BETTER DAYS It is not that often that a country is given an opportunity to take part in an event that has a global following and one that has the potential to reap huge benefits for the host. In 2023, we were fortunate to have been selected as one of three countries, alongside Japan and Indonesia,...
BETTER DAYS The results of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)—the comparative survey conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the academic performance, skills, and knowledge of 15-year-old students across countries—were...
BETTER DAYS According to Department of Health (DOH) data, pulmonary-related illnesses were the first, fifth, seventh, and ninth top causes of morbidity in the Philippines in 2022. In fact, acute respiratory tract infections remained the top ailment reported by Filipinos from 2012 to 2022....
BETTER DAYS Since assuming the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Finance in 2019, we have been committed toward strengthening our public health care system. Providing access to quality health care to all, particularly to our disadvantaged countrymen, is one of the most important...
BETTER DAYS Looking back at 2023, we could say that the Senate and Congress as a whole had a very productive year in terms of fulfilling its mandate of crafting meaningful laws for the benefit of our people and the country. Congress had a strong working relationship with the executive branch. We...
BETTER DAYS Every year priority is given to our education sector when it comes to the crafting of the national budget. There can be no argument as to the need to spend on education. It is a fundamental human right and the return on investments made here are significant and far-reaching. As in...
When I see these items, it is close to impossible I will not drop by to try them—hamburger, fried chicken, and ribs! But my cravings vary. I can have a Big Mac attack one moment and a McChicken with extra veggies the next. It could be a Double Whopper with Cheese or a large Plant-Based Whopper or...
BETTER DAYS In the early days of our Republic, when the annual budget was barely P10 million, the coffers were downloaded by the retreating revolutionary government from trains in duffel bags. But today, in this era of trillions-peso expenditure plans, it is downloaded electronically....
BETTER DAYS When we came up with our Tatak Pinoy or Proudly Filipino advocacy in 2019, the overarching goal was to transform the Philippines into a progressive and vibrant economy, to help Filipino entrepreneurs and industries become more competitive, and to provide our people with more...
BETTER DAYS Reaching the age of 60 is a milestone that some of us are looking forward to but is also a reality dreaded by many. For people who worked for most of their lives, reaching the age of retirement means a life without stress or pressure and enjoying the fruits of their labor....
BETTER DAYS Five years have passed since Republic Act No. 11148 or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-nanay Act was enacted. Also known as the First 1,000 Days Act, the law is intended to address several issues related to the health of infants and their mothers, particularly those from poor...
BETTER DAYS The Senate has started its plenary debates on the 2024 national budget. The ₱5.768 trillion proposed budget is the first expenditure plan to be fully developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Similar to this year’s General Appropriations Act, the 2024...
