Sunday, February 16, 2014

Dispatch for February 17 , 2014 ( Monday ) , 11 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 1 Weather Watch , 2 Reg’l. Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 16 Online News , 35 Photonews (Feb.)








24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at : 5:00 AM 17 February 2014

Synopsis: Northeast monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. Trough of low pressure area (LPA) affecting southern Mindanao.

Forecast: The region of Caraga will be cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains while the rest of Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon, Visayas and eastern Mindanao. The coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.

Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature: 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 30.0 ºc
Minimum Temperature: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 19.7 ºc

Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 95 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 62 %

Low Tide Today: 6:22 AM …..……….. 0.04 Meter
High Tide Today: 12:15 PM …..……….. 0.45 Meter
Low Tide Today: 4:45 PM …..……….. 0.21 Meter
High Tide Today: 11:55 PM …..……….. 0.85 Meter

Sunrise Today: 6:19 AM
Sunset Today: 6:01 PM

Moonset Today: 7:28 AM
Moonrise Today: 7:51 PM
Illumination Today 96 %

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
— with Itzmeshenna Neil.
Photo: 24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at : 5:00 AM 17 February 2014 
 
Synopsis: Northeast monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. Trough of low pressure area (LPA) affecting southern Mindanao.

Forecast: The region of Caraga will be cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Visayas will have  partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains while the rest of Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. 
                      
  Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon, Visayas and eastern Mindanao.  The coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to  moderate seas.
  
Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature:             3:00 PM Yesterday   ---  30.0 ºc
Minimum  Temperature:    5:00 AM Yesterday   ---  19.7 ºc

Maximum Relative Humidity:      6:00 AM Yesterday        ---   95 %
Minimum  Relative Humidity:      3:00 PM Yesterday        ---    62 %

Low Tide Today:                    6:22 AM   …..………..    0.04 Meter
High Tide Today:                   12:15 PM   …..………..    0.45 Meter
Low Tide Today:                   4:45 PM   …..………..    0.21 Meter
High Tide Today:                   11:55 PM   …..………..    0.85 Meter

Sunrise Today:                           6:19 AM
Sunset Today:                            6:01 PM

Moonset Today:                         7:28 AM 
Moonrise Today:                        7:51 PM
Illumination Today                      96 %     
                                                                   
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.






                

1. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/CAVITE: A total of 127 children and young adults with birth deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate were given free surgery by the US-based Philippine American Group of Educators and Surgeons (PAGES) during their 24th year of continues free surgical mission. Held at the Ospital ng Tagaytay, said humanitarian mission started last February 7 and will end on Saturday, February 15.


2. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Ipinagdiriwang ng Philhealth ang ika-19 na taong anibersaryo kung saan nagsagawa ng presscon at presentation ng mga karagdagang z-benefits para sa mga miyembro.Layon nitong maipaunawa ang mga benepisyong maibibigay ng Philhealth.






                       February  17 , 2014  ( Monday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE              :  Sunny 
LAGUNA           :  Cloudy 
BATANGAS       :  Fair Weather  
RIZAL                :  Sunny 
QUEZON           :  Fair Weather  


 






1.  Philhealth strengthens package for disease prevention and early detection
Monday 17th of February 2014
LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has re-introduced recently the Primary Care Benefit Package under a new brand called Tamang Serbisyong Kalusugang Pampamilya (TSeKaP) in response to the growing health care needs of members especially the poor.

 TSeKaP aims to make the benefit package more endearing to Philhealth beneficiaries which include indigent and sponsored members, members of organized groups, and land-based OFWs. PhilHealth extended the benefit to employees of the Department of Education (DepEd) last year as part of a pilot test.

 “Gone are the days when PhilHealth is just remembered when one is sick because our TSeKaP package is here to encourage entitled members and their qualified dependents to avoid getting sick or to even arrest sicknesses early on” PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla said, adding that “disease prevention and early detection saves money, and strengthens the gate-keeping function of primary care facilities which allows tertiary hospitals to maximize their resources on complicated cases.” 

 In due time, PhilHealth said TSeKaP will be extended to other member categories after careful studies have been made.

 TSeKaP consists of essential services aimed at prevention, early detection of diseases and even interventions for healthy living. It includes consultations, visual inspection with acetic acid, regular blood pressure monitoring, periodical breast examination, and health promotion like education on breastfeeding, counseling on lifestyle modification and smoking cessation.

 Preventive services also cover body measurements and digital rectal examination while diagnostics such as complete blood count, urinalysis, fecalysis, sputum microscopy, fasting blood sugar, Lipid profile and chest X-ray are also available upon the recommendation of the physician.

 “TSeKaP even provides medicines for asthma, acute gastroenteritis with no or mild dehydration, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection” Padilla added.

 Qualified beneficiaries can avail of these services at their designated rural health units, health centers or at outpatient departments of government hospitals nearest them in the case of DepEd employees. Land-based OFWs have the option to choose their TSeKaP providers.

 Beneficiaries should enlist themselves with TSeKaP providers and be assigned to a primary care physician to enjoy the services within the validity period as indicated in their PhilHealth cards or Member Data Record in the case of land-based OFWs.
 The said benefit was first introduced in 2000 to provide adequate access to quality outpatient services and has undergone several enhancements until its re-introduction as TSeKaP to help encourage usage especially among the poor.

 “TSeKaP is PhilHealth’s concrete and lasting contribution to ensuring a level of care that is ‘effective, safe, person-centered, comprehensive, integrated and with continuity by a regular and trusted provider’” stressed Padilla, partly quoting the World Health Organization’s definition of primary care.

 To date, a total of 2,482 outpatient clinics covering at least 93 percent of all cities and municipalities in the country have been accredited as TSeKaP providers and some P2.9B has already been paid for the said package from 2012 to 2013 alone. (Philhealth 4-A/RMO, PIA-Quezon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=701391762555#sthash.EwYVUTvo.dpuf
        

2. Tagalog news: Pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Quezon, nanguna sa pagtatanim ng 6,000 kawayan
Monday 17th of February 2014
 
SARIAYA, Quezon, Peb. 17 (PIA) --Pinangunanahan ng mga opisyal at kawani ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Quezon ang pagtatanim ng mahigit 6,000 kawayan sa halos dalawang kilometrong baybay-ilog na sakop ng barangay Castanas sa bayang ito nong Peb 12.

Sinabi ni Gob. David Suarez na ang pagtatanim ng kawayan ay kabilang sa programang matagal ng sinimulan sa probinsiya, ang Plant and Grow 1 Million Trees, Quezon’s 2 in 1 na bahagi ng Securing Quezon’s Future kung saan mahigit sa 2 milyong bakawan ang naitanim sa loob lamang ng isang araw.

Buong pagmamalaking inihayag ng gobernador na magsisilbing modelo ng ibang lalawigan ang Quezon pagdating sa global warming disaster mitigation programs.

Ang pagtatanim ng mga kawayan ay bahagi rin ng programang climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction measure ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pakikipagtulungan ng pamahalaang bayan ng Sariaya.

Sinabi ni Allan Loria, municipal administrator ng Sariaya na hindi lamang nakasalalay sa kaalaman at kakayahan ang paghahanda para maging ligtas ang buhay at maging isang malusog na pamayanan ang isang lugar, kundi ito ay nakasalalay din sa katangiang kalalagayan ng kalikasan.

“Patuloy  ang pagkikipagtulungan ng pamahalaang bayan ng Sariaya sa pamumuno ni Mayor Boyet Masilang sa pamahalaang panlalawigan sa mga programang may kaugnayan sa disaster risk reduction at climate change mitigation tulad ng matagumpay na Quezon’s 2in 1,” wika ni Loria.

Upang matiyak ang paglago at paglaki ng mga itinanim na kawayan, nagkaloob ang gobernador ng halagang P60,000 at mga kagamitan tulad ng pala, kalaykay, piko, atbp. sa Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) – Sariaya Chapter, ang samahang mangangalaga sa mga kawayan.

Kabilang sa mga nakiisa sa pagtatanim sina Vice-Governor Sam Nantes, mga executive assistant ng gobernador , mga miyembro ng iba’t ibang grupo sa bayan ng Sariaya tulad ng KALIPI, 4Ps, MOVE, PNP, AFP, MDRRMO, Bantay ng Bayan, at opisyal ng iba’t ibang barangay. (RMO, PIA-Quezon at ulat mula sa Quezon PIO)






1. Carmona holds 1st quarter blood donation activity
Saturday 15th of February 2014
 
CARMONA, Cavite, Feb. 15 (PIA) – A local government-initiated blood donation activity dubbed as First Quarter Blood Donation Mission was held recently in this municipality with the theme “Dugo mong Iaalay, Pantawid ng Buhay.” 

About 135 volunteers composed of community members, industry and government employees, participated in the activity. The blood collected was brought to the Saint Luke’s Medical Hospital for blood matching and laboratory testing and later on to the Cavite Blood Bank at the Korean Philippines Friendship Hospital in Trece Martires City for storage. 

According to the Carmona PIO, the blood-letting activity is a response of the local government to the national government’s campaign to promote and encourage voluntary blood donation among the citizenry. This is to ensure that there is enough supply of blood available for the needy not only in the town of Carmona but also in the province in general. 

This is one of the priority programs initiated by the local government headed by Mayor Dahlia Loyola through the Municipal Health Office (MHO) to make sure that the health and well-being of the community are properly addressed, the Carmona PIO added. 

Medical experts confirmed that there are many health benefits in donating blood like the lowering of iron levels; reducing the risk cancer and heart attack. (PIA-Cavite with report from Carmona PIO)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph /index.php?article=671392369087#sthash.q0HFSC30.dpuf

2. Proposed ordinance, to require wearing of helmets with reflectorized stickers and ID
Saturday 15th of February 2014
 
TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Feb. 15 (PIA) – A provincial board member has proposed an ordinance requiring all motorcycle riders including back riders to wear helmets with reflectorized stickers attached in front of the helmet and carry identification card. 

With the title “Motorcycle Verification and Identification of Stickers Authenticity” (VISA), the proposed ordinance authored by Provincial Board Member Edralin G. Gawaran of the 7th District of Cavite aims as deterrent to crimes involving motorcycles used as getaway vehicles. 

Suspected criminals and their cohorts are difficult to identify as a result of the wrap around helmets and tinted visors or face shields, thus, a problem in apprehending and eventual filing of cases against the perpetrators. 

Last February 5, Gawaran organized a public hearing at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall to gather first-hand information (inputs) from various stakeholders for integration to the proposed ordinance before presenting to the provincial board for deliberation and approval. 

Under the proposed ordinance, tricycle drivers shall be exempted from the provision and are also exempted from wearing mandatory protective helmets as stated in Republic Act 10054 otherwise known as “An Act Mandating All Motorcycle Riders To Wear Standard Protective Helmets While Driving.” 

The proposed ordinance also states that the cost of the stickers and identification cards shall be paid by the provincial government with counterpart from the municipal/city LGUs. 

Once approved, a person violating any provisions of the ordinance shall be warned to comply within 15 days from the date of reprimand.  Violators shall be fined ranging from P500 for the first offense and as high as P1,000 for the third offense and confiscation of the motorcycle until the owner comply with all the requirements. (PICAD/PIA-Cavite)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671391752702#sthash.DByDtjUf.dpuf

3. Gen. Trias farmers receive P1.1 million financial assistance
By: Ruel B. Francisco
Saturday 15th of February 2014
 
GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite, Feb. 15 (PIA) –One hundred three farmers from the different barangays in this municipality have been granted financial assistance amounting to P1,117,500 under the ‘Plant Now, Pay Later’ program of the local government.

 Each farmer who have at least one hectare of land to till, received an average amount of P6,000 payable after harvesting season. The Plant Now, Pay Later program is an effective tool to maximize the use and productivity of the agricultural lands in the town and reduce the lands deemed idle or not useful.

