01:20.0
IT WANTS TO SEE MORE EFFORT FROM THE DA TO FIGHT THE EFFECTS OF EL NINO
01:24.5
ESPECIALLY AS IT EYES A BIGGER BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR
01:28.6
THE AGENCY HAS SAID IT PLANS TO ASK FOR A 100% INCREASE IN ITS BUDGET NEXT YEAR
01:35.4
TO MODERNIZE FARMS, IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY, AND INCREASE EARNINGS OF FARMERS AND FISHER FOLK
01:50.0
WE DON'T SEE MUCH INCREASE IN ITS BUDGET NEXT YEAR
01:56.7
FOR NOW, OUR CHOICES ARE VERY LIMITED BECAUSE WE ARE AT THE MERCY OF NATURE
02:01.7
A FORMER PHILIPPINE FINANCE CHIEF WEIGHS IN ON POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC BOSES
02:10.9
ECONOMIST GARY TEVES SAYS THERE IS A NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO AMEND SOME LAWS
02:16.0
IF IT WANTS TO IMPROVE THE PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE SECTOR
02:20.0
HE ADDS REMOVING RESTRICTIVE ECONOMIC PROVISIONS IN THE CONSTITUTION
02:24.2
AND FURTHER REDUCING TARIFF CUTS ON IMPORTED RICE AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS
02:29.0
WILL HELP THE COUNTRY FIGHT INFLATION AND ATTRACT MORE FOREIGN INVESTORS
02:34.0
ngayon meron tayong pagkakataon, although nagkakaroon ng konti ng resistance
02:41.2
sana mabukas na rin yung ating, matanggal na yung economic restrictive provisions sa ating constitution
02:48.3
hindi kagad ang makikitaon
02:50.0
hindi kagad ang makikitaong immediate solution
02:51.0
pero ang sitwasyon natin, pantay-pantay na tayo sa ating mga kasamahan sa Asia
02:57.0
na wala tayong mga sticks doon sa constitution
02:59.3
doon na ang labanan sa legislation, paglagay ng mga limitations, safeguards at iba pa
03:06.7
malaking bagay na signal sa ating foreign investors
03:10.9
na imbitado talaga sila na pumasok dito sa Pilipinas
03:14.6
sa tingin naman, pwede magkaroon pa tayo ng adjustments
03:17.8
para makatulong sa pag-encounter
03:20.0
ng more foreign investors dito
03:22.3
kasi yung ating mga incentives hindi pa kasing pantay
03:25.7
sa ating mga kasamahan sa ASEAN po, Henry
03:29.4
The power grid of Luzon remains an alert today, Saturday
03:35.0
Philippine grid operator, the NGP says
03:37.6
Luzon's power grid will be under a yellow alert status from 6pm to 10pm
03:43.3
It adds 22 power plants in Luzon are on forced outages
03:47.7
while another is running on lower capacity
03:50.0
A grid is put under a yellow alert status
03:53.3
when the operating margin is unable to meet the transmission grid's contingency requirement
03:60.0
The Luzon-emphasized power grids have been operating under alert this week
04:03.9
as intense heat pushes power demand higher
04:06.7
The Philippines is leading the plastic polluter in the world
04:13.7
contributing a staggering 350,000 tons of ocean plastic every year
04:20.0
as the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22
04:24.0
A non-profit organization is hoping to engage the community
04:27.0
to help solve the perennial plastic problem
04:30.0
We're now joined by Founder and Executive Director of CORA, Antoinette Torres
04:35.0
Toni, welcome back to ANC, it's been a while
04:37.0
We've had this similar conversation pre-pandemic
04:40.0
Nice to talk to you again of course about CORA and your advocacy
04:44.0
Thank you so much for having me back Migs
04:47.0
I'm so grateful to be here of course on Dateline on ANC
04:50.0
and of course for Earth Day
04:52.0
especially since because this year's theme is Planet vs. Plastic
04:57.0
So thank you so much for having me
04:59.0
Alright so Toni, tell us more about CORA and why does it matter?
05:02.0
What are its main objectives?
05:04.0
CORA began in 2016 as a volunteer-powered group of friends and family
05:10.0
that actually took this mission forward wherein it turned into a non-profit organization
05:15.0
The goal really is to help communities in need
05:19.0
how we can reduce waste
05:21.0
So it began with feeding programs through food rescue
05:25.0
We take products from companies that are near expiration
05:28.0
give them to communities in need
05:30.0
because they will consume them immediately
05:33.0
Food waste is actually contributing 10% of greenhouse gas emissions globally
05:38.0
That's four times more than the entire airline industry
05:41.0
From there we went on to coastal cleanups
05:44.0
which we learned are not the solution to plastic pollution
05:47.0
but they must be done
05:48.0
because of all the litter that is out there
05:51.0
hurting the environment, harming human health
05:53.0
and of course even the economy
05:55.0
But we have taken it further today into solid waste management initiatives
05:59.0
So being able to take the power of circular economy
06:02.0
So for the Philippines, it is so unfair
06:05.0
and it is one of the greatest social injustices
06:07.0
to blame people for the issue of plastic pollution
06:10.0
because we need government leadership and systemic change
06:13.0
and more than that we need companies
06:16.0
to take the lead in better packaging solutions
06:19.0
because for citizens that are fighting every day to meet basic needs
06:23.0
sustainability is usually unaffordable, inaccessible and out of reach
06:28.0
So no matter what, when solving these solutions
06:30.0
we encourage looking at communities
06:33.0
as a source of this leadership and participation
06:36.0
particularly women
06:38.0
That's why we opened up the ICO-ICOT Center
06:41.0
which offers this service
06:43.0
for anyone that comes to bring their clean, dry and segmented food waste
06:46.0
We give goods, points and even e-cash
06:51.0
in exchange for these recyclables
06:53.0
and we hope that this helps empower more communities
06:55.0
and more women who are leading this initiative
06:58.0
Now Tony, no doubt that of course this conversation
07:01.0
what I'm about to ask is of course being talked about
07:05.0
when you talk about single-use plastic
07:07.0
it goes beyond just the packaging
07:10.0
goes beyond its affordability
07:13.0
but also maybe it's imbibed in the packaging
07:16.0
in the culture in the Filipinos
07:18.0
that we have to be very economical
07:20.0
or in Filipino, kailangan natin magtipid
07:22.0
so we have to resort to buying cheaper
07:25.0
well, not alternatives or cheaper options
07:27.0
for us to be able to budget
07:29.0
So as a result, we resort to single-use plastic
07:32.0
How is this being solved so far?
