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9 Enero 2024, Martes

Happy 90th birthday Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

condemns murder of Juan Jumalon

underboard nurses, be health care associates, inquire to DOH 

supports Bible month 2024

HEADLINES

SRP on rice next week

By Nidz Godino

“Technical committee met this morning…hopefully, by next week, we can release  SRP…depend on Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service,AMAS,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said suggested retail price (SRP) of rice could be released next week amid  spike in  retail price of staple food.

AMAS is currently consulting with stakeholders about  proposed SRP, he added.

De Mesa earlier announced  DA is mulling  implementation of SRP on  grains to contain  unabated increase in  retail prices of rice.

“High retail price of rice is expected as we are going into  lean season…we don’t have local production as our source is only imports… price of imported rice is also high,” he said.

Former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor cautioned  DA on implementing SRP,  he said could affect  farmgate price of palay during  next harvest.

“The proposed SRP should be reviewed thoroughly as first to be affected will be  farmers in  next harvest season, around April…traders will try to recover their losses because of  SRP in  form of lower farmgate prices of palay, I don’t think  prices of rice will stabilize…most likely, it will further increase…in 2022, imported rice was only $400 per ton…last year, it increased to $640, or 44 percent increase,” Montemayor said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. should continue ongoing consultations with stakeholders to address upward trend in retail price of rice, he said.

Based on monitoring of DA in Metro Manila markets, local regular milled rice was sold for as high as P53 per kilo; local well-milled rice, P55 per kilo; local premium rice, P63 per kilo; local special rice, P68 per kilo; imported well-milled rice, P58 per kilo; imported premium rice, P61 per kilo and imported special rice, P65 per kilo.

Meanwhile, AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee sought  immediate passage of  bill establishing  “price subsidy” program for farmers, as prices of rice continue to spike.

In  statement, Lee said his proposed measure would ensure farmers’ profit and entice them to boost production.

In House Bill 9020 or  Cheaper Rice Act,  DA and other concerned agencies would have to buy rice from local farmers at higher prices or  additional P5 to P10 per kilo.

 Rice  would have to be sold to consumers at cheaper rates.

“If we want to bring down  prices of rice to P20 per kilo, this Cheaper Rice Act is  answer to that,” he claimed.

Lee was referring to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise to lower  price of rice. More than  year into office, FMJhas not fulfilled this promise.

Based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, rice inflation reached 19.6 percent in December 2023,  highest since  recorded 22.9 percent rice inflation in March 2009.

Lee said  government should not rely on importation to achieve cheaper rice and instead focus on improving rice self-sufficiency,  “HB 9020 aims to achieve.”

Fishers’ group strongly criticized  extension of reduced tariffs for selected agricultural products approved by President Marcos last December.

In statement, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) argued  prolonged tariff cut “reflects  administration’s commitment to import-liberalization policies, burdened local agricultural producers.”

Executive Order No. 50 extended  reduced most favored nation tariff rates on pork, corn and rice until  end of 2024.

Pamalakaya said  measure was ostensibly aimed at making agricultural products more affordable amid  El Niño phenomenon, but  PSA’s report on rice inflation in 2023 showed it reached its highest level since March 2009.

Pamalakaya noted government’s data highlight  opening doors to imported agricultural products does not prevent price increases.

FMJ has been persistent in import-liberalization policies  favored foreign capital instead of strengthening local agri-fisheries production through sufficient state support such as subsidies and production facilities, they argued.

Pamalakaya reiterated its support for House Bill 405 or  Rice Industry Development Act,  aims to provide rice farmers with affordable production inputs like seeds, fertilizers and tools.

Pamalakaya earlier called on  DA to stop fish imports, as  Philippines has imported over 250,000 metric tons of various pelagic fish, mostly from China and Taiwan, since 2018. 

HEADLINES

SRP on rice next week

By Nidz Godino

“Technical committee met this morning…hopefully, by next week, we can release  SRP…depend on Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service,AMAS,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said suggested retail price (SRP) of rice could be released next week amid  spike in  retail price of staple food.

AMAS is currently consulting with stakeholders about  proposed SRP, he added.

De Mesa earlier announced  DA is mulling  implementation of SRP on  grains to contain  unabated increase in  retail prices of rice.

“High retail price of rice is expected as we are going into  lean season…we don’t have local production as our source is only imports… price of imported rice is also high,” he said.

Former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor cautioned  DA on implementing SRP,  he said could affect  farmgate price of palay during  next harvest.