 The project is part of the priority programs of Mayor Antonio “Ony” Ferrer with the support of municipal council headed by Vice Mayor and presiding officer Maurito “Morit” C. Sison. Sison emphasized the importance of agriculture in this first class municipality not only for the farmers but for the community in general.
 This is the 9th time the local government distributed financial assistance thru the program. (General Trias PIO/PIA-Cavite)

 -See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph   index.php?article=671392361281#sthash.7s3Qo5Nz.dpuf

4. First pedestrian overpass in the 6th district of Cavite, to start construction
Friday 14th of February 2014
 
GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite, Feb. 14 (PIA) – Local residents, students and commuters were delighted with the groundbreaking ceremony for the first pedestrian overpass to be constructed along Governor’s drive in front of the Lyceum of the Philippines University last February 6. 

The Governors Drive Pedestrian Overpass has an innovative design that includes lighting fixtures and two elevators for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) that is expected to be completed in three months’ time. 

In his message, Mayor Ony Ferrer emphasized the comfort and safety that the pedestrian overpass would bring to students, teachers, and commuters.

 “This project symbolizes a concerted effort between the government and the private sector,” Mayor Ferrer said. He also thanked Cavite 6th District Representative Luis “Jon-Jon” Ferrer IV and other groups that contributed to make the project a reality.
 Atty. Roberto Laurel, president of the Lyceum of the Philippines University also thanked Rep. Ferrer IV and his brother General Trias Mayor Antonio “Ony” A. Ferrer for the project.

 The LPU president assured the two public officials of his continued support and cooperation with the local government to further develop the first class municipality.
 All members of the municipal council led by presiding officer Vice Mayor Maurito Sison were in attendance at the groundbreaking, including DPWH district engineer Oscar Dela Cruz and Robert Ignacio, contractor of the pedestrian overpass.  (General Trias PIO/PIA-Cavite)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671392355304#sthash.IHW0zEBD.dpuf





1. Tagalog news: Barkada Kontra Droga, inilunsad sa San Juan
Saturday 15th of February 2014

SAN JUAN, Batangas, Peb. 15 (PIA) --Inilunsad ng Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) ang programang Barkada Kontra Droga noong Peb. 7 sa bayang ito.
 Layon ng programa na ituro sa mga kabataan ang pag-iwas sa droga at pagpapalago ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng mga tama at positibong barkada.

 Sinabi ni PCInsp Pablo Aguda Jr., naging tampok na gawain sa paglulunsad ng kampanya ang motorcade mula sa barangay Tipas at nagtapos sa barangay Palahanan II na nilahukan mga lokal na opisyal ng San Juan, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officers-Batangas chapter, mga guro mula sa iba't-ibang sekondaryang paaralan, parent-teachers officers at mag-aaral mula sa pampubliko at pribadong sekondaryang paaralan.

 Nagdaos din ng lecture kung saan ipinaliwanag ang mahahalagang probisyon ng RA 9165 o Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 at mga istratehiya upang masolusyunan ang problema sa ilegal na droga.

 Naging tampok din ang paglagda nina Dangerous Drugs Board USec. Rommel Garcia, Mayor Rodolfo Manalo, PSSupt. Florendo Saligao, Provincial Director PSSupt Omega Jireh Fidel at PCInsp. Pablo Aguda Jr sa Manifesto of Support. (MPDC, PIA-Batangas)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681392105948#sthash.ck4fD8GA.dpuf

2. Tagalog news: Gun safety, tampok sa pagsasanay na idinaos ng pamahalaang bayan ng Padre Garcia
By: Mamerta P. De Castro
Saturday 15th of February 2014
PADRE GARCIA, Batangas, Pebrero 15 (PIA) –Naging tampok na paksa ang gun safety sa pagsasanay na isinagawa ng pamahalaang bayan kamakailan.

 Ang pagsasanay na dinaluhan ng mga kapitan ng mga barangay, konsehales, at mga barangay tanod ay layong maituro ang mga dapat malaman sa firearm safety at ang mga batas na kaakibat ng pagmamay-ari at pagdadala ng baril.

 Sinabi ni Mayor Abraham Gutierrez, na ang programang ito ay isinusulong ng lokal na pamahalaan bilang katuwang sa adbokasiya ng Municipal Peace and Order Council laban sa mga loose firearms at indiscriminate firing.

 “Isa sa mga problemang kinahaharap ng aming bayan at maging sa buong lalawigan ng Batangas ang pagkalat ng mga loose firearms na karaniwang nagagamit sa mga krimen at nagiging banta sa kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan,” sabi ni Gutierrez.

 Ayon pa kay Gutierrez, sa pamamagitan ng mga pagsasanay na tulad nito maaaring malaman ng mga gun owners at maging ng mga simpleng residente ang mga batas at kaalaman ukol sa pagmamay-ari at paggamit ng baril. (MPDC, PIA-Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681392104350#sthash.7AbzBgpU.dpuf

3. Tagalog news: Gawad Punonglunsod 2014, inilunsad sa Batangas City
Saturday 15th of February 2014
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Peb. 14 (PIA) --Inilunsad ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas ang Gawad Punonglunsod 2014, Timpalak sa Pagandahan ng Sitio sa Barangay, noong Peb. 4 sa Batangas City Convention Center.

 Ipinaliwanag ni Oliver Gonzales, hepe ng City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), na hahatiin sa 10 clusters ang 105 barangay ng lungsod at magtatalaga ng mga kawani ng pamahalaang lungsod bilang cluster coordinators.

 Ayon kay Gonzales, tatlong criteria ang pagbabasehan sa pagpili ng mga mananalong sitio sa barangay. Ito ay kinabibilangan ng beautification (50%), materials recovery facility (MRF) operation (25%) at greening initiative (25%).

 Ang top three performing barangays na may pinakamaraming napakilos o nakipagkaisang sitio ay gagawaran cash prizes na P300,000; P200,000; at P100,000 para sa una, ikalawa at ikatlong gantimpala. 

Pipili din ng top three sitio na magkakamit ng P30,000; P20,000; at P10,000 para sa una, ikalawa at ikatlong gantimpala. Kukuha din ng top three performing sitios na mananalo ng P70,000; P50,000; at P30,000 para sa una, ikalawa at ikatlong puwesto.
 Naglaan ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng P8M para sa proyektong ito na nakatakdang igawad sa susunod na taon alinsabay sa pagdiriwang ng kapistahan ng lungsod.

 Sinabi ni Mayor Eddie Dimacuha, na isang magandang paraan ang patimpalak upang palagiang ipaalala sa mga Batangueno ang kahalagahan ng pag-aayos at pagpapaluntian ng kapaligiran lalo na at palagiang kasama sa mga programa ng lungsod ang pangangalaga sa kapaligiran at kalikasan.

 “Dapat ay magtulong-tulong ang lahat upang makamit ito, sapagkat maaaring tularan ito ng iba pang mga bayan at lungsod sa lalawigan at isang magandang pamana sa mga darating pang henerasyon,” pagtatapos ni Dimacuha. (MPDC, PIA-Batangas)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph
/index.php?article=681392102399#sthash.BGfmG3cr.dpuf

4. Tagalog news: DENR at Lungsod ng Batangas, nagkasundo sa pagpapabilis ng proseso ng pagpapatitulo ng lupa
Friday 14th of February 2014
 
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Pebrero 14 (PIA) --Lumagda kamakailan ang mga kinatawan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 4A at ang pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas sa kasunduan na magpapabilis sa proseso ng pagpapatitulo ng lupa ng mga mamamayan ng lungsod.

Sa isang seremonya na idinaos sa Batangas City Convention Center noong Pebrero 4, nilagdaan nina DENR Calabarzon Regional Executive Director Reynulfo Juan at Batangas City Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha ang Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MPA) para sa survey at pagpapatitulo ng lupa.

Tinaguriang "Lupa Mo, Isigurado Magpatitulo," target ng kasunduan na maayos ang may 2,500 titulo ng lupa. Layon din nito na maisulong ang malawakang pagpapatitulo ng lupa gayundin ang cadastral survey records/mapping, pagpapataas ng bilang ng mga lupang may titulo pagtataas ng land tenure security, pagpapalawak ng tax base.

Ilan sa dahilan ng pagsasagawa ng proyektong ito ay upang maresolba ang conflicts on land disputes, maisaayos ang tax mapping/tax revenue at maiwasan ang malaking gastos sa pagsasa-ayos ng titulo.

Sinabi ni Juan, na ang gawaing ito ay bahagi ng konkretong pagsunod sa dalawang administrative orders ng dalawang ahensiya. Noong 2011, nagpalabas ang DENR ng Kautusan Blg. 2011-06 na nagbibigay ng panuntunan upang maipatupad ang pagbibigay ng titulo ng lupa sa pakikipagtulungan sa lokal na pamahalaan. 

Sa parehong taon din, nagpalabas naman ang Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ng Memorandum Circular No. 2011-117 na hinihikayat ang lahat ng lokal na pamahalaan na suportahan ang DENR para sa programang may kinalaman sa pagpapatitulo ng lupa at pagbuo ng Land Offices at Cadastral Councils sa lahat ng siyudad at munisipalidad.

"Naging matibay na katuwang ng DENR ang lokal na pamahalaan sa Batangas na mabigyan ng katuparan ang pagnanais ng inyong mga kababayan na matituluhan ang kanilang mga pag-aaring lupa. Ito din po ang higit pa nating isasakatuparan at pagtitibayin dito sa Batangas City!” sabi ni Juan.

Idinagdag pa ni Juan na ang programang ay hindi lamang naka-tuon sa residential land titling kundi maging sa pagpapatitulo ng mga agricultural lands. Kasama ding bibigyang prayoridad ang pagbibigay ng special patents sa mga walang titulong lupa na ginagamit ng mga lokal na pamahalaan gayundin ang barangay. (MPDC, PIA-Batangas)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681392003847#sthash.0gNiSae2.dpuf

5. Tagalog news: DENR at Lungsod ng Batangas, nagkasundo sa pagpapabilis ng proseso ng pagpapatitulo ng lupa
Friday 14th of February 2014
 
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Pebrero 14 (PIA) --Lumagda kamakailan ang mga kinatawan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 4A at ang pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas sa kasunduan na magpapabilis sa proseso ng pagpapatitulo ng lupa ng mga mamamayan ng lungsod.

Sa isang seremonya na idinaos sa Batangas City Convention Center noong Pebrero 4, nilagdaan nina DENR Calabarzon Regional Executive Director Reynulfo Juan at Batangas City Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha ang Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MPA) para sa survey at pagpapatitulo ng lupa.

Tinaguriang "Lupa Mo, Isigurado Magpatitulo," target ng kasunduan na maayos ang may 2,500 titulo ng lupa. Layon din nito na maisulong ang malawakang pagpapatitulo ng lupa gayundin ang cadastral survey records/mapping, pagpapataas ng bilang ng mga lupang may titulo pagtataas ng land tenure security, pagpapalawak ng tax base.

Ilan sa dahilan ng pagsasagawa ng proyektong ito ay upang maresolba ang conflicts on land disputes, maisaayos ang tax mapping/tax revenue at maiwasan ang malaking gastos sa pagsasa-ayos ng titulo.

Sinabi ni Juan, na ang gawaing ito ay bahagi ng konkretong pagsunod sa dalawang administrative orders ng dalawang ahensiya. Noong 2011, nagpalabas ang DENR ng Kautusan Blg. 2011-06 na nagbibigay ng panuntunan upang maipatupad ang pagbibigay ng titulo ng lupa sa pakikipagtulungan sa lokal na pamahalaan. 

Sa parehong taon din, nagpalabas naman ang Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ng Memorandum Circular No. 2011-117 na hinihikayat ang lahat ng lokal na pamahalaan na suportahan ang DENR para sa programang may kinalaman sa pagpapatitulo ng lupa at pagbuo ng Land Offices at Cadastral Councils sa lahat ng siyudad at munisipalidad.

"Naging matibay na katuwang ng DENR ang lokal na pamahalaan sa Batangas na mabigyan ng katuparan ang pagnanais ng inyong mga kababayan na matituluhan ang kanilang mga pag-aaring lupa. Ito din po ang higit pa nating isasakatuparan at pagtitibayin dito sa Batangas City!” sabi ni Juan.

