1. Weather Watch

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Note: Please refresh the page to ensure that the information is up-to-date.

Issued At:	5:00 a.m., 13 January 2014
Valid Beginning:	5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis for 8 a.m., 13 January 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind
Analysis for 8 a.m., 13 January 2014

Satellite Image
for 5:32 a.m., 13 January 2014

Synopsis:

At 4:00 AM today, the Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data in the vicinity of Surigao Del Sur (9.0°N 126.0°E). Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern and Central Luzon.

Forecast:

Mindanao, Eastern and Central Visayas will experience cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Bicol Region, Mimaropa and the rest of Visayas will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. metro manila and the rest of Luzon will be cloudy with isolated light rains.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the northeast to northwest over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.

2. WeatherWatch Weather Advisory

Issued at: 11:00 AM, 12 January 2014
The Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 190 km east of General Santos City (6.2°N, 127.0°E).

3. Weather Watch

about an hour ago

Rainfall Advisory No. 23 #MPRSD
Weather System: Low Pressure Area
Issued at 9:00 AM, 13 January 2014

Moderate to occasional heavy #rains over portions of #SurigaodelNorte, #SurigaodelSur, #AgusandelNorte, #AgusandelSur, #DavaoOriental, #CompostelaValley, #ZamboangaPeninsula, #MisamisOccidental, #LanaodelNorte, #LanaodelSur, #Maguindanao, #Basilan, #Sulu, #Tawi-Tawi which may continue for 2-3 hours.

• FLOODING is THREATENING in low-lying areas and LANDSLIDES in mountainous areas.
• The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and watch for the next advisory to be issued.

4. Weather Watch

GALE WARNING

GALE WARNING NO. 13
For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon.

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 13 January 2014

Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon, the eastern seaboards of Visayas, Mindanao and Davao del Sur.

SEABOARD	WEATHER	WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNOTS)	SEA CONDITION	WAVE HEIGHTS (meters)
THE SEABOARDS OF CENTRAL LUZON (Aurora)	Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains	(52-68 /28-36)	Rough to very rough	3.4 to 5.0
THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF SOUTHERN LUZON (Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, Eastern coast of Albay, Eastern coast of Sorsogon and Eastern coast of Quezon including Polillo Island)	Cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms	(52-68 /28-36)	Rough to very rough	3.4 to 5.0
THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF VISAYAS (Samar and Leyte) THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF MINDANAO (Dinagat Island, Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Siargao) THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF DAVAO DEL SUR	Cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms	(52-63 /28-34)	Rough to very rough	3.4 to 4.5
THE SEABOARDS OF NORTHERN LUZON (Ilocos Sur, La union, Pangasinan, Western Coast of Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Northern coast of Cagayan, Northern coast of Ilocos Norte, Isabela and Eastern Coast of Cagayan)	Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains	(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.

5. Weather Watch

WEATHER ADVISORY

Weather Advisory No. 2
For: Low Pressure Area (LPA)
Issued at: 11:00 AM, 12 January 2014

The Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 190 km east of General Santos City (6.2°N, 127.0°E). This weather system will bring cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms over Mindanao (especially Caraga Region and Compostela Valley), Leyte and Samar Provinces, Negros Provinces, Cebu and Bohol which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Residents are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures.

Strong to gale force northeasterly surface wind flow associated with the surge of the Northeast Monsoon is expected to affect Northern and Eastern Luzon, Visayas, Caraga Region, Misamis Provinces, Zamboanga Del Norte, Davao Oriental and Davao Del Sur. Hence, small seacrafts and fishing vessels are advised not to venture out into the sea due to the big waves generated by this weather system.

The next update will be incorporated in the public weather forecast at 5:00 p.m. today while the next advisory will be issued at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

6. Weather Watch

Tropical Cyclone Update
As of today, there is no tropical cyclone existing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

1. PIA Regional Watch

anuary 10

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nakatakdang magbukas ang tanggapan ng NBI Batangas bukas Enero 11 bilang pagbibigay daan sa mga nais kumuha ng NBI clearance sa lalawigan.

2. PIA Regional Watch

January 10

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Patuloy ang panawagan ng Provincial Health Office na maging alerto ang lahat upang madaling matukoy kung nadapuan ng tigdas ang isang tao.Ito ay upang maiwasan ang posibleng masamang epekto nito sa kalusugan ng mga tao.

3. PIA Regional Watch

January 10

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinasagawa ang blood olympics sa lungsod ng Lipa kung saan hinihikayat ang lahat na magkaloob ng dugo upang makatulong sa mga nangangailangan nito.

4. PIA Regional Watch

January 10

PIA-4A/QUEZON: Sa layuning mabantayan ang sitwasyon ng kapayapaan at kaayusan sa lalawigan ng Quezon, naglagay ng scoreboard ang Quezon police provincial office sa pamumuno ni PSSupt.Ronaldo Ilagan sa kanilang tanggapan sa Camp Nakar, Lucena City. Sa scoreboard, makikita ang gawain ng mga himpilan ng pulisya at mga krimeng nagaganap sa iba't-ibang bayan ng Quezon.

5. PIA Regional Watch

January 10

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala is scheduled to have a consultative meeting with local leaders, farmers and stakeholders of Antipolo City's second district today January 10 at the City Agriculture Satellite Office, Sitio Cabading, Inarawan, Antipolo City to identify the current situation of the local farmers' sector in cooperation with mayor Jun Ynares and 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop.

6. PIA Regional Watch

January 10

PIA-4A/RIZAL: The Cardona Municipal Government is currently preparing for its 400th founding anniversary this coming February 1 through a series of festivities and contests starting January 15 and ending on February 16. An awarding Outstanding Residents and Cultural highlights will take place on the Grand Centennial Night on January 31st and a mass and parade on the Centennial Day itself, February 1.

7. PIA Regional Watch

January 10

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Quezon Provincial Tourism Office is preparing for the conduct of local festivals in the province this February. Among this festivalsto celebrate are Candle Festival in Candelaria, Quezon on Feb. 5, Kaway Festival in Tagkawayan, Quezon on Feb. 9 and Laguimanok Festival in Padre Burgos , Quezon on Feb. 17. Provincial tourism officer Alberto Bay, Jr. said that they are expecting more tourists arrival this year.

PIA OFW Watch

2 hours ago

PIA-6/ILOILO: An OFW, who slept outside the NBI-6 office here just to get clearance for work, is now in a state of comatose at St. Paul's Hospital after she fainted and fell on a concrete pavement causing massive head injuries. She is seeking NBI's help.

PIA OFW Watch

January 11

GMA NEWS: Filipinos in Bangkok were cautioned against wearing red or yellow as the political tension in Thailand continued to simmer. The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok, in a notice on the situation in Thailand, also reminded Filipinos there to avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

PIA OFW Watch

January 11

DZMM: 37 OFWs mula Lebanon ang inaasahang makakauwi na ng Pilipinas mamayang 3:15 ng hapon.

PIA OFW Watch

January 10

ABS-CBN: Patay ang isang OFW sa pamamaril sa Santiago City, Isabela. Nakunan naman ng CCTV ang pangyayari. Ayon sa pamilya ng biktima, nakatakda na sanang bumalik sa kanyang trabaho sa ibang bansa sa mga susunod na buwan ang napatay.

Weather Watch

January 13 , 2013 ( Monday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE : Partly Cloudy

LAGUNA : Partly Cloudy

BATANGAS : Cloudy

RIZAL : Fair Weather

QUEZON : Cloudy with Light Rainshowers

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General Trias lands 5th in NCC’s competitive ranking

Friday 10th of January 2014

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 10 (PIA) --The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region IV-A (CALABARZON) formally awarded to the Municipality of General Trias the plaque of recognition placing 5th out of 163 pilot municipalities in the 2013 Overall Municipalities Competitiveness Ranking.

The ranking covers areas of economic dynamism, governance efficiency and quality infrastructure released by the National Competitiveness Council.

RDC Region IV-A deemed it necessary to have a formal awarding along with their full council meeting in December 2013 held in Yazaki Torres Event Center, Calamba City, Laguna to recognize the town’s achievements and impart latter to other cities and cities in the region.

The National Competitiveness Council was formed last October 2006 as a Public-Private Task Force on Philippine Competitiveness by virtue of Presidential Executive Order No. 571, amended to E.O. no. 44 by the present administration to address the improvement of the country’s competitiveness from the bottom third of competitiveness rankings to the top third by 2016. The council is chaired by Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo for the public sector and co-chaired by Mr. Guillermo M. Luz for the private sector.

Engineer Ferdie Saria of the Municipal and Development Council (MPDC) and Rommel D. Olimpo of the Municipal Economic Enterprise and Investment Promotion Office (MEEIPO) received the plaque in behalf of Mayor Antonio “Ony” Ferrer from RDC 4A officer-in-charge Agnes M. Espinas, and Marilou Toledo, DTI Calabarzon regional director. (General Trias PIOPIA-Cavite)

Biz owners urge to secure necessary documents for permit renewal

By: Ruel B. Francisco

Friday 10th of January 2014

IMUS CITY, Cavite, Jan. 10 (PIA) --Business owners are advised to secure first the necessary documents before renewing/filing of their respective permit to avoid the rush of payment of penalties beginning after January 20, the deadline of payment of renewal of permit and licenses.

City Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) chief Jasmin Ramos said late filing of business permit/renewal would mean 25 percent surcharge plus additional 2 percent for every month of delay. She advised the applicants for renewal of business permit to bring with them the original copies of their 2013 business permit as basis for the renewal.

Ramos also advised taxpayers to present the following documents to the authorized employees of the BPLO: previous application of business permit, gross sales/receipts/financial statement, barangay endorsement with official receipt, community tax certificate for business, market clearance for business in public market, among others.

New business applicants according to Ramos should present to the BLPO the following: DTI/SEC registration, CTC for business, barangay endorsement with official receipt and other documents homeowners clearances/resolution if business is located in subdivision, lessor’s business permit, contract of lease, passport size photo of the owner, as advised by the evaluator.

Also clearances from the city departments as required must be secured for payment to the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) like zoning fee, building fee, environment protection fee, sanitary & health permit fee and other fees. Taxpayers will have to undergo assessment of business tax by the CTO assessment clerks and billing at the ground floor, CTO at the new city hall building.

Application forms can be secured from the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) at the ground floor of city hall building. (with reports from Mr. Ely Taparan, Imus Information Office)

Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification

Thursday 9th of January 2014

The awarding of ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration held Monday, January 6, at the provincial gymnasium during the first flag-raising ceremony for the year 2014.

The newly ISO certified offices are the following: Provincial Administrator for Internal Affairs, Provincial Accounting Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Cavite Office Of Public Safety, Provincial Information Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Jail, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Population Office, Provincial Housing Development and Management Office, Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office, Provincial Tourism Office and Cavite Quality Management Office.

Governor Jonvic Remulla reminded the employees of the provincial government to live the ISO culture and exert all efforts to maintain the certification and constantly improve service delivery to constituents.

ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards and requirements for the development of a quality management system commonly applied by private corporations and organizations to help ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are adequately and consistently met. These standards also enable organizations to develop mechanisms for continual improvement of products and services.

The province adopted the principle of instituting quality management system particularly in the four core offices of the provincial government (which was ISO certified almost two years ago) namely the Treasury, Assessor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices – the Human Resource management Office, Information Technology Division and the General Services Office.

The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars granted the Certificate of Attestation to the Provincial Government last May 3, 2012. Later, Cavite was awarded as the first ISO 9001:2008 certified provincial government in the Philippines and in South East Asia on June 12, 2012.

The event was attended by the members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, Dir. Josefina Castilla-Go, regional director of DILG Region IV, Dir. Fernando Mendoza, assistant regional director of the Civil Service Commission Region IV-A, harity Arevalo, field director Region IV-A, Paul Bagatsing of AJA Registrar’s Inc., Jesus Barrera, quality management representative, division and department heads and employees of the provincial capitol. (PICAD/RBF, PIA-Cavite)

Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification

Thursday 9th of January 2014

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TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Twenty provincial offices have passed the ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration from the international certifying body for their excellence in quality management system.

