24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Valid beginning: 7:30 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 27 February 2014 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 27 February 2014 |
 Satellite Image |
Synopsis:
Northeast monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas.
Forecast:
The Cagayan Valley region and the province of Aurora will experience
cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila, Visayas and the rest of
Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains.
Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or
thunderstorms.Northeast monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas.
Forecast:
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail throughout the archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough
GALE WARNING NO. 16
For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon.
Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 27 February 2014
Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
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SEABOARD
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WEATHER
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WIND FORCE
(KPH)/(KNOTS) |
SEA
CONDITION |
WAVE
HEIGHTS (meters) |
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THE
EASTERN SEABOARDS OF SOUTHERN LUZON AND VISAYAS
(Quezon Province incl. Polillo Island, Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, Eastern coast of Albay, Eastern coast of Sorsogon, Samar and Leyte Provinces) |
Partly cloudy to
cloudy skies with isolated light rains
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(52- 63 / 28 - 34)
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Rough to very rough
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3.4 to 4.5
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THE
EASTERN SEABOARD OF MINDANAO
(Surigao, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Island and Siargao) |
Partly cloudy to
cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms
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(52- 63 / 28 - 34)
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Rough to very rough
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3.4 to 4.5
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The next update will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today
February 27 , 2014 ( Thursday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Sunny
LAGUNA : Sunny
BATANGAS : Sunny
RIZAL : Sunny
QUEZON
: Sunny
1. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: More than 100
beneficiaries of self-employment assistance-kaunlaran program of DSWD have
attended the orientation on micro-finance yesterday at the student hall of PUP,
General Luna, Quezon. This was conducted by Cooperative Alliance for Responsive
Endeavor-Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. and DSWD which aims to protect the
fund given by the DSWD to SEA-K beneficiaries.
2. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinasagawa ngayon
ang kick off ng 2014 tax campaign ng Bureau of Internal Revenue District Office
058 na may temang 'I love the Phils.I pay my taxes right' na layong ipaalam sa
publiko ang pagbabayad ng tamang buwis at tamang kaalaman ukol sa pagbubuwis.
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech
at the groundbreaking of the rehabilitation of Tanauan Public Plaza
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Tanauan, Leyte
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25 Feb
2014
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Muli, magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat. Tatanganan ko lang po ito, may balak yatang tumakas ‘tong aking speech. Ngayong taon po, pinili po nating ipagdiwang ang EDSA sa piling ng mga komunidad na humarap sa matitinding hamon noong nagdaang taon. Una po tayong lumapag sa Cateel, Davao Oriental kahapon, upang kumustahin ang mga naapektuhan ng bagyong Pablo. Pagkatapos nito, bumiyahe po tayo sa Bohol upang makadaupang-palad naman ang mga tinamaan ng lindol doon noong nakaraang Oktubre. Dumiretso po tayo sa Cebu, isa pang lalawigan na tinamaan ng sakuna, at kaninang umaga, doon tayo namuno ng flag-raising ceremony at sinaksihan ang tradisyunal na Salubungan tuwing EDSA Anniversary. Nagdaan din po tayo sa Bantayan Island, at mula doon pumunta tayo rito sa Tanauan. Tutungo rin tayo ng Guiuan mamaya at last stop naman po natin ang Tacloban, na gaya ninyo ay talaga pong sinagasaan din ng bagyong Yolanda. Puno nga po ang schedule natin sa dalawang araw na ito, pero tuwing nakikita ko ang panibagong pag-asa sa ating mga komunidad at naririnig ang mga kuwento mula sa inyo at sa inyong mga pinuno, talaga pong nawawala ang ating pagod at lalong nabubuhayan ang ating loob. Isipin po ninyo, noong kasagsagan ng lahat ng krisis na ito, maraming pong nagte-text sa akin. May mga tumatawag. Sama po ‘yong mga kapatid ko. Sama po ang mga kaibigan ko–may mga ordinaryong tao. Marami hong nagtext, sabi sa akin, “Huwag kang bibigay” or mag-uumpisa ng, “Okay ka ba?” Natural ho, gusto ko namang sagutin, “Bakit naman ako hindi magiging okay?” Pero sa totoo lang ho, lalo na noong pagpunta ko dito sa Leyte, isang linggo matapos ang Yolanda, nagsasalita ang mga tao, “Tulungan n’yo kami. Kailangang namin ng binhi. Tulungan n’yo kaming mabalik doon sa aming pagniniyogan o pangingisda.” Isang linggo tapos ng Yolanda, hindi natin iniisip ‘yong, “Grabe ang dumanak sa amin. Grabe ang namatay sa amin.” Grabe. Puwede namang naglugmok sa problema pero ipinakita, isang linggo pa lang ang natapos, talagang palaban po ang lahat ng nandito at hindi nagpapatinag sa pagsubok na ginawa nito. Buo ang tiwala sa Poong Maykapal na tutulungan tayo at gagabayan. Iyon ang gusto ko pong isagot, ang hirap lang nga ilagay sa text lang lahat n’on. [Laughter] Karangalan ko po kasi talagang mamuno ng isang lahi na talagang matibay, kung anuman ang datnan. [Applause] Kaya naman doon din nagmumula ang ating kumpiyansa na kakayanan nga natin lahat ito. Baka ho may nakakalimot, nag-umpisa tayo sa Zamboanga, lumipat tayo ng lindol, nag-intermission pa ‘yong bagyong si Santi, bago mag-Yolanda na main event, dumating ba si Agaton, sumama pa si Basyang [laughter]–baka naman gusto nila next year na iba po. [Laughter] Pero, alam ho n’yo, talagang sa mga seryosong bagay nga ho, sa dami daming na nakakausap nating mga lider sa iba’t ibang bansa, ‘yung mga tumawag, ‘yung mga dumalaw sa atin, iisa parati nilang sinasabi. Nabibilib sila sa doon sa tinatawag na “resilience of your people.” Nadapa, tayo agad. Nadapa, tayo kaagad. Hindi ho tayo sumusuko, at hindi ho tayo bumibigay. Isipin na lang po natin ang pinagdaanan ninyo dito sa Tanauan. Napakarami pong nawalan ng tahanan. Sa layo ng inabot ng storm surge, pati poblasyon ninyo ay nalubog sa baha. Balita ko itong eskwelahang po na bagong repair, buong first floor raw po ay nabaha. At ang tunay pong nakakalungkot, ayon sa huling bilang, 1,375 sa inyong mga kaibigan, kaanak, at kasama sa komunidad ang nasawi dahil sa bagyong Yolanda. Sa kabila nito, kitang-kita po natin ang inyong pagpupursiging magtulungan upang makaalpas sa trahedyang inyong dinanas. Iyan din nga po ang dahilan ng ating pagdalaw dito sa Leyte; nais po nating kumustahin ang inyong kalagayan, at siguruhing ang ating mga inisyatiba para tugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan ay naipapatupad at umuusad na. Isa pong halimbawa, kailangan po nating ilikas mula sa no-build zone ang marami nating kababayan. Kailangan pong maipatupad ito upang mailayo kayo sa peligro at masigurong hindi na mauulit ang trahedyang sinapit ninyo nitong nakaraang taon. Mahigit 25 libong pamilya–at permanenteng tahanan ang target nating ipatayo sa buong Leyte para mailayo itong mga kababayan natin sa sakuna. Isa po ang Tanauan sa ating mga permanent relocation sites para sa mga kabahayang tinamaan ng Bagyong Yolanda. Kabuuang 1,345 housing units po ang ating ipagagawa at ginagawa sa kasalukuyan. [Applause] Sa tulong po ng Gawad Kalinga, ng NHA, ng lokal na pamahalaan, ang unang 50–sabi kasi ni Mayor kanina, “Sa Marso, titirhan na itong mga bahay na ito.” ‘Yong Marso ho, kasi ano na ngayon eh, a-25, malapit na hong matapos ang Pebrero–Marso na. Ang pangako po sa atin, matapos ang dalawang linggo mula ‘tong araw na ito, ‘yong unang 50 pamilya, lilipat hindi na sa bunkhouse kundi doon po sa permanenteng magiging tahanan na nila. [Applause] ‘Yong higit-kumulang na natirang 1,300, within six months, lilipat na rin sa permanenteng bahay nila. At ulit, nagtulungan, atin pong gobyerno, lokal at nasyonal, Gawad Kalinga, isama na rin natin ang NHA, at mga tao pong titira dito sa mga tahanan na ‘to na nag-contribute ng labor para maitayo sa lalong madaling panahon ang kanilang mga bahay. Sa pag-aambagan po ng ating mga ahensya, ng pamahalaang lokal ng Tanauan, at ang katuwang natin sa pribadong sektor, Gawad Kalinga, 822 permanent housing