07:34.0
At least from 2016 up to now in your experience
07:38.0
You are very correct, Migs
07:40.0
and honestly, that's a great thing
07:42.0
It's a very smart and economical way to live life
07:46.0
and the thingy culture is not a bad thing
07:49.0
and this thingy culture has been around
07:51.0
thingy is really taking smaller amounts
07:53.0
on a day-to-day basis
07:54.0
based on the capacity of our income
07:56.0
We've been doing this as Filipinos
07:59.0
even before plastic was around
08:01.0
So there are photos and images
08:03.0
of how thingy culture used to exist without plastics
08:06.0
Today, our government has been taking strides forward
08:09.0
especially with the EPR law
08:11.0
the Extended Producer Responsibility Law
08:14.0
which mandates companies
08:16.0
to recover what they produce
08:18.0
but more than that
08:19.0
the world is negotiating a global plastics treaty
08:22.0
led by the United Nations Environment Program
08:25.0
and this is something that calls
08:27.0
for the cut and the stop of the production of plastics
08:31.0
or single-use plastics in particularly
08:34.0
as soon as possible
08:36.0
We also need more investments
08:38.0
That's why at Quora
08:39.0
we're truly grateful to USAID
08:41.0
the United States Agency for International Development
08:43.0
and we are especially grateful also to COICA
08:45.0
the Korea International Cooperation Agency
08:48.0
that has invested in these kinds of solutions
08:51.0
to be able to provide circular economy exchange centers
08:57.0
So these centers that we are opening up this year with COICA
09:01.0
are actually going to be in Paranaque City
09:06.0
the site of Smoking Mountain
09:08.0
because we want to show that the Philippines
09:10.0
is not just a source of plastic pollution
09:13.0
we are also a source
09:16.0
that are for the people
09:17.0
and by the people
09:19.0
Talk about solutions
09:20.0
What are your plans for Earth Day?
09:23.0
We are doing a big coastal cleanup
09:25.0
actually on April 27th
09:27.0
We hope we can invite all of you to join us
09:29.0
You can go to our social media platforms
09:32.0
to check for the details on how to register
09:35.0
and this of course
09:36.0
once again is not the solution
09:38.0
but it opens up the opportunity
09:39.0
for volunteers to come together
09:43.0
in actions that help save our Earth
09:46.0
but more than that
09:47.0
we encourage all of you
09:48.0
it's not just about plastics or litter
09:50.0
anything that you do that is mindful
09:52.0
that is good for the environment
09:54.0
or just good for people around you
09:56.0
for their hearts and their minds
09:58.0
is already changing the world
10:01.0
mindfulness and kindness
10:02.0
already makes every day Earth Day
10:05.0
Tony, I want to circle back on what you mentioned
10:07.0
about one of your programs
10:09.0
So you give incentives
10:14.0
do eco-friendly ways
10:18.0
how incentives are there
10:19.0
how has this worked so far
10:21.0
you mentioned that earlier
10:23.0
Yes, it's a simple three-step process
10:26.0
as a member of the community
10:28.0
I'll take my segregated recyclables
10:30.0
they have to be clean and dry
10:32.0
because believe it or not
10:33.0
when they're contaminated
10:34.0
recyclers cannot process them
10:36.0
and they also can't be purchased
10:40.0
and these prices that we sell to recyclers
10:42.0
are what we give back to the people
10:45.0
so for anyone that cares
10:47.0
that wants to segregate
10:48.0
and is looking for a place
10:49.0
to participate in recycling
10:51.0
or more importantly
10:53.0
the circular economy
10:54.0
we offer this particular service
10:56.0
and I want to emphasize that recycling
10:58.0
is not the top first solution
11:01.0
it begins with reducing waste
11:03.0
in the first place
11:06.0
just to let you know
11:07.0
for those of you out there
11:08.0
that carry your own water tumbler
11:11.0
you single-handedly
11:13.0
are already helping prevent
11:14.0
around a thousand plastic bottles
11:16.0
from entering the environment
11:19.0
and you're doing that
11:20.0
with one single reusable tumbler
11:22.0
so imagine what else
11:23.0
you have the power to change
11:25.0
Well that's true Toni
11:27.0
just really hit me personally
11:29.0
when you mentioned
11:30.0
being eco-friendly
11:32.0
does not start with recycling
11:34.0
rather you take a step back
11:36.0
you reduce first the actual waste
11:38.0
that you're about to put out
11:40.0
and really goes out to show
11:42.0
that when you use a single
11:43.0
your personal tumbler
11:45.0
because when you drink a lot of water
11:46.0
you consume more plastic bottles right?