“The proposed SRP should be reviewed thoroughly as first to be affected will be  farmers in  next harvest season, around April…traders will try to recover their losses because of  SRP in  form of lower farmgate prices of palay, I don’t think  prices of rice will stabilize…most likely, it will further increase…in 2022, imported rice was only $400 per ton…last year, it increased to $640, or 44 percent increase,” Montemayor said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. should continue ongoing consultations with stakeholders to address upward trend in retail price of rice, he said.

Based on monitoring of DA in Metro Manila markets, local regular milled rice was sold for as high as P53 per kilo; local well-milled rice, P55 per kilo; local premium rice, P63 per kilo; local special rice, P68 per kilo; imported well-milled rice, P58 per kilo; imported premium rice, P61 per kilo and imported special rice, P65 per kilo.

Meanwhile, AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee sought  immediate passage of  bill establishing  “price subsidy” program for farmers, as prices of rice continue to spike.

In  statement, Lee said his proposed measure would ensure farmers’ profit and entice them to boost production.

In House Bill 9020 or  Cheaper Rice Act,  DA and other concerned agencies would have to buy rice from local farmers at higher prices or  additional P5 to P10 per kilo.

 Rice  would have to be sold to consumers at cheaper rates.

“If we want to bring down  prices of rice to P20 per kilo, this Cheaper Rice Act is  answer to that,” he claimed.

Lee was referring to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise to lower  price of rice. More than  year into office, FMJhas not fulfilled this promise.

Based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, rice inflation reached 19.6 percent in December 2023,  highest since  recorded 22.9 percent rice inflation in March 2009.

Lee said  government should not rely on importation to achieve cheaper rice and instead focus on improving rice self-sufficiency,  “HB 9020 aims to achieve.”

Fishers’ group strongly criticized  extension of reduced tariffs for selected agricultural products approved by President Marcos last December.

In statement, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) argued  prolonged tariff cut “reflects  administration’s commitment to import-liberalization policies, burdened local agricultural producers.”

Executive Order No. 50 extended  reduced most favored nation tariff rates on pork, corn and rice until  end of 2024.

Pamalakaya said  measure was ostensibly aimed at making agricultural products more affordable amid  El Niño phenomenon, but  PSA’s report on rice inflation in 2023 showed it reached its highest level since March 2009.

Pamalakaya noted government’s data highlight  opening doors to imported agricultural products does not prevent price increases.

FMJ has been persistent in import-liberalization policies  favored foreign capital instead of strengthening local agri-fisheries production through sufficient state support such as subsidies and production facilities, they argued.

Pamalakaya reiterated its support for House Bill 405 or  Rice Industry Development Act,  aims to provide rice farmers with affordable production inputs like seeds, fertilizers and tools.

Pamalakaya earlier called on  DA to stop fish imports, as  Philippines has imported over 250,000 metric tons of various pelagic fish, mostly from China and Taiwan, since 2018. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Matthew 6:19-21

Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

TAPE protests court favoring TVJ on ‘EB’ name

By Cynthia Montojo

“Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered in favor of  plaintiffs  include TVJ against  defendants TAPE and GMA Network,” Tito read, pointing that TAPE and GMA were asked to stop using  “Eat Bulaga” and “EB” trademark, logos and jingle.

Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE) plans to appeal  decision of  Marikina Regional Trial Court  favored  hosting trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon  collectively known as TVJ over  trademark ownership of  “Eat Bulaga” name.

Last January 5, TVJ announced  public  Marikina court’s decision after Tito received it via email. Decision  was dated December 22, 2023, but was only received on January 5, 2024. 

“Permanently enjoining  defendants, Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) Inc. and GMA Network Inc. from:

1. Using  trademarks EB, ‘Eat Bulaga,’ ‘Eat Bulaga,’ and EB, including all  logos associated with  subject parts in its shows, programs, projects or promotions and…

2. Using  Eat Bulaga jingle/song or any part thereof in its shows, programs, projects or promotions and…

3. Airing and broadcasting  playback of any and all recorded episodes of  Eat Bulaga show prior to 31st May 2023, its segments or any portion thereof in all channels and platforms.”

TVJ decided to part ways with TAPE on May 31, 2023, then moved to TV5 where they now host “E.A.T.”

Tito also read  Intellectual Property Office (IPO) should now cancel any trademark registrations under TAPE over “Eat Bulaga,” after  trio celebrated with their staff by singing  “Eat Bulaga” theme song.

TAPE’s legal representative Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque acknowledged seeing Marikina court’s decision.

“Initial reaction, among others, we were surprised court ruled on trademark and trademark infringement when case pending in court is copyright infringement,”  attorney said, adding  TAPE “will definitely file an appeal.”

“There is nothing in  decision  states  since there is injunction issued to TAPE, TVJ can now use  trademark EB and ‘Eat Bulaga’ especially  trademark ownership is still under appeal before  IPO,” Abraham-Garduque added. 

One of TVJ’s own legal counsel, Atty. Enrique “Buko” dela Cruz from DivinaLaw, previously said  issue could go all the way to  Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. 

“Ang opinyon ng DivinaLaw, puwede nang gamitin ng TVJ ang ‘Eat Bulaga’ kahit noon pa, before  decision came out,” dela Cruz explained when  IPO favored TVJ over TAPE regarding the “Eat Bulaga” trademark in December last year. 

TVJ, however, opted not to use  “Eat Bulaga” name to avoid any trouble and respect  legal process. With IPO’s decision,  lawyer said it is TAPE’s turn to respect the law.

 Noontime  variety show of TAPE on GMA Network, currently hosted by Paolo Contis and Isko Moreno, has dropped  “Eat Bulaga” name and now goes by “Tahanang Pinakamasaya.”

Change  comes  day after  Marikina Regional Trial Court favored  hosting trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon collectively known as TVJ as  originators of  “Eat Bulaga” trademark, and called on TAPE to stop using  “Eat Bulaga” name.

January 6 episode of “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” began with Isko acknowledging court decision and that  network would follow suit even as TAPE plans to file  appeal.

“Pero, fresh episode tayo mula ngayon! Laging good vibes lang at love, love, love dahil ang mahalaga, hangga’t nandiyan po kayo, kami ni Paolo Contis at ang aming mga kasama dito sa ‘Tahanang Pinakamasaya,’ tuluy-tuloy ang tulong at saya at sorpresa, all unli-sorpresa,” Isko said. 

Behind Isko and Ulo were audience members holding up balloons and banners in support of Ulo, Alexa Miro, and twins Cassy and Mavy Legaspi, who were celebrating their 23rd birthday.

One banner in particular read, “We stand with TAPE,” using production company’s logo.

Ulo, Isko and all their co-hosts were careful not to mention “Eat Bulaga” or even show any of its logos during episode.

TAPE’s Facebook page has also changed its cover photo with  image of  title card reads: “Tahanang Pinakamasaya.” 

TVJ, meanwhile, celebrated their victory by singing  “Eat Bulaga”  theme song while wearing t-shirts that bore  show’s name on fresh episode of their noontime show on TV5.

“Eto ang totoo. Eto ang tinadhana. Eto ang tunay na ‘Eat Bulaga,'” said Vic.

TAPE is seeking to appeal court ruling in  statement released to media. 

iskup news-on-line daily is creation of Godino’s Advertising Agency, Trece Martires City, Cavite  

8 Enero 2024, Lunes

Happy 90th birthday Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

underboard nurses, be health care associates, inquire to DOH 

supports Bible month 2024

HEADLINES

DTI decides price hike requests

By Nidz Godino

“Around this month, we will start releasing letter of concurrence,” Trade Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles told reporters Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking to start issuing its decision on requests for price adjustments of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) this January.

Out of  217 BNPCs in  suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin being issued by  DTI, she said  agency has received requests for price adjustments for 63 items.

 “Fifty-nine of those are general price increase….but two items have weight reduction and corresponding price increase, whereas two will have  weight and price reduction,” Nograles said.

She said those with requests for price adjustments are for canned sardines, processed milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, bottled water, processed canned meat and canned beef, condiments, toilet soap, candles and batteries.

For  food items in particular, she said manufacturers are seeking price adjustments ranging from P0.25 to P7.25.

She said some of  price adjustment requests were made in 2022, while some were made early last year, with higher costs of raw materials cited as  reason by manufacturers.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said rising packaging and transport costs are also  major source of price increases.

“Strategy is, first in…those who applied first, those will be  first to be released… so, it will not be done all at the same time…and then when we are able to release, hopefully by first quarter of 2024, we will update  SRP bulletin to reflect all  adjustments,” Nograles said.

In approving price adjustment requests, she said  DTI has its own formula and data to compare with  amount requested by manufacturers.

Nograles said manufacturers have to substantiate their claims of increase in production, labor and distribution costs in their requests for price adjustments.

She also said manufacturers’ practice of “shrinkflation” or reducing  weight of products considered as BNPCs while retaining  price  have to be evaluated by  DTI.

