly with reference to climate resilience, curbing greenhouse gas emissions and the mobilization of funds for the world’s most vulnerable countries.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr, said the Philippines is pushing for loss and damage financing and a just transition. The country also expressed its intent to host the Loss and Damage Fund during the World Climate Action Summit.

Read The Full Article Here⬇️

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/890965/marcos-to-seek-support-from-asean-members-on-bid-to-host-loss-and-damage-fund-says-dfa-exec/story/

[floralitesushi]

Historical revisionism? Nah, this movie directed by Darryl Yap depicts the life of the Marcos family last 72 hours at the Malacañang Palace in 1986 before getting ousted and kidnapped then sent to Hawaii wherein they were held as hostages by the power and order of the newly elected President Cory Aquino. In this era, the EDSA People's Power Revolution is also held in protest alongside with the nuns and priests for the benefit of the country's democracy and freedom against whom they called a "dictator" Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Starring:

• Cesar Montano as President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

• Ruffa Gutierrez as First Lady Imelda R. Marcos

• Cristine Reyes as Imee Marcos

• Diego Loyzaga as Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

• Ella Cruz as Irene Marcos

• Lana Puda as Aimee Marcos (the adopted daughter)

Movie poster is on the left side, and the original portrait is on the right side.

[carlocarrasco]

Measures for elderly citizens and Philippine products signed into law

Recently Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law two measures concerning the benefits of senior citizens and investing in Filipino competence, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface… President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into…

[militaryleak]

Indonesian President Offers Sale of Anti-submarine Warefare Aircraft to Philippine Navy

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, during a bilateral meeting in Malacañan on Wednesday sought President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. support for the purchase of anti-submarine aircraft from Indonesia. During the meeting, the two Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders discussed several topics, including border control and defense. Widodo, however, did not mention the specific aircrafts. Indonesia offer comes amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, as China continues to encroach on Philippine territory. While Marcos mentioned that he and Widodo discussed the South China Sea situation, he provided no further information. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has procured two AW159 Wildcat anti-submarine helicopters including an AW159 Wildcat chopper, which can detect and strike any submarine illegally entering Philippine waters. The Philippines plans to procure four more anti-submarine choppers in the coming years. The CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a medium-range twin-engined transport aircraft that was jointly developed by CASA of Spain and Indonesian manufacturer IPTN (now PT Dirgantara Indonesia, PTDI). CN235-220 aircraft is a proven platform to perform broad spectrum of special missions including search and rescue (SAR), Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) control, marine pollution prevention and control, maritime surveillance and security, Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, during a bilateral meeting in Malacañan on Wednesday sought President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. support for the purchase of anti-submarine aircraft from Indonesia. Enquirer reported that during the meeting, the two Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders discussed several topics, including border control and defense. Widodo, however, did…

[thxnews]

Iloilo City's ISIP: Transforming Education Opportunities

  A Milestone for Iloilo City's ISIP

In an unprecedented move, Iloilo City takes center stage as the nationwide launch site for the Integrated Scholarships and Incentives Program (ISIP) for the Youth. This landmark initiative, a pivotal part of President Bongbong Marcos's Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, kicked off with grandeur at the cultural center of West Visayas State University on a recent Saturday.  

Empowering Dreams: Iloilo City Leads the Way

Rep. Julienne Baronda: Making History for Indigent Students Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda expressed her pride, declaring, "We are making history." The choice of Iloilo City as the launch venue for the ISIP for the Youth is a testament to the city's commitment to shaping the future of indigent students.  

Scholarship Program Details

Opening Doors to Education: The ISIP Advantage Under the ISIP, indigent students are welcomed into the folds of the Commission on Higher Education's "Tulong Dunong" scholarship program. This opens doors to a substantial PHP15,000 grant annually, a financial lifeline until they proudly walk the stage at graduation. Additional support includes a PHP2,000 semester grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance in Individuals in Crisis Situations.  

Support Beyond Students: A Ripple Effect

Extending a Helping Hand to Families The ISIP not only supports students but extends its reach to parents or guardians without employment. The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program of the Department of Labor and Employment ensures that the ripple effect of educational empowerment reaches beyond the classroom.  

Nationwide Impact and Personal Testimonials

From Iloilo City to the Nation: ISIP's Ambitious Goals Baronda revealed that the ISIP aims to benefit 13,000 scholars nationwide. Denie Villaruz, a sophomore at the University of San Agustin, shared her gratitude, emphasizing the program's impact on her solo-parent household. Patricia Angela Gallon, a graduating Education student of WVSU, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significant relief the program brings to their financial burdens.  

