1. WeatherWatch

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

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

Issued At:	5:00 a.m., 28 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., 28 January 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind
Analysis for 8 a.m., 28 January 2014

Satellite Image
for 5:32 a.m., 28 January 2014

Synopsis:

Northeast Monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas.

Forecast:

The whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains.

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

2. WeatherWatch

GALE WARNING

GALE WARNING NO. 43
For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon.

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 28 January 2014

Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the eastern seaboards of Luzon, Visayas and of Mindanao.

VISAYAS
(Samar and Leyte)
and MINDANAO
(Surigao, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Province and Siargao Island)

SEABOARD

WEATHER

WIND FORCE
(KPH)/(KNOTS)

SEA
CONDITION

WAVE
HEIGHTS
(meters)

THE EASTERN SEABOARDS OF LUZON
(Isabela, Eastern coast of Cagayan, Aurora, Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, Eastern coast of Albay, Eastern coast of Sorsogon and Eastern coast of Quezon including Polillo Island)

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.

3. Weather Watch

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

1. PIA Regional Watch

about an hour ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isang simultaneous earthquake drill ang isinagawa ngayon sa Camp Miguel Malvar sa lungsod ng Batangas bilang bahagi ng disaster preparedness ng mga kapulisan.

2. PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Quezon Provincial Gender and Development (PGAD) Office conducted 'gender sensitivity training to the 32 barangay captains of Lucban, Quezon. Mayor Olivier Dator urged the participants to mainstream gender and development (GAD) programs in their respective barangays in order to promote gender equality and women empowerment.

3. PIA Regional Watch

3 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagkaloob ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Calaca ng educational assistance sa 24 na benepisaryo ng scholarship program dito.Layon nitong makapagbigay ng tulong pinansyal upang makapagtapos sa pag aaral ang mga matatalino ngunit kapus palad na mag aaral.

4. PIA Regional Watch

3 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagsisimula nang tumanggap ng aplikasyon ang Civil Service Commission Batangas field office para sa civil service exam paper and pencil test na isasagawa sa Abril 6 sa lungsod ng Batangas.Ang itinalagang huling araw ng pagpafile ng aplikasyon ay sa Pebrero 20,2014.

5. PIA Regional Watch

5 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Tinututukan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Tanauan ang usapin ukol sa paghihiwalay ng basura at pangangalaga sa kalikasan na isa sa mga dapat bigyang pansin upang maiwasan ang pagbaha sa panahon ng tag ulan.

6. PIA Regional Watch

6 hours ago

PIA-4A/RIZAL: DTI 4a & Rizal led by Regional Director Marilou Toledo & Provincial Director Mercy Parreno and other line government agencies are currently launching several shared service facilities to three cooperative farmers groups of Jalajala, Rizal to help improve local MSME operations.

7. PIA Regional Watch

6 hours ago

PIA-4/LAGUNA: Forty (40) policemen from different municial stations of Laguna recently underwent Basic Life Support Training at the Laguna Sports Complex in Brgy. Bubukal, Santa Cruz, Laguna. This activity is part of the Disaster Preparedness Plan of the province.

8. PIA Regional Watch

Yesterday

PIA-4A/CAVITE: The provincial government allocated Php 5 million for the procurement of 25 new rubber boats and some other equipment to boost operations in times of floods in the province, particularly in areas along the coastlines.

1. PIA OFW Watch

9 hours ago

PHILIPPINE STAR: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday that significant reforms have been instituted in the implementing guidelines of the Overseas Voting Act of 2013 or Republic Act 10590. Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle said that “salient features” of the law would be integrated in the pre-departure orientation seminars being conducted among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) before leaving the country.

2. PIA OFW Watch

20 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Problemado ngayon ang mga Pinoy sa Malaysia dahil sa ginagawang crackdown laban sa mga illegal alien ng Malaysian Immigration. Para iwas perwisyo, payo ng Philippine embassy na tiyaking lehitimo ang travel documents at ugaliing dalhin ang passport at makipag-ugnayan sa embahada.

Weather Watch

January 28 , 2013 ( Tuesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE : Sunny

LAGUNA : Sunny

BATANGAS : Fair Weather

RIZAL : Sunny

QUEZON : Fair Weather

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

DTI Quezon nagkaloob ng pagsasanay ukol sa bamboo processing

Monday 20th of January 2014

New 0

0 0 0

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

Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification

Thursday 9th of January 2014

New 0

0 0 0

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

New 0

0 0 0

- 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

New 0

0 0 0

- 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

2 0

0 0 0

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

Artists and scientists join forces to preserve Manansalas

Monday 27th of January 2014

LOS BANOS, Laguna, Jan. 27 (PIA) --For more than 50 years, staff and guests of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have had the pleasure of dining in the presence of two brilliant masterpieces by National Artist Vicente Manansala.

In 1962, shortly after the IRRI research facility in Los Baños was established, the Institute commissioned Manansala to paint two mural-sized pieces. One was installed at the Institute’s cafeteria and the other in its dining room.

In commemoration of Manansala’s 104th birthday, artists and art enthusiasts will join the scientific community at the IRRI headquarters on 29 January 2014. Together, they will celebrate these treasured art pieces during the day-long event entitled Si Manansala at ang Masaganang Ani, a series of activities that includes a special viewing of the paintings, a symposium on the artist’s life and work, and a special exhibit.

Manansala was a multi-awarded artist who became popular for his trademark transparent cubism technique. He was proclaimed National Artist in 1982, a year after he died.

Twenty Filipino artists, some who knew Manansala personally and had worked with him directly, will be visiting the Institute for sketching and painting sessions followed by an art market. Artists include Hermes Alegre, Rey Arcilla, Lito Balagtas, Cee Cadid, Cris Cruz, Buds Convocar, Ember Crisostomo, Fil dela Cruz, Anna de Leon, Rudolf Gonzales, Boy Mata, Nemesio Miranda, Francis Nacion, Roel Obemio, Al Perez, Omi Reyes, Ephraim Samson, Aner Sebastian, Migs Villanueva, and Joseph Villamar.

Manansala’s granddaughter Ronna, herself an artist; Nemesio Miranda, head of the Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA); Ana Labrador, assistant director at the National Museum; Ben Vergara, National Scientist and trustee of the National Museum; and Maritess Pineda, president of the Friends of Manansala Foundation, Inc. will speak about the life, work, and influence of Manansala in Philippine art during a symposium that will start at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Production of limited-edition prints of the two Manansala paintings at IRRI will be launched during the event.

In November 1984, the Manansala paintings at IRRI underwent preventive conservation. Almost 30 years later, IRRI is once again exploring options to protect the paintings, including relocation of the mural-size pieces, and is working closely with the Friends of Manansala Foundation, Inc., the National Museum, and the NCCA. (IRRI/PIA)

Health Care System Training for LGU's, ilalatag ng DOH at Zuellig Foundation

Monday 27th of January 2014

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Enero 27 (PIA) – Isang programang pangkalusugan ang inilatag ng Zuellig Foundation sa pamahalaang panlalawigan na naglalayong ng pakikiisa ng mga local government officials na palakasin ang health system sa kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Inilatag ng Department of Health Region IV sa pamumuno ni Director, Nestor Santiago at Zuellig Foundation Vice President Ramon Derige kay Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto ang kabuuang konsepto ng programa na ipatutupad sa 5 bayan at isang siyudad sa lalawigan.

Kabilang sa mga namamataang pilot municipalities and city ay ang bayan ng Nasugbu, Balayan, Lemery, Calaca, Laurel at Batangas City.

Nakasaad sa proyekto ang pagpapalakas ng kapasidad ng mga Mayors at Municipal Health Officers sa implimentasyon ng kanilang health program ng kanilang nasasakupan.

Sa ilalim ng Leadership Training daraan sa serye ng seminar at training ang mga kinatawan ng lokal na pamahalaan upang masanay sila sa mga bagong hakbang sa isinasagawang health care system ngayon sa buong mundo.

Matapos nito ay susundan ng 6 na buwan na practicum module o pagsasanay na may kalahok na actual na pagpapatupad ng mga programa sa ilalim ng superbisyon ng mga opisyal ng Zuellig Foundation at DOH.

Ayon sa DOH at Zuellig, napili nila ang lalawigan ng Batangas sapagkat prayoridad ng administrasyong Santos Recto ang Health at patunay nga dito ang konkrektong programa at inprastraktura na magbibigay kaganapan sa pagpapalakas ng Health Care System di lamang sa lalawigan kundi pati na rin sa bansa.(Edwin V. Zabarte –Batangas Province PIO)

Health Care System Training for LGU's, ilalatag ng DOH at Zuellig Foundation

Monday 27th of January 2014

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681390446657#sthash.gC1pLboq.dpuf

Business One-Stop Shop 2014 ongoing in Antipolo

By: Gideon Gapayao

Friday 10th of January 2014

New 0

0 0 0

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

New 0

0 0 0

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

Cardona celebrates 400th Founding Anniversary

Monday 27th of January 2014

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Jan 27 (PIA)—Cardona, Rizal is set to celebrate its 400th founding anniversary through a series of events and contests prior to the Grand Centennial Night (January 31) and Centennial Day (February 1).

