Legarda, ipatutupad ang mandatory drug test sa mga kawani; muling iginiit ang patakaran sa bawal na substansya at aktibidad sa opisina

A group of concerned engineers has proposed third party monitoring and

inspection to prevent substandard and ghost public works projects of

the government.

In a letter to Public Works and Highways Sec Manuel Bonoan, the Sipag

Pinoy Builders suggested the following measures:

1. Stricter monitoring and third-party audits for all infrastructure

projects to ensure transparency and adherence to standards.

2. Partnerships with independent professional organizations to

provide technical verification of project quality and compliance.

3. Implementation of a whistleblower protection system to encourage

reporting of malpractices without fear of retaliation.

4. Public disclosure of project status, costs, and contractors for

easy verification by concerned citizens and stakeholders.

Engr Van Vallar, President of SPB, said these proposals will help

eliminate anomalies and irregularities, safeguard the integrity of the

DPWH and restore and strengthen the public’s trust in its projects.

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has expressed dismay and

anger at many anomalous public works projects particularly flood

control projects now being investigated by the Senate Blue Ribbon

Committee.

Sipag Pinoy Builders is a voluntary association of engineers,

construction workers and allied professions dedicated to help in

building a better country, Vallar added.

Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said on Thursday that 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration is a good opportunity for the public to learn the several local solutions offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to solve Rizal’s existing challenges.

Among the points Secretary Solidum mentioned was the partnership with the Rizal Provincial Government, which highlighted efforts to combat malnutrition in Antipolo’s public schools through locally developed nutrition and food processing technologies.

“Kamakailan nga lang po ay kasama natin si Governor  (Rebecca) Ynares sa paglulunsad ng Expanded School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) na ginanap din dito sa Antipolo,” said Solidum.

Solidum explained that this program will provide hot and nutritious meals for 120 days and milk for 15 days. Among these initiatives are the development of nutritious food products, the promotion of food processing and packaging technologies to preserve quality, safety, and nutrition, and the conduct of in-depth research to determine the effects of feeding interventions.

The SBFP is a program of the Department of Education in the Philippines aimed at addressing undernutrition and hunger among public school learners. It is implemented in collaboration with other government agencies, including the DOST, for food technology support.

Solidum also shared DOST programs that can help modernize Rizal’s traditional industries — such as Angono’s arts and crafts and Taytay’s garment sector — by introducing technology upgrades to boost competitiveness.

“Through enterprise development programs like SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) and CEST (Community Empowerment through Science and Technology), we help MSMEs improve product quality, access training, and discover and uplift indigenous and grassroots innovations in crafts and the circular economy. In 2024, we supported 17 impactful initiatives across the region, with a total investment of over ₱6 million,” said Sec. Solidum.

He also underscored the important roles of Taytay, Rizal in DOST’s smart city roadmap initiative and how digital innovation could improve public services and infrastructure.

“Actually, we are working with Taytay to develop smart city roadmaps aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Local government units are being assessed and recognized for their efforts to bridge the digital divide,” said Sec. Solidum.

Sec. Solidum also mentioned that DOST scholars based in Rizal are being trained not only for careers in science but also to become entrepreneurs driving local innovation.

“Our scholarships are an investment in future scientists, complemented by programs such as the Scholars’ Technopreneurship Training (STTP) and the 21st Century Learning Environment Model (CLEM), all aimed at cultivating young minds to be future-ready,” said Sec. Solidum.

DOST pushes Integrated Flood Plan

Meanwhile, Sec. Solidum emphasized that events like the RSTW, along with other DOST activities nationwide, highlight Disaster and Climate Resilience as a key component in building smart and sustainable communities.

“As you know, DOST is a science and research-based organization. So, when it comes to flood control, what needs to be done is to develop an integrated flood management system for each river basin or sub-river basin. The amount of rain varies over time, especially with climate change,” he said, noting that excessive rainfall can cause flooding, while low rainfall can lead to drought.

