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Ipinakita ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III
ang malasakit niya sa pelikulang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng panonood ng isa
sa mga pelikulang kalahok sa Metro Manila Film Fesrival (MMFF) sa taong
kasalukuyan.
Pasko nang panoorin ng Pangulo ang pelikulang My Little Bossings na
itinatampok ang kanyang pamangkin na si Bimby at ang kapatid na TV-host at
artistang si Kris Aquino.
Sinabi ni Briccio Santos, tagapangulo ng Film Development Council of the Philippines, na ang 2013 ay
“pambihirang taon” para sa mga gumagawa ng pelikulang Pilipino dahil sa
paraming pelikulang matataas na uri ang nagawa, lalo na sa Sineng Pambansa
“na tumipon sa mga pinakadalubhasa na may kanya-kanyang bagong
masterpieces.”
Binigyang diin ni Santos na ang pelikulang Pilipino ay kinikilala na sa
pandaigdig na tanghalan ng ikapitong sining.
“Umaasa kami na sa 2014 ay magiging higit na tagumpay ng pelikulang
Pilipino habang ating pinamamalagi ang pambihirang pitak sa puso at diwa ng
mga tagatangkilik sa loob at labas man ng bansa,”dagdag pa ni Santos.
Naka-polo na dark blue ang Pangulong Aquino nang dumating sa SM Manila
dakong ikaapat ng hapon, kasama sina Kris, Bimby, Joshua at ang batang
artistang si Ryzza Mae Dizon.
Naupo ang Pangulo sa pagitan nina Bimby at ng panganay na anak ni Kris na
si Joshua habang pinanonod ang pelikula.
Sa panayam kay Kris, sinabi nito na ipinagkakapuri niya ang unang pelikula
mg kanyang anak na isa sa pinakamalaki ang kinita sa unang araw pa lamang
ng MFFF.
Bukod sa pamilya ni Kris, kasama rin na nanood at nasiyahan ang pamilya ng
ilang tauhan ng Presidential Security Group na inanyayahang manood ng nasabing pelikula.
Pagkatapos ng panonood ng pelikula, ang mga bata at kaanak ng mga ito ay
nagkaroon ng pagkakataong magpakuha ng larawan, kasama ang Pangulo.
Nakita pang kinarga ng Pangulo si Ryzza na naging malapit sa pamangkin niya
sa pagsisiyuting nila. Nasabi na ni Kris na ibig niyang magkaroon ng isa
pang pelikula ang kanyang anak at ang walong taong gulang na batang babaing
artista.
Ang panonood ng sine ay isa sa bahagi ng pagpapahinga ng Pangulo na payo sa
kanya ni Kalihim Enrique Ona ng Kalusugan.
Ika-39 taon na ng MMFF sa taong ito. Itinatampok dito ang walong pelikulang
Pilipino na ipalalabas sa lahat ng teatro sa buong Metro Manila mula Pasko
hanggang Enero 8. Ang iba pang kalahok sa MMFF ay ang “Kimmy Dora (Ang
Kiyemeng Prequel); Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy; 10,000 Hours; Boy Golden;
Shoot-to-Kill; Pedro Calungsod; Batang Martir; Pagpag Siyam na Buhay at
Kaleidoscope World.
Ang Manila Film Festival ay nagsimula sa dating Pista ng Pelikulang
Pilipino noong 1966 nang pasimulan ng noon ay Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas
kung saan iniutos niyang sa loob ng dalawang linggo ay pawang pelikulang
Pilipino lamang ang ilalabas sa mahigit na 100 sinehan sa buong Maynila.
Noon, tatatlong sinehan, Life, Dalisay at Illussion lamang ang nagpapalabas
ng pelikulang Pilipino dahil ang malalaking sinehan ay pawang pelikulang
dayuhan ang ipinalalabas. Noong 1976, ginawa nang Metro Manila Film
Festival ito at sa lahat ng sinehan sa buong Metro Manila, pelikulang
Pilipino lamang ang itatanghal. Noon nagsimula angwalang katulad na
pag-unlad at paglaganap ng pelikulang Pilipino hanggang sa ibayong dagat.
PND (jb/zaf)
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Tatapusin ng Pangulong Aquino ang Philippine Development Plan at
hindi aalintanahin ang resulta mga survey, wika ni Coloma
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Matatag ang paninindigan ng Pangulong
Benigno S. Aquino III at ang mga kagawad ng Gabinete na ipagpapatuloy at
tatapusin nila ang mga pangunahing programa ng Philippine Development Plan ano man ang resulta ng mga survey, sabi ni
Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr.
“Tulad nang binigyang diin ng Pangulo, gagawin namin ang wasto para sa
ating mga mamamayan at sisikaping maging katuparan ang kanilang pangarap na
higit na magandang kinabukasan,” sabi ni Coloma sa pulong-balitaan sa
Malacanang Huwebes matapos lumabas ang Fourth Quarter 2013 Social Weather
Stations Survey (SWS).
Salig sa Fourth Quarter 2013 SWS Survey na inilathala ng BusinessWorld
karamihan sa mga Pilipino ang nananatiling nasisiyahan sa pagtupad ng
Pangulong Aquino sa tungkulin nito. Ang naturang fourth quarter survey ay
ginawa buhat Disyembre 11 hanggang 16 nang kaharap ang 1,500 may sapat na
gulang na mamamayan.
Ang net satisfaction score ng Pangulong Aquino sa SWS survey ay good +49 na
ang 69% ang nagsabing nasisiyahan sila sa paraan ng pagsasakatuparan ng
Pangulo sa kanyang gawain at 21% naman ang iba ang palagay.
Hindi ito nagbago buhat sa ginawa tatlong buwan na nakararaan, bagaman ang
ilang tinanong—19 porsiyento ang nagpahayag na hindi sila nasisiyahan,
samantalang 68% naman ang positibo ang pananaw.
Ang resulta ng ikaapat na kuwarter ay nagbigay sa Pangulo ng iskor na very
good +55 para sa buong taon mula noong 2011 at 2012 na very good +53.
Nakakuha ang Pangulo ng very good +62 sa unang taon niya bilang Punong
Tagapagpaganap ng bansa. PND (js/zaf)
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Puspusang gagawin ng administrasyon ang pagbabagong tatag ng
sinalanta ng 'Yolanda'
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Bagaman ikinalulugod ng Pangulong Benigno S.
Aquino III ang good net satisfaction ratings niya sa ikaapat na kuwarter ng
2013, ang administtrasyong Aquino ay mananatiling nakatuon sa mga dapat
gawin, lalo na sa rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na malubhang sinalanta ng
napakalakas na bagyong "Yolanda" (Haiyan).
Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential
Communications Operations Office na alam ng pamahalaan ang maraming dapat
gawin para patuloy na tulungan ang mga taong nasalanta ng bagyong Yolanda
upang sila ay makabangon sa dinanas na pinsala.
“Siyempre kung iyan ang opiniyon, tinatanggap namin ang pasiya. Nguni’t
isinasaalang-alang pa rin natin na napakalaki ng dapat na gawing programa,”
sabi ni Coloma.
Lumitaw sa survey ng Pollster Social Weather Station mula Disyembre 11
hanggang 16 na 69 porsiyento ng mga Pilipino ay nasisiyahan sa pagtupad ng
Pangulong Aquino sa tungkulin niya, samantalang 21 porsiyento ay hindi.
Dahil dito ay good +49 net rating ang nakuha ng Pangulo.
Binigyang diin ni Coloma na hindi lingid sa pamahalaan ang mabibigat na
hamon na kaakibat ng pagsasagawa ng mga programa sa rekostruksiyon sa mga
pook na sinalanta ni Yolanda na nag-iwan pa ng mahigit na 6,100 patay.
