Month: July 2015

BIDA KA!: Go for the win!

July 30, 2015
In Bida Ka! (Abante), Columns

Mga Bida, noong Lunes ay napakinggan at napanood natin ang ikaanim at huling State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino.

Tulad ng mga nauna niyang SONA, umani ng sari-saring reaksiyon mula sa publiko ang talumpati ng Pangulo. Iba’t ibang opinyon din ang lumutang sa mga pahayagan, radyo, telebisyon at maging sa social media ukol sa mga tagumpay at kakulangan ng pamahalaang ito.

Hindi natin inaalis sa mga kritiko na magsalita dahil may kalayaan at karapatan tayo sa pamamahayag ngunit nais kong bigyang pansin ang mga positibong naabot ng pamahalaang ito sa nakalipas na limang taon.

***

Hindi matatawaran ang matagumpay na kampanya ng administrasyon laban sa katiwalian sa pamahalaan. Ngayon, dahan-dahan nating ibinabalik ang kultura ng pagiging matino at mahusay ng mga opisyal at empleyado ng gobyerno.

Sa tulong ng kampanyang “tuwid na daan”, hindi lang nabawasan ang katiwalian sa gobyerno kundi pabalik na ang buong tiwala ng mga namumuhunan sa bansa.

Ngayon, buhay na buhay ang ekonomiya ng bansa. Kung dati’y napag-iiwanan tayo sa ASEAN, ngayon pumapangalawa na tayo sa Asya, sa likod ng China.

Marami ring naipatupad na reporma ang pamahalaan pagdating sa budget, edukasyon, social services at imprastruktura.

***

Mga Bida, sampung buwan na lang ang natitira sa administrasyong ito. Kumbaga sa karera, ito’y nasa homestretch na. Kumbaga sa basketball, nasa last two minutes na ang pamahalaang Aquino.

Kadalasan, sa basketball, ang koponan na mas may magandang diskarte at plano sa dulong bahagi ng laro ang nagwawagi.

Kaya umaasa tayo na sa huling bahagi ng administrasyong ito ay may maihahabol pang mga programa at proyekto para sa taumbayan, lalo na sa aspeto ng kahirapan, transportasyon at pulitika.

***

Mga Bida, alam natin na marami tayong naiisip na mga programang puwede pang mahabol bago ang 2016.

Sa ating tingin, may ilang mga bagay na maaari pang tutukan ng pamahalaan sa nalalabi nitong panahon sa Malacañang.

Una rito ay ang suporta para sa maliliit na negosyo sa pamamagitan ng lalo pang pagpapalakas sa mga Negosyo Center. Sa ngayon, 61 na ang mga Negosyo Center sa buong bansa at inaasahang papalo ito sa 100 bago matapos ang taon.

Upang lalo pang makaahon ang bayan sa kahirapan, bigyan ng dagdag na pagtutok ang sektor ng agrikultura, kabilang ang suporta sa mga magsasaka, lalo na sa aspeto ng pagpapalago ng produksyon at pag-uugnay sa mga tamang merkado.

Isa pang dapat tutukan ay ang pagpapaganda ng transport system ng bansa, gaya ng MRT, LRT at Philippine National Railways (PNR).

Bilhin na ang mga gamit at bagon na pangmatagalan at huwag nang ipagpaliban pa ang pag-aayos ng mga nasisira para hindi maaantala ang ating mga pasahero.

Maliban dito, kailangang pagandahin o ‘di kaya’y dagdagan ang mga imprastrukturang pangtransportasyon tulad ng airport, pantalan at mga kalsada’t tulay.

Sa usaping pulitika naman, isulong na ang anti-dynasty upang maalis na ang paghawak ng kapangyarihan ng kakaunting pamilya at magkaroon ng bagong mukha sa pamumuno sa bansa.

Tiyakin din natin na maayos ang pagpapatupad ng senior high school ng K to 12 sa pamamagitan ng pagdaragdag ng kinakailangang classrooms at guro, patuloy na training sa mga paaralan, pagtiyak na ang bagong curriculum ay napapanahon at nararapat na pagpapaliwanag sa publiko sa bagong sistema ng ating edukasyon.

Hinihintay na lamang natin ang pirma ng Pangulo para sa Youth Entrepreneurship Act, kung saan ituturo na ang financial literacy at ang pagnenegosyo sa lahat ng lebel ng pag-aaral.

Nasa mahalagang bahagi na tayo ng laban. Mga Bida, magkaisa na tayo upang matiyak na tuluy-tuloy ang mga pagbabagong sinimulan ng ating pamahalaan. Let’s all go for the win!

First Published on Abante Online

When weather makes you tougher

July 29, 2015
In Columns, Rappler

After the burning summer heat, in comes the rain. It sets a totally different mood as we see less beach and travel photos and more sentimental #tbts on our social media feeds.

It’s the season when coffee tastes better, hugs are tighter, and home is much tougher to leave.

It’s the season for rain boots, umbrellas, sweaters, blankets, and lots and lots of vitamin supplements.

It is also the season to be wary of typhoons, storm surges, floods, and the destruction they bring with them.

Unfortunately, we are particularly vulnerable to these calamities. The Philippines is one of the most affected nations when it comes to the effects of climate change.

How can we forget Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, the deadliest typhoon in our history? It affected millions of people and took thousands of lives in Eastern Visayas.

The super typhoon earned us the top rank in the 2013 Climate Risk Index (CRI), which ranks countries affected by extreme weather events. In the Long Term Climate Risk Index (CRI), we are ranked the fifth most affected country in the world.