In line with the month-long celebration of the founding anniversary, activities such as the “PINAKA” Contest (January 15), “Paint the Town in a Shirt” Contest & Bamboo Arch Display (January 22), Amateur Singing Nights (January 24, 26 & 27) Concert (January 25) and the “March On Cardona” Drum and Lyre Event with groups from different Rizal towns (January 28-30) will be conducted.

Winners of the recent contests and Outstanding Cardonians will be awarded at the grand centennial night along with presentation of the town’s cultural highlights. The Centennial day itself will be highlighted by a thanksgiving mass and grand parade. (GG-PIA4A with reports from Cardona PIO)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2261390444456#sthash.R2xvllDC.dpuf

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

28 JANUARY 2014.

Despite clash with breakaway group, Palace hopeful there will be no serious disruption of peace process

Palace open to proposals that FOI Bill to include full disclosure of official’s earnings

Palace: Status quo in Mindanao not acceptable

Aquino to lead the awarding to 3 outstanding Filipino for their significant contributions to national development

Palace: Bangsamoro basic law may be certified urgent

Effective crime prevention needs public cooperation, says Palace

Despite clash with breakaway group, Palace hopeful there will be no serious disruption of peace process

Despite recent reported clash between government troops and breakaway secessionist rebels, Malacañang on Tuesday voiced hopes there will be no serious disruption of the peace process.Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said last weekend's clash as part of efforts to secure the Moro Islamic Liberation Front communities from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
"Government is hopeful that with the support of the citizenry there will be no serious disruption of the peace process as it moves towards full fruition," Coloma said at a media briefing.
Last Saturday, the Philippine government and the MILF signed the last of four annexes that would pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement.
Coloma also cited online news reports last weekend quoting a BIFF spokesperson as saying the splinter group will not sabotage the peace process.
Meanwhile, Coloma reiterated the government remains open to inputs from other groups such as the Moro National Liberation Front for a draft bill on the Bangsamoro basic law.
"Ang pananaw ng pamahalaan, gusto pa rin maging kasali lahat na may taya sa prosesong ito (Our government wants the peace process to be inclusive)," he said. PND (jl)

TOP

Palace open to proposals that FOI Bill to include full disclosure of official’s earnings

Malacanang said on Tuesday that it is open to proposals that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill that is currently undergoing deliberations in Congress will include an amendment that will require government officials to disclose all their earnings in order to know how much an official earns. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has proposed an amendment to the FOI Bill that will require all government officials to disclose all sources of income.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Communications and Operation Office Secretary Herminio Coloma,Jr. said that the government will wait for the decision of lawmakers on this proposal and will abide by it.
“Hihintayin naming ang pagpapasya ng Senate Committee on Public Information at ng counter-part committee sa House. Hihintayin namin yung bubuuin na batas dahil ang pagpapanukala ng batas ay pangunahing tungkulin ng mga mambabatas,” Coloma said.
Nananatili ang ating pananaw ng pagbibigay ng sapat na oras sa ating mambabatas para itaguyod yung mga aspeto ng batas,” he added. PND (rck)

TOP

Palace: Status quo in Mindanao not acceptable

The failure to establish a new Bangsamoro political entity that will change the status quo in Mindanao will not be an acceptable scenario for Malacañang. Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. stressed this as he said the government is focused on winning the peace in Mindanao by effecting needed changes.
"Government efforts are focused on winning the peace in Mindanao. The alternative to change is the status quo and the status quo is not acceptable," he said at a media briefing.
At the very least, he said the government will continue to perform its task of ensuring peace and statbility and protecting the citizens.
Coloma also assured the public the government has enough forces to maintain peace and order in Mindanao from various armed groups.
"It is still the primordial duty of the state to mtaintain law and order," he said.
The government is hoping to bring much-needed peace to Mindanao with the signing of an annex that would pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement. PND (jl)

TOP

Aquino to lead the awarding to 3 outstanding Filipino for their significant contributions to national development

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead on Wednesday "The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) 2013 Awarding Ceremonies," honoring Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, a forester and a scientist for their significant contributions to national development.

The Chief Executive will grace the TOFIL 2013 Awarding Ceremonies which has for its theme "Building Legacies" at the Insular Life Auditorium, Insular Life Corporate Center, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa at 10 a.m.

President Aquino will witness the awarding to Arsenio B. Ella, Forester of the Department of Science and Technology for Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development; Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. Lagmay for Geology and Earth Science and Sec. Singson for Governance and Public Service.

The TOFIL Award is a project of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Philippines and the Insular Life Assurance Co., Limited. Conceived in 1988, the institution honors the country’s men and women who have made significant contributions to the advancement in his/her field of expertise, public welfare and national development.

Vicente Ayllon, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Insular Life and John Enerio, Junior Chamber International Inc. (JCI) Senator and National Chairman 2013 TOFIL Executive Committee will also attend the event. PND (js)

TOP

Palace: Bangsamoro basic law may be certified urgent

A prospective basic law on the Bangsamoro political entity may be certified urgent as it is a priority program of the administration, Malacañang said Tuesday.Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said they are hoping to have the political entity in place and its officials elected by 2016.
"Lahat ng indikasyon patungo diyan, dahil nga ito ay isang priority program ng ating administrasyon (The indications point to the bill being certified as urgent, because it is a priority program of our administration)," he said when asked if the Palace will certify the bill as urgent.
Following the signing last weekend of the annex on normalization, peace negotiators of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front are now working on a comprehensive peace agreement that would end the MILF's rebellion.
Under Article VI, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, no bill passed by either house of Congress shall become a law unless it has passed three readings on separate days, "except when the President certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment to meet a public calamity or emergency."
In the meantime, Coloma said the Palace is hoping lawmakers will be one with it in working to bring peace to Mindanao soonest.
"Umaasa tayo na pag-aaralan nila ang merito ng Bangsamoro Basic Law, at tutuparin nila ang tungkulin na kanilang sinumpaan na gagawin nila ang kanilang responsibilidad sa abot ng kanilang makakaya, at naaayon sa kapakanan ng pinakamalawak na sektor ng mga mamamayang Pilipino (We hope lawmakers study the merits of the proposed Bangsamoro basic law, and fulfill their sworn duty to serve the people)," he said.
He also expressed hopes the lawmakers will see the merits of the bill and use it as basis to decide on it.
"Umaasa tayo na pagkatapos ng talakayan, pagkatapos ng mga debate, lilitaw naman ‘yung katwiran at ‘yung pagiging tama ng mga probisyon sa ipapanukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law, at ito ang magiging batayan ng ating mga mambabatas sa kanilang pagpapasya (We hope that after the discussions, they will decide on the merits of the proposed measure)," he said. PND (jl)

TOP

Effective crime prevention needs public cooperation, says Palace

Fighting crime remains the government’s top priority, the Palace said on Tuesday adding however that effectively combating it needs public assistance.

“Lahat ng paglabag sa batas ay siniseryoso ng ating pamahalaan dahil ito ay hindi katanggap-tanggap. Kaya’t pinag-iibayo ang efforts ng ating law enforcement agencies to prevent crime,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

Coloma added that crime prevention is best achieved through community efforts and doesn’t solely rely on the deterrent or punitive aspects through the police and the justice system.

“Kaya’t matitiyak tayo na sineseryoso ng pamahalaan ang lahat ng uri ng krimen at ang ating layunin ay bawasan at supilin ito sa lahat ng anyo at sa lahat ng larangan.”

With regards to the re-imposition of the death penalty to deter would-criminals, Coloma said the administration has some reservations implementing capital punishment because the country’s justice system has some flaws.

If the justice system is flawed, it might convict or punish innocent people and that is dangerous, the Palace official said.

And on judicial reforms, Coloma said it’s been a general observation that there’s a lot of things to be done to improve the country’s judicial process especially in terms of speeding up the pace of litigations.

“Kaya siguro nabanggit ng Pangulo yan noong nakaraan na kinakailangan talagang bigyan ng priority attention hindi lamang iyong proposal na magre-impose ng mas mataas na penalty kung hindi iyong pagsasagawa ng mga karampatang reporma sa ating criminal justice system in order to eliminate the flaws that have been noted,” he added. PND (as)

TOP

28 ENERO 2014

	Inaasahan ng Malacanang na hindi magkakasagabal ang proseso sa kapayapaan sa kabila ng labanan ng mga kawal at ng BIFF
	Bukas ang Malacanang sa mungkahing isama sa ‘FOI Bill’ ang lubusang paghahayag ng kinikita ng mga pinunong bayan

Inaasahan ng Malacanang na hindi magkakasagabal ang proseso sa kapayapaan sa kabila ng labanan ng mga kawal at ng BIFF

Inaasahan ng Malacanang na hindi makasasagabal sa prosesong pangkapayapaan ang naganap na sagupaan ng mga kawal ng pamahalaan at ng tumiwalag na sesesyonistang rebelde kamakailan .

Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa pulong balitaan Martes na ang naganap na sagupaan noong nagdaang linggo ay bahagi ng pagsisikap ng gobyerno na pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng mga komunidad ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front sa mga Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

“Umaasa ang pamahalaan na sa tulong ng mamamayan ay hindi magkakaroon ng malubhang suliranin ang prosesong pangkapayapaan dahil ito ay patungo na sa katuparan nito,” wika ni Kalihim Coloma.

Noong Sabado, ang pamahalaang Pilipino at ang MILF ay lumagda na sa pinakahuli sa apat na “annexes” na hahawan ng landas tungo sa malawakang kasunduan sa kapayapaan.

Samantala, inulit ni Coloma na nananatiling bukas ang pamahalaan sa ano mang ibig sabihin ng ibang grupong katulad ng Moro National Liberation Front tungkol sa draft bill na gagawing Bangsamoro basic law.

“Ang pananaw ng pamahalaan, gusto pa ring maging kasaling lahat na may taya sa prosesong ito,” paliwanag ni Coloma. PND(jl/zaf)

TOP

Bukas ang Malacanang sa mungkahing isama sa ‘FOI Bill’ ang lubusang paghahayag ng kinikita ng mga pinunong bayan

Bukas ang Malacanang sa mga mungkahing ang panukalang batas na Freedom of Information na kasalukuyang tinatalakay sa Kongreso ay isama ang susog na mag-aatas sa mga pinunong bayan na ihayag ang lahat ng kinikita nila upang malaman kung magkano ang kinikita ng nasabing opisyal.

Iminungkahi ni Senador Miriam Defensor-Santiago ang isang susog sa FOI Bill na mag-aatas sa lahat ng pinuno ng pamahalaan na ilantad ang lahat ng pinagmumulan ng kanilang mga kinikita.

Sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang, sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office na hihintayin ng pamahalaan ang pasiya ng mga mambabatas tungkol sa mungkahi at aalinsunod sila rito

“Hihintayin namin ang pagpapasiya ng Lupon ng Senado sa Public Information at ng katapat nitong lupon sa Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan. Hihintayin namin ang bubuuing batas dahil ang pagpapanukala ng batas ay pangunahing tungkulin ng mga mambabatas,” pahayag ni Coloma.

“Nananatili ang ating pananaw ng pagbibigay nang sapat na oras sa ating mga mambabatas para itaguyod ang mga aspeto ng batas,” wika pa ni Coloma. PND (rck/zaf)

TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3

Buendia - End of the Skyway Stage 1, Makati City

22 Jan 2014

Magandang umaga po. Maupo ho tayo.

President Fidel Ramos; Secretary Babes Singson; Secretary Jun Abaya; Secretary Arsi Balisacan; Chairman Francis Tolentino; of course, Mr. Ramon Ang; Attorney Luis Sison; Mr. Shadik Wahono; one of my mother’s favorite generals, Jose Magno; Mr. Dodick Marceno Utomo; Mr. Robert Vergara; Congresswoman Monique Lagdameo; Mayor JunJun Binay; Mayor Herbert Bautista; Mayor Edwin Olivarez; Mayor Oscar Malapitan; Secretary Ping de Jesus; Project Team of the Metro Manila Skyways Stage 3; other government officials present; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan:

Muli, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.

Ngayong umaga, sama-sama po nating inilulunsad ang isang proyektong pihadong maghahatid ng ginhawa sa mga kalsada sa lungsod: ang Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 or MMS 3. Bahagi po ito ng tinatawag nating Metro Manila Skyway System, kung saan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatayo ng elevated expressways, ay maikokonekta na natin ang SLEX at NLEX, o ang katimugan at hilagang bahagi ng kalakhang Luzon.

Sa halagang mahigit 26 na billion piso, ikokonekta po ng lampas labing-apat na kilometrong kalsadang ito ang Buendia at Balintawak. Hudyat ang paglulunsad nating ito ngayon sa pagsisimula na ng konstruksyon, na ayon kay Secretary Jun Abaya ay talagang raratsada naman pagdating ng Abril ng taong ito. Inaasahan natin ang tuluyang pagkumpleto ng proyekto sa 2017—at malamang mamamasyal kami ni President Ramos ‘pag ito po ay nakumpleto na—samantalang mayroon naman pong accelerated construction target para sa June 2016.

Oras na makumpleto, ano po ba ang maaasahan nating benepisyo mula sa Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 na ito? Maliwanag po: mababawasan ang traffic sa EDSA at sa iba pang pangunahing kalsada sa kalakhang Maynila, dahil madaragdagan ang kalsadang puwedeng tahakin patungo sa katimugan at hilagang bahagi ng Luzon. Tinatayang 55,000 sasakyan araw-araw ang ikaluluwag ng mga kalsadang ito. Siguro rin po, karamihan sa atin, dumaan na sa matinding kalbaryo ng pagbiyahe mula Buendia hanggang Balintawak. ‘Di po ba, halos dalawang oras, ‘pag minalas, ang inaabot nito dahil sa siksikan sa mga kalsada? Kapag nabuksan na po itong MMS 3, papatak na lang sa 15 hanggang 20 minuto ang biyaheng iyan.

Ang good news pa: Makakapaghatid ang proyektong ito ng halos 6,000 na direktang trabaho, at karagdagang 10 hanggang 12 libong indirect jobs sa panahon ng konstruksyon. Sa inisyal pong traffic na posibleng maidulot nito, malamang po ay may mga nag-aabang na ring kritiko na kokontra at magiging negatibo sa proyektong ito. Pati po sila, mukhang mabibigyan na rin ng trabaho. [Laughter]

Sa totoo lang po, hindi madali ang pinagdaanan natin para marating ang araw na ito. Isipin po ninyo: Dekada 70 pa nang ilatag ang planong noo’y tinawag nilang Manila North at Manila South Expressways. Dapat po, aabot sa Carmen, Rosales, sa Pangasinan, at Lucena sa Quezon ang mga kalsadang kaakibat nito. Hindi pa naman po yata malabo ang paningin ko, pero wala pa po tayong nadadatnang expressway sa Rosales, at wala pa rin sa Lucena. Makalipas po ang mga dekada, ngayon pa lang tayo maglulunsad ng ikatlong bahagi Metro Manila Skyway na inumpisahan noong dekada 90.

Ang tanong po: Bakit nga ba napurnada nang ganito katagal ang planong ito? Isa pong malinaw na dahilan: ang Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines noon, na ngayo’y Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), ay kulang sa kakayahang gawin ang proyekto. Siyempre, kailangan nang maghanap ng iba pang katuwang upang matuloy ang pagpapatayo nito. Yun nga lang, may mga barikadang humarang sa katuparan nito—ang Presidential Decrees 1113 at 1894—mga batas na, ayon sa mga salitang ginamit ng Pangulo noong mga panahong iyon, ay tila isinasaad na isa ang PNCC sa mga dapat maging palagiang partner sa konstruksyon ng proyekto. Ang masaklap pa nito: magdugtong ka lang ng kahit isang dipang kongkreto sa orihinal na kalsada, mabibigyan ka na ng panibagong 30 taon na prangkisa nang wala nang partisipasyon o pahintulot ng Kongreso.

Sa harap po ng constitutional at legal issues na ito, malinaw po ang ating ginawa: Humanap tayo ng solusyon na alinsunod sa lahat ng batas, lalo na sa Saligang Batas. Kinausap natin ang mga katuwang na kompanya upang magkasundo sa implementasyon ng proyektong ito, at para hindi na maipit pa ang benepisyong ihahatid nito sa mamamayang Pilipino. Ayaw na po nating ipasa sa susunod na administrasyon ang suliraning ito, at iparanas pa sa kanila ang kalbaryong ating pinagdaanan dahil sa probisyon ng mga naturang batas.

Sa kabila naman ng mga lubak at harang na kinaharap natin upang marating ang araw na ito, hindi tayo natinag upang sama-samang humakbang pasulong. Talaga naman pong sulit ang anumang tagumpay na makakamit, lalo na kung pinaghihirapan. Kumbinsido tayong makakamtan natin ang patong-patong na positibong bunga ng yugtong ito ng Skyway—mula sa masusulit na oras, pera, at gasolina, hanggang sa dagdag-trabaho at pag-arangkada ng komersyo’t pambansang ekonomiya. Sa huli, tinutumbok nito ang ating layunin: ang itaguyod ang mga daan sa Kamaynilaan bilang daluyan ng kaunlaran.