units ang ipapatayo sa inyo pong munisipyo. (Mukhang mali na po ‘tong datos na ‘to.) Yung 366 po, ipapagawa po sa Barangay Pago. Kapag natapos po ang na mga tahanan doon, lilipat ang mga pamilyang inilayo natin sa panganib, at gagabayan natin tumahak palapit sa katuparan ng kanilang mga pangarap. Alam din po natin: Maski po ang mga paaralan dito sa Tanauan ay hindi pinatawad ng bagyong Yolanda. Kaya nga po, mula sa Barangay Pago, pumunta tayo dito po sa Tanauan-1 [...] Central School. Natapos po ang rehabilitasyon ng paaralang ito, sa pagtutulungan ng ating Philippine Army Engineers, na nandito pa ho ang ating [representative] ng Engineering Brigade, at ng Joint Support Group mula sa Republic of Korea. Alam ho n’yo, kada makakausap ko ang ating mga kapatid na Koreano, parati nilang binabanggit sa ‘pag inaambagan tayo ng anumang tulong, o parating sinasabi, “We are paying you back for your help during the Korean War.” Korean War po, 1950. Kakatapos lang ng World War 2, five years later, tayo nasalanta ng World War 2. Dito kayo sa Leyte, napakatinding bakbakan ang inabot, ‘di po ba? Pero, five years later nandoon tayo, nakipagsabak na sa bakbakan, para ipagtanggol ang kalayaan at hanggang ngayon po, eh talagang ‘yon ang naging dahilan o base ng ating matindi at matibay na pag-uugnayan natin sa Republic of South Korea, baka naman puwede natin maparating sa kanilang Presidente sa pamamagitan ng kaunting palakpak na talagang natutuwa tayo sa kanilang ginawa. [Applause] Nandiyan na po, natatanaw natin. Mukhang maayos ho, at naibalik, bilib ho ako. One month raw ginawa ito at magagamit na ng estudyante na lilipat mula sa tent, diretso na dito na mas safe. Isa lamang po ang eskuwelahang ito sa marami pang ibang nakapilang ayusin, sa pag-aambagan ng lokal at pambansang pamahalaan, at iba pang mga institusyon at non-governmental organization. Ngayon nga po, pinasasalamatan na natin si Ginoong Ferdinand Sia III at ang kanyang foundation [applause] na talaga pong nagpamalas ng malasakit upang mapondohan ang dalawang proyektong pormal nating sinisimulan sa araw na ito. Kinakatawan ng mga proyektong ito ang magkatambal na nating tungkulin: Una, ang pagkilala sa mga lumisan. Ikalawa, ang pagbibigay-dangal at galang sa kanila–sa pamamagitan ng hindi pagsuko, ng pagbangon mula sa trahedya, at ng pagsigurong ang buhay na biyaya sa atin ay magpapatuloy nang may-dangal at sapat na tuon sa kinabukasang nag-aabang. Narito po tayo upang simulan ang konstruksyon ng Memorial Marker para sa mga biktima ng bagyong Yolanda–silang mga nawala nang hindi na natin naipagluksa nang sapat. Sa kanila po tayo ngayon kumukuha ng inspirasyon upang magpatuloy sa pakikipagsapalaran. Katuwang po nito, sinisimulan na rin ang rehabilitasyon ng inyo pong Public Plaza. Alam po nating sa mga munisipyo tulad ng Tanauan, sa plaza nagtitipon ang mga magkababayan; at dito kayo nagbubuklod at bumubuo ng kolektibong kamalayan; sagisag ito ng inyong pagkakaisa, at sentro ng mga kaganapang nagbubuklod sa inyo bilang isang komunidad. Sa rehabilitasyon ng plazang ito, inihahayag ninyo: Buo ang aming loob, bumabangon na kami; walang bagyong kayang magpaluhod sa Tanauan. Sa ganitong konteksto po lalong lumiliwanag ang desisyon kong dito magdiwang ng anibersaryo ng EDSA. Mula po nang maupo ako bilang Pangulo, ito po ang unang pagkakataon kung saan nagpasya tayong lumayo sa Maynila. Narito po ako ngayon, dahil higit pa sa pagbaklas ng diktaturya ang diwa ng petsang ito. Lagpas pa sa pagtitipon sa isang kalsada ang kinakatawan ng EDSA. Ang EDSA ay pagdiriwang ng kakayahan ng Pilipinong bumangon mula sa anumang pagsubok, at daigin ang anumang madilim na kabanata ng ating kasaysayan. Tama po: Ang EDSA ay tungkol sa mga Pilipinong nagkaisa sa isang kalsada, nagharang ng katawan sa tangke, at nagsabit ng rosaryo sa mga riple upang tapusin ang panahon ng pang-aapi. Ngunit tungkol din ito sa mga komunidad na nag-ambagan upang muling magtayo ng mga tahanan matapos ang mga sakuna; tungkol din ito sa mga pamilyang nagbukas ng puso sa kanilang kapwang binaha; tungkol ito sa mga indibiduwal na nangapitbahay upang bigyang-babala ang kanilang mga kasama, at nagsabing, lumikas na tayo, heto ang kamay ko, tanganan mo, kailangan nating magtiwala sa isa’t isa, kailangan nating magtulungan upang mabuhay. Tungkol ito sa mga Pilipinong hinagupit ni Pablo, nilindol sa Cebu at Bohol, sa mga sinalanta ni Yolanda sa Eastern Samar at sa marami pang ibang probinsya–sila, at kayong mga hinamon, ngunit hindi umatras; kayong mga sinindak, ngunit hindi natinag; kayong mga pansamantalang pinayuko, ngunit ngayon ay taas-noo na muling tumatayo. Ang EDSA ay tungkol sa inyong mga taga-Tanauan rin. [Applause] Marahil po, isang araw ay babalik tayo sa mga komunidad na tulad ng Tanauan, at mangungumusta. Inaasahan ko po, na pagdating ng panahong iyon, ang magiging tugon ninyo: Pilipino ako; nasa puso ko ang diwa ng EDSA. Heto kami, masigla, tuluyan nang nakabangon, at tuloy ang pagsisikap tungo sa katuparan ng aming mga pangarap. Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. |
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| 67 gov’t offices fail anti-red tape survey –CSC |
| Source: http://excell.csc.gov.ph |
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Civil Service
Commission (CSC) Chairman Francisco T. Duque III disclosed that 67
government offices failed the frontline service survey in 2013. The evaluation of frontline services of government offices is done through the Report Card Survey (RCS), a component of Republic Act No. 9485, also known as the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) of 2007, to obtain feedback on existence and effectiveness, as well as compliance with the agency Citizen’s Charter. The Charter contains the types of frontline services a government agency offers with the step-by-step procedure, the person responsible for each step, time needed to transact, documents required, and fees. It is posted in conspicuous areas to make government transaction easier and transparent to the public. Passers, on the other hand, make up majority of the surveyed offices. One hundred sixty-eight service offices or 18 percent rated Excellent; 557 or 60 percent rated Good; and 101 or 11 percent, Acceptable. “We have seen a significant improvement in the passers. In 2012, 25 percent of offices surveyed failed the RCS. In the most recent survey, only 7 percent failed,” said Chairman Duque. Offices which obtained an Excellent rating increased, from 8 percent in 2012 (50 service offices out of 599 surveyed) to 18 percent in 2013 (168 service offices out of 929). The CSC conducts the RCS in high-density and most complained service offices nationwide. Results of the survey are released annually. Clients are given the ARTA survey form right after they availed of a frontline service of a government office. A service office fails the RCS when it incurs a final score that is below 70, or if it fails in one of the two core areas of ARTA. Core 1 or compliance with ARTA provisions checks if the frontline office has a Citizen’s Charter visible to transacting clients and an anti-fixing campaign, if frontline staff wear identification cards, if there are no hidden transaction costs, if there is a manned Public Assistance and Complaints Desk, and if the frontline unit observes the No Noon Break policy. Core 2 or overall client satisfaction checks the frontline service provider, service quality, physical setup, basic facilities, and respondent-client satisfaction. Offices which obtained a score of 90 to 100 are rated Excellent; 80 to 89.99 Good; 70-79.99 Acceptable. Service offices that failed the RCS will undergo the Service Delivery Excellence Program (SDEP), to be conducted by the Civil Service Commission, to determine and address problem areas in frontline service delivery. “As the bureaucracy’s human resource institution, the CSC takes a developmental stance in implementing the ARTA law. More than informing the public which offices passed or failed the annual ARTA Report Card Survey, the Commission provides various HR and organization development training programs that will aid government agencies to improve their service delivery,” said Chairman Duque. Full list of the 2013 ARTA RCS results are posted in the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph. |
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| Public school teacher convicted of child abuse |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
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The Office of
the Ombudsman secured the conviction of a former public school
teacher of Pajo National High School in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu for
sexually abusing his second year high school student four (4) times
