Transfer of Antique capitol proposed

By Perla Lena

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique -- Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao on Wednesday bared plans to transfer the capitol building outside the busy business district of the provincial capital town of San Jose de Buenavista.

Cadiao said the plan to transfer the seat of the provincial government to Barangay Supa of San Jose de Buenavista would be carried out if she would be successful in her reelection bid in the May 2019 polls. The new site is about 5 km. from the present location of the capitol.

“We are looking for a wider space where to transfer the capitol,” she said.

The new Antique capitol, where the governor now holds office, is situated right at the heart of San Jose de Buenavista, which has become a busy business area with the many establishments surrounding the building.

The capitol building where Cadiao and most of the provincial government offices are situated is called the New Capitol Building although it was constructed in 1957 during the time of former governor Josue Cadiao, who is the father of the incumbent governor.

The New Capitol Building was constructed after the Old Capitol Building, which was constructed during the American period, was gutted by fire.

2,300 families to get socialized housing in Tondo

At least 2,300 informal settler families in Tondo, Manila will soon have their own houses after the House of Representatives opted to exercise its oversight powers, officials said yesterday.

District 1 Rep. Manny Lopez, who pushed for the in-city relocation of the families in his district, insisted that the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) be held in Parola so the beneficiaries of socialized housing units may witness the government at work.

“Finally, the hard work of Congress is becoming reality and can truly be felt by our countrymen who are most in need. They will now have their own home built on land and not over water. This is clear evidence of government working for the people,” he said.

Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez, who heads the House committee on housing and urban development, said five-story buildings will be built on five hectares of land at Isla Puting Bato donated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to the National Housing Authority.

The informal settlers will only pay P600 per month for the next 25 years for their units, he added.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had called on the oversight committee on housing after she expressed fears the families in slum areas may be displaced by the ongoing cleanup of Manila Bay.

Arroyo wanted the government and local officials to address the delays in the release of titles to recipients of social housing proclamations she issued in 2002 and 2004 when she was president.

She also asked the PPA to ensure that the informal settlers would not be deprived of their sources of livelihood.

An initial P1 billion was allocated for the construction of the low-rise buildings in Isla Puting Bato.

The PPA will assist in the project with the help of port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade assured the families that the buildings will be completed quickly.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada thanked Arroyo for spearheading the project, saying she is “God-sent.”

Isla Puting Bato barangay captain Bryan Mondejar said the residents have been worried about being informal settlers, but because of Arroyo “they were assured that they would have decent housing.”

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/02/27/1897015/2300-families-get-socialized-housing-tondo

Comelec requires sign language, Braille for political ads

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has required the use of the Filipino sign language in on-air advertisements and the Braille system in printed campaign materials of candidates and their political parties for the May elections.

"Candidates and parties are required to incorporate sign language interpreters and closed captioning in broadcast election propaganda intended for exhibition on television and/or the internet, and are encouraged to ensure the availability of their respective printed campaign materials in Braille," the Comelec said in Resolution No. 10488 dated January 30, 2019.

The Comelec included this rule under Section 6, or the lawful election propaganda, of the resolution signed by the en banc.

The same resolution set the correct size of printed campaign materials from leaflets, streamers, and other election paraphernalia not prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.

The Comelec also encouraged candidates and their supporters to use sustainable materials, especially when there is a standing legislation from local government units.

"Parties and candidates are hereby encouraged to use recyclable and environment-friendly materials and avoid those that contain hazardous chemicals and substances in the production of their campaign and election propaganda," the Comelec said.

The Comelec started its crackdown on campaign materials that are oversized, placed in prohibited areas or both, after the deadline it imposed on candidates lapsed on February 14.

The commission said campaign advertisements in government-run infrastructures are also prohibited.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/686101/comelec-requires-sign-language-braille-for-political-ads/story/?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0U9JxhyPzlHZvLssPaDN8N_OePxee5vQUWNP160o6pbj-YjsmMoAZe3CU

Cebu City to recognize late traffic czar Darza on 82nd Charter Day celebration

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The late Samuel “Sammy” Darza, Cebu City’s traffic czar, will be posthumously recognized by the Cebu City government during the celebration of the city’s 82nd Charter Day on Sunday, February 24 at the Plaza Sugbo.

Catherine Ysa, secretary of the mayor, said that Darza would be given a posthumous award for his contributions to the development of Cebu City during Sunday’s celebration.

According to a 2016 Cebu Daily News report, Darza passed away on August 9, 2016, at the age of 72.

He was known to have worked pro bono with the Cebu City government for P1 a year in the 80s.

Darza was also known to have played a big role in establishing the traffic management system and the computerized traffic signal for Cebu City.

Aside from that, the Cebu City government will also recognize board topnotchers, individuals, youth, and outstanding organizations.

Justin Lei Ramos, this year’s Architecture board topnotcher of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) , will be one of the topnotcher awardees to be recognized by the Cebu City government.

Ramos topped 1,120 Architecture Board Passers with a score of 83.80 percent.

Read more: Cebuana Architecture topnotcher shares secret to success: ‘Dream big’

Ysa said that there would be three outstanding individuals that would be recognized during the Charter Day celebration on Sunday.

Ysa said that the charter day celebrations would start with a flag raising ceremony to be led by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña followed by the awarding of outstanding employees and the board topnotchers at the Plaza  Sugbo.

The Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (Praise) will also be recognizing several outstanding youth in service on Sunday morning.

The outstanding organizations and outstanding individuals will also be awarded for their contribution to Cebu City’s development and stakeholders in a testimonial dinner at the social hall in the evening.

The Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) also said that at least two organizations would receive the outstanding organization award.

Yso said that the celebration of the Charter Day has been a weeklong activity for the City Hall starting last with it’s launching on Monday, February 18, when a medical mission was held at the City Hall grounds.

On February 19, an Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) break-out activities were held at the Plaza Sugbo. A job fair was held on February 20 while a livelihood training was held on February 21.

On Friday morning, February 22, a farmer-market day was held in Plaza Sugbo while simultaneously, the Charter Day quiz bowl was also held at the Social Hall where 21 groups of students all over the city competed with their wits.

The Cebu City became a charter city on February 24, 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 58 authored by Senator Vicente Rama who was then representative of Cebu’s 3rd district.

Cebu City was granted its own charter allowing the city to be governed by its own charter document rather by state, provincial, or regional law./dbs

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/218613/cebu-city-to-recognize-late-traffic-czar-darza-on-82nd-charter-day-celebration

GMA Network investing over P1B in second phase of digitization project

Media giant GMA Network Inc. said Friday it is investing over P1 billion to complete the second phase of its digitization project.

The second phase of the project encompasses the production, post-production, content management and distribution of GMA and GMA News TV’s programs, the network said in a statement.

This will start commissioning the Digital Terrestrial Transmitters that now provide superior digital TV signal reach, enabling the viewership of Kapuso programs through digital-enabled TV sets and set-top boxes in various areas in the country, including Mega Manila, North Central Luzon, Cebu, and Davao.

The media company is also slated to complete the upgrade of its Electronic Field Production capabilities to further improve its High Definition (HD) image capture to Full 2K/4K HD, elevating GMA Network’s output to true global standards.

In anticipation, the requisite enhancements to the Network’s Media Asset Management and Broadcast Automation Systems have already been completed, the company said.

Post Production is likewise implementing full equipment and software upgrades coupled with increased storage and color grading capabilities to optimally process high-end 2K and 4K HD formats.

GMA’s Field News Gathering capabilities are being similarly upgraded to enable the transmission and delivery of HD-captured remote live events to GMA Network’s Technical Operations Center as they happen.

Parallel to upgrading the media asset management system is the commissioning of a new News Automation System (NAS) designed to provide the country’s most trusted news organization with even greater speed and agility in bringing viewers up-to-date news and information through the network’s eight news programs—Unang Hirit, 24 Oras, 24 Oras Weekend, Saksi, News To Go, Balitanghali, Balita Pilipinas Ngayon, Quick Response Team, and State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.