Taos-puyso ang pasasalamat natin sa bawat indibidwal at ahensiyang nakiambag sa tagumpay na ito—mula sa ating national agencies, local government units, hanggang sa pribadong sektor na naghahanda ng kanilang kapital, sa kabila ng mga naranasang pagsubok, dahil desidido silang makatulong. Patunay kayo sa positibo at mabungang resulta ng pag-aambagan ng pampubliko at pribadong sektor. Nawa’y patuloy tayong magbayanihan para iangat ang iisang bayan na ating ginagalawan, at ipakitang nasa loob o labas ka man ng Kamaynilaan, bahagi ka ng isang malawakang stratehiya para siguruhing walang Pilipinong maiiwan, sa ating biyahe tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran.

Sa atin pong mga kababayan, humihiling naman po ako ng kaunting pasensya at pang-unawa. Malaking imprastraktura po ito. Sa pagtulog natin sa madaling araw, wala naman pong dambuhalang helicopter na biglang susulpot sa kalangitan at ilalapag na lang ang Skyway na ito sa kalsada, at paggising natin ay kumpleto na ang proyekto. Mahalaga po ang pakikiisa ng lahat sa anumang adjustment na ating gagawin para mabigyang-daan ang konstruksyon nito. Hinihiling ko rin ang suporta’t kooperasyon ng ating mga LGUs, partikular na sa isyu ng right of way.

Para naman sa mga paulit-ulit na nagtatanong, at sinasadyang magbulag-bulagan sa mga nararating na nating tagumpay: Ito po ang daang matuwid. Hindi pinanday ng pantasya, at mas lalong hindi gawa-gawa na parang eksena sa isang pelikula—totoo at kongkretong mga proyekto ang hatid ng ating tuwid at mabuting pamamahala para sa kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino.

Anumang pilit ng ilang magpapogi at magpabida para sa pansariling interes lang, ay wala pa ring makakapigil sa kolektibo nating pag-arangkada bilang isang bayan. Bawat hakbang sa tuwid na daan ay nakatuon lamang sa direksyon kung saan higit na maiaangat ang buhay ng mga kababayan nating matagal nang naetsapuwera’t napag-iwanan. Ito ang buong-sigasig na isinusulong ng inyong pamahalaan—sama-sama ang lahat sa pagsulong, at walang Pilipinong maiiwan.

Magandang umaga po. Maraming salamat po sa lahat.

[HOME]

INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.

Solar Day Break / Solar News Channel by Amelyn Veloso

January 26, 2014

SEC. COLOMA: (recording cut) … for their achievement in being able to complete the signing of the four annexes that will pave the way for the signing of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro.

AMELYN: Sir, how will the government handle the groups who are still opposing the GPH-MILF peace deal?

SEC. COLOMA: Our approach is inclusive, Amelyn. We would like to invite other stakeholders to participate in this process. We continue to engage them in dialogues. And we hope that they will see the light and be a part of this historic and important process for our people in Mindanao.

AMELYN: Sir, will the government hold separate talks with the MNLF?

SEC. COLOMA: As far as I understand, Amelyn, our Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process continues to engage the MNLF through its committee of 15 – they have a new governance structure – and other groups that are also stakeholders in this process. Nobody is being purposely left out, for as long as they are willing to participate and contribute to the peace process.

AMELYN: Okay, sir, can tell you us what will happen next? Can you walk us through to the next phases after the signing of the final annex of this framework agreement?

SEC.COLOMA: The next important milestone is the enactment of a Bangsamoro Basic Law. Right now, we have a Bangsamoro Transition Commission that is principally responsible for drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be submitted for Congress. Even after the annexes had been initialed and signed, my understanding that the members of the Transition Commission have already begun the groundwork for drafting this law. So after the annex on—

AMELYN: Normalization?

SEC. COLOMA: On power-sharing, wealth-sharing, transitional arrangement and, now, normalization had been signed, they began examining the provisions that could find their way into the Bangsamoro Basic Law. So, once this Bangsamoro Basic Law is enacted by Congress, hopefully by 2015, this will be submitted to the people for a plebiscite … in a plebiscite. And if it is approved in the plebiscite, then the final phase will be pursued which is the election of officials for the Bangsamoro political entity, which we hope can be held simultaneously with the 2016 national elections.

AMELYN: Sir, we’ve received reports that—please clarify it to us, the 1996 peace agreement has not been fully implemented accord. So they are saying that, will that affect this current Bangsamoro Framework Agreement or the Bangsamoro Basic Law? And then also, that agreement, in the 1996 agreement covers a different area. So, what will happen now, sir? Will that be a hindrance to the signing or the enactment of a Bangsamoro Basic Law?

SEC. COLOMA: As I said, Amelyn, we continue to engage the MNLF through its present governance board. If you will recall, before the Zamboanga crisis last October, there was a meeting that was scheduled in Indonesia that was not convened because of what happened in Zamboanga City. So, even as we speak now, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process continues to engage the elements of the MNLF in dialogue so we can thresh out their concerns because we really want this to be an inclusive process, and we continue to seek ways and means for harmonizing the concerns of all other stakeholders.

AMELYN: With what has been reached by this Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, is the government also looking to sit down with other groups who are in conflict with … we are in conflict with?

SEC. COLOMA: Definitely, Amelyn. The OPAPP has tables for the other issues that we are tackling so that we could attain the objectives of the administration in achieving peace in all parts of the country. If you will recall, these negotiations had been initiated with the CPP-NPA-NDF. We’ve also talked the disagreement with the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and all other—these issues are being addressed because the administration believes that peace is the way to progress.

AMELYN: Do you see any other hindrances to the completion ang signing of the peace deal with the MILF?

SEC. COLOMA: Many challenges are expected, but what is important is that both panels are approaching the table with trust and with a firm determination to push the peace process forward. So this will what … will spell the difference and make it possible for us to attain our objectives.

AMELYN: Thank you for joining us this morning, sir, Secretary Sonny Coloma.

SEC. COLOMA: Thank you, Amelyn.

SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center

[HOME]

27 JANUARY 2014

GSIS grants emergency loan to Agaton-hit members in Northeast Mindanao

Meet the lady photographer of DSWD—Ma. Dadiva Villanueva

DOJ Advisory: Online Application for NBI Clearance now available

DOLE and DOST ink pact for a technology-driven, resource-based, sustainable livelihood program

PNoy admin drafts blueprint for inclusive growth; Abad: Budget priorities framework to guide gov't in reaching dev'l goals

Education gets lion's share of 2014 budget; Abad: Quality education remains top priority of PNoy admin

DOE holds public consultations on EPIRA amendments

GPH, MILF complete final annex to Framework Agreement; stress bigger challenges ahead

DOST-DOLE partnership to open more technology-driven jobs for disaster-devastated communities

DAR’s bridge project to open up development potentials of isolated ARCs

Bangladesh trainers hail PH tech-voc

January 2014 Architect Licensure Examination results released in five (5) working days

VP Binay retains 'very good' rating - SWS

DAR’S bridge project To open Up development potentials Of isolated ARCs

DSWD leads ‘Balik sa Bayan’ program for ‘Yolanda’ evacuees

GSIS grants emergency loan to Agaton-hit members in Northeast Mindanao

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

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will grant emergency loan to more than 48,000 members who either work or reside in areas devastated by typhoon Agaton and declared under a state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

These areas include the provinces of Agusan Del Norte (including Butuan City), Agusan Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte (including Iligan City), Surigao Del Norte and the municipalities of Kalong, Carmen, Asuncion, New Corella, and Tagum City in Davao Del Norte.

Members may apply for the loan beginning today, January 24, 2014 until February 22, 2014. They may apply either through any GSIS branch under its "file anywhere" policy or through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks stationed in provincial capitols, city halls, selected municipal offices, and large agencies.

Portable kiosks will also be deployed in areas to facilitate the loan application of affected members.
Members may avail of the emergency loan if they are not on leave of absence without pay; have no arrears in the payment of mandatory monthly contributions; and have no loans that are declared in default.

Members who do not have eCards but who are eligible to apply for the loan may apply over-the-counter (OTC) at any GSIS office. Proceeds of OTC applications will be credited to a temporary eCard.

If the loan proceeds were not credited within seven days from the date of application, members may go to the nearest GSIS office or the nearest kiosk for the status of their account.

GSIS has budgeted a total of Php5 billion for emergency loan this year. In 2013, the System, released Php5.7 billion in emergency loans which benefited close to 304,000 members.

For inquiries on the emergency loan program, members may call the GSIS contact center at 847.4747.

|TOP|

Meet the lady photographer of DSWD—Ma. Dadiva Villanueva

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

MANILA, Jan. 26 (PNA)–For the 64-year old lady photographer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), there are a lot of pleasant and unpleasant experiences that she can impart to her grandchildren when she retires next year.

In her 30th service as a lady photographer of DSWD, the still energetic and kicking Ma. Dadiva Villanueva popularly and fondly called ‘Tita Mary’ or ‘Ate Mary’ in the Social Marketing Service (SMS) of the department happily said that she was lucky enough to work side by side with many DSWD chiefs in the coverage of the department’s services and various events.