The awarding of ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration held Monday, January 6, at the provincial gymnasium during the first flag-raising ceremony for the year 2014.

The newly ISO certified offices are the following: Provincial Administrator for Internal Affairs, Provincial Accounting Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Cavite Office Of Public Safety, Provincial Information Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Jail, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Population Office, Provincial Housing Development and Management Office, Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office, Provincial Tourism Office and Cavite Quality Management Office.

Governor Jonvic Remulla reminded the employees of the provincial government to live the ISO culture and exert all efforts to maintain the certification and constantly improve service delivery to constituents.

ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards and requirements for the development of a quality management system commonly applied by private corporations and organizations to help ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are adequately and consistently met. These standards also enable organizations to develop mechanisms for continual improvement of products and services.

The province adopted the principle of instituting quality management system particularly in the four core offices of the provincial government (which was ISO certified almost two years ago) namely the Treasury, Assessor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices – the Human Resource management Office, Information Technology Division and the General Services Office.

The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars granted the Certificate of Attestation to the Provincial Government last May 3, 2012. Later, Cavite was awarded as the first ISO 9001:2008 certified provincial government in the Philippines and in South East Asia on June 12, 2012.

The event was attended by the members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, Dir. Josefina Castilla-Go, regional director of DILG Region IV, Dir. Fernando Mendoza, assistant regional director of the Civil Service Commission Region IV-A, harity Arevalo, field director Region IV-A, Paul Bagatsing of AJA Registrar’s Inc., Jesus Barrera, quality management representative, division and department heads and employees of the provincial capitol. (PICAD/RBF, PIA-Cavite)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf

Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification

Thursday 9th of January 2014

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- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf

Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification

Thursday 9th of January 2014

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- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf

Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification

Thursday 9th of January 2014

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- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf

No measles outbreak in Calabarzon

Monday 13th of January 2014

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Jan 13 (PIA) --While the Department of Health (DOH) declared measles outbreak in some cities of the National Capital Region (NCR) early this month, there was no reported occurrence of outbreak in Calabarzon as of this time.

But Calabarzon was not spared from the rising cases of measles in the Philippines. Last year, the total number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases in the region was 458, which was 288 percent higher compared with the 159 confirmed cases in 2012.

Dr. Nestor F. Santiago, Jr., regional director, DOH - Regional Health Office (DOH-RHO) 4A, said there was an increase in measles cases last 2013 in three provinces in the region, namely: Laguna, 259; Batangas, 88; and Cavite, 57. The cities with the highest number of measles cases were: 1) Sta. Rosa City, 119; 2) Lipa City, 42; and 3) Bacoor City, 23.

Since May 2013, the health workers in these areas have already conducted outbreak response immunization for children 6 months to 59 months old to complete the 2 doses of measles vaccination and ensure increase in the immunization coverage.

Dr. Santiago stressed that significant activities have already been undertaken by the DOH-RHO 4A, in coordination with the local government units, such as: massive information dissemination campaign; delivery of Measles vaccines (MV) and Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccines (MMRV) to different provinces to ensure availability of logistics; surveillance of all reported cases; and inventory of cold chain facilities.

Moreover, he said, health advisories have also been sent to local government units, to remind them to mobilize their respective local health workers to conduct catch-up and follow-up immunization of drop-outs and missed children, to ensure high immunization coverage. (MTYMalubag, DOH RHO4A/PIA4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631389601198#sthash.rIIraTU7.dpuf

Business One-Stop Shop 2014 ongoing in Antipolo

By: Gideon Gapayao

Friday 10th of January 2014

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ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, January 10 (PIA) --The Antipolo City Business and Permits and Licensing Office is currently implementing its annual Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) activity helping local entrepreneurs fast track their business registration processing.

Requirements for new applications are SEC/DTI registration, barangay business clearance, community tax certificate/corporate tax certificate, contract of lease (TCT), 3R photos of the applicant, zoning clearance, environmental permit to operate, sanitary permit, fire clearance, homeowner’s endorsement (if applicable), authorization letters (if sending a representative) and other national agency clearances depending on the nature of the business.

Renewal of businesses have similar requirements together with the old mayor’s permit complete with attachments and the previous year’s audited gross sales report.
BOSS 2014 is ongoing from January 2-20 at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City. (GG-PIA4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2261389320169#sthash.MyOxQH2c.dpuf

Business One-Stop Shop 2014 ongoing in Antipolo

By: Gideon Gapayao

Friday 10th of January 2014

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- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2261389320169#sthash.MyOxQH2c.dpuf

Business One-Stop Shop 2014 ongoing in Antipolo

By: Gideon Gapayao

Friday 10th of January 2014

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Requirements for new applications are SEC/DTI registration, barangay business clearance, community tax certificate/corporate tax certificate, contract of lease (TCT), 3R photos of the applicant, zoning clearance, environmental permit to operate, sanitary permit, fire clearance, homeowner’s endorsement (if applicable), authorization letters (if sending a representative) and other national agency clearances depending on the nature of the business.

Renewal of businesses have similar requirements together with the old mayor’s permit complete with attachments and the previous year’s audited gross sales report.

BOSS 2014 is ongoing from January 2-20 at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City. (GG-PIA4A)

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12 JANUARY 2014.

President Aquino to lead National Day of Prayer on Jan, 20

Palace: Foreign tourists' arrivals show quake-hit Bohol's swift recovery

Palace: Concrete measures, not emergency powers in dealing with power rate hike's impact

Palace: More safeguards being eyed for Conditional Cash Transfer program

Palace reminds public servants: Observe due process

Palace to respect US travel warning

President Aquino to lead National Day of Prayer on Jan, 20

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the country in commemorating a National Day of Prayer that will be held on January 20 in Malacanang, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. said on Sunday.

In a radio interview aired over government run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Coloma said the National Day of Prayer and Solidarity will bring together government and religious leaders and members of civil society to a day of prayer for the Filipino people’s recognition of the guidance of divine providence towards a more progressive future.

“On Monday, January 20, President Aquino will lead the nation in prayer in a simple program to be held in Malacañang. The National Day of Prayer and Solidarity with the theme ‘One Nation in Prayer’ is going to be held in accordance with the Filipino people’s recognition of the guidance of Divine Providence in our forward movement towards a more progressive future,” Coloma said.

Coloma added that this was behind the Filipino people’s resilience when facing challenges---their deep belief in Divine Providence. The Communications Secretary said it was the gist of the President’s message in the New Year Vin D’Honneur that was held last Friday where he said: “Some of you have marveled at the resilience of our nation, a people whose faith, though challenged, remained constant and only deepened. Our unbreakable spirit and ability to recover find root in our firm belief in a benevolent God who has the perfect plan for all of us. These tragedies tell us that, despite all our efforts, we are indeed powerless without God.”

“Ito ay bunga ng matibay na pananampalataya ng mga Pilipino na pinalalalim at lalo pang nagiging matatag sa harap ng mga pagsubok. Hindi natitinag ang ating determinasyon at kakayahang bumangon at magbagong-tatag dahil nauugat ito sa ating paniniwala sa kabutihan at kapangyarihan ng Diyos,” Coloma said. PND (rck)

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Palace: Foreign tourists' arrivals show quake-hit Bohol's swift recovery

The arrival this year in Bohol of foreign tourists is a sign of the continuing recovery of the province from last October's devastating magnitude-7.2 quake, Malacañang said Sunday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the people should welcome this development as it shows the strength of Bohol's residents.

"Dapat ikalugod ng bansa ang mabilis na pagbangon at pagbabagong-tatag ng lalawigang Bohol mula sa malakas na lindol na gumimbal dito noong nakaraang Oktubre (The nation welcomes the swift recovery of Bohol from last October's quake)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Last Oct. 15, a magnitude-7.2 quake devastated Central Visayas, heavily damaging many of Bohol's churches that are considered heritage sites.

Coloma cited information from Governor Edgar Chatto showing foreign vacationers recently arrived in Bohol aboard the MS Europa II from Hong Kong.

"Ayon kay Gobernador Chatto, ilang cruise ship pa ang nakatakdang bumisita sa lalawigan bilang bahagi ng patuloy na pagsigla ng turismo doon. Kaya tinatanghal po natin ang mabilis na pagbangon at pagbabagong-tatag ng mga komunidad na nasalanta noong mga nakaraang kalamidad (Chatto said more cruise ships bearing foreign tourists are coming, and this is a sign of the continuing recovery of tourism in the province. We hail the swift recovery of the communities affected by the quake)," he said.

Meanwhile, Coloma said the Palace lauds the bayanihan spirit in a village in Dulag town in Leyte, where residents are rebuilding in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

He said the efforts led by Dr. Marie Ann Corsino have helped 79 families rebuild their homes, along with similar rehabilitation work, had earned Filipinos the respect of the United Nations Development Programme.

Coloma said UNDP senior recovery coordinator Yuri Afanasiev had marveled at the speed of the recovery efforts.

"Ayon kay Ginoong Afanasiev, sa ibang bansa ay umaabot hanggang apat na buwan bago makapag-umpisa sa early recovery o rehabilitasyon. ‘Yan daw ang naging karanasan sa Banda Aceh, Indonesia pagkatapos ng tsunami na nagdulot ng kalamidad hanggang sa bansang Thailand at Sri Lanka noong 2004. Ngunit batay sa obserbasyon sa mga lalawigan ng Leyte at Samar, nagsimula na ang rehabilitasyon sa mga lugar na ito bago pa umabot sa ikalawang buwan mula nang naganap ang bagyo (Afanasiev said other countries needed four months before they can start the early recovery phase. But in the Philippines, this started after barely one month following the incident)," Coloma said. PND (jl)

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Palace: Concrete measures, not emergency powers in dealing with power rate hike's impact

Concrete measures to minimize the impact of power rate hikes - and not emergency powers - are the priority for the government in addressing concerns surrounding power costs, Malacañang said Sunday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said President Benigno Aquino III’s orders were still on finding concrete solutions to minimize the effects of the price hikes on people.

“Hindi pa po tinatalakay ng Pangulo ang bagay na yan sa mga miyembro ng Gabinete. Sa kasalukuyan, ang kautusan ng Pangulo ay hinggil sa patuloy na pag-aaral at paghahanap ng mga kongkretong paraan kung paano maiibsan o mababawasan ang pasanin ng mga mamamayan sanhi ng malaking pagtaas sa halaga ng kuryente noong nakaraang buwan na pansamantalang pinigil ng Korte Suprema (The President has not discussed emergency powers with his Cabinet. His orders are still to find concrete solutions to minimize the impact of power rate hikes on the people, though the Supreme Court had temporarily stopped such an adjustment),” Coloma said on state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

He said the Department of Energy had already met with representatives from power producers and power distributor Manila Electric Co. on the matter.

Coloma said it is important to hold meetings with such firms as they are engaged in businesses imbued with public interest.

“It is important for the players in the power industry to act in a manner consistent with the public welfare as their business is imbued with public interest,” he said.

In the meantime, Coloma said the government will continue to closely monitor developments on the issue to protect the people’s interests. PND (jl)

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Palace: More safeguards being eyed for Conditional Cash Transfer program

Malacañang on Sunday assured the public more safeguards are being built into the government's Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program for poor families.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said this includes adopting a biometric system for the CCT to make sure the aid goes to intended recipients.

"Tumutungo na rin po tayo doon sa biometrics para tiyakin po na may integridad yung pagtanggap nila ng mga benepisyo (We are moving toward biometrics to make sure the aid reaches the intended beneficiaries)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

"Kaya po pinapahusay pa ang pagpapatupad ng batas na ito. Dapat po nating maunawaan na sumasakop ito sa mahigit na apat na milyong pamilya, at ang mga pamilyang ito ay masusing pinag-aralan ang kanilang katayuan, meron tayong identity system (We continue to fine-tune our implementation of the law. We must understand this program benefits more than four million families)," he added.

