2025 May Archive - People's Balita

Archive for May, 2025

Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc. unveils new Weatherbond Quartz Series

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by people's balita No Comments

Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc. today unveiled its latest breakthrough in exterior wall protection — the Weatherbond Quartz series – promising to set a new standard in shielding homes and buildings from harsh weather conditions.

The much-anticipated launch marked a major milestone in Nippon Paint’s ongoing commitment to the Filipino market, reinforcing its dedication to understanding and addressing the distinct needs of Filipino homes.

The event was attended by key distributors who play a vital role in bringing Nippon Paint’s solutions to homeowners, and trusted industry partners who understand the importance of quality and durability in construction.

Taking the stage, Mr. Chen Lee Siong, the General Manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc. shared his enthusiasm on the brand’s newest offering.

“For us at Nippon Paint, this isn’t just about adding another product to our shelves. It’s about understanding the heart of every Filipino home. It’s about recognizing that the walls of our houses hold much more than just structure; they hold memories, values, and dreams. And in a country like the Philippines, with its unpredictable and often harsh weather, we felt a responsibility to develop something special – something that offers unwavering protection, resilience, and a layer of trust that every homeowner can depend on. That’s what the Weatherbond Quartz series is all about.”

The new Quartz Technology elevates exterior wall protection to a whole new level. This premium, pure acrylic-based paint is expertly formulated to create a robust and resilient film, offering exceptional defense against relentless rain, damaging UV rays, and the persistent issue of dirt accumulation. Its inherent stability also provides superior resistance against the alkaline nature of walls and potential acidic elements in the atmosphere, ensuring a finish that not only looks great but also lasts longer.

The Weatherbond Quartz series brings a powerful synergy of advanced technologies working together as follows:

• Quartz technology: The backbone of its strength, creating a tough and hard paint film built to endure.

• Keep clean technology: A smart innovation that actively resists dirt, alkaline substances, and efflorescence, keeping walls looking fresh and clean.

• Sunblock technology: A crucial feature for the Philippine climate, significantly reducing surface temperatures by up to 5°C, even under the scorching sun.

• Fibra technology (featured in Weatherbond Ultimate): Taking durability even further by reinforcing the paint film, creating a resilient shield against cracks, peeling, and general wear and tear.

• Micro block technology: The ultimate defense against unsightly and damaging fungus and algae growth, while also resisting dirt pick-up.

• Color care technology: Ensuring that the vibrant colours you choose for your home remain rich and true for years to come, maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Mr. Chen addressed the unique needs of Filipino homeowners emphasizing that “Nippon poured its expertise into creating a product that goes beyond mere surface protection – something that can truly stand the test of time, the challenges of our climate, and the everyday wear and tear of life. It’s about building resilience, engineering strength, and ultimately, providing peace of mind.”

Beyond its core technologies, the Weatherbond series, with the Quartz variant leading the charge, also delivers excellent UV protection for long-lasting colour, strong defense against acid rain, enhanced resistance to alkali and efflorescence, and a solid 8-year protection guarantee. Certain colours within the range even boast a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), contributing to a more energy-efficient home. Furthermore, its recognition as a Green Choice product underscores Nippon Paint’s commitment to environmentally responsible solutions.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Chen conveyed his deep-seated belief in the product. “Bringing Weatherbond Quartz to the Philippine market fills us with immense pride. We truly believe in the positive impact it will have on every home it graces. From the meticulous science behind its formulation to the sheer strength it provides to your walls, Weatherbond Quartz is a top-tier solution, offering the kind of protection every Filipino home deserves.”

The new Weatherbond Quartz series is now available at selected Modern Trade stores. Weatherbond Quartz price starts at PhP 442.00 for 1L, PhP 1,692.00 for 5L and PhP 4,821.00 for 15L.

Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc. is now inviting homeowners, contractors, architects, and all those involved in building and maintaining structures to experience the next level of exterior wall protection with the Weatherbond Quartz series. With its powerful promise of “Tatag na di Matitinag. Lakas na Hindi Kukupas” – unyielding strength, enduring power – Nippon Paint is setting a new

LOOK UP! “SUPERMAN” FILMMAKERS JAMES GUNN AND PETER SAFRAN AND STARS DAVID CORENSWET AND RACHEL BROSNAHAN TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES ON JUNE 19

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

May 30, Manila – Superman is flying all over the world. His first stop: Manila, Philippines.

In a post shared on Instagram today, James Gunn, Peter Safran, David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan announced their upcoming world tour for this summer’s epic action adventure “Superman” – and Manila is their very first stop! “‘Superman’ is coming to a city near you,” they teased in the video.

Watch the announcement here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G7NXMaaPb/

The film’s writer/director/co-producer Gunn, Superman/Clark Kent himself Corenswet, Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane, and new Lex Luthor Hoult will be joined by Gunn’s fellow DC Studios head and co-producer Peter Safran. “Superman” opens only in cinemas and IMAX July 9.

During their visit, the team will meet their Filipino fans in a fan event at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on June 19.

Gunn has said about “Superman”: “This project is more than just a movie to me. It’s a story about humanity, about what it means to be a hero in a world that doesn’t always make it easy to be one. I can’t wait for you to see it. The heart, the action, and the incredible performances from David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult and the entire cast.”

Watch the “Superman” official trailer: https://youtu.be/KRCa-7ck7uM

“Superman” is DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen. In his signature style, Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind. Gunn is producing the film with his fellow DC Studios head Safran. Joining Corenswet, Brosnahan and Hoult in the cast are Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell.

Warner Bros. Pictures has another special treat for Filipino fans. To find out, remember to LOOK UP at the SM Mall of Asia globe in Pasay, or at The Victor at Bridgetowne in Pasig.

“Superman” will soar into theaters and IMAX nationwide on July 9, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

About “Superman”

DC Studios Presents a Troll Court Entertainment/The Safran Company Production, A James Gunn Film, “Superman,” which will be in theaters and IMAX® nationwide on July 11, 2025, and internationally beginning 9 July 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #SupermanPH (Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”)

(ROHN ROMULO)

Ilang araw bago ang kanyang 51st birthday: ’90s heartthrob at ‘T.G.I.S.’ star na si RED STERNBERG, pumanaw na

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

PUMANAW na ang dating young actor at T.G.I.S. member at VIVA artist na si Red Sternberg.

He could have been 51 years old last May 30, pero tatlong araw bago ang kaarawan niya ay biglang pumanaw ang dating actor noong May 27 ng umaga.

Biglaan ang naging pagpanaw ni Red ayon din sa kanyang misis na si Sandy Sternberg.

Pahayag ni Sandy, “It’s hard to find the words right now to say that this has been the most difficult time I have ever gone through my whole life.

“To be greeted “Happy Birthday” and “sorry for your loss” at the same time three consecutive days of what was supposed to be a celebration full of birthdays. May was our month! 5th, 28th, 29th and 30th.

“My husband suddenly passed away the morning of Tuesday, May 27th. To those who knew him from his early acting days, he was “Kiko” but to our three kids and I he was simply Daddy/Dada. Today would have been his 51st birthday.”

“Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. I would kindly request our need for privacy at this time as we navigate this difficult journey.

“Memorial arrangements will be shared soon.”

Si Direk Mark Reyes naman ang nag-break ng malungkot na balitang ito sa kanyang Facebook account. At itinag niya ang iba pang cast ng T.G.I.S.

Sabi nga niya, “The entire T.G.I.S Barkada is heart broken to lose one of our own.

“We just confirmed with Red’s wife @sandysternberg of his passing a few days ago.

“Their family requests privacy at this time and your kind understanding as they navigate this sudden passing of Red.

“Kiko we love you and we’re giving you a group hug right now.” At saka niya tinag ang mga T.G.I.S. barkada kabilang sina Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, Ciara Sotto at iba pa.”