“I feel lucky. I did not expect that my experience as a photographer from my previous job will give me the chance to experience the joy and privilege of working in a protective and caring agency like the DSWD,” narrated Ate Mary with a smile as she looked back.

She disclosed that before she got the item of a photographer in DSWD in 1986, she had worked first as a photographer of Floro Photo until she worked as a relief grantee in 1985 in the department performing various jobs like assisting the social workers in bringing service to the poor and less fortunate sectors of the society.

Ate Mary added that she feels a bit proud about having the chance to express through her photos the challenges and accomplishments of the department under the leadership of DSWd chiefs, namely Mita Pardo de Tavera since 1986 to Corazon Alma de Leon, Gloria Macapacagal-Arroyo, Dulce Saguisag, Lina Laigo, Esperanza Cabral, Celia Yangco, until current DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman.

She admits that she sometimes feels that the job is overwhelming and fulfilling too because she got the chance to meet different kinds of people from those being served by the department to other notable people also serving the government.

“It is in this job where I feel the respect and dignity of a human being serving the people even if I do not belong to the category of those who have the highest position in the government. I remember former President Fidel V. Ramos, who was then serving as a cabinet minister during that time even exchanged pleasantries with us in some occasions,” she excitedly recalls.

She cited that even the current DSWD chief Soliman had even made her feel that some government people are ‘down to earth’ too when the secretary herself had volunteered to take a photo of her with the Philippines and United States ‘Balikatan Exercises’ men in Zambales during a coverage.

“I was really surprised when she (Secretary Soliman) noticed how amazed I was while watching the men in uniform with military paraphernalia. I felt very happy and elated when she volunteered to take a photo of me with the military men as my remembrance,” she giggled with a smile saying that was one of the most unforgettable moments of her life that she will love to look back.

She swears also that in all the years she had served as a photographer of DSWD, one of her favorite DSWD chief was Mita Pardo de Tavera whom she worked with since 1986.

“She was one among the DSWD chiefs who had shown much concern and kindness to all of us, from the lowest ranking employee to the highest,” she sighed.

She recalled that it was during de Tavera’s term where she experienced a helicopter landfall on a rice fields on their way to visit and do a coverage on the assistance given to disaster stricken province due to a strong typhoon.

“Luckily, thanked God, we survived it and we were not hurt during that helicopter accident,” she smiled.

Though frightened from that experience, she cited that such incident led to the strengthening of the cravings in herself to pursue the job and told herself she was determined to pass all the trials and difficulties that go with the job of a lady photographer and believe that God will provide protection.

Since then she got used to the job and enjoy the pleasure of experiencing to travel in many parts of the country from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao not only during disasters but also to other lighter events of DSWD.

A few years later, she met Wilfredo who also work in other department of DSWD.

They fell in love and they got married which lead to the birth of their three children, all of whom have finished their studies.

“That is the reason why I will always love DSWD. It is where I met the love of my life, had my children and were able to raise them properly even if my job requires me not to be a mother who is always at the side of my children,” she said.

She was thankful that in all her absence on some important occasions on the lives of her children was filled by her mother who was supportive to take care of them.

“It is good I have a mother who was there to fill the gaps and explained to my children my duties in my job,” she added.

She said that doing the job of a photographer had exposed her not only to danger of accidents but also to some emotional pain and skin disease too.

She said she had a miscarriage when she covered the Mayon volcano eruption in 1993 and suffered stress and had skin diseases when she covered Payatas tragedy in 2009.

The job also requires her to bring the camera along with her during wee hours in the morning or very late coverage in the evening made her highly susceptible to risk of being victims of holdup too.

“I just do some prayers for guidance and protection. But definitely I have no regret in this job. All of those experiences helped to hone me where I am today. In every job there is always pain and pleasure, right?,” she sighed and nodded.

She added that when you love the job and enjoy doing it there are no ifs and buts, and with the job she had in DSWD quitting never came to her mind.

“Working here gave me the chance to help the less fortunate members of our community. I had the chance to refer their cases to the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) of DSWD especially those who need burial transportation and medical problems too,” she added.

During the recent 63rd anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held last January 17, she was one of the recipients of the loyalty awards given to many of the department’s employees in recognition of their unselfish rendering of service that contributed to the accomplishment of its role as a protective and caring agencies to the vulnerable sectors of the society.

Ate Mary knows that one day as she retires her photos will not be remembered at all for many of them published in some newspapers were not by-lined to her.

“What matters is that in the heart and memory of my children and grandchildren, and those I worked with, my photos of covering the many big and small events of DSWD will always be alive,” she smiled. (PNA)

|TOP|

DOJ Advisory: Online Application for NBI Clearance now available

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

The Department of Justice today announced that beginning on 24 January 2014, applicants for the NBI Clearance can now apply and fill out the complete form online at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi or www.nbi.gov.ph.

"With the implementation of the new NBI system, we shall continue to roll-out and implement solutions to progressively eliminate queues and simplify processes," said Secretary of Justice Leila M. de Jima. "Online application is the logical next step after the switch," she added.

The NBI system is now run by the DOJ, a first in the agency's history and substantially upgrades the old systems.Newly appointed NBI Director Virgilio L. Mendez said "This is just our third full week of operation under our watch but we expect significant progress in the coming weeks with the delivery of additional equipment and increase in personnel." He added that the Renewal Module will be implemented next.

The NBI Clearance System is a component of the flagship National Justice Information System (NJIS) to link and share information among justice sector institutions.

After the online registration, applicants may proceed directly to any of the fifty-five (55) sites nationwide for payment and biometric enrollment for the release of the clearance. A list of these areas is available at http://www.nbi.gov.ph.

|TOP|

DOLE and DOST ink pact for a technology-driven, resource-based, sustainable livelihood program

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

Pledging to work together in an undertaking to benefit poor, vulnerable, marginalized, and displaced workers, including returning or disadvantaged overseas Filipino workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), yesterday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) outlining the two department's full commitment for the promotion, implementation, and advocacy of a convergence program to be implemented from 2014-2016.

Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo signed the agreement at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City, with DOLE and DOST top officials, including their regional directors, DA and DTI representatives, representatives of national labor organizations, and the media witnessing the event.

In a press conference that followed the signing, Secretaries Baldoz and Montejo said the general objective of the convergence program is to provide a menu of technology-driven and resource-based livelihood packages to poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers, workers displaced by natural calamities, and returning OFWs and their families.

Immediately after the MOA signing and press conference, regional directors of the two departments sat down for a planning workshop and presentation of the consolidated regional action plans that will signal the agreement's start of implementation.

"This is the DOLE's and the DOST's contribution to the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RA) Project, the government's strategic plan for the rehabilitation of typhoon Yolanda-affected areas," said Baldoz and Montejo.

Under the agreement, the DOLE as the national government agency mandated to promote gainful employment opportunities and develop the country’s human resource, shall identify target beneficiaries of the program; identify in-demand skills vis-à-vis available skilled individuals in the communities; enrol projects to the program; and provide funds. It shall also coordinate with the DA and DTI to be able to provide information on raw materials and current market demand.

The DOST, on the other hand, as the premiere science and technology body in the country, will provide scientific and technological skills, strategies, and assistance that beneficiaries can use; tap the Technology Resource Center (TRC), DOST’s corporate arm, to work on the business and livelihood programs interventions. For other technical requirements of the convergent program, the DOST shall tap its regional offices, councils, research and development institutes (RDIs).

More importantly, the DOST shall provide the necessary technologies for people or group of people for potential technology transfer or adoption for business, as well as counterpart funding, in the form of technologies and innovations, technical assistance, experts’ man-hours, and the like.

Jointly, the DOLE and the DOST shall create a Project Management Office (PMO) in-charge of the overall management of the program; designate three officers from each department to serve as the coordinating body for the agreement's implementation; mobilize their concerned agencies and personnel identified to work on the program and the PMOs that may be subsequently created for specific projects.

The two agencies shall also implement other projects that will include employment and enterprise development of locally displaced workers, displaced or returning OFWs and their families, Typhoon Yolanda victims, self-employed and underpaid workers, and vulnerable workers, such as home-based workers, non-corporate construction workers, vendors, small transport workers, agricultural sector workers, and other informal sector workers.

“These times call for a concerted effort and united action. This is the right time to make a significant difference in the lives of our workers as they need us, the government agencies, to share a common goal of giving them the chance to start life anew,” Baldoz said, adding:

"This MOA is a full shift from the traditional approach of delivering the government's livelihood program to the people, for it focuses on available technologies and resources which our workers may use to improve their lives."

|TOP|

PNoy admin drafts blueprint for inclusive growth; Abad: Budget priorities framework to guide gov't in reaching dev'l goals

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

The administration under President Benigno S. Aquino III, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), has laid down its Budget Priorities Framework for 2014-2016, effectively setting the government’s course in establishing rapid, long-term, and inclusive development before the conclusion of President Aquino’s term.

