27 NOVEMBER 2013
| Infra spending posts 33.9% Y-0-Y spike as of end-Sept; Abad: Q4 upswing may be aided by relief and rehab | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced today that expenditures for infrastructure and capital outlay continued to track significant year-on-year growth, with a 33.9-percent increase for the expense class recorded as of September this year. This is in line with the Aquino Administration’s continued commitment towards rapid, sustainable and inclusive growth under its Economic Development Agenda. Infrastructure spending maintained the double-digit growth through the first nine months of the year by reaching P183 billion as compared to last year’s P136 billion. In addition, total government disbursements by the end of September rose to P1.368 trillion, which is a significant improvement of 11.8 percent from its P1.223 trillion turnout for the same period last year. “Our continued drive for efficient public spending, particularly for infrastructure and capital outlay, has shown consistent year-on-year improvements over the last three quarters. We are looking to further boost our investments to this end and minimize infrastructure gaps by the end of the year to facilitate greater economic expansion—one that is inclusive and brings tangible benefits for all Filipinos,” DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. The spending performance for infrastructure and capital outlays as of September is mainly attributed to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) much-improved infrastructure program for the year. Aside from the implementation of flood control and drainage projects, P1.6 billion was also released to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the rehabilitation of pumping stations designed to mitigate flooding in Metro Manila. Budgetary releases were also recorded for farm-to-market roads and irrigation projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Other notable obligational authorities issued in September include requirements for terminal leave and retirement gratuity; special shares of LGUs from the proceeds of national wealth; customs, duties and taxes; and the creation of new positions together with the filling-up of unfilled positions, among others. ”Together with implementing agencies, we’re facilitating the swift and efficient management of government disbursements so public expenditures can sustain their present momentum. The goal, of course, is to post a strong finish in the 4th quarter of the year. “Despite the devastation caused by the recent spate of calamities, we want to assure the public that the DBM is still committed to strengthen our expenditures so that the economy does not take a significant hit, even with the operational setbacks that disasters tend to bring. The vigor of the Aquino administration’s relief and rehabilitation operations, at least, should help ease government spending along,” Abad said. “We are now looking at available funds from this year’s budget that can be utilized for urgent requirements like the restoration of basic services, which will then be shortly followed by the provision of shelter services and the restoration of livelihood and employment, among many others,” he added. As of September, the DBM has already released P1.840 trillion of the total P2.006 trillion budget for the year. This 91.8 percent obligation rate reflects a faster budget execution rate when compared to the 87.3 percent seen over the same period last year.
DISBURSEMENTS BY EXPENSE CLASS, AS OF SEPTEMBER 2013 Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) continued to expand by more than 20 percent year-on-year—bringing disbursements for this expense class to P211 billion—due to higher allocations for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) social protection programs, which include the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program and the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program. Personnel Services slightly increased by 9.7 percent or P37.7 billion to P424 billion as of September, as the implementation of the last tranche of the Salary Standardization Law III, release of claims for retirement gratuity and terminal leave benefits, and release for the grant of the 2012 Performance-Based Bonuses (PBB) continued. Subsidy to GOCCs rose by P16.9 billion or 91.7 percent from last year’s outturn because of the much earlier release of premiums this year for indigent beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) and the release of cash requirements for the resettlement program and AFP/PNP housing project of the National Housing Authority (NHA). Interest Payments climbed to P12.8 billion—up by 5.2 percent year-on-year—due to the servicing of domestic debt, specifically for the payment of semi-annual interest on fixed rate treasury bonds and quarterly interest on retail treasury bonds. Nevertheless, percentage share of IP in total disbursements as of September this year is still lower at 18.9 percent from 2012’s 20.1 percent ratio. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said compliance with general labor standards and occupational safety and health standards matter even in times of calamity and she reminded employers, humanitarian, and relief and welfare organizations implementing emergency employment, or 'cash-for-work' programs in disaster-stricken communities, to comply with Philippine labor laws. "Please don't make our workers victims twice. Pay them the correct wages and ensure their safety and health," said Baldoz, noting that the government's emergency employment program pays workers P260 per day in Eastern Visayas, P297 per day in Central Visayas, and P287 in Western Visayas on top of social security benefits, such as group insurance. The DOLE also ensures that worker-beneficiaries are also given personal protective gear, such as working gloves, boots, and helmets. She reminded employers that national government agencies, specifically the DOLE and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, have a standing agreement that worker-beneficiaries under the emergency employment program, or cash-for-work, are to be paid the minimum wages prevailing in the area, including a minimum work duration of 15 days. Baldoz issued the call for compliance with labor and OSH standards as the DOLE's emergency employment in Eastern Visayas as of 25 November continues to pick up momentum. Citing an update report from DOLE Undersecretary Rebecca Chato who is the top official supervising DOLE operation in Region 8, Baldoz said the total number of workers in the program now stands at 9,225 covering 294 barangays in two cities and 11 municipalities in the region. In Tacloban City, 590 workers in 25 barangays are enrolled, while in Ormoc City, 1,140 workers in 38 barangays have started actual work. The municipalities in Leyte where the program has begun are Alang-Alang (1,140 workers in 38 barangays); Jaro (180 workers in 6 barangays); and Sta. Fe (600 workers in 20 barangays). In (Western) Samar, only the town of Basey is enrolled, with 450 workers in 15 barangays. In Eastern Samar, 900 workers in 10 barangays are enrolled in the town of Lawaan; Balangiga (390 workers in 13 barangays); Mercedes (480 workers in 16 barangays); Salcedo (1,230 workers in 41 barangays); Guian (835 workers in 29 barangays); Quinapondan (750 workers in 25 barangays); and Giporlos (540 workers in 18 barangays). Undersecretary Chato also reported that the DOLE is currently conducting an initial list-up of workers in the town of Gen. McArthur in Eastern Samar, and in the towns of Palo, Leyte, and Burauen, Leyte. "All in all, 779 barangays with a total population of 20,370 are covered, with 448 barangays with total population of 14,365 have been oriented on the program," she said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| In Pangasinan, poultry dressing plant to employ 100 workers displaced by Typhoon Yolanda | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended a large poultry dressing plant in San Jacinto, Pangasinan after it has pledged to the DOLE, through its Regional Office No. 1, to hire 100 workers from Samar and Leyte who were displaced by Typhoon Yolanda. “We are heartened by this display of compassion and demonstration of corporate social responsibility by one of our private sector partners, the San Vicente Dressing Plant Corporation,: said Baldoz, who was informed of the pledge by DOLE Regional Office No. 1 regional Director Grace Ursua. San Vicente Dressing Plant Corporation is an ISO-certified company and a Class AA poultry dressing facility accredited by the National Meat Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture. It is a contracted toll plant for San Miguel Foods, Inc.’s and meat business and a supplier of chicken products to big companies in Luzon. It is one of the companies belonging to the Kenwood Holdings Group. In her report, Director Ursua said to Secretary Baldoz that Kenwood Holdings has tied up with DOLE Regional Office No. 1 to hire 100 qualified and able to workers who are victims of Typhoon Yolanda from Samar and Leyte provinces. “On its own, Kenwood Holding is embarking on a corporate social responsibility project “Tulong Trabaho sa Mga Biktima ng Bagyong Yolanda” in San Vicente, San Jacinto, Pangasinan to provide employment opportunities with a long-term impact to the typhoon victims as a means of helping them rebuild their lives,”said Ursua. Kenwood Holding will hire truck drivers and helpers, office personnel, checkers, quality control technicians, processing crew, cashiers and maintenance mechanics for its San Vicente Dressing Plant located in Barangay San Vicente, San Jacinto, Pangasinan. “We have conceptualized this project in view of the necessities and needs of the calamity victims and our company would like to humbly share its contribution in addressing their tragic plight,” said George Li, Kenwood Holdings owner and general manager. Those who will be hired will be paid the prevailing minimum wage rate in Pangasinan where they are deployed and other statutory mandatory wage-related benefits. They will also be provided with quarters/housing; uniforms and extra clothing; medical assistance, if necessary; and meal subsistence until the first salary is received. Ursua further reported that the DOLE Regional Office No. 1 and the human resource management team of Kenwood Holdings are already coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for the identification and location of possible applicants. “The regional office and the Kenwood Holdings representatives will conduct recruitment and selection at identified relocation sites. Those who will be hired will be brought by the company for free from the relocation site to their workplaces. The company will induct and orient the successful applicants,” she said. To be qualified for the job vacancies, the worker-applicants must be duly certified by the DSWD or NDRRMC as victims of typhoon Yolanda; they should be 18 years old and above; and must meet the educational requirements needed for the job. Other documentary requirements include valid IDs, 2x2 picture, birth certificate issued by the NSO, NBI clearance and other available credentials such as training certificates, diploma, and transcript of records. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Region IV-A peace and order council (RPOC) reorganization meeting held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| With the mandate of ensuring peace and order, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of the CALABARZON Region (Region IV-A) convened last October 25, 2013 at the Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila to discuss the reorganization as well the preparations for the 2013 Barangay Election. This was attended by 29 members with former Rizal Governor and now Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro A. Ynares, Jr. presiding being the interim RPOC Chair. Local Chief Executives (LCEs) who joined Mayor Ynares were Laguna Governor E.R. Ejercito; Catanauan, Quezon Mayor Ramon A. Orfanel, LMP President of Quezon; and Pagsanjan, Laguna Mayor Girlie Javier Ejercito, LMP President Laguna. Gov. David C. Suarez of Quezon, Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto of Batangas, and Gov. Juanito Victor Remulla, Jr. of Cavite on the other hand sent their representatives. In attendance also are the other Regional Directors and representatives from various National Government Agencies (NGAs) in the region including PCSupt. Jesus T. Gatchalian of the Police Regional Office 4A (PRO4A) CALABARZON; and Maj. Gen. Nonito Alfredo T. Peralta, Jr. of the AFP’s 2nd ID who presented their accomplishments. Invited as guest was Atty. Juanito Icaro, Regional Election Director of COMELEC Region IV. The PRO4A presented the peace and order situation in the region, primarily the crime rate and volume, including their plans, programs, and accomplishment. These also include the PNP’s preparation for the 2013 barangay election. On the other hand, the AFP presented the status of internal security operations in the region as well as their accomplishments, plans, and programs. The AFP’s report was followed by the presentation of the COMELEC focusing on various concerns specifically the 2013 Barangay election. Presented also by the COMELEC are the election timeline, as well as the prohibited acts. Various questions were also raised particularly on the prohibition of hiring personnel and disbursement of funds which were properly addressed by Atty. Icaro. For its part, DILG IV-A presented the status of implementation of PAMANA projects in Region IV-A, particularly in the six LGUs of Quezon Province. In relation to PAMANA, Mayor Orfanel inquired about the role of the LGUs in implementing the projects under the PAMANA including the Bottom-Up Planning and Budgeting (BuPB). His inquiry was later on addressed by the representative from the Department of Agriculture. The issues and concerns raised during the meeting prompted Mayor Ynares to request additional data for discussion for the next RPOC meeting. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Aquino administration's first airport PPP bid out tomorrow | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Major Local Conglomerates, Renowned Foreign Airport Operators Vie for DOTC’s Mactan-Cebu International Airport Project Manila, Philippines – Bid submissions for the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Project are all set tomorrow, 28 November 2013, making it the first airport to be bid out under President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program. With the country’s transportation modernization efforts getting a shot in the arm following last week’s go-ahead of 5 crucial transport infrastructure projects by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, the MCIA Project is expected to net the highest number of PPP bidders yet, having seven (7) pre-qualified groups led by top Philippine conglomerates partnered with renowned airport operators from around the world. “We know that the world is watching. This is the acid test for our PPP program. The higher the turnout, the more credibility it will mean for our projects,” said DOTC spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal. The 7 bidders pre-qualified last May are: AAA Airport Partners led by the Ayala and Aboitiz companies; the Filinvest-CAI Airport consortium; the Lopez groups’ First Philippine Airports; the GMR Infrastructure and Megawide consortium; the MPIC-JGS Airport consortium led by the companies of Manuel V. Pangilinan and John Gokongwei; SM’s Premier Airport Group; and the San Miguel-Incheon Airport consortium. The roster of foreign airport operators includes ADC & HAS of Houston Airport, Malaysia Airports Berhad, and those from Singapore’s Changi Airport, South Korea’s Incheon Airport, France’s Aeroports de Lyon, Switzerland’s Zurich Airport, India’s Delhi Airports. Several key improvements to the project’s terms were approved by the NEDA Board, making it more attractive to bidders and encouraging more competitive proposals. These include extending the concession period from twenty (20) years to twenty five (25) years, including the operation of the apron or aircraft parking area in the project scope, and imposing a twenty five (25)-year ban on the operation of competing airports within the province of Cebu apart from the Bantayan and Camotes Islands. The MCIA Project will modernize the country’s second-largest aviation hub with the construction of a new world-class international passenger terminal building (PTB) having an 8-million annual passenger design capacity. It will also renovate the existing PTB, which has been operating at over-capacity with 6.7 million passengers going through the structure in 2012. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Phl Ambassador presents credentials to Zambian President | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 26 November 2013 — Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that he presented his Letter of Credence and the Letter of Recall of his predecessor to H. E. President Michael Chilufya Sata of the Republic of Zambia on November 07 in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Ambassador Vingno, who was accompanied by his wife Mme. Yoko Ramos-Vingno, conveyed to President Sata the warm greetings of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the hope that the warm relations between Zambia and the Philippines will grow stronger through the establishment of new proposed agreements such as on bilateral cooperation and trade. During their trip to Lusaka, Ambassador and Madame Vingno also met with members of the Filipino community there, who are composed of professionals and skilled workers such as engineers and medical personnel. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PHL Consulate General in Vancouver conducts consular outreach in Edmonton, Alberta | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 26 November 2013 - The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver conducted a successful Consular Outreach Program to service Filipinos in Edmonton, Alberta from November 15 to 17. The members of the Consular team that conducted the program included Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, Consul Melanie Diano, Ms. Magdalena Sosa, Ms. Alicia Bautista, Mr. Jandy Zulita and Mr. Edwin Villalon. On November 14, the Filipino community of Edmonton, Alberta gathered to host a welcome dinner for Consul General Neil Ferrer on his assumption as the new Philippine Consul General in Vancouver, who has jurisdiction over Alberta province. Highlights of the dinner included, special guest, Ms. Rhonda Schwab’s announcement that the Canadian Red Cross has offered donations worth $7million as relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. Another special guest, Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk of Alberta announced that the Philippines will receive a matching grant from the Alberta government. The total amount CA$500,000 was later confirmed by Alberta Premier Alison Redford on November 18. Also at the dinner was the crew of Balitang Canada who interviewed Congen Ferrer on the situation of the provinces affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Consul General echoed on-going Government relief operations and expressed his appreciation to Canada’s commitments to help the victims of the typhoon. On November 15, Consul General Ferrer, Consul Diano and Honorary Consul General Esmeralda Agbulos met with Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk at the Parliament Building in Alberta to discuss the operational details of the program by the Government of Alberta to help the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) by matching donations that Albertans make to the Canadian Red Cross. Also discussed was a fund raising campaign on November 24 wherein various Albertan stakeholders will be invited to make donations. The warm meeting concluded with assurances from the Deputy Premier to Consul General Ferrer that his office will coordinate with Honorary Consul General Agbulos to make this a successful campaign. Honorary Consul General Agbulos will file a report on this matter at a later date. On November 16, Consul General Ferrer met with Calgary-based Filipino community members and owner of Mabuhay News to discuss their relief efforts in Calgary which they called Operation Pagbangon which will be held on December 01. He also met with Mr. Dick B. Wong, Vice President of NutraPonics, an Alberta based company dedicated to the development and commercialization of an intensive food crop production system that address the growing global demand for safe, economical, sustainable, high-value nutritional products. The Nutraponics system is an advancement on aquaponics, a food production method that combines aquaculture, hydroponics and organic water treatment to create an optimized environment for plant growth. Consul General Ferrer later met with the members of the Philippine Business Society of Edmonton led by Mr. Celso Andrade, the owner of Sunfreight Company in Edmonton, and informed them of the various services that the Consulate is providing to our Kababayans in Canada. He encouraged the members of the Society to work hand in hand with the Philippine Consulate to facilitate and support on-going and future business activities between the Philippines and Alberta. Edmonton is home to an estimated 40,000 Filipino and Filipino-Canadians. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PRC warns public anew against fixers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila, November 27, 2013 -- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) today cautioned applicants, prospective takers of various licensure examinations including registered professionals and members of their families against fixers out to prey on unsuspecting victims. According to the PRC, the modus operandi of these fixers is to pose or introduce themselves as PRC officials or employees and to assure the examinee or members of their families that they can guarantee the examinee to pass the board examination in exchange for a certain amount of money. Meetings with the examinees or their families where the money is to be paid to the fixers are then conducted in a restaurant or other place outside of PRC premises. Recently, an individual introducing himself as a PRC official offered to facilitate the processing of the renewal of the licenses of two Mechanical Engineers. The two professionals, sensing fraud, sought the legal assistance of the PRC-Davao Regional Office. Other than the PRC mobile services (PRC on-wheels) and the PRC I.D. Renewal Center at the Malls, the Commission stressed that official transactions are done at all PRC Offices (Central, Regional and Satellite) and with authorized PRC personnel ONLY. To verify the identity of a PRC official whose name may have been used by these fixers, the public is advised to check from the directory of PRC officials HERE. PRC said that in waging war against fixers, syndicates and fake professionals, it is continuously networking with other government agencies for a more coordinated effort to combat their fraudulent activities. It is also asking PRC clients and the general public to help in this effort by reporting questionable transactions to the Commission. For inquiry, assistance or any information regarding suspicious individuals and transactions, the public is encouraged to call the PRC’s Hotline: (02)310-0026 or e-mail queries or reports to mediarelations_prc@yahoo.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PRC extends deadline of applications of repeaters for the January 2014 Licensure Examination for Teachers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila, November 27, 2013 – The Professional Regulation Commission announces the extension of the deadline for the filing of applications of REPEATERS for the January 26, 2014 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) from November 29, 2013 to DECEMBER 6, 2013. The PRC and the Board for Professional Teachers decided to extend the deadline for the filing of applications to allow prospective examinees to secure the necessary requirements including those who failed in the September 2013 LET. The January 2014 Licensure Examination for Teachers will be held simultaneously in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tuguegarao, Pagadian, Zamboanga and Hong Kong. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| LANDBANK recently approved a US$27 million term loan for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) which will be used to refinance and take-out part of SBMA’s existing foreign loans. A top dollar depositor of the LANDBANK Subic Branch, the SBMA plays a major role in promoting tourism and enabling industrial, commercial, and investment growth in the Subic-Clark region, which in turn generates employment and contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia and LANDBANK Senior Vice President for Corporate Banking Edward John T. Reyes signed the loan agreement. Also present during the loan signing were SBMA Legal Services head Von Rodriguez, OIC/Finance deputy administrator Paulette Yee, Financial Control & Analysis manager Antonietta Sanqui, SBMA Board of Directors Ramon Sesdoyro, Al Siapno, Philip Camara, and Bien Benitez; LANDBANK’s Public Sector Account Officer Esperanza Martinez, and Subic Branch Assistant Vice President Sylvia Lim. (Photo shows Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia and LANDBANK SVP for Corporate Banking Edward John T. Reyes during the agreement signing for SBMA’s $27 million term loan. ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SWS results a wake up call for all gov't officials - VP Binay | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vice President Jejomar C. Binay remains grateful for his "very good" satisfaction ratings in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, and acknowledged the people’s high expectations of government officials. He said the survey should be seen as a "wake up call" for top government officials whose rating all declined. "We cannot really have a 100% accurate survey but I have no issue with the SWS result. If we have shortcomings, then it’s a wake up call," he said. The survey conducted from September 20 to 23 showed that 78 percent of the respondents were satisfied with Binay’s performance, while 10 percent were dissatisfied. This brings the Vice President’s net satisfaction rating to “very good” (+69) which is seven points below the +76 (83 percent satisfied, 7 percent dissatisfied) or “excellent” rating he received in June. "The ratings for all the top government officials went down," he said, referring to the drop in the ratings of President Aquino, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Sonny Belmonte, and Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno. Binay posted the highest among the country’s top officials in the SWS survey. Binay also said he believes the satisfaction ratings of President Aquino directly affects the ratings of those in the executive department. “If you look at the previous surveys, you will notice that if the ratings of the President drop, our ratings also drop. This is because it reflects on the executive department," he said. According to SWS, Binay received seven “excellent” and six “very good” ratings in 13 surveys since September 2010. Net satisfaction ratings are classified by SWS as follows: +70 and above, “excellent”; +50 to +69, “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below, “execrable.” The latest round of SWS nationwide survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adult Filipinos. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PhilHealth Tacloban and Ormoc offices now open to serve; issues policy on fortuitous events | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In just two weeks after Typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in Eastern Visayas, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced that its local health insurance offices in the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc are now up and running to serve the health insurance needs of members and non-members alike. PhilHealth fulfilled its promise to open the two leading offices Monday, November 25, after suffering from heavy damage from strong winds and storm surges. "We are back in operation in these two major cities for the benefit of our members and partners, thanks to our resilient and dedicated team in Region VIII" PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla said. PhilHealth earlier assured the public that at least seven of their local health insurance offices and service desks in Southern Leyte, Samar and Biliran are still up and running despite the severe damage and very unusual situation that their employees are in. "These offices can perform membership registration and verification concerns (without online inquiry due to power outage) and receiving of benefit claims and premium contributions, except for the service desks" Padilla said, adding that members and partners can contact their Yolanda Action Center at (02) 441-7425 to 26 for PhilHealth’s disaster recovery, rehabilitation and support efforts in the area. The PhilHealth Chief also said that to institutionalize their response during fortuitous events of such magnitude, PhilHealth has issued a policy that will serve as their template of response to ensure continuing health care benefits during such "acts of God". In its Circular 34, s-2013 dated November 15, 2013, PhilHealth will pay claims of members and non-members and accredited and non-accredited hospitals and professionals during such events. "We will even extend filing period for claims to 120 days from date of discharge, make exemptions to the less than 24-hour confinement rule, and even reimbursement for destroyed claims" Padilla stressed. The Circular also allows for extension of deadline of premium payments and/or existing coverage as prescribed by PhilHealth, among other. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| “Bahay Ko Pananagutan Ko” 2nd raffle draw | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| More than 11, 000 current housing loan borrowers of the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) will get a chance to win cash prizes at the second raffle draw of the Bahay Ko, Pananagutan Ko Raffle Program. On December 5, 2013 eight (8) winners will be drawn via electronic raffle. A total of Php1 Million will be given away to the lucky borrowers. The grand prize winner will receive P350,000; the second and third place winners will receive P250,000 and P150,000 respectively, while five (5) winners will each receive P50,000 consolation prize. Awarding of prizes will be held on December 20, 2013, coinciding with NHMFC’s 36th Anniversary. All raffle prizes shall be applied to the outstanding balance of the borrower. Only prizes that go beyond the outstanding balance and result to full payment of the loan with excess payments shall be reimbursed to the borrower in cash, net of 20% winners tax based on the Commission on Audit (COA) Rules and Regulations. The program is open to all borrowers classified as current (zero arrears) for each month of the year. For every six (6) months that a borrower remains current, he shall be entitled to one raffle coupon. This means that a maximum of two raffle coupons may be earned by an updated borrower within the year. Computer-generated raffle entries shall be assigned to all eligible borrowers after cut-off date of the program, which is March and September of the year. The “Bahay Ko Pananagutan Ko” Rewards and Incentives Program aims to encourage borrowers to pay early and maintain their housing loans in current status without restructuring their loan obligations. Last year, eight (8) updated borrowers were awarded their cash prizes during the agency’s 35th Anniversary. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| High demand expectations drive Phl imports growth in September 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA – Increased overseas buying of raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods and consumer goods supported the 7.2-percent growth of total Philippine merchandise imports in September 2013, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The rise of importation in September 2013 mirrored the buoyant outlook of firms on the volume of business activities for the third and fourth quarters of the year. This is in anticipation of the increase in demand during the holiday season,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. Thus, the value of imports increased to US$5.7 billion in September 2013 from US$5.3 billion in the same period last year. Raw materials and intermediate goods, which comprised 42 percent of total imports, grew to US$2.4 billion (21.9%) year-on-year in September 2013. Higher payments for semi-processed raw materials (26.5%), particularly the rise in imports of materials and accessories for the manufacture of electrical equipment (96.5%) fueled this growth. “Increasing export orders received by the members of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry of the Philippines may have boosted the import performance of the said commodity, in line with positive global expectations for the electronics industry in the second half of 2013,” the Cabinet official said. Also, imports of capital goods rose to US$1.6 billion in September 2013, higher by 20.8 percent from the same period last year. This growth was due to the higher import bill of aircraft, ships and boats (1,554.8%), power generating and specialized machines (14.2%) and land transportation equipment (2.5%) for the period. “The higher value of imported aircraft, ships and boats was partly attributed to the arrival of new Airbus A330-300 of Cebu Pacific Air as part of the company’s growing fleet,” said Balisacan, who is NEDA Director-General. As for imported consumer goods, the value of spending increased by 2.0 percent year-on-year to US$663.2 million in September 2013 due to robust purchases of durable items (7.8%). “This corroborates the results of the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Consumer Expectations Survey indicating that consumers generally perceived the third quarter of 2013 as a favorable time to buy durable items,” he said. Meanwhile, the United States of America was the top source of Philippine merchandise imports in September 2013 with an 11.8-percent (US$675.1 million) share. Second is the People’s Republic of China with an 11.5-percent share (US$657.6 million) followed by Taiwan (8.0%), Japan (8.0%), Singapore (7.2%), Thailand (6.1%), South Korea (5.9%), France (5.7%), Germany (5.5%), and Saudi Arabia (5.2%). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| DTI brings Diskwento Caravan to typhoon-hit Tacloban City | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held the latest leg of the Diskwento Caravan in typhoon –hit Tacloban City on Friday, November 22, with the goal to make supply of affordable basic necessities available to the affected communities. DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo joined the Diskwento Caravan conducted in RTR Plaza, Tacloban City. “We are bringing Diskwento Caravan to Tacloban City to help the typhoon victims by making basic necessities accessible to them, and to replenish the local supply of goods in devastated areas,” Secretary Domingo said. According to DTI Region 7 Director Asteria Caberte, about six companies, namely Gardenia, Purefoods, Nestle, Dranix Inc., Unilever, and Century Canning Corp. participated the Diskwento Caravan in which basic items such as bread, canned goods, processed meat, coffee, milk, detergent bar, soaps cooking oil, and instant noodles were sold at very affordable discounted prices. Director Caberte reported that the supply for Diskwento Caravan came from Cebu and were transported via Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) boat. She also noted the positive response from the residents who were satisfied with DTI’s initiative to bring supplies to their area. DTI is targeting to conduct Diskwento Caravan again in Tacloban City and another one in Borongan, Eastern Samar next week. Additional basic necessities and prime commodities such as essential medicines, rice, and construction materials will be offered in the succeeding caravans in response to the demand of affected communities. Since last week, DTI already conducted Diskwento Caravan in six cities located in Samar and Leyte: Ormoc City, Leyte (November 14); Maasin City, Leyte (November 18); Baybay City, Leyte and Calbayog City, Samar (November 19); Catbalogan City, Samar (November 20), and Tacloban City (November 22). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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