SSS refunds 2020 loan payments of pension loan borrowers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Social Security System (SSS) announces that it started refunding one to two months of loan payments collected from its pension loan borrowers under the Pension Loan Program (PLP) in 2020 effective January 20, 2022.

PLP was launched in September 2018 to help retiree pensioners with their short-term financial needs by offering a loan at a low-interest rate of 10% per annum with a maximum loanable amount of P200,000.00 payable in 6, 12, and 24 months.

The pension loan payment refund is based on Circular No. 2022-002 in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. Under the said law, banks, quasi-banks, financing companies, lending companies, and other financing institutions, both public and private, were directed to give a 30-day grace period for borrowers’ loan payments without incurring any interest on interest, penalties, fees, and other charges. The provision covered loan payments with dues that fall within September 15 to December 31, 2020.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said that the pension fund will refund P105 million worth of pension loan payments to 25,231 pension loan borrowers.

“We understand the predicament faced by our PLP borrowers which is why they opted to file their loans to SSS to further finance their medical and immediate financial concerns brought about by the current pandemic,” Ignacio explained.

Ignacio added that PLP offers financial assistance to retiree pensioners for their short-term needs and the refund of their pension loan payments will greatly help them cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible SSS retiree pensioners are those who are currently amortizing as of the implementation date and those who started their monthly amortization in October 2020. They will receive loan payment refunds for their loan payments in October and November 2020.

For pensioners who started their monthly amortization in November 2020, they will get a refund for their loan payments in November and December 2020 while those who only started paying their loan amortizations in December 2020 will only get a one-month refund for December 2020.

“We advise our pensioners that they no longer have to visit SSS to apply for the said refund. Like the refund of the April and May 2020 loan payments last December 9 and 10, 2021 under Bayanihan 1, these pension loan payment refunds will automatically be credited to qualified pensioners through their respective SSS UMID-ATM card or Union Bank QuickCard savings accounts where they already received the proceeds,” Ignacio added. said.

In addition, SSS would also extend the pensioner’s loan payment term by one or two months without any additional interest or penalty. Suppose a pensioner’s loan payment term is until September 2021 and received a two-month refund; their payment terms will be until November 2021 without any interest or penalties.

Likewise, their pension loan will remain insured without any additional premiums until the end of the extended payment term.

Pensioners may also renew their applications after the expiration of their original loan payment term. However, the remaining balance from the pensioners’ previous pension loan will be deducted from their current or new loans.

For example, a pensioner’s original loan term is until September 2021, but the refund extended it until November 2021. The pensioner can already renew his pension loan by October 2021, wherein any outstanding balance from the pensioner’s previous loan will be deducted from his new pension loan.

From January to December 2021, the SSS has released P3.09 billion worth of pension loans to 69,111 pension loan borrowers.

For more information, visit the uSSSap Tayo Portal at https://crms.sss.gov.ph, follow the SSS on Facebook at “Philippine Social Security System - SSS,” Instagram and YouTube at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” or join its Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

FDCP to Hold a Night of Celebration for PH Cinema’s Global Wins

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will once again be honoring the stalwarts of Philippine cinema whose performances and cinematic work have brought recognition to our country through their awards and citations from the foremost international film festivals of the world, at the 6th Film Ambassador’s Night on February 27, 2022 at the reopened historical Manila Metropolitan Theater.

Every year, the Film Ambassador’s Night aims to recognize the films and filmmakers that gave pride to the Philippines in the past year— films that competed and screened on the global stage, placing Filipino talent side by side to the finest ones in the world.

For the past five years of this gathering of some of the brightest artists of the Philippine film industry, FDCP has honored a total of 319 Film ambassadors. The list grows even longer with the addition of 77 awardees for this year’s awarding.

“It’s another year's worth of victories with the best of the best Filipino films being recognized around the world, highlighting our cultural heritage in cinema over the years. As we have continued to reach altitudes on the global stage, we applaud each filmmaker who shared his or her talent, creativity, and passion to the world. We created this night to celebrate you,” FDCP Chairperson and CEO, Liza Diño expressed her excitement for this year’s awarding.

The annual ceremony will also be presenting the special honors of the evening — the Camera Obscura Award, as the highest honor granted by the FDCP to a film worker or a film project with extraordinary achievements with two recipients; A-list Winners for winning at top international film festivals with three recipients; and the Gabay ng Industriya Award (Ilaw ng Industriya and Haligi ng Industriya), given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions during their lifetime becoming respected pillars of the Philippine film industry. Honorees for these will be unveiled by the Agency in the coming days.