“How we manage our National Budget has a precise and definitive impact on the success of our priority programs and projects. If we ensure enough budgetary support to government initiatives that will bring more Filipinos out of poverty—and if we likewise direct more funds to programs that help drive the economy—we can lay down the foundations for and ultimately catalyze inclusive development in the country,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

“The Budget Priorities Framework will guide departments and agencies over the next three years, so that our goal of facilitating quick, sustainable development can be fully realized. The framework is essentially a blueprint of the Administration’s broader strategy to eradicate poverty and further stimulate the economy, all while establishing lasting peace, sound climate change programs and policies, and governance reforms that will firmly stay in place even beyond this Administration,” he added.

The framework is also a preface to the 2015 National Budget, for which preparations will soon be underway. Overall, the Budget Priorities Framework will identify the following:

Key outcomes that departments and agencies will need to attain, leading in particular to 2016 Strategies and programs that the FY 2015 budget will support “Geographical focus areas” of these strategies, so that regions and areas in urgent need of development will be better-supported by the National Budget Guidelines and procedures in determining what these priority programs and initiatives are, specifically with respect to agency submissions and proposals for the 2015 budget.

The Budget Priorities Framework will also consider the impact of recent national disasters on the country’s growth strategy, including Typhoon Yolanda and the destruction it wrought on several regions in the Visayas.

“Calamities affect not only the local governments and communities that suffered the brunt of the damage, but also the country’s economic soundness and stability. The Budget Priorities Framework pays special attention to the setbacks that these disasters present to our pursuit of long-term growth, so we can focus even more intensely on finding solutions that will help us overcome those same challenges. For example, the framework considers the urgent need for a more comprehensive and responsive disaster risk and climate change management strategy, not to mention the immense work ahead of rebuilding and rehabilitating all affected regions,” Abad said.

“Ultimately, what the framework seeks to produce through the next year’s budget is a robust fiscal plan that will allow more Filipinos to benefit from the economic gains we’ve been making. We’ve achieved so much over the last three years; there’s no better time for us to concentrate our efforts on reducing poverty on a large scale, bringing more jobs to more Filipinos, and beefing up industries that can improve our economic performance. The Budget Priorities Framework is ultimately about ensuring a better and more optimistic future for Filipinos, a goal wholly supported by President Aquino’s good governance and fiscal reform agenda,” he added.

|TOP|

Education gets lion's share of 2014 budget; Abad: Quality education remains top priority of PNoy admin

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

Advancing quality education in the country continues to be a priority under the Aquino administration’s 2014 budget, with the education sector claiming a significant part of the total P841.8-billion allocation for social services in the FY 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Social services—which represent 37.2% of the total P2.265-trillion National Budget for the year—are the cornerstone of the Administration’s poverty reduction plan. Programs and priorities under this sector include those that will improve public education, health care, and other antipoverty services across the country.

“A considerable portion of the 2014 budget will help ensure the continued improvement of our public education system. Last year, we were successful in narrowing down most of our educational requirement gaps, and we’re even more determined now to address the remaining deficiencies completely,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported that the Department of Education (DepEd) has been given biggest budget among all national government agencies this year, with a 2014 allocation amounting to P309.43 billion. Comprising this is a P44.6-billion appropriation for the construction, repair and rehabilitation of at least 43,000 kindergarten, elementary and secondary school buildings nationwide.

“The Administration’s education initiatives are also complemented by our efforts to ensure that children are able to enroll and, even more important, remain in school until they graduate. These are some very necessary investments in the country’s human capital that the 2014 budget wholly supports,” Abad said.

Abad noted, for example, that through the expanded Conditional Cash Transfer program (CCT) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a total of 4.3 million student beneficiaries will be sufficiently covered to allow them to graduate from high school.

Among other education targets for the year include the procurement of additional textbooks and workbooks to attain the ideal 1:1 student per textbook ratio. In support of the K-12 Program, an appropriation of P1.7 billion has likewise been set aside for the procurement of over 42 million learning modules and teaching guides.

Abad also announced that various programs and projects designed to enhance students’ skills and capabilities will be implemented this year. This includes the school-based management installation support (P1 billion), the Alternative Delivery Mode Project (e-IMPACT) in the DepEd’s regular budget, the Abot-Alam Program (P1.97 billion), and the Basic Education Madrasah Program (P535 million), among several others.

Financial assistance to in-need students will also be continued this year through various scholarship programs. These include the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program, which will be implemented this year with a budget of P7.45 billion. Other scholarship programs will also be under the wing of other agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide.

Furthermore, the budget chief also mentioned the creation of around 34,700 new teaching and non-teaching positions with an allocated budget of P8.56 billion, which will help bring the teacher-to-pupil ratio to an ideal 1:45. A stand-by appropriation of P655 million for Quick Response Funds has likewise been allotted specifically for the repair, rehabilitation, renovation and/or replacement of school buildings and essential teaching aids and materials that may be destroyed by natural calamities.

“We remain mindful of the potential challenges that may hamper our progress this year, especially with respect to providing quality education to Filipino students. The 2014 National Budget considers these possible setbacks—such as typhoons and calamities—so that emergencies don’t endanger our broader goal of establishing a robust public education system,” Abad added.

|TOP|

DOE holds public consultations on EPIRA amendments

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

The Department of Energy (DOE) has set a series of Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) to gather sufficient inputs for calls to review and the possible amendment of the Republic Act 9136, otherwise known as Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
The following is the schedule of the FGDs per area:

Target Participants	Area coverage	Proposed Venue	Target Dates
LUZON
Consumer/NGOs/Labor groups/academe	NCR	Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City	29 January 2014; 9:00 AM
Business Sector/Chamber of Commerce Luzon	NCR	Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City	29 January 2014; 9:00 AM
VISAYAS
Generators/DUs/RES/LRES	Visayas	Cebu City	06 February 2014
Consumer/NGO/Labor groups/academe	Visayas	Cebu City	06 February 2014
Business Sector/Chamber of Commerce Visayas	Visayas	Cebu City	07 February 2014
MINDANAO
Generators/DUs	Mindanao	Davao City	06 February 2014
Consumer/NGO/Labor groups/academe	Mindanao	Davao City	06 February 2014
Business Sector/Chamber of Commerce Mindanao	Mindanao	Davao City	07 February 2014
Consultative Dialogue	NCR	TBA	12 February 2014

"We are encouraging concerned individuals and groups to attend. Your presence will provide us with the necessary perspectives for the effective implementation of or essential changes in the EPIRA," said Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla.

Earlier this month, the DOE has conducted consultations with its attached agencies, government agencies, donor agencies, generators and suppliers, distribution utilities, and other power market stakeholders in Luzon.

Following the FGDs, the DOE will also hold a Consultative Dialogue on Ensuring Energy Security at a Reasonable Cost on 12 February 2014. Based on the FGDs, each sector will present and discuss their respective positions and recommendations on how to achieve the objective, which may include amendments on the EPIRA.

|TOP|

GPH, MILF complete final annex to Framework Agreement; stress bigger challenges ahead

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

Kuala Lumpur – The state room, which stood witness to many backbreaking discussions between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), brimmed over with feelings of relief and joy when both parties finally signed the last of the four Annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro or FAB, signaling the completion of the major components of the long hoped for Comprehensive Agreement.

Fifteen months since the signing of the FAB in Malacañang, the GPH and the MILF continued to make history by signing the Annex on Normalization that lays out details of the MILF’s process of return to peaceful civilian life. The two panels also signed the Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters that outlines the delineation and jurisdiction of Bangsamoro waters in the region.

“This is indeed a long-awaited moment that is a gift to our people at the start of a new year of renewed hope and commitment,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said in a statement.

“It has been a very difficult road arriving at this major milestone of the peace process,” she said, adding that the crafting of the four Annexes, along with the Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters, underwent painstaking discussions, internal consensus-building on each side, and extensive consultations with various sectors.

In a very rare joint press conference of the GPH and MILF peace negotiating panels, and after four days of discussions on the normalization annex, GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said that completing all the annexes that the parties committed to achieve “also stands as a landmark on which to build the future Bangsamoro – a future where we hope to realize all the dreams and aspirations for peace and development not only of the people of the Bangsamoro, in the Bangsamoro, and in Mindanao, but certainly of the whole country.”

The recently signed annex and addendum form part of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that is set to be signed soon. Also included in the CAB are the Annexes on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, and Power Sharing.

Bigger challenges ahead

Coronel-Ferrer stressed that the signing not only marks the end of the formal process of negotiations.

“It also marks the beginning of the bigger challenge ahead which is the bigger challenge of implementation. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of this process of the negotiation onwards to the implementation process,” she stated.

Recognizing this reality, Deles in her statement said, “we know that the path ahead will continue to be fraught with challenges.”

“We also affirm our readiness to undertake the tasks that shall ensure the full and satisfactory implementation of this agreement, together with the MILF, other partners and stakeholders,” added the peace adviser.

