| SEABOARD |
WEATHER |
WIND FORCE
(KPH)/(KNOTS) |
SEA
CONDITION |
WAVE
HEIGHTS
(meters) |
The northern seaboard of Northern Luzon
(Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Northern coast of Cagayan and Northern coast of Ilocos Norte) |
Cloudy skies with rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms |
(52 - 63) / (28 - 34) |
Rough to very rough |
3.4 to 4.5 |
Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out
into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.
The next update will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
Issued at: 5:00 AM 18 December 2013
SYNOPSIS: Tail-end of a cold front affecting extreme Northern Luzon.
Trough of a Low Pressure Area (LPA) affecting Eastern Mindanao.
FORECAST: Batanes, Calayan, Aurora, Quezon,
Bicol Region and Caraga will experience cloudy skies with light to
moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the
country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or
thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southeast to
northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters
along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be
light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to
moderate seas.
Over METRO MANILA
Maximum Temperature : 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 32.7ºC
Minimum Temperature : 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 23.7ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity : 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 98%
Minimum Relative Humidity : 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 64%
Sunrise Today : 6:15 AM
Sunset Today : 5:30 PM
Low Tide Today : 6:04 AM .………-0.23 METER
High Tide Today : 10:15 PM ...…......1.08 METER
Moonrise Today : 6:21 PM
Moonset Tomorrow : 7:25 AM
Illumination Tomorrow : 98 %
For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877
===================================================================================
December 18 , 2013
( Wednesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Partly Cloudy
LAGUNA : Sunny
BATANGAS : Fair Weather
RIZAL : Fair Weather
QUEZON
: Cloudy
==============================================================================
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
Lucena City Councilor Anacleto Alcala III has urged the Sangguniang
Panglunsod to pass a resolution requiring the city government of Lucena
to provide long-term livelihood project to women engage in sex trade
in the city. Alcala said that its about time to change the lives of
those involved in this kind of business by providing decent jobs.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Sumailalim sa isang barangay orientation on barangay legislation ang
lahat ng mga nahalal na opisyal ng barangay sa bayan ng Padre
Garcia.Layon nitong ipaunawa at ipaalala sa lahat ng mga bagong halal
ang kanilang tungkulin sa barangay.
PIA-4A/CAVITE:
A benefit concert dubbed as "Sayaw Para sa Pagbangon" organized under
by CODE 16 MANILA-DANCE FORCE was successfully held at the provincial
gymnasium last Dec. 15. Proceeds of the said concert will benefit
thousands of families affected by typhoon Yolanda last month.
PIA-4A/CAVITE:
The City Tourism Development Office of Bacoor announced that the city
government will be staging the Bacoor's first-ever Cosplay competition
on Dec. 19 starting at 8am at the city hall grounds. Organizers are
urging the participants to be in their
best costume (anime, cartoons, manga, games, comics) and get a chance to
win exciting prizes. Registration form can be downloaded via
facebook.com/CityTourismDevelopmentOffice or call 09157888703 for
further details.
The
City Tourism Development Office (CTDO) is hereby created for the
purpose of implementing the various tourism projects created and
approved by the City Tourism Council and perform such other tasks as may
be assigned to it by law, by ordinance.
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
The provincial disaster risk reduction and management office conducted
the three day medium angle rescue training in Sariaya, Quezon last
December 11-13. This aims to train the members of Sariaya disaster risk
reduction and management council on basic life support in preparation
for any disaster occurrence.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Patuloy ang pagbibigay ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas ng capacity
building seminar sa may 143 barangay nutrition scholar.May mga
pagsasanay din na ipinagkaloob sa mga ito tulad ng infant and young
child feeding, pabasa sa nutrisyon at promotion of egg and vegetables.
PIA-4A/CAVITE:
The provincial gov't recently issued an order for the establishment of a
Performance Management Team aimed to review and further enhance the
Performance Management System-Office Performance Evaluation System to
deal with the pressing gaps and weaknesses and continually foster the
improvement of individual employee efficiency and organizational
effectiveness.
PIA-4A/RIZAL:
The Rizal Provincial Government, City of Antipolo and DENR encourages
locals to in saving the Hinulugang Taktak through volunteerism. The said
waterfall which is seen as an icon of the city has gradually been
polluted through the years and is in need of rehabilitation.
======================================================================
GMA:
Dumating na sa bansa ang mga labi ng pitong Pinoy na kabilang sa mga
namatay noong lusubin ng isang suicide bomber ang Yemeni Defense
Ministry. Ngayong gabi ay inaaasahang maibuburol ang mga labi ng mga
nasabing Pilipino.
=======================================================================
17 DECEMBER 2013.
Palace
assures public of government
efforts to ensure riding public's safety
|
|
Government agencies such as the
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Labor and Employment will lead efforts to ensure the safety of the riding
public, especially in the wake of Monday's deadly bus accident at the Skyway.
Presidential Communications
Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said Tuesday the Aquino
administration will prevent irresponsible operators and reckless drivers from
getting government permission to operate unsafe vehicles.
"The Aquino administration
has always prioritized the safety of the riding public. The objective is to
prevent irresponsible operators and reckless drivers from obtaining
government permission to operate unsafe vehicles that place the lives of the
riding public at risk," Coloma said at a media briefing.
He said the LTFRB already
suspended for 30 days the entire 78-unit fleet of Don Mariano Transport
Corp., whose bus was involved in Monday's accident that killed at least 18
people.
Also, Coloma said the DOLE will
closely monitor the compliance by bus operators of occupational health and safety standards.
The DOLE had also imposed a
two-tier wage system where bus drivers and conductors are entitled to a
minimum wage and a performance-based pay.
Coloma noted the DOLE's department
order compels bus operators to secure a Labor Standards and Compliance
Certificate as a requirement for renewing their franchises.
Meanwhile, Coloma said the
government will observe the principles of enforcement, engineering and
education in preventing a repeat of the bus tragedy.
He said enforcement involves
making sure people follow speed limits in thoroughfares, while engineering
involves the safe design and safety features of roads, including
closed-circuit television cameras.
Education aims to heighten public
awareness on the need for road safety, he added. PND (jl)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Malacañang on Tuesday
indicated it is open to the use of speed monitoring or limiting devices on
public utility vehicles like buses, to prevent a repeat of Monday's deadly
accident where a bus flew off the Skyway and crashed into the service road
below.
Presidential
Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma said such a monitoring
device could benefit bus operators, to ensure bus drivers do not overspeed.
"Puwede ito
gamitin as a monitoring or control device. It will also be for the benefit of
bus operators. Pati ang pagsunod ng drivers to proper speed limits will also
affect the fuel efficiency of their vehicles (Such devices could benefit bus
operators, they can make sure drivers observe speed limits while going at a
speed that maintains fuel economy)," Coloma said at a media briefing.
He also said the Palace will let lawmakers debate the merits of such a move
and pass the appropriate bill.
Coloma cited the case
of the Seat Belt Law, which was eventually passed and is now a requirement in
public transportation.
On the other hand,
Coloma said the government would rather continue letting the private sector
operate public transport as it is more efficient.
The government's role
would be limited to regulating the operations of the private sector, he said.
"Kung maaring
gampanan ang paglilingkod ng private sector, mas mainam sila ang magsagawa
nito with proper regulation from the government to protect and promote public
interest (If it is possible, we would let the private sector take over the
operations. It is better that the private sector operate the companies, with
proper regulation by the government to protect and promote public
interest)," he said. PND (jl)
|
|
|
|
DOLE to strictly enforce order compeling bus operators to
adhere to occupational health and safety standards
|
|
To ensure President
Benigno S. Aquino III’s directive of prioritizing the safety of the riding
public, Malacanang announced on Tuesday that the Department of Labor and
Employment would closely monitor bus operators applying or renewing their
respective franchises with the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory
Board (LTFRB) to comply with occupational health and safety standards.
This after a bus of
the Don Mariano Transit Corporation figured in an accident at the Skyway in
Paranaque City on Tuesday that resulted in its falling off the elevated
highway and landing on a van below. The mishap resulted in 18 deaths.
In a press briefing in
Malacanang, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio
Coloma, Jr. said that by monitoring the implementation of DOLE Department
Order No. 118-12 entitled Rules and Regulations governing the employment and
working conditions of drivers and conductors in the public utility bus
transport industry will “compel bus operators to secure a labor standards
certificate as a mandatory requirement before they could apply or renew their
franchise with the LTFRB.”
“The objective is to
prevent irresponsible operators and reckless drivers from obtaining
government permission to operate unsafe vehicles that place the lives of the
riding public at risk,” Coloma said.PND (rck)
|
|
|
|
Palace: Kerry
visit a chance for Phl, US to broaden cooperation on various issues
|
|
The visit of United
States Secretary of State John Kerry to the Philippines should be a chance
for the Philippines and US to broaden cooperation on various fronts,
Malacañang said Tuesday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny”
Coloma Jr. said these fronts include economic and security cooperation,
people-to-people ties and humanitarian assistance and disaster response and
cooperation.
"As stated by (Foreign Affairs) Secretary Albert del Rosario, the visit
of Secretary John Kerry presents an opportunity for the two countries to
discuss the broadening of economic and security cooperation, strengthening of
people-to-people ties and humanitarian assistance and disaster response and
cooperation on regional issues," Coloma said at a media briefing.
