Updates on DepEd Legal Actions

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The Department of Education (DepEd) is taking measures to ensure that values of integrity, transparency, and accountability are being upheld by our officials, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.

In the past months, we have immediately acted on several legal cases filed against alleged erring public officials, personnel, and service providers of DepEd. In the spirit of transparency, we would like to provide the following legal updates:



1. On the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) report re: procurement of overpriced laptops

The DepEd welcomes the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee report on the laptops procured by PS-DBM in 2021

The filing of cases against past and present officials of the DepEd, as recommended by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, will be referred to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for evaluation and appropriate action.

We are ready to receive the official BRC report from the Senate.

In addition, there is a pending administrative case against one DepEd employee involved in the procurement.

 


2. On DepEd laptops being sold in Cebu

The Department has confirmed that the laptops being sold in a surplus store in Cebu, although not amongst those procured through the PS-DBM, were part of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP). The Department is now coordinating with relevant law enforcement agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.



3. On government ‘scammers’

DepEd lauds the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the arrest of Diokno Eje, a.k.a Vaughn Vincent, who is the subject of numerous complaints about an alleged "appointment scam" wherein several personalities were offered government posts in exchange for a huge sum of money.

Likewise, the Department is investigating a similar case of fraudulent dealings of a DepEd employee named Maricon. Administrative proceedings for various charges have been instituted and are already underway.

We thank our media partners for tipping us off, and for alerting the Vice President and Secretary of Education on this matter. It has prompted other complainants to provide critical information against her.

DepEd is encouraging those who may have personal knowledge or dealings with Maricon to come forward and provide us with more information.



4. On photos circulating online re: alleged ‘overpriced’ camera

The Department has traced the now-deleted post of photojournalist Jhun Dantes, and shared by the account of a certain Renato Reyes, of a Canon 1500D camera with a DepEd sticker attached indicating an acquisition cost of P155,929, as a property of the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Imus City.

The camera was given by the Local Government Unit to the SDO. DepEd did not have any participation or involvement in the procurement process of the subject cameras.

DepEd continues to call on netizens to be circumspect in their posts to ensure that no misinformation is propagated.



5. On failure to deliver supplies

The Department has found another case of the failure on the part of a service provider to comply with its contract — since the year 2021. We are currently exploring legal remedies and working on this issue.

Note that we have deliberately provided general statements on these updates so as not to preempt or hamper ongoing investigations.

The DepEd recognizes the important fight against corruption to improve the delivery of public service. We reiterate our call to the public to be vigilant and to actively report any fraudulent and unethical acts of DepEd personnel. Those who will be engaging in such activities will be dealt with accordingly and swiftly.

Mars Petcare launches ‘Fur The Best’ SWAP consumer recycling program in the Philippines

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Mars Petcare partners with Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) as part of its global efforts to increase the circularity of packaging waste

Mars Petcare recently announced a packaging recycling initiative in the Philippines as part of its global efforts to create a circular economy for plastic packaging where it doesn’t become waste. The collaboration with Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) and retailer Pet Express is called “Fur The Best”, which is an extension of the “SWAP Recycling” initiative from Thailand that will enable the collection and recycling of mixed post-consumer flexible plastic packaging waste into useful products. It’s one of the many sustainability initiatives that Mars Petcare is running to give pet parents the opportunity to recycle their plastic packaging.

At Mars, we take our responsibility for sustainable packaging seriously, so we’re working globally toward 100 percent recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic packaging and reducing our use of virgin plastic by 25%. To reach our goal, we’ll need not only recyclable materials, but we also need collection and recycling infrastructure in place and the right consumer behavior to make it happen.

According to the 2021 Who Cares, Who Does report by Kantar Philippines, 75% of Filipinos actively seek out brands that offer ways to reduce their impact on the environment. In the Philippines, the passage of the Extended Producer Responsibility (RA 11898) law has heightened attention on solid waste management, particularly of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods post-consumer waste.

 
Johnny Racoma, General Manager for Mars Petcare in the Philippines, highlighted that Mars Petcare aims to meet consumer desire for more sustainable packaging options. He said, “Consumers continue to be concerned not just about the content of what their pets eat but also about reducing their environmental impact.”

Packaging plays many vital roles: protecting ingredients, preserving freshness, conveying nutrition and health information, and differentiating brands. However, it also poses real challenges. This means it can end up in landfills, as litter, or even find its way into the environment.

