ULAP, DTI join forces to protect minors from the dangers of vape
ULAP conducted a webinar on March 25, 2024, titled "Protecting Consumers from the Dangers of Vape: A Webinar on National and Local Action for Smoke-Free Communities."
The webinar aimed to raise awareness about the health risks of vaping, discuss the role of local government units (LGUs) in regulating vape products under RA 11900, and share best practices for local action against vaping.
Dr. Ria Tan from the Department of Health (DOH) presented the harmful effects of vaping, including nicotine addiction, exposure to harmful chemicals and ultrafine particles, and increased risk of lung injury.
Asec. Amanda Nograles from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) discussed the regulations set forth by RA 11900, emphasizing the role of LGUs in implementing the law. This includes crafting local ordinances, collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and educating their communities about the dangers of vaping.
Atty. Mary Marjorie Martin-Chan, Councilor of Tuguegarao City, shared their city's initiatives against vaping. These include ordinances restricting the sale and use of vape products, public education campaigns, and rehabilitation programs for minors who use tobacco products.
The webinar highlighted the importance of collaboration between the DTI, LGUs, and other stakeholders in protecting citizens, especially minors, from the dangers of vaping.
A total of 132 participants joined the webinar, with 70 attending via Zoom and 372 joining through Facebook Live. Representatives from 48 LGUs and various national government agencies participated in the event.
The ULAP webinar series provided valuable insights into the national and local efforts to combat vaping and create smoke-free communities.
ULAP at DRREALL Launch: Boosting Local Disaster Preparedness
ULAP, represented by Executive Director Aileen Leycano, actively participated in the Disaster Risk Reduction Enhancement at the Local Level (DRREALL) Technical Assistance (TA) Program Launch, held on March 22, 2024, hosted by the Department of Finance (DOF). Executive Director Leycano highlighted the challenges LGUs face in utilizing disaster risk reduction funds. While the Mandanas Ruling provides more resources, ULAP emphasizes data-driven support for LGUs with high disaster risk and low budget utilization and advocates for targeted capacity building, collaboration between stakeholders, and a service-delivery approach to decentralize disaster risk management. ULAP applauds the DRREALL program for empowering LGUs to become more disaster-resilient.
Governor Cua convened with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) during its First 2024 Full Council Meeting
On March 21, 2024, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Full Council held a meeting chaired by NDRRMC Chairperson and Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro Jr.
At the forefront of discussions were pressing matters such as the National Measles Situation, the adoption of the National Disaster Response Plan 2024, and the refinement of Early Warning System Protocols for Flood and Landslide. Governor Cua, representing the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), emphasized the vital role of local governments in disaster risk reduction efforts.
89th PH-EITI MSG Meeting
ULAP's Finance and Admin Director, Maricor Cauton, attended the 89th Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) Meeting held on March 19, 2024, at Lyf Hotel, Malate, Manila. Key discussions included updates on ongoing initiatives on the Improvement of Feedback Mechanism and Reconciliation Process and approval of the 2024 Work Plan. Additionally, attention was given to the Targeted Self-Assessment and Work Plan priorities for the fiscal year. The meeting concluded with agreements on various action points, including refining the feedback mechanism, engaging with BARMM, and coordinating responses to community concerns regarding mining activities.
Meeting with PhilHealth on the Konsulta Primary Provider Care Networks
ULAP Executive Director Aileen Leycano and Project Development Manager Lawrence Trinidad met with the Philhealth Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN) Project Management Team led by Dr. Francis Sarmiento last 19 March 2024 to discuss the expansion of the PCPN demonstration sites to accommodate more provinces and cities for sandboxing. This will allow more LGUs to access prospective capitation or frontloading of funds from Philhealth based on commitments and targets to provide Konsulta services to their constituencies.
NEDA Consultation Meeting on the Devolution Study
ULAP's Executive Director Aileen Leycano and Policy Director Blake Barrios participated in a consultation meeting held by NEDA alongside National Government Agencies and Local Government Leagues on 15 March 2024. During the session, NEDA presented the preliminary findings of its sensitivity study, which examined the DILG-ULAP submission regarding rationalized functions, services, and facilities (FSFs). This study aligns with Presidential Directive No. PBBM-2023-765-766, issued on December 21, 2023, mandating NEDA to conduct a sensitivity analysis to optimize government investments. This analysis includes identifying essential functions and services for LGUs, considering their capacities, as part of a phased-in devolution approach. Additionally, DILG, in collaboration with ULAP, was tasked with outlining a set of fundamental functions and services for LGUs, taking into account Devolution Transition Plans (DTPs) of Government Agencies (GAs) and LGUs. These efforts will culminate in a comprehensive report to be presented to the President in the near future, encompassing the contributions of ULAP, DILG, and NEDA.
