By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) temporarily suspended on Tuesday (Jan. 23) the operations of the RL Soft Corporation, operating under the name inDrive, until it complies with MC 2019-036: Fare Rates For Transportation Network Vehicle Services(TNVS).

The suspension comes in response to alleged violations concerning the haggling of fares, a clear breach of the terms and conditions outlined in its accreditation as a Transportation Network Company (TNC).

The LTFRB ordered inDrive to stop its operations starting Tuesday, Jan. 23, until it presents proof of compliance, giving them 15 days to comply.

“The LTFRB remains committed to ensuring the safety and fair practices within the transportation industry. Haggling of fares not only goes against the principles of transparency but also jeopardizes the welfare of both passengers and drivers. We take these allegations seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the extent of the violation, ” LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said.

“We remind all Transportation Network Companies that adherence to the terms and conditions of accreditation is essential to maintaining the integrity of our public transportation system,” Guadiz added.

“The LTFRB will continue to enforce policies that prioritize the safety, fairness, and efficiency of transportation services for the benefit of the commuting public,” he said.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

MANILA — The Economic and Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Briefing was held on Wednesday (Jan. 24) at the historic Manila Hotel here in the country’s capital.

With the theme: “Charting Progress through Strategic Investment and Boosting Economic Opportunities”, the Economic and EODB Briefing is a strategic engagement to forge stronger inter-agency collaborations on further stimulating economic growth in the Philippines.

Undersecretary Gerald G. Divinagracia, Deputy Director General for Operations of ARTA, acknowledged the participants and delivered the welcome remarks.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11032, otherwise known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”, ARTA is mandated to implement and oversee a national policy on anti-red tape and ease of doing business aimed at improving the business environment in the Philippines.

Through this briefing, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) facilitates a venue to boost the information dissemination of government programs and initiatives that are geared towards increasing local and foreign investments in the country.

In coordination with both the public and private sector stakeholders, the Economic & EODB Briefing aims to fulfill the directives of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to promote ease of doing business under a whole-of-nation approach.

Secretary Atty. Ernesto V. Perez, a certified public accountant by professional training, ARTA Director General said that the agency was directed by no less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to pave the way for the “ease of doing business” beginning today with the “economic and ease of doing business briefing”.

“From red tape to red carpet. It is not just a talk show shot but a collective commitment to transform our economic landscape,” Perez, also a litigation lawyer himself, said.

“The 3.0 days more than their more established counterparts based on new businesses in their early years. The investors bear the brunt of these new challenges,” Perez said.

“It should be an opportunity to achieve an economic progress. Each additional year increases the probability of new MSMEs by 10.2 percent,” he added.

According to Perez, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. has ignited the “torch” for economic progress “and We the ARTA carry that torch.”

ARTA is committed to capacity-building providing the necessary support to the stakeholders to be able to have the “ease of doing business”.

“We will not stop at investigating, prosecuting government officials and employees who are refusing to implement RA 11032,” Perez said.

According to the ARTA Director General, they have already filed charges against government officials and employees who failed to enforce and implement the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018”.

Perez noted that ARTA has partnered and collaborated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) in order to fully implement the Ease of Doing Business Law.

He cited that ARTA has secured the full compliance of electronic business one stop shops, with the fastest processing time, and with the target for this year of 10-minute business permit applications as instructed by President Marcos.

ARTA is now in the process of implementing two key digital platforms such as the ARTA Electronic Management Information System and the Philippine Business Regulations.

“With the continued collaborative effort with the DICT, the ARTA is set to establish the Philippine Business Data Bank in order to streamline and facilitate the ease of doing business in the country,” Perez said.

He acknowledged the fact that ARTA cannot do it alone, but everyone’s cooperation is needed in order to make the reforms work.

Secretary Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), noted that it’s his first speaking engagement following his appointment to the Cabinet of President Marcos.

“In this regard, it is imperative to have the “Ease of Doing Business. In short, cutting red tape,” Go said.

He cited that the business sector has become “happy” because of ARTA.

“I’m sure that ARTA has been implementing the Ease of Business Law,” he added.

