Ilocos Norte LGUs host public viewing of Marcos inauguration

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte was at a standstill on Thursday as locals watched the live coverage of the inaugural ceremony of President Ferdinand “Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at the National Museum in Manila.

Employees of City Hall and the Capitol here took time out from their regular routine as they watched Marcos take his oath of office as the 17th President of the Philippines before Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

Early Thursday, various local government units in Ilocos Norte hosted public viewings of the event in their respective gymnasiums or auditoriums.

As soon as the Information and Technology Department of the Ilocos Norte government installed the big screen at the Capitol auditorium, Fe Siazon, provincial government human resource, and management officials said Thursday she rushed to the venue to get a front-row seat at the viewing party.

Having worked with the now-President when he was still the governor of Ilocos Norte, Siazon was elated over Marcos' assumption as the newly inaugurated chief executive and promised to promote unity and bring progress to the country.

“The President is determined to make a change but he will be needing our cooperation to make it happen,” she said.

Despite the choppy internet signal, Helen Abad, 75, from Barangay San Lorenzo, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte still managed to listen to the President’s speech via her cellular phone.

“This is history in the making. I pray for the President’s good health and wisdom to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos,” she said in Ilocano.

Market vendors and salon workers in Laoag City also rejoiced as they witnessed another Ilocano lead the country for the next six years.

In Batac City, thousands of employees and students of state-run Mariano Marcos State University virtually watched at the University Review Center the turnover and oath-taking ceremonies of Marcos.

"Being the sole state university in the province from where our newest president hails, we are very much proud of our [President Bongbong Marcos], and optimistic of the greatness that will unfold for our country starting today," MMSU president Shirley Agrupis said.

On Wednesday, around 60 invited guests mostly composed of provincial, city, and municipal officials as well as some department heads from Ilocos Norte left for Manila to personally witness the inauguration.

The Ilocos Norte officials are expected to take their oath-taking in Malacañang with Marcos. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177924

Marcos Jr. sworn in as Philippines’ 17th President

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Ferdinand Romualdez "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. took oath as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines, with a promise of promoting unity and bringing progress to the country.

Marcos, the son of the late former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr., was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo at the National Museum of the Philippines in the City of Manila.

In his inaugural address, Marcos vowed to fulfill his mandate to serve and protect fellow Filipinos.

"This is a historic moment for us all," he said. "You picked me to be your servant to enable changes to benefit all. I fully understand the gravity of the responsibility that you have put on my shoulders. I do not take it lightly, but I am ready for the task," he said.

Marcos, donning a rayadillo-inspired barong made by multi-awarded designer Pepito Albert, opted for a "very solemn and simple" inauguration.

Marcos' wife First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons Sandro, Simon, and Vincent graced the formal inauguration ceremony.

Also present were Marcos' mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos; and sisters, Senator Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta; Vice President Sara Duterte; and former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada.

The 1987 Constitution mandates the President-elect to take oath at noon on June 30, a ceremonial event marking the commencement of his six-year term as the country's new chief executive.

Prior to the inauguration, Marcos met with his predecessor, outgoing president Rodrigo Duterte, at Malacañan Palace for the latter's departure honors.

After his inaugural rites, Marcos is expected to host a traditional Vin d'honneur for foreign dignitaries, diplomatic corps and other invited guests.

Marcos will also administer the mass oath-taking of his Cabinet Secretaries at Malacañan Palace. He is also set to host an inaugural dinner.

The so-called People's Concert, which is part of Marcos' thanksgiving activity, will also be held on Thursday night.

The country's leading orchestra Philharmonic Orchestra and world-renowned Cecile Licad were tapped by Marcos to perform in the concert.

Marcos won the presidential race after garnering 31,629,783 votes or 58.77 percent of the votes cast in the May 9 national and local elections.

No hitch

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) thanked its personnel for their hard work which resulted in the peaceful and orderly inauguration rites.