from July to August 1997. In a Decision penned by Judge Eric Menchavez, the Regional Trial Court of Lapu-Lapu City found Edgardo Potot guilty of violating Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act). The private complainant, who was fourteen years old at the time of the incident, narrated a clear and convincing account of the sexual advances of the accused against him. The court sentenced Potot to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua for each of the four counts and ordered him to indemnify the complainant in the amount of P15,000 as moral damages and a fine of P15,000 for each count. Potot, who was also previously convicted in three (3) other criminal cases for similar offense, remains at large. |
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| Higher education gets P1.05-B boost; Abad: Fund release includes P485-M for scholarships |
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
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In line with
President Benigno S. Aquino III’s commitment to advance higher
education in the country, the Aquino administration—through the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM)—has given the go signal
for the release of P1.05 billion to the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) for the provision of college scholarships
nationwide, as well as the implementation of the agency’s key
programs and projects. The release was charged against CHED’s Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) under the Special Account in the General Fund (Fund 151). “This latest release to CHED not only boosts our efforts to expand the development of higher education in the country. In very practical terms, these funds will allow the government to provide ample financial support to promising students all over the country, many of whom have a difficult time paying for their tuition from one semester to the next. This means we’ll have more high school graduates proceeding to college and gaining the skill-sets necessary to their chosen careers,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. “When the Aquino administration abolished the Priority Assistance Development Fund (PDAF), we needed to find a way to ensure the government’s continuous aid to scholars who previously benefited from legislator-endorsed projects. We couldn’t simply halt the scholarships just because we struck out the PDAF from the National Budget. The clear solution was to allocate the funds to CHED so we could maintain tuition assistance to deserving college students in need,“ he added. Scholars from Region IV-A will corner the biggest portion of the P484.8-million release with an allocation of P57.8 million. Not far behind are the allocations for Regions III and VI, with P42.8 million and P40.6 million, respectively, as well as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which bagged a P40-million appropriation in CHED scholarships. “Having successfully brokered a peace deal with the Bangsamoro in January this year, the Administration is determined to ramp up public service delivery in ARMM communities to fast-track their growth. Part of that drive is opening up more opportunities for Bangsamoro youth to complete their tertiary education, so they can look forward to a future of greater economic empowerment,” Abad said. Aside from the provision for scholarships, the P1.05-billion release will also support CHED’s nationwide roll-out of institutional development initiatives (P234.3 million); rationalization of programs, standards, and guidelines (P114.5 million); and various research and development programs (P214.4 million), all of which are slated for implementation this year. |
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| U/KBs remain adequately capitalized |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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Capital
adequacy ratios (CARs) of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs)
collectively stood at 17.51 percent on solo basis and 18.62 percent
on consolidated basis as of end-September 2013. These ratios are
still driven by the industry’s Tier 1 capital, the highest quality
among instruments eligible as bank capital. As a percentage of risk
weighted assets (RWA), the Tier 1 ratios stood at 16.36 percent and
16.50 percent on solo and consolidated basis, respectively. September CAR values are slightly lower than those in June. This was due to RWAs increasing at a higher rate than qualifying capital. The increase in the industry’s RWA was brought about by a rise in lending to various counterparties. The industry’s RWA rose by 3.56 percent on solo and 3.85 percent on consolidated bases. The rise in RWA was accompanied by a slight increase in qualifying capital of 0.85 percent and 0.49 percent on solo and consolidated bases during the period. The increase was mainly driven by U/KBs healthy net profits in the third quarter of 2013 but was moderated by the redemption of some banks of debt securities classified as Lower Tier 2 capital. Said redemptions are expected due to the implementation of the new capital standards under Basel III beginning this January 2014 which derecognizes certain debt securities as qualifying capital. The industry’s CAR figures indicate that U/KBs continue to be mindful of the importance of setting aside sufficient capital. A robust capital position promotes Financial Stability by providing individual banks and the industry with an adequate buffer against unexpected losses that may arise during times of stress. |
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| Total Gross Revenue Index of Industries posts 9.4% growth in Q3 2013 |
| Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph |
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Total Gross
Revenue Index of key industries continued to grow by 9.4 percent in
the third quarter of 2013. Among industries, Finance posted the fastest growth at 17.1 percent from 11.8 percent in the same period in 2012. It was followed by Real Estate and Trade which both exhibited decelerated growth of 10.8 percent and 9.9 percent from 20.1 percent and 10.2 percent, respectively. On the other hand, Transportation and Communication as well as Private Services accelerated to 9.8 percent from 5.2 percent and 8.8 percent from 6.3 percent, respectively. Manufacturing continued to contribute positively to growth with 7.9 percent, the fastest growth since Q1 2011. Total Employment Index slowed down with 1.9 percent growth from 2.0 percent in Q3 2012. Manufacturing, despite impressive gross revenue index, contributed to the slowdown in employment index with 1.0 percent growth from 1.9 percent. This however signals improved productivity by the manufacturing industry. The deceleration was further compounded by the declines in Mining and Quarrying and Electricity and Water at 2.1 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively. On the other hand, Real Estate continued to pace up growth with 9.9 percent from 5.0 percent. The remaining industries namely: Trade, Private Services, Transportation and Communication, and Finance all contributed to positive growth in Q3 2013 with 3.8 percent, 3.7 percent, 3.3 percent, and 2.5 percent, respectively. Similarly, Total Compensation Index decelerated to 5.2 percent in Q3 2013 from the previous year’s growth of 7.1 percent. The slowdown was contributed by the decelerated growth of Private Services, Transportation and Communication, Electricity and Water, Real Estate, and Trade. Meanwhile, Mining and Quarrying grew faster in Q3 2013 with 6.1 percent from 5.7 percent while Manufacturing and Finance rebounded to 6.4 percent and 4.0 percent from a decline of 0.4 percent and 8.8 percent in 2012. With the deceleration of both Employment and Compensation Indices, Total Compensation per Employee Index also decelerated to 3.3 percent from 4.9 percent in the previous year. The decelerated growth was due to the further decline in Real Estate by 8.1 percent from 1.7 percent and the dismal growths in Trade, Transportation and Communication and Private Services. Mining and Quarrying which turned around from an 8.2 percent decline, posted the highest growth of 8.4 percent. Manufacturing and Finance likewise registered positive growths from declines a year ago. This report is based on the February 2014 issue of the Quarterly Economic Indices (QEI) of the Philippines. LINA V. CASTRO OIC Deputy National Statistician Focal Persons Mr. Florande S. Polistico, Mr. Priscille C. Villanueva and Mr. Christian Patrick E. Vinculado Tel Nos.: (632) 896-5372 (telefax) (632) 8952425 E-mail: fs.polistico@nscb.gov.ph, pc.villanueva@nscb.gov.ph cpe.vinculado@nscb.gov.ph |
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| Customs welcomes Supreme Court TRO on Davao illegal rice imports |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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The Bureau of
Customs (BOC) welcomes the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order
(TRO) by the Supreme Court that stops the enforcement of a ruling
handed down by Branch 16 of the Regional Trial Court in Davao City.