Kerry arrived in the Philippines Tuesday morning and is expected to meet with
President Benigno S. Aquino III in the evening.
Meanwhile, Coloma said the reported announcement by Kerry that the US will
boost maritime security assistance to the countries of Southeast Asia amid
rising tensions with Beijing is consistent with the country’s stand to defend
freedom of navigation and freedom of aviation and flight.
He said the Philippines joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and
Japan in last weekend's ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in stressing the
importance of freedom of navigation in the seas and freedom of flight.
Earlier reports indicated Kerry pledged an added $32.5 million for ASEAN
members to protect their territorial waters and navigational freedom in the
West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Kerry arrived in Manila Tuesday afternoon for a two-day official visit to the
Philippines.
Welcoming him at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Balagbag Ramp were
Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr. and officials of the
Department of Foreign Affairs.
Upon arrival, Kerry proceeded to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in
Fort Bonifacio. He is to meet with DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario in the
afternoon.
In the evening, he will pay a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino
III at Malacañan Palace. President Aquino will then host a dinner for him.
On Wednesday, Kerry will visit Tacloban City, one of the areas hit hard by
Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and meet people affected by the typhoon and
those involved in relief efforts. PND (jl)
|
|
|
|
Palace: President Aquino to meet
with visiting UN Secretary General
|
|
President Benigno S.
Aquino III will meet with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who
will visit the Philippines later this week, Malacañang said Tuesday.
In a media briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary
Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the meeting will take place before the UN
official flies to Tacloban City.
"Ang alam ko, magkakaroon sila ng meeting, after which the UN Secretary
General will proceed to Tacloban (From what I know, they will have a meeting,
after which the UN Secretary General will proceed to Tacloban)," Coloma
said.
Tacloban City is one of the areas hit hardest by super typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan) when it devastated Visayas and Southern Luzon last Nov. 8.
Yolanda left more than 6,000 dead in its wake.
Coloma said the UN Secretary General is expected to assess the damage caused
by the calamity. PND (jl)
|
|
|
|
Taclobanons hold a candle-lighting rite to pay tribute to Yolanda
victims
|
|
(TACLOBAN CITY)
Taclobanons held on Tuesday a candle-lighting ceremony that covered the
10-kilometer main road of the city to commemorate the 40th day of the people
who perished due to super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).
The "One Tacloban,” in coordination with the Department of Tourism,
spearheaded the activities to mark the final day of mourning.
After holding the communal prayers, Tacloban residents and visitors held the
candle lighting ceremony along the main road stretching from the Speaker
Daniel Z. Romouldez Airport to downtown up to Anibong District.
Some 1, 200 colored candles were placed 10 meters apart at the right side of
the 10- kilometer main road from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Filipino Catholic family members, relatives, and friends usually gather on
the 40th day after death of the departed loveone for the holding of a solemn
rite called "Patapos or Pacuarenta."
It is the belief that the souls leave the earth for heaven on the 40th day
after death.
The organizers requested everyone to wear white clothes to mark this solemn
occasion. PND (js)
|
|
|
|
Government assures Yolanda victims of enough food for Christmas
|
|
The government on
Tuesday reassured victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) they will have
enough food assistance from the government at least until Christmas.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny”
Coloma Jr. said President Benigno S. Aquino III's priority for the victims is
still to make sure they have enough food.
"Patuloy ang daloy ng relief goods sa kanila ... Sa pagkaroon ng sapat
na pagkain, determinado ang pamahalaan na siguraduhing may sapat silang
pagsasaluhan sa Pasko (The distribution of relief goods to them will
continue. As far as food security is concerned, the government is determined
to ensure they have enough to eat at Christmas)," Coloma said at a media
briefing.
Several families remain displaced in the wake of Yolanda, which devastated
Visayas and Southern Luzon last November and left more than 6,000 dead.
Coloma said the families, especially those in severely affected areas, will
continue to receive food packs.
"Hindi natitinag ang commitment na ito (That commitment of the President
has not waned)," he said. PND (jl)
|
|
|
|
Palace reassures: No politics in going after Yolanda rehab profiteers
|
|
Malacañang on Tuesday
reassured the public there will be no politics in going after those seeking
to make a profit from the rehabilitation work in the wake of Super Typhoon
Yolanda (Haiyan).
Presidential
Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said
rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson has coordinated with the appropriate law
enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police he once
headed.
"Si Sec. Lacson
ay kumilos na sa kanyang obserbasyon at sinabi niya sa kanytang pahayag na
siya ay nakipagugnayan sa law enforcement agencies. Dahil sa lugar na
pinuntahan niya may PNP kung saan siya dating hepe, siya mismo ang
nakipagugnayan sa law enforcement agency (Sec. Lacson is acting on his
observations and is working with law enforcement agencies, including the PNP
that he once headed)," Coloma said at a media briefing.
He added it is clear
that all the government's actions on rehabilitation and reconstruction do not
take politics into consideration
Last weekend, Lacson disclosed some parties are out to make a profit in the
rehabilitation efforts. He said he has asked the appropriate government
agencies to look into such activities.
For his part, Coloma
stressed the government's focus is to help communities recover from the
destruction brought by Yolanda.
Yolanda left more than
6,000 dead after ravaging the Visayas and parts of Southern Luzon last Nov.
8.
"Malinaw naman sa
lahat na kilos ng pamahalaan sa rehabilitation at reconstruction ng
nasalantang lugar na walang consideration diyan ang pulitika (It is clear
from the government's actions that there is no politics involved in the
rehabilitation and reconstruction work)," he said. PND (jl)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The high cash
remittances from overseas Filipino workers as of October is good news not only for the OFWs and their families but
for the economy as well, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said
the Palace hopes such high levels of remittances can be maintained.
"Siyempre good news ito lalo sa pamilya ng mga OFW natin. At good news
din ito para sa ating buong ekonomiya (Of course this is good news to the
OFWs' families. And it is good news as well for our economy)," he said
at a media briefing.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier reported that cash remittances from
OFWs so far this year totaled $18.54 billion.
For October alone, inflows went up to $2.1 billion, the highest monthly
increase this year.
Coloma noted the remittances from OFWs make up a significant part of the
Philippines' Gross National Product.
"Batid natin ang remittances ng OFWs ay malaking bahagi ng GNP. At sana
magpatuloy pa ang pagtaas nito (We are aware remittances by OFWs make up a
big part of the GNP. We hope this will continue)," he said. PND (jl)
|
|
|
|
US Secretary of State Kerry to discuss ongoing relief efforts in
Tacloban
|
|
(TACLOBAN CITY) United
States (US) Secretary of State John F. Kerry will visit the storm hit
Tacloban City on Wednesday to discuss with the Philippine officials and other
stakeholders how the United States can continue to contribute to the relief
and reconstruction work here.
Kerry began on Tuesday his 2-day visit to the Philippines. It was his first
visit as US Secretary of State.
During his visit, Secretary Kerry will meet with President Benigno S. Aquino
III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.
"In Manila, the Secretary will meet with senior Philippine officials to
discuss ways to build on our already-strong economic, security, and
people-to-people relations," Jen Psaki, the spokesperson for the United
States Department of State, said in a statement posted in the US Embassy
Manila.
"Then, the Secretary will visit the storm-hit city of Tacloban to
witness first-hand the recovery efforts that are taking place there and
discuss how the United States can continue to contribute to the relief and
reconstruction work," Psaki said. PND (js)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visiting US Secretary
of State John Kerry visited the American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City
after arriving Tuesday for a two-day visit to the Philippines.
Kerry led the wreath-laying for American and Filipino servicemen who perished
during World War II in the Philippines and in Asia.
American and Filipino forces fighting together during the war made a strong
bond between the two countries, Kerry said. The Manila American Cemetery and
Memorial is the biggest cemetery in the world for Americans who died in World
War II.
“That is a significant statement on how we stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the
wake of World War II and against tyranny,” Kerry said during a meeting with
local and American businessmen in Manila.
The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines occupies 152
acres on a prominent plateau. It contains the largest number of graves of US
military dead of World War II, a total of 17,201, most of whom lost their
lives in operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. PND (as)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US Secretary of State
John Kerry on Tuesday evening made a courtesy call on President Benigno S.
Aquino III at the Music Room in Malacañan Palace.
Kerry had arrived in
Manila Tuesday afternoon for a two-day visit.
With him were US
Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, US State Department Deputy Chief
of Staff Jonathan Finer and US State Department Assistant Secretary for East
Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel.
On the Philippine side
were Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr.; Executive Secretary
Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
Shortly after arriving
in the Philippines, Kerry went to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
in Fort Bonifacio.
He then met with DFA
Secretary del Rosario in the afternoon.
On Wednesday, Kerry is
to visit Tacloban City, one of the areas hit hard by super typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan). PND (jl)
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
Tiniyak ng Palasyo ang gagawing pagsisikap ng
gobyerno para sa kaligtasan ng mga pasahero |
|
Pangungunahan ng Land Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board at ng Kagawaran ng Paggawa ang mga ahensiyang titiyak ng
kaligtasan ng mga pasahero ng pampublikong mga sasakyan sa liwanag nf
kahindik-hindik na sakuna ng bus sa Skyway Lunes ng umaga.