The year 2021 was a challenging one for the industry with the global pandemic limiting distribution opportunities, on-ground events, and filming logistics. As the Philippine cinema continues to transition and overcome challenges, recognitions and notable participations in the major leagues of the international film scene is a worthy cause of celebration in this much-awaited occasion.

The 6th Film Ambassador’s Night will be an exclusive, invitational event for this year’s honorees at the MET Theater—a fitting home for this very important event—the cultural gem of Manila which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. The event held in hybrid format will be telecast on the FDCP Channel on a later date.

Here is the list of this year’s Film Ambassador’s Night honorees. Watch out for FDCP’s reveal of Camera Obscura, Gabay ng Industriya, and A-List awardees, coming soon

 

SHORT FILMS

 

1. Here, Here by Joanne Cesario

 

2. The Visitor by Joey Agbayani

 

3. Venganza by Joey Agbayani

 

4. Harana by Marie Jamora

 

5. My House by Adam Dumaguin

 

6. Confession by Arjanmar Rebeta

 

7. Miss You, George! by Mark Moneda

 

8. Ang Lihim Ni Lea by Rico Gutierrez

 

9. Filipiñana by Rafael Manuel

 

10. Naiiba (Unique) by Rey Coloma

 

11. Bukal (Wellspring) by Jeffrey Smith “Epy” Quizon

 

12. Mga Salitang Inanod (Drifted Thoughts) by Gabriel Carmelo

 

13. Iamannika by Dan Versoza

 

14. Mito Ng Maynila (Myth Of Manila) by Janus Victoria

 

15. Ora Miss Mo by Khent Cacho

 

16. Ana Bikhayr  (Okay Lang Ako) by Hannah Ragudos

 

17. Bakpak by Carlos Dala

 

18. Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot by Vahn Pascual

 

19. How To Die Young In Manila by Petersen Vargas

 

20. Siil by Will Fredo

 

21. An Sadit Na Planeta by Arjanmar Rebeta

 

 

SHORT FILM ACTORS

 

1. Jek Jumawan for  Pas-An (Carried Burdens)

 

2. Frencheska Farr for Harana

 

3. Jeyrick Sigmaton for Dayas

 

4. Janice De Belen for Wounded Blood

 

DOCUMENTARIES

 

TV DOCUMENTARY

 

1. Fedelina: A Stolen Life by ABS-CBN’s DocuCentral

 

2. Miguel's Wounds (Mga Sugat Ni Miguel) by GMA-7’s Reporter’s Notebook

 

3. 24 Oras: Special Coverage Of Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) In Luzon -  GMA Network

 

SHORT DOCUMENTARY

 

1. To Calm The Pig Inside by Joanna Vasquez Arong

 

2. Maliit Na Hakbang by Richard Legaspi

 

3. Bullet-Laced Dreams by Kristoffer Brugada And Cha Escala

 

FULL-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY

 

1. A Thousand Cuts by Ramona Diaz

 

2. Sa Layag Ng Bangkang Paurong (The Boats That Sail Backward) by Mark Giddel Liwanag

 

3. Aswang By Alyx Ayn Arumpac

 

CREATIVE AWARDS

 

1. Eric Ramos for In The Name Of The Mother

 

2. Arlyn Dela Cruz Bernal for Ecq Diary (Bawal Lumabas)

 

ACTORS

 

1. Rogelio Balagtas for Islands

 

2. Kit Thompson for Belle Douleur

 

3. Elijah Canlas for Kalel,15

 

4. Snooky Serna for In The Name Of The Mother

 

5. Julio Cesar Sabenorio for Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban

 

6. Janine Gutierrez for Dito At Doon (Here And There)

 

7. Cedrick Juan, Anna Luna and Noel Comia Jr for Gitarista (Guitarist)

 

DIRECTORS

 

1. Carlo Ortega Cuevas for Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban

 

2. Carlo Francisco Manatad for Whether The Weather Is Fine (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon)

 

3. Maria Diane Ventura for Your Color (Deine Farbe)

 

4. Mcarthur Cruz Alejandre

 

FEATURE FILMS

 

