Author: Raffy Rico

Memorandum of Agreement between HSAC and LandBank

GOING DIGITAL. Officials of the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC), led by Commissioner Fidel J. Esconde Jr. (left), and Land Bank of the Philippines Senior Vice President Delma O. Bandiola (4th from left) show the signed memorandum of agreement between HSAC and LandBank for hassle-free payment of any agency transaction, at the Citadines Roces in Quezon City on Thursday (Feb. 22, 2024). The partnership provides its stakeholders with a digital payment and collection method through the Link.BizPortal e-payment facility. (Photo by: Ben Briones) ‘KALESA’. Newly refurbished “kalesas” or “karitelas” (horse-drawn carriages) wait for local and foreign tourists along Plaza...

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DepEd cites SEARCA for support to deliver quality basic education

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Zimmerman Duterte (leftmost) presents the appreciation plaque to SEARCA Center Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio (second to the left).  Also in the photo are Beatrisa Martinez of SEARCA and DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa (rightmost). (Photo by Alezandro Bravo, grabbed from the DepEd Philippines Facebook page) The Department of Education (DepEd) recognized the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) as one of its dedicated partners during the Partners’ Appreciation and Recognition held at the Government Service Insurance System Financial Center last February 20. SEARCA was cited for its steadfast...

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Hog Farmers Aim for Guinness World Record with 300 Pork Dishes

Quezon City is gearing up for a savory challenge as hog farmers prepare to make history on March 1st. Their mission? To set a Guinness World Record by presenting an impressive array of pork dishes during the upcoming Hog Festival 2024. The five-day extravaganza, kicking off at Novotel in Cubao, promises a pork paradise with 300 unique dishes on offer, showcasing the versatility of this beloved meat. Organizers are leaving no stone unturned, ensuring each dish is distinct and tantalizing for visitors’ taste buds. Elsa Jjavelana, a former farmer’s wife and culinary enthusiast, highlighted the countless ways pork can...

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OMG FARM Visit and SEARCA  Agri- Innovation Hub & Media Consultation Meeting

  The Binhi Inc. & OMG Farm in Los Baños, Laguna, headed by Dr. Glen Gregorio, is leading the charge in agricultural innovation with the use of drone technology for better crop yields. During the recent “Banana Harvest and Planting Festival,” media representatives were given a tour of the expansive farm. Dr. Gregorio highlighted the cultivation of banana seedlings in Los Baños and Bai, Laguna, using advanced techniques including tissue culture and drone-assisted plantation management. The farm specializes in Lakatan and Cadabra banana varieties, ensuring high-quality produce for both local consumption and export. At OMG Farm, seedlings undergo meticulous...

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JCI Philippines unveiled "The One Pearl of Pasay (TOPP) 2024" project

In a bid to celebrate Women’s Month and highlight Pinay Power, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines unveiled “The One Pearl of Pasay (TOPP) 2024” project. The launch, held in Makati City, emphasized JCI’s commitment to development projects aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality. Maya Gamboa-Arcega, the 2023 LO President of JCI Perlas Pasay, underscored JCI’s evolution from a group of women leaders to a diverse organization focused on youth and social development. She highlighted the strengthened partnership with Pasay City’s local government, lauding Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano’s support for TOPP 2024. Mayor...

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RUNNING AFTER ‘GHOST’ COMPANIES

RUNNING AFTER ‘GHOST’ COMPANIES. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), led by Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. (foreground), files criminal information against five corporate officers and an accountant of two corporations allegedly involved in the selling, buying, and use of ghost receipts, before Quezon City’s Regional Trial Court and Metropolitan Trial Court on Thursday (Feb. 15, 2024). Lumagui said this is just the first batch of cases filed by the BIR against “ghost” corporations/sellers under its “Run After Fake Transactions” (RAFT) program. (By: Ben...

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Taguig LGU nagpasalamat sa suporta ng NCRPO

Sa ginanap na 33rd Founding Annibersary ng National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) pinangunahan ni Regional Director PMGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ang nasabing okasyon, kasama ang matataas ng opisyal ng National Capital Region (NCR) Police District at ilang kapulisan sa nabanggit na mga distrito. May temang ‘Serbisyong Nagkakaisa at may Malasakit sa Kapwa, Tungo sa Maunlad at Ligtas na Bansa,” pagpapahiwatig na palaging kaagapay ng mamamayan ang kapulisan ng NCRPO sa ilalim ng liderato ni Regional Director PMGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. sa paghahatid ng serbisyo publiko. Naging panauhing pandangal sa nasabing okasyon si Taguig City Mayor Lani...

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Experts emphasize a Comprehensive Approach to Constitutional Change in the Philippines

Political experts gathered at a forum to discuss the pros and cons of changing the 1987 Constitution. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach rather than making piecemeal amendments. Dr. Clarita Carlos, a prominent political psychologist, highlighted the complexity of the issue, likening the constitution to a human being with multiple ailments. She cautioned against solely focusing on economic provisions, as this could face opposition from politicians. Dr. Carlos stressed the importance of properly explaining any proposed changes, whether it involves shifting to a parliamentary system or altering term limits. She emphasized the need for strategic communication to...

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QC gears up for a 3-day Chinese New Year Celebration at Banawe Street

Quezon City is gearing up for its grandest celebration yet in honor of the Chinese New Year, set to take place from February 9th to 11th. Mayor Joy Belmonte, leading the initiative, announced that February 9th has been declared a “Special Non-working Day” by Malacañang, allowing residents and visitors alike to fully participate in the festivities. Mayor Belmonte highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing the city’s commitment to showcasing the rich Filipino-Chinese heritage, particularly in the renowned Banawe area. Banawe Street and its surroundings have been officially declared as Quezon City’s very own Chinatown district through City Ordinance...

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“SEARCA and FPEmpresa Forge Partnership to Enhance Vocational Education in Southeast Asia”

Clockwise from top left: SEARCA Center Director Glenn Gregorio and FPEmpresa President and Board Member García Domínguez, SEARCA Deputy Director Joselito Florendo and FPEmpresa coordinator (Madrid and International) and Board Member Carlos de Olagüe Smithson, showed the signed MOU. SEARCA, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, and Spain’s FPEmpresa, a nonprofit association of vocational education and training (VET) centers, have joined forces in a five-year partnership. The collaboration aims to enhance vocational education and training in Southeast Asia. In a virtual signing ceremony on January 24, 2024, SEARCA Director Glenn Gregorio and FPEmpresa...

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