As a leader in manufacturing, Mars Petcare believes it is important to work to address environmental challenges and create a more sustainable future. “As more Filipino shoppers are willing to shift to sustainable practices, this presents us an opportunity to invest in eco-friendly practices and take the lead in meeting consumer needs while reducing waste and increasing circularity,” stated Racoma.

To implement its collection for the recycling program, Mars Petcare is partnering with Pet Express and Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX). Through this partnership, pet parents can collect and surrender clean and empty packaging of any number of PEDIGREE, IAMS OR WHISKAS Dry food and any petfood flexible plastic packaging in any of the following sizes: 1kg, 3kg, and 8kg.

Recycling drop-off points are available in 15 of the participating Pet Express locations in International Toyworld Inc. stores in Metro Manila, such as Megamall, Mall of Asia, SM Fairview

Pet Express North Edsa, Bonifacio Global City, SM Masinag, SM Cubao, SM Makati, Festival Mall, Pet Express Dasmarinas, Pet Express Hyper Makati, Grand Central Caloocan, Pet Express Molino, Pet Express Madison Alabang, and Pet Express Estancia.

All collected materials will be handed to PCX, the recycling facilitator of the “Fur The Best” program. The materials will be recycled into useful products such as benches that will be donated to pet shelters in the Greater Manila area.

“PCX has always advocated the need for both upstream and downstream solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. Mars’ “Fur The Best” campaign is an important step to ensuring that brands are attempting specific recovery which builds a more circular economy “, said Nanette Medved-Po who founded PCX.

Participating pet parents should scan the QR code to register and answer the survey and will receive a Php 100 coupon per transaction, once daily, regardless of the quantity given. With the Php 100 coupon, pet parents can use it on the same day of swapping as a discount when the customers purchase ANY Mars Pet Nutrition Products for their fur babies. Customers can redeem the Php 100 discount until May 31, 2023.

“Our chances of achieving a sustainable future will be determined by how we protect our planet. As a result, sustainability activities will always be a component of our global efforts. We want to see significant development in the Philippines, where customers can join our ‘Fur The Best’ program,” Racoma added.

“Fur the love” of our dear pets and the environment, head to the nearest Pet Express in your area to SWAP empty packaging of pet foods and EARN P100 discount vouchers!

#furthebestSWAPrecycling #proudlymars #marsphilippines

For further information on the Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan and Circular Packaging commitments, visit www.mars.com/sustainability-plan.

Enjoying our Japanese Food Feast at Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen Megamall

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Aside from their delectably satisfying six types of ramen that are bursting with flavors and  perfect to have at any time of the day, Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen also serves very tasty and filling rice meals.

Established in 1970, the brand is a concept launched by Yamagoya Ramen and specializes in Chikuho noodles, Tonkotsu soup, Gyoza, and Chashu roast pork.

Both their ramen and rice meals are affordable enough for every Filipino to enjoy.

These rice meals featuring our favorite Japanese dishes like the Kimchi Yakimeshi, the Gyu Don, the Katsu that comes in four variants (plain, garlic, cheese and Curry) and even my all time favorite Ebi Ten Don never failed to impress. I won't hesitate to return for more.

To see all the six types of Tonkotsu ramen ( Original, Ajitama, Black Garlic, Tantan, Spicy Tobanjan, and Miso), watch this:

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS8anNyUD/

Totally Instagrammable because the food preparations are very visually appealing, every bite would leave you wanting for more yet already satisfied because of the generous servings, and super budget-friendly because of their very affordable prices!

They have a very comfy ambiance that would make you want to stay and eat more while enjoying the company of your friends, family or colleagues! Sharing our stories while dining on these flavors of Japan.

Sinimot nga namin ang lahat ng inorder that day kahit busog na kami from just the ramen alone...plus the Gyoza and Chicken Karaage that we added. 

Below is the video of the different ramens along with the Gyoza and Chicken Karaage.

Would you believe na nakapag TikTok dance pa kami sa harap ng restaurant? Dancing to a portion of one of the soundtracks (Paligoy Ligoy) of Diary ng Panget which was sang by Nadine Lustre, was our closing at the Megamall branch of Ikkoryu Fukouka Ramen.

Nagulantang ang lahat ng mga dumadaan sa SM Megamall branch. ....hahaha!!!

You can also watch this to see the rest of the dishes specifically the rice meals:

https://fb.watch/iMdcxxZBAt/

Come visit their branches like the one at the upper ground level Building B of SM Megamall where we had our late lunch. They also have branches at Shangri-La Plaza, SM Aura Premiere, Powerplant Mall, SM North EDSA, and SM City Bacoor.