1. Tagpuan (Crossroads) by Mcarthur Cruz Alejandre

 

2. Belle Douleur by Josabeth Alonso

 

3. In The Name Of The Mother by Joel Lamangan

 

4. Balangiga: Howling Wilderness by Khavn De La Cruz

 

5. Fan Girl by Antoinette Jadaone

 

6. Latay (Battered Husband) by Ralston Jover

 

7. Gitarista (Guitarist) by Jason Orfalas

           

8. Midnight In A Perfect World by Dodo Dayao

 

9. Metamorphosis By J.E. Tiglao

 

SPECIAL CITATION

 

1. Vice Ganda - Everybody, Sing! - ABS-CBN

 

A-LIST CITATION

 

1. Count by Adjani Arumpac

 

2. Random People by Arden Rod Condez

 

3. Gunam-Gunam X Guni-Guni (Rumi X Phantasm) by Khavn De La Cruz

 

4. Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story produced by Rocketsheep

 

5. Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss by Sonny Calvento

 

6. On The Job: The Missing 8 by Erik Matti

 

7. Arisaka by Mikhail Red

 

8. Payback (Resbak) by Brillante Mendoza

 

9. The Brokers by Daniel Palacio

 

10. How To Die Young In Manila by Petersen Vargas

 

11. Big Night! by Jun Robles Lana

 

12. Last Days At Sea by Venice Atienza

 

13. Love Is A Dog From Hell by Khavn Dela Cruz

 

 

 

###

 

Film Development Council of the Philippines

Media Relations Unit

ADDRESS 855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 1000

PHONE +63 2 82569958 loc. 100

E-MAIL mediadesk@fdcp.ph

WEB https://www.fdcp.ph/

PH Delegation Goes to Berlin International Film Festival 2022

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Philippines is proudly represented by 1 competition film, 1 featured film, 6 production companies, 8 filmmakers, and event participation to be led by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in one of the world’s leading and most reputable film festivals, the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), slated from February 10 to 20, 2022 in Germany.

The 72nd Berlinale is an opportunity to showcase Filipino talents and works in a prestigious international platform. It is being held as an in-person event with reduced seating capacity of 50% in selected movie theaters, while the Berlinale Industry sections: European Film Market (EFM), Berlinale Co-Production Market (BCM), Berlinale Talents, and World Cinema Fund is being held entirely online from February 10 to 17.

“The Berlinale, one of the top three most important and much-awaited international film festivals in the world, has been continuously recognizing our Filipino filmmakers by providing various platforms to showcase films, nurture filmmakers, and develop film projects. I trust that our filmmakers will make use of the experience and knowledge they will gain from being a part of this A-list festival and bring back the learnings to the local film industry,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.



Filipino Films in Berlinale

The short film It’s Raining Frogs Outside (Ampangabagat Nin Talakba Ha Likol) by director Maria Estela Paiso was selected to compete in the Berlinale Shorts section against twenty other short film entries from all over the world. It’s Raining Frogs Outside, the only Filipino film in the festival’s official selection, won the Gender Sensitivity Award in the QCinema International Film Festival last year. Director Estela Paiso made history for being the first Filipina filmmaker in the Berlinale Shorts history.

Recent Sundance Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit recipient Leonor Will Never Die by Martika Ramirez Escobar had its Market Premiere at the EFM Online Screenings.



Filipino Filmmakers in the Industry Section

The participating companies in the EFM, one of the top three biggest film markets in the world, are 2076 Kolektib, ANIMA, BlackOps Studios, Create Cinema, Daluyong Studios, and VIVA Films.

In the BCM online Visitors Programme, FDCP selected five producers as the country’s official participants: Danzen Santos Katanyag of Digital Dreams Inc., Wilfredo Manalang of FUSEE Media, Kyle Nieva of Screen Asia Corporation, Paul Sta. Ana of Project 8 corner San Joaquin Projects, and John Paul Su of Eight Horses Productions, Inc.



Berlinale Talents

The festival’s talent development program, the Berlinale Talents, is an annual summit and networking platform for 200 carefully selected emerging film professionals in the industry.

Two Filipinos will take part in the Berlinale Talents: production designer Connie Valera and director and producer Rafael Manuel, while producer Bianca Balbuena-Liew will be part of the Short Form Station as a mentor.