In the meantime, he said it is up to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to address issues raised by the Commission on Audit.

The DSWD had said it has already accounted for the 7,782 household beneficiaries allegedly missing from the list of beneficiaries cited in the Commission on Audit 2012 report on Official Development Assistance Programs and Projects.

"Patuloy naman po ang pagpapatupad nitong conditional cash transfer program na bahagi ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program na isa sa mahalagang programa ng Aquino administration dahil nga po pangunahing prayoridad ng ating pamahalaan na nasasalamin sa pinamalaking porsyentong inukol sa ating pambansang budget ang pangangalaga sa kapakanan ng mga pinaka-nangangailangan (We will continue to implement the CCT, which is part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program that seeks to benefit the most number of families)," Coloma said.

For its part, the DSWD said it has put in place a replication mechanism of the database where all households encoded are automatically copied in another file.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman added sanctions will be taken against officials or employees found to be negligent in allowing the unauthorized inclusion of household-beneficiaries. PND (jl)

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Palace reminds public servants: Observe due process

Malacañang on Sunday reminded public servants to observe due process in dealing with violators of the law, including rice smuggling.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Aquino administration follows the principle of being a government of laws and not of men.

"Kailangan naman po ang lahat ng mga opisyal ng pamahalaan, sila man ay nasa pambansa o sa lokal na pamahalaan, ay kilalanin ang mga proseso ng batas dahil tayo po ay government of laws, not of men (Government officials, whether they are with the national or local government, should observe the processes of the law because we are a government of laws and not of men)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

He was referring to reports that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte had threatened rice smugglers with death, in a bid to protect the interests of farmers.

Coloma said the Palace is confident Duterte is aware of his responsibilities as a public official.

"At paalala lang sa lahat ng mga lingkod-bayan na tayo po ang dapat na magpairal ng rule of law (For our part, what we want is for public servants to observe the rule of law)," he said. PND (jl)

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Palace to respect US travel warning

Malacañang on Sunday said it will respect the latest travel warning of the United States ldiscouraging Americans from going to parts of Mindanao, including Sulu.

But Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the travel warning applies only to US nationals and not to Filipinos.

"Yan naman pong travel advisory ay hindi para sa atin, para yan sa kanilang mga mamamayan, at nasa karapatan din po ng anumang bansa na mag-issue ng advisory sa kanilang mga mamamayan na sila lang po ang nakakaunawa kung bakit po nila ginagawa ‘yon at kinikilala din naman natin na ang kanilang mga advisory ay para sa kapakanan ng kanilang mga mamamayan (That travel advisory is not for us but for US nationals. It is the right of every country to issue advisories to their citizens for their protection. We respect this right of governments to protect their respective citizens)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

During the weekend, the US State Department warned US citizens against traveling to some parts of Mindanao, including Sulu.

It cited continuing threats due to "terrorist and insurgent activities," and asked US citizens to defer non-essential travel to Sulu.

Coloma said the Philippine government does not need to comment further on the issue since the advisory is for US citizens.

"Yung kanila pong advisory ay para sa kanilang mga mamamayan (The US' advisory is for its own nationals)," he said. PND (jl)

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11 JANUARY 2014.

Palace welcomes improved foreign direct investments in 2013

President Aquino retains Villareal as MTRCB head

Health Department working with LGUs to contain measles, says Palace

Government to find ways to shield consumers from power rate increase, says Palace official

Palace welcomes improved foreign direct investments in 2013

The Palace said it will continue to improve the country's business environment to attract more foreign investments as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported increased Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in 2013.

Apart from the FDI on export products, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the country’s export industry has also increased.

“It’s on a continued upward trajectory, and we’d want to see those numbers continue, or at least, to grow even bigger,” she told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan in an interview on Saturday.

“In all the score cards that we’ve seen, the view of the international community as far as our competitiveness is that it is going up.”

The Palace official also said that while there are some areas that have been improved, the government wants to pay special attention on areas that need further improvement.

“The President has always emphasized the need for a level-playing field when it comes to foreign or local investments,” she said.

“Those who are already here, who are seeking to expand and those who are outside but would want to place their investments here would see that they will get a pretty level playing field,” she added.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday said it registered net FDI of $3.361 billion for the first 10 months of 2013, up 35.3 percent compared to the same period in 2012 of $2.485 billion.

The BSP said in a statement that foreign investors continue to have confidence in the sustainability of the Philippine’s business environment.

The notable rise in foreign investments reflects favorable investor sentiment, the BSP said noting that macroeconomic stability is believed to be firmly rooted in the country’s basic fundamentals. PND (as)

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President Aquino retains Villareal as MTRCB head

President Benigno S. Aquino III reappointed lawyer Eugenio H. Villareal as chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) with a term expiring on September 30 this year.

MTRCB Vice Chairperson Emmanuel H. Borlaza and Executive Director Victoriano S. Muring Jr. were also reappointed by the President.

The other members of the MTRCB who will remain in their posts are Robert R. Andrews, Jaime A. Bengzon, Patrocinia D. Binungcal, Manuel R. Buising, Ma. Gabriella R. Concepcion, Francia C. Conrado, Nicasio D. Cruz, Ma. Marta Ines A. Dayrit, Teresita R. Daza, Noel R. Del Prado, Carmencita A. Guerrero, Mario A. Hernando, Marra Lanot, Eric Henry Joseph F. Mallonga, Anna-Lissa S. Martinez, Maria Carmen S. Musngi, Leah L. Navarro, Cecilia L. Nubla, Jay C. Revestir, Jose G. Romero IV, Elizabeth O. Siguion-Reyna, Rommel M. Sogueco, Gladys Reyes-Sommereux, Benedicto H. Tarnate Sr., Jose Antonio K. Veloso, Teresita B. Villarama, and Alfred A. Yuson.

The two new appointees as MTRCB members are Ricardo M. Salomon Jr., and Ma. Lourdes Lilia Espinosa-Supnet. Salomon replaced Catherine S. Babao-Guballa and Espinosa-Supnet replaced Ma. Lourdes Bautista. PND (as)

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Health Department working with LGUs to contain measles, says Palace

The Department of Health (DOH) has been actively coordinating with local government units to prevent the spread of measles in the country, a Palace official said on Saturday.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that children with ages 9 to 11 months have been receiving the first dose of anti-measles vaccine and the second phase will be those who are 12 to 23 months old.

One to two years old will be inoculated by receiving the anti-measles booster.

“Ginagawa ito ng Department of Health, in cooperation with the local government units. In particular, dito sa City of Manila, in cooperation with the DOH, nag-cover na sila ng 148 barangays at ang breakdown ay 21,560 children,” Valte said in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

Children with ages not more than five years old were vaccinated, according to Valte.

At the same time, the DOH also deployed mobile teams to conduct door-to-door vaccination to ensure that children ages 9 months old to five years old receive the first dose of anti-measles vaccine, Valte said.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted through droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons.

There is no specific treatment for measles and recovery may take two to three weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. Complications of measles however may result in blindness, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis and ear infection. Vaccine is available for children to prevent them from being infected.

Among the symptoms of measles include eye redness, coughs and colds, high fever, rashes on the ears, face, neck, and the whole body, also difficulty of breathing, the health department said.

Health officials said they are looking at a possible new strain of measles that caused the cases of the disease in Metro Manila. PND (as)

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Government to find ways to shield consumers from power rate increase, says Palace official

Malacanang said the government is determined to find ways to mitigate the impact of rising electricity bills once the high court’s temporary restraining order on Meralco’s rate adjustment is lifted.

In a televised interview Friday over government-run PTV4, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government must find ways to ease the burden of the power rate hike to consumers.

“Kailangan pong pagtuunan ng pansin ang bagay na iyan dahil po sa commitment ng ating pamahalaan na tiyakin na mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan,” Coloma told PTV4.

At the same time, Coloma said power industry players, such as Meralco and other power producers, know that their businesses are imbued with public service and public interest and they must act in favor of public good.

“Kaya sana ay isa-isip din nila na tungkulin nila ang magsilbi nang ganap sa ating mga mamamayan. At handa naman ang pamahalaan na makipag-ugnayan sa kanila para matamo ang layuning ito,” Coloma said.

With regards to high energy cost in the country that discourages investors to come in, Coloma said there is a need to study the existing power industry structure in the country to find a solution.

There is also an Energy Development Plan being carried out to ensure sufficient supply of electricity in the country which includes the use of renewable energy sources, he added.

The Supreme Court issued last month a 60-day halt order on the P4.15 per kilowatt-hour increase by Meralco.

The high court’s order is aimed at stopping both the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Meralco from implementing the power rate increase.

Oral arguments have been scheduled for January 21, 2014?

The rate adjustment was implemented by Meralco for the December billing. Meralco earlier announced the rate increase was to be imposed in three tranches, as a result of the scheduled shutdown of the Malampaya gas plant.

Because of the shutdown, Meralco bought more expensive electricity from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to cover for the deficit needed in its jurisdiction. PND (as)

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10 JANUARY 2014.

Diplomatic corps commits to help Phl rebuild from the ruins left by calamities

President Aquino calls for stronger bonds with international community in new year toast

Malacanang continues its pursuit of sustained economic growth, Palace official says

Diplomatic corps commits to help Phl rebuild from the ruins left by calamities

The Diplomatic Corps of the Philippines on Friday committed to help the Philippines rebuild from the ruins left by calamities that befell the country last year.

Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, the dean of the Diplomatic Corps, said the whole world wishes to console and to help Filipinos recover from the tragedies.

"The Diplomatic Corps sincerely vows to help in rebuilding something that is even better than what was destroyed," Pinto said in his toast at the annual vin d'honneur at Malacañan Palace.

Also, the Papal Nuncio proposed a toast to a New Year of "peace and greater prosperity" for the Filipino people and for the well-being of President Benigno Aquino III.

He lamented the events of the last few months, including the magnitude-7.2 quake last October that hit Central Visayas, including Bohol - known for its historic churches.

The Papal Nuncio likewise noted the devastation brought by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) last November.

Yet, he said this was where the Filipino people showed their strength.

"When faced with this tragedy, the Filipino people reacted with the strength of their character and their faith. Victims and rescuers became members of the same family. The whole world wished to help, to console, to rebuild. And just as in previous calamities, you Mr. President, paved the way for local and international solidarity," he said.

On the other hand, the Papal Nuncio cited the signing between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front of the annex on power sharing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro also gives new hope.

"This is the work of peace. Peace is the essential infrastructure that permits us to build even in the midst of ruin, or better still, from the ruin, It illuminates the path towards the realization or legitimate aspirations of a nation," he said.

"May God grant his abundant blessings on this New Year 2014. Manigong Bagong Taon. Mabuhay!" he added. PND (jl)

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President Aquino calls for stronger bonds with international community in new year toast

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday sought stronger bonds between the Philippines and the international community as they face the new year.In his toast at the vin d'honneur in Malacañang, the President also thanked the international community anew for the help they gave Filipinos affected by 2013's calamities.
"As President, I am filled with happiness and hope, knowing full well that the New Year provides many opportunities to deepen our cooperation and strengthen the partnerships we have forged," he said.
He added the Filipino people remember who their friends are, and will look for ways to repay those who stood by them in the most difficult times as part of “utang ng loob.”
The President referred to the help from the international community to victims of last year's calamities, including the magnitude-7.2 quake that shook Central Visayas, and super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan), which devastated Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon.
In his toast, the President urged those who have shown kindness to the Filipino people and Filipinos who helped their affected countrymen to "continue to render compassionate action to all those who are in need, wherever they may be."
He also urged Filipinos who made his administration's mandate of change possible, and who continue to promote good governance to "reap even greater successes this year."
For those who suffered but showed resilience, he urged them to "continue to serve as beacons of hope and strength for everyone."
"And to all our partners and friends from the world over: May we continue to strengthen the bonds that link us as one community, sharing a single world," he added.
The President said his administration has been working since 2010 to fulfill a mission to "empower every Filipino to become a proactive agent of change in nation-building, no longer plunged into cynicism or apathy as a reaction to an ever-changing world."

