TOP STORIES – Monday, 5 June, 2023

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online news monitoring)

05 June 2023, Monday, as of 5:00 p.m.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Monday, June 5, 2023, issued a commemorative coin set for the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood (APIN). The coin set, which featured a P100-, P20-, and P5-coin, was officially launched on Monday at Malacañang Palace with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in attendance. BSP

1. Marcos leads launch of commemorative coin set for 125th anniversary of PH independence

[GMA News Online, Manila Bulletin, PhilStar, CNN PHL Online, ABS-CBN News Online, Inquirer, Rappler]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/872058/marcos-leads-launch-of-commemorative-coin-set-for-125th-anniversary-of-ph-independence/story/

2. MAHARLIKA INVESTMENT FUND

-Diokno sees Maharlika Fund fully operational before 2023 ends

-Keep watch on Maharlika Investment Fund, Escudero urges critics

-SSS, GSIS can invest in Maharlika projects: Diokno

-Solon hits Diokno statement on possible GSIS, SSS participation in Maharlika projects

-Maharlika equity return seen at 8.6%

-Mark Villar lists Maharlika bill safeguards

-'Citizens may take action on Maharlika,' says Hontiveros

[GMA News Online, Business Mirror, PhilStar, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN News Online, Daily Tribune, Manila Standard, CNN PHL Online, People’s Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/872025/diokno-sees-maharlika-fund-fully-operational-before-2023-ends/story/

3. PHIVOLCS raises Mayon Volcano’s alert level from 1 to 2

[Manila Bulletin, Inquirer, ABS-CBN News Online, Rappler, CNN PHL Online, GMA News Online, DZBB Online, Daily Tribune]

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/5/phivolcs-raises-mayon-volcano-s-alert-level-from-1-to-2

4. BIVALENT COVID-19 VAX

-First batch of bivalent vaccines arrive in PHL

-Bivalent COVID-19 shots should be commercialized, health advocate says

-Bivalent vaccines to boost immunity vs COVID-19: OCTA Research

[CNN PHL Online, PhilStar, BusinessWorld, Inquirer, ABS-CBN News Online, Business Mirror, Manila Standard, manilastandard.net]

5. BoI approves P532B worth of investment pledges

-BOI approvals jump 172%, pursues P1 T worth of leads

[BusinessWorld, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, PhilStar, Inquirer]

https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2023/06/05/526623/boi-approves-p532b-worth-of-investment-pledges/

6. RCEP

-Customs outlines rules for RCEP imports, exports

-China vows cooperation as RCEP fully in effect

-‘HINDI PA HANDA’ | Agricultural groups stay vigilant as RCEP formally takes effect in Philippines

[Business Mirror, businessmirror.com, inquirer.net, GMA News Online, philstar.com, Manila Bulletin, News5, Daily Tribune]

https://tribune.net.ph/2023/06/05/boc-unwraps-rcep-tariff-terms/

7. INFLATION

-May inflation pegged at slower 6%

-Continued inflation slowdown expected

[Inquirer, Manila Times, Business World, PhilStar, Manila Standard, Daily Tribune]

https://business.inquirer.net/404056/may-inflation-pegged-at-slower-6

8. FOOD STAMP

-Food stamps program beneficiaries to also be linked in DA, DTI job programs —DSWD

-Food stamps to cost P40b

[Manila Standard, GMA News Online, Inquirer, Business Mirror]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/872036/food-stamps-program-beneficiaries-to-also-be-linked-in-da-dti-job-programs-dswd/story/

9. MINDORO BROADCASTER KILLING

-Hunt on for Bunduquin gunman – media security task force

- PNP: Gunman in Mindoro radioman’s killing identified; case to be filed

-Drug surrenderee tagged in radioman’s slay

-Slain broadcaster had no death threats: police

[Inquirer, ABS-CBN News Online, PhilStar, GMA News Online]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1779557/pnp-gunman-in-mindoro-radiomans-killing-identified-case-to-be-filed

10. WEST PHL SEA ISSUES

-Galvez calls for rules-based order amid tensions in South China Sea

-Galvez emphasizes rule of law, multilateralism in addressing 'disputes'

-Philippines, US, Japan boost maritime security ties

[ABS-CBN News Online, Manila Bulletin, Inquirer, Business Mirror]

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/04/23/galvez-calls-for-rule-of-law-amid-south-china-sea-tensions

11. TAAL VOLCANO

- Taal’s latest sulfur dioxide emissions not cause for alert level increase — Phivolcs

-Taal volcano showing increase activity

[ABS-CBN News Online, PhilStar, Rappler, Inquirer]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1779623/taals-latest-sulfur-dioxide-emissions-not-cause-for-alert-level-increase-phivolcs

12. Israeli Foreign Minister arrives in Manila

-Philippines, Israel ink environmental protection deal

[PhilStar, Manila Bulletin, CNN PHL Online, Inquirer]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/06/05/2271619/israeli-foreign-minister-two-day-philippine-visit-expand-business-ties

13. Admin revises MUP proposal, now offers 3 pension options

[Manila Standard, Business World, Business Mirror]

https://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/314337281/admin-revises-mup-proposal-now-offers-3-pension-options.html

14. UN rapporteur seeks to provide insights on Maria Ressa’s pending libel case

[Rappler, ABS-CBN News Online, CNN PHL Online]

https://www.rappler.com/nation/united-nations-rapporteur-seeks-provide-insights-maria-ressa-pending-libel-case ine-sea-territory/story/?just_in

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

 

Monday, 5 June 2023

DOST conducts wastewater treatment forum in PDI

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga recently conducted the Technology Diffusion of the Modular Eco-friendly Domestic Wastewater (MEDoWW) treatment system in the province of Dinagat Islands. 

With the assistance of the Provincial Science and Technology Office - Province of Dinagat Islands (PSTO PDI), the event promoted the understanding and adoption of eco-friendly wastewater treatment systems in line with the objectives of Republic Act No. 9275 or the Clean Water Act of 2004.

Participants from various organizations including the Provincial Health Office, PTCO, PPDO, Provincial/ Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Ofifces in San Jose, Dinagat, Cagdianao, Libjo, Tubajon, and Loreto, as well as partner cooperative KPMACO, actively participated in the event. 

Christine Buyan, DOST Caraga personnel delivered a presentation highlighting the provisions and significance of the Clean Water Act of 2004, emphasizing the importance of proper wastewater treatment in maintaining water quality and safeguarding public health.

Dr. Merlinda A. Palencia, resource person and expert in wastewater treatment, provided an in-depth discussion on the eco-friendly and sustainable features of the Modular Eco-friendly Domestic Wastewater (MEDoWW) treatment system. 

Successful implementations of the MEDoWW treatment system in various settings were showcased, demonstrating its effectiveness in treating domestic wastewater while minimizing environmental impact. 

Dr. Palencia conducted a free consultation session focusing on wastewater treatment facility layout and design, offering guidance to local stakeholders interested in implementing the MEDoWW system or improving existing wastewater treatment infrastructure.

The Technology Diffusion of the Modular Eco-friendly Domestic Wastewater (MEDoWW) treatment system successfully disseminated valuable knowledge and awareness of eco-friendly wastewater treatment practices. 

The free consultation session conducted by Dr. Palencia provided expert advice and recommendations, contributing to the enhancement of local wastewater management infrastructure. (DOST-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

 

 

Monday, 5 June 2023

DBM prioritizes infra, agri, health, education for 2024 nat'l budget 

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman pointed out that the proposed 2024 national budget will still focus on sectors prioritized in the 2023 budget, such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education.

"When we started the administration, may tinatawag po tayong Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF), which the Congress adopted. 'Yung MTFF po, it’s a fiscal consolidation program wherein doon din po nakalagay 'yung mga priority programs and areas which we should support," Secretary Pangandaman said in a recent interview with the media.

Aligned with the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration's 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the government will continue to prioritize expenditure items that will steer the economy back on a high growth path.

“We will continue the infrastructure program of the national government, from Build, Build, Build to Build, Better, More, from 5-6 percent of GDP, now this year, it's 5.8 percent.  So we’re still working on the 2024 budget, so we need to adhere with that,” Pangandaman said.

The budget secretary also emphasized the need to continue prioritizing the budget for the agriculture sector, considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We all know that this year, we increased it to about 40% kasi from previous years po parang we didn’t give enough investment. Sobrang baba lagi po 'yung sa support natin for agriculture. But when the pandemic happened, nag-close lahat — our value chains stopped, and it’s important that we have enough food in our country, enough produce," she said. 