Matagal ng naninirahan sa America si Red kasama ang buong pamilya niya. Pero dahil magka-Facebook kami, nagkakaroon ng chance na magkamustahan. Tuwing birthday ay nagkakapalitan kami ng greetings.

Malungkot na sa mismong kaarawan niya ngayon, may karugtong na “… heaven” ang Happy Birthday namin sa kanya.

(ROSE GARCIA)

Tuloy ang pagsasampa ng cyber libel complaint: Sen. BONG, may madamdaming mensahe kay Cong. LANI sa kanilang 39th anniversary

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

NAKATAKDA ngang magsampa ng cyber libel complaint ang outgoing senator at aktor na si Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. laban sa ilang indibidwal at grupo na umano’y responsable sa pagpapakalat ng fake news sa social media na sinasabi niyang nakasira sa kanyang reputasyon at nakaapekto sa kanyang performance noong 2025 midterm elections.

Ayon sa balita, ang legal counsel ni Sen. Revilla na si Atty. Raymond Fortun, kinumpirma nitong Lunes, Mayo 26 na naghahanda ang senador na magsagawa ng legal na aksyon laban sa lima hanggang sampung indibidwal, na ang ilan ay mga personalidad sa social media at mga blogger na pinaniniwalaang nagtatago sa likod ng kanilang mga pseudonyms.

Malinaw na malinaw kasi na naging biktima siya ng fake news.

“Kailangan sigurong mag-file talaga ng case against those people na dapat managot dito. Dahil hindi naman natin pupuwedeng lokohin ang taongbayan,” ayon sa statement ni Sen. Bong.

Dagdag pa niya na kahit pinaghihinalaan na sila sa ginawang malawakang paninira, “kailangan muna ma-trace natin mabuti. Mahirap kasi mag-speculate, ayokong magbintang, ayoko nang manisi.”

“Pero kung sino man yung gumawa niyan at nagpakalat ng fake news, dapat managot sila,” seryoso pa ng isa mga nangungunang senador sa mga nakaraang halalan.

Pero ngayon ay hindi siya pinalad dahil na ika-14 na puwesto, na ikinagulat talaga ng marami, kasama ang buong angkan ng Revilla.

Samantala, noong May 28, nagkaroon ng simpleng selebrasyon sina Sen. Bong at asawa na si Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla.

Nagbahagi ang aktor ng madamdaming mensahe na pinakamamahal na asawa.

“Happy 39th Wedding Anniversary sa aking pinakamamahal na kabiyak at katuwang sa buhay, Mama Lani M. Revilla!

“Alam n’yo ba anong sikreto bakit kami tumagal nang halos apat na dekada ni Cong. Lani? Simple lang: pagmamahal, tiwala, pag-unawa, at patuloy na nagpapakita ng suporta sa isa’t isa, kasama na ang gabay ng Poong Maykapal.

“Akalain mo yun, 39 years na tayo! Hindi ba’t ang haba at ang tibay na ng pasensya mo? Joke lang, Mama!

“Kidding aside, nasabi ko na yata sa ‘yo lahat pero sasabihin ko ulit sa’yo kahit paulit ulit na MARAMING SALAMAT, Mama! Salamat sa lahat ng pag-aaruga at pagmamahal.

“Araw-araw, ikaw ang pipiliin at mamahalin ko! Sa hirap at ginhawa, basta’t kasama ka, Mama! MAHAL NA MAHAL KITA!“

***

NAKAUSAP naman namin si Manay Lolit Solis sa Alex III para kunan ng kanyang reaksyon sa malungkot na sinapit ng kanyang alaga at pinakamamahal na senador na si Bong Revilla noong nakaraang halalan.

Maluwag naman niya itong natanggap, dahil ang opinyon niya, “pag losser ka, losser ka talaga.

“Ang natutuwa lang ako, hindi naman ganun kalayo si Bong, number 14 siya. Ibig sabihin, marami pa rin siyang followers.