“Marami pa tayong dapat lakdawang mga hamon at pagsubok sa pagpapatupad ng
mga programa ng rekostruksiyon at rehabilitasyon,” sabi ni Coloma.
Idinugtong niya na ang resulta ng survey ay palatandaang ang Pangulong
Aquino ay hindi apektado ng mga pilantik sa pamahalaan sa ginagawa nitong
rehabilitasyon sa sinira ni Yolanda.
Ang resulta ng survey ay nagpapahiwatig na hindi apektado ang Pangulo ng
mga pagpuna kaugnay ng standoff sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga noong Setyembre at
ng napakalakas na 7.2 lindol sa Bohol noong Oktubre. PND (jl/zaf)
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Ang
Pangulong Aquino ang
magpapasiya kung mananatili sa Gabinete ang sino mang kalihim, sabi ni
Coloma
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Tanging ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III
ang may karapatang magpasiya kung tatanggapin o hindi ang pagbibitiw sa
tungkulin ng mga kagawad ng kanyang Gabinete.
Ito ang binigyang diin ni Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. ng
Presidential Coommunications Operations Office at idinugtong na nakatakdang
mag-usap ang Pangulong Aquino at si Kalihim Carlos Jericho Petilla ng
Enerhiya.
“Ang Pangulo ay may tanging kapangyarihan upang magpasiya kung sino ang
nais niyang makasama sa Gabinete kaya bawa’t kagawad ng Gabinete ay
naglilingkod nang alinsunod sa nais at lubos na tiwala ng Pangulo,” sabi pa
ni Coloma sa pulong balitaan sa Malakanyang .
Sinabi ni Coloma na ang lahat ay dapat umalinsunod sa performance
contracts.
Ayon kay Coloma, sinabi sa kanya ni Petilla na luluwas ito sa Maynila upang
makipagkita sa Pangulo ngayong hapon.
Sinabi ni Petilla na tutuparin niya ang pagbibitiw sa tungkulin kapag hindi
niya naibalik ang koryente sa mga pook sa Kabisayaan na sinalanta ng
napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda noong Nobyembre 8.
“Sa aking personal na nasaksihan bilang kasama sa Gabinete, nakita ko sa
kanya ang isang taong propesyonal sa pagkilos,” dugtong ps ni Coloma.
Idinagdag pa ni Coloma na sinabi sa kanya ni Petilla na “na hindi ako
quitter at hindi ko tinatalikuran ang ating nga kababayan. Subali’t ako ay
nangako.”
“Para sa akin, iyan ay kahanga-hangang deklarasyon ng isang lingkod ng
bayan,” sabi ni Coloma.
Sa kabilang dako, sinabi ni Coloma na hindi pinintasan ng Pangulong Aquino
si Petilla sa puspusang pagsisikap nito na maibalik ang koryente sa mga
pook na sinalanta ng kalamidad.
Bukod dito, ang pinsalang idinulot ng Yolanda ay malawakan at hindi bababa
sa 250 transmission towers ng National Grid Corporation ng Pilipinas ang
iwinasak nito.
Nangako si Petilla na mababalik ang koryente Disyembnre 24 sa hangaring
kahit paano “mabawasan ang matinding dalamhati ng mga taga-Leyte at upang
ipakita ang kanyang puspusang pagsisikap na maayos ang bagay na ito.
Si Petilla, ayon kay Coloma, bago itinalagang Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng
Enerhiya ay siyang gobernador ng lalawigan ng Leyte. PND (jl/zaf)
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Gagawin ng pamahalaan ang nararapat laban sa 'Mexican drug
cartel' sa bansa
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Tiniyak ng Malacanang sa sambayanang
Pilipino Huwebes na gagawin ang karampatang mga hakbang upang masugpo ang
Mexican drug cartel na nagparamdam na sa Pilipinas.
Binigyang diin ni Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential
Communications Operations Office na katungkulan ng mga alagad ng batas na
dakpin ang sino mang lumalabag sa mga batas upang pangalagaan ang
sambayanan.,
“Siyempre po, pag-iibayuhin ang pagsisikap para masabat o mahuli ang mga
lumalabag sa batas, pigilin ang kanilang krimen at pangalagaan ang kapakanan
ng mga mamamayan,” sabi pa ni Kalihim Coloma sa pulong balitaan Huwebes.
Una rito, inihayag Huwebes ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) na
nakapasok na sa Pilipinas ang kinatatakutang Sinoloa drug syndicate ng
Mexico.
Ibinunyag ng puno ng PDEA Arturo Cacdac, Jr. ang bagay na ito matapos ang
pagsalakay sa Batangas kung saan nasamsam nila ang 84 kilos ng
methamphetamine hydrochloride o shabu na ang kabuuang halaga ay P420
milyon. PND (jl/zaf)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III’s videotaped message for
the 2014 New Year’s Celebration
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Rizal
Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
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30
Dec 2013
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Papasok na naman po tayo sa panibagong taon sa pagtahak sa
tuwid na daan. At kumbaga po sa larong basketball, papasok na rin tayo sa
last two minutes: Sa natitirang yugto ng ating termino, wala tayong
sasayanging sandali; bawat makabuluhang ambag ng Pilipino ay magpapanalo sa
laban natin tungo sa pag-asenso.
Bilang bayan na may kolektibong layunin, nagpakita tayo ng pambihirang gilas
ngayong taon sa kabila ng patong-patong na pagsubok na ating pinagdaanan.
Talagang marami po tayong napagtagumpayan ngayong 2013. Patuloy ang
kompiyansa ng mundo sa laban natin kontra korupsyon, na nagbunsod sa
pag-aarangkada ng ating ekonomiya: Sa nakalipas na tatlong taon, umangat tayo
ng 29 notches sa Transparency International Corruption Index: mula sa ika-134
na puwesto noong 2010, nasa 105 pwesto na tayo ngayong 2013.
Nalalapit na rin tayo sa pagkamit ng ganap na katarungan sa pag-usig sa mga
nagkasala at umabuso sa paggamit ng PDAF. Patuloy po tayong naglalatag ng mga
mekanismo upang siguruhing ang pera ng taumbayan
ay mapupunta sa taumbayan lamang.
Dahil din sa ating mabuting pamamahala, tayo na ngayon ang may pinakamataas
na recorded GDP growth sa Timog Silangang Asya, at isa sa nangunguna sa buong
Asya.
Sa unang pagkakataon po, nakamit natin ang investment grade status mula sa
tatlong pinakatanyag na credit ratings agencies sa mundo. Bunsod nito, mas
mababa ang interes sa perang inuutang natin, at naeengganyong pumasok ang mas
maraming negosyo.
Makasaysayan din po ang taong ito dahil matagumpay nating naisakatupatan ang
synchronization ng ARMM election sa pambansang halalan.
Pinatunayan nating posible ang maging ligtas at payapa ang pagpipili ng mga
pinuno sa rehiyong matagal nang nabalot ng takot at karahasan.
Kamakailan lang din po, nilagdaan natin ang Annex on Power Sharing ng
Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at MILF.
Hangad po nating mapabilis pa ang bawat proseso upang magkaroon tayo ng sapat
na panahon para makapaghanda sa paghalal ng bagong pamahalaang Bangsamoro sa
2016.
Malinaw po: Dahil sa mas maayos na pamamalakad, natitibag na ang mga huling
balwarte ng katiwalian, at patuloy tayong nakakapaglatag ng pagkakataon para
sa ating mga kababayan.
Ang good news pa ng TESDA: Sa kanilang Training for Work Scholarship Program,
nakapagpa-graduate na tayo ng 576,748 na mag-aaral mula nung Hulyo 2010
hanggang Nobyembre 2013. Talaga naman pong napakalaki ng pagbabagong naabot
natin: Ayon sa datos ng Department of Budget and Management, 28.5 percent
lang ng mga nagtatapos ng TESDA ang nakahanap ng trabaho noong 2006 hanggang
2008.