Idinagdag pa ni Juan na ang programang ay hindi lamang naka-tuon sa residential land titling kundi maging sa pagpapatitulo ng mga agricultural lands. Kasama ding bibigyang prayoridad ang pagbibigay ng special patents sa mga walang titulong lupa na ginagamit ng mga lokal na pamahalaan gayundin ang barangay. (MPDC, PIA-Batangas)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681392003847#sthash.X4zyHYWs.dpuf

6.  Tagalog news: P132M Balai project ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Batangas, pinakikinabangan na ng mga maralitang benepisaryo

Friday 14th of February 2014
LIAN, Batangas, Pebrero 10 (PIA) –Pinakikinabangan na ng mga maralitang benepisaryo sa bayang ito ang proyektong pabahay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Batangas sa ilalim ng “Balai” project na may kabuuang halagang P1,320,000.

 Ang proyektong pabahay na nasa pangangasiwa ng Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PDWDO) ay matatagpuan sa barangay Prenza. Ito ay binubuo ng 22 bahay na nagkakahalaga ng P60,000 bawat isa.

Sa pagbisita ni Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto sa proyekto kamakailan, sinabi nito sa mga benepisaryo na paka-ingatan ang kanilang naipagawang bahay. Binigyang-diin din ng gobernadora na ang pondo para sa proyekto ay mula sa buwis ng mga tao na ibinabalik lamang ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamamagitan ng mga wastong pagawain.

 Sa ipinagmamalaking proyektong ito ng pamahalaang panlalawigan, ang mga maralitang benepisaryo na natukoy sa pamamagitan ng Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), ay pinagkalooban ng mga materyales upang maipaayos ang kanilang mga tahanan.

 Sa diwa ng bayanihan, nagtutulong-tulong ang mga benepisyaryo sa pagkukumpuni ng mga bahay kapalit ang grocery items na ipinagkaloob ng PSWDO bilang food-for-work assistance.

 Kasama ni Gov. Vi na bumisita sa project area si PSWDO chief Joy Montalbo, at iba pang opisyales ng pamahalaang panlalawigan. (Elfie Ilustre/Jhun magnaye-PIO Capitol/PIA Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681392101227#sthash.DJ4NDyzZ.dpuf



Palace lauds religious group for showing solidarity with Yolanda survivors
 
Malacañang on Sunday lauded a religious group for showing solidarity with survivors of super Typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) by holding a walk for a cause in Manila over the weekend.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said that while the Iglesia ni Cristo set a world record, what is more important is the sympathy it showed.

"Ang mahalaga sa naganap kahapon ang pagpapakita o manifestation ng pakikiisa sa ating kababayan na nasalanta ng kalamidad. Hindi ba ang titulo ng event ay 'Walk for a Cause?' Ang cause ay ang Yolanda assistance, ang pagbibigay ng tuwirang tulong sa nasalanta ng Yolanda (What is important is that they showed solidarity with those affected by the calamity. Isn't it the event was titled 'Walk for a Cause?' The cause was the assistance for Yolanda survivors)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

On Saturday, the Iglesia ni Cristo set a new Guinness world record for the largest charity walk set in one venue. The 1.9 kilometer walk started at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and ended near Diamond Hotel along Roxas Boulevard with some 175,000 participants.

The world record was previously held by Singapore for The New Paper Big Walk on May 21, 2000. That Singapore walk had some 77,500 participants on record was organized by The Singapore Press Holdings, The Singapore Amateur Athletic Association and The Singapore Sports Council to promote healthy living. The proceeds went to education, sports and charity organizations.

Kirstie Bennett, Guinness adjudicator in the Philippines, confirmed that Saturday's charity walk figure was based on the number of wristbands worn by participants and dropped in a box by the finish line. According to reports the said walkathon, simultaneously held in 54 other provinces and 27 other countries, sought to raise funds for survivors of Yolanda, which devastated Visayas and Southern Luzon last November.

Coloma noted the new world record was a "consequence" of the religious group's solidarity, something that merits the Palace's commendation.

"Ang pagkakaroon ng world record na yan ang naging consequence ng pagkakawanggawa at pagmamalasakit na pinupuri natin (The world record was a consequence of the solidarity and sacrifice the group's members showed. And we commend them for that)," he said. PND (jl)

Palace: 100 days after Yolanda, recovery still a long road ahead
 
One hundred days after super Typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) left a trail of destruction, the government sought continued participation by the people in helping survivors of the calamity as the road to recovery remains a long one.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the government has not relaxed in providing assistance to those affected, and remains open to suggestions on how to improve its efforts.

"As we mark the 100th day after super Typhoon Yolanda hit the country, government is firmly determined to carry out massive rehabilitation efforts in all 171 municipalities and cities affected by this unprecedented calamity," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma cited the advice of United Nations resident humanitarian coordinator Luiza Carvalho that no one can afford to become complacent at this time.

Quoting Carvalho, he said "authorities, UN agencies, non-government organizations, and the Filipino people should be commended for the pace of progress in relief and rehabilitation efforts (but) we cannot afford to be complacent.”

He also called on Filipinos to practice the spirit of the 1986 EDSA People Power revolt, whose 28th anniversary will be marked on Feb. 25, by continuing to work together.

"We call on all Filipinos in the spirit of bayanihan and in the spirit of EDSA People Power that we will be celebrating soon to continue working with government and all donor and aid agencies in extending a helping hand to our countrymen who are rebuilding their lives and seeking a better future," he said.

"We realize that despite its best efforts, government is unable to adequately respond to all the needs of all the affected families and individuals. We continue to welcome suggestions on how we can improve our response and assistance," he added.

In the meantime, Coloma said President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed the Cabinet to prepare a detailed roadmap for effective response to disasters before the onset of the rainy season in June. This includes new emergency alert protocols for storm surge, floods, and landslides, as well as the strict implementation of no-build zones along coastlines and higher standards for disaster resiliency of buildings and infrastructure.

Another priority is the setting up of an all-weather communications systems including satellite phones and mobile communications kits to ensure connectivity even if power is knocked out.

"The President has also said that, with the worsening effects of climate change, we must make even greater measures to adapt including reinforcing our supply of power," he said.

He added affected families living in bunkhouses and temporary shelters will be provided permanent housing in new human settlements with facilities for livelihood activities.

"New school buildings, municipal halls, public markets, and town centers will be constructed," he said.

On the other hand, he said the Philippines and other disaster-prone countries must break the cycle of prediction, devastation, and rehabilitation by adopting the principle of build-back-better and being more productive.

Meanwhile, Coloma thanked the UN, foreign governments, international and domestic organizations, civic organizations, and volunteers who "extended and continue to provide financial and logistical support, as well as valuable time, talent, and treasure to affected families in the calamity zones."

"We also thank leading business organizations and humanitarian foundations that have signified their willingness and commitment to become development sponsors in 24 priority areas in partnership with the Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR)," he said.

He said PARR Secretary Panfilo M. Lacson has already prioritized local government units that have done their homework in preparing a post-disaster needs assessment analysis and corresponding rehabilitation plan.

"Secretary Lacson is currently coordinating the efforts of Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, and National Housing Authority in preparing relocation and rebuilding sites for new permanent housing and local government facilities," he said.

For its part, the Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to attend to the basic needs of families still occupying temporary shelters.

Coloma said Department of Health doctors and paramedics are on the lookout against the outbreak of diseases.

The Department of Labor and Employment is providing cash-for-work and temporary employment opportunities while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is conducting skills training, he added. PND (jl)

28th EDSA-1 anniversary to be marked in Palace, govt eyes shift in focus of future EDSA celebrations
 
To avoid inconvenience to motorists and commuters, this year's anniversary celebration of the 1986 EDSA People Power revolution will be held inside the Malacañan Palace grounds.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said this was the decision made by the EDSA People Power Commission under Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.

"Para sa kapakanan ng mga mamamayan at upang hindi na lumikha ng dagdag na problema ng trapik sa EDSA, ang magiging sentro ng pagdiriwang sa ika-25 ng Pebrero ay ang Malacañan Palace grounds (So we will not disrupt traffic at EDSA, the center of this year's anniversary celebration will be held at the Malacañan Palace grounds)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

He said these include the flag-raising and traditional "salubungan" between the people and soldiers in the 1986 revolt that ousted then President Ferdinand Marcos.

The 1986 revolt had catapulted President Benigno S. Aquino III's late mother Corazon Aquino to the presidency.

Other activities include a "pulong-bayan" (town hall meeting) between President Aquino and representatives of various sectors.

Meanwhile, Coloma said this year's anniversary will have the theme “Kapit-bisig para sa Pagbangon (Linking arms together toward recovery).”

He said the administration is shifting the focus of EDSA 1 celebrations from those who took part in the 1986 revolt, to modern-day Filipinos working together to fight poverty.

"Unti-unti nating inilalayo ang sentro ng selebrasyon sa kabayanihan ng mga nanindigan sa EDSA noong 1986 tungo sa pagbabayanihan ng mga Pilipino sa kasalukuyang panahon upang maibsan ang paghihirap na dulot ng maraming dekada ng korapsyon at pagsasamantala ng mga nasa kapangyarihan (We are moving the focus of the celebrations away from those who took part in the 1986 revolt, to modern-day Filipinos who work together to fight corruption)," he said.

"Nais nating pagtuunan ng pansin ang pagpapa-angat sa antas ng kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino na patuloy na nakararanas ng ‘di makatarungang kahirapan. Pinahahalagahan natin ang pagpupunyagi ng mga mamamayan sa pagpapabuti ng kanilang pamumuhay, pagtutulungan, at pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa sa panahon ng pangangailangan (We want to focus our efforts on improving the lot of Filipinos who continue to suffer from poverty. We want Filipinos to have better lives and to be there for each other in times of need)," he added. PND (jl)

Palace: Warm welcome awaits Olympian Michael Martinez
 
A warm welcome awaits Michael Christian Martinez for representing the Philippines at the Sochi Winter Olympics, Malacañang said Sunday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said Martinez, who competed in figure skating, did the country proud with his performance.

"Ang tinitiyak ko lang po ay kinikilala natin ang mahusay na performance ni Michael Martinez, at nakikiisa tayo sa ating mga kababayan, at tiyak na makatatanggap siya ng mainit na welcome at pagkilala sa kanyang pagbabalik (We acknowledge his fine performance and are one with the Filipino people in making sure he will get a warm welcome upon his return)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

While he failed to advance to the next rounds, Martinez awed audiences - including Filipinos who watched the televised coverage - with his performance in figure skating.

Many were particularly impressed that Martinez did well in an event where Filipinos are not expected to excel as the Philippines is a tropical country.

In the meantime, Coloma urged the private sector to help support Philippine athletes since the government lacks resources to do so by itself.

He said this is why President Benigno S. Aquino III had instructed that support be prioritized for events where Filipino athletes have a good chance of winning.

"Ang problema lang naman po kasi ay ‘yung paglalaan ng kaukulang pananalapi o resources dahil limitado po talaga ang resources ng pamahalaan dahil batid naman po natin ang prayoridad ay sa pagbabawas ng kahirapan, pagbibigay ng pagkalinga sa mga mahihirap at mga nangangailangang sektor (The problem is that the government has limited resources, and is prioritizing the use of such resources for poverty alleviation)," he said.

"Doon naman sa mga ibang larangan ay pwede rin namang himukin ang private sector na patuloy na sumuporta dito. So tulong-tulong lang po ang nakikita nating solusyon. Kung pagtutulungan po ng sambayanan, magbibigay tayo ng suporta sa mga mahuhusay na atleta katulad ni Michael Martinez at iba pa, ay sigurado naman pong makakamit natin ‘yung mga layunin natin sa larangang ‘yan (We can ask the private sector for help. The only solution we see is cooperation between government and the private sector to support excellent athletes like Martinez)," he added. PND (jl)

Palace appeals for patience as NCR infrastructure works starts Monday
 
Malacañang on Sunday appealed to Metro Manila residents for patience as traffic is likely to get slower as work for some major infrastructure projects starts on Monday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the inconvenience is short-term and will lead to faster travel and more productive living in the long run.

"We call on our people to share in the burden of sacrifice and bear with the short-term inconvenience so we can build better roads that will ensure faster travel and more productive living in our highly congested National Capital Region," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

On Monday, work is to start on some key infrastructure projects such as the Skyway 3 and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway Phase 3.

