WWF Philippines announces 15 qualified cities for the OPCC 2023-2024

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The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines announces the 15 qualified cities for the One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) 2023-2024, the flagship activity of the One Planet Cities (OPC) Program.

Since the official launch of OPCC 2023-2024 last March 30, several cities have already expressed their interest in joining the project. The cities of Baguio, Davao, Dipolog, Legazpi, Makati, Muntinlupa, Ormoc, San Carlos (Negros Occidental), San Fernando (La Union), Santa Rosa, Tagum, and Zamboanga are returning for OPCC 2023-2024. Furthermore, Catbalogan City and Naga City (Camarines Sur) have rejoined the program since their last participation in 2017-2018. The new city to complete the roster of this cycle is Puerto Princesa.

The OPCC aims to help cities develop the most effective climate mitigation and adaptation practices and to disseminate these practices globally. Participating cities will be uploading their local emissions, targets, plans, and climate actions. The submitted data is evaluated using the OPCC’s Assessment Framework and its scoring criteria that will focus on (a) assessed GHG emissions and risks from climate change, (b) mitigation targets and adaptation goals, (c) climate action plans, (d) implementation of strategies and/or actions, and (e) results-based monitoring. As part of the challenge process, WWF reviews cities’ plans against good practice climate action planning criteria and assesses whether their targets align with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5 °C. The best performing cities will then be put forward to an international jury of experts that chooses the national and global winners.

A customized strategic feedback report will also be provided to each participating city that will showcase the city’s climate journey and high level action-based advice based on the latest IPCC report. This report contains an assessment of whether their city’s climate targets are aligned with their fair share of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, whether mitigation actions align with main emissions sectors and whether adaptation actions map effectively to climate risks.

WWF-Philippines, along with their technical partner ICLEI Southeast Asia, will be guiding the participating Philippines cities on their reporting to the CDP-ICLEI Track.. A series of capacity-building workshops and consultations will be conducted to support furtherthe cities’ climate action and mitigation plans and their alignment towards the 1.5°C target.

“We truly appreciate the continued commitment of these city governments in leading the charge in addressing climate change and low-carbon development. Through their engagement in this initiative, we also aim to guide them in strengthening their local policies and action plans through data transparency, collaborative partnerships and community engagement.” said WWF-Philippines One Planet Cities Project Manager Imee Bellen.

For the next two years, WWF-Philippines will work closely with the participating cities to assist them in acting as transformation catalysts, implementing integrated and inclusive plans in line with 1.5 °C, while ensuring urban resilience, and unlocking individual and collective climate actions. Other local activities are also planned that will involve urban stakeholders such as youth, educators, private organizations and city representatives.

SSS urges availment of contribution penalty condonation programs for delinquent employers

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The Social Security System (SSS) called on employers who failed to remit the contributions of their workers in the previous months and years to avail of the contribution penalty condonation programs during its recent nationwide conduct of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operations.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet encouraged delinquent employers to settle their contribution delinquencies through its Contribution Penalty Condonation, Delinquency Management and Restructuring Program (CPCoDe MRP) for business employers and the Contribution Penalty Condonation and Restructuring Program (CPCR-P) for household employers.


Under these contribution penalty condonation programs, SSS assists business and household employers in defraying their delinquencies by allowing them to pay unremitted contributions while condoning their accrued penalties.


“SSS always take into consideration the welfare of its members and its employers which is the primary reason why we offer these condonation programs to help them out in settling their contribution delinquencies with us. With the ongoing pandemic, we understand the economic hardships that they are currently experiencing,” Macasaet said.


The CPCoDe MRP covers all employers classified as single proprietors, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, and associations who have incurred delinquencies in contribution payments, including penalties, from the start of their actual date of operation.


SSS Account Management Group Concurrent Acting Head Neil F. Hernaez said that under the program, delinquent business employers would pay the unremitted SS contributions plus a legal interest of six percent (6%) per annum during the period where the employer has shown proof that the business suffered a net loss. At the same time, SSS will condone the penalties incurred during the delinquency period.