In 2013, he said the world saw how this transformation is becoming permanent, with many Filipinos coming to the aid of their countrymen ravaged by Typhoon Pablo and the widespread flooding caused by the monsoon rains.
Such transformation is also seen in the soldiers and volunteers who ensured the safety of the people of Zamboanga City, as we responded to security challenges; and also in those who provided relief in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Bohol.
"This transformation was manifest in the very attitude of the survivors, our affected brothers and sisters, who actively clamored and worked with us to rebuild their lives, livelihoods, and communities; and in the Overseas Filipino Workers and Filipino communities abroad who did not think twice about giving what they could for their countrymen in need," he added.
President Aquino added this transformation is also seen in the government workers, scientists, social workers, and common Filipinos who worked hand-in-hand, "as we faced both natural calamities and man-made challenges."
On the other hand, he said Filipinos particularly showed resilience in the wake of Yolanda, which left more than 6,100 dead.
He said that while Filipinos' faith was challenged, it remained constant and only deepened.
"Our unbreakable spirit and ability to recover find root in our firm belief in a benevolent God who has the perfect plan for all of us. These tragedies tell us that, despite all our efforts, we are indeed powerless without God," he said.
The President also recognized the role of the diplomatic community in the Filipino people's collective achievement.
"Many of the nations you represent have been our partners not just in overcoming one calamity, but in addressing the challenges that arose in the wake of many others. For some other nations represented here today, you came to our assistance after Yolanda. By doing so, you opened a new chapter in our relations. The generosity you have shown serves as our firm foundation as we work to expand ever-widening horizons of our relationships. To our old allies, your commitment to helping our nation underscores the deep friendship and cooperation built over generations," he said. PND (jl)

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Malacanang continues its pursuit of sustained economic growth, Palace official says

The Aquino government welcomed the National Statistics Office’s report stating that merchandise exports soared by 18.9 percent in November 2013 and assured to continue its pursuit of sustained economic growth that benefits all Filipinos, a Palace official said.

"The NSO reported that for the sixth consecutive month since June 2013, merchandise exports showed positive growth—expanding by 18.9 percent in November 2013 to 4.3 billion US dollars from 3.6 billion US dollars in November 2012," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement in Malacanang on Friday.

The positive growth was mainly brought by the increase of the top 10 commodities for the month of November 2013.

"The cause of this expansion can be found in higher exports in petroleum, minerals, and forest products, as well as manufacture and total agro-based products. A number of examples of the latter include fish products, centrifugal and refined sugar, desiccated coconut, and bananas," Lacierda said.

"This expansion speaks of the potential of our manufacturing and agricultural sectors, the latter of which is one of our government’s priority sectors for its potential to boost growth in the countryside," he said.

The NSO also reported that the Philippines’ year-on-year export growth was the fastest among selected trade-oriented economies in the East and Southeast Asian region, Lacierda said.

"This is positive news for our government, as we continue in our pursuit of sustained economic growth that benefits all Filipinos—growth that leaves no one behind," he said. PND (js)

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ARCHIVE 2014

10 ENERO 2014

	Nangako ang 'diplomatic corps' na tutulong sa pagbabagong tatag ng mga nasalanta ng kalamidad sa Pilipinas
	Ibayong ugnayan ng pandaigdig na pamayanan ang panawagan ng Pangulong Aquino sa lahat ng bansa para sa bagong taon
	Tuluy-tuloy na pag-unlad ng ekonomya ang sinisikap ng Malacanang

Nangako ang 'diplomatic corps' na tutulong sa pagbabagong tatag ng mga nasalanta ng kalamidad sa Pilipinas

Nangako ang Diplomatic Corps ng Pilipinas na tutulungan nila ang bansa na makapagbagong tatag mula sa pagkasalantang ibinunga ng mga kalamidad sa bansa noong nakalipas na taon.

Nakikiramay ang buong daigdig sa Pilipinas at tutulong sila upang makabangon ang mga Pilipino sa mga trahedyang naranasan nito, sang-ayon kay Arsobispo Giuseppe Pinto, Papal Nuncio o Sugo ng Batikano sa Pilipinas na siyang pangulo ng Diplomatic Corps, kapisanan ng mga embahador at sugo ng iba-ibang bansa sa Pilipinas.

“Taos-pusong nangangako ang Diplomatic Corps na tutulungang maitayo ang mga higit na matibay kaysa sa mga nawasak,” sabi ni Arsobispo Pinto sa “tagay” sa vin d‘honneur sa Malacanang na idinaraos tuwing Bagong Taon.

Sinabi ng Kinatawan ng Papa na ang tagay para sa Bagong Taon ng “kapayapaan at ibayong kasaganaan” ukol sa sambayanang Pilipino at sa kalusugan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III.

Ipinahayag ni Arsobispo Pinto ang kalungkutan sa mga naganap na lindol na 7.2 ang lakas noong Oktubre ng nakalipas na taon, lalo na sa Bohol na kilala sa napakaraming makasaysayang mga simbahang dantaon na ang tagal nang itayo sa naturang lalawigan.

Tinukoy rin ng Papal Nuncio ang malawak na pinsalang ibinunga ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda noong nakalipas na Nobyembre kung saan nagpamalas ang sambayanang Pilipino ng tatag ng kalooban at pananalig.

“Nang danasin ang trahedyang ito, nagpakita ng pambihirang tatag ng pananalig at lakas ng loob ang sambayanang Pilipino. Ang mga biktima at mga sumaklolo sa kanila ay naging parang tunay na magkakamag-anak. Buong daigdig ang nagpahayag ng hangaring tumulong, umaliw, magbagong tatag. At tulad sa iba pang mga kalamidad na nagdaan, kayo, G. Pangulo, ang humawan ng landas tungo sa kapatirang lokal at pandaigdig,” dugtong pa ni Arsobispo Pinto.

Sa kabilang dako, binanggit ng Papal Nuncio ang paglagda ng pamahalaang Pilipino at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front ng susog tungkol sa hatian ng kapangyarihan sa Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro na naging balong ng bagong pag-asa.

“Ito ang likha ng kapayapaan. Napakahalagang sangkap ng kapayapaang nagpapahintulot sa atin na magtatag sa gitna man ng guho, o ang higit na mainam sabihin, mula sa mga guho. Tinatanglawan nito ang landas patungo sa katuparan ng lehitimong pangarap at adhikain ng isang bansa,” sabi pa ng Kinatawan ng Papa.

“Harinawang pagkalooban kayo ng Maykapal ng masaganang mga biyaya para sa Bagong Taong 2014. Manigong Bagong Taon! Mabuhay!” pahayag ni Arsobispo Pinto. PND (jl/zaf)

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Ibayong ugnayan ng pandaigdig na pamayanan ang panawagan ng Pangulong Aquino sa lahat ng bansa para sa bagong taon

Pinag-ibayong ugnayan ng Pilipinas at ng pandaigdig na komunidad sa pagharap sa Bagong Taon ang naging panawagan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Biyernes.

Sa tagay sa Vin D’Honneur sa Malacanang, muling pinasalamatan ng Pangulo ang pandaigdig na pamayanan sa tulong nila sa mga Pilipino na sinalanta ng kalamidad noong 2013.

“Bilang Pangulo, tigib ako ng kaligayahan at pag-asa dahil batid kong ang Bagong Taon ay nagbibigay ng maraming pagkakataon upang lalo pa tayong magtulungan at mapabuti ang pagsasamahan nating lahat,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino.

Idinugtong niya na naalaalang lagi ng mga Pilipino ang kanilang mga kaibigan at laging humahanap ng mga paraan upang makaganti ng utang na loob sa mga dumamay sa kanila sa mabibigat na mga pagsubok na pinagdaanan nila kaya kilala ang Pilipino sa pagtanaw ng utang na loob.

Ang tinutukoy ng Pangulo ay ang tulong ng pandaigdig na komunidad sa mga biktima ng kalamidad noong nagdaang taon, tulad ng 7.2 lakas ng lindol na yumanig sa Gitnang Kabisayaan at ang napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda na nagwasak sa Silangang Kabisayaan at Timog Luzon.

Sa kanyang pagtagay, hiniling ng Pangulo sa mga naging napakabuti sa sambayanang Pilipino at maging sa mga Plipino na tumulong sa napinsalang mga kababayan nila na “ipagpatuloy ang pagdamay sa lahat ng mga nangangailangan, saan man naroon ang mga ito.”

Nanawagan din ang Pangulo sa mga Pilipino na nagng dahilan upang matupad ng kanyang administrasyon ang mandatong pagbabago, at patuloy na nagsusulong ng mabuting pamamahala na “anihin ang ibayo pang mga tagumpay sa taong kasalukuyan.”

Para naman sa mga naharap sa mga pagsubok, subali’t nagpakita ng katatagan, hiniling niya na “ipagpatuloy ang pagiging sulo ng pag-asa at lakas para sa bawa’t isa.”

“At sa lahat ng ating mga kabalikat at mga kaibigan sa lahat ng sulok ng daigdig: Magpatuloy nawa tayo para lalong mapalakas ang bigkis na nag-uugnay sa atin bilang isang komunidad na magkakahati sa iisang daigdig,” sabi pa ng Pangulo.

Sinabi ng Pangulo na sapul noong 2010 ay sinisikap na ng administrasyon niya na matupad ang hangaring “mabigyang kapangyarihan ang bawa’t Pilipino na maging masigasig na alagad ng pagbabago sa pagtatatag ng bansa at huwag nang mabulid sa pagwawalang bahala sa kaganapan sa patuloy na nagbabagong daigdig.”

Noong 2013, ayon sa Pangulo, nasaksihan ng daigdig kung paanong nagiging permanente na ang pagbabagong ito, katunayan ay maraming Pilipino ang dumaramay na sa kanilang mga kababayang sinalanta ng Bagyong Pablo at ng malaganap na pagbahang ibinunga ng walang tilang pag-ulan na dala ng habagat.

Ang pagbabagong ito ay nasaksihan sa mga kawal at boluntaryong tumiyak sa kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan ng Lungsod ng Zamboanga, habang tayo ay tumutugon sa mga hamon ng seguridad; at maging sa mga nagkaloob ng tulong sa mga pininsala ng lindol sa Bohol.

“Ang pagbabagong ito ay nasaksihan sa pananaw ng mga nakaligtas, sa ating mga apektadong mga kapatid na puspusang kumilos at tumulong sa atin para magbagong buhay, kabuhayan at komunidad; ang mga Overseas Filipino Workers at mga Pilipino na naninirahan sa ibayong dagat na hindi nag-atubili sa pagbibigay ng maaari nilang ialay sa mga kababayang nangangailangan,” dagdag pa ng Pangulo.

Idinugtong ng Pangulo na ang pagbabagong ito ay nasaksihan din sa mga manggagawa ng pamahalaan, mga siyentipiko, social workers at mga karaniwang Pilipino na magkakatuwang sa paggawa, “habang matatag nating kinakaharap ang mga kalamidad na bunga ng Kalikasan at hamong likha ng tao.”

Binigyang diin ng Pangulo ang ipinakitang tibay ng loob ng mga Pilipino, lalo na nang salantain ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda na nag-iwan ng may 6,100 patay.

Ayon sa Pangulo, habang sinusubok ang pananalig ng mga Pilipino ay lalo lamang ito nagiging matatag at nag-iibayo.

“Ang hindi malulupig nating ispiritu at kakayahang umahon sa gitna ng ano mang salaghati sa buhay ay nag-ugat sa ating walang pasubaling pananalig sa isang Dakilang Lumikha na may napakainam na balak para sa ating lahat. Ang mga trahedya ay nagmumulat sa atin na sa kabila man ng ating mga pagsisikap, tayo ay walang lakas at kakayahan kung wala ang Maykapal,” sabi pa ng Pangulo.