“All these state-of-the-art upgrades are part of GMA Network’s ongoing digitization project to bring world class programming to our viewers here and abroad. We are excited to unveil more innovative offerings that will not only maintain our position as the country’s leading broadcast network but will also revolutionize TV viewing experience in the Philippines,” GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon said. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/685860/gma-network-investing-over-p1b-in-second-phase-of-digitization-project/story/

Philippines launches tenders for Malolos – Clark line

THE Philippines Department of Transportation has issued a call for tender for a civil works contract for PNR Clark Phase 2 of the North-South Commuter Railway project, which will extend the line by 53km from Malolos to Clark.

The civil works contract for viaducts, structures, bridges and five stations is divided into three works packages, which need to be bid for separately, comprising sections which are around 17km, 16km and 12km long.

A pre-bid conference will be held on March 7 and the closing date for bids is May 10.

The Philippines Department of Finance has applied to the Asian Development Bank for a loan for Phase 2.

Work officially started on February 15 on PNR Clark Phase 1, a 38km elevated electrified line with 10 stations running from Tutuban in northern Manila north to Malolos. A third phase, PNR Los Banos, will involve building a 72km line from Manila to Los Banos, Laguna. When completed, the full network will be 146.6km long with 37 stations served by a fleet of 58 EMUs.

https://www.railjournal.com/news/philippines-launches-tenders/

Finally moving?

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivered on President Duterte’s priorities as far as the House is concerned. No one could have expected the former Speaker, even if he is also from Davao, to deliver what Speaker Arroyo did.

On top of the list is the landmark reform of our rice industry. President Duterte deserves congratulations for showing real political will to embrace long needed change that will benefit rice farmers as well as rice consumers.

Despite resistance from his own agriculture secretary, the President signed the rice tariffication bill into law. He could have just allowed it to lapse and then pin responsibility on his economic managers and Congress. But he signed it to deliver a strong point that he wants a new system.

Starting March, NFA will no longer control rice importations. Instead, rice imports will be covered by new tariffs: 35 percent for rice imports sourced from ASEAN members; 40 percent for imports within the 350,000 metric ton minimum access volume (MAV) regardless of source country; and 180 percent for above-MAV imports from non-ASEAN country.

The tariffs are expected to raise between P7 billion to P11 billion in additional government revenues in its first year of implementation. Economic managers are also expecting a P7 per kilo drop in rice prices with the influx of imported rice and with it, result in a lower inflation rate.

Government will pass on the 35 percent tariff on imported rice to farmers to help them become more competitive. Under NFA trading restrictions, only 23 percent of the potential protection was passed on to farmers in 2017.

UP economist Ramon Clarete estimates that rice consumers in Metro Manila in 2017 paid on average 41 percent more than the landed price of rice imported freely from Vietnam or Thailand. But our rice farmers sold their rice at only nine percent above this free trade price. The difference, or 32 percent went to rice traders, millers, or were simply lost to market inefficiencies in the rice value chain.

By signing the rice tariffication bill into law, President Duterte kicks off the process of substantially reducing the inefficiencies and collusion in the rice market system. Clarete explained this old system made rice farmers poor over the last half century. Farmers will be better off as they capture more of the intended trade protection of the law from rice traders in collusion with corrupt NFA agents.

Indeed, Clarete pointed out, most of the rice farmers are also rice consumers during most part of the year. The new law benefits them, along with non-rice farmers in rural areas, fisherfolk, workers, and residents in urban areas.

The new law also opens the market to conglomerates like San Miguel whose experience and resources can provide the efficiencies that can bring down further the retail price of rice. It will also be easier to track import volumes and tax liabilities with San Miguel than it would be with Divisoria rice traders.

President Duterte also signed into law the Mobile Number Portability Act that allows cell phone users to switch networks without changing their numbers. This is in line with the President’s desire to have more competitiveness in the telco industry.

As the law itself pointed out in Section 3 (a), it wants “to promote consumer welfare as it fosters the freedom to choose and to respond to quality, price and other relevant considerations without the consumers having to change their mobile numbers whenever they change mobile service providers or subscription plans.”

Mobile number portability is the ability of a mobile postpaid or prepaid subscriber to retain an existing mobile number despite having moved from one mobile service provider to another, or to change subscription mode from postpaid to prepaid or vice versa. Under this law, telcos must act within 24 hours from the time a subscriber submits application.

I like this new law. NTC could have ordered this, but it had always been too scared or too much of a captive regulator of the telco industry to do so.

But then, we still have just two telcos to choose from. Many of us already have accounts in both, just to make sure. We still need the third, fourth, and possibly fifth telco to fully benefit from the law.

Still, it is a good start and the intentions of the Duterte administration in having this law is laudable.

But there could have been more laws delivered to promote our welfare as telecoms consumers… the Open Access bill for instance.

It is amazing how a single senator stood in the way of passing legislation that will speed up internet speed by introducing more competition through open access. That could have had more immediate effect on our lives than the third telco.

Then there is the law creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. It consolidates the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). Hopefully, this will give us a more comprehensive way of addressing the housing needs of people.

Good intentions, but with the same bureaucracy, we cannot expect much unless Duterte appoints a really good secretary. Will this mean we will have better planning and land use policies? I have my doubts, but hopeful.

Given the high rate of growth of our urban areas, we need better regulation and better regulators. The areas around Clark are booming and it will be a pity if the nearby towns end up like Metro Manila did.

Problems like congestion due to lack of planning and appropriate regulations can be observed in Angeles, Mabalacat, and San Fernando. Ayala is starting to develop virgin fields in Porac of 1,800 hectares and only 22 percent open space instead of the minimum 30 percent required by PD957. So much work to do for this new department.

There are many other new laws signed by the President in recent days. On the whole it is good to see some progress with these new laws. Interesting to see how the implementation side works out.

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @boochanco

https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/02/22/1895625/finally-moving

Instituto Cervantes celebrates Women’s Day

In celebration of Women’s this March, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, Intramuros Administration and the Film Development Council of the Philippines will be holding “Espacio Femenino: Spanish and Filipino Female Filmmakers,” featuring movies by female directors. The film cycle aims to highlight the contribution of women to the film industry.

The movies will be screened every Saturday at 4PM in Instituto Cervantes Intramuros, located at Plaza San Luis Complex, Intramuros.

Opening feature on March 9 is the Spanish film “Los amores cobardes” (2018) by Carmen Blanco. It tells the story of Eva, a strong and independent woman, who returns to her hometown to spend the summer holidays with her mother and Gema, her only true friend. She least expects to meet Ruben, her ex-boyfriend, who broke off with her unexpectedly years ago for no apparent reason without even saying goodbye.

The Galician film “A palabra xusta” (2016) will be shown on March 16. It had for protagonist a 92-year-old teacher who returns to a house that has seemingly stood still in time. There, she starts a conversation with her memories, reflections of a life trapped in old photographs, and the memory of the love of her life, Antonio Beiras.

On March 23, short films by female directors will be featured, such as “Café para llevar” (2014), “Una vez” (2015), “Camino de agua para un pez “(2016), “Einstein-Rosen” (2016), “Lucrecia “(2016), “Conservas” (2017), and a Filipino short film --“Gikan sa Ngitngit nga Kinaidlaman” (2017).

Finally, the film cycle will close with the movie “Con el viento” (2017) by Meritxell Colell, which is about a dancer and choreographer, Mónica, who receives a call informing that her father is seriously ill. Unfortunately, he dies before she gets to see him. Her mother asks her to stay and help her sell the house. However, they are like two strangers who will have to know more about each other and learn to live together.

FREE ADMISSION on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information please log on to Instituto Cervantes’ website (http://manila.cervantes.es), Instituto Cervantes Facebook page Instituto Cervantes de Manila.

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Catriona Gray’s homecoming

Miss Universe Catriona Gray is being accorded a grand homecoming as fit a queen that brought honor and pride to her country.

Coming from Novotel Manila Araneta Center, her homecoming parade will start at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, taking her and her entourage Roxas Blvd, Taft, Ayala and back to Araneta Center.

Catriona will be riding in a fabulous float designed by Fritz C Silorio who is an award-winning indie film director. Fritz said the float was inspired by Catriona’s lava gown.

Before she returns to New York, Catriona will be feted with a homecoming dinner by Bb. Pilipinas executives.