Go boasted of the Php500 million investmens for the Green Lane for Business Strategy, including the Renewable Energy.

“There is the potential US$ 1 billion in the Green Lane Business,” he said.

“The right to match comparative projects was strengthened by the PPP Law. The PPP Center is now drafting the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) of the PPP Law, which was passed into law last December (2023),” he added.

Classification of the A 180-day period for the BIR to streamline the processing of the tax refund.

There is the proposal to strengthen the Investments Promotion Agencies (IPAs) such as the SBMA, PRA, economic zone authority, to be able to empower them more to attract more investments.

“12 years of “sunshine” period is proposed to protect and preserve the investments. Openness, efficiency and transparency are being assured by the agency,” Go said.

“Through the ‘whole-of-nation approach’, economic progress will be achieved. Things are going in the right direction for the ease of doing business” he added.

Go highlighted the 45-day timeline of period of review of business applications by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

At present, 52 stock companies benefitted from the BOT Law was amended, which was 27 years old already.

He pointed out that a handful of companies would be included in the program, but now 52 companies are included in the program.

“One of our priority programs is the National Digital ID to avert corruption, simplify business processing and facilitate the ease of doing business,” Go said.

“To the world, the Philippines is now open for business. My office is here to synchronize and implement the economic agenda of President Marcos,” he added.

During the “fire side chat”, Go said that “assuming we are the only in the global economic map, we really have to be globally competitive in the sense that investors are all in the world economic map.”

Also expected to attend were Sabin Aboitiz, Lead Convenor of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), and Enunina “Nina” Mangio, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Guillermo M. Luz, Board of Trustees Member of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), said that it’s not only the transaction costs, but the economic costs that burden the investors.

Luz cited that aside from these laws, there are also the repealing laws, which the 19^th Congress may look into in order to assure the ease of doing business.

“All LGUs (local government units) should follow a single rule because of the Local Government Code (Republic Act No. 9160),” Luz said.

Perez said that they have established the Philippine Business Information System, requiring all government agencies to post their rules, regulations and guidelines in order to get rid of the conflicting provisions.

Also expected to join were Dr. Enrico L. Basilio, Director of the University of the Philippines-National College of Public zAdministration and Governance-Center for Policy and Executive Development (UP-NCPAG-CPED), Dr. Roberto Martin Galang, Dean of the John Gokongwei School of Management, Ateneo de Manila University.

Joining the event were representatives from the diplomatic corps, national government agencies (NGAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs), local and foreign chambers of commerce, business groups, and non-government organizations (NGOs).

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY – The Federal Government of Germany on Monday (Jan. 22) donated various equipment to the National Bureau of Investigation at its headquarters in this city for its nationwide initiatives against human trafficking.

During the turn-over ceremonies, NBI Director Medardo G. De Lemos, German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke formalized the donation through the signing of the Deed of Donation.

The German Federal Criminal Police Liaison Office (GFCPLO) facilitated the Police Development Assistance that provides equipment aid, primarily consisting of training resources such as command and operational tools, IT (Information Technology) hardware and software infrastructure projects, among others, to fulfill its objective of improving police cooperation worldwide.

The contributions from the GFCPLO encompass a variety of items which includes 10 units Laptop, 2 units Desktop Scanner, 2 units Copier Kyocera, 15 units Printer Brother, 2 sets PC Desktop, 10 units Anti-Virus, 5 units Windows Operating System, 5 units Application Software, 20 sets Office Table with mobile cabinet, and 10 units Office Chair.

Director De Lemos expressed his profound gratitude to and recognized Ambassador Pfaffernoschke, Ulrich Gundlach of the GFCPLO (BKA), and Alexander Schmidt, the First Secretary for Political Affairs, along with the other members of the German delegation.

De Leon stressed that their donations will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of NBI Agents and Investigators.

He pointed out that the NBI remains unwavering in its commitment to the persistent pursuit of combatting and eliminating various forms of criminality such as human trafficking and online sexual exploitation.