Kinilala rin ng Pangulo ang mahalagang ginagampanan ng mga diplomata sa sama-samang nagawa ng sambayanang Pilipino.

“Marami sa mga bansa na kinakatawan ninyo ang naging kabalikat namin hindi lamang sa pagharap sa iisang kalamidad, kundi sa paglulunas sa mga hamong kinaharap namin. Para sa ibang bansang kinakatawan ninyo ngayon dito, sinaklolohan ninyo kami nang manalanta ang Yolanda. Sa ginawa ninyong ito, binuksan ninyo ang isang bagong kabanata sa ating pagsasamahan. Ang kagandahang-loob na inyong ipinamalas ay lalong nagiging matatag na panulukang bato habang patuloy tayong magkatuwang na nagsisikap na lalo pang mapalawak at mapag-ibayo ang ating magandang samahan. Sa aming mga dati nang kapanalig, ang pangako ninyong pagtulong sa bansa namin ay nagbibigay-diin sa matalik na pagkakaibigan at pagtutulungang itinatag ng maraming saling-lahi,” pagbibigay-diin pa ng Pangulo.
PND (jl/zaf)

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Tuluy-tuloy na pag-unlad ng ekonomya ang sinisikap ng Malacanang

Ikinalugod ng Malacanang ang report ng National Statistics Office na nagsasabing tumaas ng 18.9 porsiyento noong Nobyembre 2013 ang merchandise exports at tiniyak na ipagpapatuloy nito ang pagsisikap na manatili ang kaunlaran ng ekonomya na ang sambayanang Pilipino ang nakikinabang.

“Iniulat ng NSO na sa anim na buwang singkad sapul noong Hunyo 2013, lumitaw na positibong pagsulong ang nagawa ng merchandise exports na tumaas ng 18.9 porsiyento noong Nobyembre 2013 o 4.3 bilyong dolyar-Amerikano buhat sa 3.6 bilyong dolyar-Amerikano noong Nobyembre 2012,” sabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pahayag Biyernes.

Ang positibong pagsulong ay dahil naragdagan ng top 10 commodities para sa buwan ng Nobyembre 2013.

“Ang paglagong ito ay makikita sa higit na mataas na nailuwas na petrolyo, mineral at produkto ng kagubatan, gayundin sa larangan ng manufacture at total agro-vased products. Kabilang na rito ang produktong isda, centrifugal at refined sugar, dessicated coconut at mga saging,” dugtong ni Lacierda.

“Ang paglawak na ito ay nagpapamalas ng potensiyal ng ating sektor ng manufacturing at pagsasaka. Ang pagsasaka na isa sa mga pangunahing sektor na inaalagata ng pamahalaan sa layuning mapaunlad na mabuti ang mga kanayunan ,” paliwanag pa ni Lacierda.

Iniulat din ng NSO na ang pagsulong ng year-on-year export ang pinakahuli sa pinakamabilis na pag-unlad ng mga piling trade oriented economies sa rehiyon ng Silangan at Timog Silangang Asya, sabi pa ni Lacierda.

“Ito ay magandang balita para sa pamahalaan natin habang patuloy ang ating pagtataguyod ng patuloy na pagsulong ng ekonomya na ang makikinabang ay lahat ng Pilipino,” wika pa ni Lacierda. PND (js/zaf)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's toast during the 2014 New Year Vin D’Honneur

Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace

10 Jan. 2014

Since 2010, we have been working to fulfill a mission: To empower every Filipino to become a proactive agent of change in nation-building, no longer plunged into cynicism or apathy as a reaction to an ever-changing world.

In 2013, we witnessed for ourselves how this transformation is becoming permanent. We saw it in the many Filipinos who came to the aid of their countrymen ravaged by Typhoon Pablo and the widespread flooding caused by the Monsoon rains, or what we call Habagat. This transformation is seen in the soldiers and volunteers who ensured the safety of the people of Zamboanga City, as we responded to security challenges; and also in those who provided necessary relief—and encouraged others to provide even more—in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Bohol. This transformation was manifest in the very attitude of the survivors, our affected brothers and sisters, who actively clamored and worked with us to rebuild their lives, livelihoods, and communities; and in the Overseas Filipino Workers and Filipino communities abroad who did not think twice about giving what they could for their countrymen in need. Indeed, we also saw this transformation in the many government workers, scientists, social workers, and common Filipinos who worked hand-in-hand, as we faced both natural calamities and man-made challenges.

Just as all these incidents tested our capability to prepare for and respond to the crises that came one after the other, each one also demonstrated our individual and collective abilities to help the many affected Filipinos get back on their feet. But just when we thought we had overcome so much, Yolanda, a tragedy of unprecedented scale, occurred. It tested the determination of our people. Despite the magnitude and devastation of this single event, the Filipino people came through.

Some of you have marveled at the resilience of our nation, a people whose faith, though challenged, remained constant and only deepened. Our unbreakable spirit and ability to recover find root in our firm belief in a benevolent God who has the perfect plan for all of us. These tragedies tell us that, despite all our efforts, we are indeed powerless without God.

In this first gathering of friends and partners for the New Year, it is also just and fitting that your role in our collective achievement be recognized.

Many of the nations you represent have been our partners not just in overcoming one calamity, but in addressing the challenges that arose in the wake of many others. For some other nations represented here today, you came to our assistance after Yolanda. By doing so, you opened a new chapter in our relations. The generosity you have shown serves as our firm foundation as we work to expand ever-widening horizons of our relationships. To our old allies, your commitment to helping our nation underscores the deep friendship and cooperation built over generations.

To everyone gathered here, it is with a sincere sense of gratitude that I tell you: the Filipino people remember who their friends are. Filipinos never forget an instance of kindness, and will constantly look for ways to repay those who stood by them in the most difficult times. In our language, we call this “utang ng loob.”

As President, I am filled with happiness and hope, knowing full well that the New Year provides many opportunities to deepen our cooperation and strengthen the partnerships we have forged.

And therefore, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I propose this toast:

To all those who have shown the Filipino people a kindness they will always remember, and to every Filipino who has rendered aid to their affected countrymen: May you continue to render compassionate action to all those who are in need, wherever they may be.

To all Filipinos who made our mandate of change possible, and who continue to promote good governance: May we reap even greater successes this year.

To all those who suffered but showed a resilience that inspired all of us, may you continue to serve as beacons of hope and strength for everyone.

And to all our partners and friends from the world over: May we continue to strengthen the bonds that link us as one community, sharing a single world.

And with that, may I propose a toast:

Mabuhay!

[HOME]

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11 JANUARY 2014

Notice of Vacancies as of January 10, 2014

PH among choice destinations for 2014

BSP rediscount rates for January 2014 and availments as of December 2013

Foreign Direct Investments post higher net inflows in October 2013; Ten-month level reaches US$3.4 billion

Budget openness beefed up with GIFMIS public bidding; Abad: Innovation to ensure reliability and accuracy of government data

DOJ completes new NBI clearance system

Deadline extended: Applications now open for the Scholarship Program for Lean Six Sigma for Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) course

Baldoz announces three months' advance pension to EC pensioners

36 OFWs and a child seeking repatriation from Yemen--Baldoz

DPWH adjsuts bunkhouse sizes to conform to acceptable standards

DOE supports development of oil discovery in Central Cebu

DFA, UNODC train foreign service personnel on assisting Filipino victims of human trafficking

Three Philippine companies recognized as among 10 successful Asean enterprises entering into China in 2013

Exports surge anew in November 2013, PHl among the fastest in the region

SHFC approves housing loan of 2,600 informal settler families - VP Binay

VP Binay optimistic on reopening negotiations to save OFW Zapanta from execution

PhilHealth Pasig office opens Members Healthcare Access (MHA) room

PH among choice destinations for 2014

Source: http://www.tourism.gov.ph

“White-sand beaches, glorious landscapes and wildlife and, this month, a week-long fiesta of dancing and drumming.” This is how the UK's Telegraph describes the Philippines, categorized under “beach holidays,” in its list of “20 destinations for 2014.”

The British paper introduces its selection, published just after the New Year, as a “travel list that confounds expectations.” In including the Philippines, it argues that it's “not just a vote of sympathy” for being in “the headlines for all the wrong reasons” because of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Rather, the country was picked due to being an archipelago “made for island-hopping between sugary beaches that receive far fewer tourists than they should.”

Telegraph writer Natalie Paris recommends Bohol “for the golden sands at Panglao,” Malapascua “where divers rise at dawn to see thresher sharks,” and Donsol for whale shark-watching. Boracay, of course, is mentioned, as well as the Cordillera mountains and Palawan, which she calls “a region of limestone peaks, caves and crystal clear bathing spots waiting to be discovered by kayak or boat tour.”

Meanwhile, another British publication, travel reference Rough Guides, hails the nation as one of the Top 10 Countries, together with Ethiopia, Madagascar, Brazil, Turkey, Georgia, Rwanda, Japan, Bulgaria and Macedonia. “Though the Philippines boasts a dazzling array of pristine reefs, volcanoes, sleepy backpacker islands and the famed rice terraces, the country remains off the beaten path,” reads the summary on www.roughguides.com. The countries tally is part of The Rough Guide to 2014, which also lists the Top 10 Cities, Best-Value Destinations and a Month-by-Month Guide. The website even has a front-page feature on the Banaue Rice Terraces.

The famed mountainside paddies are also named in the Huffington Post article “14 Destinations For Your 2014 Travel Bucket List.” They are described as “mystifying” and “a sight everyone needs to see” by writer Lisa Miller, who praised the locale for being “the perfect affordable base, especially compared to other tourist spots in the Philippines.” Her list is composed of “awesome, under-the-radar destinations” including Colmar in France, the Colca Canyon in Peru, Tasmania in Australia and Yukon in Canada.

Finally, on International Living magazine's 24-country Global Retirement Index 2014, which “profiles the best destinations for good-value living around the world today,” the Philippines is recognized as one of the top retirement locations, coming in at number 17.

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BSP rediscount rates for January 2014 and availments as of December 2013

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

The BSP announced today the rediscount rates applicable on loan availments by banking institutions for January 2014 and availments as of December 2013.For loans under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the rediscount rates effective 15 November 2013 up to the next policy rates revision are as follows:

Loan Maturity	Rate (%)
	RW I¹	RW II ²
30 days	5.6250	3.5000
90 days	5.6875	3.5000
180 days	5.7500	3.5625
360 days	n/a	3.6250

The Peso rediscount rates for RW I and RW II are based on the applicable BSP one-month repurchase rate and overnight reverse repurchase rate, respectively, plus term premia for longer maturities per Circular No. 806 dated 15 August 2013. Meanwhile, for loans under the Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility (EDYRF), the rates for the month of January are as follows:

Loan Maturity	Rate (%)
	Dollar	Yen
1-90 days	2.24610	2.14786
91-180 days	2.30860	2.21036
181-360 days	2.37110	2.27286

The EDYRF rediscount rates are based on the respective 90-day London Inter-Bank Offered Rate as of 31 December 2013 plus 200 basis points plus term premia for longer maturities pursuant to Circular No. 807 dated 15 August 2013. Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, total availments of commercial, thrift and rural banks amounted to P17,956 million for the period 01 January to 31 December 2013, 61.4 percent lower than the P46,504 million total in the same period last year. Of the availments for the period, 81.8 percent went to commercial credits, 3.2 percent to agricultural and industrial credits, and 15.0 percent to other credits consisting of CAPEX (7.6 percent), other services (6.5 percent), permanent working capital (0.8 percent) and housing (0.1 percent).
Under the EDYRF, aggregate dollar availments of eight commercial banks and a thrift bank for the period 01 January to 31 December 2013 amounted to US$109.4 million and benefitted 31 exporters. This represents a 36.6 percent decrease in availments compared to the US$172.5 million grants for the same period last year.
On the other hand, there was no Yen-denominated availment under the EDYRF for the period 01 January to 31 December 2013.