11:49.0
At least you can just refill
11:50.0
from your actual water bottle itself
11:53.0
Toni I'd like to ask a personal question
11:55.0
for our viewers today
11:56.0
of course you are known
11:57.0
Antoinette Toz is known to be
11:58.0
in the entertainment industry
11:60.0
when you were younger
12:01.0
but how did this advocacy
12:04.0
How did this passion start
12:06.0
and why are you pursuing this?
12:08.0
I appreciate that question Migsie
12:11.0
as you can see Cora
12:12.0
is actually the name of my mom
12:14.0
but the organization is
12:16.0
Communities Organized for Resource Allocation
12:19.0
so my mom was a human being
12:21.0
that cared about helping people
12:23.0
in any way she could
12:24.0
and it wasn't about having a non-profit
12:26.0
she actually didn't start one
12:27.0
she just helped out of her own capacity
12:30.0
in any way she could
12:32.0
we lost her to cancer in 2004
12:34.0
and I went through a long journey
12:38.0
and a very sad period
12:40.0
of really not being able to process the loss
12:43.0
and that opened up my eyes
12:46.0
to more things around me
12:48.0
and it's interesting how pain
12:50.0
can really open up the doors
12:52.0
to recognizing what others go through
12:54.0
and for me it wasn't really
12:56.0
necessarily about the environment
12:59.0
it really was just about
12:60.0
how can we just do more to help people around us
13:02.0
even our own small way
13:04.0
and so I also have a lot of friends
13:06.0
that have this same yearning
13:08.0
and so one day we just decided
13:09.0
why don't we start doing this regularly
13:12.0
on a monthly basis
13:14.0
and because of social media
13:16.0
it ended up turning into a non-profit
13:18.0
because more people wanted to join
13:20.0
and even companies started offering their support
13:23.0
and so the lesson there that I share to everyone is
13:26.0
if you think there's something that's in your heart
13:30.0
if there's something pulling at you
13:32.0
take action on it
13:34.0
and bring the people around you
13:35.0
that care about the same things
13:37.0
to do something about it
13:38.0
because you never know
13:39.0
where it can take you
13:40.0
for us it was a non-profit
13:42.0
it could be a sustainable business
13:44.0
a social enterprise
13:45.0
anything that could help people
13:47.0
and whether it's art
13:49.0
we all have the capacity
13:51.0
to contribute in our own way
13:52.0
and people need to remember
13:54.0
that they don't have to change their path
13:56.0
they just have to use
13:57.0
who they already are
13:59.0
to make the world a better place
14:01.0
well in making the world a better place
14:04.0
it's not climbing up the ladder
14:06.0
it's really a slow grind
14:07.0
it is a slow grind
14:08.0
it is a slow climb
14:09.0
even generations after right
14:12.0
and of course Tony
14:13.0
there are challenges that you face every day
14:17.0
well I think the challenges
14:19.0
especially for the development world
14:21.0
or for non-profit organizations
14:23.0
let's take it further and focus on
14:25.0
how do we solve these problems
14:27.0
we really need systemic change
14:30.0
and policy change
14:31.0
but honestly for the Philippines
14:33.0
we have some of the best laws there are
14:37.0
they're just not being implemented
14:39.0
as much as they should be
14:40.0
and in the most efficient way
14:42.0
if only we could implement them
14:45.0
that is being championed right now
14:47.0
is something that is a big step forward
14:49.0
for our country in a positive way
14:51.0
and we need business unusual
14:53.0
so that those are the challenges
14:54.0
companies typically operate and produce products
14:59.0
primarily for profit
15:01.0
but what use will profit be
15:04.0
if there is no world left to profit
15:08.0
profit is a good thing
15:09.0
it's not a bad thing
15:10.0
but we need to look at
15:11.0
how our products impact human lives and health first
15:15.0
and the environment
15:16.0
because how it impacts the environment
15:18.0
again goes back to impacting lives and health
15:21.0
and of course collective action
15:23.0
but I honestly don't emphasize collective action as much anymore
15:26.0
because as people
15:29.0
we all want to do better
15:30.0
we want to make the right choices
15:32.0
and we want to take the right steps
15:34.0
but as mentioned earlier
15:35.0
they're not always
15:39.0
and so if they're not
15:40.0
if they're all out of reach
15:41.0
how can we participate as a people
15:44.0
it begins with government leadership and business
15:49.0
your message to our viewers
15:53.0
are inspired by this movement of yours
15:56.0
how can they be part
15:58.0
thank you so much
15:59.0
we invite you all to volunteer for our programs at CORA
16:03.0
from feeding programs
16:07.0
solid waste management
16:08.0
and tree planting
16:09.0
we have 10,000 mangroves in Leyte, Philippines
16:12.0
you can go to our social media platforms
16:16.0
and at We Are CORA
16:17.0
we're on all the different platforms
16:20.0
www.wearecora.org
16:23.0
I also post a lot on my channel
16:25.0
at Antoinette Toss
16:26.0
and I hope to see you
16:27.0
at one of our upcoming events
16:29.0
next one is on April 27th Earth Day
16:31.0
and we hope to see you there
16:34.0
Executive Director of CORA Tech
16:35.0
Tony thank you so much
16:36.0
for joining us here in Daytide Philippines
16:43.0
