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DMW bats for green jobs for OFWs in Germany, Finland

PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE DEPARTMENT of Migrant Workers (DMW) is enhancing its agreements with various countries to strengthen green jobs, emphasizing sustainability for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In its Overseas Labor Market Situationer report, launched on Tuesday in Makati City, the department said it is working with European nations Germany and Finland to create green jobs for Filipinos.

“This initiative helps expand employment prospects for Filipino workers and extensively aligns with global sustainability efforts by promoting environmentally friendly industries,” it said.

“The DMW is committed to ensuring that the Filipino workforce is equipped with the necessary knowledge and competency to thrive in the green industry, thereby contributing to both the economic development of the Philippines and the environmental goals of Germany,” it added.

It said it is also exploring new opportunities for OFWs in the Finnish market, targeting green jobs and various non-healthcare industries, reflecting the department’s commitment to diversify employment options and promote sustainable development for OFWs.

Apart from the Western nations’ emphasis on green jobs, Asian neighbor Japan is opening its labor market to about 820,000 overseas workers in the next five years, specifically opening for 24,000 taxi drivers, the study said.

Other job opportunities in the archipelago include nursing care, building cleaning management, electronics and industrial machinery, construction, shipbuilding and ship machinery, automobile repair and maintenance, aviation industry, accommodation industry, agriculture, fishery and aquaculture, manufacturing of food and beverages, and food service industry.

“The DMW acknowledges that Japan remains a suitable labor market for Filipinos due to its safety, stability, and straightforward and stringent labor laws and regulations providing more decent working terms and conditions for Filipino workers,” the study said.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac told reporters on the sidelines of the launch that demand for OFWs stems from countries and employers, who aim to employ quality OFWs. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

House panel OKs extension of village, youth council officers’ term limits

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

A HOUSE of Representatives committee on Tuesday approved a bill extending the term limits of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to six years from the current three to insulate local leaders from patronage politics.

Approved by the House local government panel, the unnumbered substitute bill provided for a maximum of two consecutive terms for barangay officials, capping their tenure at 12 years; while restricting SK leaders to a single term in office.

The extended office terms could help provide stability for local governance, while insulating barangay leaders from political pressures by higher-ranking city and provincial officials, said Oriental Mindoro Rep. Arnan C. Panaligan, who headed the bill’s technical working group.

“The committee’s goal is to provide continuity, stability, and to insulate barangay officials from politicking,” he told BusinessWorld in an interview in Filipino.

Parochial politics in the Philippines often revolve around the transactional relationship between higher-ranking leaders and barangay officials, with the dynamic often leading to local policies or programs that could help them secure re-election.

“The tendency is that after local elections, they (barangay officials) go to mayors or governors to strengthen their foothold. They seek protection and submit to their will because they only have three years. They want to be re-elected too,” Mr. Panaligan said.

The proposed law also seeks to defer the elections of barangay and SK officials to the second Monday of May 2029, according to a copy of the measure obtained by BusinessWorld. Incumbent local officials elected in 2023 would remain in office up until their successors have been elected.

The deferment could help save taxpayer money and deal with logistical challenges due to the awkward timing of barangay elections, Mr. Panaligan told congressmen during the hearing.

Congress allotted P15 billion for the conduct of the 2025 midterm elections, while pegging an additional P11.6 billion to fund the conduct of the barangay and SK elections in December of that same year.

The bill’s Senate counterpart has been referred to its plenary in November, with Senator Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos urging the chamber to approve the proposal.

Funding for first 1,000 days flagged

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

ONLY a small portion of government funding for the health of children is set aside for their first 1,000 days, the Department of Health on Tuesday said.

“We found out that most of our government funds were actually more on the latter part of a child’s nutrition,” Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, fresh from a Cabinet meeting, said in a news briefing.

This means that the budget of the Department of Education for the school age feeding program and budget of the Social Welfare Department for preschool kids are bigger than the budget for the first 1,000 days of children, he explained.

“The emphasis should be on the first one thousand days which involve a pregnant mother,” he said, noting that the government should focus on boosting maternal nutrition, which will boost fetuses’ access to micronutrients such as iron and folic acid.

The government should also provide an enabling environment for mandatory initiation of breastfeeding “which actually helps the first six months of life.”

“And then when they go into supplemental feeding, continue to be able to feed good nutritious food up to the first 1,000 days,” Mr. Herbosa said.

He said the President wants the National Nutrition Council “to take the lead” in boosting children’s nutrition.

“We cannot depend on local government units alone. We need to help the LGUs so he’s ordering us to strengthen the National Nutrition Council.”