Tahasang sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential
Communications Operations Office Martes na hindi papayagan ng
administrasyong Aquino na makakakuha ng pahintulot ng pamahalaan ang mga
iresponsableng operators at walang habas magmanehong mga tsuper na maglabas
ng mga hindi ligtas na sasakyan.
“Ang kaligtasan ng mga pasahero ang laging una sa administrasyong Aquino.
Ang layunin nito ay huwag mabigyan ng pahintulot ng gobyerno ang mga
iresponsableng operators at mga tsuper na walang habas sa pagmamaneho na
naglalagay sa panganib ng buhay ng mga pasahero nila,” wika ni Coloma sa
pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Martes.
Sinuspindi na ng LTFRB sa loob ng 30 araw ang 78 unit fleet ng Don Mariano
Transport Corp. na dahil sa malubhang sakunang kinasangkutan ng isang bus
nito Lunes ng umaga kung saan 18 katao ang nasawi.
Binigyang diin ni Coloma na mahigpit na susubaybayan ng DOLE kung
umaalinsunod ang mga may-ari ng bus sa mga pamantayan ng occupational health
and safety standards.
Nagpatupad na rin ang DOLE ng two-tier wage system kung saan ang mga tsuper
at konduktor ay may karapatan sa minimum wage at performance-based pay.
Ang utos ng DOLE, sabi ni Coloma ay para mapilit ang mga may-ari ng bus na
kumuha ng Labor Standards and Compliance Certificate na kailangan sa pagkuha
ng bago nilang mga prangkisya.
Sinabi ni Cooma na upang huwag nang maulit ang trahedyang ito sa bus,
itatakda ng pamahalaan ang mga tuntunin sa pagpapatupad, inhinyerya at
edukasyon.
Sa pagpapatupad, wika ni Coloma, titiyaking susundin ng mga tao ang takdang
limitasyon sa mga lansangan, samantalang ang inhinyerya ay sa desenyo ng
kaligtasan at kaligtasan sa mga lansangan sa pamamagitan ng ilalagay na
closed-circuit television cameras.
Pakay ng edukasyon na lalo pang mamulat ang taong bayan na kailangan ang
kaligtasan sa mga lansangan, sabi pa ni Coloma. PND (jl/zaf) |
|
|
|
|
Ayos sa Palasyo ang paggamit ng ‘speed monitoring
devices’ sa mga bus |
|
Sang-ayon ang Malacanang sa paggamit ng speed monitoring
o limiting devices sa mga pamasaherong sasakyang tulad ng mga bus upang
maiwasang maulit pa ang kahindik-hindik na sakuna kung saan lumipad ang bus
mula sa Skyway at bumulusok sa service road sa ibaba.
Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications
Operations Office na mahalaga ang monitoring device para maiwasan ng mga
tsuper ng bus ang pagpapatakbo nang napakabilis.
“Puwede itong gamitin bilang monitoring o control device. Makabubuti ito sa
may-ari ng bus. Pati ang pagsunod ng mga tsuper sa takdang tulin ay magiging
daan din para makatipid ng gasolina ang minamaneho nilang sasakyan,” wika pa
ni Coloma.
Idinugtong niya na ipauubaya ng Palasyo sa mga mambabatas ang pagtatyalo sa
merito ng mga hakbang na ito at ang pagpapatibay ng karampatang panukalang
batas.
Binanggit ni Coloma ang tungkol sa Seat Belt Law na batas na ngayon kaya
ipinatutupad na sa mga pamasaherong sasakyan.
Sa kabilang dako, sinabi ni Coloma na minamarapat ng pamahalaan na ipaubaya
sa pribadong seklor ang pagmamay-ari ng mga pamasaherong sasakyan.
Ang papel ng gobyerno rito ay para lamang sa regulasyong may kinalaman sa
operasyong ginagawa ng pribadong sektor.
“Kung maaaring gampanan ng pribadong sektor ang paglilingkod, mas mainam na
sila ang magsagawa nito nang salig sa mga tuntuning itinakda ng pamahalaan
para naman pangalagaan at isulong ang kapakanang pambayan,” paliwanag ni
Coloma. PND(jl/zaf) |
|
|
|
|
Mahigpit na ipatutupad ng DOLE sa mga may-ari ng
bus ang ‘occupational health and safety standards’ |
|
Pag-alinsunod sa utos ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III
na una sa lahat, kaligtasan ng mga pasahero ang alagatain, inihayag ng
Malacanang Martes na masusing susubaybayan ng Kagawaran ng Paggawa ang mga
may-ari ng bus na kumukuha ng kanilang mga prangkisya sa Land Transportation
and Franchising Regulatory Boatd (LTFRB) kung umaalinsunod sila sa
occupational health and safety standards.
Ito ay pagkaraang masangkot sa aksidente ang isang bus ng Don Mariano
Transit Corporation sa sakuna sa Skyway sa Lungsod ng Paranaque Lunes na
naging daan ng pagkahulog ng bus sa mataas na lansangan at bumagsak sa isang
‘van’ na dumaraan sa kalye sa ibaba nito na naging dahilan ng pagkasawi ng
18 katao.
Sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang, sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng
Presidential Communications Operations Office na sa gagawing pagsubaybay ng
Kagawaran ng Paggawa kung sinusunod ang DOLE Department Order No. 118-12 o
ang Mga Tuntunin at Regulasyong ukol sa pagtatrabaho at kondisyon ng
pagtatrabahuhan ng mga tsuper at konduktor ng mga pamsaherong sasakyan na
tulad ng industriya ng bus kung saan “ang may-ari ng bus ay dapat kumuha ng
labor standards certificate bilang mandatory requirement bago sila makakuha
ng bago o ng dati na nilang prangkisya sa LTFRB.”
Niliwanag ni Coloma na ang layunin nito ay upang maiwasan ang mga
iresponsableng may-ari ng mga pamasaherong sasakyan at ng mga walang habas
magmaneho nilang mga tsuper na ilagay sa panganib ang buhay ng mga pasahero.
PND (rck/zaf) |
|
|
|
|
Ang pagdalaw ni Kerry ay pagkakataon para
mapalawak pa ng Pilipinas at ng Estados Unidos ang pagtutulungan sa
iba-ibang mga isyu—Palasyo |
|
Ang pagdalaw ni United States Secretary of State John
Kerry sa Pilipinas ay pagkakataon para sa Pilipinas at Estados Unidos upang
lalong lumawak ang kanilang pagtutulungan sa iba-ibang mga larangan, ayon sa
Malacanang Martes.
Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential
Communications Operations Office na ang mga larangang ito ay ang
pagtutulungan sa ekonomya at kapanatagan, ugnayang tao-sa-tao at
humanitarian assistance and disaster response sa mga pampurok na isyu.
“Tulad nang sinabi ni Kalihim Albert del Rosario, ang pagdalaw ni Kalihim
John Kerry ay pagkakataon upang ang dalawang bansa ay makapag-usap tungkol
sa pagpapalawak ng tulungan ukol sa ekonomya at kapanatagan, ibayong
ugnayang tao-sa-tao at pagdadamayan sa panahon ng mga kalamidad,” sabi ni
Kalihim Coloma.
Dumating si Kesrry sa Pilipinas Martes ng umaga at inaasahang
makikipagpulong siya sa Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kinagabihan.
Iniulat din ni Coloma na ang pahayag ni Kerry na palalawakin ng Estados
Unidos ang maritime security assistance sa mga bansa ng Timog Silangang Asya
sa gitna ng nag-iibayong tensiyon sa Beijing ay naaalinsunod sa paninindigan
ng bansa na ipagtanggol ang kalayaan sa nabigasyon sa mga karagatan at
kalayaan sa paglipad.
Sa mga inihayag na ulat ay nangako si Kerry ng dagdag na $32.5 miklyon para
sa mga kasapi ng ASEAN nang mapangalagaan nila ang kanilang teritoryong
karagatan at maging malaya ang nabigasyon sa West Philippine Sea (South
China Sea).
Martes ng hapon dumating si Kerry para sa dalawang araw na opisyal na
pagdalaw sa Pilipinas.
Sinalubong siya sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 nina
Embahador ng Pilipinas sa Washington Jose Cuisia, Jr. at ng mga pinuno ng
Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas.
Tumuloy si Kerry sa Manila American Cemetery and Memorial sa Fort Bonifacio.
Pagkatapos ay nakipagkita siya kay Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng DFA.
Kinagabihan, nagbigay-galang siya sa Pangulong Aquino sa Malakanyang. Isnag
hapunan ang inihandog sa kanya ng Pangulong Aquino.
Miyerkoles dadalaw si Kerry sa Lungsod ng Tacloban, isa sa mga pook na
malubhang sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda upang makipagkita sa mga taong
nabiktima ng bagyo at sa mga namamahagi ng tulong sa naturang lungsod. PND (jl/zaf) |
|
|
|
|
Magpupulong ang Pangulong Aquino at ang UN
Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon |
|
Makikipagpulong ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kay
Pangkalahatang Kalihim Ban Ki-Moon ng Bansang Magkakaanib na magiging
panauhin ng Pilipinas sa linggong ito.
Sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Martes, sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma,
Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office, na ang pulong ay
gaganapin bago magtungo ang Puno ng UN sa Lungsod ng Tacloban.
