1. WeatherWatch

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Issued At:	5:00 a.m., 22 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., 22 January 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind
Analysis for 8 a.m., 22 January 2014

Satellite Image
for 4:32 a.m., 22 January 2014

Synopsis:

At 4:00 AM today, the Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 610 km Northeast of Davao City (9.0°N 131.0°E). Northeast Monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas.

Forecast:

Eastern Visayas and Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to 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

GALE WARNING

GALE WARNING NO. 31
For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon.

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 22 January 2014

To gale force winds is expected to affect the seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Visayas.

SEABOARD

WEATHER

WIND FORCE
(KPH)/(KNOTS)

SEA
CONDITION

WAVE
HEIGHTS
(meters)

THE NORTHERN SEABOARD OF LUZON
(Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Northern coast of Cagayan and Northern coast of Ilocos Norte)

Cloudy skies with light rains

(52- 68 /28 - 36)

Rough to very rough

3.4 to 5.0

THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF VISAYAS
(Samar and Leyte)

Cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms

(52- 68 /28 - 36)

Rough to very rough

3.4 to 5.0

THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF VISAYAS
(Samar and Leyte)

Cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms

(52- 68 /28 - 36)

Rough to very rough

3.4 to 4.5

THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF LUZON AND THE SOUTHERN SEABOARD OF SOUTHERN LUZON
(Eastern coast of Cagayan, Isabela Aurora, Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Quezon including Polillo Island Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Burias Island and Southern coast of Batangas )

Cloudy skies with light rains

(52- 63 /28 - 34)

Rough to very rough

3.4 to 4.5

THE WESTERN SEABOARD OF LUZON
(Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Western coast of Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Mindoro Occidental, Western coast of Batangas and Palawan)

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with 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.

3. Weather Watch

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

4. Weather Watch

WEATHER ADVISORY

Weather Advisory No. 01
For: Low Pressure Area (LPA)
Issued at: 11:00 AM, 21 January 2014

The Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 465 km East Of Davao City (06.8°N, 130.0°E). This weather system will bring cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over the regions of Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Compostella Valley and Davao Oriental which may trigger flashfloods and landslides while light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over the rest of Visayas and Mindanao. 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 the seaboards of Luzon, Visayas and Caraga region. Hence, small seacrafts and fishing vessels are advised not to venture out into the sea due to 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 p.m. today.

5 Weather Watch

17 hours ago

PANAHON.TV: As of 4:00pm, the low pressure area was estimated at 460km east of Davao City.

1. PIA Regional Watch

50 minutes ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Mahigpit na ipinatutupad ngayon sa bayan ng Sto.Tomas ang ordinansa ukol sa paggamit ng motorsiklo kung saan ipinagbawal ang hindi paggamit ng helmet,pagkakaroon ng backrider at walang plate number.Ito ay upang maiwasan at masugpo ang krimen sa naturang bayan.

2. PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Around 400 Antipolo City students recently received scholarship grants through the City Government Scholarship Office and City Treasurer's Office in order for the locals to have access to college education.

to the public and clients including addressing various concerns of city constituents

3. PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Tanay, Rizal has declared January 23-24 as special non-working holidays in line with the town fiesta.

4. PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The municipal government of Macalelon through its local public employment service office in partnership with DSWD-4A and different electronics companies and agencies conducted a job fair in Macalelon, Quezon last week. This aimed to help 4Ps beneficiaries by hiring them as production operators, drivers, forklift operators, sales coordinators or factory workers.

5. PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The students of STI College Lucena conducted street cleaning in Purok Maligaya and Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay 8 in Lucena City as part of their National Service Training Program (NSTP) in order to prevent spread out of dengue-carrier mosquitoes. The NSTP is a program for college students aimed of enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by developing the ethics of service.

1. PIA OFW Watch

14 hours ago

DZBB: Kinumpirma ng DFA na wala pang nahuhuling Pinoy sa malawakang crackdown ng Malaysia sa mga illegal immigrant doon.

2. PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago

DZMM: Pinamamadali ng grupong Migrante International sa gobyerno ang pag-rescue sa mga OFW na biktima ng human trafficking at hino-hold ng kanilang mga Malaysian employer. Kasunod ito ng malawakang crackdown ng gobyerno ng Malaysia simula ngayong araw laban sa mga undocumented na foreign workers sa kanilang bansa.

3. PIA OFW Watch

18 hours ago

DZRH: Inihayag ng DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez na nagsimula na ang crackdown sa mga illegal migrant worker sa Malaysia at kabilang sa nanganganib ang ilang OFW, pero sa ngayon ay wala pang nahuhuli. Patuloy aniya ang kanilang monitoring sa pamahalaan ng Malaysia kaugnay sa isinasagawang pagtugis sa mga ilegal na manggagawa.

4. PIA OFW Watch

19 hours ago

DZMM: Inihain sa Kamara ng Gabriela party-list group ang isang resolusyon na humihikayat na alamin ng Kongreso ang kalagayan ng mga OFW na nakapiit sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo. Hiniling din ng grupo na dapat bigyan ng gobyerno ng mahuhusay na abogado ang mga ito upang matulungan sila sa kanilang mga kaso. Nakasaad anila sa datos ng Migrante International na tinatayang 7,000 OFWs ang nakakulong sa iba’t ibang bansa kung saan 108 sa mga ito ang nakahanay sa parusang kamatayan.

Weather Watch

January 22 , 2013 ( Wednesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE : Partly Cloudy

LAGUNA : Cloudy

BATANGAS : Sunny

RIZAL : Sunny

QUEZON : Partly Cloudy

==============================================================

DTI Quezon nagkaloob ng pagsasanay ukol sa bamboo processing

Monday 20th of January 2014

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GUMACA, Quezon, Enero 20 (PIA) --Matapos pagkalooban ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ng iba't ibang kagamitan ang Gumaca Woodcraft Multi-purpose Cooperative sa ilalim ng shared services facility (SSF) program, isang pagsasanay ukol sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ang ipinagkaloob naman ng DTI-Quezon.

Nagsilbing tagapagsanay si G. Eduardo J. Yabut, Jr., isang dalubhasa sa bamboo technology at sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ukol dito mula sa Cottage Industry and Technology Center (CITC).

Ang tatlong araw na pagsasanay mula Enero 13 hanggang Enero 15 ay ginanap sa pagawaan ng nasabing kooperatiba na dinaluhan ng 22 katao mula sa ibat-ibang grupo ng mga gumagawa ng Bamboo Hut at bamboo furnitures.

Ang Gumaca Woodcraft ay gagawa ng mga laminated bamboo slats kung kaya ipinagkaloob sa kanila ang kiln dryer, circular saw cutter, bamboo slat cutter at laminating machine. Samantala, ang iba pang mga grupo ay bibigyan ng mga makinang ukol lamang sa pag-gawa ng bamboo furnitures habang sila ay makakagamit din ng makinarya ng Gumaca upang higit na makamit ang mataas na antas ng kalidad para sa kanilang mga produkto.

Samantala, isa pang pagsasanay tungkol sa bamboo lamination ay inihahanda ng DTI Quezon sa pamamagitan ni Ginang Graciela Ledesma sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Provincial Director Marcelina Alcantara.

Ang mga nakahandang pagsasanay ay kinabibilangan ng mga sumusunod: ‘raw materials selection & harvesting’, ‘primary processing and sorting’, at ‘treatment, preservation and proper storage’.

Isa sa pinaka-tampok na produkto sa pagsasanay ay ang pag-gawa ng ‘engineered bamboo’, isang mas matibay na tabla yari sa pinagdikit-dikit o pinagsapin-sapin o paglalamina ng manipis na mga bahagi ng kawayan.

Maari itong gamitin na upuan sa mga paaralan at iba pang uri ng mga muwebles. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/Pablito Budoy, DTI Quezon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631390198699#sthash.NfuxAYv3.dpuf

DTI Quezon nagkaloob ng pagsasanay ukol sa bamboo processing

Monday 20th of January 2014

Nagsilbing tagapagsanay si G. Eduardo J. Yabut, Jr., isang dalubhasa sa bamboo technology at sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ukol dito mula sa Cottage Industry and Technology Center (CITC).

Ang tatlong araw na pagsasanay mula Enero 13 hanggang Enero 15 ay ginanap sa pagawaan ng nasabing kooperatiba na dinaluhan ng 22 katao mula sa ibat-ibang grupo ng mga gumagawa ng Bamboo Hut at bamboo furnitures.

Ang Gumaca Woodcraft ay gagawa ng mga laminated bamboo slats kung kaya ipinagkaloob sa kanila ang kiln dryer, circular saw cutter, bamboo slat cutter at laminating machine. Samantala, ang iba pang mga grupo ay bibigyan ng mga makinang ukol lamang sa pag-gawa ng bamboo furnitures habang sila ay makakagamit din ng makinarya ng Gumaca upang higit na makamit ang mataas na antas ng kalidad para sa kanilang mga produkto.

Samantala, isa pang pagsasanay tungkol sa bamboo lamination ay inihahanda ng DTI Quezon sa pamamagitan ni Ginang Graciela Ledesma sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Provincial Director Marcelina Alcantara.

Ang mga nakahandang pagsasanay ay kinabibilangan ng mga sumusunod: ‘raw materials selection & harvesting’, ‘primary processing and sorting’, at ‘treatment, preservation and proper storage’.