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Foreign Direct Investments post higher net inflows in October 2013; Ten-month level reaches US$3.4 billion

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

Net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows increased by 65.9 percent to reach US$254 million in October 2013 from US$153 million posted in the same period last year. 1,2 The notable rise in foreign investments into the country reflects favorable investor sentiment on the back of the country’s macroeconomic stability amid challenging global economic conditions.

More than half of the FDI during the period came from non-residents’ net placements in debt instruments issued by local affiliates amounting to US$135 million. Equity capital also helped boost FDI net inflows as gross placements of US$115 million more than offset withdrawals of US$47 million. Gross equity capital placements—sourced mostly from the United States, Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan—were channeled mainly to manufacturing; transportation and storage; financial and insurance; real estate; and mining and quarrying activities. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings amounted to US$50 million, lower however by 44.2 percent compared to US$90 million in the same period last year.

On a cumulative basis, net FDI inflows for the first ten months of 2013 grew by 35.3 percent to US$3.4 billion from US$2.5 billion posted in the same period last year. This is on account of the net inflows observed across the FDI components. In particular, non-residents’ net placements in debt instruments totaled US$2.1 billion during the period, more than sixfold the US$334 million level recorded during the comparable period in the previous year. Parent companies abroad continued to lend to their local subsidiaries/affiliates to fund existing operations and/or expansion of their businesses in the country, encouraged by the sustained growth performance of the economy. Moreover, net inflows of equity capital aggregating US$658 million also contributed to the increase in FDI during the period as gross placements of US$2.3 billion more than compensated for the withdrawals of US$1.6 billion. The bulk of gross equity capital placements—which originated mainly from Mexico, Japan, the United States, British Virgin Islands, and Singapore—were channeled mainly to manufacturing; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation; financial and insurance; real estate; and arts, entertainment and recreation activities. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings amounted to US$586 million, lower by 33.2 percent compared to US$878 million registered in the same period last year.

--------------------------------

1 The BSP adopted the Balance of Payments, 6th edition (BPM6) compilation framework effective 22 March 2013 with the release of the full-year 2012 and revised 2011 BOP statistics. The major change in FDI compilation is the adoption of the asset and liability principle, where claims of non-resident direct investment enterprises from resident direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net incurrence of liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines (previously presented in the Balance of Payments Manual, 5th edition (BPM5) as negative entry under assets/residents’ investments abroad). Conversely, claims of resident direct investment enterprises from foreign direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net acquisition of financial assets/residents’ investments abroad (previously presented as negative entry under liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines).

2 BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings between affiliates. In contrast to investment data from other government sources, the BSP’s FDI data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold and include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of the domestic company. Furthermore, the BSP’s FDI data are presented in net terms (i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals), while the IPAs’ FDI do not account for equity withdrawals.

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Budget openness beefed up with GIFMIS public bidding; Abad: Innovation to ensure reliability and accuracy of government data

Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph

In line with the Administration’s commitment to instill transparency and accountability in the management of public spending, the Department of Budget and Management has opened public bidding on the consulting services for the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS), a program at the center of the Aquino administration’s goal to integrate fiscal oversight and reporting systems in the Philippine bureaucracy.

Under a joint venture agreement, the public bidding was opened to local and international competitors, of which nine (9) Expressions of Interest to implement the project have already been received.

As part of the reform initiative of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Program, GIFMIS will collect and organize financial information in a central database. This database will support budget preparation, management and execution, as well as accounting and financial reporting to streamline information and analysis across the oversight agencies — DBM, Commission on Audit (COA), and Department of Finance (DOF).

“As part of the umbrella of the agency’s budget reforms, the GIFMIS is geared towards providing reliable, accurate, and updated financial and performance information. More important, the GIFMIS will reduce administrative costs such as paper documentation and various IT systems, resulting in more savings for government. Now that public bidding for the program has begun, we’re looking forward to securing the best service possible so that the government’s fiscal automation requirements are properly met. This will of course result in improved public financial services to the public,” DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

“We cannot emphasize the importance of GIFMIS enough. For the longest time, fiscal management across the bureaucracy was composed of disparate systems, without a single unifying program supporting a whole body of related processes. Once we have GIFMIS in place, we can expect improved efficiency in the way we manage public funds, from budget planning all the way to auditing and financial reporting. It’s really a program that strikes at the heart of transparency and openness issues in the country’s fiscal processes,” Abad added.

Under the GIFMIS, are programs such as the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and Unified Account Code Structure (UACS), aimed toward harmonizing the transaction and payment procedures to employees, suppliers, and other payees, contributing to the accuracy and timeliness of government transactions.

“This administration is steadfast in pushing forward its commitment to transform the bureaucracy, particularly by enabling reforms that tap the strengths of current technology and digital innovation. We are pleased that the onset of our reforms, particularly the GIFMIS, comes at a remarkable time of citizen engagement and participation, where there is increasing demand for transparency and access to government data,” DBM Chief Information Officer and Undersecretary Richard “Bon” Moya stated.

The PFM Committee is composed of the DBM, the Commission on Audit, the Department of Finance, and the Bureau of Treasury. The committee’s work is primarily focused on overseeing and coordinating the successful integration and automation of government financial systems, besides ensuring the proper implementation of the Administration’s PFM roadmap.

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DOJ completes new NBI clearance system

Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph

Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima today formally announced that the country's premier law enforcement agency, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has successfully switched on its very own clearance system over the holidays. The soft launch was made on January 2, 2014 with the head office and eighteen (18) branches nationwide going online.

"The new Clearance System provides a more reliable platform for the efficient processing of applicants' information. With the improved search engine and query database, the accurate releasing of clearances will be faster," said Secretary de Lima.

The new system includes an Automated Cashiering Module for the consistent accounting reports that eliminate malversation and corruption and a Renewal Module to ease the hassles of securing a clearance for those with existing ones.

"This is a first in the history of the Department and of the Bureau - our very own clearance system that was internally developed as part of our flagship National Justice Information System (NJIS) Project," she added. Previously, the clearance systems were run by third party providers or contractors.

As of 08 January 2014, forty nine (49) sites nationwide are already live and to cater the public. Enhancements and improvements are expected in the next couple of weeks to extend to e-Payment Module and NBI kiosks.

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Deadline extended: Applications now open for the Scholarship Program for Lean Six Sigma for Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) course

Source: http://icto.dost.gov.ph

The Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICT Office) has partnered with the ICT industry to implement the ICT Scholarship and Training Program which aims to, among others, provide training in industry-specified areas of specialization in ICT, and increase the size and employability of the country’s ICT talent pool. The Program falls under the overall objective of the DOST in providing scholarships to science and technology and ICT students, graduates, and professionals. Funded under a special appropriation on the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) proceeds, the initial phase of this Program supports one of the specific segments of the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry, namely, game development. In the 2012-2016 Philippine IT-BPM Road Map published by the DOST-ICT Office, the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines, and TeamAsia, there is a need to sustain the growth and momentum of the IT-BPM industry through the implementation of key and strategic initiatives in the areas of talent, marketing and branding, ecosystem, and research. Further, the industry must be able to respond to the requirements of the global market; one way to do this is to ensure that there is steady supply of workforce that have the necessary skills to provide the services required by the target market.

The ICT Scholarship and Training Program aims to expand the country’s pool of skilled professionals in targeted high growth segments of the IT-BPM industry, as well as support the goal of producing more globally competitive ICT skilled professionals.

The ICT Office has partnered with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) to coordinate and mobilize activities in the conduct of the Lean Six Sigma for IT-BPM Course. This program forms part of the collaboration between the ICT Office and IBPAP as provided for in their Memorandum of Understanding to plan and implement talent development programs for the said industry.

The Lean Six Sigma for IT-BPM Course is designed to equip participants with the necessary expert knowledge, skills, attitudes and leadership in the planning and implementing sustainable improvement projects for improved organizational performance and success. The program provides a rigorous treatment of the whole spectrum of the body of knowledge (BOK) of both Lean and Six Sigma. Mastery of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) knowledge is fortified with practical case studies and significant hands-on exercises aided by software tools. With lean six sigma expertise, knowledge, methods, and tools, the organization will be able to build a culture of operational excellence while achieving bottom-line results and total customer experience

The course was developed and will be conducted and administered by the University of the Philippines (UP) through the National Engineering Center (NEC).

The above-mentioned course will have up to twenty (20) slots available to qualified scholars; applicants, however, must meet certain eligibility criteria and shall be subject to a screening process. The scholarship program reaches out to underprivileged, talented and deserving students, practitioners, near hire job applicants, and government employees and provides them the opportunity to apply such skill in their chosen field, pursue a career in the ICT industry, or engage in entrepreneurial-related activities.

For more information, please visit the website of the UP NEC at www.upnec.com. All application must be sent by January 24, 2014, to the following:

Professional Engineering Training Division
UP National Engineering Center
2/F Juinio Hall, F. Agoncillo Streeet & Osmeña Avenue, UP Diliman Campus
Quezon City, 1101

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Baldoz announces three months' advance pension to EC pensioners

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

This is good news to private sector pensioners of the Employees Compensation Commission.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, who is Chairman of the Employees Compensation Commission, an attached agency of the DOLE, yesterday announced that Employees' Compensation pensioners in the private sector whose areas were affected by typhoon “Yolanda”, the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu, and the Zamboanga crisis may avail of an advance three-month pension grant from the Social Security System (SSS).

According to Secretary Baldoz, ECC Executive Director Stella Z. Banawis had reported that the new policy is in line with the DOLE’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of workers affected by catastrophes or natural calamities.

"The grant of a three-month advance EC pension will surely help pensioners recover from their traumatic experience from the calamities," said Baldoz.

Baldoz said further the ECC may extend the period of the grant depending on the extent of damage suffered by the EC pensioners in the above-cited areas.

In a resolution declaring this policy, the ECC Board had directed the SSS to prescribe the guidelines for the implementation of the three-month advance pension to EC pensioners.

Any question about this release? Please contact the ECC at 899-42-51 or 52 local 227 or 228. Also e-mail the ECC at ecc_mails@yahoo.com, or visit the website, www.ecc.gov.ph.