“Ang alam ko, magkakaroon sila ng pulong. Pagkatapos, ang Pangkalahatang
Kalihim ng UN ay tutuloy sa Lungsod ng Tacloban,” sabi ni Kalihim Coloma.
Ang Lungsod ng Tacloban ay isa sa pinakamalubhang winasak ng napakalakas na
bagyong Yolanda nang salantain nito ang Kabisayaan at Timog Luzon noong
Nobyembre 8.
Mahigit na 6,000 buhay ang pinuti ni Yolanda sa bansa.
Sinabi ni Coloma na inaasahang tatayahin ng Pangkalahatang Kalihim ng UN ang
pinsalang ginawa ng kalamidad sa bansa. PND (jl/zaf) |
|
|
|
|
Nagsindi ng kandila ang taga-Tacloban patra sa mga
biktima ni Yolanda |
|
(LUNGSOD NG TACLOBAN, Leyte) Nagtirik ng kandila ang mga
tagarito sa 10-kilometrong pangunahing lansangang bilang alaala sa ika-40
araw ng pagpanaw ng mga taong nasawi dahil sa napakalakas na bagyong
“Yolanda” noong Nobyembre 8.
Ang “One Tacloban” ay ginawa sa pakikipagtulungan ng Kagawaran ng Turismo at
alaala sa ika-40 araw ng pagyao ng mga taong ipinagluluksa nila.
Pagkatapos ng sama-samang pananalangin , ang mga taga-Tacloban at mga
panauhin nila ay nagsindi ng kandilang nakatirik sa pangunahing lansangangh
mula sa Paliparang Espiker Daniel Z. Romualdez hanggang sa kabayanan tagpo
sea Purok ng Anibong.
May 1,200 iba-ibang kulay na kandila ang itinirik tig-10 metro ang pagitan
sa kanang bahagi ng 10 kilometrong lansangan mula ikaapat ng hapon hanggang
ikapito ng gabi ng Martes.
Ang mga pamilyang Katolikong Pilipino, mga kamag-anak at kaibigan ng mga
pumanaw na karaniwang nagdaraos ng padasal sa ika-40 araw ng pagyao ng mahal
sa buhay ay nagsagawa ng seremonyang ito na tinatawag nila Patapos o
Pacuarenta.
Salig sa karaniwang paniniwala, ang kaluluwa ng isang yumao ay lumilisan na
sa mundo patungo sa langit sa ika-40 araw matapos siyang pumanaw.
Lahat ng dumalo sa seremonyang ito ay nakasuot ng puti bilang alaala sa
banal na pagkakataong nasabi. PND (js/zaf) |
|
|
|
|
Tiniyak ng pamahalaan na may sapat na
pagkain ang mga biktima ng Yolanda para sa Pasko |
|
Tiniyak ng pamahalaan Martes sa mga biktima ng
napakalakas na bagyong “Yolanda” na magkakaroon sila nang sapat na pagkain
mula sa pamahalaan, lalo na sa Pasko.
Binigyang diin ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential
Communciations Operations Office na ang pangunahing inaalagata ng Pangulong
Benigno S. Aquino III ay ang sapat na pagkain para sa mga biktima ng bagyong
Yolanda.
“Patuloy ang daloy ng relief goods sa kanikila. Sa pagkakaroon nang sapat na
pagkain, determinado ang pamahalaan na tiyaking may sapat silang
pagsasaluhan sa Pasko,” wika pa ni Kalihim Coloma.
Maraming pamilyang nawalan ng tahanan dahil kay Yolanda na nagwasak sa
Kabisayaan at Timog Luzon ang nakatuloy pa sa mga evacuation centers.
Sianbi ni Coloma na ang mga pamilyang ito na kinakalinga ng pamahalaan, lalo
na ang nasa mga pook na wasak na wasak, ay patuloy na bibigyan ng food
packs.
“Hindi natitinag ang pangakong ito ng Pangulo,” sabi pa ni Coloma. PND (jl/zaf) |
|
|
|
|
Walang pulitika sa paghahabol sa ‘Yolanda
rehab profiteers’—Palasyo |
|
Walang halong ano mang pulityika ang paghabol sa mga
taong ang hangad ay makinabang sa gagawing pagbabagong tatag ng mga pook na
malubhang sinalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong “Yolanda”.
Ito ang tiniyak ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential
Communications Operations Office at sinabing nakipag-ugnayan na si
rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson sa mga kinauukulang mga tagapagpatupad ng
batas, kabilang na ang Pambansang Pulisya na minsan niyang pinamunuan..
“Si Kalihim Lacson ay kumilos na sa kanyang obserbasyon at sinabi niya sa
kanyang pahayag na siya ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensiyang
tagapagpatupad ng batas. Dahil sa lugar na pinuntahan niya, may PNP na dati
siyang hepe. Siya mismo ang nakipag-ugnayan sa mga sangay na tagapagpatupad
ng batas,” paliwanag ni Collma sa pulong balitaan.
Idinugtong niya na malinaw na ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan na rehabilitasyon
at rekostruksiyon ay walang bahid ng pulitika.
Noong nakaraang linggo, ibinunyag ni Lacson na may ilang mga tao na nais
makinabang sa gagawing rehabilitasyon. Idinugtong niya na hiniling niya sa
mga kinauukulang ahensiya ng pamahalaan na alamin ang bagay na ito.
Binigyang diin pa ni Coloma na ang pamahalaan ay
nakatuon sa hangaring matulungang makabangon sa malaking pinsalang natamo
ang mga pook na winasak ni Yolanda na nag-iwan nang mahigit na 6,000 pagay
nang salantain ang Kabisayaan at ilang nahagi ng Timog Luzon.
“Malinaw naman sa lahat na ang kilos ng pamahalaan
sa rehabilitasyon at rekostruksiyon ng nasalantang mga lugar ay walang
halong pulitika,” pagbibigay-diin ni Coloma. PND (jl/zaf) |
|
|
|
|
Magandang balita para sa ekonomya ang mataas na
‘remittances’ ng OFWs |
|
Ang malaking halagang ipinadala ng mga overseas Filipino
workers ay hindi lamang magandang balita para sa mga OFWs at sa kanilang mga
pamilya, kundi pati sa ekonomya ng bansa, pahayag ng Malacanang Martes.
Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr, Presidential Communications
Operations Office na umaasa ang Palasyo na ang malaking halagang padala ng
mga OFWs ay magpapatuloy.
“Siyempre, magandang balita ito, lalo na sa pamilya ng mga OFWs natin. At,
magandang balita rin ito para sa ating buong ekonomya,” wika ni Coloma sa
pulong-balitaan Martes.
Iniulat ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas na umabot sa halagang $18.54 bilyon
ang perang ipinauwi ng mga OFWs sa taong ito.
Para sa buwan ng Oktubre lamang, umakyat ito ng $2.1 bilyon, ang
pinakamalaking halagang dagdag sa isang buwan sa taong ito.
Ayon kay Coloma na ang OFWs ay mahalagang bahagi ng Gross National Product
(GNP) ng Pilipinas.
“Batid natin ang remittances ng OFWs ay malaking bahagi ng GNP. Sana,
magpatuloy pa ang pagtaas nito,” dagdag ni Kalihim Coloma. PND (jl/zaf) |
|
====================================================================================
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Bridge construction for agri communities gets
P2-B boost; Abad: Bridge to connect beneficiaries to mainstream
markets |
| Source:
http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
|
As part of the
support services continuously provided by the Aquino administration
to Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) nationwide, the Department of
Budget and Management (DBM) has released funds in the amount of P2
billion for the “Tulay ng Pangulo Para Sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo
Project“ (TPPKPP).
Released to and sourced from the Department of Public Works and
Highways’ (DPWH) budget for FY 2013, the amount will cover bridging
materials and related foreign materials that include h-piles and
reinforcing steel bars, all of which have already been delivered
nationwide.
The bridge program will link various ARCs to mainstream economic
venues and promote development potentials through the construction
and installation of pre-fabricated modular steel bridges.
“The Aquino Administration in keen on sustaining its efforts to ramp
up rural and country-side development by continuously providing
assistance to our agrarian reform communities and beneficiaries
nationwide. The latest release for the construction of this bridge
will continue to open opportunities for agribusiness development by
linking our farmers to markets where they can sell their produce, as
well as connect agri-communities to other commercial areas to
encourage greater and more productive trade. This is all alongside
the government’s other support interventions aimed to improve the
production and income of our farmers,” said DBM Secretary Florencio
“Butch” Abad.
Jointly implemented by the DPWH-Bridge Management Cluster (BMC) and
the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the TPPKPP covers the
construction and installation of 418 pre-fabricated steel bridges in
selected ARCs nationwide.
Out of this number, Abad reported that DAR has already endorsed a
total of 287 bridges for completion. This includes 47 bridge
projects in the Visayas region, specifically for regions VI and VII,
where families were greatly affected by Typhoon Yolanda.
“As we implement agri-oriented projects to support our farmers and
advance agrarian reform, we continue to mobilize additional
assistance and recovery efforts to areas ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda.
This latest release will complement ongoing and forthcoming
rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the Visayas region,
where we are striving to reestablish sustainable livelihood and
restore the area’s vibrant economy the soonest possible time,” Abad
added. |
|
|
|
| The search is on for the 2014 outstanding
public servants |
| Source:
http://excell.csc.gov.ph |
|
Do you know a
public servant who you think is worthy to be called a lingkod bayani?