thank you Dateline ANC
16:47.0
a mixed bag of price adjustments
16:49.0
in petroleum products
16:50.0
expected next week
16:51.0
following four straight weeks
16:53.0
of fuel price hikes
16:55.0
the price per liter
16:60.0
by up to 60 centavos
17:01.0
while diesel and kerosene
17:03.0
will both see a decrease
17:04.0
of more than one peso
17:09.0
Vice President and Education Chief
17:12.0
urged to step down
17:14.0
Manila Representative Joel Chua
17:17.0
asserting Duterte
17:18.0
should show decency
17:19.0
and accountability
17:21.0
amid controversies
17:22.0
hounding the Vice President
17:26.0
Duterte's silence
17:28.0
amid China's aggression
17:30.0
in the West Philippine Sea
17:32.0
as well as the attacks
17:37.0
had thrown against
17:38.0
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
17:40.0
The lawmaker asserts
17:41.0
Duterte should draw the line
17:49.0
of President Marcos
17:50.0
ANC is still trying
17:52.0
of Vice President
18:01.0
the political party
18:02.0
Partido Democratico
18:04.0
He affirmed his loyalty
18:06.0
during its 42nd anniversary
18:09.0
The former administration party
18:11.0
has seen some members
18:14.0
or President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s
18:17.0
Partido Federal ng Pilipinas
18:20.0
he will only switch parties
18:21.0
as a matter of principle
19:09.0
and Francis Tolentino
19:11.0
Senatorial Elections
19:38.0
productive in between
19:41.0
The First Lady notes
19:44.0
political ambitions
19:46.0
during her husband's
19:50.0
If the First Lady
19:52.0
seek a Senate seat
19:54.0
she will be competing
19:55.0
with the President's
19:57.0
Senator Amy Marcos
20:32.6
Arab Emirates appealing for
20:34.9
help from the government. Three OFWs
20:37.5
were killed while two others were wounded
20:39.2
following one of the heaviest
20:41.0
rainfall in the Gulf region's
20:43.0
history. The Philippine Consulate
20:45.0
General in Dubai says the still
20:47.2
high water level hampers their efforts
20:49.2
to provide aid and food supply
20:51.2
to Filipinos in some parts of the
20:53.1
country. Despite this, they vow to
20:55.0
exert full effort to ensure
20:57.1
the safety and comfort of at least
20:59.2
a million Filipinos in the UAE.
21:03.1
Ang mga naapektuhan po natin
21:05.1
ang mga kababayan, minsan sila po ay tumatawag
21:07.3
sa amin, hindi sila
21:12.6
sapagkat meron rin pong
21:14.7
dahil rin po sa tubig
21:16.5
talaga pong na-overwhelm
21:20.3
sa lakas at volume ng tubig
21:23.1
na bumagsak. Pero we are
21:25.2
in touch with them. Yung iba po
21:26.9
nagsasabi, we have three days supply na
21:29.0
lang ng pagkain, two days supply
21:30.8
pero nagko-coordinate po kami
21:33.1
sa kanila and we're hoping na habang
21:35.8
level ng tubig, kami ay
21:38.7
makakarating po sa kanila. Ang
21:40.8
maganda po naman dito ay as I said
21:42.8
we are in constant communication
21:45.0
with them at sila po ay ating
21:47.0
na bibigyan naman ng
21:52.7
The Overseas Workers Welfare
21:54.9
Administration also assures the families
21:57.0
of the victims. The government,
21:59.0
doing its best to repatriate
22:00.9
the remains of the three
22:02.8
Filipinos killed in the floods. Dubai
22:04.7
Airport has cancelled more than a thousand
22:06.6
flights while roads remain badly
22:08.9
flooded as of Friday.
22:15.0
are rising here in
22:16.9
the Philippines and an outbreak
22:18.6
has already been declared in the
22:20.7
Bangsamoro region in Mindanao.
22:22.9
The Philippine Health Department is encouraging
22:24.7
the public to get vaccinated for
22:26.7
their protection against a disease
22:28.5
that is highly preventable.
22:30.8
Ara Perez has that story.
22:34.3
The Philippine Health Department is taking
22:36.2
a more aggressive stance to prevent
22:38.1
measles, a highly contagious disease
22:40.4
from further spreading.
22:43.1
Local health officers have
22:44.4
been tapped to bring immunization
22:46.1
drives closer to the communities.
22:48.7
In Oranbo Village in Pasig City,
22:51.0
families don't need to
22:53.1
It is also a fight for
22:55.2
their bodies. There are many
22:56.8
diseases that are being suffered.
22:58.5
When I was a child, we didn't have
23:01.3
a vaccine for measles.
23:03.1
And when I was in elementary school,
23:05.5
I really had a bad feeling.
23:07.4
Let's not blame the
23:09.0
vaccination because
23:11.1
it is the right of the children
23:17.2
Aside from village health centers,
23:19.3
health workers themselves are going
23:20.9
door to door to invite parents
23:22.7
who are also advised on the importance
23:24.9
of getting their kids jabbed.
23:27.2
This comes amid rising,
23:28.5
high-risk measles cases in the country.
23:30.6
Over 1,600 measles
23:32.4
rebellion cases were recorded from
23:34.4
January 1 to April 6,
23:36.8
five times higher than the 308
23:39.0
cases during the previous year.
23:41.4
Almost half of the cases
23:42.8
were reported in Bangsamoro Autonomous
23:45.0
Region and Muslim Mindanao,
23:47.1
which has declared a measles outbreak.
23:50.0
Kami ay nababahala,
23:51.4
so parang alerto kami dito.
23:54.1
Hindi kami na-alarma
23:55.4
kasi pag sinabi nating alerto,
23:57.9
alam nating may magagawa pa eh.
24:00.1
Marami pong dahilan na
24:01.5
pagtanggi sa bakuna.
24:02.8
Ang pinakamalaking nakikita ko namin
24:04.4
dahilan ay okay lang naman magkaroon
24:06.8
ng tigdas kasi mawawala rin.