The work is expected to slow down traffic in some areas of Metro Manila.

"Nananawagan tayo sa mga mamamayan na makiisa sa mga isasagawang proyektong pang-imprastruktura tulad ng Skyway III na mag-uumpisa bukas (We call on the people to share the burden while the infrastructure project is ongoing)," Coloma said. PND (jl)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Palace seeks more support for ice skater Martinez's future competitions
 
As it hailed his performance in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Malacañang on Saturday voiced hopes for more support for figure skater Michael Christian Martinez in his future competitions.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Martinez's showing at the Olympics should attract many in the private sector to extend more support for Martinez in the long road to the 2018 Olympics.

"Hindi biro ang training sa isang Olympics. Undeniably (his performance) will attract more attention for him and hopefully donors from the private sector will come (Preparing for the Olympics is no joke. Undeniably, his performance will attract more attention for him and hopefully donors from the private sector will come)," Valte said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

"It's a long road to 2018 and we wish him the best of luck," she added.

She also noted many private companies quietly gave their support at least for Martinez's finances.

Martinez earned the respect and admiration of many when he represented the Philippines, a tropical country, in the Winter Olympics.

Valte also noted the Philippine Sports Committee extended support to Martinez as well.

"With the attention he has received and the heart he has shown everybody siguro mas ma-improve ang situation (With the attention he has received and the heart he has shown, we expect his situation to improve)," she said. PND (jl)

Yolanda survivors continue to get help from government, Palace maintains
 
Malacañang on Saturday reassured survivors of super Typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) they will continue to get help from the government, more than three months after the typhoon devastated Visayas and parts of Southern Luzon.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said national government agencies continue to push for what "needs to be done" in areas hit by the super typhoon.

"We will keep pushing for those improvements and we will keep pushing for actions that need to be done on the ground for victims of Typhoon Yolanda. ... Ipagpatuloy natin ang kailangan gawin para matulungan pa sila (We will continue to do what is needed to help them)," she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Yolanda left more than 6,200 dead after devastating the Visayas and Southern Luzon last November.

Some survivors had expressed disappointment with what they claimed was the lack of support by the government for them.

"We continue to assure everybody the national government agencies involved will continue to push for what needs to be done in areas hit by Yolanda," Valte replied. PND (jl)

Palace: Government keeping tabs on evacuees from Zamboanga siege
 
Malacañang on Saturday assured residents affected by last September's attack by followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari that the government continues to keep tabs on their needs.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Department of Social Welfare and Development is coordinating with the Department of Health in attending to the health needs of the evacuees.

"Kailangan ng DSWD ng tulong sa ibang ahensya. Nakikipag-usap sila sa DOH kung papaano mas madadamihan ang health workers na naroon sa evacuation centers kasi marami pa rin ang taong inaalagaan doon (The DSWD needs help from other agencies. It is talking with the DOH on how to increase the number of health workers in evacuation centers to take care of the people there)," she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

She gave the assurance following reports many residents affected by the September siege had died while staying in evacuation centers.

Citing news reports, she said many died of illnesses but some also died of gunshot wounds.

"Ina-assure natin ang mga kababayan na tinututukan ng DSWD, katulong ang mga private NGOs, para mas mapaganda ang sitwasyon doon (We assure them the DSWD and non-government organizations are working to improve their lot)," she said. PND (jl)

Palace: Prospective witnesses in PDAF mess to be scrutinized
 
Prospective witnesses who wish to testify in the investigation into the alleged misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations by some lawmakers will have to undergo a process by the Department of Justice.

Malacañang stressed this Saturday amid reports one of the personalities linked to the mess had sent feelers he would testify in the probe.

"Hindi lahat gagawing state witness. It's a process, there is a process being undertaken by the DOJ to detemine the testimony being offered (Not all people can become state witnesses. There is a process being undertaken by the DOJ to study their testimonies)," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

She referred to reports that actor Mat Ranillo III had sent feelers he would help shed light on the investigation.

Valte noted that while President Benigno Aquino III had said the government will appreciate people coming out with information on the mess, "it's very important for us to stress the DOJ will be evaluating the testimony being offered," she said.

Valte also assured that government has enough resources to protect the witnesses.

"May naging improvement in the administration and in the running of the witness protection program. Ina-assess ng DOJ kung ano ang kailangan for that, so far they've been managing it well (There's an improvement in the administration of the witness protection program. The DOJ is assessing what is needed for it. So far, they've been managing it well)," she said. PND (jl)

Palace to public: Check with MMDA for traffic info as infrastructure works start Monday
 
Malacañang on Saturday urged the public to constantly check with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for traffic advisories as work on at least two major infrastructure projects starts this coming Monday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the public can check the MMDA's social media accounts for updates on the traffic situation.

"Let us study the information carefully para ma-avoid ang magkagulo tayo, hindi tayo aware meron palang certain roads na hindi magagamit o kalahati lang ang bukas para ma-avoid natin... para at least alam natin ang pwede gawin (Let us study the information carefully to avoid confusion and inconvenience as some roads could be closed)," she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

On Monday, work is expected to start on the Skyway 3 project and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway Phase 2.

"We encourage everyone to go to either MMDA (on) Twitter (or) Facebook or online resources para maging aware sa mga alternate routes na binubuksan nila ... Sa Lunes kasi sisimulan (We encourage everyone to go to MMDA's Twitter or Facebook accounts to be aware of alternate routes. Work on the projects will start Monday)," she added.

Valte also said the alternate routes had been discussed since last year.

However, she said the MMDA's proposal for a four-day school week will still have to be studied by the Department of Education. PND (jl)

Malacanang renews commitment to tax moratorium in typhoon-affected areas
 
The Palace said the Bureau of Internal Revenue is ready to extend consideration to taxpayers in typhoon-ravaged areas who will be filing their ITRs this summer.

“As far as the proposal for a tax moratorium is concerned, Commissioner Henares already answered this and she said that the BIR, in those regions, will be extending the utmost accommodation to our citizens who will be filing the ITRs this coming April,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview Saturday.

“Ang sabi ni Commissioner Henares kung ano lang ‘yung meron sila, ‘yon ang ibigay nila; kung ano lang ang talagang natira and they will be extending the utmost consideration,” she told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

With regards to the issuance of business permits, the Palace will leave that to the local government units whether they will choose to issue a moratorium or not, she said.

There is a proposal in Congress calling for a two-year tax moratorium so that devastated areas could immediately recover from the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Some businesses are also finding a hard time propping up their operations due to the severity of the typhoon damage.

Valte also said that hopefully, business operations will pick up in the next few months as the government continues its relief and rehabilitation works.

“Hindi pa rin naman tumitigil ang DSWD in providing relief for those who still need it kahit meron nang mga iba ibang programa para makatulong sa kanila, patuloy pa rin naman ‘yon. And hopefully, it will pick up in the coming months,” she said. PND (as)

 
 


President Aquino challenges tourism stakeholders: Go extra mile, cement Phl position as tourism hotspot
 
Even as he stressed his administration's support for tourism, President Benigno Aquino III on Friday challenged stakeholders in the industry to go the extra mile to ensure the Philippines cements its position as a tourism hotspot.Speaking at the Philippine Travel Agencies Association's 21st TravelTour Expo 2014 at the SMX Asia, the President said Filipinos cannot be satisfied with what they have achieved so far.
"Of course, we cannot be satisfied with what we have achieved so far. The goal now is not merely to maintain our growth, but to cement our position as one of the world’s vacation hot spots," he said.
He said his administration has been working hard to ensure visitors find their travels smooth and worry-free.
So far, he said the government has implemented reforms in civil aviation, by liberalizing airspace through the Pocket Open Skies Policy, and by rationalizing taxes on foreign carriers.
With added opportunities for both local and foreign airlines to expand operations in and out of the Philippines, he said consumers now have more options when planning their trips.
Government also continues to make massive investments in infrastructure—from construction and rehabilitation of roads leading to tourism clusters, to upgrading airports and ports in key areas, he added.
However, the President also threw a challenge to stakeholders in the industry "to go beyond what you have already done."
"It is not just about sustaining the appeal of already favored destinations; it is also about discovering and marketing hidden destinations. It is not just about getting tourists to visit the Philippines once, but getting them to return. The possibilities ahead are limitless now that the world knows that it is indeed more fun in the Philippines!—and each one of us is asked to do his part to realize these possibilities," he said.
"Thus, I pose a question to all of you today: have we, as a nation, gone the extra mile to make our tourists the happiest visitors to the Philippines—the most fun place on earth?" he added.

He reminded them as well that the success of any business balances profit with customer satisfaction, and that the collective goal goes beyond making sales and booking trips.
"What we want is for both domestic and international tourists to become advocates of the Philippines—visitors who will return again and again to explore every corner, every peak, every shoreline of our archipelago, and encourage their friends and family to do the same. To achieve this, we need all of you to become advocates of our country—first, to go above and beyond your normal responsibilities, to do everything you can towards the resounding success of each and every trip, even as we in government continue to do our part," he said.
The President also said the administration remains on track for meeting and even exceeding its targets.
He said it has already surpassed its initial target of 35.5 million domestic travelers five years ahead of schedule, with 37.5 million travelers in 2011 alone.
"Now, Secretary Mon Jimenez has the fun task of meeting, or better yet, surpassing our new 2016 target of just 56.1 million domestic travelers," he said.
The President added that in 2012, the country reached another milestone by surpassing the four-million international arrival mark.
In 2013, despite the calamities that befell the country, the figure still grew by 10 percent to 4.7 million international arrivals.
"The good news is that, while the growth of international arrivals was affected last year, we found that international tourists have been spending more money on their visits here—with average daily expenditures among them increasing by 8.7 percent," he added. PND (jl)

President Aquino: Phl-US framework pact still being worked out to adhere to Phl, US laws
 
Work is still ongoing for a prospective Philippine-US framework agreement that would allow increased rotational presence of US troops in the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III said Friday.

The President, in an interview with media in Pasay City, said both sides want to make sure the pact does not violate Philippine and US laws.

"Mula naman noong simulan ang usapan na ito talagang ang focus ay mapamadali, na magkaayos na tayo't magkasundo dito. Iyong principles that we want to uphold... dapat klaro ang details. Sabi nga nila, the devil is in the details. Iyong details ang medyo kailangan pang plantsahin (Since the negotiations started, the goal was to reach an agreement soonest. But we must make sure the result does not violate the rules of both countries. We still have to iron out the details)," he said.

The President made the clarification amid speculations that the pact is being readied for signing in time for US President Barack Obama's visit to the Philippines in April.

But for now, President Aquino said there are still meetings being held to iron out the details of the pact that would allow a US rotational presence that will meet both the needs of the Philippines and the US.

The added presence of US forces is seen to boost the Philippines' position in its territorial row with China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). PND (jl)

President Aquino: Complaint vs ERC chief now being studied
 
President Benigno Aquino III on Friday assured the public a Malacañang office is now studying a complaint against Energy Regulatory Commission head Zenaida Ducut.The President, in an interview with media in Pasay City, said the complaint is being studied and scrutinized by Deputy Executive Secretary Michael Aguinaldo.
"Nandoon ngayon kay Deputy Executive Secretary Michael Aguinaldo, kung saan pinag-aaralan at sinisiyasat 'yung reklamo (The complaint is now with Deputy Executive Secretary Michael Aguinaldo where it is now being studied and scrutinized)," he said.
Earlier this month, Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the complaint is being handled by a newly created division.
Coloma said this was the Investigative and Adjudicatory Division of the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs.
He said the new office replaces the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission.
Earlier, a party list group had asked the Palace to investigate Ducut for supposedly abandoning her duty to protect consumers from a power rate hike. PND (jl)

President Aquino declares February 26 as a special non-working day in the City of Zamboanga in celebration of 77th Charter Day
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 26, which falls on a Wednesday, as a special (non-working) day in the city of Zamboanga, in celebration of its 77th Charter Day.