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Happy birthday greetings today, Feb. 21, go to Fiesta Tañada, Edward Eirone Nodora, Bobby M. Hernandez, Delia Rarela Barcelona, Des Robles Santos, Rey Cabiling, Richard Hinola, Chester Ocampo, Michael Alunan, Paul Sequitin Segui, Orlando Red Serrano II, Kagawad Helen Vargas Lara, Gerlie Nombre-Garcia, Cherry Regalado Mortel, Leabel Sanchez, Lilibet A. Amatong, Marielle Infantado - Kelly, Tony Gloria of United Pictures, Jinky Llamanzares, Maria Lourdes “Girlie” Guillen, Jim M. Fernandez, Mike Alunan, Lilia Duldulao, Beth Virtucio, Dr. Delia R. Barcelona, Paolo Perez, Doreen Belen of Hawaii, U.S.A., Gigi Paras, Severiano “Boy” Velasco, Jennifer Fong, Rangi Paula Mercado, Guy Burchett of United Kingdom, Richard Hinola, Rochelle Raki Vega-Siu and Don Morales, Jacob delos Reyes, Jon J Timmons and Love Anover Lianko of GMA Network... Belated happy birthday greetings to Honeylet Avancena, Rev. Fr. Rafael Quejada, O.P.; Ramir Rellora; Simon Bonto Billena; Ellen Raymundo; Socorro Musngi Tambuli; Commissioner Ermie Lagman Garon; Aries Ayos; Simon Leighton; Annamie Dacalos Villasan; Merarie Rocamora; Helen Ibardaloza Ventura; Nanay Mila Villamil; Fiona Liza Yao Bernardino daughter of Jocelyn Yao Bernardino; Leny Manalo; Atty. Vyva Aguirre; Adolf Azcuna, Ria NG; Dexter Estacio; Lisa Juliano; DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda; Allan Joseph Gamboa, Tim Tam, Benedict Exconde; Noy Jopson; Ernie Besinio; Menchie Larasan Escandalio; Noy Lauzon, Zsarlene Chua, Tere Militante, Kristina Muñiz, Shayne Mykaela Ubongen and Sean Matthew Benedict Ubongen son and daughter of Lee Rhyan Ubongen, Trisha Ilarde, Matt David, Ibs Undug husband of Jade Undug, Pareng Terry de Leon, Tita Elvie Yambao, Ricardo Vigilla, Clyde Sandia, Jasmin Almazan Lara, Jack Bunag, Ozzmack De Vera, Denfa Egera Quimat, Nica Glorioso, Helen Getizo, Ate Cherry Salac, Robert M. Young, Erlinda “Liding” Oledan, Julie Esguerra, Mark Lapid, Winston Marbella, Sonny Tanchanco, Josie Puzon, Bob Velasco, Jr., Lily A. Foronda, Tessie Luz, Jose Midas Marquez, Lily Fermin mother of Isaiah Fermin, Rhiza Pascua, Joseph Astrud Pineda, Lulu Reyes, Grace Ramirez, Thelma Matias, Rafael Aquino, Mary Jane Papin, Charlie Green, Jack Reid and Shermaine Santiago Macugay (Feb. 16); Jayren Mae Rafol Rones, Harvey Ong, Yumz Paulo, Aldea Flores and Francis “Jun” Posadas (Feb. 19); Mary Paul Quiamco, Brian Monaghan, Cheska Mikaela Kabiling, Lorenzo Leviste and Maria Tronqued-Lagniton, Sob Patrick Luis Pacia, Don Phopitz Malig Dungca, Jun Mendoza, Sockie Fernandez, Ken Alfonso, Marc Carlos De Leon, Hidilyn Diaz Oly, Nilo Divina, Elidel Estrada, Jamie Ortega, Rick Sanchez Subardiaga, Rolly Catanes, Jew-knee Junie Lay-low; Joey Ortega; Ed Tayag; Marie Valenzuela; Chari Bagatsing, Teresita “Tita” Abiva, Emy Rodriguez, Ditas Remulla, Lalaine Legasto, Enrico Castelo, Marina Calma Visaya, Perla Dungo, Tiffany Santos Red, Amelia Lopez, Mary Grace Agoncillo, Prof. Lulu Geslani, Dolly Bohol, US-based journalist Tony Antonio and Betty Luz Go Chua (Feb. 20). Space Jam: The Final Frontier featuring Soapdish, Unique, Mayonnaise, I Belong to Zoo, Ang Bandang Shirley, Lola Amour, Munimuni, Over October, Pasadena Freeway, Takipsilim, Why July, The Sandbox Project, BTP, Seizure Salad, Emanon, Bahay ni Reca, After 8, Noise Dive at The Quirks at the Ateneo Senior High School Field, this February 22 at 5:30 p.m. For more tickets, visit at tinyurl.com/spacejamticketreservations. Condolences to the family of Alfredo Jagoring, Jr. who passed away last February 18, he leaves his wife of 65 years, Joaquina, his 10 children Robert, Carmen, Rene, Carmelina, Edna, Joseph, Corazon, Boo and Eric and his 36 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Burial will be at the Manila Memorial Park Sucat on Sunday, February 24 at 4 p.m.

Addressing the housing backlog

On a visit to Singapore about 15 years ago, I had the chance to meet a number of key government officials, including senior people from Singapore’s public housing authority, the Housing Development Board (HDB). Many of the public condominium units in Singapore now were built and are currently managed by HDB.

The way it works is that those seeking public housing can make use or tap their mandatory savings with the Central Provident Fund, a compulsory comprehensive savings plan for working Singaporeans and permanent residents primarily to fund their retirement, healthcare, and housing needs. Both employers and employees contribute to the fund.

I cannot help but recall that trip in light of present developments here, particularly the recent creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. This agency will now serve as the primary national government entity responsible for managing housing, human settlement, and urban development as it merges the present Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board.

Based on news reports, the new department will have administrative supervision over the National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corp., Home Development Mutual Fund, and the Social Housing Finance Corp. It will reportedly be composed of the Office of the Secretary, various bureaus, services and other regional offices.

The department’s creation is timely if not overdue. However, moving forward, crucial to its success will be appropriate, suitable policies; effective implementation; and support from all stakeholders. Otherwise, the department may just end up as another layer of bureaucracy that further slows housing development.

The new housing agency faces a tough challenge. To address the backlog or shortage in the supply of affordable housing from now until 2030, as estimated in a study by the University of Asia and the Pacific, we need roughly 11 million homes put up and sold to buyers in the next 11 years, or an average of one million homes every year.

I cannot help but point to Singapore, because I consider their public housing program a success. At the time of my visit to HDB way back, they were about to build new homes, and were going about refurbishing older developments. In short, other than new development, there was also redevelopment of older properties.

Today, anybody visiting Singapore will be amazed at how they have managed to provide decent public housing for their residents, and how they have also spruced up older HDB buildings to make them look more attuned to the times. Public housing units are well-built, clean, and well-maintained.

Started in 1 February 1960 to address a housing crisis, HDB was given the task of providing sanitary living conditions for Singapore residents, in place of what were deemed to be “unhygienic slums and crowded squatter settlements.” In three years, 21,000 flats or apartments were built. And by 1965, 54,000 flats were already up.

Information on the HDB website indicate that, to date, more than one million flats have been completed in 23 towns and three estates across the island. HDB flats are said to provide homes to over 80% of Singapore’s resident population, with about 90% of these resident households owning their home. And these are not cheap homes, mind you.

Moreover, if your HDB unit is already old, you can opt to remodel it with assistance from HDB. Data available indicate that the biggest proportion of residences in Singapore (about 32% of all homes) are four-room HDB flats with an area of about 90 square meters. And the average cost of home renovation, for an old flat, is about S$55,000 (about P2.1 million). That is just for renovation.

Over here, by government definition, “socialized housing” are units costing not more than P450,000; and, “economic housing” are homes costing P450,000 to P1.7 million. These two brackets cover mostly the lower-income class, and around 85% of the housing backlog. “Low-cost housing” are homes costing P1.7 million to P3 million. Mid-cost is anything above P3 million, while High-End is anything above P6 million.

As far as mid-cost and high-end are concerned, there is no backlog in the Philippines. There are plenty of developers and homes available in these segments. The biggest backlog is in the “economic” segment, or homes in the P450,000 to P1.7 million range, followed by the “socialized” segment, and then the “low-cost” segment.