The TRO from the Supreme Court bars the enforcement of an order
issued by RTC Branch 16 Judge Emmanuel Carpio last December 12, 2013
that restrains the District Collector of the BOC in the Port of
Davao from seizing, alerting or holding rice shipments of petitioner
Joseph Ngo, a businessman who purchased rice imported by Starcraft
International Trading Corporation. The TRO is effective immediately until further orders from the Court. The Supreme Court considered “meritorious” the arguments raised by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) regarding the lack of adequate representation of the BOC during the hearings before the Davao RTC and the lack of legal standing of Ngo to sue. “This is good news for the Bureau of Customs and even better news for our farmers. The action taken by the Supreme Court should serve as a strong signal to judges that injunctions issued by the lower courts pertaining to rice importations without permits are at the very least questionable or suspect. The Magistrates of the High Tribunal are closely watching this issue, judging by their prompt action on our application for a TRO. We are committed to challenging court orders that favor illegal rice importations that no doubt have a devastating effect on our farmers,” said Customs Commissioner John Sevilla. Ngo purchased 15 shipments containing 91,800 bags of white rice either from Thailand or Singapore from Starcraft International Trading Corporation. Ngo was informed that the shipments could not be released without proper import permits from the National Food Authority (NFA). Ngo filed a complaint with the Davao RTC and sought an injunction, citing that the expiration of the Special Treatment for Rice Importation under the World Trade Organization meant that quantitative restrictions such as requiring import permit on the importation of rice may no longer be imposed. Last month, the BOC was compelled to release 167 container vans with 3,348 tons of rice from Vietnam from the Port of Davao in compliance with the Preliminary Injunction issued by Judge Carpio. With the TRO issued by the Supreme Court in effect, the BOC can continue to hold the remaining 85 containers of rice imported by Starcraft that are being held at the Port of Davao. To date, the BoC has put on hold a total of 1,822 container vans of rice that were imported without the required import permits from the NFA through the ports of Manila, the Manila International Container Port. Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Batangas and Davao, accounting for an estimated 50,000 metric tons. “The TRO issued by the Supreme Court clearly establishes the legal right of the Bureau to hold these rice shipments. We earnestly hope that the OSG can help us secure similar rulings in the Manila and Batangas RTCs whose injunctions have helped rice smugglers,” Sevilla added. Last January 30, Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 54 Judge Maria Paz R. Reyes-Yson issued a Preliminary Injunction that prevents the Bureau of Customs from implementing any alerts, seizures, or hold orders, whether current or future, against rice shipments of Starcraft International Trading Corporation. On the other hand another Writ of Preliminary Injunction issued by Executive Judge Eutiquio L. Quitain of the Region IV, Branch 5 Regional Trial Court in Lemery, Batangas prevents the Bureau of Customs from implementing any alerts, seizures, or hold orders in the future against rice shipments of Bold Bidder Marketing and General Merchandise. |
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| Labor Communications Office reads stories to 20 pupils in DOLE's Kapit-bahay Ko, Responsibilidad Ko CSR project |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and
Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended
the Labor Communications Office after it revived the DOLE's
Kapit-bahay Ko, Responsibilidad Ko, a corporate social
responsibility project she initiated in 2010 for children of parents
living around Barangay 657 in Intramuros, Manila, where the DOLE
Central Office is located. Kapit-bahay Ko, Responsibilidad Ko was aimed at complementing the DOLE's efforts against child labor by keeping children in school, and the DOLE, in 2010, spearheaded the CSR project by adopting Brgy. 657. It helped establish a community library in the barangay's Day Care Center, and feeding the children every Monday. Baldoz herself, joined by Labor Communications Office Director Nicon Fameronag and other top DOLE officials, led in one of these feeding activities. The LCO, through the DOLE Library, also held story-telling sessions for the children in the barangay in a bid to instill in them the value of reading and introducing them to a world of books and away from unhealthy activities, such as drug use. Kapit-bahay Ko, Responsibilidad Ko was temporarily put in the backburner when funds for the feeding stopped coming. Now, the LCO has revived Kapit-bahay Ko, Responsibilidad Ko to continue what Secretary Baldoz had started. Director Fameronag had instructed DOLE Librarian Maria Teresa Cabance to update the profile of the children and the parents of the barangay so a more focused program of assistance can be tailored. In a meeting with Brgy. 657 chief Glady's de Jesus, Director Fameronag assured the parents of DOLE's continuing support to the CSR project. Last February 13, the LCO held another reading session for some 20 children in the barangay. Even some parents attended the story-telling session, held at the Day Care Center where the community library is located. "The DOLE Library's story-telling activity promotes the value of reading," said Baldoz who is a lawyer and an avid reader herself. "It is an effective measure of preventing children from engaging in activities that may divert their attention from school." Baldoz encouraged the LCO to expand the activities under the Kapit-bahay Ko, Responsibilidad Ko project and provide other assistance to the barangay. Fameronag said he had already instructed Librarian Cabance to monitor the impact of the story-telling on the school attendance of the children. "Plans are afoot to also continue the feeding. I have broached the idea to DOLE-NCR Regional Director Alex Avila and he promised support to the Kapit-bahay Ko, Responsibilidad Ko project," he said. |
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| Oil monitor as of 25 February 2014 |
| Source: http://www.doe.gov.ph |
|
Reports of
uncertainty about protests in Venezuela, a major U.S. oil supplier,
as well as of export disruptions in Libya and South Sudan, have
added pressure on the week’s oil prices. These gave further support
on earlier reports of positive economic outlook for the US, frigid
weather in the US and OPEC forecast of world’s faster growth in oil
demand. Moreover, US refineries’ cutting back output to perform maintenance and prepare for a switch to more expensive summer gasoline is another reason that currently affects oil prices. As such, U.S. retail gasoline prices continued their seasonal climb. For the products market in Asia, gasoline sentiment remained mixed, with divided opinions from market traders. According to Platts, while some traders say that there is an oversupply of light distillate fuels, others pointed to a still healthy demand as the reason behind the firming of gasoline premiums. Moreover, traders also noted that the up-coming turnaround season in Asia and refinery maintenance in the West may have been the cause of the price up-tick in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Asian gasoil/diesel market continued to firm on tightening supply, due to emerging demand from Sri Lanka and Vietnam, as well as good demand from Saudi Arabia and Africa. "Gasoil with a sulfur content of 500 ppm looks decently tight,” Platts noted. The market is likewise expected to pick-up in the second quarter of this year, ahead of the refinery turnaround season. Overall, Dubai crude increased by US$1.50 to about US$107/bbl. MOPS diesel also increased by US$1.50 to US$125/bbl, while MOPS gasoline increased by US$0.70 to US$118/bbl. FOREX: Week-on-week value of Peso against the US dollar appreciated by P0.29 to P44.62, from P44.91 in previous week. Other recommended reference sites: (1) http://www.aip.com.au/pricing (2) http://www.med.govt.nz/ers/oil_pet/prices/prices.html |
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| Statement on the release of MILF Commander Wahid Tundok |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
Preparations
are underway for the formal release of Commander Wahid Tundok
following the recall of the warrant of arrest order by the Regional
Trial Court Branch 15 of Cotabato City yesterday, 25 February 2014. The GPH Panel thanks the Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Adhoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the Government and the Moro Islamic Front for ensuring, with the assistance of the 6th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the maintenance of the ceasefire and the smooth resolution of the matter. The MILF Commander was arrested on the basis of a warrant that was served last 23 February in Cotabato City. The turnover by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police to the MILF-CCCH will take place tomorrow in the presence of the International Monitoring Team, the GPH-CCCH and AHJAG, and several local government officials. |