24:09.0
Mga kabayan, yun pong sinasabi nyo
24:11.1
hindi po tigdas yun, bulutong tubig po yun.
24:14.0
Meron tayong misconception na
24:15.7
ang tigdas ay parang bulutong tubig
24:18.2
na hinahawa lang at
24:19.8
kumbaga kasama sa paglaki.
24:21.8
Hindi po ganun ang tigdas.
24:23.9
Measles can be fatal,
24:25.6
especially when it turns severe,
24:27.9
or when patients experience complications
24:30.2
like pneumonia and encephalitis
24:32.4
or the inflammation of the brain.
24:34.7
Ang ginagawa lang po ng doktor
24:36.3
is yung tinatawag na supportive care.
24:38.6
Ibig sabihin, bibigyan ng swero,
24:40.6
babantayan, papababayin yung lagnat.
24:43.0
Pero wala tayong magagawa dun sa virus
24:45.6
kundi antayin natin na humupa.
24:48.2
Common symptoms include cough,
24:50.2
colds, redness of the eye, and rashes,
24:52.6
which start from the head
24:54.3
down to other body parts.
24:56.3
Patients are advised to
24:57.7
to seek immediate treatment and isolate in a room with good ventilation.
25:02.1
Preventive measures include respiratory hygiene,
25:05.0
especially the proper wearing of face mask.
25:07.8
But prevention remains the best way, which can be done through vaccination.
25:12.8
Hindi namang ibig sabihin na lahat tayong matatanda sa Pilipinas
25:15.8
ay kailangan pumila para magpabakuna.
25:18.0
Unahin po natin yung mga bata
25:19.5
kasi ang pinakamaraming impeksyon ng tigdas na nakikita namin ay sa bata.
25:24.6
Kapag pinaligiran natin ang bakuna ang mga bata,
25:26.9
matitigil ang hawa at tayong mismong matatanda,
25:29.9
hindi na kailangan mag-bakuna.
25:31.6
Yung fully immunized child po natin na sinasabi natin,
25:35.7
ang target po natin is 95%.
25:38.4
For the past 10 years, nagpa-platoon na po tayo ng 60 to 70%.
25:44.2
Meron 30% po doon na mga bata na hindi natapos yung mga bakuna
25:49.7
at sila po yung mga prone po magkaroon ng sakit
25:54.9
ng mga vaccine-interventable diseases.
25:56.9
Kaya gaya ng tigdas, pertussis, diphtheria,
26:00.3
kasi hindi sila natapos.
26:01.7
Hindi nila na-kompleto yung mga bakuna po nila.
26:04.3
Health workers are encouraging parents to bring their children to health centers
26:08.2
to receive free vaccination.
26:10.8
Ara Perez, ABS-CBN News.
26:15.7
Coming up, a man sets himself on fire outside a courthouse
26:20.4
as Donald Trump's criminal trial gets underway.
26:22.9
This is Dateline Philippines Weekend.
26:26.9
You're back on Dateline Philippines Weekend.
26:46.4
Here's another look at the headlines.
26:48.9
Damage to agriculture amid the El Nino phenomenon nears 4 billion pesos.
26:53.8
A Philippine lawmaker calls on Vice President Sara Duterte to step down
27:06.8
amid verbal attacks thrown by her father against President Marcos.
27:12.7
And Iran seeks to downplay the reported Israeli drone attack
27:16.5
and instead blames it on supposed infiltrators.
27:23.8
Philippine Finance Secretary Ralph Recto receives the full support
27:28.4
of World Bank President A.G. Banga for his support
27:32.0
to fully digitalize the country's tax system.
27:35.3
Recto, we met with Banga during the spring meetings
27:39.9
of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington.
27:44.9
Banga expressed willingness to assist the Philippines
27:47.4
in its digitalization initiatives to boost revenue generation,
27:53.8
underscoring its importance in fixing leakages.
27:57.8
The lender will also assemble a team to conduct workshops
28:01.5
and assist the Philippine government in the initiative.
28:06.9
State-run pension system SSS running after firms that are non-compliant
28:11.9
in paying the contributions of their employees.
28:14.8
Victoria Tulad reports.
28:17.6
This is the first time 28-year-old Mark Isidro is applying
28:21.6
for a Social Security System membership.
28:23.8
He was unable to sign up in the past because he was unemployed.
28:28.0
Mark, who is a tricycle driver now,
28:30.3
says getting an SSS membership will be a big help to him.
28:39.1
Aside from Mark, SSS registered and updated the membership
28:42.6
of other tricycle drivers of Santo Nino Village in Marikina on Friday
28:46.6
under the e-wheels program.
28:49.0
John John Pagsambugan participated in the event
28:51.6
to inquire about the status of his contribution.
28:53.8
After he discovered a problem.
29:08.8
SSS also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Unified TODA,
29:13.3
our Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association,
29:16.3
and the Marikina local government to simplify the collection of contributions.
29:23.8
The social insurance program offers various assistance to members,
29:41.1
including maternity, disability, and retirement funeral benefits.
29:45.7
Aside from tricycle drivers, SSS also reaches out to other informal sectors
29:50.5
to encourage them to register or update their membership.
29:53.8
This includes vendors, fisherpokes, and farmers.
30:03.8
You only need one valid ID to register under the e-wheels program
30:13.6
which is being implemented nationwide.
30:16.1
You may also register via the SSS website.
30:19.4
The agency has also intensified its campaign
30:21.9
to go after delinquent employers.
30:23.8
On Friday, it served a notice of violation
30:26.6
against 10 employers in the Valiches, Quezon City
30:29.7
who did not remit the contributions of their employees.