She said manufacturers found to practice “shrinkflation” without informing  DTI will be issued with  letter of inquiry or notice of violation.

With  reduced 3.9 percent inflation in December 2023, Speaker Martin Romualdez assured  administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  House of Representatives will continue exercising its oversight powers to ensure affordable prices of goods in the market.

House leader said  reduced inflation is “aligned” with  target of government to achieve  stable two to four percent inflation. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Amos 5:14-15

¹⁴ Seek good, not evil,
    that you may live.
Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you,
    just as you say he is.
¹⁵ Hate evil, love good;
    maintain justice in the courts.
Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy
    on the remnant of Joseph.

NGCP scope of obligations clarified

By Nidz Godino

“As  transmission service provider, NGCP can only give  overview of  current supply and demand situation and endeavor to dispatch any and all available power…it cannot intervene on matters concerning power generation,” National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said in  statement firmly refuted allegations suggesting its failure to stabilize  transmission system, reiterating that its mandate is confined to transmission of power from producers to grid-connected areas of the country.

NGCP maintains its earlier pronouncements  there was no transmission disturbance before  tripping of  Panay Energy Development Corp. Unit 1 at 12:06 in the afternoon on Jan. 2,2024.

“After this event, NGCP was able to recover  transmission system and normalize voltage…  normal voltage situation persisted until several power plants inexplicably tripped at 2:19 in the afternoon data from our system show no abnormality in voltage and system stability, despite this, critics persist on blaming NGCP for what are clearly problems arising from  unplanned shutdowns of power generators… alarming to hear policymakers immediately make conclusions based on assumptions contrary to fact…we are firm in our position that  system prior to 2:19 in the afternoon. multiple tripping was normal, and our actions were undertaken within protocols…any contrary statement is speculative, rather than using NGCP as  scapegoat, we urge policymakers to be objective in their search for facts and not coddle certain sectors, this is not  time to push personal or political agendas, but  time for honest-to-goodness solution finding. ..we again reiterate our push for  comprehensive industry-wide approach to resolve  persistent power supply issues on Panay Island and elsewhere in the country, ”  NGCP said.

In line with  latest incident, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said  department is in full support of calls made by legislative leaders and Panay local officials for  legislative investigation, with  view to revisit and review  franchise of NGCP.

Lotilla said  DOE will recommend to Congress  review include  separation and transfer of  systems operation function from NGCP, focus on  transmission network provider function.

“If they can’t carry that out, why don’t we therefore segregate it from them and they can focus on construction and operation of  transmission grid,” he said.

Lotilla said  systems operation can instead be carried out by another entity which can focus exclusively on that particular function.

Sought for comment on this proposal, NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza said separating  systems operation function will impact efficiency.

Alabanza also said “doing this would really cement  reputation of  Philippines as  very risky investment area.”

Meanwhile, Lotilla said DOE will also recommend to Congress authorizing  Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to impose administrative penalties on  transmission concessionaire of P2 million per day of violation or non-compliance with regulatory rules, or one percent of  cost of  delayed project based on  ERC-approved project cost, whichever is higher.

NGCP refuted  allegations of neglecting its responsibility to stabilize  transmission system on Panay Island which led to  large-scale power outage in parts of Western Visayas.

In  statement addressing  Panay generation failure,  NGCP stressed  it is mandated to “transmit power from producers to grid-connected areas to the country.”

“As  transmission service provider, NGCP can only give  overview of  current supply and demand situation and endeavor to dispatch any and all available power…it cannot intervene on matters concerning power generation,” it said.

Power  grid concessionaire explained it did not see any transmission disturbance before  PEDC Unit tripped and several power plants later tripped “inexplicably.”

“Data from our system shows no abnormality in voltage and system stability,” NGCP said.

It decried critics who suggested  it failed in its obligation to stabilize  transmission system as it emphasized  it took actions within its protocols.

“We also take exception to  allegations  we were less than transparent in providing information to  public…we provide regular updates to all stakeholders, including media and government units (LGUS), through print, radio, broadcast, social media, and text blasts,”  power grid concessionaire said.

NGCP also said  ongoing power interruption should not be exploited for personal or political motives and called on  government and concerned agencies to provide solution for  power issue.

“We again reiterate our push for  comprehensive industry-wide approach to resolve persistent power supply issues on Panay Island and elsewhere in the country,” it pointed out.

Statement  of  power grid concessionaire was issued after  Department of Energy (DOE) called out  power grid concessionaire in separate statements on Wednesday and Friday.

