Radyo Pilipinas Gingoog

21/02/2025

ANG GOBYERNO KARON | Kauban Si : Joe S. Bayon-on | February 21, 2025.

21/02/2025

21/02/2025

*PHilMech taps power of the sun to produce ice in fishing town*

In the coastal town of Pilar, Cebu, with a population of 12,500, the sun is now playing an unexpected role: helping produce ice that could drive economic growth for this municipality, one of four islands in the Camotes Group.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the poverty rate in Pilar nearly doubled in 2021, rising to 45.3% from 23.5% in 2018—a clear consequence of the economic fallout from COVID-19. Fishing and tourism remain the town’s primary sources of livelihood.

But a new chapter is unfolding. As part of ongoing efforts to sustain post-pandemic recovery, the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) inaugurated and handed over a solar-powered ice block machine to local fisherfolk on Wednesday, February 19.

This initiative is part of the broader Establishment of Agricultural and Fisheries Postharvest Facilities project, championed by Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. recently stressed the importance of ice plants in a multiyear budget planning session. “Building ice plants will extend the shelf life of agricultural products, especially fish,” he said. “With proper icing, fish can remain fresh for up to seven days, allowing fishermen to transport their catch to markets where demand is higher.”

PHilMech’s new project aims to provide a sustainable and cost-efficient ice supply, ensuring better preservation of fish and other perishable goods, thereby boosting productivity. The solar-powered machine significantly reduces operating costs, offering an eco-friendly and reliable solution for maintaining an affordable ice supply.

The ice block machine can produce up to 30 ice blocks per cycle, with each block weighing 5 kg—for a total of 150 kg per cycle. It operates up to four times a day and features a stainless steel frame, dual compressors compatible with a single-phase electric motor, direct-contact cooling, and an eco-friendly refrigerant.

The P3.9-million investment includes solar panels, a rack system, a hybrid inverter power plant, two sets of batteries, a water filtration system, a container-type ice block system, a stainless steel ice block crusher, a steel-door chest freezer, and plastic fish crates for storage.

PHilMech Director IV Dionisio G. Alvindia, represented by Director III Joel V. Dator, led the turnover ceremony, officially presenting the equipment to Pilar Mayor Manuel P. Santiago, a lawyer by profession. The mayor expressed deep gratitude to PHilMech and Senator Villar’s office for their support.

Mayor Santiago said the ice plant would significantly benefit Pilar’s fisherfolk, boosting fish production, particularly for bangus and other marine resources.

Beyond its fishing industry, Pilar is also home to a thriving marine park and pristine white sand beaches that attract tourists. With a steady ice supply, both agriculture and tourism stand to benefit, ensuring fresh products reach local markets and

SOLAR ICE. John Louie Ablanque (extreme left) of AASC orients PhilMech Assistant Director Joel Dator and Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago on the functions of the solar-powered ice block making machine installed in the coastal town of Cebu. Observing the presentation is Emelito Guia (in black cap), a representative from the Office of Senator Cynthia Villar. The solar-powered ice making facility is one of three locally funded projects for rural areas. # # #

21/02/2025

*DENGUE RISING; DOH READY; LGUS TO LEAD*
Press Release | 21 February 2025

Following instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to keep a close watch and act immediately, the Department of Health (DOH) is observing a slowdown in the trend of dengue cases recorded over the past four weeks nationwide. The number of cases from January 5 to 18, 2025, recorded to be 15,904, declined by 5% to 15,134 from January 19 to February 15, 2025. This welcome change may be due to heightened public awareness and collective action following the recent calls to action. In focus would be the more frequent clean-up drives to search and destroy stagnant water mosquito breeding sites, and misting or fogging in hotspot areas with high mosquito vector load.

The total number of dengue cases from January to February 15, 2025, well ahead of the usual wet or rainy season in June, is now at 43,732. The number is 56% higher than the 27,995 cases recorded in the same period last year. However, the case fatality ratio (CFR) this year, at 0.38%, continues to be lower than the 0.42% observed last year. Using World Health Organization (WHO) studies as reference, the Philippines’ nationwide Dengue CFR indicates timely diagnosis and appropriate management. The DOH continues to remind the public to seek early consultation once with any symptoms like high fever of 40 degrees Celsius or higher, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or rashes.

