Higher budget for provincial roads,

infrastructure in 2017 – Abad

(UPDATED) 5 months before its term ends, the Aquino administration promises higher budget
for infrastructure in 2017

By Aika Rey

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Fiscal transfers to local government units could increase
to P100 billion ($2.09 billion) in 2017, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said on Friday, January
15.

These allocations particularly target programs that will improve local service delivery and
infrastructure, Abad said in a statement.

According to Abad, allocations for Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) and KALSADA (Konkreto at
Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran) would substantially increase
in 2017.

The term of the Aquino administration, which includes Abad, ends in June 2016.

"Funding for a BUB project is projected to increase up to P40 million ($836,000) and the
allocation for the KALSADA program could increase to P30 to P40 billion ($626.94-$835.98
million) next year," Abad said.

He added that increasing the funds for BUB and KALSADA is "vital in sustaining growth
momentum."

Poor infrastructure

In general, infrastructure in the Philippines remains "poor" compared to most countries ranked in
the 2015-2016 Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum. The Philippines
is below everybody else in the ASEAN except for Myanmar.

Of the 140 countries featured in the report, the Philippines ranked 90th in terms of overall
infrastructure. More specifically, the Philippines is 97th among nations on the quality of road
infrastructure, 10 notches down from the 2014-2015 report.

Among our Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines is almost at the bottom of the list, next
only to Myanmar, which placed at 136. Vietnam, which used to be at the bottom of the list, has
caught up with the Philippines in the latest report.
The amount the Philippine government allocates to road projects has been growing each year. In
the 2016 budget, a total of P277.02 billion ($5.89 billion) was alloted for roads and bridges. This
is about three times the budget for roads in 2011.

Budget experts say a big part of the problem may be attributed to the administration's failure to
spend budgeted funds. The Aquino administration has been missing its spending targets over the
past years.

Meeting growth targets

Barely 5 months to go before President Aquino's term ends, Budget Secretary Abad says the
national government is making sure that infrastructure projects are implemented on time to meet
growth targets in 2016.

This includes the implementation of the KALSADA program, which is seen to improve road
transport, and spur trade and tourism development.

KALSADA is a provincial roads rehabilitation program being implemented in at least 73

provinces, according to a list obtained from the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG).

The national government will spend P6.5 billion (US$ 135.87 million) as approved in the 2016
General Appropriations Act. Funds will be downloaded through the Local Government Support
Fund. (READ: DBM allots P6.5B for road projects in 2016)

“This is not about giving LGUs substantial amounts of funds. This is about strengthening the
capacity of LGUs to implement projects and improving governance at the local level,” Abad
said.

The budget chief said these transfers are only awarded to LGUs that meet conditions of good
governance.

These conditions include compliance with the DILG's Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping and
submission to the DBM's Local Public Financial Management Assessment Report.

Barangay BUB

Aside from servicing only cities and municipalities, the BUB program will be expanded to the
barangays, set to cover all 42,036 barangays nationwide in 2017, as announced by Abad.

“Bottom-up budgeting” is a program under the Aquino administration where local groups usually
led by civic society organizations consult with the community and pick from a list of projects to
implement.
The Barangay BUB will provide P1 million ($20,905) subsidy to each barangay to aid poverty
reduction plans and basic services delivery. Next year, some 12,000 barangays will receive
funding from the national government to pilot the program.

Since BUB was initially rolled out in 2013, 1,590 city and municipal LGUs enjoyed the program.
A total of 42,221 projects have been funded from the 2015 allocation of P20.9 billion ($436.91
million), of which 13,712 have been completed as of December 1, 2015.

For this year, the national government allocated P24.7 billion ($516.55 million) from the national
budget to service 14,325 BUB projects from 1,514 cities and municipalities.

According to DBM, the participatory budgeting program for 2016 will be providing P20 million
($418,361) for a priority reduction program proposed by a city or municipality.

“By enabling LGUs to provide basic social services, improve disaster preparedness, and build
local roads, we will make them better partners in sustaining the growth momentum,” Abad said.