“At kung titignan mo naman ang line-up ng mga nanalong senador, lahat okey naman. Ang nagtataka lang ako, kung talagang celebrity wash out sila, kagaya ng sinabi ng mga bagets, na hindi sila boboto ng celebrities, eh bakit nandun si Lito Lapid?

“Tapos hindi naman ganun kalayo ang agwat ng boto ni Bong kay Lito. Hindi naman ako bias, pero siguro kung ako talaga ang pipili between Lito and Bong, mas pipiliin ko si Bong.

“Pero sabi ko nga, sa buhay talaga makakaranas ka ng pagkatalo. Mas mag-i-enjoy ka pa nga sa winning kung nakatikim ka ng talo. Kaya okay lang.”

Dagdag pa kuwento pa ni Manay Lolit, “sabi ko, baka sabi ni God, mag-alalay ka muna kay Lani. Ikaw muna ang magdala ng bag at mga dokumento ni Lani.

“Nagkausap na kami ni Bong at gustung-gusto ang ugali niya, dahil very gentleman siya. Ang sabi pa niya, parang nominated ka lang sa Best Actor, may mananalo at may matatalo. Dahil talo ka, ‘di tanggapin mo?

“At siya na rin mismo ang nagsabi na type niya ang line up dahil maganda naman talaga.”

Kaya pahinga muna sa pulitika si Sen. Bong at tiyak na magiging active na muli siya sa pagiging aktor.

(ROHN ROMULO)

Nadamay na si Ivana, walang balak sumagot: Producer at mayor na si ALBEE BENITEZ, dinenay ang mga alegasyon ng dating asawa

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

GULAT na gulat nga ang ilang malalapit kay Bacolod City Mayor at incoming congressman na si Alfredo “Albee” Benitez na naghain ng reklamo ang misis niyang si Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez na may kaugnayan sa Republic Act 9262, o Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC).

Kumalat nga sa social media ang sworn affidavit ng dating misis ng pulitiko na diumano ay biktima siya ng psychological abuse sa loob ng 21 years.

Sa nasabing petition ay sinabi rin daw ni Mayor Albee na may dalawa rin siyang anak sa ibang babae.

“It was only when I received the Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed by Respondent and after reading the admission of Respondent of having fathered two (2) illegitimate children.

“I felt utterly betrayed by the Respondent and was devastated beyond compare after finally discovering and confirming the truth in Respondent’s lies.”

Ayon sa dokumento, sa Makati City Regional Trial Court, isinampa ang reklamo.

Pero ayon nga sa sources, ang tagal na nilang hindi nagsasama bilang mag-asawa, almost 21 years na raw.

Pahayag pa ng sources, nagkaroon na diumano ng dissolution of assets nung 2003 pa ang dating mag-asawa.

Banggit pa ng sources, ‘yung mga bahay nito sa Dasmarinas Village and Forbes Park ay iniwan na diumano ng pulitiko sa dating misis at kasalukuyan na lang itong nagre-rent.

Pagpupunto pa ng source, hindi diumano kawawa ang dating misis ng pulitiko dahil usap-usapan pa na bilyon na diumano ang naibigay sa dating misis.

Iba’t iba ang opinion lalo na nga at marami palang nakakaalam na matagal nang hiwalay sina Mayor Albee at misis niya na higit dalawang dekada na.

Kung magrereklamo raw sana ito, noon pa dahil nga may dalawa na diumanong anak ang pulitiko ayon sa binanggit nito sa Petition of Declaration of Nullity of Marriage.

Bakit naman ngayon lang may ganitong reklamo ang dating misis ng pulitiko.

Samantala, nagbigay na ng official statement ang abogado ni Mayor Albee na si Atty. Peter Sanchez noong May 29, na itinanggi ng politiko ang mga akusasyon sa kanya.

Na kung saan idinamay nga ang sikat na aktres at vlogger na si Ivana Alawi, na wala namang balak na magbigay ng sagot sa isyung kinasasangkutan.