Government's Caravan of Services: A Commitment to the People

Beyond Education: BPSF's Two-Day Extravaganza Before the ISIP launch, House Speaker Martin Romualdez joined the two-day BPSF at the Guimbal National High School gymnasium. Iloilo, as the ninth province in line, experienced the government's caravan of services, with 51 agencies delivering 160 programs worth PHP1 billion to approximately 90,000 beneficiaries.  

Looking Ahead: A Nationwide Commitment

Romualdez's Vision: Extending BPSF to All 82 Provinces Romualdez expressed the government's commitment to extending the BPSF to all 82 provinces. Since its August launch in Biliran, the caravan has covered Ilocos Norte, Camarines Sur, Leyte, Laguna, Davao de Oro, Bukidnon, and Isabela. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s promise to bring tangible change once elected. In this journey toward educational empowerment and holistic development, the ISIP for the Youth marks a significant stride, ensuring that no deserving student is left behind.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[smrbhagare97]

Marcos makes pitch to US business community, touts pro-market policies

Marcos makes pitch to US business community, touts pro-market policies

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) told the United States’ business community that the country has improved the ease of doing business, touting policies that have liberalized the Philippines’ “vibrant” economy. Mr. Marcos, who is in the US for a state visit and to attend the United Nations General Assembly, made the pitch as he encouraged investments in…

[unbiasedph]

PBBM orders 'thorough assessment' of DA programs 

President and Agriculture Secretary Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the "thorough assessment" of the existing programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Agriculture Undersecretary-designate for consumer and political affairs Kristine Evangelista bared on Monday, July 18. "Righ Read Full News @ Manila Bulletin Read the full article

[rxdyzsoull]

@kiiraes FUCKING CRAP IT'S REAL

[flippinflipnews]

Duterte on Sara’s VP bid: ‘I will vote for my daughter’

Duterte on Sara’s VP bid: ‘I will vote for my daughter’

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday said when he casts his vote on May 9, the circle next to the name of his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, will be the one he will shade in the ballot.

“I am not supporting any candidate except, of course, my daughter. Ako, boboto talaga ako sa anak ko (Me, I am really going to vote for my daughter),” Duterte said in a speech in Mataasnakahoy, Batangas.

This is the first time Duterte categorically announced that he will vote for Sara as vice president although he has repeatedly said that only his daughter could continue his legacy.

During the campaign sortie of ruling political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on March 31, Duterte vouched for the competence of his daughter, describing her as "very good and hardworking."

Duterte said Sara, given her qualities and leadership style, would be a great fit for the vice presidency.

“But Inday is really very strict. You can’t crowd around waiting for her, you will be called one by one instead. But she will talk to you. And that’s good, that’s actually good. She can serve people in an orderly manner,” he said.

Duterte last year expressed displeasure over Sara’s decision to run for vice president under the Lakas - Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

In November 2021, he even rejected a possible alliance among PDP-Laban, PDP-Laban allied party, Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan and Lakas (PDDS), and Lakas-CMD because he thinks presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is a “weak leader.”

Marcos, who is running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas political party, is Sara’s running mate.

Duterte said he disapproved of Sara's decision to run for vice president, noting that Marcos probably “decided for her.”

Last month, the PDP-Laban wing led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi officially endorsed Marcos' presidential candidacy.

Malacañang also confirmed that Duterte and Marcos had a "cordial and productive" meeting where the former discussed “the current government's major achievements and gave pieces of advice to Mr. Marcos.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, said the meeting was one of the factors that led to the PDP-Laban Cusi faction to endorse Marcos' presidential bid.