Isa sa pinaka-tampok na produkto sa pagsasanay ay ang pag-gawa ng ‘engineered bamboo’, isang mas matibay na tabla yari sa pinagdikit-dikit o pinagsapin-sapin o paglalamina ng manipis na mga bahagi ng kawayan.

Maari itong gamitin na upuan sa mga paaralan at iba pang uri ng mga muwebles. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/Pablito Budoy, DTI Quezon)

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

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

P10.5M halaga ng isda sa lawa ng Taal, apektado ng malamig na panahon

Tuesday 21st of January 2014

TALISAY, Batangas, Enero 21 (PIA) --Tinatayang may 120 toneladang isda na nagkakahalaga ng P10.5M ang naapektuhan sa nangyaring fish mortality sanhi ng malamig na panahon.

Sinabi ni Vic Mercado ng Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB) na nangyari ang insidente sanhi ng sulfur upwelling sa lawa ng Taal a siyang naging dahilan ng fish mortality sa mga barangay na kinabibilangan ng Aya, Quiling, Tumaway at Sampaloc na sakop ng bayang ito.

Aniya, ang fish mortality ay dulot ng pag-overturn ng lawa at sulfur upwelling na dala ng napakalamig na panahon. Ito ay karaniwang nangyayari kapag ang malamig na tubig ay nagiging mabigat at bumabagsak sa ilalim na nagiging sanhi naman ng pagtaas ng mainit na tubig na kakaapekto sa mga isda.

May 51 fishcages sa kabuuang 2,000 ang naapektuhan sa bayan ng Talisay.

Patuloy din ang monitoring ng Task Force Taal Lake, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at lokal na pamahalaan ng Talisay upang masiguro na hindi na ito muling mauulit.

Pinayuhan din ang mga operators ng mga fishcages na anihin na ang mga isdang maaaring maibenta upang maiwasan ang pagkalugi.(PIA Batangas)

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

Rizal gov’t signs agreement for Hinulugang Taktak development

Monday 20th of January 2014

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, January 20 (PIA) --A memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the co-administration and co-management of the Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape (HTPL) was signed recently between the provincial government of Rizal and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calabarzon Region recently.

Governor Nini Ynares representing the Rizal Provincial Government (RPG) signed the MOA along with DENR Calabarzon Region regional executive director Reynulfo A. Juan and Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares.

Under the agreement, the DENR through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the HTPL, chaired by RED Juan and co-chaired by Gov. Ynares shall oversee the active participation of all concerned and other stakeholders in the protection and management of the abovementioned natural resources.

“It is high time that we bring back the glory of one of the most iconic waterfalls in the province and the whole country. I assure our constituents that more environmentally sound projects are in the pipeline,” remarked Gov. Ynares.

The governor has always been a strong advocate of a sustainable development and protection of the environment. Her flagship project YES to Green (Ynares Eco System) program which has three components: cleaning, greening and recycling, has been successfully launched and supported by all the municipalities and one component city in the province. The HTPL is a priority project under the YES Program.

The Hinulugang Taktak waterfalls with an area of 3.2 hectares was declared under the category of protected landscape through Proclamation No. 412 to ensure its protection, sustainable development and rehabilitation. (Rizal PIO/PIA-Rizal)

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21 JANUARY 2014.

President Aquino fetes honorary envoy to Syria for helping OFWs during conflict

Aquino governments remains focused on improving the overall quality of life in the country, Coloma says

Heherson Alvarez named as new chair of the U.S. Climate Institute's Advisory Board

Senator Revilla should have explained his PDAF allocation, says Palace

President Aquino declares February 12 as a special (non-working) day in the City of Kidapawan, Cotabato in celebration of 16th Foundation Day

Aquino government earmarks P1.4 trillion to improve the lives of Filipinos, Coloma says

Government continues to engage stakeholders to ensure Mindanao peace

President Aquino rewards Insurance Commission employees' performance, propriety with milestone bonus

Palace: Creating jobs remains major priority for government

President Aquino: People expecting explanation from Revilla on PDAF raps

President Aquino fetes honorary envoy to Syria for helping OFWs during conflict

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday feted the Philippines' honorary consul general to Syria for helping protect overseas Filipino workers amid the conflict there.

The President conferred the Order of Sikatuna (Grand Officer) on Mohamad Wassim Nanaa, the Philippines' honorary Consul General in Aleppo, at Malacañan Palace's Music Room.

Nanaa's jurisdiction includes Idlib, Hama and Latakia in the Syrian Arab Republic.

In his citation, the President commended Nanaa for "promoting and protecting the welfare and safety of overseas Filipino workers in Aleppo, Idlib, Hama and Latakia" in Syria's northern region.

He also thanked Nanaa for his "selfless and untiring efforts in helping bring to safety and in repatriating hundreds of OFWs from his jurisdiction."

Also, President Aquino commended the honorary envoy for his "countless personal sacrifices, even at great risk to himself and his family," in ensuring his service to Filipinos despite the "challenges and dangers arising from the armed conflict" in Syria.

This is aside from Nanaa's vital work in promoting Philippine cultural and economic diplomacy in Syria and for bringing the people of Syria closer to the people of the Philippines, he added. PND (jl)

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Aquino governments remains focused on improving the overall quality of life in the country, Coloma says

The Aquino government remains focused on improving the overall quality of life in the country following the release of the Pulse Asia Research's Survey on Quality of Life and State of the National Economy, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said.

"The government remains committed on improving the overall quality of life of the Filipino by translating the gains of good governance into direct, immediate, and substantial benefits that will empower the poor and marginalized segments of society," Coloma said in a statement.

The survey was conducted from December 8 to 15, 2013 following the rising death toll from super typhoon "Yolanda," the on-going rehabilitation efforts in Leyte and other areas hit by the typhoon, the resignation of Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, the power rate hike to be implemented by the Manila Electric Company, the investigation into the alleged fake special allotment release orders (SAROs), the agreement on the Annex on the Power Sharing forged between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, among others.

The Pulse Asia survey showed 43% of Filipinos consider their personal quality of life has deteriorated in the last 12 months, while 41% say there is no change in their situation in December 2013 than in 2012.

The survey also revealed that 15% claimed that they are in a better situation in December 2013 than a year ago.

Pulse Asia also asked respondents whether they expected any change in the personal quality of life by 2014. The December survey showed 45% of Filipinos expect no change in their personal circumstances in the next 12 months.

Optimism on the matter is more pronounced than pessimism as 37% of those who were interviewed were optimistic that their personal circumstances in the coming 12 months would be better and 19% were pessimistic and said it would worsen.

Coloma said the government remains committed to embrace the principle of “building back better” following the massive devastation wrought by typhoon “Yolanda” last November 2013.

Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Secretary Panfilo Lacson Jr. and his staff are speeding up efforts for the rehabilitation, recovery and development of the areas affected by Yolanda, Coloma said.

"We remain committed to strengthening our efforts to provide shelter and livelihood for residents affected by super typhoon "Yolanda," Coloma said. PND (js)

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Heherson Alvarez named as new chair of the U.S. Climate Institute's Advisory Board

Former Senator Heherson T. Alvarez was named as new chairman of the United States Climate Institute's Advisory Board.

The election of Alvarez, the first Asian to be named as chairman of the institute's prestigious advisory body, was announced by John Topping, President of Climate Institute in Washington D.C.

Prior to his election as chairman of the board of advisers of the institute, Alvarez was serving as commissioner of the Climate Change Commission.

Alvarez, who has been with the institute's advisory board for over two decades, said he assumed the new post at a time "when the world is reeling from the disastrous impacts of climate change."

He is a recipient of the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Cross (Bayani), one of the highest awards of the Republic of the Philippines to a citizen whose "life is worthy of emulation by the Filipino people."

A delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, Alvarez served the maximum two terms as senator, chairing the Senate committee on environment.

He later won as congressman of Isabela province and occupied five Cabinet positions during the administrations of former presidents Corazon C. Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, including stewardship of the departments of natural resources and agrarian reform.

In Congress, Alvarez authored major agrarian, social and economic development laws. But it was his role in advocating landmark environmental legislation that brought him to the fore in the Philippine ecological movement in mid-1990s.

In 1995, Alvarez organized and chaired the Manila Asia Pacific Leaders Climate Summit, the first climate conference in the Philippines and the world, for which he received the Outstanding Public Policy Achievement award from the Climate Institute.

To protect the public from health hazards and reduce pollution, he asked the oil companies to remove lead from gasoline, reducing sulphur content.

He also crafted the national climate change framework and founded the Earthsavers Movement, an organization of young Filipinos engaged in climate awareness. PND (js)

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Senator Revilla should have explained his PDAF allocation, says Palace

Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. should have told the people how he spent his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocation instead of diverting the real issue to the impeachment of former chief justice Renato Corona last year, Malacanang said on Tuesday.

“The privilege speech of Sen. Revilla could have been a good opportunity for responding to the people’s clamor for a full explanation on what happened to the PDAF allocation that he received from 2007-2009,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

“What the people heard and saw was a plain attempt to divert public attention from the real issue. As an elected public official, the senator is expected to fully account for the PDAF allocation that he received.”

The main issue is PDAF and the people’s right to know where Revilla spent his PDAF allocation, Coloma said.

The public is awaiting the outcome of Ombudsman’s review of the complaints filed by the Department of Justice and the answer of the respondents.