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| PNP conducts media relations seminar for chiefs of police and public information officers |
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph |
|
The PNP through
its Public Information Office conducted a Seminar Workshop first
batch of public information officials from the different stations in
the National Capital Region on Media Relations today (February 26)
in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Emphasis were on the strict implementation of established Policies and Guidelines on Police Media Relations, with the aim of the promoting consistency and credibility in public pronouncements by enhancing competencies of unit commanders and public information officers in the proper engagement and sharing of information to the media. In a recent memorandum, Police Director Marcelo Garbo Jr., the PNP Chief of Directorial Staff (TCDS), stated that the personal views and remarks of PNP personnel does not only affect the positive accomplishments of the PNP but also hamper the organization's vision to become a highly capable, effective and credible police service. The said activity was spearheaded by the officials of PNP-PIO led by Police Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore C. Sindac with the support of guest lecturers, Mr. Bing Formento from DZRH, Ms. Cecille Suerte-Felipe from the Philippine Star and Mr. Alvin Baltazar of DZRB/PTV 4. Part of the topics discussed to the more than fifty (50) participants from different NCRPO Police Districts were the PNP polices and basics on media relations, the do's and dont's on how to handle media interviews, and development of press releases.(PNP-PIO) |
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| 2014 ALS Accreditation & Equivalency Test results |
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph |
|
PASIG CITY—The
Department of Education (DepEd) has just released the results of the
2013 Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency Test
(ALS A&E). Out of the 24,998 applicants for the elementary level,
6,135 passed. In the secondary level, 221,598 took the exam and
72,076 were declared successful. DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro congratulated all the passers for their diligent efforts in meeting the final requirement before getting their respective achievement certificates. “Through the ALS A&E certificate, an industry-based worker, or a member of a cultural minority, or the differently-abled, or an out-of-school youth or adult may pursue further formal education or career growth. Congratulations to everyone who passed the exam, and for those who did’t, this is not the end of the line. You can always return to the modules and retake the exam the next time. Diligence is key.” The ALS is a free education program aimed to deliver the education agenda to the marginalized sector through sets of modules, varying schedules, and one-on-one discussions with the facilitator when the need arises. The A&E Test is a paper and pencil-based test composed of composition writing and answering a multiple choice-type set of questions. The list of passers can be viewed on the official DepEd website at:http://www.deped.gov.ph/index.php/news-updates/announcements/487-2013-accreditation-and-equivalency-exam |
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| US Congressional delegation’s visit highlights strong Phl-Us ties |
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
26 February
2014 - A bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) led by
Republican Representative Ed Royce visited the Philippines from
February 20 to 21. The eight-member CODEL was composed of Representatives Ed Royce (Republican, California) Steve Chabot (Republican, Ohio), Brad Sherman (Democrat, California), Joe Kennedy III (Democrat, Massachusetts), Randy Weber (Republican, Texas), Luke Messer (Republican, Indiana), Joe Wilson (Republican, South Carolina) and Madeleine Bordallo (Democrat, Guam). The US CODEL visited Tacloban to examine the damage caused by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and to oversee the US assistance given to typhoon-affected areas. All of them expressed their admiration for the extraordinary resilience of the Filipino people. Seeing firsthand the extent of the devastation, they reiterated their commitment to extend assistance for the recovery of the Philippines. On February 21, the delegation paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacañan Palace. The congressional delegation’s visit reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two countries. The members of the delegation expressed their interest in strengthening further the political, security, economic and socio-cultural ties with the Philippines. Also present during the call were Cabinet officials including Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. Members of the CODEL applauded the Aquino administration’s efforts in curbing corruption, demonstrating that the United States recognizes the Philippines’ improvements in good governance. They noted America’s high confidence in the Philippine government. The CODEL also praised the Philippines for its adherence to international law in the settlement of territorial disputes. The US lawmakers spent a week-long tour in Asia meeting with high-level officials in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. |
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| Philippines delivers strong showing at 64th Berlin International Film Festival |
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
26 February
2014 - A strong contingent of young and dynamic Filipino cinematic
talents participated in the 64th Berlin International Film Festival
(Berlinale), which was held from February 6 to 16. Two Filipino
films, “Quick Change” and “Unfriend,” participated in the Berlinale
Panorama section, which is geared towards innovative, alternative
and independent films. On February 11, Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe R. Natividad hosted a welcome dinner for the cast and production teams of both films as well as the participants of Berlinale Talent Campus. Ambassador Natividad congratulated both production teams on their efforts to address challenging themes while maintaining the humanity of their characters. Both films won plaudits from critics. The US industry magazine Variety providing the following verdict of the Eduardo Roy helmed film: “the obsessive desire for youth and beauty among members of Manila’s transgender community is examined with documentary-like authenticity in the well-crafted drama Quick Change… this admirably non-sensationalist slice of life on the margins packs a solid emotional punch when it counts.” With their notable showing at Berlinale, both films are expected to feature in other international film festivals. |
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| Last day of annual report: March 1 |
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
| To accommodate foreigners who will file their annual report on the eleventh-hour, the offices of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) nationwide will be open the whole day of March 1, Saturday. BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison reminded all foreigners that they have only until March 1 to report in person for their annual report. The registration has started last January 2 in BI Offices nationwide. There will be no extension. The annual report is required under the Alien Registration Act of 1950 which directs all foreigners to personally report to the BI within the first 60 days of every calendar year. It also aims to strictly enforce compliance of the immigration law in the interest of national security, public safety, and public order. “We encouraged all foreigners to file the annual report to our BI offices located in ket cities nationwide,” Mison explained. Non-compliance may cause a foreigner's visa to be cancelled. Violators may also be deported if they fail to comply with the annual reporting. An application fee of P310 is required as part of the requirements for reportage. If a foreigner fails to file an annual report within the 60 days, a P200 penalty will be imposed every month. Mison said they assigned additional personnel in processing areas and put up senior citizens lane and additional cashier windows until the last day of filing. As of date, there are 66,349 foreign nationals who have filed their Annual Report which requires finger printing, notarization and personal appearance. The process is in anticipation for the full automation of immigration processes which eventually will enhance and hasten the services being given by the bureau for foreign nationals, visiting here or staying here permanently, the immigration chief added. |
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| SSS, CTBC Bank ink agreement on employer reimbursements |
| Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph |
|
The Social Security System (SSS)
recently welcomed CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corp. to its roster of
accredited banks for the fast, safe and convenient release of
employers' reimbursements under the SSS Sickness and Maternity
Benefit Payment Thru the Bank (SMB PB) Program.