One silver lining is the fact that, even when the rain clears and a new season rolls in, rebuilding efforts and disaster preparedness initiatives are sustained.

We can proudly say that Filipinos have moved past being merely reactive.

Today, we course through the entire spectrum, from preparation and prevention to response and rehabilitation.

We have established the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council that has released the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) for 2011 to 2028, identifying the capacities we need to develop and the roadmap to follow in order to become tougher in the face of catastrophe.

The province of Albay even established the first Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Academy for local government units and included DRR and CCA in their public education curriculum.

Even more inspiring is the outpouring of concern and gusto among young Filipinos within their own communities. During times of crisis, it is the youth that turn basketball courts, restaurants, and function rooms into warehouses with a seemingly endless supply of volunteers and donations.

These efforts are sustained throughout the year by youth groups with programs and initiatives in the field of DRR.

Foresight and programs

In Cauayan City, Isabela, the Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team design and build Disaster Management Eco-rafts from recycled plastic bottles for communities that live by rivers and other areas that are prone to flooding.

After realizing that most of their members don’t know how to swim, the Hayag Youth Organization in Ormoc, Leyte came up with “Swim for Safety” or “Langoy Para sa Kaluwasan,” which provides swimming lessons to young Filipinos in vulnerable areas.

Thanks to their foresight and their program, all members were spared from the flooding brought by Yolanda.

Lastly, the Rescue Assistance Peacekeeping Intelligent Detail (RAPID) conducts training sessions for emergency response, first aid, bandaging, evacuation, and other skills.

Graduates of RAPID’s 56-hour training program were among the first responders when a ferry sank along the coast of Cebu. The trainees utilized cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to save an 8-month old baby – a skill they learned thanks to RAPID.

These are only three examples of the many youth groups that are making a tangible impact on improving disaster resilience among Filipino communities.

Currently, local government units are already working with the youth, usually as volunteers.

Now, with the Responsive, Empowered and Service-Centric Youth (RESCYouth) Act of 2015, young leaders will be formally included in the NDRRMC on a national level and on local levels – in the Regional, Provincial, City, Municipal, and Barangay Disaster Coordinating Councils.

Youth representatives will be included in the planning process, identifying strategic efforts, mobilizing communities, and making risk preparedness and disaster resiliency a part of Filipino culture.

Currently, the RESCYouth Act has passed on the third reading in the Senate and we are determined to course this through the legislative process quickly.

There is tremendous support for this legislation – from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) to the NDRRMC and the National Youth Commission – and rightfully so.

Including all sectors, particularly our bright, imaginative, and passionate young Filipinos in building a stronger Philippines can only elevate our capacities.

With all hands, hearts, and minds working to build a disaster resilient Philippines, preparedness will surely be better, response operations will be tighter, and the country we call home will be much, much tougher.