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36 OFWs and a child seeking repatriation from Yemen--Baldoz

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

Following the escalating domestic violence which claimed the lives of 56 people, including seven overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), 36 OFWs and a child in politically-unstable Yemen have expressed desire to return to the country, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said. “We are closely monitoring the situation in Yemen and are constantly in touch with the members of the Philippine contingency team there. The safety of our OFWs in Yemen is our foremost consideration,” Baldoz said. The labor chief made the announcement after receiving the report of Labor Attache David Des Dicang--whom Baldoz sent to Yemen to assist the contingency team--that 25 of the 36 OFWs seeking repatriation are medical staff employed at the Ministry of Defense Hospital in Sana’a, the Yemeni capital. Dicang in his report stated that the hospital is yet to finalize the 25 OFWs' flight details, but added they are expected to return to the country in three batches. "Their airfare will be shouldered by the Defense Ministry Hospital which also provided each employee a compensation package equivalent to a three-month salary and a bonus equivalent to a two-week salary," Dicang said. The 25 OFWs are Jacqueline Barrozo; Dulce Corazon Jimenez; Marilou Cayog ; Joshua Lozano; Maria Lourdes Barrozo; Jean Tamboong; Zyra Fajardo; Neivin Lusabia; Mary Grace del Rosario; Josephine Rocero; Selly Ruth Edanol; Jeffrey Nulo; Christine Love Deduyo; Diovel Bryan Ganac; Robelia Sinlao; Lovely Aiza Abegonia; Catherine Dimailig; Jopher Juarez; Ria Montemayor; Helen Valenzuela; Mary Joyce Ramirez; Alvin Venturina; Rhea Tabuada Jean Tamboong; Ma. Kristine Lorete; and Maria Krisitine Malimban. On the other hand, the 11 OFWs and the child who wanted to go home have expired visas and need to pay penalties computed at US$1.5 per day for the expired visas and US$1.5 per day for the expired work permits. Dicang reported, however, that the Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has made the assurance to shoulder the cost of plane fares of the OFWs. They 11 are Jasmin Bedia; Edwin De Jesus; Crystal Jade Dormitorio; Renato Mendiola; Leticia Dechoson; Kryselle Jean Mendiola; Almario Rigor, Jr.; Genalyn Suarez; Romel Martinez; Arriane Joy Mendiola de Jesus; and Roberto Dawedou, while the child is two-year old Mark Daniel Suarez. The Philippine government's Contingency Team composed of Vice Consul Winston Dean Almeda, Attache’ Rene Salazar of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, and Philippine Honorary Consul to Yemen Mohammed Saleh Al Jawal remain in Yemen to continuously monitor the situation, assist the OFWs in the voluntary repatriation process and conduct review of the current alert level. “Some OFWs have expressed their desire that the current Alert Level 3 be lowered to Alert Level 2 to allow them to go on vacation and be able to return to Yemen,” Dicang stated in his report. Dicang further reported that Vice Consul Almeda, head of the Crisis Management Team in Yemen, has been informed by the Defense Ministry Hospital that the monetary compensation to be paid for the family of the deceased OFWs is now ready for remittance, and the Philippine official had sought the OWWA’s assistance to get the names and the account numbers of the beneficiaries of the seven OFWs who died during the bomb attack, namely, Edward Anthony De Guzman; Hezel Puebles; Rosita Santiago; Ruben Valenzuela; Marivic Badenas; Mariane David; and Aurora Gormate. Dicang, who has arrived in Manila, said that before he left Yemen, he had assigned area coordinators in the Filipino community to assist the government in updating the list of Filipinos in the said country and to provide feedback in case of any unusual activities. "The area coordinators continue to be active and regularly communicate with the Philippine contingency team," Dicang said. The coordinators' assigned areas and contact details are as follows: Area Coordinator Tel. No. Co-Coordinator Tel. No. HADDA SABAEEN Esther Gahlan +967 713975593 Marilou Espanola 712582978 HADDDA MEDINA Raymundo Legara +967 711025799 Gloria Oliva 733678521 MEDINA SAAWAN June Sarmiento 712502878 FAJ-ATTAN Jenny Labog 713514574 Topher Mangalindan 712669014 MUJAHED Jerry De Leon 736307357 SAFIA Tet Beltran 734064147 Ronald Pacifico 737700273 BAGHDAD/ SUBEIRY Robert Mana-ay 716300716 Boyet Gammad 733445599 60h SREET Irenea Verzosa 711399107 BEITBOSS Roy Sabado 711268049 SAADA Jheng Nunes 07512788 HAJJA Celso Magno 713036597 ADEN Laurito Lito Tubig TAIZ Edwin Sarsagad 711201842 HODEIDA Rene Perez 712669113 Baldoz assured the families in the Philippines of OFWs in Yemen that the government is ready to protect them, and said there is no report of further unrest or terror attacks in the said country in the past three weeks, except for protest activities involving the Hadrami tribes of southeast Yemen. There is an estimated 1,300 OFWs in Yemen most of whom entered the country using visit visas but have found employment and acquired working visas.

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DPWH adjsuts bunkhouse sizes to conform to acceptable standards

Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph

Responding to the observation of some international observers, the Department Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will adjust the sizes of the temporary shelters or bunkhouses to conform to acceptable international standards.

“Bunkhouses or temporary shelters were requested by the DSWD and the LGUs and the sites were likewise identified by LGUs,” said DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson.

bunkhouses were intended as temporary shelters for “Yolanda” survivors now staying underneath tents and tarpaulins and those families, living along coastal areas, whose houses were washed out during the onslaught of super typhoon “Yolanda.”

Each bunkhouse is divided into 24 units. But, some international observers noted that the allocated area should have been wider than the designed 8.64 square meters per unit. However, DSWD has the option to allow families with more than four (4) members to use two (2) adjacent rooms.

“It’s so easy to dismantle the partition between two (2) units so that each family can occupy a wider area of 17.28 square meters,” said Singson.

He further said that “it will take some time to identify the sites for permanent housing and eventually the building of permanent housing structures for these dislocated families. The construction of temporary shelters will provide them with more decent living quarters rather than in tents or evacuation centers exposing them to natural elements.”

Singson also reiterated his directive to closely monitor contractors’ compliance to the approved plans and specifications of the bunkhouses before they (contractors) are paid.

About 87 contractors, coming from different parts of the country, volunteered to undertake construction of bunkhouses in 42 sites in Eastern Visayas.

Contractors who responded to call for humanitarian efforts in undertaking immediate construction of temporary shelter are the following: AKH Const., 8 units; JD Legaspi, 5 units; Goldrock , 2 units; R. Lustre, 2 units; Kings Builder & Dev. Corp., 2 units; JMT Const., 1 unit; Dumlao Const., 1 unit; Reyrose Const., 8 units; 3 CSL Const., 2 units; Rowies Const., 2 units; Tabada Const., 2 units; Reggie Built Const., 1 unit; Alzam Const., 1 unit; D. Gos Teston Const., 1 unit; PJ San Pedro Const., 1 unit; Tagum Builders Const., 1 unit; DL Enterprises, 1 unit; WTG Const., 1 unit; Equi-Parco Const., 1 unit; WDM Const., 1 unit; Jejors Const., 1 unit; MM Ent., 1 unit; Mamsa Const., 1 unit; Venray Const., 1 unit; LC Teng Const., 1 unit; Road Edge Const., 1 unit; C' Charles Const., 1 unit; VT Lao Const., 3 units; Maer Summit Const., 1 unit; Trocio Const., 1 unit; Fort Stone Const., 1 unit; F.P De Guzman Const., 2 units; Aylan Const., 2 units; Flordes Const., 2 units; AKN Const., 2 units; Anolin Const., 1 unit; IM Const., 1 unit; Bernardo Const., 2 units; Jagon Const., 2 units; Tampenco Const., 1 unit; Rend Const., 1 unit; C&F Const., 2 units; Gemma, 1 unit; Sargon, 1 unit; T. Square Builders, 2 units; Sarangani Rock Mixer, 2 units; Vertical Builders, 2 units; J.G Oranza Const., 2 units; Hanna Via Design& Const., 2 units; KGD Builders, 2 units; Freden Const., 2 units; MJ Tiongzon Const., 2 units; Kevin Yoshi Builders, 2 units; Dellosa Design & Build Services, 2 units; RD Interior Const., 6 units; Ferdstar Const., 1 unit; Northern Builders, 1 unit; Marcbilt Const. Inc., 2 units; Avila Const., 2 units; Jemak Const., 2 units; R.V. Laborte Builders, 2 units; Harley Const., 3 units; WERR Corporation, 3 units; I&E Construction, 2 units; W.J. Const., 1 unit; Sarca Const., 1 unit; Megashine Bldrs., 1 unit; JBC Const., 2 units; F. Rosales, 1 unit; Davao Const., 5 units; C'zarles Const. & Supply, 4 units; Q.M. Builders, 5 units; Richmark Const., 12 units; Haide Const., 5 units; LR Tiqui, 2 units; FA Nepomuceno, 3 units; Lead Tech, 3 units; Pajate Const., 2 units; Daybreak Ent-Eng’g. & Const., 7 units; E.M. Paule Construction, 7 units; Borongan MBC Const., 19 units; Syvil Construction, 9 units; Eastern Pacific Const., 6 units; Hi Tone Dev. Corp., 2 units; Pablo S. Labasbas Const., 5 units; DSB Const. & Dev. Corp., 2 units; and Premium Marketing & Dev. Corp., 4 units.

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DOE supports development of oil discovery in Central Cebu

Source: http://www.doe.gov.ph

The Department of Energy (DOE) ushers in the new year announcing its support for an oil discovery with potential commercial quantity in the Visayan Basin in a bid to strengthen energy security efforts for the country.

In line with this, the DOE welcomes the discovery of oil in Gas2Grid Limited’s Malolos-1 well and granted the service contract area operator’s request for a one-year extension.

Gas2Grid acquired Service Contract (SC) 44 on January 2004 and has drilled for a decade prior to its recent discovery which, based on initial studies, has significant oil reserves. The extension is pursuant to the precept in SC 44 which states that: “if Petroleum is discovered by the end of the seventh or tenth year, the Contract shall be further extended to determine whether the discovery is in commercial quantity.”

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla notes that “the discovery in the SC 44 is a boost to the country's upstream industry, and we will provide the necessary support to advance its development."

“We are pushing for indigenous energy resources to flourish in order to lessen our dependence to the volatile international energy market,” he added.

For 2014, the DOE will launch the Philippine Energy Contracting Round 5 (PECR 5) within the first quarter of the year. PECR 5 is a transparent and competitive system for awarding service contracts aimed at attracting energy investors to develop the country’s indigenous oil and gas resources.

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DFA, UNODC train foreign service personnel on assisting Filipino victims of human trafficking

Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph

10 January 2014 - The Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA’s) Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) and the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) conducted, through technical assistance from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), a training course on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) for Philippine foreign service personnel on December 19, 2013.

Around 40 personnel participated in the training. This included OUMWA staff who coordinate assistance to TIP victims, as well as other personnel from the DFA, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Department of National Defense, Department of Labor and Employment and other agencies who will soon be deployed at various Philippine Embassies and Consulates abroad.

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus I. Yabes opened the proceedings by emphasizing that the participants have an important duty in protecting Filipinos from being victimized by TIP, as well as in assisting Filipino TIP victims abroad.

UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officers Ms. Rachelle Gershuni and Ms. Morgane Nicot, along with OUMWA Special Assistant Mr. Renato Villa, trained the participants on understanding the key TIP concepts and the existing legal frameworks in the Philippines and in other countries, as well as on how to properly assist TIP victims.

This training is part of the DFA’s continuing program to update the capacity of the Philippine foreign service in protecting the rights of overseas Filipinos, and assisting Filipinos in distress abroad. The Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna assisted in securing technical assistance from the UNODC for this training.

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Three Philippine companies recognized as among 10 successful Asean enterprises entering into China in 2013

Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph

09 January 2014 - Liwayway Group (China), manufacturers of Oishi products, SM Prime Holdings, developer and operator of five (5) SM malls in China, and Guangxi Fil-Dragon Real Estate Development Ltd., were recognized by the China-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) as among the top 10 ASEAN enterprises entering China, during an awards ceremony on January 07.

The three (3) companies were awarded for their contribution in enhancing ASEAN-China economic relations and promoting investments and the Philippine brand in China.

Mr. Larry Chan, President of Liwayway (China) Co. Ltd., was also recognized as one of the five (5) outstanding ASEAN entrepreneurs doing business in China for 2013.

CABC also recognized the efforts and contributions of the various ASEAN chambers of commerce in promoting trade and investment cooperation between China and ASEAN.

At the reception, Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda Basilio met Mr. Li Xinghua, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Panhua Group, and discussed the company’s plans to invest in the Philippines. Mr. Li and senior corporate executives of Panhua Group was in the Philippines from September 15 to 20, 2013.

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Exports surge anew in November 2013, PHl among the fastest in the region

Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph

MANILA —Brisk performance of manufactured and agro-based products steered merchandise exports to another double-digit growth in November 2013, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

This statement came after the National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that merchandise exports grew 18.9 percent to $4.3 billion in November 2013, from $3.6 billion a year ago.

“The buoyant export performance of manufactured products, driven primarily by electronics, reflects gains from the revival of the manufacturing sector as one of our growth drivers,” Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said.

Exports of manufactured goods sustained a double-digit growth of 16.9 percent in November 2013, registering a total value of $3.7 billion during the period.