In  January 3 statement, DOE said  NGCP has  responsibility of balancing  power grid and should have anticipated  power disturbance.

“NGCP is in  position to anticipate system disturbance such as what happened yesterday, which unfortunately resulted in  isolation of Panay from  rest of  Visayas grid due to simultaneous tripping of power plants  caused multiple power interruption affecting other power plants and distribution utilities,” DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said in  statement.

In  January 5 statement, on the other hand,  DOE then reminded  NGCP to implement  Transmission Development Plan to “ensure  reliable and efficient delivery of electricity.”

 It  was also mentioned ERC reported 37 delayed transmission projects in July 2023 and that  NGCP failed to meet its proposed timelines to complete  projects.

According to Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City,  located on Panay Island,  city can end up losing up to P500 million day because of  power outage.

“In three days, we would have lost P1.5 billion…what a way to start  new year!” Treñas said in  briefing.

As of writing,  NGCP has restored and normalized all  power operations on Panay Island.  Power  interruption lasted from January 2 to January 5.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also in  video statement  ordered  ERC to reset NGCP rates following  massive power outage. 

“Accountability lies within NGCP, they are tasked with grid stability…stability involves proactive responses to breakdowns and unexpected events… duty  NGCP has not fulfilled adequately,” FMJ said. 

House Speaker Martin Romualdez also proposed to allocate some funds from Maharlika Investment Fund to  NGCP to prevent future blackouts and improve its operations. 

Probe of ‘corruption’ in PUVMP

By Nidz Godino

“Reports allege existing transport officials are in cahoots with previous officials in negotiating for  imported modern jeepney units that will replace  old units,” Speaker Martin Romualdez has directed  House of Representatives’ transportation committee to investigate  public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), saying he has received reports that it is fraught with corruption.

Romualdez  is urging  Department of Transportation to conduct “complete review” of program before implementing it.

 Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reported  76 percent consolidation rate nationwide for jeepneys and UV Express Service units, claiming success in  early stage of  government’s controversial PUVMP.

LTFRB data showed  total of 145,721 UV and jeepney units have consolidated nationwide.

House leader, however, said his office has received reports  “corrupt practices” may have tainted conceptualization and planned implementation PUVMP,  requires operators and drivers to “consolidate” or organize into groups or cooperatives to ensure efficiency and better management and accountability.

Only those have consolidated would be allowed to ply routes utilizing modern and supposedly environment-friendly jeepneys,  actually mini-buses.

 Government  originally gave jeepney drivers and operators until  end of December 2023 to join or organize into cooperatives or get banned from plying their usual routes. It extended deadline, however, for another 30 days when it became evident that sizeable number of jeepney operators and drivers had not yet consolidated.

Romualdez clarified  he supports  program and only wants assurance of “enough measures that would protect jeepney drivers.”

“While we stride towards modernity and efficiency, we remain steadfast in safeguarding  welfare and livelihood of our jeepney drivers, integral part of this journey… together, we can achieve transportation system  reflective of Philippines’ growth, respecting our traditions while paving  way for  more sustainable future,” he maintained.

He also said  jeepney has “long been  symbol of our nation’s vibrant culture and enduring spirit.”

“As we embrace progress and innovation, it is imperative we address  need for modern, efficient and environmentally friendly transport systems,” he added.

Romualdez explained  PUVMP is “not just about upgrading vehicles,” as it is more of “comprehensive plan to rejuvenate our urban transportation landscape, making it safer, more reliable and in tune with sustainable practices.”

He called jeepney drivers “hardworking individuals who have been backbone of our local transport industry for decades.”

“Their welfare is our primordial concern…as we transition to modernized jeepneys, we recognize  challenges faced by drivers and operators,” he added.

Meanwhile,  national consolidation rate was 82 percent for UV Express and 73.6 percent for jeepneys.

LTFRB  has reached its target numbers for consolidation, even in Metro Manila.

 Total  of 25,629 jeepney units met Dec. 31 deadline as against  22,284 confirmed traditional units in  LTFRB system.

“Campaign for consolidation during  last stretch was effective… manner by which agencies have been opening offices and relaxing their requirements and reaching out to operators was effective in trying to reach what we have expected,” board member Riza Marie Paches said at  press briefing.

 LTFRB  is still gathering data in terms of  actual number of routes that would be affected.

Paches allayed fears of  potential transport crisis once  unconsolidated units are taken off  road across the country.

Board has given unconsolidated drivers and operators reprieve, as they would be able to serve in selected routes.

Over 60,000 PUVs could be left without franchises and would not be allowed to ply their routes once  month-long reprieve for unconsolidated units ends.

Paches explained there are consolidated transport service entities that can serve affected routes, citing “redundancy of supply” in terms of transport modes.

She explained  commuters would feel  decline in supply, but  LTFRB is coming up with contingency measures such as issuing special permits to meet  demand.

Stray dogs, cats halted in prisons

By Nidz Godino

“This is for public safety as well as for  control and prevention of spread and eventual eradication of animal rabies in  community,” Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said in post on Facebook. public safety measure to prevent  spread of rabies has prohibited stray dogs and cats in prisons nationwide.

 “This is part of  preventive measures to protect K9 units posted at  gates from ticks and fleas,” it added.

BuCor has ordered its personnel to coordinate and seek assistance from Mandaluyong city veterinary office to rescue and impound stray dogs and cats in  New Bilibid Prison.

NBP reminded its personnel and their dependents living in the reservation to ensure  their pets are leashed and to have them vaccinated against rabies.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said P10 million has been allotted under this year’s budget of  bureau for the acquisition of more K9 units to be deployed to various prisons and penal farms.

iskup news-on-line daily is creation of Godino’s Advertising Agency, Trece Martires City, Cavite  

7 Enero 2024, Linggo 

Happy 90th birthday Angelita Santiago-Lopez

condemns murder of Juan Jumalon

underboard nurses, be health care associates, inquire to DOH 

supports Bible month 2024

Pilipinas, may pinakamahabang pasko sa daigdig, Maligayang Pasko!!!

HEADLINES

Traslacion at home, fanatics  urged

By J.Lo

“It’s better if they can attend by watching online instead…we’re sure the Lord would understand because of physical limitations,” Philippine National Police (PNP) public information officer Jean Fajardo said as millions of people are expected to flock to the city of Manila for  traslacion or  procession of  Black Nazarene on Jan. 9,2024, PNP urged devotees to consider joining  religious feast online.

Fajardo said people particularly senior citizens and those with medical conditions should opt to watch  procession through online platforms instead of physically attending  activity.

After  three-year hiatus due to  COVID-19 pandemic,  PNP is expecting nearly two million devotees of  Black Nazarene to join  procession.

Fajardo also urged parents not to bring their children to  traslacion for their safety.

“Don’t even attempt to bring your children because we expect there will be  huge crowd there,” she said.

At least 15,200 police officers will secure  traslacion which will start at  Quirino Grandstand and will end at  Quiapo Church.

Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon said they will deploy at least 1,000 volunteers for  traslacion.

Their volunteers, with training in first aid and medical treatment, will be at their 10 first aid stations and welfare desks along  procession route.

Six teams of foot patrollers will also serve as mobile first aiders, Gordon said.

“We will mobilize our volunteers from different chapters in NCR ,National Capital Region and Rizal province to accommodate  medical needs of devotees,” he said in  statement.

 Humanitarian  organization has also readied 17 ambulance units, one fire truck, two rescue boats and  amphibian for Roman Ctholic religious event.

Alcoholic beverages, firecrackers and fireworks will be banned in Manila during  traslacion or  annual procession of  Black Nazarene,  city government announced.

Liquor  ban will be in effect from Jan. 8 to 10, based on Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan’s Executive Order No. 1 Series of 2024.

Sale  of alcoholic drinks will be prohibited within  500-meter radius of Quiapo Church and St. John the Baptist Church, she said.

Lacuna-Pangan also ordered  ban on  use, sale, manufacture and distribution of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in Manila from Jan. 8 to 9, according to her Executive Order.

Both issuances sought to “promote peace and order” and “maintain sanctity of celebration and minimize, if not totally avoid, injuries to all who will attend  Feast of  Black Nazarene.”

City  government also advised motorists to avoid using roads that would be part of  route of  traslacion, usually lasts almost  entire day.

Portions of Bonifacio Drive, Katigbak Drive, South Drive, Roxas Boulevard, P. Burgos street, Finance Road, Ma. Orosa street, Taft Avenue, Romualdez street, Ayala Boulevard, Carlos Palanca street, P. Casal street, Legarda street, Quezon Boulevard and the westbound lane of España Boulevard will be closed from 9 p.m. on Jan. 8 until Jan. 9.

Local  government added  motorists should consider other routes when going in and out of Manila during  annual procession,  being held for  first time in three years due to COVID pandemic.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Ephesians 5:1-2

5 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.