Author: ltadmin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) has strengthened its digital efficiency in providing services through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

DA-10 Executive Director Carlene Collado said the introduction of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in the agency is timely and relevant in maximizing communication and information technology (ICT) in the workplace.

“Not only will it streamline our processes, but it will also help in improving turnaround times, aligning with Republic Act 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act,” Collado said in a statement on Thursday.

PKI, one of the core services offered by DICT, refers to an infrastructure that secures communications among individuals and government entities, paving the way to a much safer, faster, and more efficient delivery of services via online transactions and using digital certificates.

The introduction of PKI coincided with d
ifferent turnover activities within DA-10 which needed efficient time management, which requires various ICT support.

On Thursday, DA-10 held a Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) Forum and Geotagging Training in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Likewise, the agency led the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Coordination meeting from February 15 to 16, 2024 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, where various government agencies and community stakeholders convened to discuss potential benefits such as economies of scale, improved access to resources, and enhanced market opportunities.

Source: Philippines News Agency

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) has strengthened its digital efficiency in providing services through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

DA-10 Executive Director Carlene Collado said the introduction of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in the agency is timely and relevant in maximizing communication and information technology (ICT) in the workplace.

“Not only will it streamline our processes, but it will also help in improving turnaround times, aligning with Republic Act 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act,” Collado said in a statement on Thursday.

PKI, one of the core services offered by DICT, refers to an infrastructure that secures communications among individuals and government entities, paving the way to a much safer, faster, and more efficient delivery of services via online transactions and using digital certificates.

The introduction of PKI coincided with d
ifferent turnover activities within DA-10 which needed efficient time management, which requires various ICT support.

On Thursday, DA-10 held a Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) Forum and Geotagging Training in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Likewise, the agency led the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Coordination meeting from February 15 to 16, 2024 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, where various government agencies and community stakeholders convened to discuss potential benefits such as economies of scale, improved access to resources, and enhanced market opportunities.

Source: Philippines News Agency

Hanoi: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh recently signed a decision on the establishment of the National Council for Science, Technology and Innovation.

The Prime Minister is the council’s chairman while Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang is the standing vice chairman and the Minister of Science and Technology vice chairman.

Members of the council include the Minister of Planning and Investment, the Minister of Finance, and one leader each of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defence, the Government Office, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the Chairmen of the People’s Committees of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang city, and the Presidents of t
he Vietnam National University – Hanoi and Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, are also among the members of the council, along with experts, managers and scientists.

As an inter-sectorial organisation, the council will assist the Prime Minister in studying, directing and coordinating the handling of important issues in building and rolling out policies, strategies, mechanisms to bolster the development of science, technology and innovation.

Besides, it is responsible for promoting coordination between ministries, ministerial-level agencies, People’s Committees of provinces and cities during the process, contributing to the nation’s socio-economic growth, security-defence and international integration./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

MANILA: Authorities on Thursday nabbed a female terrorist who served as a financial conduit and coordinator for international terrorist groups.

In a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said the suspect, 32-year-old Myrna Ajijul Mabanza, was nabbed in an operation in Barangay Pasil, Indanan, Sulu shortly before 6 a.m.

Caramat said Mabanza is wanted for charges of terror financing under Republic Act 10168 (Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012) and RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020) issued by a Zamboanga court in December 2023.

She was declared by the United States Defense Department as a specially designated global terrorist along with the Islamic State (ISIS) founder Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi and the late Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader and ISIS emir in the Philippines Isnilon Hapilon.

She is the widow of a Malaysian terrorist who was believed to have influenced her into engaging in terrorism,
Caramat said.

Caramat said Mabanza facilitated the transfer of funds from international financiers to local terrorist leaders including Hapilon since 2016.

These include the transfer of funds worth US$107,000 to Hapilon in January 2016.

‘In February 2016, Mabanza served as an intermediary between Hapilon and ISIS elements in Syria while in March 2016, Mabanza coordinated another transfer of funds with Hapilon. Also in March 2016, a senior ISIS official in Syria planned to send financial support to ISIS-(Philippines) through Mabanza,’ he added.

In April 2016, she also helped facilitate the travel of a representative of Indonesian terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) from Indonesia to the Philippines for a meeting with Hapilon.

The JAD representative traveled to the Philippines to purchase arms for ISIS-aligned forces in Indonesia and to set up training courses for pro-ISIS recruits from Indonesia with ISIS-Philippines.

“It will surely paralyze the operation of Islamic State or ISIS, the ISIS’ pla
n to establish itself in the country, and of course in other countries because other governments are also running after financing of terrorism,” Caramat told reporters.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the arrest of Mabanza was a big blow to the terrorist group.

‘With regards to the effects on the operations, most likely with the arrest of Myrna, ang cash flow nila maaapektuhan yan (their cash flow would be affected), definitely their operations will be affected,’ Acorda said in a press conference.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, said the government not only dealt a solid blow to local extremist groups with Mabanza’s arrest but also showed its commitment to address money laundering and terrorism financing.

“Mabanza’s arrest marks another positive note for the Philippines’ whole-of-nation campaign to address terrorism and terrorism financing that will reflect well to contribute in the country’s unyielding efforts t
o get out of the Financial Action Task Force’s Grey List,” the ATC said.

On Friday, the National Security Council (NSC) said Mabanza’s arrest highlights the government’s commitment to holding perpetrators of terrorism accountable for their acts.

“The arrest of Mabanza is a significant triumph for national and international security efforts. The successful operation, executed by our dedicated law enforcement agencies, underscores the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining peace in our country,” NSC chief and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said in a statement.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: A senior official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has called for full implementation of the law to protect children against online sexual abuse or exploitation.

DSWD Undersecretary for International Affairs, and Attached and Supervised Agencies (ASAs) Emmeline Aglipay Villar made this call during the Safer Internet Day for Children Philippines (SID PH) 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Feb. 13.

Villar, alternate co-chair to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), underscored the need to strengthen efforts towards the prevention and protection of children from risks and abuses in the digital world through the implementation of Republic Act No. 11930 or the ‘Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC)’ and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

“The full implementation of the law requires us to unite and amplify the mechanisms and systems of concerned government agencies, private entities, and partner
institutions to block and filter the dissemination of online child sexual abuse material and child sexual exploitation materials,” Villar said.

“However, we must also strengthen our efforts in terms of capacitating other stakeholders, the children themselves, parents, guardians, relatives, and their communities to arm them with the necessary knowledge to be responsible digital users themselves,” she added.

The DSWD pushed for the establishment of the National Coordination Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) one-stop-shop processing center for victim-survivors of OSAEC and other related cases of abuse and exploitation of children.

The two-day activity was aimed at providing children and youth participants with a platform for meaningful conversations and dialogues regarding their digital life, the advantages, risks, and responsible use of the internet and social media platforms.

The SID PH 2024 banners the theme, ‘
OSAEC at CSAEM ating sugpuin, implementasyon ng R.A. 11930 sama-samang patatagin!’ It was organized by the NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM, in partnership with Plan International Pilipinas with the support of UNICEF Philippines.

The DSWD is in the process of further strengthening its Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), the flagship program of the Department in providing comprehensive and holistic psychosocial services for victim-survivors of Trafficking in Persons (including OSAEC), their families, and communities.

The DSWD is also conducting capacity building for duty bearers and service providers specifically in the agency’s regional offices and Local Social Welfare and Development Offices to enhance their skills in providing programs and services to OSAEC victims.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Kennon Road in Benguet province, a major thoroughfare plied by motorists going to parts of Northern Luzon, would be partially closed to traffic starting Feb. 19.

In an advisory Thursday, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera Administrative Region (DPWH-CAR) said this is to give way to repairs on portions of the road.

‘Upon the recommendation of DPWH-CAR and approval of the Metropolitan Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay Council (MBLISTT) Council chairperson and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Kennon Road will be partially closed to effectively carry out the ongoing repairs along Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet, and ensure public safety,’ it said.

The DPWH said motorists may use the following alternate routes:

–Southbound non-residents driving towards Rosario, La Union are advised to use the temporary route along Bued River.

–Northbound non-residents traveling towards Baguio City can pass through Marcos Highway.

While Kennon Road will remain open to northboun
d and southbound residents, the DPWH urged southbound residents to pass through the temporary routes.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Senators will now start working with the members of the House of Representatives in a “professional” manner after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez met and shook hands during former Senate president and Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile’s 100th birthday celebration in Malacañang.

In an interview with the ANC, Zubiri said he and Romualdez agreed to end the “animosity” between the legislators and “start working professionally for the country.”

“I mean, we can disagree on many points but for the people, we were elected by our chambers as the leaders of these chambers, we owe it to the people to work together and set aside any personal differences to be able to work professionally, to pass legislations to help our country,” Zubiri said.

He admitted that legislators, both in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, will have a hard time doing their jobs “once the anger and animosity is there” especially in passing bills through bicameral conference
committees.

“With bicameral reports, we have to meet with our counterparts in the House. Of course, the Commission on Appointments, we have to meet as well and many other issues like even for example, the State of the Nation Address, we still have to meet and be civil to one another,” Zubiri said.

“I talked to most of my colleagues, and my colleagues agree that we should be professional when it comes to our work, attitude, and how we want to pass legislation. Para sa kapakanan ng bayan, kailangan naming gawin to (For the welfare of our country, we need to do this),” he added.

The Senate President said he is set to meet Romualdez next week to “iron out” other issues.

Zubiri also vowed to continue discussing the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 which seeks to remove the economic restrictions for foreign direct investments by amending three economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

Source: Philippines News Agency