First Published on Rappler.com

Negosyo Center Tracker

July 28, 2015
In Uncategorized

Below is the list of Negosyo Centers in the Philippines as of August 11, 2015

ISLAND GROUPS	REGION	PROVINCE	AREA	LAUNCH DATE (2015)	LED BY	LOCATION	CONTACT NUMBER
LUZON	NCR	Benguet	R-CAR / Baguio City	6/10/15	DTI	Jesnor Bldg., 4 Cariño St., 2600 Baguio City	Fax: (+6374) 442.5688 Email: CAR@dti.gov.ph MyrnaPablo@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0908) 884.0526
			Benguet	6/11/15	DTI	3F Manongdo Bldg., 17 Private Rd. Magsaysay Ave., 2600 Baguio City	Phone: (+6374) 304.1129 Telefax: (+6374) 619.2722 Email: CAR.Benguet@dti.gov.ph FredaGawisan@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 572.8250
	CAR	Kalinga	Tabuk City, Kalinga	6/26/15	DTI	2-3F Lua Annex Bldg., Poblacion 3800 Tabuk City, Kalinga	Email: CAR.Kalinga@dti.gov.ph GraceBaluyan@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 597.3035/519.6985/ (0920) 423.3910
		Ifugao	Lagawe, Ifugao	6/29/15	DTI	2F ABC Bldg., Rizal Ave., Poblacion West 3600 Lagawe, Ifugao	Email: CAR.Ifugao@dti.gov.ph ValentinBaguidudol@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 597.3013/592.7362
		Mt. Province	Bontoc, Mt. Province	6/30/15	DTI	2F Walter Clapp Centrum, Loc-ong, Poblacion 2616 Bontoc, Mt. Province	Email: CAR.MountainProvince@dti.gov.ph JulietLucas@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 597.3028/(0921) 973.6655
		Apayao	Luna	7/15/15
		Abra	Bangued	7/29/15
	REGION I	Pangasinan	Alaminos	6/30/15	LGU
		Ilocos Sur	Vigan	7/29/15		Ground Floor, Judy Chiu Building, Mabini St. Brgy 1, Vigan City
	REGION II	Cagayan	Cagayan PO	6/30/15	DTI	11 Dalan na Pappabalo Regional Gov’t. Center, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan	Telefax: (+6378) 896.9865 Email: R02@dti.gov.ph EsperanzaBanares@dti.gov.ph NERBAC-R2: (+6378) 396.0052 NERBACCagayanValley@gmail.com
		Isabela	Isabela PO	6/30/15	DTI	3F Jowell’s Bldg., Calamagui 2nd, Ilagan, Isabela	Telefax: (+6378) 624.0687 Email: R02.Isabela@dti.gov.ph MaSalvacionCastillejos@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0920) 900.6120
			Santiago City	6/30/15	DTI
		Nueva Viscaya	Nueva Viscaya PO	6/30/15	DTI	GF Rosalina L. Lo Bldg., National Highway, Sta. Rosa, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya	Telefax: (+6378) 362.0251 Email: R02.NuevaViscaya@dti.gov.ph RubenDiciano@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 533.1836/(0999) 992.4578
		Quirino	Quirino PO	6/30/15	DTI	DIP Bldg., San Marcos, Cabarroguis, Quirino	Email: R02.Quirino@dti.gov.ph PreciosaMaglaya@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 856.4899
	REGION III	Bataan	Balanga City	6/26/15	DTI	3F Crizelda Marie Bldg., Capitol Drive San Jose, Balanga City, 2100 Bataan	Phone: (+6347) 791.4221 Telefax: (+6347) 237.3005 Email: R03.Bataan@dti.gov.ph NelinCabahug@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 801.4889
	REGION IV-A	Quezon	Lucena City	6/17/15	DTI	2F Grand Central Terminal, Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City, Quezon	Telefax: (+6342) 795.0442 Email: R04A.Quezon@dti.gov.ph MarcelinaAlcantara@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0920) 906.3807
			Gumaca	7/24/15
		Batangas	Batangas	6/29/15	LGU	2nd floor, GKK Building, P. Burgos St., Batangas City	(043) 723-2032
		Cavite	Trece Martirez	6/30/15	DTI	2F Government Center Bldg., Capitol Compound, Trece Martires City, Cavite	Phone: (+6346) 514.0461 Telefax: (+6346) 419.1028 Email: R04A.Cavite@dti.gov.ph NolyGuevara@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0928) 502.2078
	REGION IV-B	Romblon	Odiongan, Romblon	2/2/15	DTI	GF LFH Suite, Promenade, J.P. Rizal St., Cocoville, Dapawan, Odiongan,5505 Romblon	Telefax: (+6342) 567.5090 Email: R04B.Romblon@dti.gov.ph RodolfoMariposque@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 724.7577
			Romblon, Romblon	6/16/15	LGU	Romblon West Central School, Brgy. IV, Romblon, Romblon	Cellphone: (0918) 957.6428 Email: dtiromblon@yahoo.com
			San Fernando, Romblon	6/18/15	LGU	2nd Floor, San Fernando Municipal Building, Poblacion, San Fernando, Romblon	Cellphone: (0918) 957.6428 Email: acehallegadofontelo@yahoo.com
		Occidental Mindoro	San Jose, Occidental Mindoro	3/13/15	LGU	SME Center, Municipal Compound, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro	Email: negosyocenter.sjom@yahoo.com
			Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro	6/19/15	LGU
			Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro	6/30/15	LGU
		Oriental Mindoro	Victoria, Oriental Mindoro	3/25/15	LGU	Municipal Hall, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro	Phone: (043) 285-5522 Email: mpodvictoria@yahoo.com
			Calapan, Oriental Mindoro	11/15/14	LGU	Provincial Capitol Compound, Brgy. Camilmil, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro	Phone: (043) 441-3187, 2867093 Email:R04B.orientalmindoro@dti.gov.ph
		Marinduque	Sta. Cruz Marinduque	6/23/15	LGU
			Boac, Marinduque			Old Chinese School Bldg., San Miguel, Boac, Marinduque
		Palawan	El Nido	6/29/15	LGU
			Taytay, Palawan	6/29/15	LGU
			Roxas, Palawan	6/30/15	LGU
			Brooke’s Point, Palawan	7/6/15	LGU
			Puerto Princesa, Palawan			4F ERC Plaza, National Highway, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan	Phone: (048) 434-1092 Email: dtipalawan@yahoo.com
			Coron, Palawan	7/16/15
	REGION V	Camarines Norte	Camarines Norte	6/24/15	DTI	Merchant’s Ave., Central Plaza Complex Lag-on, Daet, Camarines Norte	Telefax: (+6354) 440.13389 Email: R05.CamarinesNorte@dti.gov.ph Cynthia.Olaguer@dti.gov.ph Cynthia.Olaguer@dti05.org Cell Phone: (0918) 907.4191
			Daet	6/24/15	LGU

VISAYAS	REGION VI	Aklan	Aklan: Kalibo	4/24/15	DTI	G/F DTI-Aklan Office, Veterans Avenue, Kalibo Aklan	(036) 268-5280/ (036) 268-3405
		Iloilo	Iloilo City	2/6/15	DTI	DTI Building, JM Basa-Peralta Streets, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City	(033) 335-0548
			Iloilo: Iloilo Province	7/29/15
		Negros Occidental	Bacolod	7/31/15	LGU	3/F Prudential Life Building (DTI), San Juan and Luzurriaga Streets, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental	(034) 433-0250
	REGION VII	Siquijor	Siquijor	7/28/15	DTI
		Negros Oriental	DTI – Negros Oriental (Dumaguete)	7/16/15	DTI
		Bohol	San Isidro	6/23/15	LGU
			DTI – Bohol Provincial office	7/22/15	DTI
	REGION VIII	Leyte	Tanauan	6/22/15	LGU
			Carigara	6/22/15	LGU
			Palompon	6/24/15	LGU
			Hilongos	6/25/15	LGU
			Abuyog	6/26/15	LGU
			Palo	6/29/15	LGU
			Naval, Biliran	7/2/15
		Samar	Catbalogan	7/3/15	LGU
			Calbayog	7/2/15	LGU	One Stop Shop, Calbayog City Hall, AH 26, Calbayog City, Samar	(+6355) 2093357
		Eastern Samar	Borongan	7/22/15	DTI
		Northern Samar	Catarman	7/29/15	LGU	Singson Apartment, corner Balite & Quirino Streets, Catarman, Northern Samar	(+6355) 2518334