Photo Caption: Filipinos ride a jeepney, a popular mode of transport, at a road in the typhoon hit town of
San Julian, Samar island, Philippines, 10 December 2014. Typhoon Hagupit slammed into the eastern
coast of Samar Island, 560 kilometres south-east of Manila on 06 December, destroying more than
30,000 homes, knocking out power and damaging some key infrastructures. Some roads were impassable
due to floods, landslides and toppled trees or electric posts. Photo by Francis R. Malasig/EPA

Maternity leave: Good for women, bad for

business?
The Senate bill expanding paid maternity leave to 100 days benefits mothers and mothers-to-be,
but some worry it may harm employers and employees in the long run

MANILA, Philippines – Will the new Senate bill on paid maternity leave hurt female workers?

Some netizens seem to think so.

Senate Bill No 2982 or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law of 2015, once passed into law, will
give women the 100 days of paid maternity leave, an additional 30-day leave without pay, and a
guarantee on her security of tenure (if applicable).

While some netizens praised the move, others were worried for business and women’s
employment.
Bad for business, employment

Others were less than enthusiastic, saying they were worried this would fuel discrimination
against women in the workplace.

One of the main reasons is its effect on small businesses. One businesswoman, Lalaine Jimenea,
commented on Rappler’s Facebook post: “I don't want to sound callous, but as an employer of a
small business, I am glad my staff are all already old to get pregnant. 100 days is just too long for
small businesses.”

Because hiring women, particularly those of childbearing age, would now seem like an added
expense, some netizens think this discourages employers from hiring women.

Netizen Lysser Sanchez-Cua commented: “Surely, they will prioritize those who are single cause
this new incentive might affect companies' productivity and I hope they will stop discriminating
married women.”

For Shaquille Karol Igharas, the blowback of the bill reeked of inequality.

“It all goes to show that businesses (and politicians) here in the Philippines will prefer to employ
men simply because they don't want to give women their right to care for their child without
losing their job which would mean more money out of their already brimming pockets,” she
wrote.

Legal protections

Although people have expressed fears of possible discrimination, the Labor Code of the
Philippines does offer women some protection.

Article 135 forbids employers from discriminating against women solely because of their sex.
Women should not be paid less for equal work, and neither should they be passed over for
opportunities on the basis of their sex. Article 136 and 137 protect women who want to marry or
start a family from discrimination.

The International Labor Organization’s Convention 183, or the Maternity Protection Convention,
provides further protection for pregnant women.

Employers cannot terminate a woman’s employment simply because of her pregnancy. Countries
should also adopt the necessary measures to ensure pregnancy will not become a cause for
discrimination.

While laws can offer some measure of security, implementation is another thing. One netizen,
Mon Lunot Kuker, advised women “to be more vigilant,” but also hoped the government would
“impose a stricter law to avoid discrimination.” – Bea Orante
Leni Robredo: Expand feeding programs,
create Food Council
The vice presidential bet proposes an expanded feeding program, with food sourced from the
country's poorest farmers

By Fritzie Rodriguez

MANILA, Philippines – Will the Philippines be hunger-free in 2016 and beyond?

In August 2015, Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative and vice presidential bet Leni
Robredo filed House Bill 606 or the National Food Security Act.

The bill proposes a national feeding program partly sourced from small-scale producers. This
way, children are properly fed and at the same time, the poorest fishermen, farmers, and
agricultural workers are ensured of regular livelihood.

Five months later, the House Committee on Food Security finally conducted an initial
deliberation on Robredo's bill.

"I believe hunger is one of the most pressing issues our country is facing today," Robredo said on
Tuesday, January 19. In crafting her bill, she said they took into account Brazil's Zero Hunger
program.

The bill comes at no greater time as the Philippines continues to struggle with hunger and
malnutrition, among both young and old.

In 2015, 35% of Filipinos considered themselves food-poor, the latest Social Weather Stations
(SWS) survey revealed.

Malnutrition starts as early as infancy and its effects can last into adulthood. In the Philippines,
malnutrition figures have remained virtually unchanged in the past 10 years.

Feeding, livelihood programs

At present, the Department of Education (DepEd) conducts school-based feeding programs for
undernourished elementary students. Meanwhile, preschoolers are covered by the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (READ: Feeding programs for Pinoy kids)

Robredo’s bill aims to reduce hunger and malnutrition by expanding existing programs to
include more children. It has the following components:
  National Feeding Program: Covers children ages 0 to 13.