Aside from Revilla, other senators who were implicated in the pork barrel scam were Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada. Estrada delivered his privilege speech on the issue last year.

Coloma said President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Revilla to ask him to vote based on the merits of the evidence but not to influence him. PND (as)

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President Aquino declares February 12 as a special (non-working) day in the City of Kidapawan, Cotabato in celebration of 16th Foundation Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 12, which falls on a Wednesday, as a special (non-working) day in the city of Kidapawan in the province of Cotabato in celebration of its 16th Foundation Day.

The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 705 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on January 8 to give the people of Kidapawan City the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.

Kidapawan became a city on February 12, 1998 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8500 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos.

Kidapaweños overwhelmingly ratified the cityhood in a plebiscite on March 21, 1998. PND (js)

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Aquino government earmarks P1.4 trillion to improve the lives of Filipinos, Coloma says

The Aquino government is actively taking steps to improve the Filipino lives by creating more economic opportunities for Filipinos through earmarking more than P1.4 trillion for social and economic services in this year's national budget, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. said.

Coloma said in a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday that the government started taking steps to address the concerns raised in the latest survey of Pulse Asia Research.

The 2014 national budget allocated funds for social and economic services in a bid to improve the overall quality of life of the Filipino, the Communications Secretary said.

"The amount represents 63.4 percent of the total P2.265 trillion budget, which includes the P62.6 billion for the Conditional Cash Transfer program, the P35.3 billion for the National Health Insurance Program and the P10.7 billion for technical support services for farmers," he said.

Coloma said this year's budget also includes a P100 billion allocation for the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of communities affected by the Bohol earthquake and typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas region, which registered the biggest change in the perception of the Filipinos interviewed by Pulse Asia on the quality of life during the last quarter of Year 2013. PND (js)

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Government continues to engage stakeholders to ensure Mindanao peace

The government remains hopeful that groups opposing the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will eventually support the Mindanao peace process, the Palace said on Tuesday.

It was reported that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rejected proposals to unite with the MILF in crafting the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement with the government.

“Patuloy po ang pagpupunyagi at pagsisikap ng ating pamahalaan na matamo ang kabuuan ng pakikipagsunduang pangkapayapaan na makakatulong po sa pagpapaunlad ng buong Kamindanaoan,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

Coloma said the Aquino government wants to persuade all the stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process to join the initiative for the benefit of the region.

“Kaya patuloy rin po iyong ating pag-asa na makikita ng ating mga kapatid na hindi pa sumasang-ayon at hindi pa lumalahok ang kabutihan na matatamo natin kapag nagkaroon na ng kabuuang kasunduang pangkapayapaan hinggil sa Mindanao,” he added.

The government continues to talk with the MNLF being one of the stakeholders in Mindanao, he said.

Coloma also noted that even before the Zamboanga standoff last year, there were ongoing discussions between the Philippine government and the MNLF in Indonesia. Both sides were discussing the remaining issues of the Tripoli agreement. PND (as)

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President Aquino rewards Insurance Commission employees' performance, propriety with milestone bonus

Citing their efficiency and sense of propriety, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday announced a "milestone bonus" for employees of the Insurance Commission, the government agency that regulates and strengthens the country's insurance industry.

Speaking at the agency's 65th anniversary in Manila, the President cited a law that allows him to grant every five years such a bonus that he can increase to P10,000.

"There is a law that authorizes me to grant, on every five years, what they call “milestone bonuses,” at least a P3,000 amount, which I can increase to P10,000. I think you deserve it," he said.

But he added the IC employees deserve the bonus especially because of their sense of propriety, in not immediately asking for it.

He said transmission was delayed because Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc felt it was improper to request for it and was waiting for his and the IC's accomplishments to be recognized by others.

"Sa Tagalog po, hindi natin ikinatutuwa ‘yung nagtataas ng sariling bangko. Kaya naman hindi lang dahil sa husay ng trabaho ninyo, pero pati na rin sa husay ng ugali ninyo ay dapat naman talaga ipagkaloob itong bonus na ito (We do not appreciate people boasting about their own achievements. This is why I am giving you this bonus, because of your sense of propriety)," he said.

During his speech, the President lauded the IC for fostering a sense of trust from the public, and such a sense of trust allowed the industry to grow.

He said trust is extremely vital especially in the insurance industry, which he said is doomed to fail if the insuring public has a gross distrust of insurance companies.

Such an industry also cannot grow when insurance companies do not have confidence in a market, he added.

"Your agency’s regulatory work, under the leadership of Commissioner Dooc, has fostered trust among all stakeholders; and while there is more to be done in this regard, your performance so far has already helped encourage the rapid growth of the industry," he said.

Citing figures from the industry, the President said that from the end of 2009 up to 2013, insurance premiums have increased by more than 150 percent, from P78 billion to up to P200 billion.

During this same time period, the number of insured Filipinos increased by more than 72 percent, or 23 million Filipinos are now insured, 10 million more than in 2009.

At the end of the third quarter of 2013, he said insurance has grown to become an P854-billion industry, with projections that by end-2014, it will be a trillion-peso industry in terms of assets.

On the other hand, he said every additional Filipino insured is one more Filipino family "that can live without the fear of one major accident destroying everything they have worked for."

"It is one more family that can sleep better at night—that can set aside their worries and focus on building a better life—knowing that they have authorship of the following chapters of their lives," he said.

Meanwhile, the President said he recently reappointed Dooc to a fresh six-year term, so he will have the time and the breathing room to have needed reforms take full effect.

He added this new term will allow Dooc to continue his excellent management even after the President's term ends in 2016.

"I have also approved your agency’s reorganization plan, which will give you the resources and the manpower you need to meet the demands of your expanding industry," he said.

"I trust that these will help your agency further accelerate reform, and help move our country closer to our vision: a Philippines where each Filipino can work their hardest with the belief that someone has their back; a Philippines where the people can aspire for greater and greater things; a Philippines where, truly, no one is left behind," he added. PND (jl)

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Palace: Creating jobs remains major priority for government

Boosting the economy for the welfare of the people is anchored in creating more jobs aside from other factors, Malacanang said on Tuesday.

In a press briefing in Tuesday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said generating more jobs remains a high priority for the Aquino administration.

The Department of Labor and Employment has rolled out many programs in order to maximize employment creation but the challenges remain, according to Coloma. He noted that there are structural adjustments to be made such as the need to match available skills in the market with requirements of the industry, Coloma said.

He also cited the shortage in 15 occupational categories in the country with very few or no qualified applicants that’s why the government opts to hire foreign workers. This is one of the challenges that the DOLE is addressing, he added.

“We remain cognizant of the fact that unless there is sufficient job creation, we are—we will find it more difficult to attain the economic targets. That’s why government remains determined to pursue all possible avenues for maximizing job creation,” he noted.

The government’s declaration on the lack of qualified applicants for certain job categories sends a signal to Filipino workers abroad to return home, the Palace official said.

“It may be a way of signaling Filipino professionals working abroad to consider returning to their own land because of improved economic conditions,” he said. PND (as)

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President Aquino: People expecting explanation from Revilla on PDAF raps

People are still expecting an explanation from Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. on the use of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocation, President Benigno S. Aquino III said Tuesday.

In an interview with reporters in Manila, the President said people would have expected Revilla to explain his side on the matter.

"Like any other citizen, na-accuse siya, gusto mong marinig yung panig niya at inaasahan mo yun ang tutugunan niya (Like any other citizen, he was accused and people want to hear his side of the matter. You would expect he would attend to that)," he said.

He was referring to Sen. Revilla's privilege speech at the Senate Monday.

The President said he met with Sen. Revilla during the impeachment trial of then Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012, but stressed it was not to influence his decision as a senator-judge.

At the time, the President said he had received information that there was pressure being exerted on the senator-judges to decide the case based not on the evidence.

"Parang napaka-irresponsible ko naman kung pababayaan ko na lang ‘yung nagpi-pressure sa kanilang lahat na hindi naman tutugunan—‘yung parang wala namang… ‘Yung parang—ano ba tawag doon?—pang-counter sa pressure na ginagawa (I would have been irresponsible if I allowed the pressure to get to the senator-judges without acting)," he said.

"We were trying to lessen the pressures on all of them," he added. PND (jl)

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21 ENERO 2014

	Pinarangalan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Pandangal na Sugo sa Syria sa pagtulong sa mga OFWs noong panahon ng ligalig
	Nakatuong lagi ang gobyernong Aquino sa pagpapabuti ng kalagayan sa buhay sa buong bansa, wika ni Coloma
	Itinalaga si Heherson Alvarez bilang bagong tagapangulo ng ‘Advisory Board’ ng ‘United States Climate Institute’
	Ang alokasyon niyang PDAF ang dapat ipaliwanag ni Revilla, sabi ng Palasyo

Pinarangalan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Pandangal na Sugo sa Syria sa pagtulong sa mga OFWs noong panahon ng ligalig

Pinarangalan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Martes ang pandangal na konsul heneral ng Pilipinas sa Syria sa pagtulong upang pangalagaan ang overseas Filipino workers sa gitna ng naghaharing kaguluhan sa nasabing bansa.

Iginawad ng Pangulo kay Mohamad Wassim Nanaa, pandangal na Konsul Heneral ng Pilipinas sa Aleppo ang Order of Sikatuna sa Music Room ng Palasyo ng Malacanang.