Given the magnitude of the housing problem, one cannot help but wonder why from 2001 to 2014, as one research noted, HLURB issued Licenses to Sell for only about two million housing units, covering all housing segments, from socialized up to the open market group. This averaged about 130,000 housing units per year. Even if we averaged 250,000 units yearly until 2030, we will still have a backlog.

With the new Department of Human Settlements, one can only hope that things will start looking up for housing. However, the department needs to hear out all sectors, all stakeholders, and learn from best practices in public and private housing development here and abroad.

It needs to take time to study and learn, and to update its assessment of supply and demand, and to draft long-term plans as well as policies to put those plans into action. Proper planning, consistency and continuity in policy and action, and support from all stakeholders will all be crucial to the new department’s success.

Marvin Tort is a former managing editor of BusinessWorld, and a former chairman of the Philippines Press Council

matort@yahoo.com

https://www.bworldonline.com/addressing-the-housing-backlog/

Duterte signs law creating Human Settlements dept

President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a bill seeking to consolidate all housing agencies into a new Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

Duterte approved Republic Act 11201 on Feb. 14 – a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Tuesday.

The law orders the consolidation of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) to create the new department.

The new department would be the sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination, and performance monitoring entity for all housing and urban development concerns, and would primarily be focused on the access to and affordability of decent, and secure shelter.

Under the law, the department would be composed of the Office of the Secretary, three undersecretaries and assistant secretaries each, and the Bureaus of Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development; Housing and Real Estate Development Regulation; and Homeowners Association and Community Development.

The department will also have administrative supervision over the National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund and Social Housing Finance Corporation.

The measure also orders the creation of a National Human Settlements Board to address housing policies and plans, as well as the transfer of the adjudicatory function of the HLURB to the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission.

Government data showed that in 2018 alone, there was a need for more than two million housing units. The figure was projected to balloon to 6,571,387 by the end of 2022.

The law takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. (With GMA News/PN)

https://www.panaynews.net/duterte-signs-law-creating-human-settlements-dept/

DPWH sets dry run for NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to conduct a dry run today on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 from Karuhatan, Valenzuela City to the new Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road, Caloocan City.

The dry run will be led by DPWH Secretary Mark Villar along with Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) president Rodrigo Franco and NLEX Corp. president Luigi Bautista.

“The NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 will be a traffic game changer since this will drastically cut travel time from Port Area to NLEX. Once opened, around 30,000 vehicles daily will be diverted away from busy roads in Metro Manila,” Villar said.

The DPWH official added that the elevated expressway would greatly benefit truckers and freight forwarders because their cargo trucks would be spared the truck ban and lead to faster delivery of goods to and from the provinces.

Villar said that in a recent study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, “traffic congestion in Metro Manila is costing the country P3.5 billion a day. This new road will be a big boost to our economy as billions of pesos will be saved annually with the improved travel time.”

Bautista said aside from connecting NLEX to key areas in Metro Manila, the segment “is seen to bring more opportunities in nearby communities such as generation of employment and increase in land values.”

Franco, on the other hand, said “Metro Pacific remains committed in supporting the government in its infrastructure projects to improve accessibility between airports, seaports, and growth corridors in both the north and south.”

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/02/20/1895066/dpwh-sets-dry-run-nlex-harbor-link-segment-10

Duterte signs into law measure creating Housing department

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte signed a law creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development through the consolidation of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

Mr. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11201, also known as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Act, on Feb. 14. The law consolidates Senate Bill 1578 and House Bill 6775. The Senate and the House of Representatives passed their bills on Nov. 12 and Oct. 10, respectively.

Asked to comment after a briefing at the Palace, HUDCC Chairman Eduardo D. del Rosario told BusinessWorld that with this law, “we will have a more comprehensive determination on how we can address the housing needs of the people.”

The new department, according to the law, will act as the primary national government entity responsible for the management of housing, human settlement and urban development, which also means that it will formulate national housing and urban development policies, strategies and standards that are consistent with the Philippine Development Plan to promote social and economic welfare.

The department will be composed of the Office of the Secretary, and the various bureaus, services and regional offices. The law also said the Office of the Secretary will house the Office of the Department Secretary, the Offices of the Undersecretaries, the Offices of the Assistant Secretaries, and their immediate support staff.

Another function of the department is to formulate housing finance and production policies. — Arjay L. Balinbin

https://www.bworldonline.com/duterte-signs-into-law-measure-creating-housing-department/

We can keep our mobile numbers for life; Duterte signs 19 other laws

By Genalyn Kabilng

President Duterte has signed 20 new laws, including measures creating the Department of Human Settlements, establishing a national cancer control program, and allowing subscribers to keep their mobile numbers for life.

The new laws that also include franchises granted to some broadcasting, telecommunication, and power entities were released by Malacañang Tuesday days after the President signed them.

Republic Act No. 11201, an act creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, aims to ensure the underprivileged and homeless people have access to safe and affordable home.



The new department, which consolidates the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, will serve as the “primary national government entity responsible for the management of housing, human settlement and urban development.” It will also be the sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination and performance monitoring entity for all housing concerns.

Republic Act No. 11215, the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, was also signed by the President last February 14.

Under the law, the government aims to scale up programs and increase investments for the prevention of cancer, timely and optimal treatment, response care and pain management, and effective survivorship care.



It also creates a National Integrated Cancer Control Council that will serve as policy-making, planning and coordinating body on cancer control. It will be led by the Secretary of Health.

A Philippine Cancer Center, under the control and supervision of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), will also be established for the treatment and accommodation of cancer patients. The law also calls for the establishment of the Cancer Assistance Fund to support the cancer medicine and treatment assistance program.

Republic Act No. 11202, signed by the President last February 8, allows consumers to keep their mobile phone numbers for life. The new law requires mobile service provides to provide nationwide mobile number portability to subscribers.

The Mobile Number Portability Act aims “to promote consumer welfare as it fosters the freedom to choose and to respond to quality, price, and other relevant considerations without the consumers having to change their mobile numbers whenever they change mobile service providers or subscription plan.”

“Finally, the cellphone numbers we currently have can become ours for a lifetime,” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said.

“Dahil naisabatas na ang Mobile Number Portability Act, hindi na kailangang magpalit pa ng cellphone o mobile number kapag lumipat tayo ng network o kaya kapag lumipat tayo mula prepaid papuntang postpaid at postpaid papuntang prepaid (Now that the Mobile Number Portability Act is a law, there’s no more need to change cellphone numbers even if you switch networks or shift from prepaid to postpaid or vice versa),” he pointed out.

Gatchalian said the signing of the Mobile Number Portability Act before the start of operations of the third telecommunication company will spur competition and efficiency between telcos and break the duopoly in the telecom industry by removing a potential barrier for subscribers not to patronize the new entrant because they cannot keep the same mobile number.

Other laws signed by the President are:

• Republic Act No. 11188 or an act providing for the special protection of children in situations of armed conflict;
• Republic Act No. 11206 or an act establishing a career guidance and counselling program for all secondary schools;
• Republic Act No. 11214 or an act establishing a sports complex known as the Philippine Sports Training Center.
• Republic Act No. 11218 or an act recognizing the British School of Manila as an international education institution;
• Republic Act No. 11189 or an act increasing the bed capacity of St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital in Cebu City from 25 to 200 beds;
• Republic Act No. 11208 or act increasing the bed capacity of Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City from 300 to 500 beds;
• Republic Act No. 11219 or an act extending for another 25 years the franchise granted to the Iglesia Ni Cristo  to operate private telecommunication service in the country;
• Republic Act No. 11212 or an act granting More Electric and Power Corporation a franchise to establish, operate and maintain a distribution system for the conveyance of electric power in Iloilo City;
• Republic Act No.  11193 or an act granting the Malindang Broadcasting Network Corporation a franchise to operate radio and television stations in Mindanao;
• Republic Act No. 11204 or an act extending for another 25 years the franchise granted to Ermita Electronics Incorporated to operate radio communications systems in the county;
• Republic Act No. 11185 or an act integrating the Cebu City Mountain Extension campus as a satellite campus of the Cebu Technological University;
• Republic Act No. 11186 or an act converting the Northwest Mindanao State College fo Science and Technology in Tagub, Misamis Occidental into a state university to be known as the University of Northwestern Mindanao;
• Republic Act No. 11187 or an act converting the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College into the Zamboanga Polytechnic State University;
• Republic Act No. 11192 or an act establishing the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education;
• Republic Act No. 11209 or an act changing the name of Lupon School of Fisheries in Lupon, Davao Oriental into the Davao Oriental Polytechnic Institute;
• Republic Act No. 11216 or act declaring September 3 of every year a special working holiday throughout the country to commemorate the surrender of Japanese imperial forces led by Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita;
• Republic Act No. 11217 or an act declaring January 17 of every year as James Leonard Tagle Gordon Day a special nonworking holiday in Olongapo City and Subic Bay freeport zone.