He explained that addressing flooding requires considering its different types. “As areas urbanize and more surfaces are covered with concrete or asphalt, less water seeps into the soil, and more flows on the surface. Consequently, the volume of water needing drainage increases over time. Drainage systems must adapt to this change,” said Sec. Solidum.

In CALABARZON, flooding often occurs in the Marikina River Basin and is usually flash flooding caused by heavy rains. Coastal flooding, particularly in Laguna Lake, is worsened by siltation from soil erosion and waste from fish pens and urban areas.

“This is why DOST promotes a circular economy—turning plastics and agricultural waste into products that generate income instead of discarding them. If people can earn from waste, they will be less likely to throw it away,” he added.

To manage these risks, mapping river systems and infrastructure using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is crucial. “On DOST’s side, we have launched the Spatial Analytics and Technology Solutions Program to digitize all data, enabling comprehensive planning efforts at the local level. Through the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, we offer technologies to help local governments plan effectively,” Sec. Solidum said.

The 2025 RSTW celebration in CALABARZON runs from August 14–16 at the Ynares Event Center in Antipolo City, Rizal. It features interactive exhibits from various DOST agencies and partner institutions, most of which showcased products and results of research and development (R&D) programs, initiatives, and other scientific services.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.region4a.dost.gov.ph. (DOST-STII)

A daughter of a mall maintenance worker expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the newly launched program, which gave much-needed financial relief for her family and allowed them to focus on her father’s recovery instead of worrying about hospital expenses.

“Magkano lang naman po ‘yung sahod ni Papa sa trabaho niya po. Sobrang laki po ng bill niya dito kaya sobrang saya po na magiging zero balance po,” Rica Ligo said.

President Marcos witnessed firsthand how the Bayad na Bill Mo program fully covered the remaining hospital bill of PhP372,561.44 for Rico Ligo, 48, a Fishermall maintenance worker from Malabon, who was on vacation in Alangalang, Leyte, when he was injured in a stabbing incident.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa explained that the new program now applies to all Filipinos, unlike in the past when it was limited to indigent patients, particularly those enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The new program is being implemented in all 87 DOH hospitals nationwide.

Herbosa said the program requires no additional documents or interviews, and all costs, including medicines and professional fees, are fully covered.

Herbosa assured the public that there is sufficient funding to sustain the program, noting that the President has even increased the Department of Health’s (DOH) Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) for all DOH hospitals by 15 percent.

EVMC is the largest DOH hospital in the region, with 1,100 bed capacity. It serves patients from Tacloban City, Leyte, Samar, and other nearby provinces. The hospital has 17 specialty centers and handles complex cases, making it a vital healthcare center in Eastern Visayas.

The hospital is improving its systems to make the Bayad na Bill Mo program more efficient and accessible as more patients seek care. Such improvements show the Marcos administration’s commitment to giving quality and affordable healthcare to all Filipinos. | PND

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its commitment to flood risk reduction, highlighting the resettlement of 57,134 informal settler families (ISFs) from high-risk zones under the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program (MBCRPP). These ISFs, previously living along waterways and easement areas vulnerable to typhoons and monsoons, were relocated to government-owned housing units to improve their safety and resilience.

Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent directive to intensify efforts in addressing persistent flooding across the country, the DILG emphasized that the MBCRPP is a vital strategy to protect lives, livelihoods, and property, particularly within the Manila Bay Watershed.

Through MBCRPP, the DILG works with other national agencies and local government units (LGUs) to protect lives, livelihoods, and properties in vulnerable areas across the Manila Bay Watershed. Under the program’s LGU Compliance Assessment, the DILG monitors 187 cities and municipalities across Regions III, IV-A, and NCR for adherence to environmental laws and national policies that support Manila Bay rehabilitation.

Flood risk reduction—particularly for ISFs—remains a key priority. Based on latest DILG data, 23.93% of the 238,747 identified ISFs have been relocated. NCR leads in relocation success with 36.56% of its ISFs resettled, followed by Region IV-A (21.06%).