The NBI Director propounded that the deployment of the equipment will prove advantageous as it will be a great support for the NBI to effectively enforce laws and promote peace and order.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomed on Saturday (Jan. 20) Malacañang’s issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 52, institutionalizing and expanding the agency’s Oplan Pag-Abot. Oplan Pag-Abot is geared towards reaching out to families, children, and individuals in street situations and provide them with the necessary interventions.

“We, at the DSWD, are pleased to be the lead agency of this program to ensure the effective delivery of services to disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals living in the streets,” Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez, who is also concurrent DSWD spokesperson, said.

“We also thank President Marcos for recognizing the significance of this initiative  pioneered  by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian by institutionalizing it through EO 52,” Lopez added.

Signed on Thursday (Jan. 18) by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, EO No. 52 provides for the creation of an Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) for Oplan Pag-Abot which aims to further enhance and unify the delivery of services to vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors in street situations through the provision of social safety nets.

“The DSWD is ready to undertake the necessary steps for the expansion and institutionalization of the reach-out operations for children, individuals, and families who are staying and living on the streets,” Lopez stressed.

According to EO No. 52,  the DSWD Secretary will chair the inter-agency committee while the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will be the vice chair.

The EO 2 provides that the members of the inter-agency committee include the respective secretaries of the agriculture, labor, health, budget, and education departments; director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); chairperson of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP); the president and chief executive officer of the Small Business Corp.; and the administrator of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

“With this EO, we are assured that the current efforts of the  DSWD’s Pag-Abot Team are complemented with various services and assistance packages to be provided by the member and concerned agencies,” Lopez said.

Under the EO, the inter-agency committee is required to engage and consult the local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies in policy formulation and program implementation, as well as coordinate and seek support from the private sector, relevant stakeholders, advocacy groups, and non-government organizations.

“The Inter-Agency Committee shall develop an integrated monitoring framework and a digital monitoring system containing a database of verified individual, family and community beneficiaries, which shall measure and capture all developed deliverable areas and indicators. The Inter-Agency Committee shall also come up with a comprehensive and integrated sustainability plan,” the EO read.

The committee is also tasked to develop a strategic communication plan to educate the people and advocate for supportive policies at the local level, in coordination with the Presidential Communications Office.

Launched in July 2023 as a priority program of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Oplan Pag-Abot is being implemented in Metro Manila to reach out to people living and staying on the streets and provide them with the appropriate interventions, as well as opportunities to improve their social and economic status and fulfill their fundamental rights.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — The City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) has announced that the deadline for business tax payments in Quezon City is extended until April 30.

Before a city ordinance moved it to April 30, the last day of payment for the first and second quarter business dues were previously set on January 20 and April 20, respectively.

“After our own examination on the number of registrations, renewals, and payments, as well as through listening to the feedback we got from QCitizen business owners, the CTO quickly coordinated with the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) and the right offices to get an extension on the payment deadline,” CTO Head Edgar Villanueva said.

The proof of payment of business taxes is one of the requirements for businesses looking to secure a renewal of their permit.

Likewise, the CTO reminded business owners that the renewal of permits, and payment of their business taxes, fees, and other charges can be settled online through the Quezon City E-Services Website (https://qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph/), aside from visiting the city hall in person.

“We hope to keep improving our department’s services, in alignment with Quezon City administration’s objective to establish a business environment conducive to dynamic growth and economic activity,” Villanueva added.

For all business tax payment matters queries, the public can contact the Quezon City Treasurer’s Office at the city hall compound or through 8988-4242 (ext. 8317/8145/8156/8157) or via email at  CTO@quezoncity.gov.ph and businesstaxpayment.cto@quezoncity.gov.ph.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY – The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) nationalist think tank on Friday (Jan. 19) revealed that an independent foreign policy lies on an independent and strong economy.

The revelation was made by CenPEG and author Prof. Bobby Tuazon coinciding with the launching of a new book entitled: “Spies, Clan Politics, and a new World Order” at the 85-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café, Quezon City.

During the Pandesal Forum, Prof. Tuazon, Director for Policy Studies of CenPEG, said that his book covers the period of from 2001 to 2022, which is a one-year project and proudly funded by comrades to publish the book.

The book is consisting of selected analyses, investigative work for more than 30 years on politics and geopolitics. Tuazon has been coming up with political analysis since 1996.