Despite this, Duterte said he will be departing from his political party's endorsement by choosing to remain “neutral.” (PNA)

#FlippinFlipNews

[hummingzone]

Election body asked to disqualify Marcos presidential run - BusinessWorld Online

Election body asked to disqualify Marcos presidential run – BusinessWorld Online

PHILSTAR A taxpayer has filed a petition seeking to block the presidential run of the late dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos,Jr. at the Commission on Elections. Mr. Marcos, a former senator, is ineligible to run for office after a trial court convicted him in 1995 for failing to pay income taxes, petitioner Fides Lim said in a statement. He “falsified his certificate of candidacy…

[floralitesushi]

Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. inauguration (1965) at the Quirino Grandstand

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. inauguration today at the National Museum

[carlocarrasco]

Ease of Paying Taxes Act signed into law by President Marcos

In recent times, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law the Ease of Paying Taxes Act (officially referred to as Republic Act Number 11976 or RA11976), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface… President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed…

[opmb]

MUTIA TI LA UNION 2020: A BACK- TO- BACK FOR THE MUNICIPALITY OF SUDIPEN. By Noli A. Berioso The municipality of Sudipen scores a back-to- back at this year’s Mutia Ti La Union 2020 grand coronation night held last March 3 at Poro Point Baywalk, San Fernando La Union. Twenty two year-old Divina Marie Villanueva bested nineteen other hopefuls from different municipalities of La Union Province. The BS Accountancy graduate and aspiring CPA Lawyer was proclaimed this year’s winner of the search and was crowned by the outgoing queen Anne Margareth Sanglay who also represented the municipality last year. Aside from the crown, Villanueva took home a whopping P100, 000 in cash and other valuable prizes from sponsors. She will be the official ambassadress of La Union in promoting the advocacy of the pageant which deals with Agri-Tourism Campaign. The three hour spectacular show was the best presentation in years according to thousands of people who watched the coronation night. Kapamilya star Billy Crawford and former Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 Ma. Venus Raj hosted the ceremony with Robi Domingo as anchor. Panel of judges include Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Elisa Gray, Miss Universe Philippines National Director and Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee, Bench endorser and actor Marco Gumabao, Commissioner Greco Belgica, international fashion designer Albert Andrada, His Excellency Igor Khovaeb, and Honorable Christpoher De Venecia. Before the show started, incumbent Governor of La Union Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III said during his brief speech that the annual beauty pageant serves as an opportunity for the women of their province to demonstrate themselves as role models of beauty and goodwill for the community. Former Governor of Ilocos Norte and incumbent senator of the state, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. was one of the special guests of the event. Other winners of the beauty pageant are Fe Ladyma Abacco from Rosario – Mutia Ti La Union Turismo 2020, Shaira Mae Soria of Pugo – Mutia Ti la Union Agrikultura 2020. First and second runners-up were Jan Padua (Balaoan) and Roxanne Danielle Sanglay (San Fernando). Villanueva also won several special awards including Mutia Best Fashion Model, Best in Socio-Economic Campaign and Best in Afri-Tourism Campaign. The pageant is a presentation of Lumina Events Management with over-all concept and direction by Bernard Yabut Maybituin.

#MLU2020 #MutiaTiLaUnion #ILoveLaUnion

[thxnews]

Pangandaman Allocates P5 Billion for BARMM Rehabilitation Fund

  Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P5 billion for the Special Development Fund (SDF) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The release of the fund is in accordance with Section 2, Article XIV of Republic Act 11054, that the National Government shall provide the SDF with P5 billion annually, for a period of 10 years, to the BARMM Government “for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of its conflict-affected communities.”  

Pangandaman making a statement. Photo by DBM.   "Tulad po ng ipinangako ko, at alinsunod po sa tagubilin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, patuloy po ang DBM na aalalay sa BARMM sa abot ng aming makakaya. We will ensure that we will help in its smooth transition process and strengthening its communities." “Umaasa po kami na magagamit ng wasto ang pondong ito para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga komunidad sa BARMM. We hope that BARMM takes advantage of this funding by fully utilizing it to help those in need, and to improve areas that needs further development,” Pangandaman added.   The most recent conflict to have erupted in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was the five-month siege, from 23 May to 23 October 2017, of Marawi City — capital of Lanao del Sur, one of six provinces in the region. The clash resulted in P17 billion in property damage and lost opportunities, according to Task Force Bangon Marawi, the government inter-agency body in charge of rehabilitation efforts in the conflict zone. In 2018, Task Force Bangon Marawi said in an initial estimate that at least P49.8 billion is needed to restore affected parts of Marawi. The allocations shall be directly released by the Bureau of Treasury to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Government through an authorized government servicing bank (AGSB), subject to cash programming by the National Government. The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has allotted: - P64.76 billion for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Annual Block Grant; - P5.0 billion as Special Development Fund for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected communities; - P4.59 billion for its share in taxes, fees, and charges collected in the region.   Sources: THX News & Department of Budget and Management. Read the full article