MINDANAO	REGION IX	Zamboanga del Sur	Pagadian	5/25/15	DTI	NACIDA Bldg., Capitol Complex, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur	Phone: (+6362) 214.3326/214.2516 Fax: (+6362) 850.7001 Email: R09.ZamboangaDelSur@dti.gov.ph MariaSocorroAtay@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 300.3059
		Zamboanga Sibugay	Ipil, Sibugay	5/29/15	DTI	2F Montebello Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay	Telefax: (+6362) 955.4054 Email: R09.ZamboangaSibugay@dti.gov.ph NoelBazan@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0920) 922.8635
		Zamboanga Del Norte	Dipolog	6/30/15	DTI	GF Felicidad I Bldg., Quezon Ave., Miputak, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte	Phone: (+6365) 212.2331/212.2944 Fax: (+6365) 212.5862 Email: R09.ZamboangaDelNorte@dti.gov.ph NoelBazan@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0920) 922.8635
	REGION X	Misamis Occidental	Ozamiz City	6/30/15	LGU
			Oroquieta City	6/30/15	DTI	1F Dajao Bldg., cor. Rizal-Pastrano Sts., Poblacion I, 7207 Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental	Phone: (+6388) 521.2891 Telefax: (+6388) 531.1231 Email: R10.MisamisOccidental@dti.gov.ph DeliaAyano@dti.gov.ph Hotline: (0917) 724.3388 Cell Phone: (0920) 902.5969
		Camiguin	Camiguin			DBP Bldg., cor. Gen. B. Aranas & J.P. Rizal Sts. 9100 Mambajao, Camiguin	Phone: (+6388) 387.0036 Telefax: (+6388) 387.0037 Email: R10.Camiguin@dti.gov.ph JoselitoEnot@dti.gov.ph Hotline: (0906) 228.3906 Cell Phone: (0908) 892.4773
			Mambajao	7/6/15
		Bukidnon	Malaybalay	7/10/15
		Misamis Oriental	Cagayan de Oro	11/13/14	DTI	G/F Antolin Building, Tiano-Akut Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
	REGION XI	Davao del Sur	Davao City	7/9/15	LGU	Door 7, Magsaysay Park Complex, R. Magsaysay Avenue, Davao City	(82) 227-2860
			Digos City	7/9/15	Academe	Cor Jesu College – Main Campus Sacred Heart Avenue, Digos City, Davao del Sur	(82) 553-5741
		Davao Oriental	Mati City	7/6/15	DTI	3F Valles Bldg., Rizal St. Mati City, Davao Oriental	Phone: (+6387) 388.3735 Telefax: (+6387) 811.4072 Email: R11.DavaoOriental@dti.gov.ph JoseCalub@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0915) 516.3834
	REGION XII	Sarangani	General Santos City	5/5/15	DTI	2F National Agency Bldg. Capital Compound Alabel 9501 Sarangani Province	Phone: (+6383) 508.2277 Fax: (+6383) 508.2014 Email: R12.Sarangani@dti.gov.ph NenitaBarroso@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0920) 911.3864
	CARAGA	Surigao del Norte	LGU – Surigao del Norte	5/15/15	LGU	Surigao del Norte, Negosyo Center, Provincial Capitol Compound, Surigao City	(0999) 994-8065
			DTI – Surigao del Norte	7/23/15	DTI
		Surigao del Sur	Surigao del Sur	6/30/15	DTI	2F JTP Bldg., Donasco St., Tandag City Surigao del Sur	Telefax: (+6386) 211.3029 Email: CARAGA.SurigaodelSur@dti.gov.ph RomelOribe@dti.gov.ph
		Agusan del Norte	DTI – Agusan del Norte	5/29/15	DTI	Rudy Tiu Bldg., KM. 2, J.C. Aquino Ave., 8600 Butuan City, Agusan del Norte	Phone: (+6385) 341.5221 Telefax: (+6385) 225.3341 Email: CARAGA.AgusandelNorte@dti.gov.ph Cell Phone: (0917) 304.9729
		Agusan del Sur	San Francisco, Agusan del Sur	6/29/15	LGU

2 out of 5 Legacy Laws from Neophyte Senator

July 28, 2015
In Inclusive Growth, Issues

In his first two years as legislator, Senator Bam Aquino worked on two of the five most important measures that were enacted into laws by the current administration.

Sen. Bam principally sponsored and co-authored the Philippine Competition Act, now known as Republic Act 10667, and principally sponsored the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act or Republic Act 10668.

The twin measures were signed into laws by President Aquino. Moreover, the Chief Executive mentioned them as two of the five most important legislations passed by his administration during his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Dahil sa Kongreso, naipasa ang mga batas na kikilalanin bilang haligi ng transpormasyong sinisimulan natin ngayon…salamat sa Philippine Competition Law…at sa pag-amyenda sa Cabotage Law,” the Chief Executive said.

Aside from the two, the President also cited the Sin Tax Reform Act, the Responsible Parenthood Act and the Act Allowing the Full Entry of Foreign Banks.