He said that during the meeting, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman proposed a convergence budgeting approach to health and nutrition, which has already been implemented for efforts in the face of climate change.

“It’s also been implemented for livelihood projects and for gender and development,” he said. “So, this will be the fourth one for the 2026 budget when we frame it, it will be convergence in nutrition.”

“Health and nutrition are actually closely linked.”

Mr. Herbosa said the Philippines is among countries in the East Asia Pacific Region with the highest prevalence of stunting or malnutrition.

“The Philippines is experiencing a triple burden of malnutrition — these include undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency and overnutrition or obesity,” he said.

“The consequences of this include low performance at school, economic cost due to mortality and productivity losses and increased infant mortality,” he added. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Pay guide for Dec. holidays set

WORKERS make customized pet plushies at a factory in Angeles City, Pampanga, March 10, 2023. — REUTERS

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) reminded employers of the pay guide for the five holidays in the Philippines this December.

Under Labor Advisory No. 14, Series of 2024, the department said Dec. 8, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 are special non-working holidays.

The “no work, no pay” principle applies on these three holidays, the department said. For work done during these dates, an employee would receive an additional 30% of their basic wage for the first eight hours of work.

For work done over eight hours, the employer must pay the worker an additional 30% of the hourly rate on said day.

If the holiday is the worker’s rest day, the employer must pay the laborer an additional 50% of the basic wage on the first eight hours of work

For work done after eight hours during the special day that falls on the worker’s rest day, the employer must pay them an additional 30% of the hourly rate on the said day.

Meanwhile, Dec. 25 and Dec. 30 are considered regular holidays, the DoLE reminded.

If the laborer does not work, the employer must still pay 100% of the employee’s wage for these dates, provided the employee reports to work or is on leave of absence with pay on the day immediately preceding the regular holiday.

“Where the day immediately preceding the regular holiday is a non-working day in the establishment or the rest day of the employee, he or she shall be entitled to holiday pay if the employee reports to work or is on leave of absence with pay on the day immediately preceding the non-working day or rest day,” it added.

The employer must pay a total of 200% of the employee’s wage for that day for the first hours if the laborer works during the regular holiday.

For work done over eight hours, firms must pay workers an additional 30% of the hourly rate on said day.

If it is the employee’s rest day, the employer must pay an additional 30% of the basic wage of 200% for work done.

For work over eight hours during a regular holiday that also falls on the employee’s day off, the firm must pay the employee an additional 30% of the hourly rate on said day. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

House affirms military support

BW FILE PHOTO

THE House of Representatives reaffirmed its support towards providing for the budgetary needs of the Philippine armed forces, including a P350 daily allowance for soldiers, Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said on Tuesday.

“The House will continue to work closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership to address pressing concerns, including adequate funding for operations, modernization efforts and the welfare of our men and women in uniform,” he said in a statement.

Mr. Romualdez addressed the military leaders during their courtesy call to the House, where they reaffirmed their loyalty to the Constitution. “We always remain loyal to our Constitution,” AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Jimmy D. Larida said in the same statement.

The visit of the military’s top officials come after firebrand leader and ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte called on the armed forces to correct what he saw as a “fractured governance” of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s administration amid a political spat between their families.

The P6.352-trillion national budget for next year is being reviewed by the bicameral conference committee. Lawmakers expect the bill to be approved by Dec. 9. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Roque’s travel considered illegal

HERMINIO “HARRY” L. ROQUE — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) said former Presidential Spokesman Herminio “Harry” L. Roque, Jr.’s flight to Abu Dhabi is “illegal” as he is in the bureau’s lookout bulletin.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado, in a statement, said their records do not show Mr. Roque leaving the Philippines through formal means.

“He likely left the country through illegal means, possibly aided by unscrupulous individuals,” he said.

The former spokesman reportedly filed his counter-affidavit on qualified human trafficking case against him in Abu Dhabi, the BI said.

The agency is mulling filing cases of falsification of documents, among others, against Mr. Roque.

“Flight from a Congressional contempt cannot be the evidence of anything. (I) Have no hold departure order and have the right to travel. Not aware of any law that prohibits travel otherwise,” Mr. Roque said. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Group slams excessive car fees

A LABOR GROUP on Tuesday urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s administration to ease the financial burden of Filipino workers by eliminating excessive fees, specifically car stickers and parking charges in government-owned export processing zones.