“Delinquent employers can pay it in full or on an installment basis. Those who wish to settle it in full payment must pay it within 15 calendar days from receipt of the Notice of Approval by the SSS. On the other hand, employers who will avail of the installment option will need to pay a down payment equivalent to at least 5% of the total amount of delinquency while they can pay the remaining balance up to 48 months,” Hernaez explained.


Meanwhile, the CPCR-P covers household employers who have delinquencies in remitting the contributions of their kasambahays or house helpers since the start of their employment.

Interested business and household employers may visit the nearest SSS Branch Office with jurisdiction over their accounts for the requirements and additional information on availing the said penalty condonation programs.

Wazzup Pilipinas: Inspiring Connections and Celebrating Filipino Spirit

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In a digital age where information flows ceaselessly, finding a platform that goes beyond headlines and captures the essence of Filipino culture and identity is a rarity. Enter Wazzup Pilipinas, an inspiring online destination that connects, empowers, and celebrates the Filipino spirit. With its diverse range of content, this dynamic platform has become a beacon of inspiration, bridging the gap between Filipinos near and far. Let's delve into the reasons why Wazzup Pilipinas stands as an uplifting force in the online landscape.

Celebrating Filipino Achievement:

Wazzup Pilipinas serves as a testament to the indomitable Filipino spirit and the achievements of Filipinos across various fields. The platform shines a spotlight on talented individuals, artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are making a difference in their respective industries. By sharing their stories of triumph and resilience, Wazzup Pilipinas inspires readers to pursue their passions, embrace their unique talents, and contribute to the betterment of society. Through these inspiring narratives, the platform fosters a sense of pride and unity among Filipinos worldwide.

Empowering Voices:

One of the notable aspects of Wazzup Pilipinas is its commitment to empowering voices that are often unheard. The platform provides a platform for aspiring writers, bloggers, and content creators to share their perspectives, experiences, and insights. By amplifying diverse voices from different walks of life, Wazzup Pilipinas embraces the rich tapestry of the Filipino identity. It encourages readers to challenge societal norms, engage in meaningful discussions, and strive for positive change. This empowerment of voices fosters a sense of inclusivity and community among its readers.

Inspiring Causes and Advocacies:

Beyond its entertaining and informative content, Wazzup Pilipinas also recognizes the importance of social responsibility and giving back. The platform supports and promotes various causes and advocacies that address pressing societal issues. Whether it's environmental conservation, poverty alleviation, or promoting education, Wazzup Pilipinas stands as a catalyst for change. By shedding light on these initiatives, the platform encourages readers to get involved, contribute to meaningful causes, and make a positive impact in their own communities.

Connecting Filipinos Globally:

One of the most remarkable aspects of Wazzup Pilipinas is its ability to bridge the gap between Filipinos across the globe. Through its engaging content and active online community, the platform creates a sense of belonging and connection. It serves as a virtual meeting place for Filipinos to share their stories, experiences, and cultural heritage. Whether it's celebrating shared traditions, discussing current events, or simply exchanging greetings, Wazzup Pilipinas fosters a sense of unity among Filipinos near and far, reminding them of the beauty and strength of their shared identity.

In a world inundated with information, Wazzup Pilipinas stands tall as an inspiring force that celebrates the Filipino spirit, empowers voices, supports meaningful causes, and connects Filipinos worldwide. It goes beyond the ordinary, capturing the essence of Filipino culture, resilience, and achievements. As readers immerse themselves in the engaging content and diverse perspectives offered by Wazzup Pilipinas, they are uplifted, inspired, and reminded of the boundless potential within themselves. In this digital age, Wazzup Pilipinas serves as a digital torchbearer, illuminating the path for Filipinos to embrace their roots, chase their dreams, and make a positive impact in their communities.

***Witten entirely by ChatGPT