30:33.4
Representatives of the employers admitted they were non-compliant,
30:36.8
saying they were struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
30:40.8
Kapag ka po hindi nakapag-remit ng kontribusyon yung employer,
30:44.1
may epekto po ito sa benepisyong makukuha ng miyembro.
30:47.0
Employers have 15 days to correct their contributions.
30:50.3
Failure to do so will force SSS to file a case.
30:53.8
Victoria Tulad, ABS-CBN News.
31:23.8
First of all, can you tell us more about this?
31:26.4
Filipino Food Month is a national celebration
31:28.7
under the Presidential Proclamation 469
31:32.1
which was declared in 2018.
31:34.5
The background of this is basically to celebrate
31:37.2
our culinary heritage and gastronomic traditions
31:40.0
all over the country.
31:42.3
Well, of course, Chef Jam,
31:43.4
when you talk about Filipino food,
31:45.5
it really depends on, you know, which province, right?
31:50.9
Which, well, area, province,
31:53.8
and all of these have different versions, right?
31:56.8
When I talk about the adobo,
31:57.9
when I talk about the tinola,
31:59.1
when I talk about, of course, local dishes as well.
32:02.2
And how is it important,
32:03.6
why is it important, Chef Jam,
32:05.0
to consolidate all of these,
32:07.0
all of these versions, right,
32:09.0
from our kababayans,
32:10.1
especially in this big event?
32:12.9
Well, as you've mentioned,
32:13.9
we have a diverse culinary heritage
32:16.2
and what Filipino Food Month really aims to do
32:20.1
is basically to put all of these efforts,
32:23.8
gastronomic initiatives together in one whole month
32:27.3
to make sure that we have this collective amplification
32:32.0
of our efforts in mainstreaming our cuisine
32:35.5
and our culinary heritage.
32:37.6
Chef Jam, how? In what ways?
32:40.0
We have several events from cooking demos,
32:43.8
workshops, conferences,
32:46.6
as well as food tastings, forums.
32:49.8
This is also a private and public partnership.
32:53.8
We are working with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts,
32:56.7
Department of Tourism,
32:58.4
Department of Agriculture,
32:59.8
and their regional offices,
33:01.3
as well as our international counterparts,
33:03.8
such as the Filipino Food Movement in the US,
33:07.7
in Bern, Switzerland,
33:09.5
and in UK as well.
33:12.1
How important is it to showcase not just the food?
33:14.9
Because when you talk about the actual food, right, Chef Jam,
33:17.3
that's the outcome already.
33:19.2
That's the product.
33:20.1
But it takes a lot of work.
33:21.3
It takes a lot of back work to prep,
33:23.3
to prep the ingredients.
33:25.3
But how is it important also to showcase
33:29.3
on our kababayans in the provinces,
33:31.3
right, when you talk about rice,
33:33.3
when you talk about the plants, right,
33:35.3
when you talk about these ingredients that are sourced
33:37.3
elsewhere in the Philippines?
33:39.3
We basically encourage them to make sure that
33:43.3
the entire food chain is involved,
33:45.3
from production down to consumption.
33:48.3
So, for this year, we are also involving the youth.
33:51.3
They're actually the highlight of this year.
33:52.3
They're actually the highlight of this year.
33:53.2
They're actually the highlight of this year's national celebration.
33:54.2
They're actually the highlight of this year's national celebration.
33:55.2
We want to make sure that the youth will definitely know
33:58.2
where their food comes from and traceability.
34:02.2
That's what we wanted to highlight
34:04.2
so that we can also showcase the different produce
34:09.2
that our country has.
34:11.2
Chef Jam, I want to get in your opinion on this,
34:14.2
the rise of TikTok, right, the TikTok generation.
34:16.2
You talked about the youth, right?
34:18.2
We talk about so many viral videos of small businesses, right?
34:22.2
There's a viral video of this kind in Paris,
34:25.2
or like the one here that went viral.
34:28.2
Does that, I mean, how does that boost, of course,
34:30.2
the awareness and the appreciation of our local food?
34:35.2
You know, social media is very helpful now
34:39.2
because it's easier for us to do campaigns,
34:42.2
most especially in far-flung areas.
34:45.2
As long as you have a phone, as long as you have a good internet,
34:48.2
you can actually join the national celebration.
34:51.2
And we encourage everybody to create their content,
34:55.2
to promote whatever local food that they have in their specific areas
34:59.2
because using social media is really a form of asset
35:03.2
in terms of promotions.
35:05.2
Have we become more aware or more appreciative?
35:09.2
Of course, when you talk about businesses now,
35:12.2
at least small business owners for food,
35:14.2
of course, that's rising the pandemic, right?
35:16.2
And if you are a small business owner now,
35:18.2
the online presence is almost,
35:20.2
the online presence is almost mandatory, right?
35:23.2
It's almost mandatory.
35:25.2
And have Filipinos become more aware now of like,
35:28.2
I want to know how is its source.
35:30.2
I want to know how it's made.
35:31.2
I want to know if it helps, you know, people,
35:34.2
if it's sustainable in that way.
35:36.2
Have we become like that as a society right now,
35:38.2
especially after the pandemic?
35:40.2
Well, online footprint is very much important.
35:43.2
That's why we also encourage our small businesses,
35:49.2
to make sure that they join the national celebration.
35:52.2
They use the hashtag Reserve Filipino Food
35:54.2
and hashtag Filipino Food Month.
35:57.2
From there, you will be able to see the various activities
36:00.2
of the Filipino Food Month national celebration.
36:02.2
At the same time, your business will be promoted.
36:05.2
We have over about 100 celebrations within NCR,
36:10.2
regional and international,
36:12.2
supporting small food businesses to the bigger ones.
