DepEd highlights learner rights and protection measures in 2023 NCM culmination

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To culminate the celebration of National Children’s Month (NCM), the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday highlighted its significant measures in championing Learner Rights and Protection. 

In her keynote speech, Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of DepEd underscored the importance of providing children with safe space, which is vital in their development. 

“Today, we conclude the observation of National Children’s Month, reminding us that we are tasked to provide our children with a safe, nurturing, and loving life that allows them to play, learn, and grow into responsible, productive, and well-rounded individuals," VP-Secretary Duterte said. 

“This task is binding and requires our will, commitment, and a strong sense of unity of purpose as a community of elected leaders, policy makers, educators, advocates, development partners, business development supporters, and parents all working together to champion Filipino Children," she added.

Meanwhile, the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) launched the Learners Helpline Jingle and Theme Song titled Karapatan ng Kabataan: Kilalanin, Iparating, Itaguyod.

The jingle aims to introduce the mandates of the LTCCH and ensure easy recall of helpline numbers to learners, parents, and stakeholders. 

Atty. Suzette Gannaban-Medina, OIC-Director of the LRPO, presented the Learner Rights and Protection Policy, which is the enhanced version of DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, including recent laws and issuances in relation to learner protection.

She also discussed the Guidelines on the Implementation of the Safe Spaces Act in Basic Education, a measure to ensure a positive and safe learning environment free from gender-based violence, especially gender-based sexual harassment.

Moreover, Atty. Gannaban-Medina explained the Protocols on the Handling of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC) Learners, which shall guide all DepEd personnel and stakeholders on the appropriate handling and treatment of CSAC learners, ensuring the protection of all our learners in times of armed conflict.

The NCM culmination was attended by partner-organizations and allies for learner rights and protection advocacies.

CALAX Silang Aguinaldo now serving over 10,000 Motorists

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MPCALA Holdings Inc., the concessionaire of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), has announced that, in less than a month, it has already surpassed its targeted daily traffic for the recently opened Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, with the highest daily traffic exceeding11,000 vehicles—well beyond the projected 5,000 cars.

This 4km segment of CALAX, which directly connects to Aguinaldo Highway, seamlessly transports motorists towards tourist destinations in Tagaytay, Silang, Dasmarinas, and other nearby cities and municipalities in the province of Cavite.

Meanwhile, MPCALA states that construction for the remaining portion of the CALAX Cavite Segment continues in full swing. The next interchange will be a 7.9km 2x2 lane expressway that will extend from Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Governor’s Drive in General Trias.

As of the date, more than 95% of the right-of-way for this segment has already been acquired, and the team has already begun earthworks and bridge constructions.

“Governor’s Drive will be the second-longest segment of CALAX, spanning almost 8km in length. We target to open it to the motoring public before the end of 2024. Through this interchange, we aspire to revolutionize our motorist travel experience, by connecting communities and helping improve the economy of the region,” shared Mr. Raul L. Ignacio, President, and General Manager of MPCALA.

Looking forward, CALAX is set to reach a total length of 45 kilometers by 2025, featuring eight strategically positioned interchanges: Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang East, Silang (Aguinaldo), Governor's Drive, Open Canal, and Kawit Interchange. CALAX will seamlessly connect with the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) in Kawit, further unifying key regions. Presently, operational segments span from Mamplasan Rotunda up to the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange.

MPCALA, a Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) subsidiary, is the leading mobility infrastructure and solutions provider in the Philippines. As the toll road development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), MPTC's portfolio includes the concession rights for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector Road, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu, in addition to CALAX and CAVITEX.

For inquiries about this press release please email us at: corpcomm@mptsouth.com

Postmaster General Luis Carlos attends North Luzon PHLPost employee’s assembly

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos, Chief of Staff Marc Laurente, Area 1 North East Luzon Regional Director Dr. Melody Olavidez and Executive Assistant Jocelyn Cacho attended the Postmasters Assembly held at Hotel Mills and Rain in Ilagan City, Isabela.

Postmasters from Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Nueva Ecija and Aurora Provinces were present to express their support to the ongoing program of PHLPost most especially in the rehabilitation of the Manila Central Post Office building.

PMG Carlos also discussed the financial condition of the Post, its current projects in the mail operations, the Barangay Postal Station and the implementation of the New Zip Code. He thanked the Office of the President for prioritizing the release of Franking Privilege reimbursement which is needed to boost the improvement in mail systems and to pay other current obligations.