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is now accepting nominations for
the 2014 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees.
The awards to be given are the highest and most coveted recognition
given by the government to individuals or group of individuals who
have excelled or shown utmost dedication and commitment to public
service.
All officials in the career and non-career service of the government
including appointive barangay officials and employees may be
nominated. Employees who are under job order or contract of service
are excluded from the coverage of the program.
The 2014 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees forms
part of CSC’s Honor Awards Program (HAP), and has three award
categories.
The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is conferred to an individual
or group for exceptional or extraordinary contributions that had
nationwide impact.
The Outstanding Public Officials and Employees or the Dangal ng
Bayan Award is conferred to an individual for performance of
extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of
exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of his/her adherence to the
Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees or Republic Act No. 6713.
The CSC Pagasa Award is given to an individual or group of
individuals for outstanding contributions that directly benefit more
than one department of the government.
To promote and strengthen teamwork, the CSC strongly encourages
group or team nominations.
Any individual or organization with extensive knowledge of the
outstanding work performance and/or exemplary ethical behavior of
certain public servants may nominate an individual or group of
individuals for a specific category in the Honor Awards Program.
Nomination forms and Search guidelines may be downloaded from the
HAP website www.honorawardsprogram.wordpress.com or from the CSC
website www.csc.gov.ph. Nominations may be submitted at the CSC
Central Office, or at any Regional or Field Office. Deadline of
nominations is on March 31, 2014.
For further inquiries, please contact the HAP Secretariat at
telephone numbers (02) 931-7993, (02) 932-0381, (02) 932-011, text
0917-TEXTCSC (8398272), or email hapsecretariat@yahoo.com or paio@webmail.csc.gov.ph. |
|
|
|
| DSWD continues relief work even during the
holidays |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
Tacloban City,
Leyte – To ensure that relief distribution will continue in areas
affected by Typhoon Yolanda, there will be no holiday break for some
Field Offices and personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD).
“Our staff will be on rotational duty so that relief distribution
will not be interrupted,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman
said.
Likewise, to hasten the relief operations, DSWD has recently opened
two relief hubs in Isabel, Leyte and Catbalogan, Samar for storage
and repacking of relief commodities.
To date, DSWD is now on its 10th round of relief distribution in the
60 municipalities and three cities in Eastern Visayas.
As of December 16, a total of 3,321,351 rice and food packs, 494,213
liters of water, 109,601 pieces of canned goods, and 244,444 pieces
of high energy biscuits have already been distributed to the 273,782
displaced families in the region.
Non-food items such as tents, hygiene kits, blankets, mosquito nets,
mats, towels, cooking pots, water containers, slippers, and plastic
cups, among others were also given out.
Meanwhile, Sec. Soliman briefed international humanitarian
organizations about the ongoing relief operations in the region
during a site visit last week.
International development partners present were Swiss Ambassador Ivo
Sieber, Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder, Australian Agency for
International Development Counsellor Robyn Hill, United Kingdom
Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Trevor Lewis, Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Philippines Deputy Head Markus
Werne, and Spanish Agency for International Development Corporation
Coordinator Vicente Zaragosa. |
|
|
|
| DOJ: No expiry date for GCs |
| Source:
http://www.doj.gov.ph |
|
The Department
of Justice today issued a statement assuring all consumers that gift
certificates from any establishment cannot and should not have an
expiry date. This covers gift checks, and gift cards. The DOJ also
reminded issuers, retailers, and merchants to honor their commitment
and comply with rules and regulations.
"In this season of Christmas when our brethren are making their
purchases for loved ones and colleagues, this is a simple and
concrete way to make sure that spending hard earned money is not met
by unsavory and deceptive practices," said Secretary of Justice
Leila M. de Lima.
"Our major partner, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
already issued Administrative Order No. 10-04, Series of 2010
prohibiting any supplier from issuing gift certificates/checks/cards
that contain an expiry date," she said.
Under the order, gift certificates/checks/cards shall be redeemable
until used up by the bearer. All purchases of goods and services
which are paid for with them are covered by promotional sales
activities, loyalty programs, warranties, return policies, and
discounts.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy who heads the Office for
Competition to improve economic justice mandated by E.O. No. 45 said
that gift certificates are equivalent to cash and cash does not
expire. "We wish everyone a safe, Merry Christmas and happy shopping
holidays," he added. |
|
|
|
| EDSP scholar places 9th in 2013 Civil Engineer
Licensure Exam |
| Source:
http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
|
Henmark S.
Pichay, a civil engineering graduate of New Era University belonging
to Batch 5 of the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration garnered ninth place
in the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination held last November.
Posting 95.3%, Henmark, who graduated Cum Laude last March 2013, was
among the 1,542 who passed the exam out of the 3,601 takers. School
administrators of the New Era University said he made history for
the school since it has been 20 years when the university last had
an achiever in the licensure exam. Only 26 of them in school passed
the exam.
Henmark is the son of a household service worker in Canada. He broke
the good news to her mother through web chat. The mother will be
back home on December 21, 2013 in time for his oath-taking to be
held in Philippine International Convention Center.
Galak na galak po ang aking puso noong una kong malaman na nakapasa
ako bilang isang scholar ng OWWA. Higit na kagalakan ang naidulot
nito sa aking mga magulang sa kadahilanang makakatulong ang aking
pagpasa sa scholarship na mapagaan ang pinansyal ng pangangailangan
sa aking pag-aaral. Kaya naman pinagbuti ko ang aking pag-aaral at
sa kabutihang palad, nakapagtapos ako bilang isang OWWA Scholar. (I
was too glad when I passed the OWWA scholarship. My parents were
happier with the news as the grant would ease the financial
requirements of my studies. I studied diligently and am thankful
that I managed to finish my course with my OWWA scholarship intact.) |
|
|
|
| Joint DOLE and licensed recruitment agencies
two-day job fair-relief operations -dental and optical mission in
Ormoc City attracts 8,266 beneficiaries |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
| Next job fair
is in January in Tacloban, says Baldoz Joint DOLE and licensed
recruitment agencies two-day job fair-relief operations -dental and
optical mission in Ormoc City attracts 8,266 beneficiaries Ormoc
City--City Mayor Edward C. Codilla, through Labor and Employment
Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz who he described as a blessing
from above--'hulog ng langit'--has profusely thanked the DOLE, its
partner-government agencies, and the licensed overseas employment
recruitment agencies for helping alleviate the suffering of the
Ormocanons in the wake of Typhon Yolanda through its major programs
and services, notably, the 2-day job fair cum relief goods
distribution-dental and optical mission held last Saturday, 11 and
14 December 2013, that attracted more than 8,000 beneficiaries.
Addressing a jam-packed audience inside the Ormoc City Hall where
the joint job fair of the DOLE and some 35 overseas employment
recruitment companies was held, Mayor Codilla, during a brief
program after the opening of the fair, said: "The City of Ormoc and
our people are truly blessed and very thankful to Secretary Baldoz
and the DOLE partners, most especially the licensed recruitment
agencies, for bringing the employment opportunities right into our
doorstep. This job fair will, indeed, bring us relief and help the
affected families and the displaced workers rebuild their lives,"
Mayor Codilla said. Secretary Baldoz, Undersecretary Ciriaco
Lagunzad III; POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and her deputy, Amy
Reyes; OWWA Deputy Administrator Josefino Torres, DOLE Regional
Director Exequiel Sarcauga; Bureau of Local Employment Director Ma.
Dominique Tutay; and other DOLE and Ormoc City LGU officials
participated in the job fair activities. Job fair organizers led by
the POEA reported that at the close of the day-long job fair,
registrants reached a total of 1,766, 171 of which were hired-on-the
spot and 970 were qualified for jobs but subject to further
processing, according to the initial report to Baldoz of POEA
Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac. Director Dominique Tutay of the
Bureau of Local Employment, a POEA partner in the activity, said
those who were hired were for positions of engineer, accountants,
food and beverage attendants, receptionists, site supervisors,
nurses, household service workers, and many others. "For those hired
locally, they will be assigned in Manila and in export processing
zones in Cavite, Bataan, and Laguna. Their employers will advance
the cost of their transportation subject to repayment. The workers
will be provided lodging and accommodation," said Secretary Baldoz.
"Due to the clamor of the people in the region, we will hold another
job fair in Tacloban in the first week of January 2014," said Baldoz.
Some 35 licensed overseas recruitment agencies under the banner of
the May Bukas Pa Movement brought in more than 10,000 job vacancies,
while 11 local employers, including World Vision, an international
organization, brought in 3,400 job vacancies to the job fair.