In a statement, PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon also thanked soldiers and personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Health, and other force multipliers from various government agencies.

"Indeed, all will be well if everything is planned well. The inauguration of our new President, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., is peaceful, orderly, and successful. But we would not be able to do it without the hard work and sacrifices of everybody who took part as early as in the planning up to the last-minute implementation of the security measures," he added.

More than 15,000 policemen, soldiers, and other members of law enforcement and national and local government were deployed to secure the inauguration, which was attended by VIPs and foreign dignitaries.

De Leon also recognized the role of leaders, organizers, and members of various groups that held protests for policing their own ranks, which led to the peaceful programs.

Close to 1,000 protesters held a peaceful program at the Plaza Miranda in Manila, which was designated as a freedom park for the event.

Meanwhile, more than 5,000 Marcos supporters trooped to the public viewing area at the golf course in front of the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila before a lockdown was enforced in the area. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177892

NegOcc city's neophyte mayor vows transparent gov't service

By Nanette Guadalquiver

BACOLOD CITY – Neophyte Javier Miguel Benitez has vowed to provide a responsive and transparent government service and lead by example as he assumes the post as the youngest-ever mayor of Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Thursday.

The 27-year-old son of Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the new mayor of Bacolod City, took his oath before his uncle, reelected Third District Representative Jose Francisco Benitez, in ceremonies held at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center on Wednesday afternoon.

“I will be fair and just. I will lead by example. I will not demand what I will not do myself. I will set high expectations for each performance as I commit the same for myself,” the young mayor said.

He assured the people of Victorias that he will value their trust and will not let them down.

“I offer myself with full knowledge of the responsibilities that await me as a mayor. My youth will be my strength rather than my weakness,” said the former actor, who is in a relationship with television and movie actress Sue Ramirez.

A graduate of Political Science at the Santa Clara University in California, USA, Benitez said Victorias has been his childhood home, outside of Manila. When his father ran and served as congressman of the third district, he saw how it is like to lead and was inspired to join public service.

“During the time of the pandemic, I was able to reflect. I realized my purpose in life. I want to help others even in a small way, to alleviate their suffering,” he said.

Benitez said he will pursue an agenda that he introduced during the campaign, focusing on dignified human settlement, disaster resilience, the revival of the local economy, education, health, and responsive and transparent government service.

Acknowledging that he does not have all the solutions to the problems faced by the northern Negros city, he asked for help and welcomed suggestions from the various sectors on how to strengthen the delivery of government services to his constituents. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177904

Parliament passes controversial bills to create new provinces in Papua

The Indonesian parliament on Thursday approved the creation of three new provinces in the restive Papua region, despite opposition from many indigenous Papuans who fear an influx of outsiders, and criticism from rights groups that the move is a “divide-and-rule” strategy.

The action paves the way for the formation of South Papua Province, Central Papua Province, and Papua Highlands Province, in addition to the existing provinces of Papua and West Papua.

“The division is aimed at accelerating equitable development, the improvement of public services, people’s welfare and dignity,” lawmaker Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung said in parliament.

The plans to carve up Papua have been widely opposed by indigenous people. Protests involving thousands of people against the plans have been held in Papuan cities including Jayapura, Wamena, Yahukimo, Timika, Nabire and Lanny Jaya.

Ika Mulait, an activist with Papuan People’s Petition, a group that organized rallies against the creation of new provinces, warned of worsening human rights violations with the presence of more security forces.

Jakarta granted special autonomy for Papua in 2001 to mollify desires for independence, but Indonesian security forces have been accused of human rights abuses during anti-insurgency operations there.

A special autonomy law for Papua, which was passed last year, allows Jakarta to create new administrative units in Papua without the approval of the provincial government and the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP).

“These three new provinces will certainly result in more many military personnel entering Papua and the Papuan people are already traumatized by the presence of the security forces,” Ika told BenarNews.