 Infant Feeding Program: Covers infants ages 0 to 1. The Department of Health, through
barangay health workers, will distribute food packets among targeted infants.

 Supplementary Feeding Program: Covers children ages 2 to 5. The DSWD shall provide
nutritious meals to those in supervised neighborhood play areas and daycare centers.

 Elementary Feeding School Program: Covers preschoolers up to children in 4th grade.

The DepEd shall ensure these children receive "proper meals during school hours."

To identify beneficiaries, the Philippine Statistics Authority, DOH, and DSWD shall create a
"national hunger targeting system" documenting those with the "least access to proper nutrition."

The DOH and the National Nutrition Council, meanwhile, suggested expanding the program to
cover those up to 18 years old "to ensure high school retention."

"That's what we also want," Robredo replied. Partner government agencies, however, requested
to first put a bar at 4th grade to see if the program will be sustainable, she explained.

The bill also proposes to get at least 30% of the national feeding program's supplies from small-
scale producers – the poorest and landless farmers in the country, said Robredo.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall then document and provide technical support to these
producers.

There is also a "need to integrate nutrition education," the Food and Nutrition Research Institute
of the Department of Science and Technology recommended during the deliberation.

Food Council

Aside from the feeding programs, Robredo's bill proposes to create a "Food Council" which will
be on top of all food security matters.

It will be an attached and independent agency to the Office of the President. Its chairperson is to
be assigned by the President and should have sufficient experience working in food security.

The council will consist of representatives from relevant civil society organizations, small-scale
producers, and government agencies.

'No need'

While most government agencies supported Robredo's bill, the Department of Finance (DOF)
stood as the odd one out.

"We are not supportive of the bill," the DOF's position paper read.
Why? There are existing offices and programs already addressing hunger, livelihood, and
feeding, the DOF argued, adding that there might be "duplication" of efforts.

Not enough?

Although Robredo's bill bears "national food security" in its title, its focus is mainly on feeding
programs, observed Fernando Hicap of the Anakpawis party-list.

But the question is whether feeding programs are enough to cure the Philippines of its massive
hunger problem, some advocates say.

Hicap suggested digging deeper into the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty, poor
agriculture, land tenure, low salaries, and contractualization.

In response, Robredo said in Filipino, "If it's all feeding, malnutrition will not end. That's why
we also need to fight poverty.... I'd like to refute that this is only [about] feeding, it's also about
poverty."

Photo Caption: ADDRESSING HUNGER. Vice presidential bet Leni Robredo pushes for a national
food security bill, which aims to provide feeding programs for children until age 13.

Our Awesome Food Trip: 4 new must-try

spots
We go to town with Our Awesome Planet’s Anton Diaz. We had superfood bibingka, wagyu,
kebab, ‘faux’ gras, and more!

By Krista Garcia

MANILA, Philippines – Just before the holidays, we got the opportunity to hang out with Anton Diaz of
Our Awesome Planet. Our itinerary: to follow him around on a food trip marathon as he sampled the
latest dishes from 4 new foodie destinations around Metro Manila (yup, that’s our dream assignment right
there).

This particular food trip had a twist, though: it’s not just about enjoying all the delicious food,
but also learning how we can indulge with less guilt! Thankfully, we found out that it’s not
always about depriving yourself (READ: We took Metamucil's Fiber Challenge). Sometimes, it’s
simply about taking in more of the right stuff. Upping your fiber intake, for example, can do
wonders in improving your digestion and eliminating toxins (READ: Eat well: Food trips tips
from a food blogger).

We visited The Wholesome Table in Salcedo Village, Adaäm & Yves in Fort Bonifacio, Buta +
Wagyu in SM Aura, and Kite Kebab in Poblacion. Now you get to enjoy all our delicious
evidence: watch the instavids featuring our sensible foodie advice below!

The Wholesome Table: Desserts can be good for you, too!