Sakop ng kapangyarihan ni Nanaa ang Idlib, Hama at Latakla sa Syrian Arab Republic.

Pinuri ng Pangulong Aquino si Nanaa sa puspusang pangangalaga sa kapakanan at kaligtasan ng overseas Filipino workers sa Aleppo, Idlib, Hama at Latakla sa hilagang reyhiyon ng Syria.

Pinasalamatan din ng Pangulo si Nanaa dahil sa “malasakit at walang pagod na pagsisikap tulungang madala sa ligtas na pook at mapauwi ang daan-daang OFWs na nasa pook na sakop ng kanyang pananagutan.”

Bukod dito, pinuri rin ng Pangulong Aquino ang pandangal na sugo dahil sa “pansariling pag-sisikap, kahit pati sariling buhay niya at ng kanyang pamilya,” upang matiyak ang paglilingkod niya sa mga Pilipino sa kabila ng mga “pagsubok at panganib na bunga ng sandatahang kaguluhan” sa Syria.

Ito ay bukod pa sa mahahalagang gawain ni Nanaa na pagsusulong ng diplomasyang kultural at pangkabuhayan sa Syria at sa pagiging higit na malapit ang mga mamamayan ng Syria sa mga mamamayan ng Pilipinas, dugtong ng Pangulo. PND (jl/zaf)

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Nakatuong lagi ang gobyernong Aquino sa pagpapabuti ng kalagayan sa buhay sa buong bansa, wika ni Coloma

Nananatiling nakatuon ang gobyernong Aquino sa pagpapabuti ng pangkalahatang uri ng pamumuhay sa bansa matapos lumabas ang resulta ng Survey on Quality of Life and State of the Natonal Economy ng Pulse Asia Research, ayon kay Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office.

“Patuloy na nakatuon ang pamahalaan sa pagpapabuti ng pangkalahatang pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pagsisikap na ang mga pakinabang sa mabuting pamamahala ay maging tuwiran, madalian at mahahalagang benepisyo na magbibigay-lakas sa mga maralitang bahagi ng lipunan,” sabi pa ni Coloma sa isang pahayag.

Ang survey ay ginawa mula Disyembre 8 hanggang 15, 2013 pagkaraan ng palaking bilang ng mga nasawi sa napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda, ang kasalukuyang rehabilitasyong ginagawa sa Leyte at iba pang pook na sinalanta ng bagyo, ang pagbibitiw ni Komisyoner Ruffy Biazon ng Aduwana, ang pagtaas ng halaga ng koryente na ipinatutupad ng Manila Electric Company, ang pagsisiyasat sa umano ay mga huwad na Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO), ang kasunduan sa Annex on the Power Sharing sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front, una sa lahat.

Lumitaw sa Pulse Asia survey na ipinalalagay ng 43% ng mga Pilipino na higit na humirap ang buhay nila sa nakalipas na 12 buwan, samantalang 41% naman ang nagsabing walang pagbabago sa kanilang kalagayan noong Disyembre kaysa noong 2012.

Sa naturang survey ay lumitaw na 15% na nagsabing higit na mabuti ang kalagayan nila sa buhay noong Disyembre 2013 kaysa sa nagdaang taon.

Tinanong din ng Pulse Asia ang mga tao kung inaasahan nilang magkakaroon ng pagbabago ang personal na pamumuhay nila sa 2014. Sa survey noong Disyembre. Nakitang 45% ng mga Pilipino ang umaasng walang pagbabago sa buhay nila sa susunod na 12 buwan.

Ang magandang pag-asa ang nakahihigit kaysa sa kawalang pag-asa na 37% ng mga tinanong na pawang umaasa nang higit na magandang pangyayari sa personal nilang buhay sa susunod na 12 buwan at 19% naman ang nagsabing higit itong lulubha.

Sinabi ni Coloma na matatag ang paninindigan ng pamahalaan na ipagpatuloy ang patakarang pagbabagong tatag matapos ang napakalawak na pinswalang idinulot ng bagyong Yolanda noong Nobyenbre 2012.

Idinugtong ni Coloma na mabilis na inaasikaso ni Kalihim Panfilo Lacson, Jr., Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery at ng mga tauhan nito ang rehabilitasyon, pagbabagong tatag at kaunlaran ng mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda

Binigyang diin ni Coloma na patuloy ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan na pagkakaloob ng matitirahan at kabuhayan ang mga naninirahan sa sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. PND (js/zaf)

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Itinalaga si Heherson Alvarez bilang bagong tagapangulo ng ‘Advisory Board’ ng ‘United States Climate Institute’

Irinalaga si dating Senador Heherson T. Alvarez bilang bagong taqgapangulo ng Advisory Board ng United States Climate Institute.

Ang pagkatalaga kay Alvarez, kauna-unahang asyano na tagapangulo ng kinikilalang lupong tagapayo ay inihayag ni John Topping, pangulo ng Climate Institute sa Washington, D.C.

Bago nahalal na tagapangulo ng lupong tagapayo ng nasabing instituto,” si Alvarez ay komisyonado ng Komisyon sa Pagbabago ng Klima.

Mahigit nang dalawang dekada si Alvarez sa lupong tagapayo ng istituto. Sinabi niyang ang paghawak ng bagong tungkuling ito ay naganap sa panahong “ang daigdig ay niyayanig ng mga kalamidad na bunga ng pagbabago ng klima.”

Si Alvarez ay nabigyan ng gawad na Order of Lakandula na may ranggong Bayani na isa sa pinakamataas na parangal na ipinagkaloob ng Republika ng Pilipinas sa isang mamamayang “ang buhay ay karapat-dapat tularan ng sambayanang Pilipno.”

Naging delegado si Alvarez sa 1971 Constitutional Convention,makalawang nahalal na Senador at naging tagapangulo ng Lupon ng Senado sa Kapaligiran. Naging kinatawan siya ng Isabela at kagawad ng Gabinete ng Pangulong Corazon C. Aquino at Gloria Macapagal Arroyo bilang Kalihim ng Likas na Kayamanan at Repormang Agraryo.

Noong 1995 ay itinatag niya at pinanguluhan ang Manila Asia Pacific Leaders Climate Summit na kauna-unahang kapulungan ukol sa klima sa Pilipinas at sa buojg mundo.

Si Alvarez ang humiling sa mga kompanya ng gasolina na alisin ang lead at bawasan ang sulphur na taglay nito.

Tumanggap si Alvarez ng Outstanding Public Policy Achievement award buhat sa Climate Institute. Siya rin ang nagtatag ng Earthsavers Movement. PND (js/zaf)

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Ang alokasyon niyang PDAF ang dapat ipaliwanag ni Revilla, sabi ng Palasyo

Ang dapat ipinaiwanag ni Senador Ramon Revilla, Jr. sa taong bayan ay kung paano niya ginasta ang kanyang alokasyong Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) sa halip ng paglihis sa tunay na isyung may kinalaman sa impeachment ng dating Punong Mahistrado Renato Corona noong isang taon, sabi ng Malacanang Martes.

“Ang privilege speech ni Senador Revilla ay isang maganda sanang pagkakaqtaon upang sagutin niya ang nais ng taong bayan na paliwanag kung ano ang nangyari sa alokasyong PDAF na tinanggap niya mula 2007 hanggang 2009,” sabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office, sa pahayag Martes.

“Ang narinig at nakita ng taong bayan ay isang tahasang pagtatangkang ilayo ang atensiyon ng madla sa talagang isyu. Bilang halal na pinunong bayan, ang senador ay inaasahang mag-uulat nang buo tungkol sa alokasyong PDAF na tinanggap niya. Ang pangunahing isyu rito ay ang PDAF at ang karapatan ng taong bayan na malaman kung saan ginugol ni Revilla ang kanyang alokasyong PDAF,” wika pa ni Coloma.

Hinihintay ng taong bayan ang kalalabasan ng pagsusuri ng Ombudsman sa mga sumbong na iniharap ng Kagawaran ng Katarungan at ang magiging sagot ng mga ipinagharap ng sumbong.

Bukod kay Revilla, may iba pang mga senador na dawit sa pork barrel scam. Ito ay sina Senador Juan Ponce Enrile at Senador Jinggoy Esetrada.

Sinabi ni Coloma na nang makausap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III si Revilla ay sinabi nito sa Senador na ang boto ay ibatay niya sa merito ng mga katibayan at hindi para siya impluwensyahan. PND (as/zaf)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at People Asia’s People of the Year Awards 2014

Raffles and Fairmont Makati, Makati City

21 Jan 2014

Secretary Sonny Coloma; Secretary Albert del Rosario; Secretary Rene Almendras; of course, our publisher, Babe Romualdez; Ms. Joanne Rae Ramirez; Mr. Miguel Belmonte; our honoree, Nanay Coring; other awardees of the People of the Year Award; fellow workers in government; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen:

Good evening.

As people get busier and busier, it requires more of an effort to put your feet up, take time off, and learn about what is happening in the world—and especially, in our own society. Publications like People Asia have the choice of simply being a lifestyle magazine, or pushing the envelope further, and take stock and recognize the people who are making a real difference in a wide variety of industries. Clearly: You have chosen the latter, not only through features of unique personalities in their issues, but also through their People of the Year awards.