The high count may be found most in three regions that account for more than half of cases nationwide: CALABARZON (9,113), the National Capital Region (7,551), and Central Luzon (7,362). Seventeen (17) local government units within these regions are dengue hotspots.

The DOH recognizes the authority of local chief executives to declare outbreaks in their locality and is ready to support local governments in their intensified response efforts. The Centers for Health Development are also coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to implement necessary preventive measures to combat the spread of dengue. LGUs have also launched intensive vector control measures and clean-up drives to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

The DOH has already prepositioned thousands of Dengue IgG/IgM and Dengue RDT (NS1) test kits to augment possible logistical needs on the ground. All government hospitals and health facilities have been directed to reactivate their Dengue fast lanes to ensure expedited triage, diagnoses, and treatment of suspected Dengue cases.

Data shows that younger age groups are the most affected, with most cases among the age groups of 10 to 14 years old and 5 to 9 years old. Parents and caregivers are urged to take protective measures including dressing children in long-sleeved clothes and pants, applying mosquito repellents, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas.

“WHO itself says: mosquito control remains the main means for the control of dengue. Let's unite from Batanes to Jolo, every four o'clock, against mosquitoes!” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. “Keep the inside and outside of the house dry - do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Wear long sleeves and pants, use anti-mosquito lotion or spray. Consult early if you have symptoms - don't worry about the cost, PhilHealth will cover it,” the Health Chief added.

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21/02/2025

21/02/2025

DSWD PRESS RELEASE: Turnover of 20 electric vehicles by DSWD’s SLP, to benefit 2,300 persons with disabilities

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) will lead on Friday (February 21) a ceremonial turnover of 20 electric vehicles which will benefit some 2,300 persons with disabilities.

DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency recognizes the needs of persons with disabilities for special assistance to access livelihood opportunities resulting in the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Electric Transportation Services (PWD-ETS). (GDVF)

See comments section for full story.

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21/02/2025

📢 📢

🎉 FREE issuance of Civil Registration Documents for the first 100 transacting women

📅 When: Every Monday of March 2025 (March 3, 10, 17, 24)
📍 Where: PSA CRS Outlet, Metro Manila
✅ What to bring: Just present a valid ID to avail!

Brought to you by the Philippine Statistics Authority in celebration of 2025 National Women’s Month

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21/02/2025

PSA Greenlights the Conduct of the “Survey for the Assessment of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Other Existing Social Protection Programs in the Philippines and their Contribution to Poverty Alleviation”

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), through the Standards Service, has officially granted survey clearance for the “Survey for the Assessment of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Other Existing Social Protection Programs in the Philippines and their Contribution to Poverty Alleviation”. This statistical undertaking is spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and will be conducted by the Brain Trust: Knowledge and Options for Sustainable Development, Inc.

Read more here: https://psa.gov.ph/ssrcs/released/year/2025

21/02/2025

| February 21, 2025

Kasama sina Ched Oliva at Dr. Claro Cayanan.

21/02/2025

*BI nabs Sokor woman
wanted for rental scam*

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the arrest of a South Korean woman who is wanted by authorities in Seoul and the Interpol for involvement in a multi-million dollar real estate investment scam.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Kim Jeonjung, 30, who was arrested on Feb. 18 in her residence in Paranaque City by operatives from the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU).

Viado said Kim was arrested on the strength of a mission order that he issued at the request of the South Korean government which sought the BI’s help in locating and deporting the fugitive.

“She will be deported so she could stand trial for the crime that she committed in her homeland. She will then be placed in our blacklist and banned from re-entering the country,” Viado added.

Records showed that Kim is subject of an Interpol red notice published on Aug. 12 last year due to a warrant of arrest that was issued against her by the Suwon district court in Korea where she was charged with fraud.