President Aquino described the measures as part of the administration’s campaign, “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.”

“Hinabol natin ang mga corrupt at nilinis ang sistema, na nanganak ng kumpiyansa sa ating mga merkado. Pumasok ang negosyo, lumawak ang oportunidad… nakikitang meron nang level playing field; naaasahan ang pag-asenso nang hindi kailangang mandaya,” the President said.

Senate President Franklin Drilon, for his part, said that the Philippine Competition Act would address the nation’s long-standing absence of a comprehensive competition law in effect during his speech on the opening of the 3rd regular session of the 16th Congress.

Drilon also noted that the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act would widen the market and is expected to lower the cost of transport of agricultural goods and other local produces, which ultimately would affect prices of products sold to consumers.

Stakeholders, such as the Makati Business Club, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, also hailed the passage of the twin laws, saying these would boost the competitiveness of Philippine enterprises and help sustain economic growth.

Dean Tony La Vina, head of the Ateneo School of Government, believes that the Fair Competition Act is the “antidote to the adverse effects of monopolistic behemoths that make our economy less competitive vis-à-vis other Asean member countries.”

“It is a measure that will position us better in the forthcoming Asean economic integration. If well implemented, fair competition will certainly result in prosperity,” he said in his newspaper column.

Furthermore, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) head and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said that the Philippine Competition Act would reinforce the country’s economy.

“As the bill levels the playing field among businesses, we can expect an increased level of confidence among the international business community, and thus lead to a surge of investments and economic activity, and an expanded logistical capacity,” Balisacan said.

Overall, Sen. Bam now has four laws to his credit. Last year, the President approved the Go Negosyo Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Sen. Bam, and the Philippine Lemon Law.

The President is also expected to sign the Youth Entrepreneurship Act soon, making it five laws for Sen. Bam, the youngest senator in the 16^th Congress.

NEGOSYO, NOW NA!: PWeDs!

Mga Kanegosyo, noong nakaraang linggo, tinalakay natin kung paano ginamit ng Hapee Toothpaste ang isang matinding pagsubok tungo sa kanilang tagumpay at estado ngayon.

Gamit ang masusing pag-aaral ng produktong ibebenta, ang gagamiting raw materials at isasakatuparang marketing plan, kayang makipagsabayan ng isang negosyong Pinoy sa mga malalaking dayuhang kumpanya!

***

Ipagpapatuloy natin ang talakayan natin kasama si Cecilio Pedro, ang may-ari ng Hapee Toothpaste.

Isa pang susi sa kanilang tagumpay ay ang hangarin nilang makatulong sa kapwa, lalo na sa isang sektor na nahihirapang makakuha ng trabaho.

Mga Kanegosyo, tumatanggap sila ng mga empleyadong Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) sa kanilang factory at opisina.

Kahit noong gumagawa pa sila ng toothpaste tubes pa lamang noong 1980s, may empleyado na silang PWDs. Sa kasulukuyan, mayroon silang mga 100 empleyadong bingi, mula sa mga factory workers, mga nasa admin and finance, hanggang sa supervisory level.

Naghahanap nga sila ngayon ng isang binging manager para lalong mapalago ang kanilang negosyo at adbokasiya.

Tunay na napakaganda ng kanilang hangarin dahil tumutulong sila na magkaroon ng pangkabuhayan ang isang sektor na nahihirapang mabigyan ng serbisyo ng mas nakararaming negosyo sa ating bansa.

Sa kanilang mga empleyadong PWDs, binibigyan nila ito ng training para makasama ang iba pang mga empleyado at makasali sa operasyon ng negosyo. Tinuturuan nila ito ng sign language, bumasa at sumulat nang mas madali silang makapag-adjust sa trabaho.

Nagbigay din ng dormitory sa mga empleyadong PWDs upang hindi na sila mahirapan sa pagbiyahe. Sa paraang ito, mas nagiging inspirado at produktibo sila sa trabaho.

***

Mga Kanegosyo, nakakamangha ang programang ito ng Hapee. Ngunit tinanong ko kung gaano kamahal para sa isang negosyo ang kumuha ng mga PWDs.

Ayon sa kanya, mas maraming mabubuting naibibigay ng mga empleyadong PWDs kaysa sa mga nagagastos ng negosyo para sa mga ito.
Sa kanyang obserbasyon, dahil walang distraksiyon ay nakatutok sa trabaho ang mga empleyado niyang PWDs.

Mas madalas nga, tinatalo pa ng PWDs ang ibang mga trabahador pagdating sa dami at kalidad ng output. Nahahamon tuloy ang iba pa nga na mas pagbutihan ang kanilang trabaho at makipagtagisan ng galing sa mga PWDs.

Sa kanilang annual evaluation, pito sa 10 empleyado na nangigibabaw pagdating sa performance ay pawang PWDs.

***

May programa rin ang kumpanya upang tulungan ang mga manggagawa na mag-adjust sa mga kasama nilang PWD.

Regular ang pagbibigay nila ng seminar ukol sa sign language upang matuto ang mga empleyado upang maintindihan ang mga PWDs ng kumpanya.

***

Mga Kanegosyo, matututunan natin sa programa ng Hapee Toothpaste na susi sa negosyo ang isang matibay at magandang sistema sa produksyon.

Sa pagkuha ng mga PWDs, naayos nila ang kanilang produksyon para mas makatulong pa ang mga empleyadong PWDs sa kalidad at bilis ng output.