The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 717 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 7 to give the people of Zamboanga City the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

Zamboanga City became a chartered city in 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act. No. 39, when the Philippines was still ruled by a Commonwealth Government under then President Manuel L. Quezon. PND (js)

President Aquino hopes Tuason testimony on pork mess to result in safeguards vs abuse
 
President Benigno Aquino III on Friday voiced hopes the testimony before the Senate by Ruby Tuason will lead to safeguards against the abuse of the country's finances.

In an interview with media, the President said information provided by such witnesses can help lawmakers refine or amend laws to protect public funds.

"Ang buong paksa ay natutukoy sa pang-aabuso ng sistema. Natural, maganda ngang malaman nila kung paano naabuso itong sistemang ito para mailagay 'yung kaukulang safeguards nang hindi na maabuso sa darating na panahon (What we are looking into is the abuse of the system. It is good to see in detail how the system is being exploited, so proper safeguards can be put up to prevent further abuse)," he said.

On Thursday, Tuason appeared before a hearing of the Senate and provided details of how some lawmakers allegedly profited from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The President said he managed to occasionally catch parts of the televised hearing Thursday.

Meanwhile, the President said it will be premature to consider Janet Napoles, the suspected mastermind behind the PDAF mess, as a potential state witness at this time.

He said Napoles has so far kept quiet on the case, and has not shown any sign she should be considered "not the most guilty."

"So until magsasalita siya, siguro, premature na sabihing puwede siyang maging state witness (So until she talks, it would be premature to say she can be considered a state witness)," he said. PND (jl)

President Aquino to spend Valentine's Day with friends
 
President Benigno Aquino III on Friday said he plans to spend Valentine's Day with some friends.

"Mamaya naman ay magtitipon kami ng mga kaibigan ko at may kaunting salu-salo, hanggang doon na lang 'yon (Later today, I will get together with some friends. That's it)," he said in an interview with media in Pasay City.

Earlier Friday, the President addressed the opening of the 21st TravelTour Expo 2014 of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association.

During his speech, he exhorted the stakeholders in the tourism industry to go the extra mile to cement the Philippines' stature as one of the world's vacation hotspots.

On the other hand, the President also thanked Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara for reminding him that Feb. 14 also happens to be his youngest sister Kristina Bernadette's birthday.

"So kung hindi dahil sa kanya baka nakaligtaan kong mabati ang aking kapatid (If it were not for Sen. Angara, I might have forgotten to greet her)," he said. PND (jl)

 
 
 
 

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Hinamon ng Pangulong Aquino ang ‘tourism stakeholders’ na ibayong sikaping ang Pilipinas ay maging ‘tourism hotspot’
 
Kasabay ng pagbibigay-diin sa walang pasubaling suporta ng administrasyon sa turismo, hinamon ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Biyernes ang mga nasa industriya ng turismo na walang humpay pang tiyaking nakasemento na ang katayuan ng Pilipinas bilang tourism hotspot.

Sa talumpati sa ika-21 Travel Tour Expo ng Philippine Travel Agencies Association sa SMX Asia, sinabi nya na hindi dapat masiyahan ang mga Pilipino sa kanilang natamo nang tagumpay.

“Hindi naman tayo dapat masiyahan na sa ating narating sa kasalukuyan. Ang pakay natin ay hindi lamang para manatiling nagpapatuloy ang ating pag-unlad, kundi dapat nating sikaping mahinang na lalo ang ating katayuan bilang isa sa mga vacation hotspots sa daigdig,“ sabi ng Pangulo.

Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na walang tigil ang administrasyon niya sa pagtiyak sa mga panauhin na ang paglalakbay sa ating bansa ay magiging kaaya-aya at walang dapat ikabahala.

Binanggit ng Pangulong Aquino ang mga repormang ipinatupad ng pamahalaan sa civil aviation sa pamamagitan ng Pocket Open Skies Policy at makatuwirang buwis na ipinapataw sa mga eroplanong dayuhan.

Marami na ngayong mapagpipilian ang mga nais maglakbay, sabi ng Pangulo, dahil sa dagdag na pagkakataon ng mga eroplanong lokal at dayuhan man na mapalawak ang kanilang operasyon papasok at palabas ng Pilipinas.

Bukod dito, ang gobyerno ay patuloy sa paglalagay ng malaking puhunan sa imprastraktura na tulad ng paggawa at pag-aayos ng mga lansangang patungo sa mga pook ng turismo hanggang sa pagpapalaki ng mga paliparan at daungan sa mga pangunahing pook na sinasadya ng mga turista.

Kaalinsabay nito, hinamon ng Pangulo ang mga nasa industriya ng turismo na “higitan ninyo ang inyong mga nagawa na.”

“Hindi tayo dapat masiyahan na lamang sa patuloy na pang-akit ng mga piling destinasyon. Dapat din tayong tumuklas at itampok ang mga lingid na destinasyon. Hindi lamang sikaping dalawin ng mga turista ang Pilipinas, kundi tiyaking nanaisin nilang bumalik. Walang hanggan ang pagkakaraon ngayong batid na ng daigdig na tunay ngang 'It’s more fun in the Philippines.' Kaya naman hamon sa bawa’t isa sa atin na gampanan ang kanyang tungkulin upang bigyang katuparan ang lahat nang ito,” dugtong pa ng Pangulo.

“Kaya naman, ang tanong ko sa inyong lahat ngayon ay: tayo ba bilang isang bansa ay nakagawa ng ano mang hakbang upang ang mga turista ay maging pinakamaligayang panauhin sa Pilipinas—ang pinakamasayang pook sa balat ng lupa?” dagdag ng Pangulo.

Ipinagunita ng Pangulo na ang tagumpay ng ano mang pakinabang sa negosyo ay nakasalig sa lubos na kasiyahan ng tumangkilik nito at ang nagkakaisang layunin ay hindi lamang dapat ituon sa sales at booking trips.

“Ang pakay natin para sa turistang domestic at international ay maging tagapamansag ng Pilipinas—mga panauhing babalik nang paulit-ulit upang pasyalan ang bawa’t sulok, bawa’t tugatog, bawa’t dalampasigan ng ating kapuluan, at himukin ang kanilang mga kaibigan at pamilya na gayundin ang gawin. Para ito maisakatuparan, kailangan natin ang masisigasig na tagapamansag ng ating bansa na katulad ninyo—na ibayo pang gawin ang inyong responsibilidad, gawin ang lahat ng makakaya tungo sa walang katulad na tagumpay ng bawa’t isang biyahe, nang nakatitiyak kayong kaming nasa gobyerno ay patuloy ring ibubuhos ang lahat ng aming mga pagsisikap,” pagbibigay-diin ng Pangulo.

Sinabi ng Pangulo na nananatli ang administrasyon sa hangaring hindi lamang matamo, kundi mahigitan pa kung maaari ang mga targets nito.

Ayon sa Pangulo, nahigitan nga ang unang target na 35.5 milyong domestic travellers nang limang taon kaysa sa iskedyul dahil noong 2011 lamang, umabot na sa 37.5 milyon ang mga bumiyahe't naglibot sa ating bansa.

“Kaya ngayon, si Kalihim Mon Jimenez ay magiging masayang abutin, o lalo yatang mainam, ay higitan pa ang ating bagong target para sa 2016 na mga 56.1 milyong domestic tourists lamang,” wika pa ng Pangulo.

Idinagdag ng Pangulo na noong 2012 ay nagawa na ng bansang higitan pa ang apat na milyong international arrivals.

Sa kabila naman ng mga kalamidad na dumaan sa bansa noong 2013, tumaas pa ng sampung porsiyento sa 4.7 milyon ang international arrivals.

“Ang magandang balita ay habang palaki ang international arrivals ay apektado noong isang taon, napag-alaman nating ang mga pandaigdig na turista ay gumagasta nang higit na malaki sa pagdalaw nila rito—na ang karaniwang gugol nila sa isang araw ay naragdagan ng 8.7 porsiyento,” pagbabalita pa ng Pangulo. PND (jl/zaf)

Inaayos pa ang ‘Phl-US framework pact’ para maagpang sa batas ng dalawang bansa—Aquino
 
Kasalukuyan pang inaayos ang panukalang Philippine-US framework agreement na magpapa-hintulot ng karagdagang rotational presence ng mga kawal ng Estados Unidos sa Pilipinas, sabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Biyernes.

Sa panayam ng media sa Lungsod ng Pasay, sinabi ng Pangulo na ibig ng dalawang panig na tiyaking hindi lalabag ang naturang kasunduan sa mga batas ng Pilipinas at ng Estados Unidos.

“Mula naman nang simulan ang usapang ito, talagang ang focus ay mapadali, na magkaayos na tayo at magkasundo rito. Ang mga prinsipyong ibig nating sundin, dapat maliwanag ang mga detalye. Sabi nga nila, 'the devil is in the details.' Ang mga detalye ang kailangan pang plantsahin,” ayon sa Pangulo.

Niliwanag ng Pangulo ang bagay na ito sa gitna ng mga ispekulasyon na ang kasunduan ay inihahanda para malagdaan agad kaugnay ng gagawing pagdalaw sa Pilipinas ng Pangulong Barack Obama ng Estados Unidos sa Abril.

Subali’t ngayon, sabi ng Pangulo, may mga pulong pang ginaganap para maayos ang mga detalye ng kasunduang magpapahintulot ng US rotational presence (manaka-nakang pagtungo rito ng EU) na tutugon sa mga pangangailangan kapuwa ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos.

Ang pagtungo rito ng mga kawal-Amerikano ay itinuturing na magiging daan upang isulong ang paninindigan ng Pilipinas sa gusot sa Tsina kaugnay ng West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). PND (jl/zaf)

Pinag-aaralan na ang sumbong laban sa puno ng ERC, sabi ng Pangulo
 
Tiniyak ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa madla Biyernes na isang opisina sa Malacanang ang masusi nang sumusuri at nag-aaral sa sumbong laban kay Zenaida Ducut, puno ng Energy Regulatory Commission.

Binanggit ng Pangulo sa panayam ng media sa Lungsod ng Pasay na pinag-aaralan at sinusuri ni Deputy Executive Secretary Michael Aguinaldo ang usaping ito.

“Na kay Deputy Executive Secretary Michael Aguinaldo na ito. Pinag-aaralan at sinisiyasat na ang reklamo,” sabi ng Pangulo.

Nang unang mga araw ng buwang kasalukuyan, sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office na isang bagong likhang dibisyon ang may hawak ng naturang usapin.

Idinugtong ni Coloma na ito ay ang Investigative and Adjudicatory Division ng Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs.

Ang bagong opisina ang ipinalit sa Presidential Anti-Graft Commission.

Una rito, isang party-list group ang humiling sa Malacanang na siyasatin si Ducut kaugnay ng umano ay hindi pagtupad sa kanyang tungkuling pangalagaan ang mga konsumidor laban sa pagtataas ng halaga ng koryente. PND (jl/zaf)

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino na pista opisyal ang Pebrero 26 sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga dahil sa ika-77 'Charter Day' nito
 
Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na pista opisyal ang Pebrero 26, natapat sa araw ng Miyerkoles, sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga bilang pagdiriwang sa ika-77 Charter Day.

Ang deklarasyon ay ginawa ng Pangulong Aquino sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 717 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Pebrero 7 upang bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Lungsod ng Zamboanga na ipagdiwang nang masigla at daluhan ang mga seremonyang kaugnay ng 77th Charter Day nila.

Ang Lungsod ng Zamboanga ay naging chartered city noong 1937 sa pamamagitan ng Batas ng Commonwealth Blg. 39 nang ang Pilipinas ay nasa ilalim ng Pamahalaang Malasarili (Commonwealth) sa ilalim ng noon ay Pangulong Manuel Luis Quezon. PND (js/zaf)

Umaasa ang Pangulong Aquino na ang pahayag ni Tuason sa 'pork barrel mess’ ay magiging daan upang masagkaan ang mga pagsasamantala
 
Inaasahan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na ang salaysay sa Senado ni Ruby Tuason ay magiging daan upang magkaroon ng mga sagka laban sa pagsasamantala sa salapi ng bayan.

Sa panayam ng media, sinabi ng Pangulo na ang mga impormasyong inilahad ng mga saksi ay makatutulong sa mga mambabatas upang ayusin o susugan ang mga batas upang pangalagaan ang salapi ng bayan.

“Ang buong paksa ay tumutukoy sa pang-aabuso ng sistema. Natural, maganda ngang malaman nila kung paano naaabuso ang sistemang ito para mailagay ang mga kaukulang safeguards ng hindi na maabuso sa darating na panahon,” pahayag pa ng Pangulo.

Huwebes nang humarap si Tuason sa pagdinig ng Senado at inilahad ang mga detalya kung paano nakinabang ang ilang mambabatas sa Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Sinabi ng Pangulo na napanood niya sa telebisyon ang ilang bahagi ng pagdinig noong Huwebes.

Samantala, sinabi ng Pangulo na napakaaga pa sa panahong ito para isaalang-alang si Janet Napoles, ang pinaghihinalaang utak ng PDAF scam bilang potensiyal na saksi ng pamahalaan.

Idinugtong ng Pangulo na si Napoles ay wala pang ano mang sinasabi sa kasong ito at hindi rin nagpapakita ng ano mang palatandaan na siya ay dapat ituring na “not the most guilty”.

“Kaya kung hindi siya magsasalita, siguro, hindi pa angkop na sabihing puwede siyang maging saksi ng pamahalaan (state witness).,” dugtong ng Pangulo. PND (jl/zaf)

Kasama ng Pangulong Aquino ang mga kaibigan niya sa pagdiriwang ng 'Valentine’s Day'
 
Makakasama ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga kaibigan sa pagdiriwang ng “Valentine’s Day” ngayong araw na ito, Biyernes.

“Mamaya naman ay magtitipon kami ng mga kaibigan ko at may kaunting salu-salo. Hanggang doon na lang ‘yon,” wika ng Pangulong Aquino sa panayam ng media sa Lungsod ng Pasay matapos niyang daluhan ang pagsisimula ng 21st TravelTour Expo 2014 ng Philippine Travel Agencies Association.

Sa kanyang talumpati, nanawagan ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga nasa industriya ng turismo na dagdagan pa ang pagsisikap upang mahinang nang husto ang katayuan ng Pilipinas bilang isa sa vacation hotspots sa daigdig.

Sa kabilang dako, pinasalamatan ng Pangulo si Senador Juan Edgardo Angara sa pagpapa-alaala sa kanya na ang Pebrero 14 ay kaarawan ng kanyang bunsong kapatid na si Kristina Bernadette.

“Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, baka nakaligtaan kong mabati ang aking kapatid,” wika pa ng Pangulo. PND (jl/zaf)

 
 


 

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014
SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
14 Feb 2014
 
Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; may I pay special attention to the Ambassador of South Africa, who is one of our regular visitors to all of the tourist sites and who is actively promoting our tourism–Thank you, your Excellency; Secretary Mon Jimenez; Senator Sonny Angara; Mrs. Angara; Mayor Tony Calixto; Mr. John Paul Calbalza; Mr. Mariano Ragaza III; officers and members of the Philippine Tourism Travel Agencies Association; exhibitors and tourism partners; fellow workers in government; ladies and gentlemen; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan:

Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.

Whenever I attend events such as this, I cannot help but remember a trip I took earlier on in my Presidency to the Puerto Princesa Underground River—one of our national treasures, and now one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The experience was unforgettable. Not only was I able to marvel at the beauty of nature, I was also able to gather some interesting pieces of information, thanks to our very vibrant tour guide. Yes, like any tour guide, he recited facts and figures, but he also talked about the snakes and the bats that inhabit the area. Of course, he neglected to tell us that no poisonous snakes had been found until the end of the ride. Perhaps that was part of the trip. Nevertheless, he greatly enhanced our experience. He was a non-stop chatterbox, which meant that there was never a dull moment.

The attitude and the passion of our tour guide perhaps best illustrate the large role our local communities must fulfill in growing our tourism destinations. It is of utmost importance that—like the community in Puerto Princesa—they are involved not merely in maximizing the benefits of their assets, but also in preserving them. It is a clear signal: It is only through the efforts of all stakeholders—whether those in government, in the private sector, or in the local communities—that our tourism industry will continue, and perhaps even accelerate, its growth.

I made it a point to be here today to show my full support to your industry in this endeavor. Tourism, after all, is a low-lying fruit for our country; and from the beginning, our administration knew that if we can harness the beauty and the hospitality that our country is known for, then without doubt, it would be another massive step taken in growing our economy in an inclusive manner. Now, with the help of those present here, those working in the Department of Tourism, and the local communities, we are unleashing the potential of Philippine tourism—showing the world that, truly, it is more fun in the Philippines.

Year after year, we remain on track for our targets—sometimes even exceeding them. For instance, we surpassed our initial target of 35.5 million domestic travelers five years ahead of schedule, with 37.5 million travelers in 2011 alone. This prompted us to pursue an even more ambitious target. Now, Secretary Mon Jimenez has the fun task of meeting, or better yet, surpassing our new 2016 target of just 56.1 million domestic travelers. [Applause]

I’m sure there are those who are doubting the figures. Perhaps, we can ask them if they can talk to people who were in Baguio either for Chinese New Year or during the Christmas holidays if indeed our domestic tourism is really on such a high.

In 2012, we reached another milestone by surpassing the four-million international arrival mark. And despite the calamities that the Philippines endured in 2013, this figure still grew by 10 percent to 4.7 million international arrivals last year. The good news is that, while the growth of international arrivals was affected last year, we found that international tourists have been spending more money on their visits here—with average daily expenditures among them increasing by 8.7 percent.

I am certain that those of you here are feeling the progress we have made. I am told this Expo is targeting four to eight thousand more visitors this year, and are expecting an approximate income—I think the number was incorrect—of P600 million, 64 percent higher than your income last year.

The Philippines is making a transition to becoming one of the best places to visit in the world. Just to give you a few examples, our country is one of the top ten destinations by Rough Guides in 2014, one of the 46 places to go by the New York Times in 2013, the Best Tropical Island Destination by the Shanghai Morning Post in 2013, and, fittingly, the Most Romantic Destination by the same publication in 2012. Indeed: the whole world is in on the secret.

Of course, we cannot be satisfied with what we have achieved so far. The goal now is not merely to maintain our growth, but to cement our position as one of the world’s vacation hot spots. This is why our administration has been hard at work to ensure that visitors find their travels smooth and worry-free. By implementing reforms in civil aviation, by liberalizing airspace through the Pocket Open Skies Policy, and by rationalizing taxes on foreign carriers, we have created more opportunities for both local and foreign airlines to expand operations in and out of the Philippines. This redounds to benefits for consumers, who now have more freedom and a wider menu of options when planning their trips. All this is happening even as we continue to make massive investments in infrastructure—from constructing and rehabilitating roads leading to tourism clusters, to upgrading airports and ports in key areas.

Those of you here, of course, are likewise part of our success and of our collective work to accelerate the growth of our tourism sector. So, while I am here to thank and congratulate you for your contributions; I also challenge you to go beyond what you have already done. It is not just about sustaining the appeal of already favored destinations; it is also about discovering and marketing hidden destinations. It is not just about getting tourists to visit the Philippines once, but getting them to return. The possibilities ahead are limitless now that the world knows that it is indeed more fun in the Philippines—and each one of us is asked to do his part to realize these possibilities.

Thus, I pose a question to all of you today: have we, as a nation, gone the extra mile to make our tourists the happiest visitors to the Philippines—the most fun place on earth? Have we, like that tour guide in Puerto Princesa, done everything within our capabilities to show visitors what there is to love about our country?

It is my hope that you keep these in mind as you welcome the attendees to this Expo. Though I am aware that the success of any business balances profit with customer satisfaction, I hope that you remember our collective goal goes beyond making sales and booking trips. What we want is for both domestic and international tourists to become advocates of the Philippines—visitors who will return again and again to explore every corner, every peak, every shoreline of our archipelago, and encourage their friends and family to do the same. To achieve this, we need all of you to become advocates of our country—first, to go above and beyond your normal responsibilities, to do everything you can towards the resounding success of each and every trip, even as we in government continues to do our part. This is the true measure of a successful tourism program—a program where all avenues for growth are explored, where opportunities are ever-expanding, and where each and every Filipino does their best to make sure that it stays more fun in the Philippines.

Thank you. Good day.



15 FEBRUARY 2014
Bangsamoro block grant comparable to IRA of LGUs; Panel clarifies budget not from LGU's IRA
Adopt a child the right way through legal adoption – DSWD
DOE holds Consultative Dialogue on EPIRA review
Dozen police couples tie knots on Valentine"s Day
38 Filipinos to arrive home from Syria today
San Miguel Beer to expand presence in Hawaii
DSWD, IBP ink partnership on free legal aid for victims of abuse
Foreign Portfolio flows show mixed trends in January
DTI earmarks P46M for SSF projects in R9 for 2014
Education sector, an active participant in the peace process -- Luistro
SSS donates to Gawad Kalinga for “Yolanda” rehab efforts
DOTC ready to defend public interest, need for additional MRT-3 coaches
Tuguegarao branch releases highest TAV in PAG-IBIG history
VP Binay eyes deployment of OFWs to Iraq this year
DSWD, UN agency conduct training on handling women’s concerns in evacuation camps
President Aquino III fetes outstanding licensed recruitment agencies

Bangsamoro block grant comparable to IRA of LGUs; Panel clarifies budget not from LGU's IRA
Source: https://www.opapp.gov.ph
Kidapawan City — The Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel on Thursday assured local government units (LGUs) outside the envisioned Bangsamoro territory that the block grant that will be released to the region will not be taken from their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), stressing that LGUs will even benefit from the development projects to be brought by the peace process.

GPH peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and peace panel members Senen Bacani and Yasmin Busran-Lao held a consultation with North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño Mendoza, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and several mayors at the provincial capitol here.

“There will be a block grant to the Bangsamoro and this will not be taken from the 40 percent IRA share of the LGUs,” said Bacani, noting it was contained in the Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The block grant is comparable to the internal revenue allotment of LGUs. It will be sourced from the national revenue collections and released annually by the Central government to the Bangsamoro government.

According to the Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, the “block grant shall be based on a formula provided in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which in no case shall be less than the last budget received by the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) immediately before the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.”

The annex further stated that formula “shall be subject to review by the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government after ten years, on the basis of need and actual revenues generated.”

The GPH peace panel shared that it is working with the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance and Department of Public Works and Highways in determining a formula based on estimates of the cost of all devolved functions. The panel will in turn propose options to the Transition Commission to assist them in drafting the needed provision in the BBL.

Currently, the allocation of the ARMM, which the Bangsamoro government will replace once the BBL is approved by Congress and ratified by the constituents, goes through a budget deliberation process and spelled out in the General Appropriations Act, Bacani explained.

But since the formula for allocation will be determined in the BBL, the Bangsamoro government will be free from the limitations of the annual budgetary processes whereby the ARMM’s budget allocation is negotiated with Congress every year.

However, revenues collected by the Bangsamoro from additional taxes as well as shares in government income from natural resources will be deducted from the annual block grants four years after the full operation of the Bangsamoro government

Adopt a child the right way through legal adoption – DSWD
Source: https://www.dswd.gov.ph
Filipinos celebrate February as Love Month. For childless couples, what better way to express this than to provide a needy child with a loving and stable family through legal adoption.

This is the message of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman as the Department leads the celebration of Adoption Consciousness Week from February 15 to 23.

The week-long event aims to disseminate basic information about adoption including the processes, requirements, and its benefits and effects.

Adoption Help Desks will be set up in selected SM and Ayala Malls in Metro Manila to provide information on adoption to interested individuals and families.

These will be manned by social workers from DSWD-Field Offices IV-A and IV-B, National Capital Region, as well as accredited child-placing agencies, such as Norfil Foundation Inc. and Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF).

This year’s theme, “Legal na Pag-aampon sa Lahat ng Pagkakataon”, emphasizes the importance of adhering to the legal adoption process in every situation, including during disasters.

“This is especially true in the situation of orphaned children in Eastern Visayas where some Typhoon Yolanda survivors have taken custody of some orphans in their localities,” Sec. Soliman stated.

“Children orphaned by ‘Yolanda’ deserve to get the proper psychological and material support needed for their recovery,” Sec. Soliman underscored.

DSWD, in partnership with local government units, international and local non-government organizations, has initiated the Rapid Family Tracing and Reunification Program (RFTRP) for the registration of orphaned children.

As of December 2013, DSWD has initially registered 87 children who were orphaned due to the disaster.

Sec. Soliman said that by registering, the families and individuals who are taking custody of orphaned children can become foster families or parents, and may avail of the benefits provided for under the Foster Care Act of 2012.

In 2012, DSWD issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Foster Care Act or Republic Act 10165 which includes qualifications for those interested in being a foster parent or providing temporary care to abused, abandoned, neglected children, and children with special needs.

The law also includes provisions on adopting a foster child.

“Legal adoption offers security and ensures the best interest of the child. This is why DSWD discourages direct placement and is against simulation of birth certificates,” Sec. Soliman emphasized.

Adoption Consciousness Week is observed annually based on Presidential Proclamation No. 72 dated February 3, 1999.

Other activities include launching of the adoption dashboard, photo exhibit of adoptive families and their adopted children, and a forum on the professional practice of social work on adoption in different settings.

DSWD celebrates the event in partnership with SM Cares; SM City Manila, Fairview, Marikina, Southmall, Megamall, Market Market in Greenbelt; Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA); Metro Rail Transit Authority (MRTA); Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA); Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO); and, Quezon City Government.

Other participating agencies are the Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines (ACCAP), Norfil, KBF, Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB), and Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).

ICAB and CWC are attached agencies of the DSWD.

DOE holds Consultative Dialogue on EPIRA review
Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph
The Department of Energy (DOE) will be conducting a Consultative Dialogue on the implementation of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.

With the theme “Ensuring Security of Electricity Supply at a Reasonable Price,” the event will serve as the culminating activity of the previously-held Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with various sectors across the country. The dialogue will be held on the afternoon of 18 February 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

“The outputs of the FGDs through this dialogue should reflect the unified voice of the Filipino people,” Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said. He added that the Consultative Dialogue signals the beginning of more collaboration with all stakeholders.

In this dialogue, each sector representative is expected to present and discuss its sector’s views and recommendations on how EPIRA and its implementation can be enhanced for the greater good of electricity end-users but at the same facilitate the entry of new investments particularly in power generation and supply.

Expected participants for the plenary session are the power generation companies, electricity suppliers, distribution utilities as well as representatives from the business sector, consumer sector, academe, labor groups, non-government organizations, and people’s organizations, officials from the DOE, its attached agencies as wells as representatives from the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and Energy Regulatory Commission. All interested participants are encouraged to register beforehand with the DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau at 840-1773 or 479-2900 local 264.

The DOE conducted an FGD for Luzon last month and similar discussions for Visayas and Mindanao earlier this month.

The EPIRA is designed to achieve transparency in electricity prices and services. The DOE notes that after almost thirteen years of the implementation of EPIRA, there have been significant reforms, however, there is still much to be done particularly in ensuring that the supply of electricity is available to meet the country’s future demand and in attaining greater competition and efficiency in the electric power industry.

Dozen police couples tie knots on Valentine"s Day
Source: https://www.pnp.gov.ph
Twelve (12) policemen exchanged marriage vows with their respective brides during mass wedding rites today February 14, 2013 at St. Joseph Chapel, Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Solemnized by The Most Reverend Bernardino C. Cortez, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila, the mass wedding ceremony was organized by the PNP Chaplain Service (CHS) under Senior Superintendent Deody O. Barret, Director of PNP-CHS. The said ceremony including the reception is provided by the Principal Sponsors which is the Chief, PNP Police Director General Alan La Madrid Purisima and the PNP Command Group.

Police Senior Superintendent Romulo A. Esteban and Mrs. Yolanda A. Esteban from the Directorate for Personnel Records Management of Police Regional Office 5 (DPRM – PRO 5), who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary is the most senior pair among other 11 couples. Each couple will also receive cash gifts from the PNP leadership.

According to PDIR Garbo, the mass wedding rites is an annual event hosted by the PNP Chaplain Service to allow police personnel the opportunity to legitimize relationship with their partners consistent with the standards of morality, decency espoused by the PNP that emphasizes high regard for family life and value of marital fidelity and sanctity of marriage.

Similar mass wedding rites are also held in different Police Regional Offices and Units in line with the advocacy of the Chief PNP of giving priority to good and healthy family relations. (PNP-PIO)

38 Filipinos to arrive home from Syria today
Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph
14 February 2014 – Thirty-eight (38) Filipinos from Syria will arrive in Manila at 4:00 p.m. today, February 14, on board Emirates Airlines flight EK 332.

Upon their arrival, the number of Filipinos repatriated from war-torn Syria will reach 5,212. Of that number, 2,185 were repatriated via Lebanon, with the assistance of the Philippine Embasy in Beirut.

In a related development, the Philippine Embassy in Damascus met anew with the Filipino community in Syria on February 09 to remind them of the Philippine Government’s Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP) and also to seek their help in informing other Filipinos in Syria, especially in the Damscus area, of the MRP.

The DFA continues to appeal to all Filipinos who are still in Syria to seek immediate repatriation. For assistance they may call the Embassy at 00963-11-6132626, 0963-949155557, and 00963-934957926 or send an email to damascuspe@gmail.com.

The families of Filipinos in Syria may also provide the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) with up-to-date information regarding their next-of-kin’s present location and contact details in Syria. Those who wish to do so may call the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) at (02) 834-3240 or 834-4583 or the DFA’s 24-hour Action Center at (02) 834-3333.

San Miguel Beer to expand presence in Hawaii
Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph
14 February 2014 - Manila-based executives of San Miguel Brewing International Ltd (SMBIL) visited the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu on February 10. Mr. Carlos Berba (center) SMBIL Managing Director, Mr. Jorel Tangpuz (leftmost) Group Sales Manager for US Territories and Mr. Frederick Martelino (rightmost), informed Consul Roberto T. Bernardo (2nd from left) and Vice Consul Joyleen E. Santos (2nd from right) of SMBIL’s plans of revitalizing San Miguel Beer as a brand in the United States and penetrating the Hawaii market through touching base with major supermarkets and restaurants as well as local distributors.

San Miguel Beer products are currently distributed to Hawaii by GK Skaggs Inc., importers of Premium Beverages, which is based in Irvine, CA.

DSWD, IBP ink partnership on free legal aid for victims of abuse
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
Women-victims of violence and exploitation may now avail of free legal aid as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) implement the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) providing such assistance.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and IBP President Vicente Joyas inked the MOA for the partnership in December 2013.

Under the agreement, DSWD evaluates cases of women and children who are qualified to avail of free legal aid.

On the other hand, IBP through the National Center for Legal Aid (NCLA) provides free legal counseling and advice to DSWD clients, gathers facts and evidence, and prepares and files pleadings and other documents required by the courts.

IBP lawyers will also appear in court proceedings and conduct legal aid clinics to inform the beneficiaries of their legal rights and address their various legal concerns.

The agreement also covers provision of free legal counseling and advice to children in conflict with the law (CICL) and prospective adoptive or foster parents.

The partnership will run until December 2014.

Sec. Soliman thanked the IBP stressing that legal assistance is needed for the speedy resolution of cases being handled by DSWD.

Foreign Portfolio flows show mixed trends in January
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
Registered investments in January 2014 amounted to US$1.3 billion, 4.2 percent higher than the US$1.2 billion level recorded in December last year. Year-on-year, however, registered investments declined by 54.5 percent from US$2.8 billion reflecting investors’ bearish view on emerging markets as the United States started the tapering of its quantitative easing program during the month.

Investments during the month consisted of PSE-listed securities (78.7 percent), Peso GS (18.6 percent) and Peso time deposits (2.7 percent). For PSE-listed securities, the main beneficiaries were: banks, holding firms, property companies, food, beverage and tobacco firms, and telecommunication companies.

Outflows for the month nearly doubled to US$3.1 billion from US$1.6 billion last month, as investors started to divert funds back to the United States as the US economy exhibited more signs of economic recovery. Transactions resulted in overall net outflows of US$1.8 billion, more than five (5) times the US$354 million recorded the previous month and a sharp reversal from the US$1.3 billion net inflow a year ago. Transactions across all investment instruments (PSE-listed securities, Peso GS and Peso time deposits) yielded net outflows (US$209 million, US$1.5 billion, and US$169 million, respectively).

The United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Luxembourg, and Belgium were the top five (5) investor countries for the month with combined share to total of 77.9 percent, while the United States continued to be the main destination of outflows receiving 82.8 percent of total.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is voluntary. It entitles the investor or his representative to buy foreign exchange from authorized agent banks and/or their subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment.

DTI earmarks P46M for SSF projects in R9 for 2014
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is allocating P46M for shared service facility (SSF) projects for Region 9 this year, an increase of roughly 70% over the P27.12M allocation in 2013.

“With this bigger budget, we should be able to help more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region which are needful of government support in acquiring needed equipment, tools or machinery to improve their production,” DTI Region 9 Officer in Charge (OIC) Dr. Sitti Amina M. Jain said.

“Let me clarify again though that SSFs are not given to individual persons or businesses but, as its name implies, are given to registered association of SMEs, farmer groups, etc. for their shared or common use,” Dr. Jain added.

“We are targeting big-ticket SSF projects this year, those that would have a bigger impact in jobs creation such as the proposed village-type rubber processing projects in Zamboanga del Norte. Through these, it is possible for our small rubber producers to produce more value added products like ribbed smoked sheets that fetch higher prices, especially when they, the farmers’ groups export the products themselves, by-passing middlemen”, she emphasized.

“This is just one of the many SSF projects we will prioritize for funding this year. In our selection criteria, poverty alleviation through jobs creation is paramount in view of this government’s commitment for inclusive growth. Walang iwanan as our Secretary succinctly puts it in his marching orders to us in the field,” she added.

So far the Department has launched nine SSF projects in Zamboanga City last year while several more are to be established this year. The same is true in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“Our work doesn’t stop there once the projects are established. We have to monitor and document the progress of each, making sure that they are used and that they deliver the benefits as planned,” Jain said.

Education sector, an active participant in the peace process -- Luistro
Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph
Koronadal, South Cotabato -- Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC emphasized the role of education on the peace process in his keynote address on the 4th Regional Research Congress and 1st Communication Festival in Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) held February 11.

“DepEd has always advocated peace. Even before peace process, we put “zone of peace” banners in our schools to emphasize our support to the process,” Luistro said, adding that students were the first affected by any armed conflict due to cancellation of classes and disruption of the learning process.

Under DepEd Order (DO) no. 44 s. 2005, it is stated that all concerned personnel in the Central and field offices must make the necessary actions to ensure the safety and security of students in each school. This was reiterated by DepEd Memorandum no. 221, s. 2013 which ensures the rights of children even during armed conflicts.

“Kung may alitan sa labas ng lipunan, ang hindi pagkakaunawaan sa iba’t ibang kultura, lumalabas [ito] sa interaksyon ng mga bata sa isa’t isa,” Luistro said emphasizing the importance of inculcating tolerance among students to promote peace in schools.

He added, "We are not only recipients of a successful peace process, we are also active participants in the process. We include peace in our curriculum; we bring the dialogue of different cultures.”

The education also chief stressed that “in any conflict in the Philippines, for as long as it can be discussed, it can be resolved.”

SSS donates to Gawad Kalinga for “Yolanda” rehab efforts
Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph
The Social Security System (SSS) turned over a total of P2.52 million as donation to Gawad Kalinga (GK) in support of rehabilitation projects for families affected by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” during ceremonies held at the SSS Main Office in Diliman, Quezon City on February 10.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr. (4th from left) led the presentation of the two checks---which represent SSS employees' voluntary contributions of P1.26 million that was matched with an equal donation from SSS management during the annual SSS Christmas Fund Drive---to GK Executive Director Jose Luis M. Oquiñena (center). Photo also shows (from left) SSS Vice President (VP) for Public Affairs and Special Events Marissu G. Bugante, Alert and Concerned Employees for Better SSS (ACCESS) VP for Main Office Nilo V. Natividad, GK Partnership Group Head Reynaldo M. Cajulis, SSS Assistant Vice President for Performance Management and Employee Relations Daisy S. Real, SSS Executive Vice President for Investments Edgar B. Solilapsi, SSS VP for Human Resource Management Jesse J. Caberoy and SSS VP for Management Services and Planning May Catherine C. Ciriaco.