Duterte signs law creating new housing department

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

Republic Act 11201, signed by the President on Feb. 14, and a copy of which was released by the Palace on Tuesday, consolidates the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

The department shall act as the primary national government entity responsible for the management of housing, human settlement, and urban development, and be the sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination, and performance monitoring body for all housing, human settlement, and urban development concerns.

Under the new law, the government will establish Housing One-Stop Processing Centers to centralize the processing and issuance of all required housing-related permits, clearances, and licenses.

The department must include the formulation of a national housing and urban development policies, strategies and standards that are consistent with the Philippine Development Plan, crafting of housing finance and production policies, and conduct of comprehensive studies and research necessary for housing and urban development.

The department shall also be in charge of environmental, land use and urban planning and development, as well as housing and real estate development regulation.

Under the law, the HLURB is reconstituted as the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission. Also created under the law is the National Human Settlements Board.

The department shall exercise administrative supervision over the National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corp., Home Development Mutual Fund, and Social Housing Finance Corp. These corporations shall continue to function according to existing laws and their respective charters.

The law also calls for the identification, within 180 days from its effectivity, of government lands suitable for housing and rural development.

“That all government lands which have been idle for more than 10 years, except lands owned by government-owned and -controlled corporations and government financial institutions… are hereby prioritized for housing and urban development purposes,” the law reads.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/19/19/duterte-signs-law-creating-new-housing-department

Ejercito: Human Settlements Department will address housing problems

The new law that seeks consolidate housing agencies into a new Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will address the housing problems in the Philippines, Senator JV Ejercito said on Tuesday.

“The DHSUD will better address the housing problems of the country; specifically, housing backlog in relation to housing production, the increasing number of informal settlers at risk, and the poor implementation of existing housing laws,” Ejercito, principal author of the measure, said in a statement.

Ejercito was referring to Republic Act. No. 11201 which was recently approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Under the new law, the DHSUD will merge administrative functions of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and planning and regulatory functions of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board.

The DHSUD will be the sole government agency tasked to monitor and create policies for all housing and urban development concerns primarily focusing on access and affordability of decent and secure shelters.

Ejercito then acknowledged Duterte for signing the law, which he said would “create the roadmap for housing and urban development, lead in its implementation, set the general direction and monitor each project with clear policies.”

The DHSUD will also implement government’s housing programs for homeless Filipinos, Ejercito noted.

“Ang DHSUD ang katuparan ng pangarap ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino na walang tirahan na magkaroon ng disente at maayos na tahanan dahil ang ahensiyang ito ang magtitiyak ng mabilis at maayos na implementasyon ng programang pabahay ng pamahalaan,” the senator said.

(The DHSUD will fulfill every Filipino family’s dream to have a decent home. This agency will ensure that the housing programs of the government will be implemented.) /ee

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1087610/ejercito-human-settlements-department-will-address-housing-problems

Solons laud PRRD for signing Department of Human Settlements Act

Two lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Tuesday lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law Republic Act 11201, or the measure creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo and Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez, the chair of the House Committee on Housing and urban Development, both thanked the President for prioritizing the bill that would address not only the many problems in the public housing sector but also improve Filipinos' quality of life.

“I really thank and laud President Duterte for signing this pivotal housing measure designed to fulfill our Filipino housing dreams,” Salo said.

“The law is not just about building houses, but improving the quality of life for our people,” he added.

Under RA 11201, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is mandated not only to regulate and establish housing standards, but also to build houses.

The Department also has the authority to open subdivision roads when necessary to address traffic congestion.

It is also mandated to establish Socialized Housing One-Stop Processing Centers in the regions which would facilitate the processing of public housing documents.

Salo said the faster the housing documents are processed the sooner more Filipino families will achieve their dream of having new homes they can call their own.

“The new law is an excellent Valentines gift of the national government, particularly by Congress and by President Duterte, to all Filipino families. Having a decent roof over one’s head is indeed at the heart of the basic needs and aspirations of every Filipino,” Salo said.

Meanwhile, Benitez said RA 11201 allows for a unified direction and consolidated efforts toward shelter delivery for Filipinos.

He pointed out that among the main provisions of the measure is identification of idle government lands that will be used as in-city housing sites.

He said government lands that have been idle for years should be maximized and used for Filipino families who needs housing that are close to their sources of livelihood.

“We are optimistic that the enactment of the Department of Human Settlements is a step towards the realization of providing affordable homes to Filipino families,” Benitez said.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development would be headed by a Secretary, four undersecretaries and two assistant secretaries.

RA 11201 attaches five government housing corporations to the Department, but the law also mandates the Secretary of Housing to work with the Governance Commission for GOCCs to restructure these state firms: National Housing Authority, Home Guaranty Corporation, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund, and Social Housing Finance Corporation.

The new law also abolishes the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

The HLURB would be reconstituted into the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission, to be headed by an Executive Commissioner and nine Commissioners, shall have regional field units.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1062368

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development created

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed Republic Act (RA) 11201, creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, in an effort to ensure that underprivileged and homeless citizens have an access to "adequate, safe, secure, habitable, sustainable, resilient, and affordable home."

RA 11201, inked by Duterte on February 14, creates the department through the consolidation of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

The new department is delegated as the primary national government entity responsible for the management of housing, human settlement, and urban development.

It is also mandated to be the "sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination performance monitoring entity for all housing settlement and urban development concerns, primarily focusing on the access to and the affordability of basic human needs."

The department is composed of Office of the Secretary, and various bureaus, services and regional offices.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is led by a Secretary, assisted by three Undersecretaries and the Assistant Secretaries appointed by the President.

"It shall develop and adopt a national strategy to immediately address the provision of adequate and affordable housing to all Filipinos, and shall ensure the alignment of the policies, programs, and projects of all its attached agencies to facilitate the achievement of his objective," the law read.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development has the power to exercise policy development, coordination, monitoring and evaluation; environmental, land use and urban planning and development; housing and real estate development regulation; and homeowners association and community development.

The department, under RA 11202, is allowed to enter into contracts, joint venture agreements or understanding, public-private partnerships, and memorandum of agreement or understanding, either domestic or foreign, under such terms and conditions deemed proper and reasonable.

It can also receive, take and hold by bequest, device, gift, purchase or lease, either absolutely or in trust for any of its purposes from foreign and domestic sources, any asset, grant or property, real or personal, subject to such limitations provided under existing laws and regulations.

It is also mandated to discharge all responsibilities of government that may arise from treaties, agreements, and other commitments on human settlement and urban development to be extended through bilateral or multilateral loans and programs.

The department can also determine, fix, and collect reasonable amounts to charged as fees and charges necessary for the effective implementation of all laws, rules and regulations enforced by the department and impose reasonable fines and penalties for violation thereof.

It also has the power to recommend new legislation and amendments to existing laws as may be necessary for the attainment of government's objectives in housing.

Duterte's new law also gives the new department the authority to promote, accredit and regulate the use of indigenous materials and technologies in the housing construction.

It can also implement prototype projects in housing and urban development undertakings, with the right to exercise the power of eminent domain, when necessary.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is also tasked to open roads of subdivisions to the public, when the general welfare requires it upon consultation with stakeholders.

Under RA 11201, the HLURB is reconstituted as the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) attached to the department for policy, planning and program coordination only.

The commission is composed of five commissioners chosen by the President.

The existing employees of HUDCC and HLURB will enjoy security of tenure and will be absorbed by the department or the HSAC.

The law also created the National Human Settlements Board that will be chaired by the secretary of the new department.

Other board members include the director general of the National Economic and Development Authority; Finance, Budget, Public Works, and Local Government departments; and the head of each attached agency of the new department.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development has the administrative supervision over National housing Authority, National home Mortgage Finance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund, and Social Housing Finance Corporation.

The department is also ordered to establish housing one-stop processing centers in the regions, which will centralize the processing and issuance of all required housing-related permits, clearances, and licenses.

The funds for the creation of the new department will be charged against the current year's appropriation of the HUDCC and HLURB.

Palace made public the copy of RA 11201 on Tuesday, February 19. (SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1793272

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, binuo na ng Malacañang

Isinabatas n ani Pangulong Rodirgo Duterte ang pagbuo sa Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

Ito ang nakasaad sa nilagdaan ni Pangulong Duterte na Republic Act Number 11201 na naglalayong mabigyan ng ligtas, makatao, saistainable at resilient na pabahay sa murang halaga ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan na nakasaad sa Article 9 section 13 ng 1987 constitution.

Batay sa Section 4 ng bagong batas, ang Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development ay ang pinagisang puwersa ng Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council o HUDCC at ng Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board o HLURB.

Ang nasabing departamento ang siyang bubuo ng national housing and urban development policies, strategies, at standards alinsunod narin sa Philippine Development Plan na nagsusulong ng social at economic welfare ng bansa sa tulong ng lokal na pamahalan, mga stakeholders at iba pang tanggapan ng pamahalaan.

Ito din ang magsasagawa ng tuloy-tuloy na pagaaral sa larangan ng housing and urban development at pagtatatag ng framework para sa resilient housing and human settlements para maging handa sa kalamidad.

https://rmn.ph/department-of-human-settlements-and-urban-development-binuo-na-ng-malacaang/

New law creates Department of Housing and Urban Development

The new department replaces the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board

In a bid to streamline housing and land use planning by the government, a new law creates the Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHUD).

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11201 on February 14. A copy of the law was released to the public on Tuesday, February 19.

The new DHUD is a combination of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board.

It will be headed by a secretary who will sit in the National Economic and Development Authority Board and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, among other bodies.

The department will serve as the "primary national government entity responsible for the management of housing, human settlement, and urban development."

Its main task is to ensure Filipinos have access to affordable housing and other services that address their basic needs. (READ: Why P600-a-month housing is still a burden to the poor)

As part of its policy-development function, the DHUD is ordered to come up with a national housing and urban development policy. It will be in charge of keeping records on idle lands, comprehensive land use plans of local governments, housing stocks, and lists of housing beneficiaries.

It will own and administer government-owned lands, and must develop and implement a plan for the establishment of government centers in the country.

When it comes to land use planning and zoning regulations, the DHUD is supposed to guide cities and towns in formulating their own such plans.

The law also creates various bureaus and commissions under the department. Agencies like the National Housing Authority, Home Development Mutual Fund, and Social Housing Finance Corporation will be supervised by the DHUD.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/223856-new-law-creates-department-housing-urban-development

Duterte signs into law bill establishing Human Settlements Department

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure that seeks to consolidate housing agencies into a new Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

Malacañang released on Tuesday a copy of the Republic Act No. 11201, which Duterte approved last Thursday, Feb. 14.

Under the law, the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) would be merged into a new department.

The new department would act as the primary national government entity responsible for managing housing, human settlement, and urban development.

It would also be the sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination, and performance monitoring entity for all housing, human settlement, and urban development concerns, primarily focusing on the access and affordability of basic, decent shelters.

The law also abolishes HUDCC and reconstitutes the HLURB as the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC).

Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority, the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, Home Mutual Development Fund, and the Social Housing Finance Corporation would be attached agencies to the DHSUD.

The law also mandates the creation of the National Human Settlements Board (NHSB) to address the transfer of the function of the HLURB to the HSAC. /ee

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1087524/duterte-signs-into-law-bill-establishing-human-settlements-department

Duterte signs law on creation of Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development

By Prince Golez

A bill creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development has been enacted into law.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11201, which consolidates the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, on February 14, 2019.

Under the law, the new department will act as the primary national government entity responsible for the management of housing, human settlement, and urban development.

It will serve as the sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination, and performance monitoring entity for all housing, human settlement, and urban development concerns, primarily focusing on the access to and the affordability of basic human needs.

Also, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is tasked to develop and adopt a national strategy to immediately address the provision of adequate and affordable housing to all Filipinos.

Section 6 of the law provides that, the department will compose of the Office of the Secretary, and the various bureaus, services, and regional offices.

It will be headed by a Secretary and assisted by four Undersecretaries and four Assistant Secretaries to be appointed by the President.

https://politics.com.ph/duterte-signs-law-on-creation-of-department-of-human-settlements-and-urban-development/

Duterte signs law creating Human Settlements Department

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill seeking to consolidate all housing agencies into a new Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

Duterte approved Republic Act 11201 on February 14, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Tuesday.

The law orders the consolidation of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) to create the new department.

The new department would be the sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination, and performance monitoring entity for all housing and urban development concerns, and would primarily be focused on the access to and affordability of decent, and secure shelter.

Under the law, the department would be composed of the Office of the Secretary, three undersecretaries and assistant secretaries each, and the Bureaus of Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development; Housing and Real Estate Development Regulation; and Homeowners Association and Community Development.

The department will also have administrative supervision over the National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund and Social Housing Finance Corporation.

The measure also orders the creation of a National Human Settlements Board to address housing policies and plans, as well as the transfer of the adjudicatory function of the HLURB to the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission.

Government data showed that in 2018 alone, there was a need for more than two million housing units. The figure was projected to balloon to 6,571,387 by the end of 2022.

The law takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/685415/duterte-signs-law-creating-human-settlements-department/story/

A girl with two faces in one body!

A girl with two faces in one body!

The new primetime series “Kara Mia” which premieres today (Feb. 18) on GMA Telebabad tells the story of a girl with two faces trapped in one body. And what makes it much anticipated is the fact that it was based on a true story from India and an English urban legend in Great Britain.

Making the series more interesting is that it stars two of the brightest and award-winning actresses of this generation, Barbie Forteza and Mika dela Cruz as sisters Kara and Mia, two sisters facing literally and figuratively to represent good and Evil!

Kara (Barbie) and Mia (Mika) were born with Disprosopus or craniofacial duplication, a congenital defect where they have two faces but share only one body. Until today, the origin of this condition, which is one of the rarest malformations in humans, is still unexplained, whether it is mythical or medical. Kara's face is in front, while Mia's face is at the back of their head.

Little do they know, they are probably the children of a mystical being, an engkanto, who watches over them as they grow up. But even if they are "one" person, the two sisters cannot be more different. Kara is kind, jolly, smart, and aspired to become a doctor to continue what their mother wasn't able to achieve. She believes that this "defect" is what makes her unique and special, and she loves her sister Mia with all her heart. Mia, on the other hand, is the mischievous one. She is lazy, pessimistic, and dreams of being an actress. She is envious of Kara and wants nothing more than to be her own person.

Also featured in vital roles in “Kara and Mia” are highly-respected actors and actresses in the industry: Ms. Carmina Villarroel as Aya, the doting mother of the sisters. She is a beautiful Manileña who moved to Bacolod when her family started drowning in debt, and Mr. John Estrada as Arthur, Aya's husband and the father of Kara and Mia. He owns a small carinderia and is a strong believer of folk tales; with Ms. Glydel Mercado as Julia, Arthur's crazy ex-girlfriend who will drive a wedge between him and Aya.

Adding a dose of enchantment to the series is Mike Tan as Iswal, the mischievous engkanto who lives in the forest and is enthralled by Aya's beauty. He will do everything in his power to be close to her.

Also starring in the series are sought-after leading men Jak Roberto as Boni, the lola's boy and a loving gentleman who likes Kara but captures Mia's heart; and Paul Salas as Chino, Boni's handsome and well-off cousin who steals Kara's heart.

Completing the stellar cast are Liezel Lopez as Ellie, Julia's daughter who is almost the same age as Kara and Mia who is both narcissistic and materialistic; Althea Ablan as Estrella, the younger sister who is funny, irreverent, and loves both Kara and Mia, even though she's closer to Kara; Arthur Solinap as Lex, the supportive Ilonggo uncle of Kara and Mia; Karenina Haniel as Lerma/LJ, Kara's funny best friend; April Gustilo as Betty, the silly sidekick of Julia with Ms. Alicia Alonzo as Asuncion, Aya's hostile mother who looks at Kara and Mia as freaks and Ms. Gina Pareño as Corazon, the reclusive grandmother of Iswal.