Ikumpara natin ito sa pag-aaral ng TESDA ng 2012, kung saan umabot na sa 62.4
percent ang general average ng kanilang mga graduate ang nakahanap ng
trabaho. Pagdating naman po sa mga nasa industriya ng IT at BPO, 70.9 percent
ang employment rate ng TESDA graduates. Sa electronics and semiconductor
program naman, umabot sa 85 percent ng mga nagtapos ang nagkatrabaho.
Sa pagtutulungan din ng DOLE, TESDA, DepEd, CHED, at pribadong sektor,
tinutugunan na natin ang job and skills mismatch. Kaya naman hindi
nakakapagtakang bumaba ang ating unemployment rate ngayong taon. Sa patuloy
na pag-arangkada ng ating training and apprenticeship program, napupunan na
ang mga bakanteng trabaho sa merkado ng mga graduate nating may sapat na
talino at pagsasanay.
At gaya rin po sa basketball, hanggang sa huling yugto ay may hinaharap
tayong mga barikada. Batid nating hindi basta-basta titiklop ang mga latak ng
lumang sistema; habang lumalapit tayo sa ating tagumpay, lalo rin naman
silang magiging desperado at magtatangkang idiskaril ang ating agenda.
Alam din po nating mayroon pang mga kalamidad na susubok sa ating katatagan
bilang bayan. Pero, lagi nating handang patunayan: manggulo man ang
masasamang loob, yanigin man tayo ng lindol o hagupitin ng bagyo,
mangingibabaw pa rin ang lakas ng ating bayanihan.
Kayo, ang aming mga Boss, ang nagkukumpas ng direksyong ating tatahakin.
Magpatuloy lang po tayo sa pagkakapit-bisig.
Mula sa kabataang umaasang makaambag at dumamay sa paghubog ng mas magandang
lipunan, hanggang sa mga nakakatanda na may obligasyong magpamana ng maunlad
na kinabukasan sa susunod na henerasyon, ang pakikiambag ng bawat isa ang
susi sa pag-abot natin sa ating mga mithiin.
Lagi lang po tayong pumanig sa tama at sa ating kapwa. Manatili tayo sa panig
ng katwiran, katapatan, at pananagutan; at sagarin ang bawat pagkakataon para
sa ikabubuti ng kapakanan ng mas nakakarami. Tayo lang din po ang magtatakda
ng sarili nating mga limitasyon.
Bukas po ang ating isip at handa tayong laging makinig sa mga makabuluhang
mungkahi upang mas mapalawak at maging pangmatagalan ang ating reporma.
Sa gabay at pagmamahal ng Panginoon, talaga naman pong palapit na tayo nang
palapit sa magandang kinabukasang ating inaasam.
Isang ligtas, maligaya, at mapayapang Bagong Taon po sa ating lahat.
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| Schedule of SS and EC contributions,
effective for the applicable month of January 2014 |
| Source:
http://www.sss.gov.ph |
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SE/VM/OFW
members who have already paid their contributions in advance for the
applicable months of January 2014 onwards based on the old
contribution schedule are advised as follows:
Those with advance payments at the minimum MSC of P1,000 (P5,000 for
OFW members) shall settle underpayments amounting to P6.00 per month
(P30.00 per month for OFW members); otherwise, such advance payment
shall be deemed as ineffective contributions; and
Those with advance payments at an MSC other than the minimummay opt
to pay the corresponding increase in contributions to retain posting
at the same MSC; otherwise, such advance payment shall be posted at
the applicable lower MSC. |
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| One year after – New moon shines over
‘Pablo’-hit towns |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
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The Alvar
couple talk with a DSWD Field Office XI staff regarding livelihood
ventures.
Cateel, Davao Oriental- It is 9 o’clock in this cold December
evening but Barangay Poblacion, the center of this town is still
teeming with people, specifically at Eduard’s Grill, the most
popular dining place in the entire municipality.
Decorative lights, in keeping with the Yuletide season, adorn homes
and establishments.
Overhead, a full moon glows, bathing the town in an ethereal light
prompting one resident to exclaim, “Tapos na talaga ang unos,
nakabangon na ang Cateel (The storm has passed. Cateel has risen).”
This is the cheerful scenario that now greets visitors and travelers
here. Hardly are there signs that this picturesque coastal town
comprising of 16 barangays once bore the brunt of Typhoon Pablo’s
fury as it struck Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces on
December 4, 2012.
Year of trials and challenges
Sarah I. Bulala, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO),
acknowledged that the year following ‘Pablo’s’ devastation has been
“full of trials and challenges.”
She notes however, that “with the help of the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD), the provincial government,
non-government organizations (NGOs) and various local and
international organizations, [the town has] recovered.”
According to Bulala, DSWD continues to provide Cash-for-Work (CFW)
for the victims.
CFW is the provision of compensation based on prevailing regional
wage to disaster victims in exchange for doing community work, such
as clearing roads of debris, declogging of canals, and repair of
small community facilities.
Aside from CFW, the DSWD, together with International Organization
for Migration (IOM), Red Cross, Plan International, and other
humanitarian and government organizations, provided seminars on
livelihood.
“Women’s groups were also organized to engage in gardening, which is
both therapeutic and income-generating,” Bulala added.
“Likewise, DSWD’s other programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino, Supplemental Feeding, and Social Pension for indigent
senior citizens, helped us a lot in achieving normalcy,” she said.
On the other hand, Cateel Vice-Mayor Isidro S. Castro emphasized the
fast-tracking of livelihood assistance as the local government’s
priority, along with the ongoing construction of new houses and
repair of damaged government facilities, such as day care centers.
“We have rebuilt 25 out of the 40 destroyed day care centers in the
municipality,” Vice-Mayor Castro said.
“We are halfway to total recovery but much still needs to be done.
It will take maybe three to five years for us to fully recover and
achieve economic self-sufficiency,” the Vice-Mayor further
explained.
A second-class municipality, it mainly depends on palm oil
production and planting of fast-growing trees like Falcata and
rubber trees. Peanuts and vegetable farming are the people’s main
source of livelihood.
The residents were trained on farming methods suited to the town’s
terrain.
Focus on recovery
The struggle towards economic sufficiency after the onslaught of
‘Pablo’ was a concern shared by the local government units (LGUs) of
Boston and Banganga, two other towns in Davao Oriental badly hit by
the typhoon.
As Ma. Consolacion P. Cabrera, MSWDO of Boston puts it, “We are
still recovering, specifically with the loss of our livelihood, but
with the help of the national and provincial governments, it will
not take us long to achieve our goals.”
Cabrera cited the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehesive and
Integrated Delivery of Social-Services-Payapa at Masaganang
Pamayanan (KALAHI-CIDSS-PAMANA) program implemented by the DSWD as
instrumental in the town’s recovery.
The program is implemented in all eight barangays of Boston and is
responsible for the construction of day care centers, barangay
health stations, water systems and mini-market.
For his part, Banganga Mayor Arturo Monday stated, “By next year, we
will be fully recovered. Our priorities now are ensuring food
security and the livelihood of the people.”
Mayor Monday imparted this message to the LGUs and residents of
Leyte and Samar provinces devastated by typhoon ‘Yolanda’ last
November 8, “Let us set aside politics so help and recovery will
easily reach the affected populace.”
“You have to be very strong, forget the past and focus on recovery
as we have done,” the Mayor emphasized.
New homes for the New Year
Earlier this month, the provincial government and DSWD-Field Office
XI turned over some 72 permanent housing units under DSWD’s Modified
Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) to the beneficiaries in Better
Living Village at Purok Madre de Cacao.