Federation of Free Workers (FFW) Vice-President Jun M. Ramirez slammed the sharp increase in car sticker fees at the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), in Taguig City, calling the increase to P1,200 from P500 between December 2024 to December 2025 unacceptable, noting the minimum wage increase is only P35 in the National Capital Region or only 5.7%.

“Workers are facing multiple financial challenges, and the government’s decision to impose or increase unnecessary fees only worsens their plight,” Mr. Ramirez said in a statement. 

FFW said the added fees could further strain the finances of workers, many of whom are already struggling with low wages.

Workers called for intervention from the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) and Mr. Marcos due to the “unfair working conditions and rising costs imposed on them.”

FTI did not immediately respond to an e-mail and Viber message seeking comment.

“We urge President Marcos, DoLE, EPZA and other concerned agencies to look into the issues faced by workers at FTI and other export zone,” Mr. Ramirez said. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

BIR seizes vape pods with P415.36-M tax liability

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it confiscated more than half a million vape pods from illicit sellers with an estimated total tax liability reaching P415.36 million.

“After a month of its nationwide crackdown against illicit vape retailers or resellers, the BIR has raided 817 illicit vape retailers or resellers and seized 563,284 units of vape,” BIR said in a statement on Tuesday.

This will amount to an estimated total tax liability of P415.36 million inclusive of penalties, it added.

These are the results of raids and seizures against illicit vape from October 16 to November 22 of this year.

Common violations of illicit vape retailers/resellers consist of non-affixture of internal revenue stamps, non-payment of excise taxes, and non-registration of vape brands.

“These reports suggest that due to the regular raids of the BIR against warehouses and stores with illicit vape and cigarettes, the retailers/resellers have shifted to selling these illicit products online,” the Bureau said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Filipino PWDs struggle more in disaster recovery and preparedness — study

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

PERSONS with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines have more challenges in preparing for and recovering from disasters in comparison to those without disabilities, according to a 2024 nationwide survey by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI).

Released this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the survey found that almost half (48%) of PWDs report not recovering at all from disasters, compared to 24% for the rest of the population.

“These findings underscore the critical importance of providing appropriate and adapted assistance, including medical support, in disaster recovery efforts to foster true resilience and recovery for this group,” Patrick Vinck, HHI director of research and co-lead of the study, said in a December 3 press statement.

HHI collected data from 4,608 Filipinos between February–March 2024 to understand the factors that contributed to disaster and climate resilience.

PWDs represented in the study include individuals who experience difficulties with vision, hearing, and communication, or physical activities such as walking, climbing steps, or self-care. It also included disabilities associated with lower levels of wealth and education.

The most frequently reported impact of disasters by both PWD and non-PWD groups is financial and material (77% for the former and 76% for the latter). Less than a fifth (3%-17%) feel that past disasters impacted their physical and mental health and resulted in displacement, death of a relative, and social impact.

The study’s results further indicated that, on average, PWDs are less prepared for disasters (17.1 out of a total 50) than those without disabilities (19.3 out of 50).

PWDs likewise scored 14-57% lower than non-PWDs on the following dimensions: training and drill participation (2.3 vs. 3.6), material measures (3.9 vs. 4.5), access to information (4.3 vs. 4.9), and planning (3.6 vs. 4).

PWDs tend to have stronger social support networks (3.1) than non-PWDs (2.3), though.

“These results clearly show the importance of creating more inclusive training programs that are accessible and relevant to PWDs,” said Vincenzo Bollettino, program director of the HHI Resilient Communities Program and co-lead of the study.

“It is important that future research focuses on illuminating the specific kinds of barriers PWDs face in preparing for disasters and identifies the kinds of interventions that contribute best to PWD disaster resilience,” he said in the same press statement. — Patricia B. Mirasol

KITA Initiative launches in Quezon City to empower women-led MSMEs 

THE KITA Initiative, a creative signage transformation project aimed at empowering women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), was launched in Kamuning, Quezon City.

The initiative introduces a new typeface called “KITA,” designed for women entrepreneurs. This font aims to transform their business signage and is a collaboration between Spark! Philippines and Havas Ortega, with support from the Quezon City government.

“We came up with the decisive choice to come up with a specific typeface for them to stand out and be visible. That’s why we call it ‘KITA,’ which means seen, visible, and the same time, it also means earnings. So, it brings the story of these women and their strength,” Angie Tijam – Tohid, executive director of Havas Ortega Group, said in mixed English and Filipino an interview.

Ms. Tohid told BusinessWorld that the new typeface was inspired by the butterfly sleeves of the Terno, a traditional Filipina outfit, as it reflects a story of strength, boldness, and intricacy.