Hindi balakid ang mga PWDs sa pagnenegosyo. Mahalaga na may kakayahan tayong mapatibay ang ating sistema, at bukas na isip at puso para magawan ng paraan ang pagpasok ng mga PWDs sa ating negosyo, at maging susi sila sa ating tagumpay!

First Published on Abante Online

Bam on PNoy’s Last SONA

July 27, 2015
In Issues, Other Issues

“In his final SONA, we expect the President to lay down all the gains that the country has achieved under his administration.

Among them is his successful drive against graft and corruption that has boosted investors’ confidence in the country.

This renewed confidence has resulted in the unprecedented growth of the country’s economy, which is now the second strongest in Asia next to China.

The passage of important economic bills such as the Philippine Competition Act and the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act are also worth mentioning, considering the positive impact that these laws may bring to our economy.

Worth discussing also are the reforms that we’ve put in place in our national budget systems, in education & social services, in infrastructure and in the culture of transparency & accountability of our public servants and institutions.

We also know that we cannot win the fight against poverty in six years. Thus, we expect that the President will also lay down the much needed reforms that need to be done by the next administration.

With less than a year remaining in this administration, we are in the homestretch.

We need to work hand in hand to sustain the gains of this administration especially in our economy, the fight against graft and corruption, in the alleviation of our poor and in the realization of inclusive growth.

We have worked hard for these achievements in the past five years. We must not let these gains go down the drain.

Kumbaga sa basketball, last two minutes na. Time to go for the win!

On the part of the Congress, we must pass crucial measures such as the Bangsamoro Basic Law, Sangguniang Kabataan Reform, amendments to the Corporation Code and Microfinance NGOs Act, among others.

These laws will help ensure that the momentum of these gains will continue beyond this administration.”

Four Laws in Two Years for Bam

Four laws in two years.

These were just some of the accomplishments of Sen. Bam Aquino, the youngest senator in the 16^th Congress, during his first two years in office.

Included in the four laws authored, co-authored and principally sponsored by Sen. Bam is the landmark Philippine Competition Act or Republic Act 10667, which was passed under his watch as chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, after it gathered dust in the legislative mill for almost 25 years.

Recently signed into law by President Aquino, the Philippine Competition Act will level playing field for all businesses by penalizing anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant players, aside from eliminating cartels that control supply and prices of goods in the market.

Aside from the Philippine Competition Act, the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act was also signed into law by the Chief Executive.

The Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act or Republic Act 10668 will allow foreign ships carrying imported cargoes and cargoes to be exported out of the country to dock in multiple ports.

The law aims to reduce logistics costs for producers, create a more efficient import and export system, and lead to lower prices for consumers. It will also help in decongesting the major ports in the country.

Last year, the Go Negosyo Act and the Philippine Lemon Law were signed into law by President Aquino.

Sen. Bam’s campaign promises of spurring jobs and enterprise development, levelling the playing field, and ease of dong business were further fulfilled with these macro economic reforms together with the establishment of Negosyo Centers all over the country through the Go Negosyo Act.

“Just as we promised, we have worked tirelessly for the passage of these measures that will create jobs and livelihood for fellow Filipinos and a better business climate for our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” said Sen. Bam.

In addition, the President is also expected to sign the Youth Entrepreneurship Act soon.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Act, co-authored and principally sponsored by Sen. Bam, is touted to be an effective tool to solve the growing number of jobless youths in the country, which currently stands at 1.32 million.

The enactment of this into law will make Sen. Bam’s portfolio of laws to five in two years.

“Hindi mahalaga ang edad, kung bagito ka man o beterano sa posisyon natin. Ang mahalaga, kailangang nagtatrabaho tayo para sa kapakanan ng sambayanan na siyang naglagay sa atin sa trabahong ito,” added Sen. Bam.

Moreover, the Responsive, Empowered, Service-Centric Youth Act, which aims to institutionalize youth participation in disaster risk and reduction planning, was passed on third reading.

He was also able to file a committee report on the Mircofinance NGOs Act, which aims to empower the sector that provides microfinancing services to micro businesses.

Aside from his legislative work, Sen. Bam also initiated an investigation into the country’s expensive and slow Internet connection.

The investigation has produced several victories that will help improve the country’s Internet service. It encouraged telecommunication companies to embrace IP peering with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) while the Department of Justice (DOJ) has released guidelines against deceptive or misleading Internet print, TV and radio advertisements.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), for its part, is also expected to craft a memorandum circular that will set the quality of standards for all telecommunication companies to follow, be it broadband or DSL.

Sen. Bam also looked into the port congestion that hounded the Port of Manila early this year. After several hearings, port operations went back to normal, with utilization rate now between 70 to 80 percent.

Lastly, Sen. Bam worked together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), local governments, the academe, business clubs and other private groups in the establishment of Negosyo Centers that will assist small businesses.

Through the Go Negosyo Act, the Negosyo Centers aim to provide ease of doing business, access to business training & education, development services and financing for the growth of MSMEs.

As of this month, 61 Negosyo Centers have been established and 50 more are expected to be put up by the end of the year.

Bida Ka!: Ulat sa mga Bida

July 23, 2015
In Bida Ka! (Abante), Columns, Issues, Microfinance

Mga Bida, noong unang araw ng Hulyo ay nakadalawang taon na tayo sa Senado. Sa panahong ito, dumaan tayo sa maraming hamon at pagsubok habang ginagampanan ang tungkuling ibinigay ninyo sa akin bilang isang mambabatas.