Gerry S. Tabura, newly-elected President of the Neighborhood Shelter
Assistance Association (NASA) expressed their gratitude to the DSWD,
and to the municipal and provincial governments for their new homes,
saying, “Now that we have permanent houses to live in, we can really
start anew.”
Each of the pink, yellow and white houses in the village measures 80
square meters and can withstand extreme wind and rain.
Cash grants
Couple Renie and Mila Alvar of Brgy. Dapnan, Banganga, on the other
hand, chose to have their permanent house built on the site where
their destroyed house used to be.
The couple is also thankful that aside from the housing assistance,
they are also beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya.
Renie said that the program has helped them a lot during those
critical times of starting anew.
Of their eight children, two are Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.
Their daughter Mia, 12, was chosen as the Exemplary Child of
Pantawid Pamilya and has participated in the National Children’s
Congress held last October in Manila.
Their children became Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in 2011.
Renie and Mila shared that the things they learned during the Family
Development Sessions (FDS) helped them recover after the typhoon.
“We were taught responsible parenthood and disaster preparedness
which proved valuable before, during and after the typhoon,” Mila
said in the vernacular.
“We also believe in sariling sikap na hindi parating umaasa sa
tulong ng iba (doing things on our own, and not just relying on
other people’s help),” the couple explained.
With their savings, they expanded their modest sari-sari store
beside their new house.
Lessons learned
The three worst ‘Pablo’-hit towns in the province are adjacent to
each other. From this town, it takes only 30 minutes to reach Boston
travelling towards Surigao Sur, and an hour to Banganga.
These are also the farthest towns in the province.
The local officials are one in saying that they have all learned
some valuable lessons from the disaster.
Mayor Monday reflected, “We need to work together to build the
capacities of LGUs for disaster preparedness. Likewise, we must
reform by ensuring that there is equal delivery of services to
everyone regardless of political affiliation, religion, gender, and
social status.”
Rudy A. Monday, Chairman of Brgy. Dapnan, Banganga, stated, “What
happened is a wake-up call to us so we may conserve and protect the
environment.”
This viewpoint was shared by Vice-Mayor Castro who underscored, “The
issues concerning climate change and environmental protection must
now take precedence over everything else, or else we may yet suffer
from more devastating calamities.”
Better communities
DSWD-FO XI Director Priscilla N. Razon summed it all up in saying,
“It was our first experience in handling a massive disaster, and it
was not easy for all of us. We have encountered several challenges
along the way like telling various sectors what the government has
been doing.”
“Through it all, I feel so blessed for having the full support of
the DSWD management, a responsive and cooperative staff and the
overwhelming response of the local and international groups which
stood by us and helped us from disaster relief operations to
recovery and rehabilitation stage.”
She adds, “I also admire the resiliency of the affected LGUs and
residents. They held fast to our promise not to lose hope because
the government is on hand to assist them, and we delivered, new
homes and livelihood opportunities.
“More blessings will be coming, and together with our LGU partners
and the people themselves, we are now building better homes and
better lives.”
|
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| PHL-Myanmar Agreement on Visa Exemption
Takes Effect on January 4, 2014 |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
27 December
2013 - Beginning 04 January 2014, Filipino nationals holding
ordinary passports may now enter Myanmar without a visa and stay
there for up to 14 days.
This is the date of effectivity of the Agreement between the
Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of
the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on the Visa Exemption for
Holders of Ordinary Passports, which was signed during the State
Visit to the Philippines of Myanmar President U Thein Sein last
December 05.
The visa-free entry agreement is expected to boost tourism, trade
and investment between the Philippines and Myanmar.
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| Traffic advisory along Manila North Road,
effective: 27 December 2013 (Friday) until: 6 January 2014 (Monday) |
| Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
|
THE PUBLIC IS
PRE-WARNED OF THE EXPECTED TRAFFIC BUILD UP - AS MORE PEOPLE ARE
EXPECTED TO COME HOME TO CELEBRATE NEW YEARS DAY - ALONG MANILA
NORTH ROAD (MNR), TARLAC-PANGASINAN (CARMEN) BOUNDARY TO PANGASINAN-LA
UNION (SISON) SECTION DUE TO THE NEEDED ROAD REHABILITATION WORKS
BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS (DPWH)
PANGASINAN 3RD DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE (DEO) FROM DECEMBER 27,
2013 (FRIDAY) UPTO JANUARY 6, 2014 (MONDAY).
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TAKE THE FOLLOWING ALTERNATE ROUTES,
ESPECIALLY DURING PEAK HOURS - FROM 7:00AM TO 9:00AM AND 4:00PM TO
7:00PM:
-CARMEN-ROSALES-STA. MARIA-ASINGAN-BINALONAN (MAGILAS TRAIL)
--BINALONAN-LAOAC-POZORRUBIO
--URDANETA-MANAOAG-SAN JACINTO-SAN FABIAN-DAMORTIS JCT., LA UNION
(FOR LIGHT VEHICLES ONLY)
--BINALONAN-LAOAC-MANAOAG-SAN JACINTO-SAN FABIAN-DAMORTIS JCT., LA
UNION (FOR LIGHT VEHICLES ONLY)
--MANILA NORTH ROAD JCT.-GUILING-ROSALES POBLACION (PROVINCIAL ROAD)
(EXCEPT LONG ARTICULATED TRUCKS)
THE MOTORING PUBLIC IS FURTHER ADVISED TO AVOID OVERTAKING OR
COUNTERFLOWING AT THESE CHOKEPOINTS AND ON APPROACHING STATIONARY
VEHICLES QUEUES.
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| Bank lending grows further in November |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
Outstanding
loans of commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase (RRP)
placements with the BSP, grew by 14.8 percent in November from the
previous month’s expansion of 13.6 percent. Similarly, the growth of
bank lending inclusive of RRPs expanded at a faster pace of 13.8
percent from 13.5 percent in the previous month. On a month-on-month
seasonally-adjusted basis, commercial bank lending increased by 1.5
percent for loans net of RRPs and by 0.6 percent for loans inclusive
of RRPs.
Loans for production activities—which comprised more than
four-fifths of banks’ aggregate loan portfolio— expanded by 13.2
percent in November from 12.3 percent in October. The expansion in
production loans was driven primarily by increased lending to the
following sectors: real estate, renting, and business services
(which grew by 21.8 percent); electricity, gas and water (35.0
percent); wholesale and retail trade (13.5 percent); manufacturing
(9.6 percent); and construction (58.4 percent). However, declines
were observed in lending to transportation, storage and
communication (-3.4 percent); financial intermediation (-2.1
percent); and public administration and defense (-0.2 percent).
Meanwhile, loans for household consumption grew by 9.0 percent from
11.2 percent in the previous month, reflecting the slowdown in the
growth of credit card loans.
The continued expansion in bank lending is expected to support the
sustained growth of the domestic economy. Going forward, the BSP
will ensure that credit and liquidity conditions constantly keep
pace with overall economic growth while remaining consistent with
its price and financial stability objectives. |
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|
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| GSIS offers H.E.L.P for members in
hard-hit Yolanda areas |
| Source:
http://www.gsis.gov.ph |
|
Government
Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager
Robert G. Vergara today announced that the pension fund will
offer a Home Emergency Loan Program (HELP), a one-time special
loan of up to Php200,000 to rebuild the homes of members who
are either living or working in the 126 areas that were hardest
hit by Yolanda.
Under HELP, members may apply for a loan based on their total
length of service in the government. Members who have been in
the government for 10 years or more may borrow a maximum amount
of Php200,000 while those who have been in the service for five
years or more but less than 10 years, may take out up to
Php100,000.