36:17.2
So lastly, Chef Jem,
36:18.2
how can our viewers take part in Filipino Food Month?
36:22.2
And of course, Philippine Food Festival 2024.
36:26.2
I believe that will be on April 26, Chef Jem.
36:30.2
So for everyone who's tuning in today,
36:33.2
please check out our social media platforms,
36:35.2
the Filipino Food Month Facebook page
36:38.2
and Filipino Food Month Instagram.
36:40.2
From 26 to 28 of April,
36:44.2
we are doing this Ang Sarap Philippine Food Festival
36:46.2
at the One Ayala Mall.
36:49.2
So we will be highlighting 80 different food artisans
36:53.2
and farmers from all over the country.
36:56.2
Putting it in one roof for three days
36:59.2
to showcase the diversity of our cuisine
37:02.2
and our selection of slow food artisans.
37:07.2
So there you have it,
37:08.2
Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement President Chef Jemel Chor.
37:12.2
Thank you very much for joining us here on ANC.
37:20.2
News overseas now,
37:21.2
Iran downplaying the drone attack
37:23.2
reportedly carried out by Israel.
37:25.2
Iran's foreign minister told NBC News
37:27.2
they are investigating the attack
37:29.2
and a link to Israel had not yet been proven.
37:32.2
He explains the drones took off from inside Iran
37:35.2
and flew for a few hundred meters before being downed.
37:38.2
Iranian media and officials also referred to the incident
37:41.2
as an attack by infiltrators rather than by Israel,
37:45.2
which averts the need for retaliation.
37:47.2
A U.S. official earlier confirmed to U.S. media
37:50.2
Israeli missiles hit a target in the Iranian city of Isfahan.
37:55.2
The White House refuses to comment on the issue.
37:58.2
But spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre says
38:01.2
it will continue to consult with allies and partners
38:04.2
to not further escalate the tensions in the Middle East.
38:10.2
I'm going to say it now,
38:11.2
though I know you all will certainly ask me about it.
38:15.2
That we do not have any comment on the reports at this time.
38:21.2
We have been very, very clear from here,
38:24.2
from the beginning,
38:25.2
that we do not want to see this conflict escalate.
38:28.2
We continue to consult with our allies and partners,
38:31.2
including in the region, obviously,
38:34.2
and to reduce further risk of escalation.
38:40.2
Russia calling for restraint following Israel's alleged attack on Iran.
38:44.2
The Kremlin says it opposes any action
38:46.2
that could provoke further tensions in the region.
38:49.2
Russia relies heavily on Iranian weapons for its war in Ukraine.
38:54.2
Meanwhile, Britain's prime minister refuses to speculate on the attack on Iran.
38:59.2
Rishi Sunak hopes calm hands will prevail across the region.
39:05.2
With the situation overnight,
39:07.2
as you would appreciate, it's a developing situation.
39:10.2
It wouldn't be right for me to speculate
39:12.2
until the facts become clear.
39:14.2
And we're working to confirm the details together with allies.
39:17.2
You know, we have condemned Iran's reckless and dangerous barrage
39:21.2
of missiles against Israel on Saturday.
39:23.2
And Israel absolutely has the right to self-defense.
39:29.2
China and Japan also condemning the attack on Iran.
39:33.2
Beijing says it will continue to play a constructive role
39:36.2
in promoting and easing up tensions.
39:38.2
Tokyo says it is focused on ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals abroad.
39:44.2
China and Japan also says it has the right to self-defense.
39:47.2
China and Japan also says it has the right to self-defense.
39:49.2
Also, it has the right to self-defense.
39:51.2
Now, a man set himself on fire
39:53.2
just outside a New York courthouse
39:55.2
where Donald Trump's criminal trial was taking place.
39:59.2
Officials say the man, identified as a Maxwell Azarello,
40:02.2
was badly burned, and taken to a hospital in critical condition.
40:05.2
According to witnesses, the man pulled pamphlets
40:08.2
that discussed various conspiracy theories into the air
40:12.2
But the police gave assurance, rather gave assurance that the incident did not appear to be connected with Trump.
40:21.2
The pamphlet seemed to be propaganda-based, almost like a conspiracy theory type of pamphlet.
40:27.5
Some information in regards to Ponzi schemes and the fact that some of our local educational institutes are fronts for the mob.
40:35.8
We're very concerned. Of course, we're going to review our security protocols.
40:39.9
This gentleman did not breach the security protocols. The park was open to the public.
40:47.0
But of course, we're going to look at everything and with the magnitude of what's going on around right here, we'll reassess our security with our federal partners.
40:57.1
The incident came shortly after the full jury panel was completed for Trump's trial on Monday.
41:03.1
Trump is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy.
41:09.9
It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges.
41:20.4
Up next, we'll talk to a United Nations official about the impact of El Nino here in the Philippines.
41:26.0
Stay with us on Daytime Philippines Weekend.
41:39.9
You're still watching Daytime Philippines Weekend.
41:47.4
As we reported earlier, damage to agriculture brought by the El Nino phenomenon is approaching the 4 billion peso mark.
41:54.8
A United Nations delegation visited Filipino communities to assess and help them navigate the impacts of the weather phenomenon.
42:03.2
We're joined by Rina Gilani, UN Assistant Secretary General.
42:07.4
Ms. Rina, thank you so much for joining us here on Daytime Philippines.
42:09.9
Thank you. Thank you for having me.
42:13.7
When you talk about the numbers in heat index, we talk about it so much in the Philippines that kind of unprecedented numbers, right?
42:21.0
We talk about heat index in Celsius around 40.