Pumasok tayo sa Senado sa panahong batbat ito ng kontrobersiya, tulad ng pork barrel scam ni Janet Lim Napoles. Sa unang taon natin, bagsak ang Senado sa mata ng taumbayan dahil sa kontrobersiya sa PDAF at iba pang isyu ng katiwalian.

Sa kabila nito, hindi tayo nawalan ng pag-asa na muling babalik ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa aming mga mambabatas basta’t tuluy-tuloy lang ang ating pagtatrabaho para sa kapakanan ng mas nakararaming Pilipino.

Kaya itinuon natin ang pansin sa pagtupad sa mga pangako natin noong kampanya na trabaho, negosyo at edukasyon. Ipinursige natin ang pagpasa sa ilang mahahalagang batas na makatutulong upang ito’y maging katuparan.

Ngayong papasok na tayo sa ikatlong taon sa ating termino, nais nating ibahagi sa inyo, mga Bida, ang ating nagawa noong huling dalawang taon sa Senado.

Apat na batas kung saan tayo ang may-akda, co-author o ‘di kaya’y principal sponsor ang naisabatas sa loob ng dalawang taon.

***

Noong nakaraang taon, naisabatas ang Go Negosyo Act kung saan itinatakda ang paglalagay ng Negosyo Center sa lahat ng munisipalidad, siyudad at lalawigan sa buong Pilipinas.

Sa Go Negosyo Act, nabigyang katuparan ang ating pangako na tututukan natin ang paglikha ng trabaho at pangkabuhayan, pagpapalago ng maliliit na negosyo at pagsasaayos ng mga sistemang magpapadali sa pagnenegosyo.

Inaprubahan din ng Pangulo ang Philippine Lemon Law, na nagbibigay proteksyon sa mga bumibili laban sa mga depektibong kotse.

***

Ngayong taon, nais nating ibalita na napirmahan na ng Pangulo ang Philippine Competition Act, ang batas na magbibigay ng pantay na pagkakataong lumago sa lahat ng negosyo sa bansa.

Parurusahan nito ang anumang anti-competitive agreements at pang-aabuso ng malalaking kumpanya, at buburahin ang mga kartel na kumokontrol sa supply at presyo ng bilihin sa merkado.

Lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang nasabing batas dahil naipasa ito sa ating panahon bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship matapos mabimbin ng 25 taon sa Kongreso.

Naaprubahan na rin ng Pangulo ang Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, kung saan papayagan na ang mga dayuhang barko na may dalang imported cargo o ‘di kaya’y cargo na nakatakdang ipadala sa ibang bansa, na dumaong sa iba’t ibang pantalan sa Pilipinas.

Sa batas na ito, bababa ang gastos sa pagpapadala, mas magiging maayos ang sistema ng import at export ng bansa at bababa ang presyo ng mga bilihin. Makatutulong din ang batas para paluwagin ang malalaking pantalan sa bansa.

Maliban sa dalawang batas na ito, naghihintay na lang ng pirma ng Pangulo ang Youth Entrepreneurship Act, na magandang sandata upang labanan ang lumalaking bilang ng kabataang walang trabaho sa bansa, na nasa 1.32 milyong kabataan.

Nakalusot na rin sa ikatlong pagbasa ang Responsive, Empowered, Service-Centric Youth Act, na layong patibayin ang partisipasyon ng mga kabataan sa pagpaplano sa mga sakuna at trahedyang dumarating sa ating bansa.

Nakapaghain na rin tayo ng committee report sa Microfinance NGOs Act, na layong palakasin ang sektor na nagbibigay ng mga pautang at iba pang tulong sa mga negosyo para sa maliliit na negosyante.

***

Hindi lang paggawa ng batas ang ating tinutukan noong nakaraang taon kundi ang pag-iimbestiga sa ilang mahahalagang isyu, tulad ng mabagal at mahal na Internet sa bansa.

Sa isang taon nating pag-iimbestiga, nahikayat natin ang mga telcos na tanggapin ang IP peering ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Naglabas na rin ang Department of Justice (DOJ) ng panuntunan laban sa mapanlinlang na Internet print, TV at radio advertisements.

Anumang araw mula ngayon, ilalabas na rin ng National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ang memorandum circular na magtatakda sa kalidad ng standards na susundin ng lahat ng telcos, maging broadband o DSL.

Inimbestigahan din natin ang pagsisikip sa pantalan ng Maynila sa pagsisimula ng taon. Matapos ang ilang pagdinig, nanumbalik na sa normal ang operasyon nila.

Panghuli, nakipagtulungan din tayo sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), mga lokal na pamahalaan, eskuwelahan, mga business clubs at iba pang pribadong grupo para itayo ang mga Negosyo Centers na tutulong sa maliliit na negosyante.

Ayon sa batas nating Go Negosyo Act, papadaliin ng mga Negosyo Centers ang pakikipagtransaksyon sa pamahalaan ng mga negosyo, magbibigay ito ng kaukulang abiso, training at serbisyo para lalo pang mapalago ang ating mga pinapangarap na kabuhayan.

Mayroon na tayong naitayong 61 Negosyo Centers sa buong bansa pagkatapos ng kalahating taon at magbubukas pa ng mahigit 50 sa pagtatapos ng taon.

Mga Bida, patuloy kaming nagpapasalamat sa walang-sawang suporta ninyo sa aming opisina. Sa kabila ng mga naabot natin sa ikalawang taon, hindi pa rin tayo titigil sa pagtatrabaho upang lalo pang mapaangat ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan at ng buong bansa!

First Published on Abante Online

P-Noy Thanks ‘Kuya Bam’ for PH Competition Law

President Benigno Aquino III thanked Sen. Bam Aquino for his efforts to pass two crucial legislative measures that will further sustain the country’s economic growth and boost the government’s inclusive growth agenda.

In his speech, the Chief Executive lauded Sen. Aquino, whom he playfully referred to as “Kuya Bam”, for working for the passage of the Philippine Competition Law and the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, now known as Republic Act 10667 and 10668, respectively.

The measures were signed by the Chief Executive during a ceremony at Malacanang Palace today (July 21).

“Partikular po nating pinasasalamatan, unahin ko na po, pasensiya na po kayo, ‘yung kuya ko si Bam Aquino, at ang marami pang ibang sponsor at may-akda ng dalawang batas na ito,” President Aquino said in his speech.

The President said the Philippine Competition Act, which took almost 25 years to pass into law, would help sustain the country’s ever-growing economy and ensure a climate that provides a level-playing field for all businesses.

“Sa pamamagitan ng dalawang panukalang batas na pinagtibay natin sa araw na ito, tinatanggal natin ang mga baluktot na kalakarang dulot ng kawalan ng kumpetisyon, na walang nadadalang pakinabang sa ating mamamayan,” said the Chief Executive.

The President also stressed the importance of the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, saying that it will lead to lower prices of logistics and lower prices of goods for consumers

“Sa mga amyenda po ninyo, malayang makakapagkalakal ang mga banyagang barko ng kanilang imported at exported na kargamento sa kanilang napiling port of destination. Dahil dito, mapapadali at mapapamura ang export at import ng mga produkto, na magbubunsod ng mas masiglang merkado,” he said.

“Sa pinagtibay nating Philippine Competition Act at Liberalization of Philippine Cabotage, ang pagbabagong tinatamasa natin ngayon ay magpapatuloy hanggang sa mga susunod pang henerasyon,” the Chief Executive stressed.

The Philippine Competition Act levels the playing field for all businesses by penalizing anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant players, aside from eliminating cartels.

Under the law, a Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) will be established with the Chief Executive appointing a chairperson, four commissioners and an executive director.

As an independent quasi-judicial body, the PCC will look into anti-competitive behaviors, abuses in dominant positions, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions.

The Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act allows foreign ships carrying imported cargoes and cargoes to be exported out of the country to dock in multiple ports.

With the approval of these two measures, Sen. Bam now has four laws to his credit. Last year, the President approved the Go Negosyo Act and the Philippine Lemon Law.

P-Noy to Sign Landmark PH Competition Act and Amendments to Cabotage Policy into Laws

Two important, historic, game-changing bills to continue pushing the country’s progress and inclusive economic growth will be signed into laws by the President tomorrow.

In a ceremonial signing in the Malacanang Palace tomorrow, July 21, Tuesday, at 10 am, President Aquino will approve the landmark Philippine Competition Act, giving the country its own law that will level playing field for all businesses by penalizing anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant players.

The Chief Executive is also expected to sign into law the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, which will now allow foreign ships carrying imported cargoes and cargoes to be exported out of the country to dock in multiple ports.

The Philippine Competition Act is considered the longest-running measure in Congress, taking 25 years before hurdling the legislative mill.

“The Philippine Competition Act will usher in a new era of doing business in the country,” said Sen. Bam, co-author and principal sponsor of the measure.

Under the law, a Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) will be established with the Chief Executive appointing a chairperson, four commissioners and an executive director.

“Businesses, whether big or small, will now be on equal footing as the law penalizes anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant players,” stressed Sen. Bam, adding that cartels will also be eliminated under the law.

As an independent quasi-judicial body, the PCC will look into anti-competitive behaviors, abuses in dominant positions, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions.

“This will lead to an efficient market economy and a level playing field for all businesses,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

The PCC can impose administrative penalties of a maximum fine of P100 million on the first offense and P250 million for the second offense for anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant position.

Moreover, courts can impose criminal penalties of imprisonment from two to seven years and a maximum penalty of P250 million for anti-competitive agreements done between and among competitors. The imprisonment will be imposed to responsible officers and directors of the entity.

Aside from the Philippine Competition Act, the Chief Executive will also sign into law the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, another measure sponsored by Sen. Bam.

The Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act will reduce logistics costs for producers, create a more efficient import and export system, and lead to lower prices for consumers. The law will also help in decongesting the major ports in the country.

With the approval of his two measures, Sen. Bam will have four laws to his credit. Last year, the President approved the Go Negosyo Act and the Philippine Lemon Law.

In addition, the President is also expected to sign the Youth Entrepreneurship Act soon.

Financial literacy and entrepreneurship courses will now be included in all levels of education to build an entrepreneurship culture among Filipinos. A youth entrepreneurship fund shall also be made available to cater to youth entrepreneurs in the country.

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Month: July 2015

BIDA KA!: Go for the win!

When weather makes you tougher

2 out of 5 Legacy Laws from Neophyte Senator

NEGOSYO, NOW NA!: PWeDs!

Bam on PNoy’s Last SONA

Four Laws in Two Years for Bam

Bida Ka!: Ulat sa mga Bida

P-Noy Thanks ‘Kuya Bam’ for PH Competition Law

P-Noy to Sign Landmark PH Competition Act and Amendments to Cabotage Policy into Laws

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