In addition, those who have been in the service for less than
five years may obtain a maximum loan of Php30,000.
Vergara said that HELP is in response to the President’s
instruction to all government agencies to extend the necessary
financial support that will enable Yolanda victims to rebuild
their homes and resume productive livelihood and employment
activities.
GSIS will accept applications starting January until March 2014
in any of its 56 branch and extension offices nationwide. An
approval from the members’ agency authorized officer (AAO) will
be required by the pension fund before processing the loan.
The loan will bear an interest of 6% and is payable in 10
years. The first monthly amortization of the loan will be in
July 2014.
The program may be availed only once and is not subject to
renewal.
HELP is the latest GSIS program geared at assisting Yolanda
victims. The other programs include the grant of a six-month
loan moratorium for members and pensioners living or working in
worst-hit areas; an enhanced emergency loan with higher
credit limit of Php40,000 for members with outstanding
emergency loan balance; and for the first time, a pensioners'
emergency loan of Php20,000.
For more inquiries on HELP, members may call the contact center
at 847.4747.
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| Anticipated post-holiday slowdown weighs
on lower shipments |
| Source:
http://www.neda.gov.ph |
|
MANILA ---The
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said merchandise
imports contracted in October 2013 in anticipation of sluggish
business activity after the holiday season.
This statement came after the National Statistics Office reported
that merchandise imports declined by 8.6 percent to $4.8 billion in
October 2013, from $5.3 billion a year ago.
“This outturn may be related to the rapid growth of imports (over
7%) in the previous three months. It may also be reflective of the
less optimistic outlook of businesses on their own operations as
they anticipate a lower volume of business activity in the first
quarter of 2014,” Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan
said.
Still, he noted that based on the fourth quarter (Q4) Business
Expectations Survey of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the overall
level of confidence of businesses in the economy for next year
remains buoyant.
The Cabinet official explained that the uptick in confidence index
to 52.3 percent from 42.8 percent in the third quarter of 2013
indicates optimism from the business sector.
“Notwithstanding the overall decline in imports in October 2013,
total inward shipments from our top trading partners were mostly
goods that are essential for growth,” Balisacan, who is also NEDA
Director-General, highlighted.
He stressed that the goods imported during the period are capital
goods. These include power generating and specialized machines,
aircraft ships and boats, and telecommunications and electrical
machinery, as well as materials and accessories for the manufacture
of electrical equipment.
The decline in merchandise imports in October 2013 was accounted for
by lower overseas purchases of mineral fuels and lubricants and raw
materials and intermediate goods.
The combined share of these two product categories is 53.6 percent
of total imports and in effect, outweighed the positive growth in
the value of imported capital and consumer goods.
For the first ten months of 2013, the total value of merchandise
imports contracted marginally by 0.8 percent to $51.2 billion.
Given the faster growth in merchandise exports, total trade-in-goods
deficit decreased by $1.0 billion to $6.1 billion in January to
October 2013 versus the same period last year.
China remains our top source of inward shipments in October with a
13 percent share, followed by the USA and Japan at 9.6 percent and
8.8 percent, respectively.
Major trade-oriented economies in the East and Southeast Asian
region showed mixed import growth performances in October 2013.
Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Korea, Singapore and Japan
recorded positive growth rates in October, while Taiwan, Thailand
and Indonesia experienced declines in imports during the period.
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| PHL government repatriates 58 from
Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
27 December
2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh bade farewell to a group of
58 female workers who benefitted from the correction period and
obtained exit visas through the Saudi Social Welfare Authority and
the General Directorate for Passports (Jawazat) as they were leaving
for the Riyadh King Khaled International Airport around noon on
December 23.
Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago and Consul
General Marshall Louis Alferez joined officials from the Philippine
Overseas Labor Office in Riyadh in seeing the 58 off as they
prepared to leave for the airport. The 58 are all Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration (OWWA) active members, and OWWA advanced
their repatriation tickets. Although flights to the Philippines are
all fully booked during this season, OWWA arranged for their block
booking to ensure that they are repatriated as soon as possible.
“I received confirmation in the afternoon from Labor Attache Rustico
Dela Fuente that the 58 were all cleared by the airport authorities,
and boarded their flights back to the Philippines via Abu Dhabi on
Etihad Airlines,” said Ambassador Tago.
As of December 24 and during the seven-month correction period that
started in April, the Philippine Government, through the Department
of Foreign Affairs (DFA), arranged and paid for the repatriation of
2,911 irregular Filipinos from Riyadh and Eastern Region. This was
facilitated and arranged by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.
This number does not include those repatriated on the expense of the
employers, or their Philippine or Saudi recruitment agencies, or
those advanced by OWWA for active members. Under Republic Act 10022,
the primary responsibility for repatriation of a worker lies in the
employer, and the recruitment agencies. If the employer and
recruitment agency do not shoulder the repatriation cost of the
worker and he/she is still an OWWA member, OWWA may advance the cost
of repatriation. |
|
|
|
| Saudi government repatriates 537
Filipinos from Jeddah Shumaisi facility |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
27 December
2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh received a report from the
Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah that a total of 537 Filipinos
who are at the Shumaisi Facility close to Jeddah have been
repatriated to the Philippines. Their repatriation was arranged by
the Saudi authorities on two special flights on December 16 to 17.
The 537 are part of 644 staying at the facility after processing
when the November 3 deadline for the correction period ordered by
the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz
ended.
Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin Tago remarked “I thank the Saudi
Government for its continued assistance, and for the two special
flights that repatriated the 537 Filipinos.” He added, “ I also
commend the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General
in Jeddah including our Labor and Social Service Attaches for
helping our consulate in extending services to our nationals in
Jeddah as well as in other regions of the Kingdom.”
On the evening of December 16, 195 women with 59 children and 3 men,
or a total of 257, were flown to Manila on board special Saudi
Airlines flight SV3874.
On December 17, also in the evening, 186 women and 94 children, or a
total of 280, followed on board another special Saudi Airlines SV
3876. Thus far, these are the biggest numbers of undocumented
Filipinos repatriated in a single day this year. The plane tickets
for both flights were paid by the Saudi Government.
During the two-day repatriation, Consul General Uriel Norman Garibay
and the officers and staff of the Consulate in Jeddah were on hand
from dawn till nightfall to provide complete documentation and other
related assistance to the Filipinos in order to ensure that all of
them will be able to depart as scheduled.
All of the women and children formed part of the large group of
Filipinos who voluntarily surrendered to Saudi immigration
authorities at the General Services Center (deportation center) at
Al Shumaisi on November 10.
As of December 20, there are 52 women and 39 children, or a total of
91 Filipinos remain at Shumaisi Facility. They could have departed
with the 537 OFWs, but they need to resubmit to fingerprinting
process of the Jawazat (Passports General Directorate) in order to
be issued exit visas. The Consulate is making arrangements for this
to be done soon.
The Philippine Government, meanwhile, has so far facilitated the
repatriation of a total of 6,186 undocumented Filipinos. The figure
includes the 537 Filipinos from the Al Shumaisi facility. |
|
|
|
| Baldoz says COA Report is clear: P82.5-M
in SPES funds paid to 36,702 students, but Report notes delay in
payment |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and
Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said the
Philippine Daily Inquirer report saying that the "DOLE owes poor
students millions . . . " is not true, as she said the COA Report on
the matter clearly says that "payments to at least 36,702 students
amounting to P82,574,452.02 of the PP233,381,644.38 in CY 2012 for
the 40 percent share of the DOLE" have been made, although it noted
these "were delayed by one (1) to 474 days . . ."
In a press statement, Baldoz said the COA report is very clear,
contrary to the Philippine Daily Inquirer 's report which appeared
on Page 2 of the newspaper's 27 December 2013 issue.