For 14 years, this magazine has annually recognized people who have inspired others by exhibiting not only competence, but excellence in their chosen fields. Whether in business, media and entertainment, medicine, or the many other sectors represented here today, our awardees for 2014 have indeed accomplished so much, and in so doing, have brought honor to the Philippines. To all of you: my sincerest congratulations.

This year, we recognize in particular the recipient of People Asia’s highest honor, Ms. Socorro C. Ramos, founder and general manager of National Book Store [applause]—nandyan ho pala kayo, kanina ko pa ho kayo hinahanap, Nanay Coring—a woman more fondly known to many as Nanay Coring. As someone who has dedicated her whole life to cultivate a love of reading—and consequently, a love of learning—in Philippine society, she has nurtured generations of Filipinos and left a lasting mark on our country. Her example shows all of us that true success is found not only in a thriving business, but also and more importantly, in the dedication and values that make it a mainstay of our society.

If I may add, my parents inculcated in us a love of reading through the good efforts of National Book Store, I who spent a disproportionate amount of my allowance on getting books, managed to get a bigger library, that would have otherwise been possible, my personal thanks to Nanay Coring.

But in true People Asia fashion, I see that we have also broken a little from tradition because we are not only joined by this year’s batch of awardees, but also by a particular group of people I have met with before. Here, we have the ambassadors and heads of mission who represent countries that have proven to be friends of the Filipino people—countries who have shown their support and solidarity with the Philippines in the wake of recent calamities. I ask you to join me in thanking them once more tonight. Excellencies, may I ask you to receive the applause—the gratitude and the friendship of our country. [Applause]

In this event, it is neither riches nor power, neither prestige nor fame, which we celebrate. These are all happy accidents, the byproducts of what is the true cause of celebration: a life dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, whatever field you may be in, and a life well lived—one that has a tangible effect on others. Again, I thank and congratulate everyone here tonight. It is my hope that you will not be content with the success you have already won for yourselves. The talent and determination that has brought you this far can take you to even greater heights—and I do hope that you reach those heights, and inspire and even help the rest of our countrymen to do the same.

Thank you. Good evening.

[HOME]

21 JANUARY 2014

DSWD receives more donations for ‘Yolanda’ survivors

BSP, PDIC approve the extension of SPRB Plus

Baldoz orders DOLE regional directors to mount sustained information campaign on guidelines on DOLE, DILG, DND, DOJ, AFP, and PNP conduct in labor disputes

Press statement on Sen. Bong Revilla's privilege speech

Oil monitor as of 21 January 2014

Phl passes on Chairmanship of ASEAN Committee in Brazil to Indonesia

Israeli Tourist arrivals in the Philippines up by 30% in 2013

P26.59-B Metro Manila skyway stage 3 groundbreaking to be held tomorrow

GSIS sells Philcomcen for P772 M to Filinvest Land Inc.

Biodiversity conservation still among DENR's top priorities in 2014

President Aquino pledges substantial amount for blood money of death row OFW -VP Binay

80,693 Examinees set to take the January 26, 2014 Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET)

25,039 beneficiary-workers 'witness' to government's emergency employment program in Yolanda-hit areas—Baldoz

DOLE and private sector partners to conduct 2nd relief mission and jobs fair in Tacloban City

Sec. Soliman highlights support of DSWD partners for vulnerable sectors

DSWD receives more donations for ‘Yolanda’ survivors

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

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Operations Office (DRRROO) Director Thelsa Biolena accepts the US$1,642,082.04 check donation from Thailand through Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario, as Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Prasas Prasasvinitchai looks on.

(Right photo) Another US$200 check is handed to Dir. Biolena by Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC) Executive Director Bernardita Catalla. The donation came from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lao PDR Resident Representative Minh Pham and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Lao PDR Country Manager Stefania Dina.

Both check donations which were turned over to DSWD yesterday are intended for victims of ‘Yolanda’.

As of January 21, 2014, DSWD has received a total of P72,418,737.60 local donations and US$17,672,759.55 foreign donations for ‘Yolanda’ survivors.

DSWD is thankful for the numerous initiatives of local and foreign donors to help the victims of the super typhoon.

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BSP, PDIC approve the extension of SPRB Plus

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

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) have approved the extension of the Strengthening Program for Rural Banks (SPRB) Plus from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2014 with certain amendments and enhancements, to encourage more mergers, consolidations and acquisition of eligible rural banks (RBs) and thrift banks (TBs) by strategic third party investors (STPIs).

Among the approved amendments and enhancements include the relaxation of the required ownership control in an eligible bank by an eligible STPI to at least 60% (from at least 67%) of the outstanding capital stock of the eligible bank to align with the provisions of BSP Circular No. 809 dated 23 August 2013 on the rules and regulations implementing R.A. No. 10574 (An Act Allowing the Infusion of Foreign Equity in the Capital of Rural Banks, Amending R.A. No. 7353, Otherwise known as “The Rural Banks Act of 1992”).

The financial assistance (FA) from PDIC may now also be in the form of either a combination of Preferred Shares (PS) and Direct Loan, or Direct Loan (DL) only. Furthermore, as support to banks affected by typhoon Yolanda, the amount of the PS component of the PDIC FA is increased from 50 percent to 100 percent of the required additional capital to restore the eligible bank’s capital adequacy ratio to a minimum 10 percent.

The SPRB Plus, which is a joint project of the BSP and the PDIC, is an enhanced version of the original SPRB which was launched in 2010 exclusively for rural banks (RBs). In furtherance of the objectives of SPRB Module I and to promote participation under the Program, its scope was broadened and enhancements were made under the SPRB Plus such as inclusion of TBs, in addition to RBs, as among the eligible banks as well as the inclusion of TBs, universal and commercial banks (UKBs), non-bank corporations and group of companies as eligible STPIs.

With the exception of STPI UKBs and banking groups which can only avail of incentives from the BSP without the financial assistance component, all other eligible STPIs, including non-bank corporations which are not subsidiaries of UKBs, may avail of both the FA and the incentives consisting of regulatory reliefs and branching/other incentives.

The SPRB Plus aims to strengthen the banking system and to minimize bank closures.

As of 31 December 2013, five (5) merger/consolidation applications involving ten (10) banks have been approved by the PDIC and are being processed by the BSP. Moreover, there are two (2) other applications for consolidation/acquisition that are in the pipeline.

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Baldoz orders DOLE regional directors to mount sustained information campaign on guidelines on DOLE, DILG, DND, DOJ, AFP, and PNP conduct in labor disputes

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

Baldoz orders DOLE regional directors to mount sustained information campaign on guidelines on DOLE, DILG, DND, DOJ, AFP, and PNP conduct in labor disputes Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday reiterated the set of a guidelines to be observed by all members, personnel, and officers of identified government agencies and units during a labor dispute, or in any exercise of workers’ and trade unions’ rights, directing all DOLE regional directors to mount a sustained information campaign on the guidelines and to work closely with units or regional offices of the Departments of Interior and Local Government, National Defense, Justice, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police for its strict implementation and observance. “Decent work includes healthy and effective exercise of workers’ and trade union rights and to make sure that these are recognized and realized, the DOLE, together with the concerned government agencies and partners, have agreed to a set of guidelines prescribing the conduct of government officers and personnel during such activities,” Baldoz said. "There is a need to familiarize the public and all concerned about the guidelines, for them to become aware of it, and for the concerned on how to implement it. Being the lead advocate for decent work and respect for the freedom of association, it is our responsibility to guard and protect the workers’ and trade unionists’ rights," she added. The labor and employment chief said the Philippines is fortunate to have the guidelines, but the important challenge is to make sure that it is widely disseminated and properly implemented and observed. Baldoz also renewed her standing order for the existing regional structure of the National TIPC-Monitoring Body and the Regional TIPC-Monitoring Body to ensure observance of the guidelines at the local level by engaging in the regional implementation and monitoring the respective regional Human Rights Offices/Officers of the AFP and the PNP, as well as the regional officer of the Commission on Human Rights. Signed in May 2012, the Guidelines on the Conduct of the DOLE, DILG, DND, DOJ, AFP, and PNP Relative to the Exercise of Workers’ Rights and Activities aims to address violence and threats against workers and trade unionists, including the reports and/or allegations of militarization of workplaces and impunity. The said guidelines governs the official conduct of personnel and officers of the above-mentioned agencies, including the AFP’s CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) and the Special CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (SCAAs); the PNP’s Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agency (SOSIA); and Barangay Tanod/Public Safety Officers. It is applicable to all cases of exercise of workers’ rights, particularly freedom of association, collective bargaining, concerted actions, and other trade union activities in relation to the involvement and mobilization of the members of the AFP, the PNP, the local chief executives, company security personnel, security guards, and barangay tanod. The guidelines provide that labor disputes are under the primary and sole jurisdiction of DOLE and/or its appropriate agencies and that members of the AFP, PNP, and other law enforcement agencies, including barangay tanod and company security agency or personnel may not intervene in them except when expressly requested in writing by the DOLE; or when a criminal act has been committed, is being committed, or is about to be committed; or in cases of actual violence arising out of a labor dispute. Presence of AFP personnel or units in a workplace where strike, picketing, or lockout has been and in progress should only be based on a security situation, and only to extend support to the PNP; or, in the extreme situation when no other law enforcement agency in the area is available to maintain peace, order, and security; provide security for both workers and management; prevent violence or its escalation; and prevent the commission of crimes. A PNP peace-keeping team or Civil Disturbance Unit shall be assigned in a picket, strike, or lockout area when requested in writing by the DOLE or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), pursuant to the provisions of the Joint DOLE-PNP-PEZA Guidelines in the Conduct of PNP Personnel, Economic Zone Police and Security Guards, Company Security Guards and Similar Personnel During Labor Disputes, but their involvement shall be limited to the maintenance of peace and order, enforcement of laws, and implementation of legal orders of duly constituted authorities. They shall also stay at least in a 50-meter radius away from the picket, strike, or lockout area and shall be, at all times, in proper uniform and with properly displayed nameplate. "The AFP and the PNP must observe maximum tolerance at all times," the guidelines provides. It also provide that local chief executives and their authorized representatives may assist in settling any labor dispute in their areas of jurisdiction, but it should be in coordination with DOLE and/or its Regional Offices. The guidelines also prescribed penalties in case that any of the provisions of the guidelines was violated. “Labor rights are human rights. We should respect it. Workers and employers have the right to life, liberty, and property and enjoy the right to political dissent within the bounds of law,” Baldoz ended.