Narito ang statement:

“Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez firmly denies the baseless and retaliatory allegations in the complaint against him by his estranged spouse under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act for alleged economic and psychological abuse.

“This case was filed shortly after Mayor Benitez initiated annulment proceedings in 2024, raising serious doubts about the complainant’s motives.

“The VAWC complaint hinges on allegations dating as far back as 21 years ago. Every property acquired during the marriage, including the multi-million peso residences in Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village, were fully paid for by Mayor Benitez, using his own resources, but ALL titled in the name of the complainant, Dominique Lopez Benitez.

“This also includes high-value assets such as condominium units, luxury vehicles, and a substantial amount of shares in DigiPlus, all of which were funded by Mayor Benitez but registered under her name.

“Despite a judicial dissolution of their property regime in 2004, Mayor Benitez continued to provide not just ordinary support but a high standard of living, shouldering personal, household, and even extended family expenses for more than two decades.

“This includes the complainant’s travel, business ventures, staff, and credit card charges— even long after their separation.

Pagpapatuloy pa ng statement, “It is equally unsettling that a third-party has been unnecessarily dragged into this private matter. The mention of names unrelated to the merits of the case only serves to divert attention and inflame public sentiment in complainant’s favor.

“Section 44 of R.A. 9262 explicitly mandates the confidentiality of all proceedings and parties involved. The unwarranted disclosure of identities and unverified claims constitutes is a clear violation of this provision.

“Mayor Benitez remains fully cooperative with all legal processes and is confident that the evidence—financial records, property documents, and testimonies—will disprove these false and vindictive claims.

“We respectfully ask the public and the media to allow the legal system to take its course and to refrain from the unethical practice of sensationalizing a case.“

Bukod sa politics, kilala rin si Benitez sa entertainment industry for founding Brightlight Productions, kung saan nakapag-produce na ng movies at TV shows tulad ng “Sunday Noontime Live!”, “Tropang LOL”, “I Got You”, “Oh My Dad!” at iba pa.

(ROHN ROMULO)

Philippine Health Association Wellness Advocacy’s new ally

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

VETERAN actress turned health advocate Cherry Pie Picache served as celebrity guest and influencer during the Advocacy Hour.

Turning 55 that day, Picache said it is never too late to start embracing lifestyle modification at forty- or 50-something.

She said that she began to be more serious about her health journey during the pandemic when she started losing friends and colleagues in show business, adding that her greatest influencer is her son, Nio Tria, who has been an athlete since he was 6 years old.

Picache said “health is not a luxury. It’s not a reward. It is your birthright, and it is your responsibility,” she said.

“That’s why I get my labs checked regularly, as in every quarter. I keep track of my blood pressure, my sugar levels, my cholesterol. I want to know my numbers before they become a problem. Now they are all normal.” My doctor’s and lab appointments are sacred, so I don’t miss them,” she added.

Sharing her diet, she has been on OMAD (one meal a day). “I limit my caffeine intake by having one coffee a day and that’s it. She starts her day by doing some stretching. I stopped drinking soda three years ago and instead of chips, I eat dried fruits and nuts.”

She ended her message with: “Don’t wait for pain to remind you to act. Say yes to checkup and build a life of wellness. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.”

(Mary Rose Antazo)

PHA Advocacy Hour aligns local action with national reform for CVD health

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

THE Philippine Heart Association (PHA) 55th PHA Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting opened this year’s Advocacy Hour with a call to push for stronger, policy-backed efforts in heart health after reflecting on its past milestones. Themed “From a Programmatic to Policy Analysis” the Advocacy Hour emphasized the PHA’s role with its Advocacy allies in driving policy change through collaboration.

The idea was to bridge grassroots heart health programs with national health policies and focused on turning successes into institutional reforms.

“Today, we take a vital step forward—not just in treating cardiovascular diseases, but in shaping the systems that prevent them,” said Dr. Avenilo “Jun” Aventura, PHA Director III and Advocacy Chair.