"We have explained to the COA the reasons for the delay during the
exit conference on the report," Baldoz said.
"Regarding this delay, as well as the other issues raised by the COA
in its report, I have already issued a memorandum to all concerned
DOLE regional directors to submit to me not later than 3:00 P.M.
today the actions they have taken relative to the COA findings and
recommendations. Failure to comply with my directive will be dealt
with accordingly, including the suspension of salaries and
allowances," she added.
The COA report also noted that an amount of P2.213 million in
individual checks for 988 SPES beneficiaries prepared from June 2008
to June 2012 have became stale as of 31 December 2012 due to
inadequate documentation or deficiency in requirements of the
beneficiaries. The COA has recommended that the individual checks be
replaced or the amount be reverted to the National Treasury.
"For this purpose, I have instructed the regional directors to
comply with the COA recommendation and to immediately submit an
updated report on the individual checks they have replaced or the
amount they have reverted," said Baldoz.
As to the unreleased or unclaimed checks for 3,841 SPES
beneficiaries employed between June and December 2012 amounting to
P7.627 million which the COA also noted, Baldoz said this has been
explained to the audit body which had recommended to exclude from
the payrolls under processing those students with inadequate
documentation/deficiencies while the necessary requirements are
being completed.
"We have agreed as well to this recommendation," she said.
She also explained the need for the DOLE to migrate from manual to
automation in the registration of SPES beneficiaries, in the
processing of SPES claims, and in the production and generation of
SPES reports owing to the annual increasing trend of SPES
beneficiaries.
"The BLE will implement the automated system effective 2014.
Needless to say, my instant directive to the regional directors is
to locate the SPES beneficiaries with complete supporting documents
and pay them immediately, in coordination with employers, the PESOs,
and the local government units who had identified the
beneficiaries," the labor and employment chief said.
Finally, Baldoz assured the public that the concerned DOLE regional
offices will strictly comply with all the COA recommendations as
instructed and she will not hesitate to take appropriate
administrative action if they fail to do so. |
|
|
|
| A first between Saudi Arabia and a
country of origin, In 2013, historic agreement between PH and KSA
sealed stronger protection for the Filipino HSW |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
| Achieving a
milestone in the history of social protection, Labor and Employment
Secretary of the Philippines Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia Labor Minister Engineer Adel Bin Mohammed Fakeih
signedin May this year the Agreement on Domestic Worker Recruitment
Between the Ministry of Labor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the
Department of Labor and Employment of the Republic of the
Philippines. “This event is ‘historic’, as it ushered in an era of
stronger bilateral labor cooperation between the Philippines and
Saudi Arabia,” Baldoz said in describing the signing of the
agreement, held in Jeddah, Saudi's resort capital in the west. The
first of its kind to be signed by the Saudi government with a
country of origin for migrant workers such as the Philippines, the
agreement lays down the following areas of cooperation between the
two countries: 1) a mutually acceptable recruitment and deployment
system; (2) recruitment of domestic workers through recruitment
offices that practice ethical recruitment and are licensed by their
respective governments; (3) prohibition to charge or deduct from the
salary of the domestic worker any cost attendant to recruitment and
deployment nor impose any kind of unauthorized salary deductions;
(4) right of recourse to competent authorities in case of
contractual disputes, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and
regulations; (5) legal measures against recruitment offices,
companies, or agencies for any violation of applicable laws, rules
and regulations; and (6) resolution of any issue arising from the
implementation and enforcement of the Agreement. The Agreement also
establishes specific responsibilities of the Saudi Arabian
government, which includes the authenticity of the employment
contract; opening of a bank account in the name of the domestic
worker; a 24-hour mechanism for domestic workers' assistance;
expeditious settlement of labor contract violation cases; and
facilitation of exit visas for repatriation upon contract completion
or during emergency situations. For the Philippine government, the
specific responsibilities include ensuring that workers are
qualified and medically fit with no derogatory record, and
verification of all employment contracts submitted by Saudi
recruitment offices. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully
implement the Standard Employment Contract, which recognizes, among
others, the SR1,500 minimum entry level salary, weekly rest days and
daily rest periods, paid vacation leave, non-withholding of
passports and work permits, free communication, and humane treatment
Within the span of five months, the said agreement bore positive
result as the Kingdom’s Council of Ministers approved on October
Resolution No. 310, or the Household Regulation on Service Workers
and Similar Categories, the new regulations that outline the rights
and obligations of migrant HSWs and their Saudi employers. It
highlight the rights and obligations of HSWs as follows: (1) render
the work agreed upon and do her best in the performance of her work;
(2) follow orders of the employer and family members relating to the
performance of her work; (3) take care of the employer’s property;
(4) not harm the family members, children, and the elderly; (5) keep
secrets of the employers, family members, and people living in or
visiting the employer’s house; (6) not refuse work or leave the
service without legitimate reason; (7) not affect the dignity of the
employer and family members and not interfere in their affairs; and
(8) respect the Islamic religion and observe Saudi regulations
applied in Saudi Arabia; customs and traditions of the Saudi
society; and not engage in any activity disadvantageous to the
family. On the other hand, the employer should (1) not impose work
on the household service worker unless the work has been agreed
upon, and provided the work does not substantially differ from the
original work; (2) not impose any dangerous work that threatens the
health and safety and the human dignity of the HSW; (3) pay the
agreed salary at the end of every month; (4) pay wage and benefits
in cash or cheque to be documented in writing; if HSW does not want
the wage or benefit deposited in a bank account; (5) provide
appropriate accommodation to the HSW; (6) provide HSW opportunity to
enjoy a daily rest of at least nine hours a day; (7) personally
attend or send a representative to answer complaint, if any, of the
HSW; and (8) not ‘rent out’ the HSW. Other benefits of the HSW under
the regulations are a weekly rest day; one month leave after two
years of service; paid sick leave of not more than 30 days; health
care according to the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia; and
end-of-service benefits equivalent to one-month salary after four
years. Baldoz said the regulations also carry stiff penalties for
both employers and HSWs who violate them. Employers shall be fined
2,000 Saudi riyals and prevented from recruiting HSWs, while HSWs
shall be fined 2,000 Saudi riyals and prevented from working in the
Kingdom. “The Philippines is confident that other countries of
destination of HSWs will emulate Saudi Arabia and, thus, follow its
very commendable move,” Baldoz said. |
|
|
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| ‘Yolanda’ survivors look forward
to regain livelihood |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
Coron, Palawan
– Except for a few fallen trees and some torn down houses, the
island barangay of Cabugao in this town already shows signs of
getting back from the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda which struck in
November.
The residents chose not to dwell on the destruction brought by
Typhoon Yolanda, instead, chose to slowly rebuild their community.
Majority of residents here are Tagbanuas, an indigenous people’s
group. According to the report of the local government unit, more
than 500 houses in this community alone were damaged.
All agricultural products such as banana, coconut, cashew, kamote
were wiped out. Seaweed farms were also damaged.
The small boats that they used to earn a living were likewise
damaged.
Today, with the initiative of the residents themselves, new but
smaller houses have risen. Although smaller, the residents believe
that it is best to have an immediate shelter for their families
since the repair or construction of a sturdier one would take some
time and would be more costly for them.
Since they are used to simple living, the residents of Brgy. Cabugao
were able to build their houses using light and indigenous materials
such as bamboo and coconut leaves. Some used old galvanized iron
sheets.
“Kailangan naming gumawa ng kahit maliit na bahay dahil mahirap
naman na wala kaming maayos na matutulugan. Unti-unti kong ginawa
ito gamit ang mga nilipad na yero at kawayan (We needed to build
even a smaller house because it is difficult without a place to
sleep. I am building this little by little using old materials),”
shared Pablo Avellera, 37, a native Tagbanua who has his wife and
two children to secure.