42:24.2
There are reports that it can even go up as high as 50.
42:28.1
And I know, Ms. Rina, that you visited Catanduanes lately where the heat index is around 39 to 40.
42:33.8
Really hot, just to say the least.
42:37.4
So, what was your experience?
42:38.9
What did you see?
42:39.4
What did you observe?
42:40.1
And how can we, you know, address the effects of the El Nino phenomenon, at least here in the Philippines?
42:47.4
We went, we've come here to the Philippines because of exactly this El Nino impact.
42:52.9
The temperatures, as you know better than me, they're going up and up and up.
42:57.4
We met with communities.
42:58.9
We talked to government officials.
43:01.2
We actually saw the situation for people and how they're trying to cope.
43:05.6
And, you know, a couple of things that are being done we think can be learned.
43:09.9
And, you know, we're going to be doing a lot of lessons for other parts of the world.
43:12.3
The government here reacted quite quickly last year, announcing that this El Nino was coming and started helping to prepare communities.
43:21.3
But, you know, with climate change, we need to be also looking ahead because this is only just going to get worse.
43:28.1
So, what do the communities need the most on ground?
43:32.5
What they're looking for is safety, obviously.
43:35.9
Obviously, with El Nino, the next step is...
43:39.9
Unfortunately, warm waters over the Pacific.
43:43.2
And, as you know, the island I went to is the gateway of typhoons.
43:46.6
So, they're preparing for potential typhoons later this year.
43:50.5
So, they want safety.
43:51.4
But, also, what they're asking for is sustainable livelihoods.
43:55.1
What happens if they can't keep growing crops?
43:57.8
What happens, you know, if the water is reduced?
44:01.7
So, we're looking and discussing adaptation to climate change.
44:06.2
And the government, actually, that was quite a large part of our discussion.
44:09.9
So, we're going to have a lot of discussions on what needs to come.
44:12.7
And then, lastly, I would say Philippines has been a real champion on loss and damage.
44:18.2
It's a country least responsible and most affected.
44:23.2
And so, now, it's time for some of those global commitments to come home.
44:27.2
You talked about sustainable livelihood.
44:29.2
And when you talk about these external factors that it's really beyond the control of the people, right?
44:36.2
When you talk about planting crops.
44:38.2
When you talk about their livelihood.
44:39.9
How the weather is affecting that.
44:41.9
It's actually counterproductive, right?
44:43.9
So, in your opinion or top of mind, what can they do at least for the residents in Catanduanes?
44:51.9
They're a case study.
44:52.9
But, of course, there are more Filipinos in other islands that may be experiencing the same situation.
45:00.9
Look, about half of the harvesting land in the Philippines is affected.
45:05.9
1.4 million people are facing drought today.
45:08.9
So, there's a lot of people affected.
45:11.9
And what some of the things that can be done is preparing for the medium term.
45:16.9
So, looking at solar instead of hydro.
45:19.9
There's going to be less water.
45:20.9
But there's still plenty of sun.
45:22.9
And looking at how to use energy through ways like that.
45:26.9
Dams being prepared.
45:28.9
Irrigation systems based on solar networks.
45:32.9
There's a whole lot of resilience initiatives that can be done.
45:37.9
Drought-resistant seedings.
45:40.9
So, we were out there talking to communities about their ideas.
45:44.9
They have solutions.
45:45.9
And right now, the government is working on some of those for the future.
45:49.9
Well, as from your observation, was portable water also an issue?
45:55.9
There is definitely an issue with portable water.
45:59.9
And, of course, if we're not careful, that comes with disease outbreaks and all sorts of other things.
46:06.9
They are looking at now how to pump water further into the ground using solar systems.
46:13.9
But it is a problem.
46:15.9
Well, of course, when the system is put in place, all of these problems will just, you know, branch out.
46:21.9
It may solve when it's all one by one.
46:23.9
Given that there is a sustainable system to be put out in the first place.
46:28.9
Now, lastly, Ms. Rina, the UN's efforts, you know, in choosing the Philippines.
46:35.9
And what is UN doing to help the Philippines, you know, navigate the dire effects of El Nino?
46:42.9
So, the first reason we chose to come to the Philippines is because it's a country that has been used to and prone to disasters.
46:51.9
It's also developed quite sophisticated early warning systems and preparing communities ahead of time.
46:58.9
So, we wanted to learn from that.
47:00.9
But secondly, also to make sure that the UN is supportive.
47:03.9
It is supporting the government.
47:04.9
As it's been requested.
47:06.9
And so, we're preparing and getting communities ready for what's to come.
47:10.9
We're looking at cash distributions.
47:12.9
And we've also been supporting the government on dams and irrigation rehabilitation and ponds.
47:18.9
So, we're working in conjunction with those sorts of things we just talked about that need to be done.
47:23.9
Where to next, Ms. Rina?
47:25.9
I'm heading back to Southern Africa, actually, which is where the epicenter of El Nino is, actually.
47:34.9
And how's the situation, just for our context, for us Filipinos here?
47:38.9
Well, Southern Africa is facing an extreme disaster.
47:43.9
Many countries have actually called for a state of disaster.
47:46.9
Thirty-one million people or more are affected by the drought there.
47:50.9
And it's going to be a situation that they're dealing with for a very long time, even after El Nino is gone.
47:59.9
So, there you have it.
48:00.9
Thank you so much.
48:01.9
And safe travels, Ms. Rina Gilani, UN Assistant Secretary General.
48:04.9
Thank you so much, Rina.
48:07.9
And that's State Line Philippines Weekend.
48:11.9
Thank you for joining us.
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Keep it here on ANC.