Country Session

The BCM Country Session on February 13 will feature representatives from the Philippines, United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, and Brazil. They will discuss co-producing and funding opportunities in their respective countries.

Under the FDCP, FilmPhilippines Office (FPO) facilitates the promotion of the country as a viable filming destination for international productions, while UniPhilippines aims to assist and support Filipino films and filmmakers to gain exposure in the global scene by participating in international film festivals and markets.

The FDCP’s FPO and UniPhilippines, to be represented by Chairperson Liza Diño, will share about the Agency’s FilmPhilippines Incentives Program composed of the Film Location Engagement Desk (FLEX), Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), International Co-production Fund (ICOF), and ASEAN Co-production Fund (ACOF).

The Philippine Delegation to Berlinale 2022:

Berlinale Shorts Competition



● It’s Raining Frogs Outside by Maria Estela Paiso



Screening Schedule:



13.02.2022 | 21:30 Central European Time | Cubix 9 (Premiere)

14.02.2022 | 12:00 Central European Time | Cubix 6

18.02.2022 | 19:00 Central European Time | CinemaxX 9

19.02.2022 | 15:30 Central European Time | Titania Palast



European Film Market



February 10 - 17



● Daluyong Studios

● 2076 Kolektib

● VIVA Films

● ANIMA

● BlackOps Studios

● Create Cinema



EFM Online Screenings



● Leonor Will Never Die by Martika Ramirez Escobar



Screening Schedule:



09.02.2022 | 14:30 Philippine Time | Virtual Cinema 5

10.02.2022 | 10:40 Philippine Time | Virtual Cinema 11

12.02.2022 | 16:00 Philippine Time | Virtual Cinema 30



Berlinale Visitors Programme



February 12 - 17



● Danzen Santos Katanyag of Digital Dreams Inc.

● Wilfredo Manalang of FUSEE Media

● Kyle Nieva of Screen Asia Corporation

● Paul Sta. Ana of Project 8 corner San Joaquin Projects

● John Paul Su of Eight Horses Productions, Inc.



Berlinale Talents



February 12 - 17



● Connie Valera

Production Designer



● Rafael Manuel

Director, Producer



Short Form Station - Mentor



● Bianca Balbuena-Liew

Producer

Top 8 Universities in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Are you about to enter the world of college students? If so, you’re probably trying to figure out where to study and which university can offer you the best education. That means you’re looking beyond the basic criteria and are truly trying to find a spot that would be perfect for you. Luckily, there are great universities in the Philippines that might match your search and stand out from the rest.

But, if you can’t make a choice yourself or you’re not even sure what’s out there, we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find the ultimate list of the 8 best Universities in the Philippines. Let’s break it down.

1.      University of the Philippines Diliman

University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) is a coeducational university that was founded in 1908. It's considered as one of the top-ranked universities in the Philippines but also among the high-standard ones in Asia as well. At UPD, you can work your way up to a bachelor, master's, or doctoral degree. As of January 2020, UPD had 250 academic programs,

Apart from Dilman, there are branch campuses in Olongapo City and the City of San Fernando.

It has more than 23.000 students currently enrolled and is open for international students as well. You'll also find that they offer financial aid and scholarships to the best students.

2.      Ateneo de Manila University

Ateneo de Manila University was established in 1859. Thanks to the fact that classes are predominantly being held in English, this university is home to many international students. It provides education in the humanities, social sciences, and the pure and applied sciences.

Their goal is the preparation of students for a “global platform” meaning they’ll be able to find a job and practice their skills and knowledge all over the globe. This is thanks to their international partners, internationalized curriculum, and opportunities to send students abroad.

However, the selection process can get competitive and the average admission rate range is 10-20%. That means they’ll accept only the best students. SupremeDissertations has professional writers who can help you write your motivational letter to apply.

3.      De La Salle University

De La Salle University was founded in 1911 and is located in Manila, the capital city and major metropolis in the Philippines. Students can get undergraduate and graduate programs in both English and Filipino. You can earn a Doctoral, Master's, and Bachelor's degree in arts and social sciences, business, computer technology, education, engineering, law, and natural science.

This university offers scholarships to those students who show excellent knowledge and potential. Also, their campus life is quite rich and students can join organizations, visit the library or the museum.

4.      University of Santo Tomas

This is another university you’ll find in Manila and is Asia’s oldest existing university, being founded in 1611. It’s an internationally recognized and acclaimed University that has 22 degree-granting academic units. This university will allow you to earn a degree in a wide variety of programs, including Business, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Music, and many more.

Luckily, their acceptance rate is quite high, averaging around 80%.

 With 63 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs, you’re bound to find something that satisfies your academic needs.

5.      University of San Carlos

The University of San Carlos is another top-ranked university. It was officially established in 1948 but has roots that go way back to the Colegio de San Ildefonso which was founded in 1595 in Cebu City.

It offers 45 undergraduate and 62 graduate programs. The highest degree you can earn is a Doctoral and the areas of study include Anthropology, Biology, Engineering, Business, Chemistry, Fine Arts, Management, and many more.

It has around 2.000 students and 200 international ones. Students can receive support or find entertainment in international students' offices, online enrolment, dormitories, numerous cafes, and canteens.

6.      Silliman University

Located in the small city of Dumaguete, Silliman University offers a less urban setting for those students who like to live a bit more quietly. This medium-sized university, however, offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in a number of areas of study. The most popular ones include Agriculture, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Performing and Visual Arts, and Nursing.

The admission rate range is 60-70% and this university also welcomes international students. It also offers scholarships and aid to students who have great academic success but lack the personal funds to carry out their studies.

7.      University of the Philippines Manila

Established in 1908, the capital’s university is the leader in health human resources, education, training, and research. It has nine different units that grant degrees, two of which, The College of Medicine and College of Nursing, are recognized as Centers of Excellence (COE) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

It has 20 undergraduate programs, 34 master's programs, and 4 doctoral programs in Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Chemistry, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. It also offers diploma programs and certificate programs. 

Their goal is to become the national leader in the health sciences.

8.      Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University was founded in 1911. It’s located in Baguio City and its average acceptance rate is 58% which gives you a good chance to enroll.

The highest degree you can earn is a bachelor's, in numerous areas of study including Arts&Humanities, Medicine, Engineering, Language, and more. The classes are held in English.

Final Thoughts

The Philippines is an amazing country that stuns with spectacular nature and warm and welcoming people. It's an ideal place for spending your college years and getting the quality higher education you deserve. Hopefully, this guide helped you realize how many amazing opportunities await.

So, use our list of the top universities in the Philippines and start thinking about finding your spot. 

Author’s Bio

Donald Fomby is a student counselor and a blogger with a mission to help students from all over the globe reach their academic dreams easily and without stress. He shares advice about studying, motivation, and passing exams. He’s one of the editors at TrustMyPaper so he even blogs about academic writing.

Angelica Panganiban is the real unbothered queen

Wazzup Pilipinas?!

No one can deny that Angelica Panganiban is the real unbothered queen.

I’m an addict of Walang Hanggang Paalam, and I can say that Celine Delgado, este Angelica Panganiban, did a great job in creating this infomercial. Way to go, Angge!

When Angelica made that first video about not voting for thieves, the other camp produced that “rebuttal video” starring the personification of what they stand for, Juliana what’s her face. What’s weird is they took a swipe at Angelica’s lovelife? Walang ibang masabi??

Angelica once again reminded Filipinos to assess carefully who they will vote for in the upcoming elections. 

This is the second collaboration of Panganiban with the group, Youth Public Servants (YPS). 

“Iwasan natin ang mga nangangako ng gold... Wag bumoto ng magnanakaw” 

Ang ganda ng Angelica Panganiban election vids. Always emphasizing on magnanakaw and sinungaling without naming anyone. I think it needs to be repeated even more often (sinungaling, magnanakaw) everyday, just so it would ne hard to disassociate these words from you know who.

Angelica Panganiban did not even mention a candidate's name but it triggered the apologists. 

Imagine if more artists like Kathryn Bernardo, Liza Soberano, Nadine Lustre, Angel Locsin, etc would speak up just like how the artists in the US spoke against Trump.

Angelica Panganiban is at it again. Expect a cheap copy from Juliana Pareswho and Darryl Yap soon.

The fact that Vincentiments and Juliana copied or spoofed Ms. Angelica Panganiban's short vid actually shows that they were triggered by her. LOL!

Watch these hypocrites who called to stop cancel culture yesterday as they cancel Angelica Panganiban again…hehehe

Angelica Panganiban really said, “Oh my God, don’t you know I’m a savage?” 

Pakkkk Angelica Panganiban is coming with a bang! She said I only speak facts and facts only! Facts!

Angelica Panganiban's team is a better filmmaker. Sorry not sorry.

STOP CANCEL CULTURE says the same people who RED TAGGED Angel Locsin, Enchong Dee, Nadine, Angelica Panganiban etc. Even going as far as calling them with malicious names. Pa victim nga.

I've never been a fan of Toni Gonzaga ever since, but now I’m glad that I was right that's because she supports a candidate who is a liar. In that case I’d rather be an Angelica Panganiban in a world full of Toni Gonzaga. Pranka man, atleast nag-iisip ng tama.

Angelica Panganiban has more senses than Julianna and Vincentiments combined together.

“‘Pag may history ng pambubudol, never again, never forget tayo.” 

I move to nominate Angelica Panganiban as QUEEN of BURNS. Any seconds?

Not related to hashtags but we need to hype Angelica Panganiban's video for Young Public Servants. There are many pro-Leni pages who make amazing content pero hindi alam ng karamihan. Please share. 

Philippine Post Office Valentine’s Day special stamps launched in the City of Pines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) launched its “Titibok pa rin" Valentine’s 2022 special stamps featuring designs that spread hope, strength and love in the midst of difficulties brought about by the pandemic held at the Burnham Park Grandstand in Baguio City, Feb.10.

“Confronted with difficulties, some have lost their loved ones, many are struggling, feeling sad, scared, frustrated and broken. The Post Office Valentine’s Day Stamp features broken hearts that are still willing to fight and love”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

“Sa kabila ng pandemya, ang Pusong Pinoy ay titibok pa rin (Inspite of the Pandemic, the heart of the Filipinos will keep on beating), he said.

The Valentine’s Day special stamp was unveiled by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and his wife Arlene together with Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio and other Post Office Officials.

Valentine’s Day celebrates the bond and the relationship between people. It is a day which teaches us how we express love, not just between couples, but also emphasizes the different kinds of love.

The designs for 2022 Valentine’s Day Stamps celebrate the Hearts that are not often celebrated during Valentines. The stamps depict the Filipino spirit that never gives up and show heart images expressing different emotions which prevail amid the pandemic.

The eight (8) heart stamps that express feelings or emotions are: Titibok pa rin (heart still beating), nagmamahal pa rin, lalaban pa rin, nagmamalasakit pa rin, titibok pa rin para sa bayan, buo pa rin at lumalaban pa rin. “These are the hearts that really matter”, Fulgencio added.

“People across the globe celebrate this day by sending love messages to partners, friends and family. This is the day to thank people, wherever they are for their love in the form of friendship, family, service and in all its forms”, the Post Office said in a statement.

The Post Office has printed 40,000 copies of the eight (8) colorful heart designs to be sold at P12 each. In-house graphic artist Ms. Eunice Beatrix U. Dabu layout the stamps.


Stamps, souvenir sheets and official first day covers of “Titibok pa rin 2022 Valentine’s Special Stamps” are now available at Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio. For inquiries on the stamps, call (02)8527-0108 or (02)8527-0132 and follow and like Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/ for updates.

#AllinLahatsaALS: DepEd rallies support for ALS, its law and IRR

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


“A truly strengthened and intensified Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program for all out-of-school children in special cases, youth, and adults (OSCYAs) is a promise that the administration of Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones delivered in less than six years in office,” ALS Assistant Secretary G.H. Ambat declared as the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to conduct the roadshow for Republic Act 11510 (ALS Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) beginning February 2022.

DepEd, through the newly created Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) in the Central Office, will engage DepEd officials, personnel, and partners in the field to make the implementation of the law more understandable, relatable, and practicable.

“After we levelled-up the Program, we intend to build on the gains of ALS 2.0 and make sure that everyone – from DepEd officials and personnel to external partners – is all-in for ALS. Their stake in and support for ALS should continue even after the current administration,” Ambat added.

With support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity 2.0 (O2) Project, the roadshow will kick off in the 12 O2 project sites: Zamboanga del Norte, Isabela City, Davao City, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, Legazpi City, Angeles City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Cebu City, and Tagbilaran City. Thereafter, BAE will conduct the roadshow with relevant offices in the Central, Regional and Division offices, and schools.

“We share the same goal with DepEd of reaching the vulnerable Filipino out-of-school youth and making sure they have access to quality education and training. A large part of doing that is to build awareness and the capacity of ALS implementors including administrators, coordinators, and teachers down to community learning centers—even local governments, private sector, academia, and the youth themselves. This way, everyone will know what the ALS law means for them and their work together on youth development,” USAID Opportunity 2.0 Chief of Party Dr. David Hall said.

The roadshow aims to explain the salient features and key terms in the law and its IRR that will define the roles and responsibilities of DepEd and its partners in the continued implementation of the ALS Program. Likewise, the roadshow is designed to boost stakeholder support by enabling them to appreciate the provisions of the law, and discuss strategies and practices that may be used to further an effective advocacy campaign.

To signify support for the ALS Program, and its institutionalization through the ALS Act and its IRR, roadshow participants and program stakeholders are encouraged to use #AllinLahatsaALS in their social media posts related to ALS and its activities. The hashtag also serves as a call-to[1]action for all to acknowledge and participate in the collective effort to make basic education more accessible and inclusive for marginalized Filipinos.

On December 23, 2020, the President promptly signed the ALS Act that responds to the growing demand for a quality second-chance basic education as a viable learning option for Filipino OSCYAs who are unable to study in the formal education system due to economic, geographic, political, physical, and social barriers.

On November 5, 2021, Briones signed the final IRR following BAE’s conduct of a series of consultations with DepEd officials and personnel, relevant government agencies, and non-government organizations.

Vice Admiral Fabricante named PCG OIC as Commandant Admiral Laroya retires

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Transportation Secretary Art Tugade has appointed Vice Admiral Eduardo D. Fabricante as Officer-In-Charge of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with the retirement of Commandant Admiral Leopoldo V. Laroya as the 28th PCG Commandant.Secretary Tugade announced the appointment during the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony today, 10 February 2022.

Vice Admiral Fabricante is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1989 and served as Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations before his appointment as the PCG OIC.

Secretary Tugade commended Commandant Laroya for his over 38 years of public and government service. He added that under Laroya’s leadership, the men and women of the PCG have united in the service of the country and of the Filipino people amid the COVID-19 pandemic and calamities.

“Commandant Laroya please accept the gratitude, the sincerest gratitude of a grateful nation. Nagpapasalamat ang bansa at mga tao pagkat ang iyong serbisyo ay nag-contribute nang malaki sa pagkakaroon ng isang matatag na bayan. ‘Pagkat ang serbisyo na iyon ay isang naging malaking kadahilanan kung bakit ‘yung Philippine Coast Guard ay narating ang kanyang narating nitong mga nakaraang taon,” Secretary Tugade said.

During his speech, Secretary Tugade recognized PCG's sustained COVID-19 response, supporting the whole-of-government efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus in the country. Among these initiatives include the assistance of PCG personnel in the daily operations of the One-Stop-Shops (OSS) at airport terminals.

Secretary Tugade also commended the PCG’s calamity response operations, particularly at the height of Typhoon Odette’s onslaught. The PCG not only rendered assistance to affected residents, it also conducted search, rescue, and evacuation operations.

Meanwhile, Secretary Tugade also recognized the efforts of Admiral Laroya in furthering the modernization of the PCG as he continued with the expansion of the Coast Guard's workforce, including the PCG Auxiliary.

“Ang Philippine Coast Guard ngayon, na kung saan ang kabuuan ay nasa 21,000 na kumpara noong 2016 – kung saan nagsimula ang termino ng Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte – na 7,000 lang po. Ngayon makikita mo ang Coast Guard hindi lang sa baybayin o karagatan. Makikita n’yo ang Philippine Coast Guard sa bawat sulok of the archipelagic nation of the Republic, sa bawat bagyo at unos, pati na ‘ho sa airport, pati sa kalsada makikita mo ‘yung Philippine Coast Guard,” Secretary Tugade added.

In his valedictory address, Admiral Laroya took pride in serving the country, saying: “I now bow out of service with pride in knowing that I have served my country well.”

The retired PCG Commandant then expressed his gratitude to Secretary Tugade for his support to the PCG.

“We owe it to you for what is the Philippine Coast Guard right now. Secretary Tugade, Sir, it is just befitting that you will be remembered as the ‘Father of the Philippine Coast Guard.’ You made all of these happen and we are truly grateful for the support that you have provided for the development of the Philippine Coast Guard,” Admiral Laroya remarked.