National government agencies, such as the Pag-Ibig, PhilHealth, SSS,
NSO, DFA, CSC, GSIS, and the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of
Ormoc City, have sent in representatives to provide information on
their respective programs and services. They also assisted job
applicants in processing or reconstituting personal documents which
were lost or destroyed during the typhoon. The POEA, on the other
hand, conducted a pre-employment orientation seminar (PEOS) during
the one-day activity to give the job applicants knowledge and
information about overseas employment and the realities and
challenges that go with it. It also provided the applicants pointers
on how to avoid illegal recruiters and traffickers. Baldoz commended
the licensed recruitment agencies for not charging the applicants
any fee, including placement fees. The previous day, the DOLE,
through its agencies and the licensed recruitment agencies,
distributed relief goods, including multi-vitamins, canvass roofs,
toys, and school supplies, and conducted medical, dental, and
optical outreach services to 3,000 families and 3,500 children
coming from three barangays identified by the Ormoc City government
and the DSWD to be the least-assisted areas in the city. These
barangays are Valencia, San Jose, and Guntigui-an, all of Ormoc
City. |
|
|
|
| Baldoz gives nod to DTC proposal for emergency
employment of Yolanda sugar worker-survivors in E. Visayas |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
| Initial P5.5-M
for 1,000 workers in 15 days Baldoz gives nod to DTC proposal for
emergency employment of Yolanda sugar worker-survivors in E. Visayas
Ormoc City--Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda
Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday approved the recommendation of the
members of the District Tripartite Council (DTC) of the Ormoc-Kananga
Mill District to utilize an initial P5.5 million of the Sugar
Amelioration Program (SAP) fund originally earmarked for calamity
for funding an emergency employment program (EEP) for sugar workers
in the sugar district in Eastern Visayas. Baldoz's approval of the
DTC recommendation was reached during a DTC meeting convened to
discuss the consolidated damage report, needs assessment, and
recommendations of the Ormoc-Kananga Mill District Development
Council Foundation, Inc., or MDDC, in the wake of the large swath of
destruction left by Typhoon Yolanda in the region's sugar industry.
The MDCC board members; DTC members; chairpersons of the different
planters' associations in the district; and union presidents
attended the meeting. With Secretary Baldoz were Undersecretary
Ciriaco Lagunzad III; DOLE Region 8 Director Exequiel Sarcauga;
Atty. Leah Fortuna of the Office of the Secretary; and Director
Nikki Tutay of the Bureau of Local Employment. The meeting was held
on the occasion of Secretary Baldoz's visit to Ormoc to do ocular
inspection of the DOLE's emergency employment program for
worker-survivors of Typhoon Yolanda and to attend the two-day joint
relief services and job fair of the DOLE and its agencies and the
licensed recruitment agencies' disaster relief group, May Bukas Pa
Movement. "We all know that the pressure for the immediate
rebuilding of the economy of Eastern Visayas is fast bearing on us.
So we must continue to look for ways on how to help our sugar
workers recover from the catastrophe brought by Typhoon Yolanda. The
DTC should immediately submit a work plan for the emergency
employment of sugar farm workers using the SAP funds," Baldoz told
the DTC during the meeting. The emergency employment, Baldoz said,
should involve work by sugar workers themselves on the repair of the
Ormoc Sugarcane Planters’ Association, Inc.'s (OSPA's) skills
training center and hospital called the OSPA Farmer’s Medical Center,
which caters primarily to sugarcane farm workers and their
dependents. As to the other big-ticket items that need to be
rehabilitated and repaired, the labor and employment chief said the
DTC should work with other national government agencies, such as the
Department of Agriculture for farm-to-mill roads, and the Sugar
Regulatory Administration for damaged sugarcane farm equipment,
implements, and utilities. "Of course, we should help each other,
and the DOLE will do its share of the gargantuan task," Baldoz
assured the DTC members. The Ormoc-Kananga Mill District is a major
pillar of the Eastern Visayas economy. The sugar industry in the
region covers an area of 8,503 hectares of agricultural farms
devoted to sugarcane which for crop year 2012-2013 produced 402,118
tons of cane equivalent to 829,768 bags of sugar. "The Ormoc-Kananga
Mill District projected an increase of 91,852 bags of sugar for crop
year 2013-2014. We were supposed to start milling on 11 November,
but Typhoon Yolanda struck on 8 November, causing extensive damage
to crops, infrastructure, and utilities of the sugar industry. We
estimate cane production to drop by 30 percent and sugar production
to decline by 40 percent. The value of crop losses is estimated at
P513.11 million," said Atty. Roy Bernard C. Fiel, Chairman of the
MDCC. He said the industry has also to contend with losses in
property, including buildings, equipment, fertilizer, and fuel and
lubricants, which could bring total losses to P973.55 million. Fiel
said that the most immediate need of the industry is to restore and
ensure food and income for the industry's 14,374 workers until
milling for crop year 2012-2013 starts on 10 February 2014. "We
should also help the sugar farm workers repair their houses and
provide the sugar farmers financial help," Fiel explained. The Sugar
Amelioration Program is provided for under P. D. No. 621 and
enhanced under R. A. No. 6982, which expands sugar workers' benefits
and established the tripartite mechanism for planters, millers, and
workers to participate in policy decision-making in the sugar
industry. Administered by the DOLE, the SAP seeks to uplift the
living conditions of sugar workers and their families. It is
financed by a lien of P10 collected per picul (or 63.25 kilograms)
of sugar produced. The 80 percent portion of the lien is distributed
as cash bonus to workers, while the 20 percent is utilized for the
implementation of related socio-economic programs such as maternity
benefit, death benefit, and socio-economic project assistance.
|
|
|
|
| DPWH works on restoring schools in Tacloban |
| Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
|
With the
completion of over one-month of intense clearing operations for the
“Yolanda” devastated City of Tacloban, the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH) which is also about to complete 159
bankhouse units for 3,816 families in Eastern Visayas in time for
Christmas is also simultaneously conducting repair and restoration
of damaged school buildings.
In his report to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH Region 8
Director Rolando M. Asis said that focus of work is on 19 schools in
Tacloban City where trusses and roofing were severely affected by
the supertyphoon by utilizing available lumber and roofing materials
including resources salvaged or still useful.
The following schools in Tacloban City including the repair of DepEd
Region Office at Gov't. Center in Palo are on top of priorities:
Caiba-an Elementaray School, Kapangi-an Central School, Dr. A. P.
Bañez Elementary School at Barangay. 77, V&G Elementary School at
Barangay 109, San Jose Central School, San Jose National High
School, Marasbaras Central School, Rizal Central School, Sagkahan
National High School, Lorenzo Daa Elementary School, Sto. Niño SPED
Center, Tacloban National High School, Lucio Vivero Memorial School,
B. Bolante Elementary School, Cabalawan Elementary School, Bagacay
Elementary School, Marasbaras National High School, and Salvacion
Elementary School.
DPWH has started clearing school sites and has conducted
assessment/estimate of needed materials while waiting the
availability of lumber and roofing materials. In the repair of
trusses and roofing at V&G Elementary School, DPWH has completed the
repair of three (3) buildings/four (4) classrooms using materials on
site and is now clearing debris on ground .
“I commend our men and women for their dedication to service and
sacrifice who immediately moved into action in the clearing
operations of our national roads that was blocked by debris, fallen
trees, and garbage caused by super typhoon Yolanda”, said Singson.
“Notwithstanding that majority if not all of our employees at DPWH
Region 8 were left homeless or their properties damaged and members
of their families among the casualties, strong resolve of these men
and women supported by the District Engineering Offices and
reinforced by other frontline units of the Department undertook the
great task of clearing the highways the soonest possible time so
that relief assistance could reach isolated areas”, added Singson.
To date, hauling activities at Daang Maharlika Highway from San
Juanico to Imelda Village continue for debris and garbage from
households dumped on the roadside and some sections of the road
pavement causing traffic hazard and congestion. |
|
|
|
| LRT-MRT fare hike to bring better train
services, allow more projects outside Metro Manila |
| Source:
http://www.dotc.gov.ph |
|
The Department
of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Light Rail Transit
Authority (LRTA), and Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) today presented
a proposal to increase fares for the LRT and MRT lines, at the
one-time public consultation conducted at the LRT-2 Depot in
Santolan, Pasig City.
As a background to the proposal, the transport agencies explained
that the LRTA and the MRT-3 are both operating at a loss, requiring
the national government to subsidize much of their expenses. These
include daily operating expenses such as overhead, power supply, and
salaries. They also include costs for repairs and replacement of
train and rail parts, and for the payment of existing debts.
Based on their 2012 financial records, the LRTA had a deficit of P
4.704 Billion, while MRT-3’s deficit was at P 7.250 Billion.
The average cost per passenger for LRT 1 and 2 was at P 34.74. 59%
of this, or P 20.46, was shouldered by the government, and only 41%,
or P 14.28, was actually paid by the commuter. In the case of MRT 3,
the average cost per passenger was P 53.96. 77% or P41.46 was
subsidized by government, while only 23% or P12.40 was paid by the
passenger.
Part of the reason why the national budget subsidized these amounts
is because there has been no rail fare increase since 2003. In fact,
only LRT-1 has raised its fares over the course of its existence.
LRT-2 has charged the same rates since it began operating in 2002.
Meanwhile, MRT-3’s fares went down by more than half the original
rates from 1999 to 2001, and they have never been raised.
As a result, it is cheaper to travel on any of the three (3) rail
lines compared to jeepneys, buses, and UV Express services, on an
endpoint-to-endpoint basis.
The LRTA and MRT-3 now propose to rationalize the fare system by
adopting the “users pay” principle, whereby commuters will be
charged based on the distance they travel instead of the number of
stations they pass. This will also bring LRT and MRT fares closer to
those of other public utility land transport options.
Under the proposed “11+1” formula – which means that passengers will
be charged P 11.00 to board the trains plus P 1.00 for every
kilometer travelled – an additional P 2.06 Billion in revenues will
be earned by the LRTA and the MRT-3. This will be deducted from the
subsidy that government will continue to provide.