He emphasized major gains were recorded in manufactured items such as electronic products, garments, wood manufactures, chemicals, and machinery and transport equipment.

Electronics, which comprised over half of exports receipts from manufactured goods, was up by 10 percent, consistent with the projected gradual recovery in worldwide sales of personal computers and an uptick in global consumer confidence.

“Export revenues from agro-based products also soared as a result of higher value of our exported bananas, fish products, centrifugal and refined sugar, desiccated coconut, and unmanufactured tobacco,” Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General, said.

Outward shipments of total agro-based products grew by 38.1 percent to $265.4 million in November 2013, from $192.2 million in the comparable period in 2012.

Export performance of mineral and petroleum products likewise expanded by 3 percent and 250 percent, respectively.

For the first eleven months of 2013, merchandise exports rose 2.6 percent to $49.4 billion.

“We are the top export performer among major trade-oriented economies in East and Southeast Asian region,” the Cabinet Official noted.

Vietnam and China followed, growing by 15 percent and 12.7 percent, respectively, in November 2013.

Meanwhile, Japan remained as the top destination of Philippine exports in November 2013, accounting for 23.6 percent of total overseas merchandise sales receipts equivalent to $1.1 billion.

Next to Japan is the United States of America (USA) with a 13.7-percent share of the country’s total exports followed by China (12%), Hong Kong (9.6%), and Singapore (7.7%)

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SHFC approves housing loan of 2,600 informal settler families - VP Binay

Source: http://ovp.gov.ph

Some 2,600 informal settler families (ISFs) will soon become bona fide homeowners after the Social Housing Finance Corporation’s (SHFC) Board of Directors approved the home loan applications of two community associations, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said Friday.

Binay said the loan applications of the Dario River Alliance Housing Cooperative (DRAHC) and Alyansang Mamamayan sa Valenzuela at Caloocan Housing Cooperative (AMVCHC) amounting to P1.15 billion will be financed under the High Density Housing (HDH) Program.

“The two projects will be implemented in two phases - Phase 1 for land acquisition and Phase 2 for site development and building construction. The SHFC Board has approved an initial amount of P218.52 million to cover land acquisition,” Binay said.

With the approval of the loan, the 1,164 member-families of DRAHC currently living in Barangay Masambong, San Francisco del Monte, San Antonio, Apolonio Samson, and Bahay Toro, all alongside the Dario River in Quezon City will be relocated to a 2.7-hectare site in Barangay Pasong Tamo.

Meanwhile, the 1,440 beneficiaries from AMVCHC will be moved to a 4.2-hectare relocation site at Sitio La Mesa, Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City. They currently occupy makeshift houses along the Tullahan River in Barangays Gen. T. De Leon, and Ugong, also in Valenzuela City.

Majority of the families are informal income earners.

“Land acquisition is the first step towards providing secure tenure to these families. We shall continue to assist them by providing financing for the construction of their buildings,” Binay said.

He said the HDH program is part of President Aquino’s P50 billion Housing Program to ensure safe and flood-resilient permanent housing solutions for the ISFs living in danger areas of the National Capital Region, which will be implemented over a five-year period.

“The HDH offers cost effective near-site, in-city, or near-city relocation in high density facilities or multi-storey buildings as an urban development strategy adopting the community-driven approach,” he added.

The Vice President is the concurrent chairman of SHFC and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

SHFC President Ma. Ana R. Oliveros, meanwhile, said qualified ISF-beneficiaries under the HDH Program shall be accommodated through near site, in-city, or near city buildings with a maximum loan of P450,000 for each member-family payable for a maximum period of 30 years at 4.5 percent interest rate per annum.

“Graduated amortization schedule has been adopted to make the program affordable for the ISFs,” Oliveros added.

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VP Binay optimistic on reopening negotiations to save OFW Zapanta from execution

Source: http://ovp.gov.ph

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay today said he is optimistic that the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh will be able to reopen talks between Joselito Zapanta and his victim’s family.

Zapanta faces possible execution this month unless a settlement is reached with the family of the Sudanese national.

While he acknowledged that Zapanta has yet to raise the needed SAR4 million (P45 million) asked by the victim’s family, Binay said that Zapanta will be able to present a higher amount than what was previously offered. This was after donations came in for the OFW following a public appeal made by the Vice President which was supported by Malacanang.

“We remain optimistic that there will be further talks about the blood money. I am hopeful that the family will defer giving authorities the notice for execution once they learn that Zapanta can offer a higher amount compared to what was offered before,” Binay said.

Zapanta was meted the death sentence for killing Imam Ibrahim, a Sudanese national.

Ibrahim’s family demanded SAR 5 million for a toanazul or affidavit of forgiveness and prevent the imposition of the death penalty, but later reduced the amount to SAR 4 million.

The payment of the blood money was originally due on November 12, 2012, but was extended to March 12, 2013. A second extension was granted, with the deadline moved to November 3, 2013.

“Hopefully, the family will open their doors for another negotiation. We will do our best in order to convince them,” Binay added.

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PhilHealth Pasig office opens Members Healthcare Access (MHA) room

Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph

THE Local Health Insurance Office of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Pasig City recently opened its Members Healthcare Access (MHA) Room intended for breastfeeding clients, senior citizens, persons with disability and children tagging along with their parents who have transactions with the LHIO.

This is the first MHA Room among eight LHIOs in the National Capital Region.

The MHA Room is a dedicated area within the LHIO premises which provides maternal, child, first aid care and other related services for persons with special needs. It is a multi-functional room situated near the entrance of the LHIO Pasig office and has an area where breastfeeding mothers can express milk and pregnant women can relax. It also has a separate area where children can play while waiting for their parents/relatives who have PhilHealth transactions. On top of these, the room has a first aid corner and a public assistance desk.

The formal opening ceremony of the MHA Room at the LHIO Pasig at the Development Academy of the Philippines’ building was led by Henry V. Almanon, Manager of PhilHealth’s NCR South Branch and Leticia P. Portugal, Senior Manager of PhilHealth’s Accreditation Department.

Aside from the breastfeeding and kiddie corners, the MHA Room also has a first-aid station where first-level response in emergency care or treatment is provided, and which serves as temporary health management before regular medical aid is obtained. A client who is unable to transact business due to injury and is being treated at the station will have his documents prioritized and processed while undergoing emergency treatment.

At the same time, walk-in clients who have special concerns will be entertained in the Public Assistance and Complaint Desk thus, providing a venue for a thorough discussion of their complaints. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens may also wait in the PWD and Senior Citizens area while their transactions are being processed. They will no longer line-up for their transactions.

The MHA Room is open for free use of clients, Mondays to Fridays, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M

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Last Updated: 10 JANUARY 2014
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the traditional toast for the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 10). The annual reception which marks the 27th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 10). The annual reception which marks the 27th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Gil Nartea/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, leads the traditional toast for the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 10.) The annual reception which marks the 27th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Philippines, His Excellency Safdar Hayat, during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 09, 2014). Also in photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			His Excellency Safdar Hayat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Philippines, reviews the honor guards during the arrival honors accorded him at the Malacañang Grounds for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (January 09). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			Islamic Republic of Pakistan Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Safdar Hayat, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (January 09). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende during the Courtesy Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 09, 2014). Norway is the Philippines’ 61st export market in 2012 and Norwegian investments are mostly in maritime and power sectors. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende during the Courtesy Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 09, 2014). Norway is the Philippines’ 61st export market in 2012 and Norwegian investments are mostly in maritime and power sectors. Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende during the Courtesy Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 09, 2014). Norway is the Philippines’ 61st export market in 2012 and Norwegian investments are mostly in maritime and power sectors. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the courtesy call on Thursday (January 09, 2014). Norway is the Philippines’ 61st export market in 2012 and Norwegian investments are mostly in maritime and power sectors. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the meeting on Yolanda Rehabilitation at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 09). Also in photo are Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the meeting on Yolanda Rehabilitation at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 09). Also in photo are Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Patricia Licuanan, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the meeting on Yolanda Rehabilitation at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 09). Also in photo are Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the meeting on Yolanda Rehabilitation at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 09). Also in photo are Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III with MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino talks to the MMDA rescuers who helped the Yolanda victims recently during the launching of the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Traffic Signalization System and Command and Control Center at the new MMDA Command and Control Center in Orense Street, Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City on Wednesday (January 08). The new upgraded Information Technology (IT)-based traffic signalization system is set towards elevating mobility management through a comprehensive and integrated approach. Also in photo is Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III with MMDA Chair Francis Tonlentino graces the launching of the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Traffic Signalization System and Command and Control Center at the new MMDA Command and Control Center in Orense Street, Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City on Wednesday (January 08). The new upgraded Information Technology-based traffic signalization system is set towards elevating mobility management in the future, through comprehensive and integrated approach that improves not just vehicle movement, but also the overall network movement of people, goods and services. Phase 1 of the project includes the installation of 25 new fiber optic, high definition Pan-Tilt-Zoom Traffic Control/Video surveillance cameras and 36 45-inch video screens to monitor activities, where around 150 CCTV and IP cameras are currently installed all over Metro Manila. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Traffic Signalization System and Command and Control Center at the new MMDA Command and Control Center in Orense Street, Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City on Wednesday (January 08). The new upgraded Information Technology-based traffic signalization system is set towards elevating mobility management in the future, through a comprehensive and integrated approach that improves not just vehicle movement, but also the overall network movement of people, goods and services. Phase 1 of the project includes the installation of 25 new fiber optic, high definition Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Traffic Control/Video surveillance cameras and 36 45-inch video screens to monitor activities, where around 150 CCTV and IP cameras are currently installed all over Metro Manila. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Benhur Arcayan/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III watches the video launching of the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Traffic Signalization System and Command and Control Center at the new MMDA Command and Control Center in Orense Street, Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City on Wednesday (January 08). The new upgraded Information Technology-based traffic signalization system is set towards elevating mobility management in the future, through a comprehensive and integrated approach that improves not just vehicle movement, but also the overall network movement of people, goods and services. Phase 1 of the project includes the installation of 25 new fiber optic, high definition Pan-Tilt-Zoom Traffic Control/Video surveillance cameras and 36 45-inch video screens to monitor activities, where around 150 CCTV and IP cameras are currently installed all over Metro Manila. Also in photo is Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. (Photo by Gil NArtea/ Benhur Arcayan/ Robert Viñas/ Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to the Philippines, His Excellency Egidijus Meilunas, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Independent State of Samoa Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Leiataua Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Eteauati, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Republic of Zambia Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Miles Kaweche Banda, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sudan to the Philippines, His Excellency Khalid Abdelgadir Shukri, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Portuguese Republic Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Joaquim Alberto de Sousa Moreira de Lemos, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Botswana to the Philippines, His Excellency Jacob Dickie Nkate during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Philippines, His Excellency Dr. Dibaba Abdetta during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also I n photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III prepares to receive the credentials of non-resident ambassadors in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with Ambassadors Khalid Abdelgadir Shukri of Sudan; Jacob Dickie Nkate of Botswana; Titi Amina Pardi of Suriname; Dr. Dibaba Abdetta of Ethiopia; Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario; Joaquim Alberto de Sousa Moreira de Lemos of Portugal; Miles Kaweche Banddo of Zambia; Egidijus Meilunas of Lithuania; and Leiataua Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Eteauati of Samoa for a group photo souvenir during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Republic of Lithuania Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Egidijus Meilunas, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Independent State of Samoa to the Philippines, His Excellency Leiataua Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Eteauati, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zambia to the Philippines, His Excellency Miles Kaweche Banda, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Republic of Sudan Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Khalid Abdelgadir Shukri, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Portuguese Republic to the Philippines, His Excellency Joaquim Alberto de Sousa Moreira de Lemos, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Republic of Botswana Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Jacob Dickie Nkate during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines His Excellency Dr. Dibaba Abdetta during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Suriname to the Philippines Her Excellency Titi Amina Pardi during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria, prepares to receive the credentials of non-resident ambassadors in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

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