“Simple, clean, and fresh.” This is how Nikko Roa sums up every plate that comes out from his kitchen,
which are created as much as possible using locally sourced produce. You’ll have a hard time saying no
to The Wholesome Table’s new line of desserts, which are gluten-free and sweetened with brown sugar or
honey. They’ve also got the perfect power breakfast in the form of the Superfood Sticky Rice: latik-and-
honey-flavored bibingka generously topped with dessicated coconut, chia seeds, almonds, cashews, hemp,
and quinoa.
Visit The Wholesome Table at G/F, The Infinity Tower, HV Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City.
Open daily from 7 am to 11 pm

Adaäm & Yves: Don’t panic, it’s organic

This two-floor restaurant is a hidden gem tucked behind Fort Bonifacio’s Icon Plaza, and it’s fast
becoming a favorite hangout spot for Manila’s posh pack of Instagram celebrities. But don’t let the
contemporary-cool interiors intimidate you: the menu is filled with familiar, home-cooked fare, rebranded
with quirky titles such as Pink Floyd (arroz caldo suffused with beet) or Noli Me Tangere (wagyu
tapsilog). The Faux Gras is our favorite, because it’s actually a cruelty-free version of the infamous liver
pate. According to owner Sean Go, you can tell the difference when it’s organic: greens look greener,
yolks look yolkier, and everything tastes trés superb, too

Visit Adaäm & Yves at Icon Plaza, 25th Street corner 6th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Open daily from 11 am to 10 pm

Buta + Wagyu: Meat fit for a king

If you’re a longtime patron of either Butamaru Ramen or Wagyu Japanese Beef, now there’s a spot in SM
Aura Premiere that serves the best offerings of these two restaurants in one place. Owners Jerome Lim
and Wesley Villarica have joined forces with friends and family to serve authentic, imported wagyu beef
from Japan. Here, every gram served is Grade A5 quality – i.e. the best. They have a few expert
recommendations on how to prepare the stuff – but it’s all up to you how to enjoy and finish it all off!
Our lone tip: Don’t. Hold. Back.

Visit Buta + Wagyu at 5/F, SM Aura, 26th St cor McKinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
City. Open daily from 11 am to 1 am

Kite Kebab: Chill out with the right combos

Who says only fancy dinners need exquisite pairings? In Kite Kebab, the formula is not as rigid, or
boring. Thanks to Kian Kazemi’s vision to create a no-fuss chill out lounge of his own (his family runs
Persia Grill), diners at Kite are spoilt for choice with top-notch kebab (chicken, beef, or lamb) and other
Persian dishes. You can accompany everything with anything, thanks to an extensive drink list, complete
with beer, whiskey, rum, and wine. It’s our new favorite Friday (and Saturday, and Wednesday, and
Monday, and so on) stopover.

Visit Kite Kebab at 5772 Ebro Street, Poblacion, Makati City. Open daily from 11 am to 3 am

Wherever you end up on your next marathon food trip, follow our tried-and-tested advice to feast
like a seasoned pro: control your portions, load up on fiber (to make sure the bad stuff are kept at
bay), and don’t forget to share!

Have you tried out these restaurants? What did you think of them?

El Nido, Palawan: Tips for the budget

traveler
Traveler Mark Villaflor and his wife Camille have packed up and moved to El Nido, Palawan.
Here are his top tips for your budget trip to the beautiful island paradise

Mark-Anthony Villaflor

Of course, many of us have grown up with a negative misconception that vacationing in certain
corners of our beautiful country isn’t doable. However, with the growing scene of backpackers
and DIY travelers we are discovering that it is not only possible to travel to places, but possible
to do so on a tight budget.

Slices of paradise we’re hearing about on travel blogs, magazines, and social media channels are
within our reach.

Our focus today: El Nido, Palawan, a haven for 5-star island resorts and a town proper mixed
with budget digs and moderately priced hotels.

For those with a smaller budget the sections below breakdown your options:

Getting there
You’re likely going to roll into Palawan via Puerto Princesa. From there walk two minutes out of
the airport to the street and flag down a P50 tricycle to the bus terminal.

There are two bus companies, Cherry and Roro, that leave the bus terminal each hour for the 6-
hour ride to El Nido. You can take a regular bus (P280) or an air-conditioned bus (P380).

Alternatively, you can get a van shuttle for P400 and save yourself an hour on the journey.

Tip: If you go to the bus terminal, you can negotiate your fare lower as van shuttles and buses
are competing to fill up seats and leave.

Accommodations

Once you arrive, walk towards the street and then flag down a tricycle (P10 per person per way)
towards town.