Deles also referred to the challenge of drafting and enacting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will bring about the entrenchment of the Bangsamoro region in 2016, which underscores the crucial role of legislators in the process.

Sacrifices for peace

MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal described the normalization annex as the most sensitive and emotional of all the issues, entailing a “lot of sacrifices on the part of the MILF.”

“To pay for peace, real peace in Mindanao, we have to decommission our arms and put them beyond use,” he told reporters here.

“As to the combatants that will be covered in the decommissioning process, their number and names will be subject to verification and identification processes that will be undertaken by an Independent Decommissioning Body. We have not discussed yet that figure,” said Iqbal.

Coronel-Ferrer explained that decommissioning is only one part of a comprehensive normalization process. “We have several activities lined up addressing all components: security, socio-economic, transitional justice and social reconciliation, as well as the political and legislative process that will have to be done to complete the whole agreement,” she said, adding that they target to complete everything before the current administration ends its term in 2016.

No date has yet been set for the signing of the CAB, over which Iqbal expressed his excitement.

“Anytime and I want it to be very soon. Even tomorrow, if possible,” he said, inciting laughter from the press.

|TOP|

DOST-DOLE partnership to open more technology-driven jobs for disaster-devastated communities

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

More technology-driven jobs are in the offing as the science and labor departments join forces in a nationwide livelihood program that will be technology-driven, resource-based and sustainable. Priority of said livelihood program are Filipinos who are economically displaced and marginalized due to natural and man-made calamities, including returning or displaced OFWs and their families.

“We do not only aim to rebuild communities,” said Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario G. Montejo, “but also to enhance the resilience of our communities with the aid of technology.”

The program, also in collaboration with the trade and agriculture departments, will have several components, including the establishment of community-based enterprises, business incubators, business and technology centers, innovation and knowledge centers, and promotion of climate change mitigation to increase community disaster resiliency.

Said component programs, according to Sec. Montejo, are built upon the “Filipino’s spirit of self-reliance, resilience, and ingenuity.”

Business and technology incubators will provide a package of support services to start-up enterprises while business and technology centers will serve as alternative sites and technology terminals to create new or revive enterprises. Innovation and knowledge centers, meanwhile, will provide relevant information on science, technology, and innovation.

As well, the Department of Labor and Employment will provide working capital in the form of raw materials, equipment, tools and jigs; trainings on skills and entrepreneurship, and organizational development, as well as on productivity, safety and health; and facilitate entrepreneurs’ enrollment to micro-insurance.

Agreed responsibilities of said agencies are sealed in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on Jan. 23 this year at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City attended by the heads, regional directors, and key officials of the involved agencies.

Within the next 30 days, DOST and DOLE regional offices will conduct consultations with possible beneficiaries and come up with a detailed action plan.

Priority technologies for livelihood
DOST’s priority technologies to be included in the livelihood program include indigenous handicraft making, fiber glass bancas, foldaway shelter, ceramic water pot filter, bakery products, charcoal briquetting, vegetable noodles, waste recycling, and complementary foods for babies.

For the fishery sector, livelihood packages include smokehouse kits, fish canning and bottling, fish and squid drying, vacuum packing, fish fillet, and minced fish.

While DOST will provide appropriate technologies and livelihood training, DOLE will handle the employment aspect. The Department of Trade and Industry will take care of the market side, and the Department of Agriculture will manage the agriculture and fishery aspect.

Joint forces to help Yolanda victims
This program is a convergence of government agencies, said Sec. Montejo, to maximize resources and ensure sustainability.

This is echoed by DOLE Sec. Rosalinda J. Baldoz who said that the four agencies, all in the livelihood, employment and commerce cluster, have forged this program in the cabinet level.

She shared that in her visits to Yolanda-hit areas, she found out that employment is now the top need of communities. “People in the devastated regions are already looking for jobs,” she bared.

This is why the agencies came up with this convergence program, she said, which is a part of the RAY or Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda.

Technology-driven, resource-based, sustainable
“The use of technology (in the livelihoods) will create value,” Montejo stressed. “The convergence of agencies ensure that there will be markets, and value-adding through technology ensure the program’s sustainability.”

On resource-based livelihoods, he explained, “Whatever we find in a certain area, we will create a product out of it using technology, add value to it, and find market for it.”

As an example, he shared that in his meetings with the local officials in Jaro, Leyte, they planned to package their local lechon (roasted pig) as “Yolanda-brand” and find market for it in Manila. In Basey, Samar, meanwhile, their abundant root crop camote (sweet potato), can be processed into chips, and appropriately package it to make it competitive in the market, he told.

“President Benigno S. Aquno III’s instruction is clear: All initiatives must be sustainable so that we will see better communities in the future,” Sec. Baldoz told. “The reforms pushed by the President are not great changes but reform on how we do things—that these initiatives will go on even after this administration.”

The programs, being technology-based, make us confident that these will be sustainable, according to her. “Sustainability ensures the transformation of beneficiaries to better families, communities and country, leading to inclusive growth.”

|TOP|

DAR’S bridge project to open up development potentials of isolated ARCs

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

DINGALAN, Aurora ----- Isolated Communities in Aurora and Quezon Provinces are now directly linked through a newly constructed bridge that will boost the economic development not only in these provinces but in both Regions 3 and 4-A as well.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned-over yesterday the Yen ¥793 million(about Php 350 million) Umiray Bridge that now connects Dingalan town in Aurora Province with General Nakar in Quezon Province.

DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said that under the department’s Program Beneficiaries Development, the DAR provides for improving access of agrarian reform communities (ARCs) to economic and social services.

“The construction of the Umiray Bridge will change the lives of the people here. The bridge will not only improve their living conditions, it will also open opportunities for economic growth and development of about 11,000 hectares of agricultural lands,” said De los Reyes.

De los Reyes said that more than 30,000 people will benefit from the bridge including some 13,000 farming families living in five agrarian reform communities namely, Umiray, Poblacion, Ibona, Gen. Nakar and Matawe.

“With this bridge, farmers’ income will improve for they can now cross the river and transport their farm yield with ease and with minimal travel expense,” De los Reyes said.

According to DAR Undersecretary/Project Implementation Officer for Foreign Assisted Projects Jerry Pacturan, before the construction of the bridge, farmers and residents of Dingalan, Aurora and Gen. Nakar, Quezon, rode boats to get to the other side. “If the water level of the river is low, vehicles can cross but they have to go through a 30-kilometer logging road along a hilly and very rugged terrain. That’s added expense for farmers who pay P70.00 manual hauling fee per sack of their produce and another P20.00 for boat fare”, Pacturan said.

Pacturan added that majority of these communities, located in the eastern part of the Quezon, are presently separated by the Umiray River from mainland Aurora and have been physically isolated from government’s basic services especially during heavy rains.

“With the construction of Umiray bridge, farmers now pay only P15.00 hauling fee per sack, a clear savings of P55.00 per sack”, explains Pacturan.

The 358-linear meter bridge project was implemented by DAR with funding under Grant-Aid Program of the Government of Japan (GoJ) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). (admin-pamrs)

|TOP|

Bangladesh trainers hail PH tech-voc

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

As the Training Program for Bangladesh Competency-based Training and Assessment Implementers concludes, trainers from Bangladesh said they are now living proof that the Philippines is among the best countries for technical vocational education and training (TVET).

"Personally I would like to say that in the 22 years of my career, I have never attended such an effective and joyful training program with such excellent facilitators and I am sure that all the participants will admit it," Kamal Hossain, project director at Bangladesh Skills Development Project-Directorate of Technical Education, said.

"Thank you for giving us the opportunity ...for the excellent, outstanding support provided us. ... This training in three batches is one step to the future collaboration between the Philippines and Bangladesh," he said.

Kamal, 49, is one of the 20 graduates of the third batch of trainers, who marched on stage last January 24 after completing the training course given by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The first two batches had a total of 40 graduates.

Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general, said the agency would keep an open door to tech-voc educators who need further honing of their teaching skills.

"TESDA and the government of Bangladesh share a common belief that nurturing excellent human talent through cooperation in the area of technical vocational education and training is a key engine for closing the skills gap, creating jobs, and propelling the economy," he said.

"But to do this, we need to develop better educators because whether we like it or not, the success of our training programs largely depends on the trainers. Thus, we cannot go wrong on the kind of education we give them," he said.

Villanueva also said the agency would always be ready to impart its expertise to its counterparts in other countries. TESDA is glad, he said, to once again turn out a new batch of trainers trained the TESDA way.

The two-week training program was implemented by TESDA in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh, and under the Asian Development Bank-funded Skills Development Project.

The training program aimed at providing opportunity for professional development to people delivering technical vocational education and training. It covered topics such as conducting training needs analysis, developing training curriculum, developing learning materials, developing competency assessment tools, and facilitating the development of competency standards.

TVET program registration and compliance audit, management information system, and training institutions' job placements were also part of the training program.

"We will be relentless in driving up the quality of teaching in tech-voc education. Teaching should be aligned to what the market needs," Villanueva said.

"Skills matter a lot. The market makes enormous demands on the level of skills needed; we must get our skills policy and skills infrastructure right," he said.

The training combined classroom lectures and field exposure to training institutions to boost the understanding of the participants in the implementation of competency-based training, competency assessment, and job placement systems in the Philippines.

The institutional visits included a peek at the TESDA Women's Center's Welding, Automotive, Electronics, Dressmaking and Food Processing workshops. Another visit was at the Meralco Foundation Inc. Technological Institute in Pasig City and at Don Bosco Training Institute in Mandaluyong City.

An Achievement Chart was made available that served as monitoring tool to measure their performance. Session evaluation was also conducted at the end of the program.

|TOP|

January 2014 Architect Licensure Examination results released in five (5) working days

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

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 793 out of 1,442 passed the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) given by the Board of Architecture headed by it’s Chairman, Arch. Rolando L. Cordero with two other members, Arch. Yolanda D. Reyes and Arch. Fidel Jose R. Siapno. The examination was held in Manila this January 17 & 19, 2014.

The results were released in five (5) working days after the last day of examination.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will start on February 3, 2014 but not later than February 5, 2014. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2014-2017. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The date and venue for the mass oathtaking of the successful examinees in the said licensure examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

|TOP|

VP Binay retains 'very good' rating - SWS

Source: http://ovp.gov.ph

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay ended 2013 with a “very good” rating in the fourth quarter survey of Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The survey showed that 75 percent of the respondents were satisfied with the Vice President’s performance, while 13 percent were dissatisfied.

SWS said Binay scored +62 net satisfaction rating in its December 11-16, 2013 survey.

This is the seventh “very good” rating for the Vice President since 2010, with SWS also noting that he scored seven “excellent” ratings since assuming office.

“I thank everyone for appreciating the service I have rendered as Vice President, as presidential adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers’ concerns and as head of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council,” Binay said.

“Your confidence and faith in what I do inspire me more to give my best for our people,” he added.

The poll also indicated that among the top government officials in the country, Binay remains to have the highest satisfaction rating.

In the same survey, Senate President Franklin Drilon got a +25 rating (52 percent satisfied, 26 percent dissatisfied).

House of Representatives Speaker Feliciano Belmonte scored +16 (41 percent satisfied, 25 percent dissatisfied).

Supreme Court Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno also received a score of +16 (40 percent satisfied, 25 percent dissatisfied).

SWS classifies net satisfaction ratings as follows: +70 and above, “excellent”; +50 to +69, “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below, “execrable.”

The December SWS survey used face-to-face interviews with 1,550 adult Filipinos.

|TOP|

DAR’S bridge project To open Up development potentials Of isolated ARCs

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

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned-over yesterday the Yen ¥793 million(about Php 350 million) Umiray Bridge that now connects Dingalan town in Aurora Province with General Nakar in Quezon Province.

DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said that under the department’s Program Beneficiaries Development, the DAR provides for improving access of agrarian reform communities (ARCs) to economic and social services.

“The construction of the Umiray Bridge will change the lives of the people here. The bridge will not only improve their living conditions, it will also open opportunities for economic growth and development of about 11,000 hectares of agricultural lands,” said De los Reyes.

De los Reyes said that more than 30,000 people will benefit from the bridge including some 13,000 farming families living in five agrarian reform communities namely, Umiray, Poblacion, Ibona, Gen. Nakar and Matawe.

“With this bridge, farmers’ income will improve for they can now cross the river and transport their farm yield with ease and with minimal travel expense,” De los Reyes said.dar web news 1 pix 2 jan 24 2014 2

According to DAR Undersecretary/Project Implementation Officer for Foreign Assisted Projects Jerry Pacturan, before the construction of the bridge, farmers and residents of Dingalan, Aurora and Gen. Nakar, Quezon, rode boats to get to the other side. “If the water level of the river is low, vehicles can cross but they have to go through a 30-kilometer logging road along a hilly and very rugged terrain. That’s added expense for farmers who pay P70.00 manual hauling fee per sack of their produce and another P20.00 for boat fare”, Pacturan said.

Pacturan added that majority of these communities, located in the eastern part of the Quezon, are presently separated by the Umiray River from mainland Aurora and have been physically isolated from government’s basic services especially during heavy rains.

“With the construction of Umiray bridge, farmers now pay only P15.00 hauling fee per sack, a clear savings of P55.00 per sack”, explains Pacturan.

The 358-linear meter bridge project was implemented by DAR with funding under Grant-Aid Program of the Government of Japan (GoJ) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

|TOP|

DSWD leads ‘Balik sa Bayan’ program for ‘Yolanda’ evacuees

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

An inter-agency group led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has offered a package of services to Typhoon Yolanda survivors who temporarily sought refuge in Metro Manila and nearby provinces but are now ready to go back to their respective hometowns in Eastern Visayas.

Dubbed “Balik sa Bayan,” the beneficiaries are provided with financial assistance, transportation assistance, and health services. They are also given pabaon packs containing relief goods, blankets, and mats; shelter kits with construction materials and basic carpentry tools; starter kits; and, a mobile phone.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the program aims to assist the survivors in their early recovery and reintegration to their respective communities.

Currently being processed for the assistance are those who were temporarily housed at the different facilities managed by the DSWD, local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations, and those who can no longer be accommodated by their relatives due to their limited resources.

As of January 23, a total of 77 families composed of 212 individuals who were accommodated at the DSWD-managed Jose Fabella Center in Mandaluyong City and at the Tent City in Pasay City have been sent home.Other agencies working on the implementation of the program are Department of Health (DOH), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Salubong Movement, PLDT-Smart Foundation, and the different LGUs.

|TOP|

Last Updated: 27 JANUARY 2014
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
Please click on thumbnails to magnify


			Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson, updates members of Malacanang Press Corps on the rehabilitation efforts in the Yolanda stricken provinces in the Visayas during a press briefing held at Malacañang, Monday (January 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III celebrates the 81st birthday of former President Corazon C. Aquino, says the Holy Rosary with families and friends at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, Saturday (January 25). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III lights candles in a simple celebration of the 81st birthday of former President Corazon C. Aquino, with families and friends at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, Saturday (January 25?). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III meditates as he celebrates the 81st birthday of former President Corazon C. Aquino, with families and friends at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, Saturday (January 25). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, escorted by Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria, during the Departure Honors at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace after the courtesy call on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, troops the line during the departure honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby after the courtesy call on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Also in photo are Vice President Jejomar Binay, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Kingdom of Sweden Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Klas Molin and World Scout Foundation executive committee member Lars Kolind. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the courtesy call on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes participants of the Winter Escapade – It’s More Fun in the Philippines Tour of the Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) Philippine Country Team in Canada during a courtesy call at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). The ACGTDT visits take place every year, not only to give Filipinos and their families residing abroad the chance to tour Metro Manila and other notable destinations, but also to foster a stronger sense of nationalism. Winter Escapade is a tour program launched by the Department of Tourism aimed at attracting snowbirds and balikbayans to visit the Philippines during the cold season in the West. Also in photo are Tourism Undersecretary Theresa Martinez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Philippine Ambassador to Canada His Excellency Leslie Gatan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the courtesy call of the participants of the Winter Escapade – It’s More Fun in the Philippines Tour of the Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) Philippine Country Team in Canada at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). The ACGTDT visits take place every year, not only to give Filipinos and their families residing abroad the chance to tour Metro Manila and other notable destinations, but also to foster a stronger sense of nationalism. Winter Escapade is a tour program launched by the Department of Tourism aimed at attracting snowbirds and balikbayans to visit the Philippines during the cold season in the West. Also in photo are Tourism Undersecretary Theresa Martinez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to Canada His Excellency Leslie Gatan and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the courtesy call of the participants of the Winter Escapade – It’s More Fun in the Philippines Tour of the Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) Philippine Country Team in Canada at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). The ACGTDT visits take place every year, not only to give Filipinos and their families residing abroad the chance to tour Metro Manila and other destinations, but also to foster a stronger sense of nationalism. Winter Escapade is a tour program launched by the Department of Tourism aimed at attracting snowbirds and balikbayans to visit the Philippines during the cold season in the West. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			Presidential Assistant on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson answers questions from the media in an interview after he delivered his address at a forum in Makati City on Thursday (January 23). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			Presidential Assistant on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson stresses a point on rehabilitation work in areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) during a forum in Makati City on Thursday (January 23). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes US Senator Marco Rubio during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 22). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			Foreign Affair Secretary Albert Del Rosario greets US Senator Marco Rubio upon arrival at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for a courtesy call on Wednesday (January 22). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			US Senator Marco Rubio, escorted by US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 22). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching ceremony of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure 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. Also in photo are Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and CCEC director Dodik Marseno. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY