MANILA: The joint memorandum circular (JMC) signed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and the Department of Budget would open new employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Thursday, NCDA officer-in-charge Deputy Executive Director Dandy Victa said the JMC No.1 Series of 2023 will, among others, identify the budget for the employment of PWDs who are mostly self-employed.

‘Ang importante po, na makasali po ang ating persons with disability sa mga (What’s important is that our persons with disability are able to join) open employment activities,’ he said.

‘At dito nga po iyong pagkakaroon ng support service mula po sa recruitment, sa kanilang hiring, sa placement at sa pang-araw-araw po nilang pagpasok sa kanilang mga hanapbuhay (Stated in the circular is the provision of support service for them, from recruitment, to hiring, to placement, up to their daily reporting for work).’

T
he JMC, which provides guidelines on the proper reporting, monitoring, and utilization of funds for activities, programs, and projects for PWDs, was signed on December 15.

As of December 19, the Philippine Registry of Persons with Disabilities has recorded 1,324,206 PWDs with identification cards.

Currently, the NCDA is focused on supporting the rights of PWDs through appropriate services.

Victa explained that every category of PWD needs various different services, and local government units (LGUs) play a vital role as they are mandated for the implementation of such in their communities.

‘For example po, kung mayroon po kayong mga kliyente o costumers na deaf persons, kailangan po mayroon po tayong available na mga sign language interpreters or nakakaintindi po iyong ating mga frontline services para sa mga pangangailangan po ng mga (if you have clients or customers who are deaf persons, there must be available sign language interpreters, or those in the frontline services understand the needs of the) de
af, using Filipino sign language, for example,’ he said.

With the newly-signed JMC, the NCDA expects the strengthened implementation of rehabilitation and habilitation services.

Victa emphasized that both services constitute a big part of the PWD’s daily expenses.

‘At sana nga po sa taong darating po ay ganap na po na maipatupad po iyong ating PhilHealth coverage for our persons with disabilities para po mapaigting po iyong kanilang pag-avail po ng serbisyo as far as rehabilitation and habilitation po (Hopefully, next year, the PhilHealth coverage would be fully implemented for our persons with disabilities so they can avail rehabilitation and habilitation services),’ he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The joint memorandum circular (JMC) signed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and the Department of Budget would open new employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Thursday, NCDA officer-in-charge Deputy Executive Director Dandy Victa said the JMC No.1 Series of 2023 will, among others, identify the budget for the employment of PWDs who are mostly self-employed.

‘Ang importante po, na makasali po ang ating persons with disability sa mga (What’s important is that our persons with disability are able to join) open employment activities,’ he said.

‘At dito nga po iyong pagkakaroon ng support service mula po sa recruitment, sa kanilang hiring, sa placement at sa pang-araw-araw po nilang pagpasok sa kanilang mga hanapbuhay (Stated in the circular is the provision of support service for them, from recruitment, to hiring, to placement, up to their daily reporting for work).’

T
he JMC, which provides guidelines on the proper reporting, monitoring, and utilization of funds for activities, programs, and projects for PWDs, was signed on December 15.

As of December 19, the Philippine Registry of Persons with Disabilities has recorded 1,324,206 PWDs with identification cards.

Currently, the NCDA is focused on supporting the rights of PWDs through appropriate services.

Victa explained that every category of PWD needs various different services, and local government units (LGUs) play a vital role as they are mandated for the implementation of such in their communities.

‘For example po, kung mayroon po kayong mga kliyente o costumers na deaf persons, kailangan po mayroon po tayong available na mga sign language interpreters or nakakaintindi po iyong ating mga frontline services para sa mga pangangailangan po ng mga (if you have clients or customers who are deaf persons, there must be available sign language interpreters, or those in the frontline services understand the needs of the) de
af, using Filipino sign language, for example,’ he said.

With the newly-signed JMC, the NCDA expects the strengthened implementation of rehabilitation and habilitation services.

Victa emphasized that both services constitute a big part of the PWD’s daily expenses.

‘At sana nga po sa taong darating po ay ganap na po na maipatupad po iyong ating PhilHealth coverage for our persons with disabilities para po mapaigting po iyong kanilang pag-avail po ng serbisyo as far as rehabilitation and habilitation po (Hopefully, next year, the PhilHealth coverage would be fully implemented for our persons with disabilities so they can avail rehabilitation and habilitation services),’ he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The joint memorandum circular (JMC) signed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and the Department of Budget would open new employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Thursday, NCDA officer-in-charge Deputy Executive Director Dandy Victa said the JMC No.1 Series of 2023 will, among others, identify the budget for the employment of PWDs who are mostly self-employed.

‘Ang importante po, na makasali po ang ating persons with disability sa mga (What’s important is that our persons with disability are able to join) open employment activities,’ he said.

‘At dito nga po iyong pagkakaroon ng support service mula po sa recruitment, sa kanilang hiring, sa placement at sa pang-araw-araw po nilang pagpasok sa kanilang mga hanapbuhay (Stated in the circular is the provision of support service for them, from recruitment, to hiring, to placement, up to their daily reporting for work).’

T
he JMC, which provides guidelines on the proper reporting, monitoring, and utilization of funds for activities, programs, and projects for PWDs, was signed on December 15.

As of December 19, the Philippine Registry of Persons with Disabilities has recorded 1,324,206 PWDs with identification cards.

Currently, the NCDA is focused on supporting the rights of PWDs through appropriate services.

Victa explained that every category of PWD needs various different services, and local government units (LGUs) play a vital role as they are mandated for the implementation of such in their communities.

‘For example po, kung mayroon po kayong mga kliyente o costumers na deaf persons, kailangan po mayroon po tayong available na mga sign language interpreters or nakakaintindi po iyong ating mga frontline services para sa mga pangangailangan po ng mga (if you have clients or customers who are deaf persons, there must be available sign language interpreters, or those in the frontline services understand the needs of the) de
af, using Filipino sign language, for example,’ he said.

With the newly-signed JMC, the NCDA expects the strengthened implementation of rehabilitation and habilitation services.

Victa emphasized that both services constitute a big part of the PWD’s daily expenses.

‘At sana nga po sa taong darating po ay ganap na po na maipatupad po iyong ating PhilHealth coverage for our persons with disabilities para po mapaigting po iyong kanilang pag-avail po ng serbisyo as far as rehabilitation and habilitation po (Hopefully, next year, the PhilHealth coverage would be fully implemented for our persons with disabilities so they can avail rehabilitation and habilitation services),’ he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The recently-approved PHP5.768-trillion 2024 national budget will help spur Philippine economic growth, government economic managers said.

In a statement on Thursday, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the timely passage of the 2024 national budget is expected to support the country’s economic growth and ‘ensure the seamless delivery of government programs and services, which are much needed to pursue social and economic transformation.’

‘Efficiently utilizing our budget and implementing our planned programs are crucial for us to achieve our socioeconomic goals and realize resilient and sustainable growth for the country, and better lives for the Filipino people,’ Balisacan said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday signed the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The 2024 GAA, which is equivalent to 21.7 percent of gross domestic product, is 9. 5 percent higher compared to the PHP5.268-trillion budget for 2023.

Balisacan thanked both ch
ambers of Congress for the timely passage of the budget.

‘These efforts from our colleagues in the legislative side are a manifestation of a mutual understanding of the goals and targets we are aiming to reach,” he said.

NEDA said government spending has been a major driver of the economy in recent years.

In line with the Marcos administration’s commitment to alleviating poverty, promoting infrastructure and human capital development, and steering the nation towards a higher growth trajectory, the 2024 GAA allocates the highest budget to the social services and economic services sectors.

‘The year 2023 is all about laying the groundwork and establishing the foundation to achieve our development goals. Through the swift action of Congress, we are inspired to sustain our efforts to implement vital programs and projects that will transform our economy and significantly improve the living standards of every Filipino,’ Balisacan said.