“Halos lahat ng mga bahay dito ay nilipad ang bubong at dingding.
Ang mabuti lang, walang bahay ang nabagsakan ng puno, kung hindi
baka may mga namatay dito (Almost all houses here were damaged. It
is a good thing there were no houses hit by trees, otherwise, many
would have died),” added Rowena, Pablo’s wife.
Jacqueline Victorino, 35, a solo parent of two kids related that
with the help of a niece, she wove coconut leaves which she used as
roof and walls of her new house. She is confident that having a
house of her own again would come sooner.
Moving ahead
“Karamihan ng mga taga rito ay umaasa sa relief goods na natatanggap
nila mula sa gobyerno at iba pang pribadong organisasyon. Ito ang
nakapagbigay ng pagkakataon sa mga magulang na unahin ang
pagpapagawa ng bahay nang hindi sila nag-aalala sa kakainin ng
kanilang pamilya (Most village folks have sustained their daily food
needs through the relief goods given by the government and private
groups. With these relief, we were able to focus on rebuilding our
houses without worrying for our meals),” Rowena added.
To date, the residents have received their fifth round of relief
goods—rice, canned goods and noodles—provided by the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provincial government of
Palawan, local government unit of Coron and other non-government
organizations.
Each community member knows that they could not rely on this
forever. Thus, rebuilding their homes is their first step towards
normalcy. Their next priority is regaining their livelihood.
The residents are already making plans to rebuild their seaweed
farms and look forward to harvesting balinsasayaw’s nests by
January. Balinsasayaw or swiftlet is a bird endemic to mountains and
cliffs in Northern Palawan. Its nest, which is made of the bird’s
saliva, is used as an ingredient for Chinese delicacies.
Rowena said that they welcome whatever assistance would be given to
them.
In nearby Brgy. Turda, residents whose houses were damaged received
financial assistance from the provincial local government unit. Each
family received P3,000 to P4,000 to rebuild their homes.
Phebelyn, a recipient of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of
the DSWD is also thankful that they continue to receive their cash
grants. |
|
|
|
| Peace building is Nation building
(Message from Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser
on the Peace Process) |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
"Peace building
is Nation building"
Message from Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
“Peace on earth, good will to all” is the call of the Christmas
season, simple and true. And we at OPAPP have sounded this call with
all our hearts: through the storms that have rendered parts of the
country a howling wilderness, through a senseless siege that has
defaced a southern city, through widespread outrage over exposed
grand larceny among some high-ranking politicians that has plundered
public coffers.
The pain and suffering dealt by these serial disasters is more than
we can bear collectively as a nation. But it is precisely at this
point that the call to peace and goodwill must convict us at its
core. For Christmas brings the promise of new life and a new being.
The gospel promise of life abundant does not mock our tragedies.
Rather it is a beacon that says life can be much more if we affirm,
rather than kill, each other; if we can honor diversity; if we hold
all life sacred—including forests and oceans and rivers. How to
become instruments of peace so that new life can take root and
flourish?
At OPAPP, peace is mediated through five tables; namely (and
alphabetically), with the CPLA, the CPP/NPA/NDF, the MILF, the MNLF,
and the RPM-P/RPA. Hard as peace negotiations are in the best of
times, they become doubly challenging with disasters stretching
government resources and attention beyond breaking point.
But, with tenacious resolve, we have managed to stay the course. We
strove with all our will to keep our eye on the ball, so to speak.
And, as we approach the end of a year made unforgettable by the
horrors it has visited on our shores, we feel truly grateful that we
have kept within our grasp the promise of peace even across our most
difficult peace tables. We are grateful for the stakeholders who
have stepped up, mainly coming from the areas most affected by the
conflict, to help restore and strengthen mechanisms for making and
building peace. We value the possibilities for dialogue still being
birthed and nurtured where it has at times floundered badly. We take
special note that, in the negotiations with MILF, the annex on
wealth sharing was a gift of Ramadan, the most sacred Islamic month,
and the newly-signed annex on power sharing is a gift of Advent,
most holy and celebrated in the Christian calendar.
As we mark a Babe’s birth, and greet the New Year, let us remember
that peace building, in essence, is nation building. We must rise
from the rubble and learn to dream anew. This we must pledge not as
a Taclobanon or Waray or Davaoeno or Bol-anon or Chavacano or Bisaya
or Tausug or Yakan or Samal. This we must pledge as one body
politic, as Filipinos who, with our different cultures and
histories, are united by birth and blood, unbent by foreign yoke and
unbowed by killer quake and storm.
Peace on earth and good will to all. Assalam allaikum. |
|
|
|
| DBP opens new branches in Manila and Makati
City |
| Source:
http://www.dbp.gov.ph |
|
State-owned
Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) recently inaugurated new
branches in Manila and Makati City as part of efforts to expand its
reach and better serve the banking public.
The newly-opened DBP Manila-Nakpil Branch is located at 1804 Leticia
Building, Julio Nakpil Street corner Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila,
while the DBP Makati-F. Zobel Branch is located at the ground floor
of Lasala Building II along F. Zobel Street, Barangay Poblacion,
Makati City.
Both branches will offer deposit and investment products, loans and
other financial services to residents of the cities of Manila and
Makati and nearby areas.
DBP now has 92 branches nationwide, with more branches to be opened
next year as parts of efforts to reach out to more sectors in need
of development financing. |
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| NCR-Central gets its act together on
"Blockbuster Days" |
| Source:
http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
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Who says you
can’t do anything in a stressful situation? If you happen to pass by
Estuar Building along Quezon Avenue and see people queuing in its
perimeter, do not be surprised. This is a familiar scenario at the
Local Health Insurance Office – Quezon City (LHIO-QC) housed at the
NCR Central Branch Office during deadlines.
The deadline of premium payment for the Employed Sector is every
10th day of the following month after the applicable month. On the
other hand, the deadline for Individually Paying Program is on the
last working day of the applicable quarter. We call these
"blockbuster days". Members may also opt to pay in Accredited
Collecting Agents (ACAs) such as accredited banks, CIS SM Bayad
Centers, LBC Express Inc., MLHuillier Pawnshops, Post Office and SM
Retail Inc. for their convenience.
Members are encouraged to pay before the deadline to avoid stress
during the last day of payment. However, many of them still come
during such dates.
LHIO-QC and NCR-Central Branch hold the record of having the most
number of walk-in clients being served daily. On peak days, it
averages around 10, 000 clients.
Branch Manager Gilda Salvacion Diaz shares and opens the Office of
the Manager located at the Penthouse of the building to accept the
payment of members and issue PhilHealth ID and Member Data Record (MDR).
This strategy decongests LHIO-QC and avoids customers from becoming
irate.
Rey Sulit, the LHIO QC Head sets up three to four cashiers during
deadlines to hasten the acceptance of PhilHealth premiums, utilizing
the limited resources and manpower. Even the security guards on duty
play vital roles together with the dynamic NCR-Central frontliners
with the support of the backroom personnel through multi-tasking to
ensure the smooth flow of operations.
These are the initiatives being exercised by NCR-Central Branch
during deadlines. Indeed, the staff are doing everything to delight
and give the best service to our members.
However stressful it may be, NCR-Central is ready to make the
situation stress-free for everybody.
NCR Central Office covers Quezon City, San Juan, Marikina and Rizal
areas. Our PhilHealth Members Assistance Center – LHIO Quezon City
is located at Mezzanine Floor, No. 880 F.R. Estuar Building, Quezon
Avenue, Quezon City with Tel. No. 332-1550. |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a
wreath during the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the
martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac
City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) wiith the theme: “Rizal:
Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas.” (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III
troops the line during the military honors accorded to him upon arrival
for the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr.
Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on
Monday (December 30) with the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon,
Ngayon, at Bukas." (Photo by Gil Nartea Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads
the flag raising ceremonies for the commemoration of the 117th
anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in
Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) with the
theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas.” (Photo by
Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath during the commemoration
of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal
Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) with
the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas." (Photo by Benhur
Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista and National
Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Maria Serena Diokno,
offers a wreath during the Commemoration of the 117th Anniversary of the
Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac
City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) with the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon
Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas.” (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the flag raising ceremonies for
the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose
Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday
(December 30) with the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas."
(Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista, troops the
line during the military honors accorded to him upon arrival for the
commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose
Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday
(December 30) with the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas.”
(Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III prepares
for a photo opportunity with child star Ryzza Mae Dizon, nephew Joshua
Aquino and James "Bimby" Yap Jr. and sister Kris after watching the "My
Little Bossings" where his nephew Bimby and sister Kris Aquino are lead
stars in the said movie. According to MMDA report, "My Little Bossings"
leads the box office race in terms of ticket sales for the opening day.
(Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III with
nephews Bimby and Josh and sister Kris celebrate the Christmas Day
(December 25) by watching the "My Little Bossings" where his nephew
James "Bimby" Yap Jr. and sister Kris Aquino are lead stars in the said
movie. According to MMDA report, "My Little Bossings" leads the box
office race in terms of ticket sales for the opening day. (Photo by Gil
Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with outgoing People’s
Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing during her
Farewell Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday
(December 23). In photo are Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Deputy
Chief of Mission Sun Xiangyang and Political Counsellor Wu Zhengping.
(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets outgoing People’s Republic of
China Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing during her Farewell Call
at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (December 23).
(Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Chinese Embassy in the
Philippines Deputy Chief of Mission Sun Xiangyang during the Farewell
Call of outgoing People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the
Philippines Ma Keqing at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on
Monday (December 23). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with Miss International 2013 Bea
Santiago and Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. chairperson Madame
Stella Marquez-Araneta for a photo souvenir during the courtesy call at
the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace on Monday (December 23). She was
crowned during the 53rd edition of the pageant held at the Shinagawa
Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan on December 17, 2013. It is the 5th
Miss International crown for the Philippines. Stella Marquez-Araneta was
the first Miss International in 1960. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat /
Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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Miss International 2013 Bea Santiago took a selfie with President
Benigno S. Aquino III during her courtesy call at the Music Room of the
Malacañang Palace on Monday (December 23). She was crowned during the
53rd edition of the pageant held at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in
Tokyo, Japan on December 17. It is the 5th Miss International crown for
the Philippines. Santiago bested 66 candidates from countries around the
globe. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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Miss International 2013 Bea Santiago poses during her courtesy call at
the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace on Monday (December 23). She was
crowned during the 53rd edition of the pageant held at the Shinagawa
Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan on December 17, 2013. It is the 5th
Miss International crown for the Philippines. Santiago bested 66
candidates from countries around the globe. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Miss International 2013
Bea Santiago during her courtesy call at the Music Room of the
Malacañang Palace on Monday (December 23). She was crowned during the
53rd edition of the pageant held at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in
Tokyo, Japan on December 17. It is the 5th Miss International crown for
the Philippines. Santiago bested 66 candidates from countries around the
globe. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Inauguration of the Tarlac
City-Gerona-Paniqui Section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La union Expressway
Project at the Toll Operation center in Barangay San Pascual, Tarlac
City, Tarlac on Monday (December 23). Once completed, it will cut travel
time from Tarlac to La Union to only an hour. Also in photo are Tarlac
1st District Representative Enrique Cojuangco, Public Works and Highways
Secretary Rogelio Singson, San Miguel Corporation president and chief
executive officer Ramon Ang and Tarlac Governor Victor Yap. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Inauguration of the Tarlac
City-Gerona-Paniqui Section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La union Expressway
Project at the Toll Operation center in Barangay San Pascual, Tarlac
City, Tarlac on Monday (December 23). Once completed, it will cut travel
time from Tarlac to La Union to only an hour. Also in photo is SMC
president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang. (Photo by Benhur
Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Inauguration of the Tarlac
City-Gerona-Paniqui Section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La union Expressway
Project at the Toll Operation center in Barangay San Pascual, Tarlac
City, Tarlac on Monday (December 23). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
Inauguration of the Tarlac City-Gerona-Paniqui Section of the
Tarlac-Pangasinan-La union Expressway (TPLEX) Project at the Toll
Operation center (TOC) in Barangay San Pascual, Tarlac City, Tarlac on
Monday (December 23). Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with San Miguel Corporation
president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang during the Inauguration
of the Tarlac City-Gerona-Paniqui Section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La
union Expressway (TPLEX) Project at the Toll Operation center (TOC) in
Barangay San Pascual, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday (December 23).
(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Public Works and Highways
Secretary Rogelio Singson, Tarlac 1st District Representative Enrique
Cojuangco and SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang,
undrapes the project marker of the newly completed Tarlac City-Gerona-Paniqui
Section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La union Expressway (TPLEX) during the
inauguration ceremony at the Toll Operation Center in Barangay San
Pascual, Tarlac City on Monday (December 23). (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by San Miguel Corporation
president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang, Tarlac 1st District
Representative Enrique Cojuangco and Public Works and Highways Secretary
Rogelio Singson, leads the inaugural drive-through to formally open the
Tarlac City-Gerona-Paniqui Section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La union
Expressway (TPLEX) Project in Barangay Guiteb, Ramos, Tarlac on Monday
(December 23). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the
inspection of Bunkhouses for internally displaced persons at the Joachin
Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City on Sunday (December
22). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the briefing on Zamboanga
City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction ( at the Passengers Terminal
of the 3rd Air Division, Edwin Andrews Air Base in Barangay Sta. Maria,
Zamboanga City on Sunday (December 22) . Present in the briefing are
Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, Presidential
Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson, DSWD Secretary
Corazon Juliano-Soliman, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Energy
Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin,
Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, National Housing Authority (NHA)
General Manager Chito Cruz, and Habitat for Humanity chief executive
officer and managing director Charlito Ayco. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the bunkhouse units for
internally displaced persons at the Joachin Enriquez Memorial Sports
Complex in Zamboanga City on Sunday (December 22). (Photo by Gil Nartea
/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(PALO, Leyte) President Benigno S.Aquino III addresses residents of
Barangay Candahug here following the turnover of bunkhouse units to 48
families in 3 barangays Sunday (December 22). (Photo by Marcelino Pascua
/ PCOO) |
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(PALO, Leyte) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads distribution of the
certificates for occupancy of bunkhouse units to 48 families in 3
barangays here assisted by DSWD Secretary Dingky Soliman, Governor
Dominic Petilla, Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla and DPWH Secretary Rogelio
Singson. (Photo by MARCELINO G.PASCUA) |
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(PALO, Leyte) President Benigno S. Aquino III checks out bunkhouse units
with DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Gov. Dominic Petilla and DSWD
Secretary Dinky Soliman Sunday (December 22). (Photo by Marcelino Pascua
/ PCOO) |
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(TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) President Benigno S.Aquino III waves to the
residents before boarding vehicle after the inspection of bunkhouse
units Sunday (December 22). (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / PCOO) |
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(TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) President Benigno S. Aquino III with Rep.
Ferdinand Martin Rumualdez (L), Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and
Governor Dominic Petilla (R) inspect bunkhouse units Sunday (December
22). (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / PCOO) |
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(TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) President Benigno S. Aquino III with Rep.
Ferdinand Martin Rumualdez (L), Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and
Governor Dominic Petilla (R) inspect bunkhouse units Sunday (December
22). (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / PCOO) |
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Please
email us at
pcoo.edp@gmail.com
if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of
PNOY
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