Pangandaman added that support will likewise be given to the health and education sectors, including the upgrading of skills of the country's workforce.

Expenditure priorities for next year are reflected in the 2024 Budget Priorities Framework, which include infrastructure development, food security, digital transformation, enterprise development, human capital development, climate action and disaster resilience, strategic directions in transition to full devolution, and research, development, and innovation. (DBM/PIACaraga)

 

Monday, 5 June 2023

DOST Surigao Norte, local schools join virtual bamboo musical instrument techno-forum

BUTUAN CITY -- The Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) and General Luna National High School (GLNHS) together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Surigao del Norte participated in a two-day Bamboo Musical Instruments (BMI) Virtual Techno-Forum entitled, “Siyensya ng Panugtog Kawayan para sa Kaunlaran” organized by DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) on May 23 to 24, 2023.

Led by renowned DOST-FPRDI experts in bamboo musical instrument research, the comprehensive techno-forum covered various aspects of bamboo musical instrument production. The training aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of local bamboo makers and enthusiasts on the concepts and principles of the appropriate processing techniques and technologies for the production of high-quality bamboo musical instruments. Highlighted in the techno forum are the results of the study conducted by the DOST-FPRDI on how to address the various challenges faced by BMI makers in crafting musical instruments from bamboo; species used in BMI making; seasoning of bamboo; bamboo preservation and treatment; thermal modification of bamboo; lamination of bamboo; finishing of bamboo; and the technologies available in the BMI Processing Center of DOST.

The techno forum brought together participants from Surigao del Norte, including project coordinators, research coordinators, and bamboo research heads and staff. To promote the methods of BMI crafting to young BMI enthusiasts and musicians in the municipality of General Luna, Cres Jovy Litang and Shelene Cathlyn B. Gadaas, music teachers of GLNHS also participated in the BMI techno forum.

The stakeholders’ participation aligns with the goal of the Grants-in-Aid project implemented by DOST-Surigao del Norte entitled, “Harnessing Research through Viable and Efficient Support Technologies (HaRVEST) for the Bamboo Industry Research and Innovation Center (BRIC) in Surigao del Norte," which aims to promote and boost the growth and innovation of the bamboo industry in the province. (DOST-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

#OneDOST4U #dostSDN

 

Monday, 5 June 2023

DOST turns over STARBOOKS to rural schools in Surigao Norte

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology – Surigao del Norte successfully turned over four units of Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS) to beneficiary public schools in LASICAM Cluster, Gigaquit town in Surigao del Norte on May 29, 2023. The recipients of the digital library include the teachers and students of Lahi Elementary School, Nuevo Campo Elementary School, Camam-onan Elementary School, and LASICAM-Perral National High School.

STARBOOKS is the first Philippine digital science library that functions as an offline library for students. Inside are digitized technology resources, research and dissertations, investigatory projects, video lessons in science and math subjects, and more materials for instruction and research.

The deployment of the STARBOOKS is one of the components of DOST-SDN’s interventions for the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) under its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program. The project aims to promote Science and Technology (S&T) culture and improve the educational system in remote areas of the province, particularly in LASICAM Cluster, offering a gateway to a vast realm of knowledge and information for students and educators alike.

During the ceremonial turnover held at the Provincial Research, Innovation, and Science Museum (PRISM) in Surigao City, DOST-SDN Provincial Director Mariel P. Makinano presented the overall feature, content overview, and different platforms of the STARBOOKS technology.

Representatives of benefitting schools were then capacitated by the DOST-SDN technical personnel on STARBOOKS system management. The hands-on training and demonstration covered generating reports, teaching students to create accounts, and navigating resources for smooth use of the digital library.

The STARBOOKS technology was developed by DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) to create interest in the field of Science and Technology especially in the countryside; encourage great and curious minds to develop new ideas, inventions, and innovations; and inspire one’s capacity for entrepreneurship and research.

With more digital libraries installed in the province, DOST-Surigao del Norte hopes to spark interest in science and technology especially in far-flung communities. (DOST-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

#OneDOST4U #dostSDN #STARBOOKS