In a separate statement late Wednesday, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno s
aid the swift enactment of the 2024 GAA is a testament to the strong collaboration and firm resolve of the Marcos administration to accelerate economic growth.

‘With this budget, we are well-equipped to continue the pursuit of economic transformation achieved under the FY 2023 National Budget, and further accelerate our push towards realizing the socio-economic development goals of the Marcos Jr. administration,’ Diokno said.

‘The 2024 National Budget was carefully optimized to drive the country towards a future of inclusivity and sustainability, ensuring that every peso is used efficiently to benefit every Filipino,’ he added.
Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The recently-approved PHP5.768-trillion 2024 national budget will help spur Philippine economic growth, government economic managers said.

In a statement on Thursday, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the timely passage of the 2024 national budget is expected to support the country’s economic growth and ‘ensure the seamless delivery of government programs and services, which are much needed to pursue social and economic transformation.’

‘Efficiently utilizing our budget and implementing our planned programs are crucial for us to achieve our socioeconomic goals and realize resilient and sustainable growth for the country, and better lives for the Filipino people,’ Balisacan said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday signed the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The 2024 GAA, which is equivalent to 21.7 percent of gross domestic product, is 9. 5 percent higher compared to the PHP5.268-trillion budget for 2023.

Balisacan thanked both ch
ambers of Congress for the timely passage of the budget.

‘These efforts from our colleagues in the legislative side are a manifestation of a mutual understanding of the goals and targets we are aiming to reach,” he said.

NEDA said government spending has been a major driver of the economy in recent years.

In line with the Marcos administration’s commitment to alleviating poverty, promoting infrastructure and human capital development, and steering the nation towards a higher growth trajectory, the 2024 GAA allocates the highest budget to the social services and economic services sectors.

‘The year 2023 is all about laying the groundwork and establishing the foundation to achieve our development goals. Through the swift action of Congress, we are inspired to sustain our efforts to implement vital programs and projects that will transform our economy and significantly improve the living standards of every Filipino,’ Balisacan said.

In a separate statement late Wednesday, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno s
aid the swift enactment of the 2024 GAA is a testament to the strong collaboration and firm resolve of the Marcos administration to accelerate economic growth.

‘With this budget, we are well-equipped to continue the pursuit of economic transformation achieved under the FY 2023 National Budget, and further accelerate our push towards realizing the socio-economic development goals of the Marcos Jr. administration,’ Diokno said.

‘The 2024 National Budget was carefully optimized to drive the country towards a future of inclusivity and sustainability, ensuring that every peso is used efficiently to benefit every Filipino,’ he added.
Source: Philippines News Agency

LEGAZPI CITY: The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol has placed all government hospitals in the region under ‘code white alert’ or ‘on-call’ mode for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Under such status, medical personnel are instructed to be ready for immediate mobilization in case of an emergency.

“The white alert will be effective from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4,” DOH-Bicol Regional Director Ernie Vera said in a memorandum issued on Wednesday.

“DOH hospitals, provincial DOH officers, Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) point persons and coordinators are enjoined to be vigilant and send flash reports of any untoward incident,” he said.

Likewise, “operation centers will be on 24-hour operations and will do active monitoring of all health emergencies in the region and coordinate with other key agencies responding to this kind of situation,” Vera added in a message to the media on Thursday.

The DOH also reminded the public about the dangers of firecrackers and advised against its use during the holiday
season.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) is on full alert status to ensure a peaceful Yuletide celebration.

Deployment of personnel is focused on community firecracker zones, assistance hubs, places of worship, commercial centers, road safety points, seaports, train stations and airports.

Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said the ‘Ligtas Paskuhan’ campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol is being implemented by increasing police visibility and conducting preventive patrol operations.

“This is to ensure the safety of the public, particularly those attending the nine-day ‘Simbang Gabi’ during the festive season. PRO5 assures the public that public safety remains their top priority,” she said in a statement.
Source: Philippines News Agency