Spies, or espionage is oftentimes referred to during the American time. He opened the National Archives of the Washington Library and saw the Philippine insurgency about the involvement of then President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.

He thought of sharing about the truth on insurgency in the country where many people were killed, including torture and hamletting incidents, which are still happening today.

Tuazon noted that the new “World Order” is something that he was interested about. From the so-called unipolar involving the United States and transitioned today to multipolar system and it’s not without its conflicts.

He highlighted in 2001 in Iran and in 2003 in Iraq, Saddam Hussein who was arrested secretly.

Tuazon is a politics and geopolitics analyst. A retired professor and former Head of the Political Science Program, at the University of the Philippines (UP).

He was cited by the UP Manila as a distinguished pillar and a Hall of Famer as distinguished faculty. He is also a co-author and co-editor of 15 books.

“Multipolar order is not in its threshold but it’s now happening. We have seen the rising China, the second largest economy in the world and soon to be the no. 1 economy in the world,” Tuazon said.

“The reason behind the current tension in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, not to mention the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group,” he added.

“If Iran gets involved in the Israeli war, it could escalate into a Middle East crisis,” Tuazon said.

Tuazon, a politics and geopolitics analyst, said that China as of today has diplomatic relations with almost all countries in the world, the latest of which, with Republic of Nauru, who earlier severed ties with Taiwan.

The rivalry with China and the United States, which precipitates some legal issues. The refusal of the United States to give up its “global hegemony”.

There was an agreement between the United States and China, with the exchange of 150,000 students, as well as the so-called “pingpong” diplomacy.

Tuazon took swipe on the alleged collaboration between “warmongers” in the US Congress, the military support to Israel in its war against the Hamas.

In the Taiwan Strait, the one-China policy was somehow “distorted”. The principle is that there is only one China and Taiwan is just an island.

A US Congressional delegation visited Taiwan recently and congratulated the newly-elected Taiwanese President Lai Ching-Le.

Tuazon said that the congratulatory message of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to the newly-elected Taiwanese president is a “twist” or “problematic” insofar as the one-China policy is concerned.

A retired professor and former Head of the Political Science Program, at the University of the Philippines (UP), Tuazon noted that China has diplomatic relations with 180 countries in the world.

One of the very few public intellectuals, Tuazon was cited by the UP Manila as a distinguished pillar and a Hall of Famer as distinguished faculty.

Tuazon is also a co-author and co-editor of 15 books.

“Obviously, basically there is the fear of a threat of a total war between the United States and China,” Tuazon stressed that he would not see a possibility of such a “total war”.

“President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has expressed his intention of full support to US President Joe Biden, which led to the installation of new EDCA sites or military facilities in Isabela, Cagayan and the northern part of the Philippines in response to China’s threat to Taiwan,” he said.

Fortunately, in the recent news, Tuazon said, Marcos, Jr. is now talking to China in order to deescalate the tension in the South China Sea.

The bilateral dialogue with China has started since the time of then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, which was terminated with the passing of the late Philippine Ambassador to China Sta. Romana.

“All things considered, with President Biden, there is the path to peace and order. The absence of viable infrastructure system, including the traffic, which has been adjudged as the ‘worst’ in the world, iyan ang mga ;problema,” Tuazon said.

He opined that Constitutional reforms are now lacking in order to fasttrack economic development.

“The sole path of an independent foreign policy is to have an economic power,” Tuazon said. 

Dr. Prof. Temario C. Rivera, CenPEG Chairman, said that the so-called “Pirma Initiative”, could it solve the current problems of the Philippines.

Based on credible surveys, Rivera said “wala talagang clamor, pagnanais ang taong bayan na magkaroon na naman ng revision ang ating Constitution.”

“Inflation, napakataas ng presyo ng bilihin natin, problema ng employment, equality and inequality, ang kalunus-lunos na kalagayan ng ating kababayan,” he added.

Rivera pointed out that “No matter how to change the existing laws and rules, kung wala namang pagbabago sa detemination ng ating mambabatas, wala ring mangyayari.”

“We have new laws, such as the revision in the Public Service Act, 100 percent of foreign investment ay pwede na,” Rivera said.

“Napakataas ng ating power rate compared to the rest of Southeast Asian countries. Ano ba talaga ang political agenda ng ating executive leaders for charter change whether people’s initiative or pirma initiative,” he added.

Rivera noted though that the immediate context of such an initiative is the 2025 elections and the 2028 elections.

There is an existing fear that under the current political system, one of the possible agenda is that there is a looming Marcos-Romualdez bloc.

Rivera noted that the people’s initiative has the agenda on the looming “dynastic hegemony” of the Marcos-Romualdez bloc.

“We know that the problem exists in the West Philippine Sea, the South China Sea. We have to engage in a positive way,” Rivera said.

However, he said, the military approach now being employed by the Philippine government, which is very military, we have a slight chance of resolving the conflict,” he added.

The “red line’ is that if the newly-elected Taiwanese President declares “independence’, which is the first flashpoint in the Taiwan Strait.

He advised to explore all possible dialogue in resolving the issue.

“Our relations with China is not exclusively and definitely defined by the West Philippine Sea,” Rivera said.

He added that there are more ways and means to explore in order to strengthen the country’s relations with China such as economic, cultural, educational, and even military to military cooperation.

There are already many laws that have been passed that resulted in more economic development.

“Walang malinaw na industrialization program ang gobyerno that will create good, stable work,” Rivera said.

“Ang kailangan natin ay industries such that we are composed of islands which need linkages,” he added.

In the jeepney modernization program, however, we rely on imported manufacturers which are offering expensive modern jeepney, considering that we the Sarao and Francisco Motors, which can manufacture less expensive modern jeepneys.

“Hangga’t hindi nabibigyan ng real Constitutional safety nets, our economy will continue to be ‘luggard’,” Rivera said.

“Can we reasonably expect an anti-dynasty law. Napakahirap nyan. Although napakahirap to weaken the dominant political dynasties,” he added.

“It’s the problem to unite all the opposition parties. Interestingly, there has been a law against dynasty in the Sangguniang Kabataan,” Rivera noted.

Rivera stressed that the first is primarily the military approach to the conflict, the slightest miscalculation of which, may result to conflagration in the South China Sea.

“Slow down on the conflict in the South China Sea. Hindi maganda yan,” he said.

“An independent foreign policy lies solely on a strong economy,” he added.

Among others, Rivera cited the strengthening of the production of coffee and coconut products.

The CenPEG chairman also pointed out that there are groups who are opposed to the resumption of peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF), which has been announced by President Marcos, Jr.

It can be noted that President Marcos, Jr. has announced that there now only 11 existing “weakened guerilla fronts” of the New People’s Army (NPA) with 1,000 armed members, as of December 2023.

“There are many precipitating factors (coup d’etat) such as the retirement fund for the police and uniformed personnel of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” Rivera said.

He noted that the retired police and AFP personnel did not contribute to the retirement fund of the government, but then they are entitled to retirement pension, adding that, these people seem to be opposed to the resumption of peace talks with the NDF.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended more than Php13-million worth of humanitarian aid to local government units (LGUs) in Davao Region that are now experiencing inclement weather from the effects of a shear line.

In her report to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Davao Regional Director Atty. Vanessa B. Goc-Ong said that as of Friday (Jan. 19), DSWD Field Office-11 has delivered 21,203 family food packs (FFPs) to the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental.

Goc-Ong added that the Davao Field Office has already plotted the preferred distribution points of local chief executives to speed up the distribution of assistance while avoiding duplication.

“We will ensure that all requests from all affected LGUs will be fulfilled,” she assured Secretary Gatchalian.

According to Goc-Ong, all Provincial Quick Response Teams and Municipal Action Teams in the affected areas have been activated to ensure the efficient and fast delivery of assistance to the affected citizens.

There are now around 3,664 families or 11,797 individuals who are staying in 60 evacuation centers across Davao Region.

“The Field Office also has over Php69-million worth of standby and stockpile funds ready for augmentation to localities if the need arises,” the Davao regional executive said.