These added revenues may then be used to enhance services at the
rail lines by improving facilities and providing better maintenance
works.
According to the LRTA, its on-going and recently-completed projects
involve medical and security upgrades, such as the provision of
ambulances, first-aid kits, stretchers, and wheelchairs. It has also
installed CCTV cameras, walkthrough metal detectors, and signages
for better safety and convenience of passengers. Defective
escalators and elevators have also been repaired.
For its part, the MRT-3 says that it is already implementing its
Passenger Information System and the Platform Monitoring System. An
ambulance is now also provided for emergency medical needs, and
signages and walkthrough metal detectors have been installed. It is
also procuring certain items for increased safety and convenience,
such as perimeter security enhancements, provision of hand straps
for the trains cars, and station lighting replacements.
For the longer-term infrastructure projects, the DOTC is set to
award the contract for a common ticketing system for the 3 rail
lines this month. This tap-and-go Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS)
will cut queuing time and will make line transfers seamless and much
more convenient.
The DOTC is also currently bidding out the project to extend the
LRT-1 system from Baclaran all the way to Bacoor, Cavite to serve an
estimated 500,000 additional passengers. It will also start the
bidding process to build a common station to connect the MRT-3 and
LRT-1 lines in the EDSA-North Avenue area in 2014. This will also
make traveling more convenient.
Additional Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) will also be delivered to the
MRT-3 system, to increase passenger capacity and lessen waiting time
at its stations. This will help loosen up the highly-congested MRT-3
facilities by 2016.
A new rapid transit line called the MRT-7 will also be constructed
to connect the EDSA-North Avenue area to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
via Commonwealth Avenue. Finally, the LRT-2 line will also be
extended eastward from Santolan to the Masinag area in Rizal
province.
While all these improvement projects are being pursued by the
transport agencies in order to modernize their systems and to
deliver convenient, reliable, efficient, and safe services, the
projected P 2.06 Billion additional revenues for LRTA and MRT-3 will
mean that this amount can also be allocated by the national
government to projects outside of Metro Manila.
Since the government subsidy is sourced from national funds, this
will also mean a more equitable distribution of resources. For
instance, these savings will be equal to 8,240 classrooms, 82
farm-to-market roads, or the irrigation of 11,240 hectares of
farmlands.
As a result, the benefits of the saved funds will be enjoyed not
only by the commuting population of Metro Manila, but by
stakeholders in various sectors in other parts of Luzon, the Visayas,
and Mindanao.
After presenting the proposed fare increase to the public, the DOTC,
LRTA, and MRT-3 opened the floor for discussion to solicit opinions
and comments in order to achieve a meaningful dialogue with
concerned citizens.
The transport agencies will now evaluate whether or not it is timely
to implement the proposed fare increase given both the
considerations above and the inputs provided during the public
consultation. |
|
|
|
| Filipino Photographers participate in Photo
Exhibit “Saudi Arabia Through Eyes of the World” |
| Source:
https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
17 December
2013 - The Philippines, through the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and
Filipino photographers in Saudi Arabia, joined the photo exhibit
“Saudi Arabia through Eyes of the World”, which is part of the 2nd
Colors of Saudi Arabia Forum currently being held at the Riyadh
International Convention Center.
The Philippines was invited to join the photo exhibit, featuring
photos of Saudi Arabia, its tourism destinations, nature, and
heritage, and taken by foreigners.
Filipino photographers had 32 entries in the exhibit, chosen from
over 500 photos they had submitted to the organizing committee.
The main part of the event is the awarding for the 2nd Sultan bin
Salman Award for photography in four categories--tourism experience,
nature, urban heritage and traditional heritage.
Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mr. Ezzedin Tago took part in
the opening ceremonies of the 2nd Colors of Saudi Arabia Forum which
was graced by HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the
Chairman of the Saudi Commission on Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
After the formal opening ceremonies including the awarding for the
photography contests, the photo exhibits were officially opened to
the public by HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman.
The photo exhibit is part of the 7-day forum, organized by the SCTA,
and involves participants from several foreign embassies,
universities, companies and individual photographers. The Colors of
Saudi Arabia Forum includes lectures, workshops, and photography
forum, running from December 14 to 20 from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
daily.
His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, head of
the SCTA, viewed the “Saudi Arabia Through Eyes of the World”
exhibit and took a look at the entries by the Filipino
photographers.
Ambassador Tago welcomed HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman Al-Saudi at
the Philippine display of photos where 32 selected entries by
Filipino photographers were displayed. The 32 pictures were selected
out of more than 500 entries of the Philippines.
HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman admired the entries by Filipinos,
remarking “I love Filipinos because everything they do is
excellent”.
The photographers have decided to donate their entries to the
Philippine Embassy in Riyadh to be part of a permanent exhibit at
the Embassy after the end of the 2nd Colors of Saudi Arabia Forum. |
|
|
|
| BI warns foreigns nationals against fake
immigration agents |
| Source:
http://immigration.gov.ph |
|
Bureau of
Immigration (BI) Officer-in-Charge Siegfred B. Mison warned foreign
nationals against lawless elements posing as fake immigration agents
who extort and harass hapless victims. This warning is issued in the
light of a report that two (2) individuals identifying themselves as
BI Agents, were arrested in Cauayan, Isabela after trying to extort
money from an Indian businessman.
The offenders, identified as Romy Morales and Ramil Veloso, were
arrested by the joint forces of BI Cauayan Field Office and Cauayan
City Police and were charged with Usurpation of Authority and
Robbery Extortion before the Cauayan, Isabela Regional Trail Court (RTC)
last 15 November 2013.
“We will not let this incident tarnish the image of the men and
women of the Bureau who have recently worked hard to improve and
regain”, Mison said in a statement. “I strongly advise all foreign
nationals to be cautious against these statements. Verify with the
nearest BI office in your area to ensure that all BI agents you deal
with are legitimate”, he further said. |
|
|
|
| SSS fully allocates P7-B educational loan facility |
| Source:
https://www.sss.gov.ph |
|
The Social
Security System (SSS) has announced that as of November 30, 2013,
the P7-billion Educational Assistance (Educ-Assist) loan window has
been fully allocated to about 59,600 student-beneficiaries of more
than 55,000 SSS members who availed themselves of Educ-Assist loans.
“By design, the Educ-Assist loan program has a finite funding
capacity, and we have already committed the funds for existing
student-beneficiaries to ensure that their schooling is fully
financed until they graduate. Applications for subsequent loan
releases from previously-approved loan-borrowers will continue to be
processed until the maximum allowed releases allocated to the
student-beneficiaries are exhausted,” the SSS explained.
Launched in 2012, the Educ-Assist program has P7-billion in funding
that is comprised of P3.5 billion from the national government and
P3.5 billion from the SSS. The loan program is envisioned to serve
eventually as a revolving fund that may benefit more borrowers once
the loan amounts are recovered and collected. But that would take a
couple more years as majority of the loan-beneficiaries have yet to
finish schooling before the repayment period starts.
Members have up to three years to repay the loan for voc-tech
courses and up to five years for college degrees. The grace period
before repayment, which will start on the date of the final loan
release, is 18 months for semestral courses and 15 months for
trimestral programs.
“We are nonetheless pleased that so many of our members took
advantage of this loan program to better themselves, their siblings
or their children through education. We are glad that we were able
to send so many student-beneficiaries to college, vocational and
technical courses,” the SSS added. “We hope that the
member-borrowers of the Educ-Assist Program will live up to their
responsibility of repaying their loans on time so that other members
can avail themselves of the same loan program.” |
|
|
|
| VP Binay lauds Mandela's leadership |
| Source:
http://ovp.gov.ph |
|
Vice President
Jejomar C. Binay said he was inspired by former South African
President Nelson Mandela’s leadership during the difficult
transition period of the post-apartheid government.
In particular, the Vice President said he admired Mandela’s
respect for the rule of law, as cited by analysts in South African
media.
Binay said that while he was reflecting on Mandela’s legacy,
he came across a column written by South African journalist Willy
Mutunga where he dwelled on Mandela and his leadership.
“Mandela, wrote the journalist, acknowledged and accepted court
decisions and upheld the majesty of the courts as part of the
democratic process,” Binay said.
Mutunga wrote that "(Mandela) personified respect for the rule law,
independence of the judiciary and the principle of separation of
powers at a delicate moment of political transition...By choosing
the path of allegiance to the law, Mandela cast himself on the right
side of history. It made him bigger, not smaller."
“This insight on President Mandela further deepened my respect for
him. He will always live on as one of the icons of our times,” he
added.
Binay was in South Africa to represent President Benigno Aquino III
during memorial services for the late leader.
“It was an honor to represent President Aquino and the Filipino
people during the memorial for the late President Nelson Mandela of
South Africa, a man who will always live in the hearts of those who
aspire for freedom, respect and unity,” Binay said.
Earlier, Binay extolled Mandela, calling the latter an embodiment of
“the unconquerable spirit and the healing power of forgiveness.”
He also said Mandela inspires people to “strive for a world where
freedom, equality, tolerance and understanding reign.”
Mandela was buried in Qunu, his hometown some 550 miles from
Johannesburg. |
|
|
|
| PhilHealth conducts OFW forum |
| Source:
http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
|
The Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) recently conducted an
Orientation Forum for Overseas Filipino Program partners and
stakeholders in view of the passage of the Republic Act No. 10606,
otherwise known as the National Health Insurance Act of 2013.