Employer-clients of CTBC Bank
(formerly known as Chinatrust Philippines), can enrol their savings
or current accounts by submitting their SMB PB application to their
CTBC Bank. Application forms are available at SSS branches and are
downloadable from the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph). The mandatory
implementation of the program started in January 2014, as part of
the SSS' thrust to improve service delivery. The SMB PB Program
replaces the previous SSS system of reimbursing employers thru
checks, thereby eliminating the waiting period for check clearing
and instances of lost or misdelivered checks. Photo shows SSS
President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr. (center)
shaking hands with CTBC Bank Executive Vice President Raymundo
Martin M. Escalona (2nd from left) after they signed the memorandum
of agreement at the SSS Main Office in Diliman, Quezon City. Also in
photo are (from left) SSS Sickness, Maternity and Disability Benefit
Administration Department Manager Normita M. Doctor, CTBC Bank
Assistant Vice President Grace N. Morales and CTBC Bank Cash
Management Officer Brian Jasper R. Suarez.
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| BMB, GIZ to present study to enhance implementation of Ph Coral Triangle Action Plan |
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph |
|
The
Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and the German Development
Cooperation (GIZ), through its Adaptation to Climate Change in
Coastal Areas or ACCCoast, will present their assessment and
recommendations to improve the implementation of the Philippine
Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) Plan of Action in a meeting tomorrow
(Feb. 26) at the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Conference
Room in Quezon City. The meeting is seen as timely in the wake of the launch of the PhP 1 Billion Mangrove Rehabilitation Project by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which seeks to rehabilitate disaster areas, particularly those hit by typhoon Yolanda and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol and Cebu provinces. Specifically, the BMB-GIZ presentations will focus on the results of its assessment study on the coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and financial management of the National CTI (Coral Triangle Initiative) Coordinating Committee (NCCC) and the National Plan of Action (NPOA). It will be recalled that the Philippines has affirmed its commitment to work harmoniously with other CTI member countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste) by adopting the National Plan of Action to conserve and protect the country’s coastal and marine resources by virtue of Executive Order No. 797. Likewise, a National CTI Coordinating Committee (NCCC) was established to administer the NPOA. Its membership consists of representatives from the following agencies: DENR as Chair; Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) as co-Chair; the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); Department of Finance (DOF); National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); UP Science Institute; and the League of Municipalities (LMP). Other members of the NCCC are the UP Marine Science Institute, World Wildlife Fund-Philippines, and the Conservation International-Philippines. The USAID, ADB, GIZ and Worldfish are the NCCC’s development partners. The NPOA is a 10-year action plan with five overall goals, to wit: priority seascapes are designated and effectively managed; ecosystem approach to management of fisheries (EAFM) and other marine resources fully applied; marine protected areas (MPAs) are established and effectively managed (including community-based resource management); climate change adaptation measures are achieved; and threatened species status improving. |
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| Legazpi City included as testing center for the March 2014 Licensure Exam for Real Estate Brokers |
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph |
|
Manila,
February 26, 2014 – The Professional Regulation Commission and the
Professional Regulatory Board of Real Estate Service today announced
the inclusion of Legazpi City as additional testing center for the
March 2014 Licensure Examination for Real Estate Brokers. “The addition of Legazpi City as testing center for the March 2014 licensure exam for Real Estate Brokers will work for the convenience and advantage of the examinees from Legazpi and nearby cities”, the Board said. The March 2014 Licensure Examination for Real Estate Brokers will be held simultaneously in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi and Lucena. |
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| PDIC files charges against former President, Vice President of Rural Bank of Sebaste for P120-M fictitious loans |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
|
The Philippine
Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), statutory receiver of the
closed Rural Bank of Sebaste, Inc. (RB Sebaste) in Antique, filed on
February 4, 2014 with the Department of Justice (DOJ) a criminal
complaint against the former President and the former Vice
President/General Manager of the closed bank for the creation of
fictitious loans. RB Sebaste was placed under PDIC receivership by
the Monetary Board on August 24, 2007. In its complaint, the PDIC alleged that respondents Eugene T. Estrella, former President of RB Sebaste, and Norma A. Delgado, former Vice President/General Manager, directed and caused the creation of 2,988 fictitious loan accounts between 1997 and 2007 worth around P120.1 million, which seriously distorted the financial report of RB Sebaste. Bank records showed that RB Sebaste had 3,071 total loan accounts amounting to P131.3 million. The PDIC sent demand letters to the 3,071 purported bank borrowers, but 2,060 of those letters sent were returned, while 111 of the supposed borrowers denied any loan transaction with RB Sebaste. Attached to the complaint is a sworn affidavit of the former officer-in-charge and cashier of RB Sebaste’s head office, which stated that both Estrella and Delgado gave instructions to their subordinates to create fictitious or “indirect” loans, while all management and policy directives emanated from Delgado who supplied the list of names used in the creation of the loans. The complaint also indicate that the fictitious loan accounts, comprising 97% of the bank’s loan accounts, did not have credit folders. A credit folder contains the promissory note, real estate/chattel mortgage, appraisal report, credit investigation report, loan and discount release sheet, loan application, board resolution, and other related documents pertaining to the grant and release of the loan. The absence of credit folders indicated deliberate failure to document such loan releases and demonstrated that the loan accounts were bogus and nonexistent. The PDIC continues to pursue legal actions against bank officials and personnel who are found to have engaged in unsafe and unsound banking practices, as these activities pose grave threats to the stability of the country’s banking system. As co-regulator, deposit insurer and receiver/liquidator of closed banks, the Corporation is authorized to conduct investigations and file appropriate cases against erring bank officials and individuals who are found to have violated banking laws. The pursuit for justice against erring bank owners, officers and employees is an important undertaking of PDIC to protect the Deposit Insurance Fund, the funding source for payment of insured deposits, as well as to protect the depositing public and maintain financial stability. |
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| Key government programs to undergo process assessment and impact evaluation |
| Source: http://www.pids.gov.ph |
|
State think
tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has been
tapped by the Aquino administration, through the National Economic
and Development Authority (NEDA), to lead a PHP300-million research
project that will conduct process assessments and impact evaluations
of key government programs. The project, funded by the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2014, seeks to strengthen the Aquino administration's reform agenda by promoting accountability in government, under a new initiative led by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, NEDA director-general, and Secretary Florencio B. Abad of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). "Impact evaluation strengthens accountability to taxpayers and donors by providing a clear measure of the effects of a program on the beneficiaries' lives. Determining what strategies and interventions work and what needs to be fine-tuned or scrapped will help government design better programs and do more to alleviate poverty," PIDS President Gilberto M. Llanto said. The Institute's focus on impact evaluation is also in response to policy research directions for the year set by Secretary Balisacan, who is the chairman of the PIDS Board of Trustees. PIDS' mandate under the GAA includes building capacity on monitoring and evaluation for NEDA and DBM officials and staff. To get the project underway, PIDS conducted a training on impact evaluation on January 6 to 9 that covered evaluation design, data generation, and estimation of impact, with focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of impact evaluation methodologies. PIDS Senior Research Fellows Aniceto C. Orbeta and Jose Ramon G. Albert, then director-general of the National Statistical Coordination Board, conducted the training which was attended by staff members of PIDS, NEDA, and DBM. The GAA lists specific programs identified by the NEDA for evaluation by PIDS, namely, the National Greening Program, Reforestation Program, Resettlement Program, irrigation projects, farm-to-market road projects, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service Project, and other programs that may be selected by the government's socioeconomic planning arm. The Institute has also identified other projects to evaluate, encompassing agriculture support services, health and education, infrastructure, fiscal incentives, disaster management, trade agreements, and even judicial services. Llanto led a planning workshop last February 19 to 20 for the presentation and critiquing of the impact evaluation proposals developed by in-house research experts of the Institute, the top social policy think tank in Southeast Asia and one of the best in the world according to the 2013 Global Go Think Tank Report released by the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program of the University of Pennsylvania. PIDS drew inputs from NEDA's agriculture, infrastructure, and monitoring and evaluation staff, and from DBM. Representatives of government agencies that are knowledgeable about the programs to be evaluated, such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, Department of Education, Department of Energy and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, lent their expertise in appraising the proposals. Experts from the AIM Policy Center and Ateneo Law School also participated in the planning workshop. |
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Last
Updated:
26 FEBRUARY 2014
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| Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the visit to the Municipality of Bantayan in Cebu at the Lantawan Boardwalk in Bantayan Wharf on Tuesday (February 25). During the visit, President Aquino also inspected the Bantayan Public Market and the motorized and non-motorized bancas donated for the livelihood of the Bantayan residents by different non-government organizations including Gawad Kalinga and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, Inc. among others. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, hands-over the check to Bantayan LGU for Cash-for-Work Program during the Visit to the Municipality of Bantayan in Cebu at the Lantawan Boardwalk in Bantayan Wharf on Tuesday (February 25, 2014). During the visit, President Aquino also inspects the Bantayan Public Market and the motorized and non-motorized bancas donated for the livelihood of the Bantayan residents by different non-government organizations including Gawad Kalinga and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, Inc. among others. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the motorized and non-motorized bancas during the Visit to the Municipality of Bantayan in Cebu at the Bantayan Wharf on Tuesday (February 25, 2014). The bancas was donated for the livelihood of the Bantayan residents by different non-government organizations including Gawad Kalinga and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, Inc. among others. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Confetti and flower drop during the re-enactment of the “Salubungan” rites of the military, people power volunteers, religious sector and youth for the commemorative activities of the 28th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with the participants of the re-enactment of the “Salubungan”, flashes the Laban “L” sign during the commemorative activities of the 28th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the 28th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Capitol Site in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the commemorative activities of the 28th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Capitol Site in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, leads the flag-raising ceremony during the commemorative activities of the 28th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista, troops the line upon arrival for the commemorative activities of the 28th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech at the 28th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People power revolution held in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). (Photo by MARCELINO PASCUA/PPS/PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S.Aquino III leads the 28th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People power revolution held in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). Also in photo are Dingdong Dantes, Senator Bam Aquino, Butz Aquino, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Almendras, DILG, Sec, Mar Roxas,DND Secretary Voltare Gazmin, Executive Secretary Paquito Otchoa, Cebu Governor Junjun Davide III Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and other local officials, held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Site, Cebu City.(Photo by MARCELINO PASCUA/PPS/PCOO) | ||
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CEBU CITY: President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the flag raising ceremony and Salubungan at the 28th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People power revolution held in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). Photo by MARCELINO PASCUA/PPS/PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III trooping the line during the 28th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People power revolution held in Cebu City on Tuesday (February 25). (Photo by MARCELINO PASCUA/PPS/PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno s. Aquino III inspects the Cong. Natalio Castillo Memorial Hospital in Barangay Basak, Loon, Bohol on Monday (February 24). Also in photo is Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno s. Aquino III inspects the Cong. Natalio Castillo Memorial Hospital in Barangay Basak, Loon, Bohol on Monday (February 24). Also in photo is Health Secretary Enrique Ona. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the bunkhouses in Barangay Cogon, Loon, Bohol on Monday (February 24). Also in photo are Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects tahe newly reconstructed hospital in Loon, Bohol Monday (February 24). The hospital was severely damaged by super typhoon Yolanda late last year. The President is expected to visit rehabilitation projects in Leyte and Samar. (Photo by Gil Narea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III visited these bunkhouses in Loon and Tubigon in Bohol Monday (February 24) The President is expected to inspect rehabilitation projects in Samar and Leyte. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Phoyo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is greeted by students of Loon in Bohol as he arrives for the inspection of a newly reconstructed hospital in the area. The President is expected to visit rehabilitation projects in Leyte and Samar. (Photo by Gil Narea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is greeted by townfolks of Loon, Bohol during the project inspection various rehabilitation and recovery programs in Bohol, Monday (February 24). The President also held a townhall meeting in Loon as part of celebration of the EDSA 28 with the theme "Kapit Bisig Tungo Sa Pagbabago". (Photo by: Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the project inspection of various rehabilitation and recovery programs in Cateel, Davao Oriental, Monday (February 24). The President also held the Pulong-Bulong sa Cateel as part of the celebration of EDSA 28 with the theme "Kapit Bisig Tungo Sa Pagbabago". (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacanang Photo Bureau / NIB-PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with the United States Congressional Delegation headed by US House Committee on Foreign Affairs chairman, Representative Edward Royce (R-California), during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall Receiving Area of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). The delegation also includes Congressmen Brad Sherman(D-California), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Dana Rohrabacher (R-California), Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina), Alan Lowenthal (D-California), Luke Messer (R-Indiana), Joseph Kennedy III (D-Massachusetts) and Randy Weber (R-Texas). Also in photo is U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets California Representative Dana Rohrabacher during the courtesy call of the United States Congressional Delegation headed by US House Committee on Foreign Affairs chairman, Representative Edward Royce (R-California), at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). The US CODEL also includes Congressmen Brad Sherman(D-California), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina), Alan Lowenthal (D-California), Luke Messer (R-Indiana), Joseph Kennedy III (D-Massachusetts) and Randy Weber (R-Texas). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the United States Congressional Delegation headed by US House Committee on Foreign Affairs chairman, Representative Edward Royce (R-California), during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). The delegation also includes Congressmen Brad Sherman(D-California), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Dana Rohrabacher (R-California), Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina), Alan Lowenthal (D-California), Luke Messer (R-Indiana), Joseph Kennedy III (D-Massachusetts) and Randy Weber (R-Texas). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg during the courtesy call of the United States Congressional Delegation headed by US House Committee on Foreign Affairs chairman, Representative Edward Royce (R-California), at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). The delegation also includes Congressmen Brad Sherman(D-California), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Dana Rohrabacher (R-California), Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina), Alan Lowenthal (D-California), Luke Messer (R-Indiana), Joseph Kennedy III (D-Massachusetts) and Randy Weber (R-Texas). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with the Congressional Delegation from the United States headed by US House Committee on Foreign Affairs chairman, Representative Edward Royce (R-California), during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall Receiving Area of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). The delegation also includes Congressmen Brad Sherman(D-California), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Dana Rohrabacher (R-California), Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina), Alan Lowenthal (D-California), Luke Messer (R-Indiana), Joseph Kennedy III (D-Massachusetts) and Randy Weber (R-Texas). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the United States Congressional Delegation headed by US House Committee on Foreign Affairs chairman, Representative Edward Royce (R-California), during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). The US CODEL also includes Congressmen Brad Sherman(D-California), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Dana Rohrabacher (R-California), Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina), Alan Lowenthal (D-California), Luke Messer (R-Indiana), Joseph Kennedy III (D-Massachusetts) and Randy Weber (R-Texas). Also in photo are U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with the Royal Princes of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III accept the memento given to him by the Royal Princes of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes The Royal Princes of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa come from a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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The Royal Princes of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa come from a courtesy call with the President Benigno Aquino III at the the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 21). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop during the Courtesy Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 20). Minister Bishop, Australia’s first female foreign minister assumed office on September 18, 2013 following the election of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Coalition Government. Also in photo are, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario and Secretary of Trade and Industry Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop during the Courtesy Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 20). Minister Bishop, Australia’s first female foreign minister assumed office on September 18, 2013 following the election of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Coalition Government. Also in photo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 20). Minister Bishop, Australia’s first female foreign minister assumed office on September 18, 2013 following the election of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Coalition Government. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 20). Minister Bishop, Australia’s first female foreign minister assumed office on September 18, 2013 following the election of Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s Coalition Government. Also in photo are, Minister for Trade and Investment Australia, Andrew Robb OA,MP, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario and Secretary of Trade and Industry Gregory Domingo. (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the courtesy call of the San Francisco – Manila Sister City Committee Business and Cultural Mission at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 20). The business mission is designed for US companies and businesses with interest in exploring high potential business and investment opportunities in the Philippines. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the courtesy call of the San Francisco – Manila Sister City Committee Business and Cultural Mission at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 20). The business mission is designed for US companies and businesses with interest in exploring high potential business and investment opportunities in the Philippines. Also in photo are San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee and DFA Undersecretary Laura Del Rosario. (Photo by: Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the San Francisco – Manila Sister City Committee Business and Cultural Mission, headed by San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee during a courtesy call at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 20). The business mission is designed for US companies and businesses with interest in exploring high potential business and investment opportunities in the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the courtesy call of the San Francisco – Manila Sister City Committee Business and Cultural Mission at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 20). The business mission is designed for US companies and businesses with interest in exploring high potential business and investment opportunities in the Philippines. Also in photo is San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson walks pass the Balanguiga church bell tower after overseeing the turnover ceremonies of the municipal building which was reconstructed with the help of Peregrine Development International Inc. and Global Gateway Development Corporation, two of the many private sector partners in the Yolanda rehabilitation effort. Lacson is accompanied by Balanguiga Mayor Viscoy De Lira (right), PDII President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Wright (left) and Global Gateway chief financial officer Michael Russel (extreme left). The private sector partners in Balangiga also turned over the newly-renovated public market. They have likewise committed to construct new classrooms and renovate the town's church, home of the historical Balanguiga bells. | ||
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Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson with Balanguiga local officials and the new municipal building reconstructed thru the assistance of private partners Peregrine Development International Inc. and Global Gateway Development Corporation. | ||
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Communications Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. speaks before the country’s financial executives during the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) 2nd General Membership Meeting at the InterContinental Manila in Makati City on Wednesday (February 19). (Photo by Luisito L. Iglesias of PCOO-NIB photo) | ||
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Communications Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. joins the country’s financial executives in panel discussion on ASEAN Integration during the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) 2nd General Membership Meeting at the InterContinental Manila in Makati City on Wednesday (February 19). Also in photo are (L-R) Mr. Cesar B. Crisol, Mr. James Villafuerte, Mr. Junie del Mundo, Mr. Roel A. Refran, and Mr. Angelo Salvador M. Benedictos. (Photo by Luisito L. Iglesias of PCOO-NIB photo) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions from the media during the press briefing after gracing the presentation of Estero de San Miguel Micro Medium-Rise Building Model Unit at the Claro M. Recto High School Auditorium in Barangay 412, Zone 42, Legarda Street, Sampaloc, Manila City on Wednesday (February 19). The model unit started construction in November 2013 and was completed in January 2014. Also in photo (second from left) is Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Renato M. Marfil. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the facilities of the Estero de San Miguel Micro Medium-Rise Building (mMRB) Model Unit at the Claro M. Recto High School in Barangay 412, Zone 42, Legarda Street, Sampaloc, Manila City on Wednesday (February 19). The Estero de San Miguel Project is in line with the program goal of providing safe, affordable, decent and humane relocation in accordance with the Relocation Action Plan (RAP) through the People’s Plan mechanism and process for on-site, near-city relocation of affected ISFs in accordance with People’s Plan that contains shelter solutions and finance scheme development, validated and accepted by the ISFs themselves. The MRB model unit started construction in November 2013 and was completed in January 2014.also in photo Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas III, Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Legarda (NML) president and Brgy. 412 Chairperson Filomena Cinco (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the facilities of the Estero de San Miguel Micro Medium-Rise Building Model Unit at the Claro M. Recto High School in Barangay 412, Zone 42, Legarda Street, Sampaloc, Manila City on Wednesday (February 19). The model unit started construction in November 2013 and was completed in January 2014. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the presentation of Estero de San Miguel Micro Medium-Rise Building Model Unit at the Claro M. Recto High School Auditorium in Barangay 412, Zone 42, Legarda Street, Sampaloc, Manila City on Wednesday (February 19). The model unit started construction in November 2013 and was completed in January 2014. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Legarda president and Brgy. 412 Chairperson Filomena Cinco and Urban Poor Associates director for organizational work / community organization coordinator and administrator Alicia Murphy, upon arrival for the presentation of Estero de San Miguel Micro Medium-Rise Building Model Unit at the Claro M. Recto High School Auditorium at Legarda Street, Sampaloc, Manila City on Wednesday (February 19). The model unit started construction in November 2013 and was completed in January 2014. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the presentation of Estero de San Miguel Micro Medium-Rise Building Model Unit at the Claro M. Recto High School Auditorium in Barangay 412, Zone 42, Legarda Street, Sampaloc, Manila City on Wednesday (February 19). The Estero de San Miguel Project is in line with the program goal of providing safe, affordable, decent and humane relocation in accordance with the Relocation Action Plan for informal settlers' families. The model unit started construction in November 2013 and was completed in January 2014. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the 3rd Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum 2014 at the Solaire Resort and Casino Manila in Aseana Avenue, Parañaque City on Tuesday (February 18). The Forum brings together policymakers, business leaders, economists and key overseas investors that will help paint an overview of the Philippines economy including analysis into all key sectors. Euromoney is the world’s leading organiser of conferences for cross-border investment and capital markets for portfolio and direct investors, financial intermediaries, corporations, governments, banks and financial institutions. Also in photo is Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the 3rd Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum 2014 at the Solaire Resort and Casino Manila in Aseana Avenue, Parañaque City on Tuesday (February 18). The Forum brings together policymakers, business leaders, economists and key overseas investors that will help paint an overview of the Philippines economy including analysis into all key sectors. Euromoney is the world’s leading organiser of conferences for cross-border investment and capital markets for portfolio and direct investors, financial intermediaries, corporations, governments, banks and financial institutions. Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Euromoney Institutional Investor Asia chief executive officer Tony Shale and Solaire Resort and Casino chairman and president Enrique Razon, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