PHA Communications Committee Chair Dr. Louella Santos echoed the call for synergy:

“We are not just sharing success stories—we’re exploring how those stories can result in national legislation and systemic solutions.”

One of the PHA’s Advocay partners, the Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO)was represented by Dr. Carolyn Narvacan-Montano, a member of its Board of Trustees.

Citing that obesity prevalence among children is on the rise, she stressed that this should be a concern of the government, parents and doctors. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults.

“Obesity is not merely a cosmetic concern but a life-threatening health issue, which affects mostly children,” Narvacan-Montano stressed.

PASOO also uses PHA’s “PUSO MUNA” campaign, particularly one of its tenets, “Obesity ay Iwasan.”

Meanwhile, ImagineLaw, a legal and policy advocacy non-profit outfit, showcased its efforts in continuing to push for healthier food policies.

Asked about the status of the “Healthy Food Marketing Environment Bill”, (which mandates front-of-pack warning labels (FOWL) on unhealthy products and limits child-targeted marketing), Atty. Mikhail Laurence Millan said that his group will follow it up on the upcoming 20th Congress. “The good thing about it is we are not back to zero because we have a long list of allies in Congress and Senate who pledged support for the bill,” he said.

“While this effort is not just about consumer awareness—but about equity and protection, we also urged parents to be wise enough as consumers”, Millan added.

Dr. Ruth Divine Agustin of the Department of Health (DOH) emphasized the value of home-cooked meals and the significance of being physically active among children instead of using gadgets for virtual games. She also discouraged the public from drinking/eating ampalaya and garlic as potent cure for diabetes and hypertension which is a myth.

Urgency Behind the Promise: Procurement Delays Challenge DOH’s Routine Immunization Push

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

AS THE Department of Health (DOH) declares its renewed commitment to strengthen routine immunization in the country, questions are being raised about the alignment between public pronouncements and operational readiness.

In a press release dated May 28, 2025, the DOH reaffirmed its intensified efforts to raise immunization coverage, citing previous success in outbreak responses and nationwide catch-up campaigns. These include the Bakuna BayaniJuan initiative and the School-Based Immunization program, which reportedly reached 3.8 million students.

However, public records show that several critical vaccines essential for the 2025 immunization calendar remain in procurement limbo. As of late May, there is no public update indicating the finalization of procurement processes for key vaccines such as Measles-Rubella (MR), BCG, DPT-HepB-Hib, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, HPV, and Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). Many postings made as early as January 2025 have either been rebid or remain without status updates, with no confirmation of award within the first or even second quarter of the year.

This delay raises serious concerns. When routine immunization depends heavily on timely supply, any lag in vaccine delivery can lead to stockouts in health centers, particularly those serving infants and children. Such gaps in the supply chain could hinder the country’s ability to respond to rising measles cases and achieve its target of 95% fully immunized child (FIC) coverage—a figure that stood at only 64.85% in 2024.

The delay in polio vaccination is particularly alarming. With polio still classified as a public health emergency of international concern, ensuring high coverage of IPV is crucial to prevent resurgence. Any disruption in the delivery of polio vaccines could risk undoing hard-won progress in keeping the country polio-free.

Equally urgent is the need to protect school-aged children. School-based immunization programs are a vital mechanism to reach this group efficiently, especially for vaccines such as HPV, MMR, and polio boosters. But without the timely arrival of vaccines, these school campaigns risk being delayed or scaled back—jeopardizing their intended impact.

The situation calls for immediate action. While health campaigns and catch-up programs are vital components of the country’s immunization strategy, they must be supported by a reliable supply of vaccines. To meet its own targets and safeguard public trust, the DOH must act swiftly to complete all pending procurement steps and ensure that vaccines reach local health centers and schools on time.

In the race to protect Filipino children from preventable diseases, including the threat of polio, every month—and every missed dose—matters.

Tiangco, pinuri ang pagpapalawak ng P20 rice program

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

PINURI ni Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco ang Department of Agriculture (DA) sa patuloy nitong pagsisikap na palawakin ang ₱20-per-kilogram rice program ng gobyerno na pangunahing inisyatiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. para sa greater food accessibility.

“We thank the Department of Agriculture for its commitment to innovating and finding ways to make President Marcos’ ₱20 rice goal a reality for more Filipinos,” ani Tiangco.

“This is a strong signal that the government is taking real steps to address food security and combat hunger.”

Napansin ni Tiangco ang tuluy tuluy-tuloy na pagpapalawak ng abot-kayang rice program kasunod ng pilot launch nito sa Visayas at available na rin sa ilang tindahan ng KADIWA sa Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro, at Rizal.

“Through this initiative, we aim to ease the financial burden on Filipino families while ensuring our farmers are justly compensated for their produce. Hindi lang ang mga kansyumer kundi pati ang ating mga magsasaka ang nakikinabang sa programang ito,” dagdag niya.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang ₱20-per-kilong bigas ay para muna sa mga mahihinang sektor, kabilang ang mga pamilyang mababa ang kita, senior citizens, solo parents, at mga taong may kapansanan.

Inihayag din ni Tiangco na ang pilot partnership sa pagitan ng DA at Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ay magbibigay daan para sa pagpapalawak ng programa upang maisama ang mga minimum wage earners.

“Natupad na ng pangulo ang kanyang pangakong ₱20 kada kilong bigas. Sa tulong at pagtutulungan ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, patuloy po nating palalawakin ang programang ito upang maisakatuparan ang layunin ng administrasyon na mabigyan ng akses ang mas nakararami,” aniya. (Richard Mesa)

DOTR, pahihintulutan na ang GCASH, DEBIT at CREDIT CARDS para magbayad sa pasahe sa tren

Posted on: May 31st, 2025 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

MALAPIT nang payagan ng Department of Transportation ang mga pasahero ng LRT at MRT na magbayad gamit ang debit o credit cards at maging ang mobile wallet platforms gaya ng GCash at PayMaya.

Tugon ito ng Department of Transportation sa naging direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr na gawing ‘mas convenient’ ang public transport sa mga pasahero ng LRT at MRT.

Nauna rito, ipinag-utos ni Pangulong Marcos sa mga Cabinet members at ahensiya na kompletuhin ang mga proyekto sa itinakdang panahon at sa inilaang budget para mapigilan ang pagkaantala sa posibleng maging epekto sa pang-araw -araw na pangangailangan ng mga filipino.

Sinabi ni DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon na magsisimula silang mag-deploy ng ‘cashless turnstiles’ para sa mga automatic fare collection (AFC) system sa LRT at MRT ngayong Hulyo.

Layon nito na alisin ang pangangailangan na bumili pa o mag-reload ng Beep card, ang contactless, stored-value smart card na ginagamit para sa pagbabayad ng pasahe sa LRT at MRT lines.

Sinabi pa ni Dizon na magagawa na ng mga mananakay na i-tap ang kanilang cellphone o card sa turnstile o mechanical gate, na binubuo ng ‘revolving horizontal arms na nakakabit sa isang vertical post.

“Mga bandang July ito, if I’m not mistaken. I-implement na natin sa MRT at sa ibang mga tren natin. Alam ko pati credit card puwede na. Ita-tap mo na lang ‘yung phone mo. Hindi ka na kailangan bumili ng Beep” card,” ang sinabi ni Dizon.

“Nagtaka nga ako bakit hindi ito kaagad na-implement, ‘yun naman pala kaya iimplement kaagad-agad itong cashless options sa MRT,” aniya pa rin.

Samantala, sanib-puwersa naman ang DOTr at transport operators at financial service providers upang tiyakin ang maayos na rollout ng upgraded fare collection systems.

Ang pilot testing at public information campaigns ay naka-plano ngayon hanggang sa humantong sa paglulunsad sa Hulyo.