Activists and Papuans said the bills were drafted without consulting the indigenous people who are represented through the MRP and the Papuan People’s Representative Council (DPRD).

“The government really has mastered the art of finding solutions to Papuan problems without listening to Papuans,” Ligia Giay, a Papuan studying in Australia, told BenarNews.

Legal challenge

Veronica Koman, an activist with Amnesty International Australia, said the creation of new provinces was a “divide-and-rule” tactic.

“New security bases and posts will be built in each new area, exacerbating conflicts and human rights violations through increased militarization,” she said on Twitter.

“As an Indonesian, I am deeply ashamed that a new chapter of Jakarta’s settler-colonialism project in West Papua has been officially legalized by the Indonesian parliament today,” she said.

Edho Gobay, director of the Papua Legal Aid Institute, said his organization would challenge the bills at the Constitutional Court in Jakarta.

“We will mount a legal challenge because Papuans also have constitutional rights guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution,” Gobay told BenarNews.

Meanwhile, Sebby Sambom, spokesman for the West Papua National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the separatist movement, said the creation of new provinces was to serve only the interests of the elite.

“We never asked for special autonomy or new autonomous entities. That’s what Indonesia wants through the Papuan elite,” Sambom told BenarNews .

“That is the nature of colonialism. Indonesia will impose its will on Papua using the hands of the indigenous Papuans,” he said.

Clashes between rebels and government forces have intensified since December 2018, after rebels killed 20 people who worked for a state-owned construction company building a road in Papua.

Papua has been home to a separatist insurgency since the 1960s. In 1963, Indonesian forces invaded Papua – like Indonesia, a former Dutch colony – and annexed the region that makes up the western half of New Guinea Island.

Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a United Nations-sponsored vote, which locals and activists said was a sham because it involved only about 1,000 people. However, the United Nations accepted the result, essentially endorsing Jakarta’s rule.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/three-provinces-06302022133848.html

Blocktime radioman shot dead in CDO

By Nef Luczon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—A radio commentator was killed by unidentified assailants Wednesday morning, police said.

The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) said Federico “Deng” Gempesaw was shot to death by an assailant who approached him outside his home in Sitio Macanhan, Barangay Carmen here.

Maj. Mario Mantala, COCPO Station 4 chief, said investigators found Gempesaw's body on a roadside between a parked taxi and pick-up truck.

Citing a witness, Mantala said the assailant wore a brown shirt, a black cap, and a face mask, who fled the scene on a motorcycle driven by another suspect.

Mantala said Gempesaw tried to seize the assailant's firearm despite being wounded, but the gunman shot the victim on the head, causing the latter to fall into a canal.

Gempesaw's children brought the body from the canal to the roadside before the police arrived, he said.

Prior to working as a radio commentator, Gempesaw held was the head of the City Economic Enterprises Department during the time of former mayor Vicente Emano.

Ronald Rufin, manager of the radio station where he worked, said Gempesaw was a blocktime commentator since 2019 but became a regular program anchor after the 2022 elections.

“He handled the regular program here (in the station) because of his issue-based and constructive commentaries, which I think I won't get in trouble with KBP (Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas) rules. He is also a licensed KBP anchor,” Rufin said.

Authorities are still investigating the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177848

4 bills granting, renewing franchise of telcos lapse into laws

By Azer Parrocha

Four bills granting or renewing the franchise of telecommunications companies have lapsed into law.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte allowed the measures to lapse on May 27, 2022, sans his signature.

Republic Acts (RA) No. 11773, 11774, 11801 renew for another 25 years the franchises granted to Panay Telephone Corporation, Calapan Telephone System, Inc., and Victorias Telephone System, Inc., respectively.

RA 11775 grants the estate of Mr. Amado L. Ola, OPC, doing business as Amapola Broadcasting System, a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.

All laws require the grantees to secure from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) a certificate of public convenience and necessity or the appropriate permits and licenses.