Thr DILG said 61 LGUs have completed socialized housing projects (SHPs), 52 SHPs are under construction, and 90 are in the proposal stage.

Meanwhile, 182 LGUs have established a Local Housing Board (LHB), 133 have an approved Local Shelter Plan (LSP), and 46 have SHPs backed by a Resettlement and Relocation Action Plan (RRAP)

To sustain progress, a stakeholder orientation was conducted last March, focusing on strategies to safeguard cleared areas, prevent ISF re-occupation, and promote humane, inclusive engagement.

The DILG calls on all LGUs within the Manila Bay Watershed to accelerate resettlement programs and ensure the sustainability and people-centered focus of Manila Bay’s rehabilitation, in line with President Marcos’ call for long-term flood solutions

Camp BGen Pantaleon Garcia, Imus City, Cavite—The New Provincial Capitol became a stage of hope and progress as rows of brand-new patrol cars and motorcycles shone under the sun. The Cavite Police Provincial Office, headed by PCOL ARIEL R RED, Acting Provincial Director, received 29 units of Toyota Innova patrol cars and 30 units of Yamaha NMAX motorcycles as part of the Provincial Government of Cavite’s strong support to the PNP’s anti-criminality operations and modernization program held at the New Provincial Capitol, Barangay San Agustin, Trece Martires City, Cavite.

The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” D. Remulla reflects the provincial government’s commitment to ensure that Cavite police remain fully equipped and ready to serve. Vice Governor Hon. Ram Revilla Bautista also graced the activity alongside chiefs of police, force commanders, logistics officers, and other distinguished guests.

After the ceremonial turnover, the patrol cars will be distributed to 23 city and municipal police stations across the province, enabling a stronger, faster, and more efficient police response.

“This is part of the CPNP’s core pillar of accountability and modernization. Since we are blessed with these resources, it is our duty to maintain, safeguard, and use them properly for the safety, peace, and order of Cavite,” said PCOL Red in his message.

Beyond the numbers, each vehicle symbolizes a deeper commitment that every Caviteño deserves swift assistance, safer communities, and peace of mind knowing their police are always ready to respond. These wheels are not just for mobility; they are instruments of trust, guardians of order, and everyday reminders that the Cavite police stand firmly beside the people they serve.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in partnership with the Industry TVET Board for Semiconductor and Electronics and its convener, the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI), officially launched the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) for the Semiconductor and Electronics Sector.

The launch, held today at TESDA’s Central Office in Taguig City, brought together over 300 participants from various government agencies, industry partners, and international stakeholders.

It can be recalled that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., in a separate engagement with the Private Sector Advisory Council – Education and Jobs Sector Group, emphasized the crucial role of semiconductors in driving economic growth.

“Actually, we really need to push on the semiconductor industry. We really should be focusing on it more. So, let’s do that now. So, we need to hear from the industry to see what you suggest, and what we can try to incorporate na nga,” the President said in an earlier statement.

The launch of the PSF marks a major milestone in aligning the country’s workforce development strategies with global industry standards, and provides a comprehensive reference for job roles, skills requirements, and industry-aligned training programs. It aims to equip Filipino talents with the competencies needed to excel in the rapidly evolving semiconductor sector — one of the nation’s top export drivers.

TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez highlighted the framework’s transformative impact on employability and enterprise growth.

“By defining clear career pathways, the PSF empowers workers to upskill and reskill while enabling enterprises to thrive with a future-ready workforce,” said Secretary Banitez.

For his part, SEIPI president Dr. Danilo Lachica recounted the PSF’s journey from initial consultations to completion, underscoring its value as an industry benchmark for skills excellence.

“This is not just a document, it’s a shared commitment to nurture Filipino talent and drive the industry forward,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the event featured a formal presentation of the PSF, a panel discussion on workforce competitiveness, and an audiovisual showcase of semiconductor industry applications.

With the semiconductor industry powering Philippine exports, the PSF is expected to strengthen the country’s global competitiveness, attract investments, and create more quality jobs for Filipinos. (TESDA)