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Press statement on Sen. Bong Revilla's privilege speech

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

Naiintindindihan ko kung bakit galit si Sen. Bong Revilla sa mundo. Mahirap ang sitwasyon niya na may testigong at COA documents nagapapatunay ng koneksyon niya sa Napoles scam. Pero hindi solusyon sa problema niya ang paglilihis ng isyu, pagbaluktot sa katotohanan at panloloko ng tao. Sagutin na lamang niya ang mga sinabi ng mga testigo laban sa kanya at ipaliwanag na lamang niya ang mga
dokumentong nag-uugnay sa kanya sa Napoles scam.

Sa isyu naman ng pagpupulong nila ni Pangulong P-Noy, natural sa Pangulo na humarap sa matataas na opisyal ng bayan.
Dati kaming magkasama ni Senator Bong sa Senado kaya nang iparating niya na mayroon siyang gustong i-take-up sa Pangulo kasama ang Cityhood ng Bacoor at ang kanyang pagiging Pangulo ng Partido Lakas, gumawa ako ng paraan para magkausap sila.
Noong oras na iyon, wala sa Malakanyang at nasa Bahay Pangarap ang Pangulo. Para matugunan ang reglamento ng PSG at hindi na maaberya si Senator Bong, ako na ang nagmaneho ng sasakyan papunta sa Bahay Pangarap.

Tungkol naman sa isyu ng plaka, kasinungalingan ang sinabi niya na tinanggal ko ang plaka ng sasakyan ko bago kami pumunta sa Bahay Pangarap. Hindi talaga ako gumagamit ng official plate. Hindi ito nakakabit sa sasakyan ko. Ang ginagamit ko ay ang regular na plaka na iniisyu ng LTO. Kahit na sino ang nakakakilala sa akin nang matagal, hindi ako gumamit nang otso na plaka noong kongresman , siyete noong senador at sais nang Cabinet Secretary. Hindi ko nakaugalian na ikabit ito sa aking sasakyan.

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Oil monitor as of 21 January 2014

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

Global crude oil prices were mixed but analysts believe sentiment would continue to be boosted by expectations of higher world economic growth.

The price increase seen during the week was attributable in part to a sharper-than-expected reduction in US crude stocks and in part to significantly rising equity markets. Oil price uptick also came after the World Bank upgraded its 2014 forecast for global economic growth, indicating a potential improvement in oil demand.

However, the underlying trend was generally downward given ample supply of the market and expectation of growing output from Libya and Iran.

For petroleum products, Asian gasoline market remained largely steady, supported by expectations of stable demand-supply balance in February, with steady demand from Indonesia and Vietnam. Platts underscored that gains in the regional market have been capped by sustained strength in the East/West spread that keeps open the possibility of higher inflows of barrels into Singapore from India and Japan.

Meanwhile, a supply glut continued to affect the Asian gasoil/diesel market this week, as the region dealt with increased exports of middle distillates from Japan, a shut arbitrage to Europe and lackluster demand within Asia. Weak domestic demand in Japan has led to local refiners cutting crude runs and raising exports of middle distillates.

Overall, Dubai crude decreased week-on-week by about US$1.20/bbl. Similarly, MOPS diesel and gasoline decreased by about US$1.10/bbl and US$0.30/bbl.

FOREX: Week-on-week value of Peso against the US dollar depreciated by P0.16 to P44.89, from P44.73 in previous week.

Other recommended reference sites:
(1) http://www.aip.com.au/pricing (2) http://www.med.govt.nz/ers/oil_pet/prices/prices.html

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Phl passes on Chairmanship of ASEAN Committee in Brazil to Indonesia

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

21 January 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Eva G. Betita handed over the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Brasilia (ACB) to Indonesian Ambassador Sudaryomo Hartosudarmo during the ACB Meeting on January 10 at the Bahay Pilipino, the Philippine Ambassador’s Official Residence.

The ACB was formally recognized by the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta in February 2013 to further strengthen the ASEAN-Brazil relations and promote the interest, awareness and understanding of ASEAN in Brazil. It is composed of the seven (7) ASEAN Member-States present in Brasilia, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The ACB Chairmanship rotates every six months.

From July to December 2013, Ambassador Betita, as Chair, led and coordinated the projects and activities of the ACB.

Some of the highlights of the Philippine Chairmanship include the first ASEAN Anniversary celebration in Brasilia since the formal recognition of ACB by the ASEAN Secretariat attended by ambassadors from ASEAN, Dialogue Partners and high-level officials of Brazil, the ASEAN Food and Cultural Festival which was attended by more than 1,000 guests, the ASEAN Family Day at Jardim Botanico and the Visit to Palacio de Alvorada, Official Residence of the President of Brazil, among others.

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Israeli Tourist arrivals in the Philippines up by 30% in 2013

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

21 January 2014 - Israel remains the biggest tourist market of the Philippines in the Eastern Mediterranean Europe, based on official figures released by the Department of Tourism (DOT) for the period of January to September 2013.

In the DOT Visitor Arrival to the Philippines by Country of Residence report, there were 5,491 Israeli tourists who visited the Philippines from January to September 2013 which is 93% of the full 2012 figure (5,895); 110% of the full 2011 figure (4,990); and 121% of the full 2010 figure (4,525). Based on the same report, tourist arrivals are highest in the first quarter and the latter part of the year.

The 2013 tourist arrival total, to be released early this year, is expected to break the 6,000 mark for the first time in many years.

The partial tally represents a 30% year-on-year increase and may very easily bring in the third consecutive year double digit tourist arrival growth, due in part to elevated tourism promotion efforts spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, in cooperation with the Israel-Philippines Tourism Chamber.

The Embassy supported the creation of the said Chamber and its subsequent activities such as the conduct of several travel seminars to potential tourists and more recently, its participation in the X-Factor Israel won by overseas Filipino worker Rose Fostanes.

The Embassy, in partnership with the Chamber, also participated in the 2013 International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) in Tel Aviv for the first time in almost 20 years. The IMTM is the biggest and most prominent travel fair in Israel organized by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism and sponsored by the national carrier El Al among others.

In the pipeline is the 2014 IMTM participation of the Embassy with the Chamber apart from the long-proposed Familiarization Tour to the Philippines of Israeli VIPs, celebrities and journalists. The Familiarization Tour, slated in March, comes right before the revival of the Manila-Tel Aviv direct flights of Philippine carriers this year.

The recent victory of Fostanes this month plus the upcoming 2014 IMTM in February and Familiarization Tour in March are all projected to deliver even bigger tourist arrival figures in the first quarter and kick start the same momentum all through the year.

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P26.59-B Metro Manila skyway stage 3 groundbreaking to be held tomorrow

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

The groundbreaking ceremony for a major infrastructure project which is expected to significantly ease traffic in Metro Manila will be held by the Citra Central Expressway Corporation (CCEC) tomorrow, 22 January 2014, along with representatives from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

The CCEC will implement the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMS) Project, while the DOTC and the TRB will act as regulator in its implementation and operation.

“This is part of the DOTC’s ongoing program to upgrade our transportation infrastructure. It is expected to provide motorists with considerable relief from the traffic situation in Metro Manila,” said DOTC Spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal.

The project entails the construction of a 14.82-kilometer, mostly 6-lane elevated expressway, extending the present Skyway from Buendia in Makati all the way to Balintawak in Quezon City. Construction will begin in April 2014 and will take 36 months to complete.

It will be carried out in four (4) components: the Buendia-Plaza Dilao segment will be constructed from April 2014 to April 2016; the Plaza Dilao-Aurora Boulevard stretch will run from April 2014 to April 2017; the Aurora Boulevard-Quezon Avenue section will be constructed from April 2014 to April 2016; and the Quezon Avenue-Balintawak segment will be from April 2014 to December 2016.

Based on a recent study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), P 2.4-Billion is lost everyday due to Metro Manila traffic. This project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily.

It will reduce travel time from Buendia to Balintawak from almost two (2) hours to twenty (20) minutes.

The DOTC is also pursuing other projects which will ease the capital region’s traffic situation, including the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road of the Metro Pacific group, and the Integrated Transport System (ITS) terminals.

The ITS terminals will centralize the passenger exchange between provincial buses and in-city modes of transport such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems, taxis, and city buses, at the edges of Metro Manila. The DOTC is currently bidding out the Southwest Terminal Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project along Coastal Road in Parañaque, which will ease congestion coming from Cavite and provide better convenience and efficiency in travel.