"In case of any violation of the provisions of this franchise, the NTC shall have the authority to revoke or suspend, after due process, the permits or licenses it issued pursuant to the franchise. The NTC may recommend to Congress the revocation of the franchise for any violation of the provisions of this franchise," the laws read.

Under the laws, the grantees must “conform to the ethics of honest enterprise and not use its stations or facilities for obscene or indecent transmission, or for dissemination of deliberately false information, or willful misrepresentation, or assist in subversive or treasonable acts.”

The laws also give the President of the Philippines a special right to temporarily take over and operate the stations, transmitters, facilities, or equipment of the grantees “in times of war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order.”

Grantees must also submit an annual report on their compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise and on its operations to the Congress through the committee on legislative franchises of the House of Representatives and the committee on public services of the Senate on or before April 30 of every year during the term of its franchise.

Failure to submit the annual report to Congress will be penalized with a fine of PHP1 million for each working day of noncompliance.

Renaming roads

Meanwhile, Duterte also allowed two measures renaming roads to lapse into law on May 29, 2022 without his signature.

RA 11797 renames the Bogo-Curva-Medellin-Daanbantayan-Maya Road, stretching from Barangay Don Pedro Rodriguez in the City of Bogo, as Juan Macaraeg Highway.

RA 11798 renames the Marawi City-Kapai-Tagoloan II in Lanao del Sur Road, stretching from Barangay Banggolo Poblacion in the City of Marawi as Senator Ahmad Domocao Alangadi Alonto Sr. National Road.

The Department of Public Works and Highways must issue the necessary rules, orders, and circulars to implement the provisions of the laws within 60 days from effectivity.

Separating, converting schools

Five laws separating and converting schools also lapsed into law on May 29, 2022.

RA 11793 separates the Rodolfo V. Pamor Jr. Memorial National High School-Sagñay Southeastern High School Annex in Barangay Turague, Municipality of Sagñay, Province of Camarines Sur from the Rodolfo V. Pamor Jr. Memorial High School and converted into an independent national high school to be known as Turague National High School.

RA 11794 separates the Dulop National High School-Bag-ong Valencia Extension in Barangay Bag-ong Valencia, Municipality of Dumingag, Province of Zamboanga del Sur from the Dulop National High School and converted into an independent national high school to be known as the Bag-ong Valencia Agricultural National High School.

RA 11795 separates the Datu Danwata Elementary School-Agik-ik Extension in Barangay Datu Danwata, Municipality of Malita, Province of Davao Occidental from the Datu Danwata Elementary School and converted into an independent elementary school to be known as the Agik-ik Elementary School.

RA 11796 separates the Datu Danwata Elementary School-TFS of Balis Extension in Barangay Datu Danwata, Municipality of Malita, Province of Davao Occidental from the Datu Danwata Elementary School and converted into an independent elementary school to be known as the Balis Elementary School.

RA 11824 converts the Kinangan Elementary School in Barangay Kinangan, Municipality of Malita, Province of Davao Occidental into an integrated school to be known as Kinangan Integrated School.

The Department of Education Secretary must promulgate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of the laws within 60 days after the approval of the laws.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177775

The comeback of the Multiply social media platform after the nine year blog portal shutdown

About Multiply: Multiply, Inc. is one of the world’s preeminent Social Shopping and Media Sharing companies and operates the largest online marketplace in the Philippines. With over 70,000 storefronts, and 20 million monthly unique users, Multiply is a fast-growing environment, and the company to watch in the Philippines.

The Multiply social media platform would be reopened soon, with job hiring, the groundbreaking and opening of a new Philippine headquarters with the data center, and start to recover and retrieve all blogs, photos, and videos from 2004 to 2013. Under CEO and owner Stefan Magdalinski, the website would reopen for former users and start downloading blogs, photos, and videos.

In 2022, following the presidential elections and following his own inauguration, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. would re-establish and reopen the former social media platform and social shopping site Multiply. The legal name of the company would be called Multiply, Inc. based in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.A., and local subsidiaries or units Multiply Philippines, Inc. based in Pasig City, the Philippines, and PT Multiply Indonesia based in Jakarta, Indonesia, the primary purpose of the company is the world’s preeminent Media Sharing company and operates the largest online marketplace in the Philippines.

On August 19, 2022, it finally agreed on the social networking portion of Multiply. According to Magdalinski, it has decided to reopen the website along with all business operations, the Multiply International site, and the social networking portion including 11 million users with hosted blogs, videos, photos, and messaging. It is set to sign the final agreement on August 31, according to Mon Jocson of UNTV.

On September 28, 2022, it forged a consensus with shareholders on the social networking portion of Multiply.

Prosus N.V. is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to finalize the agreement.

The website which has photos, videos, and blog entries from March 2004 to March 2013, will provide features similar to Facebook Live and Instagram.

Getting all parties to agree was among the targets set by CEO Magdalinski within the first 100 days in office of the new presidency, and it involved engaging all shareholders in meetings in order to reach a consensus.

Magdalinski, along with Multiply founder Pezaris and former country manager for the Philippines Jack Madrid will sign a term sheet for the Multiply social network ending a 9-year closure of the website.

With the planned reopening of Multiply is a social networking service website and application, Multiply Media LLC will cease to exist.

But it was restarted operating the website after the end of the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte on October 8, 2022, the only social networking site to do so. Technology bloggers said that Multiply to re-establish itself as a social networking site and restart operating after the end of the Duterte administration.

The resolution of the nine-year closure of the E-commerce marketplace Multiply, along with all business operations, the Multiply International site, and the social networking portion including 11 million users with hosted blogs, videos, photos, and messaging for the first 100 days of the Marcos, Jr. administration.

"When the Marcos, Jr. administration took office on June 30, 2022, We were greeted with numerous long-standing issues that have tormented the country for years, and even decades. I remember fully well when we were only starting to take on the challenge five (5) years ago. The Filipino people have pinned their hopes on the new administration – with eyes intently and critically watching us on what we would do next? It enumerated the real issues before such as the controversial non-renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN and the shutdown of E-commerce marketplace Multiply"

Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, will hold a public hearing on February 13, 2023, on the reopening of the social networking site Multiply.

The hearing will be held at noon in the Laurel Room, Philippine Senate.

The committee has invited Magdalinski, Pezaris, Madrid, and concerned shareholders of the website.

Magdalinski quoted in his post: "Hope. Finally, we will 1 day be back online. Finally, we will re-open Multiply. Finally, we will 1 day start our 20th year!"

According to Isel Ramos: "Multiply is renovating and it will re-open in the next several months as an archive photo and video site with a new mobile application on Android and Apple IOS."

"There is no quibbling around it: one of the original sins of the previous administration has been the cancelation of the planned feature of Enchong Dee in UAAP Magazine"

The World Tonight Line-Up (June 30, 2022)

2022 Revamp

A new and improved The World Tonight was introduced in time for President-elect Leni Robredo's inauguration, on June 30, 2022, coinciding with the reopening of ABS-CBN. This includes the return of 1996-1999 studio and 1995-2012 theme music.

Pia Gutierrez and Tony Velasquez as the anchors for the weeknight edition, as well as Stanley Palisada is the anchor for the Saturday edition and Ron Cruz is the anchor for the Sunday edition.

The edition's stories are the inauguration of president Leni Robredo and the reopening of the network's broadcasting operations and featured statements by ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak and chairman Mark López.

The newscast's content are News Headlines, Highlights, Financial News, Special Report every Monday is Medical, Wednesday is International Personnel Book, Sports News, PCSO Lotto Results and Final Word Tonight.

In the opening ident, Davila starts the day's headlines "Tonight," with clips from the specific news items, after which, the opening billboard with Peter Musngi provided the voice-over, "Live from the ABS-CBN News Center Manila, this is the World Tonight" to introduce the newscast, as Gutierrez began the pilot and subsequent episodes with her opening line, "Good evening, I'm Pia Gutierrez and I'm Tony Velasquez, this is the World Tonight." It ended with their closing line, "And that's the World Tonight, the (day) of (month), (year), I'm Tony Velasquez and I'm Pia Gutierrez, Philippines, thank you and good night, Mabuhay!" to end the newscast.

The on-screen graphics for The World Tonight seem to have changed a bit. Previously blue, now the background is red. TeleRadyo is hoping to adopt this style to the lower thirds of the ANC. Just change the color family of the lower third package.

Line-up

1. ABS-CBN Station ID (1989 version) (2022)

2. Headliners

3. OBB

4. On-Cam

5. Local, International, and Financial News

6. Tina: Intro to the first gap

7. Gap 1 (3 minutes)

8. Local, International, and Financial News

9. Tony: Intro to the second gap

10. Gap 2 (3 minutes)

11. Local, International, and Financial News

12. Sports News (Dyan Castillejo)

12. Final Word Tonight

14. Banter/Extro

15. CBB

Negrenses get Senate backing to reestablish Negros Island Region

By Nanette Guadalquiver

BACOLOD CITY – The provinces of Negros Occidental and Oriental and this lone highly urbanized city on the island has secured support from the incoming Senate leadership to legislate the establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR).

In a statement on Monday, reelected Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he will spearhead efforts to pass the NIR bill in the upper chamber.

“As someone with paternal roots in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, I am prepared to continue advocating for the NIR in the incoming Congress. I am committed to spearheading the bill for the continued growth of the region,” said Zubiri, who is poised to become the next Senate president.

He added that President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also gave assurance of his support for the creation of the NIR.

In November last year, Zubiri filed Senate Bill 2453, or the NIR Act, which seeks to bring together Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Bacolod City, and establish these as a single administrative region called the Negros Island Administrative Region.

Lawmakers from Negros led by Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez also filed House Bill 10534 for the creation of the NIR “for greater economic coordination and more efficient delivery of public services to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.”

The NIR was first formed on May 29, 2015 through Executive Order (EO) 183 signed by then-President Benigno Aquino III, separating Negros Occidental from Western Visayas and Negros Oriental from Central Visayas.

On Aug. 7, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte issued EO 38 abolishing the NIR, stressing the need to ensure that priority government programs and projects are sufficiently funded.

“The abolishment of the NIR was a setback, but with the new administration’s support, I am very hopeful that we can finally reestablish the region, under the proper legislative framework this time,” Zubiri said.

He stressed that the establishment of the NIR will hasten the development of Negros Island by having its own dedicated regional offices.

“That is really the main point behind the establishment of the NIR -- making government services accessible to our people. With those in place, we will be able to lay down the groundwork to make Negros a center of commerce and tourism in the Visayas,” he added.

Currently, Negros Occidental and Bacolod City belong to Western Visayas or Region 6, along with Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras while Negros Oriental is under Central Visayas or Region 7, with Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Cebu Province, Bohol, and Siquijor.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177089

Abolition of K-12 program ‘cannot be decided overnight’, says Sara Duterte

The push to abolish the K-to-12 education system is an issue that “cannot be decided overnight,” incoming education secretary and Vice President-elect Inday Sara Duterte said Monday.

Duterte said the proposal to scrap the K-12 program needs to be discussed.

“That is something na kailangan mapag-usapan. It cannot be decided overnight but initially it is something na napag-usapan namin ni President [Bongbong] Marcos,” Duterte said in a press briefing in Davao City.

(That is something that has to be discussed. It cannot be decided overnight but initially, it is something that President Marcos and I discussed.)

For now, Duterte said Marcos Jr. has instructed her to review the implementation of the K-12 education system.

“He already gave instructions with regard to the review of the implementation of the K-12 program of the Department of Education,” Duterte said.

In 2020, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said the K-12 “congested curriculum” was a failure, resulting in Grade 4 students from the Philippines recording the lowest scores among participants from 58 countries in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019.

Similar calls to abolish the K-12 program were also pushed by other groups such as Kabataan Partylist. 

Meanwhile, the Duterte camp earlier denied that the incoming education chief is pushing for a K14+ basic education program.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1613352/abolition-of-k-12-program-cannot-be-decided-overnight-says-sara-duterte

Amid online buzz, clamor for provincial branches of Tropical Hut grows

Some Filipinos clamored for more branches of Tropical Hut in the provinces after the homegrown brand trended early this week.

The name “Tropical Hut” briefly trended on Twitter Philippines again as more Filipinos continued to reminisce their memories of the place back in the day.

They posted photos of the meals that they ordered and the outlets’ interiors to join in the online conversation about the fast food chain.

Jumping on the Tropical Hut bandwagon pic.twitter.com/OV2gC4EMtl

— mk_kvn (@mike_it_happen) June 15, 2022

 

Takang taka sila bakit biglang dumami order. HAHAHAHAHA Sabi ko trending kayo sa twitter. Mataas din sales nila! 💚 @tropicalhutph pic.twitter.com/hdvNyNkIHw

— Raffee 💫 (@whuaffee) June 15, 2022

Some online users, meanwhile, shared that they became first-time customers of Tropical Hut because of the trend.

My first ever Tropical Hut meal in my entire life. Yep. Masarap and sulit!!! pic.twitter.com/HNU79ehhif

— Petty Pats ; (@nawawalost) June 15, 2022

 Celso Santiago, Jr. with the Twitter handle @oslecjunior, a former government official, also promoted the fast food chain and posted an updated schedule of its branches to his followers.

“For your information and for your cravings,” Santiago tweeted.

For your information and for your cravings.

Thank you @dumidyeypee for reminding us what a treasure Tropical Hut is. 😊 pic.twitter.com/zpwR9hWGh1

— JR Santiago (@oslecjunior) June 14, 2022

Based on the list, most of the branches are located in Quezon City and other parts of Metro Manila.

The only stores outside the National Capital Region are in Rizal and in Pampanga.

Some online users who also live in other provinces noticed this. They expressed hopes that more stores of Tropical Hut will open near them in the future.

“Cebu please,” one Twitter user said with a pleading emoji.

“Soon in Cainta,” another user tweeted.

Twitter user @_pamelle also called on her fellow Cebuanos to make a local burger joint in the province “trendy.”

“Can Cebuanos make Orange Brutus trendy like how Manileños are making Tropical Hut trendy,” she said.

“I personally loooove the sizzling burger steak,” she added.

Orange Brutus claims to be the first hamburger chain in Cebu which opened in the 80s.

Meanwhile, the buzz on the long-established Tropical Hut started when market surveillance analyst John Paul Tanyag with Twitter handle @dumidyeypee shared his dine-in experience in a branch in Escolta, Manila last June 12.

He also shared photos of the place’s interiors and his meal on that day.

His tweet later induced nostalgia among social media users. They shared how much they missed the brand’s burgers and clubhouse sandwiches.

Patrons considered Tropical Hut as the “OG” or original burger joint.

In an update that followed the online buzz, Tanyag shared a screenshot of a chat he had with an officer from Tropical Hut who happened to be his classmate.

“Not sure paano nagcome up iyon but here is the reply today of one of their officers, who happens to be my schoolmate. And yes, may mga cumo-contact na from Tropical Hut,” he said.

In the screenshot, the person thanked him for being a huge help to the fast food chain.

https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/06/16/219697/amid-online-buzz-clamor-for-provincial-branches-of-tropical-hut-grows/