The new typeface is also available on their website, allowing women entrepreneurs and their allies to create their own custom signage.

At the launch of the KITA initiative, 20 women-led MSMEs in Kamuning committed to joining the advocacy, posting their new business signage featuring the KITA display typeface. The signage was provided free of charge, and featured designs tailored to the businesses they own.

Members of the press were then toured around Kamuning, where they saw the new business signage displayed across various establishments, including sari-sari stores, printing shops, and small pizza place, among others.

Glenda, the owner of a printing and school supplies shop, said that the signage with the KITA typeface has helped improve her sales.

My store has received more recognition, and more people are coming to print, both in the morning and evening. Sometimes, I can’t even clean my house because so many people are coming in to print,” Ms. Glenda told BusinessWorld in Filipino.

“There is really an impact when there is proper signage.”

Ms. Tohid emphasized that the KITA initiative is not just about enhancing the aesthetic appeal of women-led businesses, but also about boosting their visibility within the community. She also noted that women entrepreneurs make up more than 60% of MSMEs in the Philippines yet remain underrecognized.

“It is about visibility to start, but of course, with visibility comes opportunity — opportunities that will help them get noticed,” Ms. Tohid said.  Through the KITA initiative, Ms. Tohid hopes to inspire women, especially mothers, to see the potential for growing their businesses.

Ms. Tohid also told BusinessWorld that they aspire to expand the initiative across Quezon City and eventually nationwide, further empowering women-led businesses throughout the country. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Bicol gets P7.6-M educational aid

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated over P7.6 million worth of learning materials to the Department of Education (DepEd) to support those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Trami (Local name: Kristine) in the Bicol Region.

According to the agency, the package included 18,600 learner kits and 8,884 early-grade reading materials to help students in kindergarten through grade three.

It also donated 528 teacher kits to support teaching staff across 54 affected schools in the region.

The move is expected to benefit 18,500 students in region 5.

“We recognize that education is not just a means of learning, but a lifeline that helps restore hope and builds resilience,” USAID Philippines Acting Education Office Director Yvette Malcioln said in a statement on Tuesday.

Apart from the educational materials, USAID said it also provided P336 million worth of assistance in typhoon response and lifesaving assistance to areas affected by tropical storms, typhoons and flooding since Oct. 25. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

IP groups have no claim to 7,000-hectare property in Bugsuk Island, DAR says

THE Department of Agrarian Reform  (DAR) said that groups citing ownership of a 7,000-hectare Bugsuk Island in Palawan do not have claim and are not party to agrarian reform distribution.

“They have no claim there, they are not party to the case,” Agrarian Reform Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Napoleon U. Galit told BusinessWorld in a phone call.

This was in response to an indigenous peoples (IP) group called Sambilog-Balik Bugsuk Movement, which questioned the DAR’s decision stating that the Bugsuk Isand properties were not subject to Agrarian Reform distribution.

On Monday, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) asserted its ownership of the 7,000-hectare property stating that the titles had predated Republic Act (RA) 8731, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, and no certificate of ancestral domain title exists for the properties.

“Any reacquisition by the government would violate the just compensation already provided and infringe upon the constitutional rights of the lawful owners,” SMC said in a statement.

SMC had said that the DAR had upheld its Aug. 15 and Sept. 20, 2023 orders that stated the property was not subject for distribution due to it not being “sustainable for agriculture.”

The DAR had previously issued a Notice of Coverage for 10,821 hectares of Bugsuk and its surrounding islands, including agricultural lands and timberlands. These were covered under RA 9700 the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms.

In a statement dated Dec. 3, the Sambilog-Balik Bugsuk Movement said that it “strongly opposed” SMC’s claim of ownership of the 7,000-hectare property.

“The land claimed by SMC is ancestral land of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who have long resided in Bugsuk, Palawan,” the group said.

It added that the group filed an application for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title for 56,000 hectares of Bugsuk Island and other neighboring islands with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in 2005 but has not yet been granted.

Mr. Galit said that the Palawan site was part of a property swap between the government and the parties which previously held titles to the land, exchanging the Palawan site with a 1,000-hectare agricultural property in Nueva Ecija.

“It cannot be subjected to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program because it was already subjected,” he added.

He said that the contested property was located in a forested area, “Kaya nga walang ni isa man na may nakaka-occupa dyan (That’s why no one is occupying it.)”

He added that the IPs have not yet provided any proper claim to the contested property.

“The RA 8731 was enacted under the 1987 Constitution. So therefore, all lands belong to the state,” Mr. Galit said. — Adrian H. Halili

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