The Forum was led by President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla,
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon F.
Aristoza, Jr. and Vice President for Member Management Group
Gregorio C. Rulloda. Also present were Dr. Elizabeth S. Fernandez,
Branch Manager of NCR-North, Narisa Portia J. Sugay, Head of Formal
Sector and the organizing team from the Overseas Filipino Program
office headed by Senior Manager Chona S. Yap.
It was attended by PhilHealth partners from various OFW
Non-Government Organizations, Accredited Collecting Agents (ACAs)
abroad, recruitment agencies, and representatives from agencies
conducting pre-deployment orientation seminar or PDOS.
In his welcome remarks, EVP and COO Ariztosa said that "To achieve
the Universal Health Care as mentioned by His Excellency President
Benigno S. Aquino III in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a
very difficult and gargantuan task. Admittedly, PhilHealth alone
will not be able to achieve it without the support of its
stakeholders. As our partners, we hope that this forum will be an
opportunity to strengthen our partnership and come up with a doable
policy to address the concerns of our migrant workers".
For his inspirational message, PCEO Padilla said, "With the issuance
of the new PhilHealth law and our intensified partnership, we can
make great things possible in terms of giving each Filipino their
health insurance, quality and standard health service and
accessibility of the same specifically to our fellowmen abroad. We
shall be focusing on the migrant workers -documented or not and
possibly come up with health reforms for their greater good and
well-being".
The PhilHealth Chief added that, “As PhilHealth continues to enhance
our benefit packages to cover primary and preventive care and
implement other health reforms to make the program accessible and
affordable to suit their needs, we will make sure that these
benefits due them shall be afforded to them wherever they maybe and
regardless of their status. And to make the program work, we will
implore your aid as our partners, in bringing accurate and
up-to-date information to all OFWs abroad”. |
|
|
|
==================================================================================
|
|
 |
|
United States Secretary of State John Kerry signs the Palace Guest Book
at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the visit to the
Philippines on Tuesday (December 17). The visit to the Philippines is
his first visit as Secretary of State. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang
Photo Bureau)
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with United States
Secretary of State John Kerry during the courtesy call at the
President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 17). The
visit to the Philippines is his first visit as Secretary of State.
Secretary Kerry will also visit Tacloban City to meet people affected by
Typhoon Yolanda as well as those involved in the relief effort. (Photo
by Ryan Lim / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
United States Secretary of State John Kerry, escorted by Foreign Affair
Secretary Albert Del Rosario, signs the Palace Guest Book at the
Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 17). The
visit to the Philippines is his first visit as Secretary of State.
Secretary Kerry will also visit Tacloban City to meet people affected by
Typhoon Yolanda as well as those involved in the relief effort. (Photo
by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
United States Secretary of State John Kerry is welcomed by Foreign
Affair Secretary Albert Del Rosario at the Reception Hall of the
Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 17). The visit to the Philippines
is his first visit as Secretary of State. Secretary Kerry will also
visit Tacloban City to meet people affected by Typhoon Yolanda as well
as those involved in the relief effort. (Photo by Robert Viñas/
Malacañang Photo Bureau)
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
United States Secretary of State John
Kerry leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery
and Memorial in Global City, Taguig on Tuesday (December 17). (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers arrival statement at the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport on Sunday (December 15) from Tokyo, Japan
where the Chief Executive attended the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit.
(Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III (second from left),
together with other Asean leaders with their respective spouses bid
goodbye during the gala dinner hosted by Japan Prime Misister Shinzo Abe
at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan Saturday (December 14). The
ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit will be the culminating event to a full
year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT
powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Prime Minister
Shinzo and Madame Abe at the reception area before the start of the gala
dinner hosted by the Japanese Prime Misister at the Imperial Hotel on
Saturday (December 14). The ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit is the
culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of
ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) president & chief executive
officer Takeshi Kunibe during the courtesy call at the Kaede Room of the
Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN –
Japan Commemorative Summit. The call highlight the Aquino
administration’s thrust on good governance and sound economic management
and thank the officials of SMBC in supporting Philippine investment
promotion activities in Japan. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’
number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance
as well as the second major source of approved investments and third
source of tourist arrivals. In photo are SMBC’s deputy president Hiroshi
Minoura, managing director Yasuyuki Kawasaki and director & general
manager Shosuke Mori and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (PLDT powered
by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Sumitomo Mitsui
Banking Corporation (SMBC) president & chief executive officer Takeshi
Kunibe during the courtesy call at the Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel
on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan
Commemorative Summit. The call highlight the Aquino administration’s
thrust on good governance and sound economic management and thank the
officials of SMBC in supporting PH investment promotion activities in
Japan. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and
provider of official development assistance as well as the second major
source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. (PLDT
powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with NIDEC
chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer and Nidec
Sankyo Corporation chairman Shigenobu Nagamori during the meeting at the
Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the
sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. In 2012, Japan was
the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official
development assistance as well as the second major source of approved
investments and third source of tourist arrivals. Also in photo is Nidec
Sankyo Investor Relations general manager Masahiro Nagayasu. (PLDT
powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) – Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes NIDEC
chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer and Nidec
Sankyo Corporation chairman Shigenobu Nagamori during a meeting at the
Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the
sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. In 2012, Japan was
the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official
development assistance as well as the second major source of approved
investments and third source of tourist arrivals. (PLDT powered by
SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Sumitomo Metal
Mining Company Ltd. (SMMC) chairman and representative director Nobumasa
Kemori during the Meeting at the Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on
Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan
Commemorative Summit. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one
trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as
the second major source of approved investments and third source of
tourist arrivals. Also in photo are SMMC’s president and representative
director Yoshiaki Nakazato and director & senior managing executive
officer Takeshi Kubota. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Sumitomo Metal
Mining Company Ltd. chairman and representative director Nobumasa Kemori
during the meeting at the Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday
(December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative
Summit. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and
provider of official development assistance as well as the second major
source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. (PLDT
powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Advisor to
the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA president Dr. Sadako
Ogata after conferring on her the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Datu,
Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) at the Yamabuki Room of
the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14, 2013) at the sidelines of
the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. Dr. Ogata was cited for her
dedicated leadership of the JICA, contributing to the overall social and
economic development of the PH at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Also in
photo are husband Shinjuro Ogata, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del
Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Transportation and
Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (PLDT powered by SMART)
(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of
Sikatuna with a rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold
Distinction) on Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special
Advisor to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and
former JICA president Dr. Sadako Ogata during the courtesy call at the
Yamabuki Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the
sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. Dr. Ogata was cited
for her dedicated leadership of the JICA, contributing to the overall
social and economic development of the Philippines. The Order of
Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of
the Philippines. Also In photo are husband Shinjuro Ogata, Foreign
Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima
and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (PLDT
powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Advisor to
the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA president Dr. Sadako
Ogata and husband Shinjuro Ogata during the conferment ceremony of the
Order of Sikatuna at the Yamabuki Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday
(December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative
Summit. The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit
of the Republic of the Philippines. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by
Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries
with advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA
president Dr. Sadako Ogata during the conferment ceremony of the Order
of Sikatuna at the Yamabuki Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday
(December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative
Summit. The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit
of the Republic of the Philippines. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by
Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes advisor to the
Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA president Dr. Sadako
Ogata during the conferment ceremony at the Yamabuki Room of the
Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN –
Japan Commemorative Summit. The Order of Sikatuna is the national order
of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. Also in photo is
JICA president Akihiko Tanaka. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil
Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of
Sikatuna with a rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold
Distinction) on Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special
Advisor to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and
former JICA president Dr. Sadako Ogata in a ceremony at the Yamabuki
Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of
the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. Dr. Ogata was cited for her
dedicated leadership of the JICA, contributing to the overall social and
economic development of the Philippines. The Order of Sikatuna is the
national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. (PLDT
powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S.
Aquino III along with fellow regional leaders offers a toast during the
luncheon meeting hosted by Keidanren and the Japan Chamber of Commerce
and Industry at the Golden Room of the Keidanren Kaikan on Saturday
(December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative
Summit, the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating
40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S.
Aquino III along with fellow regional leaders attends the luncheon
meeting hosted by Keidanren and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and
Industry at the Golden Room of the Keidanren Kaikan on Saturday
(December) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit,
the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40
years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan
Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S.
Aquino III listens to the discussions during Session 1 of the ASEAN –
Japan Commemorative Summit at the Hagoromo-no-ma Room of the Akasaka
State Guest House on Saturday (December 14, 2013). The ASEAN-Japan
Commemorative Summit will be the culminating event to a full year of
activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT
powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S.
Aquino III participates in the exchanges during the Session 1 of the
ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit at the Hagoromo-no-ma Room of the
Akasaka State Guest House on Saturday (December 14, 2013). The
ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit will be the culminating event to a full
year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT
powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S.
Aquino III greets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe upon arrival for
Session 1 of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit at the Hagoromo-no-ma
Room of the Akasaka State Guest House on Saturday (December 14). The
ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit will be the culminating event to a full
year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT
powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
Please
email us at
pcoo.edp@gmail.com
if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of
PNOY
|
|
|
Have A Very Nice Day and Enjoy your Reading.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete