NEDA: More gov’t aid for poor Balisacan: Cash assist, food dole-outs fast-tracked to fight inflation
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HE government is fast-tracking the distribution of cash aid to the poor and vulnerable sectors and increasing the food supply in the country “to give Filipinos a comfortable life,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Saturday.
Vol. 36 No. 249
October 23, 2022
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Balisacan, also director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said poverty incidence could have been higher had the government failed to further reopen the economy and distribute targeted subsidies to low-income households, public utility drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk. This was indicated in a recent Social Weather Stations survey that revealed about 49 percent of Filipino families see themselves as poor. There was a rise in inflation at the time the SWS surveyed 1,500 respondents on September 29 to October 2, thus the rise by 1 percent from the previous poll, Balisacan stressed. About 29 percent placed themselves at the “borderline” dividing the poor and not poor, while 21 percent considered themselves as not CONTINUED ON 2A
SUNSET VIEW. Tourists watch the sunset at the huge crucifix on the top of the Seagull Mountain Resort along Bukidnon-Davao Road, Kitaotao, Brgy. Legada, Davao City. The site is 4,000 feet above sea level and has naturally cold weather, making it an ideal vacation getaway especially on hot summer days. Danny Pata
PBBM, VP Sara in MassKara festivities in Bacolod today PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will lead the culminating activities of the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City on Sunday, Malacañang announced Mr. Marcos will be accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, Office of the Press Secretary officer in charge, Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil, said in a statement on Saturday. Garafil said the Chief Executive’s participation is part of his commitment to promote local tourism and boost more economic activities amid the
Canned sardines makers seek P3 hike in products
prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. “The President’s attendance at the world-renowned festivity is a testament to his commitment to promoting local tourism in a bid to revive the country’s tourism industry amid the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said. “Mr. Marcos is optimistic that through the efforts and initiatives of the Department of Tourism, the Philippines will be able to restore its tourism figures to pre-pandemic
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ORMOC’S 75TH. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) waves to the crowd as he, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco (left) and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez (center) lead the celebration for the city’s 75th Charter Day on Friday night. Presidential Photo
Mabasa kin eye independent autopsy for slain ‘middleman’
COLORED TOMBS. Caretakers clean the graves at the Manila North Cemetery in Manila on October 22 as it reopens to the public for the traditional All Saint’s Day and All Souls Day after two years of restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic. Danny Pata
THE family of slain broadcaster Percival Mabasa or Percy Lapid wants an independent autopsy done on the body of the alleged middleman named by self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial. An autopsy conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation on the body of Jun Globa Villamor, the alleged middleman in the killing of the radio commentator, showed no gunshot wound nor any external physical injury on the deceased Bilibid
MAKERS of canned sardines are seeking a P3 price adjustment on their products owing to the increase in diesel prices, the weakening of the peso, and the rise in the price of imported tin sheets used in making cans. Francisco Buencamino, Canned Sardines Manufacturers Association of the Philippines executive director, said they welcome the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) statement that it is carefully evaluating the request of several manufacturers of canned goods and bread products for a price increase. These makers of sardines, canned meat, coffee, and evaporated milk will seek to increase prices from 50 CONTINUED ON 2A
inmate but pointed to a possible heart problem. This dovetailed with the initial findings of the Bureau of Corrections on Friday that indicated no signs of foul play in the death of Villamor, who was pointed out by Escorial. Meanwhile, Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Grace Poe said authorities can still rebound even if they have lost a vital link to the killing of Mabasa after the death of the alleged CONTINUED ON 2A
President vows to protect freedom, rights, security of all mediamen PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is committed to protecting the independence, rights, and security of all journalists and media workers in the country, Malacañang said on Saturday. Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil, officer in
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charge of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), made the assurance during the dialogue with various media organizations after the recent unannounced police visits to the residences of some journalists. Garafil said Marcos puts a premium on the
welfare of journalists, given their vital role in nation-building. “Be assured that President Ferdinand R. Marcos continues to acknowledge the media as a vital pillar of our
MISS PLANET BET. Herlene Nicole Budol beams during her sendoff party Saturday for the Miss Planet International competition in Kampala, CON- Uganda next month. Danny Pata
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