A few options about where to stay:

Check into OMP Hostel (P350 per person, including breakfast). In October 2015 I checked into
El Taraw Inn for 400-500 php good for two people without breakfast. Both options were in El
Nido town which can be a bit congested and noisy.

You can find rooms for P1000 - P1500 and might be able to squeeze in 4 people on two double
beds. The Birdhouse, our glamping hotel (disclosure: this is a project of the author and his wife),
is opening in the next few months and will have P2000 options for up to 4 people.

Orange Pearl Resort offers beachfront rooms but the bargain with them is in their tents. During
100% occupancy they rent out tents for people willing to sleep under the stars in front of the
crashing ocean. These two options are located at Marimegmeg Beach.

Tip: Go directly to hotel’s websites and Facebook pages and contact the hotels directly. Many
agents and online booking services get a 10-25% commission.

Island-hopping Tours

The standard tour price is P1200-1400 plus 200 for the environmental fee (good for 10 days).
Alternatively, negotiate your own private banca ({2500-3000 Tour A/D; P3000-4000 Tour B/C)
good for 6-8 passengers.

That averages to about P315-500 per person assuming you get 8 passengers on your boat. Keep
in mind this doesn’t include any food. In preparation for your tour, pitch in P100 each and buy
some fresh fish from any of the local fisherman or from the public market located across the bus
terminal.

These are the tour options:

  Tour A: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Simizu Island, Secret Lagoon and 7 Commandos
Beach
 Tour B: Entalula Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave and
Cathedral Cave
 Tour C: Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine and Star Beach
 Tour D: Bukal Island, Ipil Beach, Nat-Nat Beach, Cadlao Lagoon and Paradise Beach
 Land Tours
 If you're looking at discovering some of the mainland beaches you can hire a tricycle for
as cheap as P1000-P1500 for the entire day, good for 4 people. Our recommendation
would be to go to Nacpan Beach in the morning, do a hike up on the hill at the end of the
beach for spectacular views of the twin beaches.
 Come back to town for a cheap lunch and then have your driver take you to Marimegmeg
Beach (Las Cabanas) for the rest of the day and walk down the beach for sunset.

Land Tours

If you're looking at discovering some of the mainland beaches you can hire a tricycle for as
cheap as P1000-P1500 for the entire day, good for 4 people. Our recommendation would be to
go to Nacpan Beach in the morning, do a hike up on the hill at the end of the beach for
spectacular views of the twin beaches.

Come back to town for a cheap lunch and then have your driver take you to Marimegmeg Beach
(Las Cabanas) for the rest of the day and walk down the beach for sunset.

Tip: For swimming, opt for Marimegmeg Beach rather than Nacpan as there’s a strong rip
tide/current.

Kayak Tours

Kayak rentals start at P300 for half day or P500 for the entire day. From the town proper you can
make your way to Cadlao Island (Bukal Beach or Pasandigan Beach) or Ipil Beach in about an
hour.

From the Corong Corong area you can visit 7 Commandos Beach and Papaya Beach. If you go
early in the day you’ll likely have some of these beaches to yourself as tours usually park
themselves closer to town near the end of the day.

Tip: Ask for snorkel gear to be included or at least discounted.

El Nido on a budget

For a busy 3 days and two nights you can spend around P5000 per person with activities each
day exploring the El Nido area:

Here's a sample itinerary for 3D/2N:

  Airfare: on a Cebu Pacific or Air Asia promo= P1500
 Bus round trip: {280 x 2 ways = P560
 Island Hopping Tour: P500
 Land Tour: P1000/4 people= P250
 Kayak: P600 full day/2 people= P300
 Food: P100 meal x 3 days x 3 meals= P900
 Lodging: 2 nights x P500 = P1000

Total: P5010

El Nido, once a sleepy town, has waken up to a huge boom in tourism. In the recent past El Nido
was synonymous to a playground for the wealthy to vacation on private island resorts.

Things are changing and the backpacking scene is growing in the noisy, cramped town. These
alternatives to the luxury hideaways are creating a huge market for the frugal to come in and
island hop past the private islands and onto gorgeous beaches. However, with the increase of
accolades El Nido and Palawan in general are receiving the best time to go is now. The prices
increases are steadily happening and with the rush in development the charm may wear off.