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GSIS sells Philcomcen for P772 M to Filinvest Land Inc.

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

The GSIS today formally sold Philcomcen building for P772 million to Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) through the signing of the deed of sale at its head office in Pasay City. In a public bidding held in December 2013, the 2,411-square-meter prime property in Ortigas, Pasig City, fetched more than thrice its book value of P234 million. Shown in the photo sealing the deal with a handshake are GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara and FLI Director Joseph M.Yap (second and third from left), as FLI Business Planning Analyst Christian Ernest N. Santos and GSIS SVP Gracita Gilda V. Bocanegra stand as witnesses to the signing.

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Biodiversity conservation still among DENR's top priorities in 2014

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

Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said biodiversity conservation through efficient and effective management of the country's protected areas (PA) will remain as one of the top priorities for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 2014.

Speaking at the unveiling of the National Management Effectiveness and Capacity Assessment (NMECA) report in Pasig City recently, Paje said the DENR will continue to implement programs like the total log ban, the National Greening Program (NGP) and the new mining policy, which greatly contribute to the protection and preservation of the nation's floral and faunal species and their habitats.

He said these programs, along with effective PA management, help to reduce biodiversity loss and provides significant contributions to national and global conservation efforts.

The environment chief emphasized the importance of the logging ban and the NGP in improving forest conditions and forest-related biodiversity.

"We can now treat the entire forest cover of this country as a protected area because we have declared a total logging ban in our forests," he explained, adding that massive reforestation would reduce open, denuded and degraded forestlands.

Paje said that in imposing a new mining policy that seeks to balance development and environmental protection, the government was keen on "getting its true share, so that we can pay for the environmental damages particularly to biodiversity loss caused by mining."

On top of these continuing programs, Paje said the DENR's biodiversity team is also undergoing structural reforms to meet the changing needs of the sector.

Paje noted the threefold increase in the 2014 budget of the department's Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), formerly the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), compared to its budget last year.

The bureau is also currently going through manpower rationalization to ensure a more efficient and effective implementation of its programs.

Paje likewise cited last year's enactment of Republic Act No. 10629, which allows every management board of PAs all over the country to utilize 75 percent of its revenues generated under the Integrated Protected Areas Fund for its operations.

This, he said, would enable the PAMB to improve PA management, such as through installation of better facilities for ecotourism purposes.

The DENR chief said that these reforms are necessary to address the challenges in PA management, while pointing out that managing these areas well and conserving all biodiversity within them are necessary to ensure that people will continue to enjoy the "natural services" that PAs offer like providing raw materials for various human uses and protecting communities from extreme weather disturbances.

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President Aquino pledges substantial amount for blood money of death row OFW -VP Binay

Source: http://ovp.gov.ph

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, said President Benigno S. Aquino III has pledged a substantial amount to augment the blood money raised by the Philippine government to save Filipino Joselito Zapanta from execution in Saudi Arabia.

The Vice President, however, declined to reveal how much the President has pledged or how much the government has raised so far so as not to jeopardize negotiations with the victim’s family.

“On our part, si Pangulo mismo, pumayag na magbigay ng medyo kalakihang halaga. Sa aming palagay, sobra na talaga ang laki,” he said during an interview at the Coconut Palace.

Binay remains optimistic despite the reported insistence of the victim’s family that they be paid SAR 4 million (P48 million).

“Magpu-pursige pa rin tayo na magkaroon ng compromise,” he added.

“Panalangin natin baka sakaling may pamamaraan pang magkasundo. Kasi, ’yong pamilya, ang gusto ay buong halaga,” he further said.

Zapanta was sentenced to death for killing Imam Ibrahim, a Sudanese national.

Ibrahim’s family initially demanded SAR 5 million in exchange for a tanazul or affidavit of forgiveness and prevent the imposition of the death penalty, but later agreed to reduce 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.

Binay previously expressed fear Zapanta may be executed this month if the blood money being demanded by the victim’s family is not raised immediately.

Donations for Zapanta may be made to the Riyadh Philippine Embassy’s sub-account in the Saudi Hollandi Bank: Account Number 037-040-790-022, International Bank Account Number (IBAN): SA 61-5000-0000-0370-4079-0022, Swift Code: AAALSARI

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80,693 Examinees set to take the January 26, 2014 Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET)

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

Manila, January 21, 2014 – A total of 80,693 examinees will be taking the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) on Sunday, January 26, 2014 in 15 testing centers nationwide. The Professional Regulation Commission announced that the bulk of LET takers will come from the National Capital Region with an estimated 18,055 examinees, followed by Davao with 8,202, and Cagayan De Oro with 8,152.
Catarman, Northern Samar and Baybay City, Leyte were included as additional testing centers for the January 26 BLEPT on account of the poor and unstable condition of the buildings and facilities in Tacloban and for the convenience and comfort of the examinees coming from the region.
Meanwhile, the teachers licensure examinations in Zamboanga City, Jolo Sulu and Tawi-tawi Testing Centers, which were recently re-set due to armed hostilities and security issues in the region, will have 3,881; 1,938; and 1,830 examinees, respectively.
The PRC advises the examinees to be at their designated examination site/center before 7:00AM and to bring their notices of admission, two or more pencils (No.2), ballpens with BLACK INK, one piece metered-stamp window envelope, one (1) long brown envelope, and one (1) long transparent (non-colored) plastic envelope on examination day.
The testing centers include Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Catarman Norther Samar, Baybay City Leyte, Tuguegarao, Zamboanga, Jolo Sulu and Tawi-tawi.
For information regarding general instructions to examinees, and prohibited acts inside the examination room, please click HERE.

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25,039 beneficiary-workers 'witness' to government's emergency employment program in Yolanda-hit areas—Baldoz

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

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today said that major urban and rural industrial areas of the country like the CALABARZON (Region 4-A), Metro Cebu and Central Visayas (Region 7), and Metro Manila posted employment gains reinforcing the bright growth prospects of the Philippine economy in 2006.

A report reaching Acting Labor and Employment Secretary Danilo P. Cruz indicated that employment-wise, CALABARZON (which stands collectively for the five provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) was the highest gainer among the country's 16 regions, posting a total employment growth of 163,000 to 3.897 million in January 2006 from 3.734 million in January 2005.

The January 2006 round of the labor force survey conducted by the National Statistics Office likewise showed that in Central Visayas, employment increased by 85,000 to 2.358 million from 2.273 million, and in Metro Manila, by 48,000 to 4.105 million in January 2006 from 4.057 million in January 2005.

Meanwhile, SOCCSKSARGEN (Region 12) in Mindanao registered an employment increment of 102,000 to 1.497 million from 1.395 million, followed by the Davao area (Region 11) with 81,000 to 1.659 million from 1.578 million.

Other regions that posted positive employment increments in January 2006 are as follows:

Cordillera Administrative Region (by 31,000 to 629,000 from 598,000); Region 1 (by 44,000 to 1.655 million from 1.611 million); Region 2 (by 70,000 to 1.321 million from 1.251 million); and,

Region 4-B (by 32,000 to 985,000 from 953,000); Region 9 (by 65,000 to 1.259 million from 1.194 million); Region 10 (by 7,000 to 1.767 million from 1.760 million); and the Caraga Region (by 60,000 to 962,000 from 902,000).

Earlier, the DOLE noted the growth of employment in most of the Philippine economy, particularly in more than 10 sectors and industries nationwide in January 2006, as follows:

Electricity, gas and water (by 5,000); wholesale and retail trade (85,000); hotels and restaurants (30,000); transport, storage and communications (21,000); financial intermediation (37,000); real estate, renting and business activities (44,000); and,

Public administration and defense, compulsory social security (7,000); education (58,000); other community, social and personal service activities (18,000); private households with employed persons (102,000); and agriculture, fishery and forestry (475,000).

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DOLE and private sector partners to conduct 2nd relief mission and jobs fair in Tacloban City

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

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in cooperation with its partners in the public and private sectors, is gearing up for another relief operation to be highlighted by a jobs fair in Tacloban City next week as it continues to provide assistance to residents in the area extremely affected by super Typhoon Yolanda. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), all attached agencies of the DOLE, together with its Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), and the DOLE Regional Office VIII, in cooperation with the Tacloban City government, the regional and provincial Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), and in partnership with private sector employers and licensed recruitment agencies, will conduct a relief mission on January 21 in Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban City and a jobs fair at the Rizal Park in Tacloban City the following day. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, who is going to grace the activities, said the relief mission and jobs fair, the second in Eastern Visayas after Typhoon Yolanda struck on 8 November 2013, should bring renewed hope to the typhoon survivors. "We ought to make the people of the calamity-stricken areas feel that the government and its private sector partners continue to bring in much-needed assistance to the calamity-ravaged province," Baldoz said. “The jobs fair’s theme, ‘May Bukas Pa’, underscores our resolve as a nation to think and act positively despite the challenges and difficulties we have gone through. There is always hope and we should take every available opportunity to hasten our recovery,” Baldoz said. Relief goods, medicines, and school supplies, including school bags and shoes will be distributed during the relief operations. Around 2,100 families, identified by the City Government of Tacloban from barangays that are so far least-assisted, are expected to benefit from the feeding program and 800 beneficiaries will be given free haircut, courtesy of the TESDA. About 2,000 school children from Cabalawan, Camansihay, Sto. Nino, Bagacay, and Lorenzo Daa Elementary Schools will receive the school supplies and shoes, while about 1,000 residents will be provided free reading eyeglasses and optical services, and another 150 patients will be provided free dental services. The Tacloban City job fair, on the other hand, will be participated in by 35 overseas recruitment agencies offering more than 13,400 job vacancies. Said vacancies are mostly for professionals and skilled workers for countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Dubai, Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, USA, and Canada. For local employment opportunities, 10 employers have confirmed participation in the jobs fair offering a total of 2,100 job vacancies in Cebu, Batangas, Cavite, Paranaque, and Metro Manila. Aside from the POEA, OWWA, TESDA, other government agencies, such as the SSS, Pag-IBIG, NBI, NSO, and DFA are expected to join and assist job applicants in their documentary requirements. “This relief operation and job fair is our modest way of contributing to other government efforts in helping typhoon Yolanda victims rise from the aftermath of the devastation. We expect that our unfortunate kababayan will be back on their feet at no time,” Baldoz said. She thanked the DOLE's partners, the licensed recruitment agencies under the banner of the May Bukas Pa Movement joining and helping the DOLE and its agencies in the activity.

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Sec. Soliman highlights support of DSWD partners for vulnerable sectors

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

“The past year really tested the mettle of the men and women of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who were out there in the field assisting the survivors of various disasters which struck our country in succession. We hurdled the herculean task through the solid and generous support of all of you – our dear partners and colleagues, so you rightly deserve this recognition.”

This was the message of DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman during the “PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards or “PAgkilala sa NATAtanging KOntribusyon sa Bayan” Awards which was one of the activities that marked the 63rd Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department on Thursday.

PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards confers recognition to international and local development partners, non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), People’s Organizations (POs), media persons and organizations, as well as individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time, talent and resources to help the Department carry out its mandate of improving the lives of the disadvantaged sector of society.

Bernard Kerblat, United National High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Country Representative responded on behalf of all the awardees.

“I congratulate the red jacketed–army, the employees of DSWD for being at the forefront during disasters. We are inspired by your resiliency and endurance. In behalf of the UNCHR, I pledge our continuous support in all of your endeavors,” Kerblat stated.

Sec. Soliman urged the awardees to continue their solidarity with the Department in providing assistance to the vulnerable sectors to enable them to rise from their situation.

The awardees are the following:

• Donors – International Organizations

o International Organization for Migration (IOM)
o United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
o United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
o Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
o Asian Development Bank (ADB)
o Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID)
o United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
o United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
o United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP)
o Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
o Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional Para El Desarollo (AECID)

• Donors – Corporate Institutions/Local Organizations

o SM Foundation, Inc.
o Kabisig ng Kalahi, Inc.
o Petron Foundation, Inc.
o Phil Seven Foundation
o International Container Terminal Services, Inc.
o Lina Group of Companies
o San Miguel Corporation
o MAYNILAD Water
o Mister Donut/Richard Yang
o MVP Group of Companies

• Best Volunteer Organizations

o US Peace Corps
o Tzu Chi Foundation, Inc.

Best Non-Government Organization

Love 146, Inc.
Gawad sa Makabagong Teknolohiyang Panlipunan
Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE)

Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS)

Municipality of Opol, Misamis Oriental
City of Pagadian, Zamboanga Del Sur
Municipality of Pilar, Surigao Del Norte (Siargao Islands)
Santiago Island SEA-K Workers Association of Bolinao (SISWAB) Pangasinan
Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines, Inc.,

Gawad Ulat

The Philippine Star (Newspaper)
GMA News TV (Television)
DZRH (Radio)

Beat Reporters

Rainier Allan Ronda (The Philippine Star)
Ellalyn De Vera (Manila Bulletin)
Cynthia Balana (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Leilani S. Junio (Philippines News Agency)

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Last Updated: 21 JANUARY 2014
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
Please click on thumbnails to magnify


			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, the enterprise continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. Also in photo is Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc during the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, IC continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. Also in photo is Insurance Deputy Commissioner Vida Chiong. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc upon arrival for the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, IC continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, IC continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. Also in photo are Insurance Deputy Commissioners Ferdinand George Florendo and Dorothy Calimag, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc and Deputy Commissioner Vida Chiong and Finance Undersecretary Jeremias Paul, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Aleppo, Idlib, Hana, and Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic Mohamad Wassim Nanaa in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 21). The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Aleppo, Idlib, Hana, and Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic Mohamad Wassim Nanaa in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 21). The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. Also in photo is Nanaa’s parents Adla and Mohammad Ghias Nanaa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Aleppo, Idlib, Hana, and Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic Mohamad Wassim Nanaa in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 21). The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. Also in photo is Nanaa’s mother Adla Nanaa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the National Day of Prayer at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (January 20). With the theme: “One Nation in Prayer: Isang Bansa, Isang Panalangin.” President Aquino joins the nation in offering prayers for the victims of last year’s tragedies that include the failed Zamboanga City siege in September, the magnitude-7.2 quake in Central Visayas in October, and super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November, and also to seek divine intervention for the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano Jr,/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to government officials in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait during a courtesy call Thursday (January 16) at the Music Room in Malacanang Palace. The Sheikh is the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait a commemorative olympic logo during a courtesy call Thursday (January 16) at the Music Room in Malacanang Palace. The Sheikh is the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait during a courtesy call Thursday (January 16) at the Music Room in Malacanang Palace. The Sheikh is the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo)

			President Benigno A. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Thursday, (January 16) at the department's central office in the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The President is the guest of honor to the 63rd anniversary celebration of DSWD with the theme "DSWD @ 63: Kaagapay sa Pagbangon at Pagbabago". (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Gil Nartea/ Malacanang Photo )

			President Benigno A. Aquino III views the exhibition of artworks at the compound of Department of Social Welfare and Development central office at the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The President is the guest of honor to the 63rd anniversary celebration of DSWD Thursday, (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea/ Malacanang Photo Butreau)

			President Benigno A. Aquino III, assisted by Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, presents the Award of Recognition to Danny Franco B. Bitara, one of two helicopter crash survivors in Leyte during the Yolanda relief operations. The recognition was given in time with the 63rd anniversary celebration of the agency Thursday, (January 16) at the DSWD central office in Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Butreau)

			President Benigno A. Aquino III, assisted by Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, presents the Award of Recognition to Noemi P. Mongaya, one of two helicopter crash survivors in Leyte during the Yolanda relief operations. The recognition was given in time with the 63rd anniversary celebration of the agency Thursday, (January 16) at the DSWD central office in the Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Butreau)

			Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma delivers his keynote speech on the second Salubungan Workshop themed "Tatak EPPN Ako, Ito Ang Taya Ko!” held in Malacanang Kalayaan Hall Thursday Jan. 16, 2014. (PHOTO BY: LUISITO L. IGLESIAS)

			Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma receives Certificate of Appreciation from EPPC commissioner Anton Lim, Cesar Sarino and commissioner Milagros Kilayko on the second Salubungan Workshop themed "Tatak EPPN Ako, Ito Ang Taya Ko!” held in Malacanang Kalayaan Hall Thursday Jan. 16, 2014. (PHOTO BY: LUISITO L. IGLESIAS)

			President Benigno S. Aquino lll attends the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of "Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement" at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP CCP Complex in Pasay City on Wednesday (January 15). Also in photo are from left, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas II, DOJ Secretary Leila De Lima, DBM Secretary Florencio Abad, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras, Central Bank Governor Amando Tetangco, Presidential Legislative Liason Officer Manuel Mamba. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino lll receives from Citibank Corporate and Investment Banking Vice Chairman Jay Collins and Citibank CEO Philippines Batara Siantun an enlarged cashless purchase card, during the ceremonial turn-over of the Cashless Purchase Card System at the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of " Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement " at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex in Pasay City on Wednesday (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of "Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement " at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex in Pasay City on Wednesday (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Ryan Lim/ Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of San Gabriel Power Plant Project in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City Tuesday, January 14, 2014 as Francis Giles Puno, President and COO of First Gen Corp., Batangas Governor Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto, DOE Secretary Jerico Petilla, First Gen Vice President Richard Tantoco, Mr. Oscar Lopez of Lopez Griup of Company and Ernesto Pantangco also of First Gen listen. First Gen operates the San Gabriel Power Plant and is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts. (Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremonial laying of the San Gabriel Power Plant Project time capsule in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City on Tuesday (January 14). with the President Chair and CEO of First Gen Corp Federico Lopez which operates San Gabriel Power Plant is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts. (Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the ceremonial laying of the San Gabriel Power Plant Project time capsule in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City on Tuesday (January 14). Assisting the President are Federico Lopez, Chair and CEO of First Gen Corp.; Lopez Group of Company; Emiritus Oscar Lopez, DOE Sec. Jerico Petilla, Batangas Governor Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto, Richard Tantoco, Exec. Vice President, First Gen Corp. and Francis Giles Puno, President and COO First Gen Corporation First Gen Corporation First Gen operates San Gabriel Power Plant and is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts. (Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

			Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma presents Minister Yoshitaka Shindo of Japan Internal Affairs and Communications with token of appreciation during their bilateral meeting Monday (January 13) held at the Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City. (Photo by Luisito L Iglesias / NIB)

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