An augmentation supply of 54,880 FFPs coming from the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) are expected to reach Davao Region on Saturday (Jan. 20).

QUEZON CITY — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Thursday (Jan. 18) confirmed the launch of the Long March 7 rocket of the People’s Republic of China.

In its advisory, the PhilSA said that the expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 43 Nautical Miles (DZ 1), 40 NM (DZ 2), and 52 NM (DZ 3) away from Bajo de Masinloc, and 98 NM (DZ 3) from Cabra Island.

It noted that the Long March 7 was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, China around 10:27 PM PhST (Philippine Standard Time) on Jan. 17, 2024.

The details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.”

The PhilSA has disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

The estimated drop zone area for expected unburned debris from Long March 7.

The unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and faring, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space.

“While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” PhilSA said.

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time,” it added.

The PhilSA reiterated its earlier advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.

It also warned against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has completed 16,975 sub-projects in 2023 under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez on Wednesday (Jan. 17) said that the accomplishment is a testament to the Department’s unwavering commitment to addressing evolving community needs.

“Since its inception in 2003, KALAHI-CIDSS has garnered an annual average of 5,000 completed subprojects, but because of the retooling efforts of the Department, the program was able to achieve its highest number of completed sub-projects in 2023,” Lopez, who is also the concurrent DSWD spokesperson, said.

KALAHI-CIDSS is a poverty alleviation program that utilizes a Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach to empower poor communities and improve their quality of life.

The program focuses on enhancing local governance, promoting social inclusion, and fostering sustainable development through active community participation.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian had earlier ordered the prioritization of the retooling of DSWD programs and services to become more responsive to the needs of its clients and beneficiaries.

According to Lopez, the retooling efforts of KALAHI-CIDSS has led to the streamlining of its processes, timeliness and documentary requirements.

“The completed sub-projects encompassed a wide range of initiatives, including infrastructure developments, livelihood programs, and community facilities,” the DSWD spokesperson said.

Each project was meticulously executed with the active participation and engagement of community members, ensuring that the solutions implemented are tailored to the specific requirements of every locality.

“DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS acknowledges the dedication and hard work of the communities, local government units, partner-organizations, and all stakeholders involved in making this accomplishment possible. The collaborative spirit and collective effort have truly exemplified the success of the community-driven development approach,” Lopez said.

For this year, the DSWD will remain steadfast in its commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable development across the nation.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — East Zone concessionaire Manila Water remains compliant with water quality standards set by the government, specifically the Department of Health’s (DOH) Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).

“Contaminants and external debris can make their way into the customer’s water supply through leaks and other damages in the plumbing system. To make sure that the water remains clean and potable, the water pipes after the meter should be maintained in good condition,” Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director, said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan. 16).

Sevilla also advised the public to be observant of the quality of water in their taps before use.

“We should make it a habit to always check the water quality before consuming them. Water should be clear and transparent, free from impurities and foreign particles, tasteless, colorless, and odorless. For Manila Water customers, we encourage them to report to us immediately any water quality concern by calling our Customer Care Hotline 1627. The safety of our customers is of paramount importance to us,” Sevilla added.

The water firm has consistently passed water quality tests conducted on different regulatory sampling points, from water treatment plants, service reservoirs, pumping stations, distribution lines and customer taps, with a total of 78,523 tests conducted from January to November 2023.

The water samples were tested for physical, microbiological, and chemical parameters, with the PNSDW compliance certifying that the water supply is 100% free from thermotolerant coliforms, and organic and inorganic chemicals and contaminants.

Through its own ISO (International Organization for Standardization)-certified and DOH-accredited laboratory and testing facilities, Manila Water commits to consistently provide accurate and reliable water quality tests.

For November 2023, the Manila Water Laboratory Services (MWLS) achieved a compliance rate of 113.69% by conducting 6,709 water sampling tests.

This surpassed the 5,901 tests required by the DOH to ensure that the water being supplied to customers is clean and potable.

As the water company assured its customers that the water being supplied by Manila Water is safe to drink, other factors can affect the water quality once it reaches their tap.

With this, the water concessionaire reminded its customers to regularly check their plumbing systems at home.