An all original creation of the GMA Entertainment Group, “Kara Mia” is a powerful and dramatic representation of how good and evil are every individual's two natures, of how we make the good triumph over the other, and how love will time and again conquer all.

The series is a product of the visionary minds of Tina Velasco, Elle Ortizluis, Cynthia Paz (Brainstormers); Onay Sales, John Kenneth De Leon, Kutz Enriquez (Writers); Des Garbes-Severino (head writer); under the tutelage of the Creative Team headed by Richard 'Dode' Cruz (Creative Head); Aloy Adlawan, Denoy Navarro-Punio (Creative Consultants), under the capable supervision of the Production team headed by Ms. Lilybeth G. Rasonable (SVP For EG), Ms. Redgie Magno (VP For Drama), Ms. Cheryl Ching-Sy (AVP for Drama), Ms. Hazel Felizmenio Abonita (Senior Program Manager), Ms. Winnie Holis-Reyes (Executive Producer).

Under the helm of esteemed director Dominic Zapata, the series also showcases the scenic beauty of the City of Bacolod, where the story takes place and some of the important scenes were shot.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA's international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

***

Happy birthday greetings today, Feb. 18, go to Louie Leonardo; Roby Torres Manalili; Rica Detiquez; Teng Juanson; Joel Reyes Zobel; Rachel Alejandro; Angelo Ancino; Dr. Raul Nidoy; Reiner Cadiz; Michael Angelo Adigue, Jojo A. Robles, Mark Anthony Sablan; Bernadette Sembrano; Babet Esteban; Nelia Tadeo, Marjorie S. Duran, Nic Gabunada, veteran actress Perla Bautista, Dr. Bernadette Coden, Ret. Judge Prudencio Altre Castillo, Loreto Cabanes, business editor of Manila Bulletin; Christopher Michael Zamora, Dodo Puzon Melicor, Lydia Tensuan, Norma Razo, Carlito Pascual, Atty. Felipe Jun Medina, Clarence Jacob Martinez, Salome “Amie” A. Ramos, Arleen V. Asuncion and Brenan Espartinez...Belated happy birthday greetings to Berns Paras Landingin (Feb. 15); Jonas Peralta, Rhiza Pascua, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda, Benedict Exconde, Leoher S. Ocampo (Feb. 16). Happy wedding anniversary to Martin S. Gamotea and wife Mary Ann Gines. Paz Mananquil-Chavez of La Paz, Tarlac and San Pedro City, Metro Manila peacefully joined her parents Marcos T. Mananquil and Maura Guillermo-Mananquil, brothers Emmanuel and Wilfredo Mananquil and husband Loreto Chavez. Mother of Lorie Paz Chavez, Lizette and John Michael Toril, Lalaine and Jeffrey Biay, sister of Robert and Millet Martinez Mananquil, Raffy and Zeny Jimenez, Scott(+) and Lily Brown, Arvin and Maritess Barretto, Edna Mananquil-Brown and Gloria Domingo-Mananquil, grandmother of Lucas Gabriel, Nathan Percy, Hailey Quinn and Rachel Arya Motril; Joshua and Jasmin Biay; Joanna Pauline Chavez, aunt of Erwin and Riza Mananquil, Glenda Mananquil, Robby and Maxene Magalona-Mananquil, Paolo and Rissa Mananquil Trillo, Benjamin and Raya Mananquil De Leon, Edgardo and Irene Nora, Mark Jimenez, Anthony and Samantha Brown, Tierra Brown, Jester and Margarita Sogitao, Arvin Barretto, Jr., Trina Barretto, Desiree Brown and Jameson Brown. Wake is at Molave Room, Forest Lake Chapel in Binan City. Date of burial at Forest Lake Memorial Park will be announced later.

***

Metro Channel Program Schedule

Monday, February 25, 2019

• 7:00 am - Success in Career
• 7:30 am - Financial News
• 8:00 am - Property Experts
• 8:30 am - Global Market Bulletin
• 9:00 am - ETV
• 10:00 am - Inside Market
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Duterte urged: Veto bill creating human settlements department

Urban-poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) on Sunday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to veto the bill that seeks to consolidate all housing agencies into a new Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

In an emailed statement on Sunday, Kadamay said the proposal to consolidate housing agencies into one would lead to unemployment issues for government employees, and would give DHSUD a monopoly on power.

"This will cause massive layoffs of government employees while the DHSUD itself will gain unprecedented powers counter to the benefit of the poor," the statement read.

"Tiyak na mapanganib ang panukalang DHSUD. Iisang ahensya na lamang ang magtatakda ng lahat ng demolisyon sa buong bansa. May kapangyarihan ding basta na lamang itaas ang singil ng amortisasyon sa pabahay," said Gloria "Ka Bea" Arellano.

In November,  the Senate ratified the reconciled version of the bill, which would effectively create the DHSUD that will primarily be focused on the access to and affordability of decent and secure shelter.

According to Kadamay, part of the DHSUD's powers would be to increase the amortization fees in relocation areas every two years, based on what it deems to be the prevailing economic condition.

"Dapat hindi ituloy ang DHSUD. Ibasura siya at sa halip ay baguhin ang oryentasyon ng housing policies. Imbes na panay demolisyon at dagdag singil, dapat gawing abot-kaya at pang-masang pabahay," said Arellano.

The group also flagged that the proposed law would allow foreign investors to take a larger role in reshaping the urban landscape.

"Alinsunod sa Build Build Build, papadulasin ang pagpasok ng mga korporasyon mula sa China halimbawa na siyang makikinabang sa kalunsuran natin. Habang demolisyon naman ang haharapin ng mga mahihirap," it said.

While Kadamay said it was not confident that the President would veto the proposed bill, it said it will continue to oppose the DHSUD.

In March 2017,  1,000 members of the militant urban poor workers' group illegally occupied 419 housing units in Pandi Residences 3 in Bulacan where they put up barricades and placards saying the housing project is free and for the masses.

In response, Duterte told soldiers and police — the supposed beneficiaries of the housing units — to give up their housing units to the Kadamay. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/LBG GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/685207/duterte-urged-veto-bill-creating-human-settlements-department/story

Stars sparkle in Pure Magic 2019 New Year Party

The biggest and the brightest Star Magic artists ushered in 2019 as a family through the sparkling gathering touted as Pure Magic. 

The all star New Year’s party had the country’s popular stars walking the blue carpet and partying the night away in their glittery and shiny ensembles. 

Among those who walked the blue carpet were couples and tandems like Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte, Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber and Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia.

While leading ladies Angelica Panganiban, Shaina Magdayao, Jessy Mendiola, Janella Salvador, Elisse Joson, Jane Oineza, Sofia Andres, Barbie Imperial, Maris Racal, Sue Ramirez, Yen Santos, Coleen Garcia, Denise Laurel, Pokwang, Kisses Delavin and Kim Chiu, among others, came in full regalia.

Dashing leading men Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, McCoy de Leon, RK Bagatsing, Jameson Blake, Sam Milby, Elmo Magalona, Donny Pangilinan, Arjo Atayde, Ejay Falcon and Zanjoe Marudo, among others, meanwhile, brought their A game as they took the blue carpet. 

Performers Vina Morales, KZ Tandingan, Klarisse de Guzman, Liezel Garcia, Tippy Dos Santos, Nyoy Volante and Jed Madela, among others, took their singers hat off to have fun that night, as well as the talent management’s most promising teen stars.

As they night went on KZ Tandingan, Eric Nicolas, Nyoy Volante, PJ Endrinal, Alexa Ilacad and Jed Madela entertained the vibrant crowd by jamming with the Six Part Invention band.

While all came made up, a few stars stood out as they took home special awards. Kim Chiu bagged the Wilkins Pure Star of the Night, KZ Tandingan was awarded the Pure Glam of the Night while Piolo Pascual was named the Pure Lit of the Night.

Before the program wrapped up and before the dancing began, AC Bonifacio and Riva Quenery first sizzled on the dance floor with their individual performances.

To say that the first ever Pure Magic night has been a success would be an understatement. The star-studded gathering wouldn’t have been possible if not for Keren Pascual.

Also spotted in the occasion are Marivic and Cesar Pareja, former DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, Pops Fernandez, Tessa Alindogan, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Philippine Daily Inquirer president and CEO Sandy Romualdez, Chef Noel de la Rama, Singtel’s Jeff Remigio, DZMM’s Patricia Daza, Radyo INQUIRER's Noel Ferrer, Star Cinema's Enrico Santos, headwriter Joel Mercado, PEP's Jo Ann Maglipon, Eloisa Matias, Leo Katigbak, Shirley Kuan, Law Tan, Dolor Guevarra, Angelica Alita, Veana Fores, Bibeth Orteza and Malou Choa-Fagar, ABS-CBN COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes, Senators Grace Poe, Bam Aquino, Sonny Angara, Loren Legarda and Cynthia Villar, Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal, advertising and promotions head Biboy Arboleda, MTRCB chairwoman Rachel Arenas, Sr. Mary John Mananzan, former Sen. Rene Saguisag, Rev. Rhee Timbang, Rev. Broderick Pabillo, former congressmen Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III and Neri Colmenares, ACT partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio, University of the Philippines (UP) chancellor Michael Tan, Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) national chairman and law dean Jose Manuel Diokno, BAYAN’s Carol Araullo, National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) secretary general Edre Olalia, UP professors Rolando Simbulan and Julkipli Wadi, journalists Vergel Santos and Inday Espina Varona, actors Mae Paner and Audie Gemora, Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay, Edith Burgos, former Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Teddy Casiño, Liz Uy, MTRCB chairperson Rachel Arenas, Riza Mantaring, Benedicto Sison, Jan Chiu, Bea Grabador, Andrea Villanueva, Mike Defensor, Bong Guerrero, Carlo Magdaluyo, Margot Torres, Angelette Calero, Anton Barretto, Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, Joey Samson, James Reyes, Louis Claparols, Rhett Eala, Patty Betita, Phoemela Baranda, Mons Romulo, Arnel Patawaran, Liza Ilarde, Anton San Diego, Bev Llorente, Samantha Lopez, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Arnold Vegafria, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter, Taguig City Mayor Lani and Rep. Pia Cayetano, Joy Tan Aguilar and siblings Jam and Johan, former Taguig City mayor Freddie Tinga and former first lady Kaye Tinga.

https://entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/shows/starmagic/show-updates/2019/01/29/09012919-stars-sparkle-in-pure-magic-2019-new-year-party

Ouano: Election for lone district of Mandaue can wait in 2022

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The election of a new representative for the lone district of Mandaue City can wait until the 2022 national elections.

Provincial Board Member Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano of the sixth district of Cebu said that calling for a special election is impractical because this will entail unnecessary cost.

“Once mag special elections ta, gasto na pud on the expense of the people. Dili man na ingon ana kadali. For me, mas maayo nga huwaton na lang nato ang 2022 (election),” he added.

But Ouano said he is happy that Mandaue City’s lone district bill was final passed.

“Kaning pagka-lone district sa Mandaue City is already long overdue. Finally, after several attempts sa atong mga representatives it is realized,” Ouano told Cebu Daily News Digital.

Secretary Adelino Sitoy of the Presidential Legal Liaison Office (PLLO) said in an interview on Friday that a bill that will separate Mandaue City from Cordova and Consolacion towns that now consist the sixth district of Cebu was already “good as signed by the president.”

Read More: Bill to make Mandaue City a lone district ‘good as signed’ — Sitoy

Ouano said that while Mandaue City will get to benefit from additional projects with its creation into a lone district, government should not also disregard the welfare of people in Cordova and Consolacion towns./dcb

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/216836/ouano-election-for-lone-district-of-mandaue-can-wait-in-2022

Comelec starts canvassing of votes for 2nd round of BOL plebiscite

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc resumed its session on Monday to canvass the votes in the second round of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite.

Comelec, seating as the National Plebiscite Board of Canvassers, reconvened at 2:30 p.m. to canvass the votes from Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato.

The subject of the plebiscite is the entire Lanao del Norte province except Iligan City and 67 barangays in seven towns of North Cotabato.

Official results for the February 6 plebiscite is expected to be released past 6 p.m. on Monday. /ee

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1084317/comelec-starts-canvassing-of-votes-for-2nd-round-of-bol-plebiscite

Canvassing starts for results of BOL plebiscite’s second round

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has started canvassing the votes cast in the second round of the plebiscite for the inclusion of additional areas under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas opened the session of the National Plebiscite Board of Canvassers at 2:30 p.m. on Monday.

The second round of the plebiscite covered was held in the six municipalities of Lanao del Norte namely Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagaloan and Tangkal and in 39 barangays of North Cotabato located in the towns of Aleosan, Carmen, Cabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan, and Pikit.

A win for the yes vote in these areas would mean their inclusion in new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which will be given an expanded land and water jurisdiction, fiscal autonomy, increased share in national government resources, among others.

The inclusion of these areas in the new region, however, would only happen if the area concerned and the local government that they're under would approve of their inclusion.

For instance a town in Lanao del Norte will join the new autonomous region if majority of those in the concerned municipality and the province of Lanao del Norte voted for its inclusion.

Barangays in North Cotabato may only join the new entity if majority of those in the concerned barangay and those in the municipality to which the barangay belongs would vote yes. —NB, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/684555/canvassing-starts-for-results-of-bol-plebiscite-s-second-round/story/

What happens to Cotabato barangays not part of new Bangsamoro region?

Five out of  67 barangays in several towns in Cotabato that took part in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite did not get enough "yes" votes, GMA News' Ian Cruz reported for State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.

With this, the villages will not be included in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

One option these barangays have, according to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), is that they could be clustered together and form a municipality of their own.

"Sa BOL po, binigay sa BTA (Bangsamoro Transition Authority) and sa Parliament 'yung kapangyarihan na mag-reconstitute noong mga political units that will become part of the autonomous region," BTC Commissioner Raissa Jajurie explained on Friday.

"So, ibig sabihin, kung mga barangays po 'yun, puwede silang ma-cluster, gawin silang munisipyo," she added.

Transition officials are still studying the situation of two lone barangays in Aleosan town who voted 'yes' to their inclusion in the BARMM but were a distance away from each other.

The committee also explained how the residents of these barangays will be able to participate in the midterm elections in May.

"If they are reconstituted, ibig sabihin, magiging bago po silang munisipyo, then they will no longer be voting for the mayors of the original municipality to which they belong," Jajurie said.

"Magkakaroon sila ng sariling ballot pero sino bobotohan nila? Dahil nga po sa mga nasasakupan na 'yun, wala naman pong mga kandidato na puwede nilang iboto," lawyer Michael Abas, director of Commission on Elections Region 12, added. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/684354/what-happens-to-cotabato-barangays-not-part-of-new-bangsamoro-region/story/

Bill to make Mandaue City a lone district ‘good as signed’ — Sitoy

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The bill that would make Mandaue City the newest lone district of Cebu province is good as approved.

Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Secretary Adelino Sitoy, in a phone interview with CDN Digital on Friday, February 8, said he is confident that President Rodrigo Duterte will sign Senate Bill No. 8511, separating the City of Mandaue from the sixth legislative district of Cebu Province. The Bill  passed in third and final reading at the Senate last Monday, February 4, 2019.

“That’s good as signed. Sigurado na nga pirmahan sa presidente,” Sitoy said.

Sitoy said that having Mandaue City as a lone district and the towns of Cordova and Consolacion remain in the sixth district is seen to bring in more focused projects for the local government units.

“Good for Cordova and Consolacion kay concentrated na ang mga projects sa mga lungsod. This is also good for the entire province of Cebu kay long overdue na ang pag-address aning atong underrepresentations. Kuwang man gyod ta sa number of districts. Karon nga naa tay bag-ong distrito, it means nga more projects, more representation in Congress,” Sitoy added.

However, Sitoy said that electing separate representatives for Mandaue City and the two remaining towns in the sixth district cannot be carried yet in the May 2019 midterm elections.

Sitoy said that this May, there will still be one representative for the entire sixth district, including Mandaue City, that will be elected.

He added that either a special elections for the sixth district may be conducted or the sixth district will have to wait until the May 2022 national elections before it can have separate representatives for Mandaue City and the remaining towns in the district. /bjo

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/216244/bill-to-make-mandaue-city-a-lone-district-good-as-signed-sitoy