Korean authorities alleged that Kim and her cohorts conspired in recruiting nominal trustees to circumvent loan limits and gain actual ownership of multiple buildings.

They were said to have made victims sign lease agreements and used a non-capital gap investment method to acquire real estate without actual ownership.

As a result, the suspects fraudulently received lease deposits from various tenants amounting to 7.5 billion won, or more than US$5.2 million through the large-scale rental fraud.

A check of Kim’s travel record showed that she is already overstaying as her last arrival in the country was on Dec. 21, 2023..

She is currently held at the BI Warden's Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, while awaiting deportation proceedings. #

21/02/2025

21/02/2025

*BI warns against POGO-like scam hubs abroad targeting Pinoys*

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued a stern warning against the growing number of POGO-like scam hubs abroad that continue to recruit and exploit Filipino workers.

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down POGOs in the Philippines, illicit online scam operations continue to thrive overseas, aggressively luring Filipinos with fake job offers.

These scam hubs operate similarly to illegal POGOs, forcing victims into fraudulent online activities such as catphishing and investment scams.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado disclosed that almost daily interceptions are being recorded at the country’s airports, with many victims recruited through social media and promised high-paying customer service jobs abroad.

“In 2024 alone, we intercepted 118 Filipinos linked to online scamming schemes. This year, we are seeing a more brazen approach, with traffickers constantly shifting their tactics,” Viado said.

The recent repatriation of 12 Filipinos trafficked to Myanmar further shows the rampant and dangerous nature of these scam hubs.

The victims, who were promised legitimate jobs but were instead forced to work as online scammers under inhumane conditions, were rescued through government efforts. They recounted being subjected to physical abuse, long work hours without pay, and even electric shocks as punishment.

Viado emphasized the need for vigilance and urged the public to report suspected illegal recruitment activities to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Hotline 1343.

“Our immigration officers remain on high alert, but we urge Filipinos to stay vigilant and verify job offers through legitimate government channels before traveling abroad,” he said. “The government is working tirelessly to protect you, but vigilance starts with you—be cautious and safeguard yourself from these scams,” he added. #

21/02/2025

"*We need to make the busway carousel more efficient. We need to make the experience of the commuter better. I plan to go through this system in my first few days. Gusto ko maranasan mismo. Kailangan makita at maranasan natin ang dinadaanan ng mga kababayan natin araw-araw*. I'm sure mayroong ways to fix that and to make it more efficient. Tingin ko kailangan may sistema ng dispatch ng mga bus, 'di ko alam kung mayroon 'yan ngayon aalamin ko, pero kapag pumunta ka abroad, ang bus system may oras. Ang bus hindi pwede huminto dyan ng lima hanggang 10 minuto sa bus stop, at most 30 seconds lang 'yan."

--- DOTr Sec. Vince Dizon

21/02/2025

21/02/2025

| February 21, 2025

21/02/2025

"Yung ginagawa natin na transparency initiative, dito tayo malakas ngayon dahil sa ginagawa nating documentation ng pictures, video. Sabi natin kung ano talaga ang nangyari, ito ay against sa sinasabi ng China na puro kasinungalingan na sinasabi nila na tayo ang gumawa pero the pictures and the videos will tell na sila ang gumawa. Katulad ngayon yung sinasabi tayo raw yung lumapit sa eroplano, tayo raw ang gumawa ng mga maneuver. So the pictures and video itself will present na sila yung may kasalanan. Yung dati nga, ni-ramp tayo ng barko nila, sinasabi nila tayo daw ang bumangga sa kanila. So dahil meron tayong documentation, meron tayong videos, sinasabi natin yung mga naratiba nila ay puro kasinungalingan. So this is the thing we are trying to do na short of saying na hindi dapat tayo magpadala ng mga assets ng Navy para maging provoke. *Sabi nga ni Presidente, hindi tayo ang gagawa ng mga provocative moves.*"

-- Usec. Alexander Lopez, National Maritime Council