DOTC ready to defend public interest, need for additional MRT-3 coaches
Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph
P 35.2 Billion Paid to MRTC But Zero LRVs Added to MRT-3T he Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is ready to defend public interest and argue its case on the need to add forty-eight (48) new Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) to the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) system at 2:00pm today, before the Regional Trial Court of Makati.
Acting on a petition filed by Metro Rail Transit Holdings II, Inc., the court issued a 20-day Temporary Order of Protection on 30 January 2014, preventing the transport agency from going ahead with the Project.
While having no contractual relationship, the DOTC says that MRT Holdings II should be held accountable for Metro Rail Transit Corporation’s (MRTC) failure to add much-needed train coaches to the rail line, after it claimed to own 100% of MRTC.
“Passenger safety and convenience demand that the project proceed immediately.  MRTC has received over P 35.2 Billion in equity rental payments since 2000.  Yet it has added zero LRVs, knowing full well that MRT-3 has been operating beyond capacity for years.  MRT Holdings II must answer the obvious question: why hasn’t it added LRVs to MRT-3 all this time?” said DOTC Spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal.
The rail transit line has an original design capacity of only 350,000 passengers per day.  According to current MRT-3 data, it is already averaging 560,000 passengers daily, and its highest recorded number of single-day riders has reached 620,000.
Government has made the following equity rental payments to MRTC since 2000, pursuant to the Build-Lease-Transfer (BLT) agreement:
YEAR

PAYMENT IN US DOLLARS

PH PESO EQUIVALENT



YEAR

PAYMENT IN US DOLLARS

PH PESO EQUIVALENT

2000
9,166,665
448,515,054.70
2007
39,999,996
1,754,820,860.36

2001
9,999,996
519,220,323.88
2008
39,999,996
1,844,433,054.49

2002
9,999,996
520,304,865.70
2009
44,583,333
2,108,191,434.15

2003
19,166,670
1,064,526,731.07
2010
118,333,337
5,255,041,829.44

2004
20,000,004
1,121,338,123.04
2011
129,583,330
5,620,838,651.65

2005
38,333,330
2,005,689,396.15
2012
129,999,996
5,482,319,022.33

2006
39,999,996
1,877,620,456.23
2013
129,999,996
5,580,144,026.22
These payments total USD 779,166,641.00 or P 35,203,003,829.41
“Those are the numbers: P 35.2 Billion paid to MRTC; more than 560,000 passengers daily; zero trains added to the system.  Despite all of this, MRT Holdings II is asking the court to stop the DOTC from improving MRT-3’s services,” Sagcal added
To end government’s obligation to continue making equity rental payments to MRTC until 2025 while the latter effectively blocks efforts to improve MRT-3 services, an Equity Value Buy-Out of MRTC is already being prepared by the Department of Finance pursuant to Executive Order No. 126, series of 2013
As to the maintenance of the MRT-3 system, it is MRTC’s obligation under the BLT agreement to provide such services.  However, MRTC allowed its previous contract with maintenance provider Sumitomo of Japan to lapse in 2010, after which it engaged Sumitomo’s services with short-term contracts only
The DOTC acted promptly and stepped in to ensure the safety of the riding public, by first engaging a maintenance provider through an emergency procurement, followed by the regular procurement of a longer-term maintenance service provider last year.

VP Binay eyes deployment of OFWs to Iraq this year
Source: http://ovp.gov.ph
Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said Monday he is hopeful that the Philippines and Iraq would soon sign a protocol that would pave the way for the deployment of Filipino workers to the Middle Eastern country.

The Vice President was referring to the protocol on the implementation of the Philippines-Iraq Agreement on the Mobilization of Manpower, which has yet to be signed by officials of the two countries.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency lifted the six-year deployment ban to Iraq in July last year. Government suspended the deployment of Filipinos to Iraq in 2007 due to US invasion of the country.

Labor experts expect at least 10,000 Filipinos to be hired as a result of the lifting of the ban. Previously Iraq was host to some 4,000 Filipino workers.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with the concerned government agencies to finalize the protocol," Binay said during Iraqi Ambassador Ahmed Kamal Hasan Alkamaly’s courtesy call to the Vice President.

The Iraqi ambassador met with the Vice President to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the countries.

The Vice President also expressed his optimism that the relations between the Philippines and Iraq will bring about greater mutual benefits, particularly in trade and investment, labor, health, and agriculture.

According to Binay, Iraq is keen to attract Philippine companies to participate in the construction of housing units, roads, and other infrastructure that will be subsidized by the Iraqi government.

He added that Iraq is also interested in forging a government-to-government arrangement for the recruitment of nurses to operate Iraq’s hospitals. The matter is now with the Department of Health and the International Labor and Employment Bureau of the Department of Labor and Employment.

"We hope and pray that under his term (Iraqi Ambassador), there will be greater bilateral relations between Iraq and the Philippines," said the Vice President.

DSWD, UN agency conduct training on handling women’s concerns in evacuation camps
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
Tacloban City, Leyte – As part of the continued services for women who are still staying in evacuation camps in Typhoon Yolanda-hit Eastern Visayas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), recently conducted a training on managing women’s concerns during emergencies or disasters dubbed as “Women-Friendly Space (WFS) Management”. The training aims to enhance the capacity of WFS facilitators in the evacuation camps and staff of the Local Social Welfare and Development Offices in the region on managing WFS and facilitating information sharing with displaced women. WFS addresses the specific needs of women affected by disasters as it provides more systematic, organized and gender-responsive way of delivering services. This is a special place for women in evacuation centers where they can have access to a myriad of services such as psychosocial support, reproductive health, cash-for-work, awareness sessions, and life skills training, among others.

The participating WFS facilitators came from the evacuation centers located at the Astrodome and at the Leyte National High School in this city, the Oval Tent in Tanauan, and in Brgy. San Roque, Tolosa.

DSWD-Social Marketing Service Director Joel Espejo gave the closing remarks where he emphasized that women and children are “the most vulnerable sectors” and they usually bear the brunt of disasters, thus, “being sensitive to their needs is important to help them cope with their situation.”
Currently, there a total of nine WFS in the province.




Last Updated: 14 FEBRUARY 2014
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
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    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (February 14) with the theme: “Love Life, Love Travel." The Department of Tourism (DOT) is projecting 2014 tourism revenues to hit P1.4 trillion, higher by P110.6 billion of the expected earnings from domestic tourism in 2013 due in large part to a forecasted increase in the daily expenditures by domestic tourists. Also in photo are Senator Juan Edgardo Angara and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Travel Agencies Association 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (February 14) with the theme: “Love Life, Love Travel." The Department of Tourism (DOT) is projecting 2014 tourism revenues to hit P1.4 trillion, higher by P110.6 billion of the expected earnings from domestic tourism in 2013 due in large part to a forecasted increase in the daily expenditures of domestic tourists. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, ushered by PTAA secretary general and Travel Tour Expo 2014 executive director Marciano Ragaza III, tours the booths during the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday(February 14) with the theme: “Love Life, Love Travel”. The Department of Tourism is projecting 2014 tourism revenues to hit P1.4 trillion, higher by P110.6 billion of the expected earnings from domestic tourism in 2013 due in large part to a forecasted increase in the daily expenditures of domestic tourists. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. during the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (February 14) with the theme: “Love Life, Love Travel”. The Department of Tourism is projecting 2014 tourism revenues to hit P1.4 trillion, higher by P110.6 billion of the expected earnings from domestic tourism in 2013 due in large part to a forecasted increase in the daily expenditures of domestic tourists. Also in photo are PTAA secretary general and Travel Tour Expo 2014 executive director Marciano Ragaza III, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara and Travel Tour Expo 2014 president and chairman John Paul Cabalza. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, ushered by Travel Tour Expo 2014 president and chairman John Paul Cabalza, tours and the booths during the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday(February 14) with the theme: “Love Life, Love Travel”. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is projecting 2014 tourism revenues to hit P1.4 trillion, higher by P110.6 billion of the expected earnings from domestic tourism in 2013 due in large part to a forecasted increase in the daily expenditures by domestic tourists. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (February 14) with the theme: “Love Life, Love Travel”. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is projecting 2014 tourism revenues to hit P1.4 trillion, higher by P110.6 billion of the expected earnings from domestic tourism in 2013 due in large part to a forecasted increase in the daily expenditures by domestic tourists. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Senator Juan Edgardo Angara during the Philippine Travel Agencies Association 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (February 14) with the theme: “Love Life, Love Travel”. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is projecting 2014 tourism revenues to hit P1.4 trillion, higher by P110.6 billion of the expected earnings from domestic tourism in 2013 due in large part to a forecasted increase in the daily expenditures by domestic tourists. Also in photo are Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. and PTAA secretary general and Travel Tour Expo 2014 executive director Marciano Ragaza III. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Senator Juan Edgardo Angara during the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (February 14) with the theme: “Love Life, Love Travel”. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is projecting 2014 tourism revenues to hit P1.4 trillion, higher by P110.6 billion of the expected earnings from domestic tourism in 2013 due in large part to a forecasted increase in the daily expenditures by domestic tourists. Also in photo is Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II hands-over to Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy the cheque for Debris Management Fund during the 2nd Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Local Government Units Summit on Governance and Development at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday (February 12). (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with the participants of the 2nd Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Local Government Units (LGUs) Summit on Governance and Development for a group photo souvenir at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday (February 12). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu and ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    Participants in the 2nd Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Local Government Units (LGUs) Summit on Governance and Development listen intently to the speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday (February 12). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2nd Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Local Government Units Summit on Governance and Development at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday (February 12). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2nd Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Local Government Units Summit on Governance and Development at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday (February 12). Also in photo are Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman a copy of the resolution of support to the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement during the 2nd Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Local Government Units Summit on Governance and Development at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday (February 12). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the 2nd Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Local Government Units Summit on Governance and Development at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday (February 12). With the theme: “Strengthening Regional Stakeholders’ Partnership towards a Revitalized ARMM in Transition to Bangsamoro," the summit will highlight the role of ARMM government units in the Mindanao peace process and issues on disaster management, mitigation and response. Also in photo are ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    Commission on Higher Education chairperson Patricia Licuanan, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima share a light moment before the cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 11). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    Commission on Higher Education chairperson Patricia Licuanan, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima share a light moment before the cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 11). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 11). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 11). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the POEA Outstanding Agency Awards in Malacanang Monday (February 10). With the President are DOLE Sec. Rosalinda D. Baldos, POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and recipients of the award. The Presidential Award of Excellence recognizes the consistent excellent performance of private employment and manning agencies licensed by the Department of Labor and Employment through POEA. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montillano/Malacanang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 50th Anniversary of Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) at the EGV Multipurpose Hall in Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Friday (February 7). With the theme: “50 Years of Expertise in Serving God’s Special Children.” EGV is the first and largest government facility for people with developmental disorders, founded on February 03, 1964 with funding assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Philanthropist couple Samuel Gaches and Elsie McCloskey donated their 16-hectare summer villa to the government to be used as asylum for the sick, aged and handicapped. (Photo by Lauro Montillano; Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the men and women in uniform participating in the march-in-review during the Philippine Army (PA) Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Major General Hernando Iriberri, the 56th PA Commanding General replacing former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, together with 56th Philippine Army (PA) Commanding General Major General Hernando Iriberri and former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, observes the men and women in uniform participating in the march-in-review during the PA Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday(February 07, 2014). Iriberri is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Major General Hernando Iriberri, the 56th PA Commanding General replacing Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III hands over the command symbol to 56th Philippine Army Commanding General Major General Hernando Iriberri from former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, during the Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Iriberri is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID) and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III salutes the entry of colors during the Philippine Army (PA) Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Major General Hernando Iriberri, the 56th PA Commanding General replacing outgoing Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by outgoing Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, inspects the troops during the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Major General Hernando Iriberri, the 56th PA Commanding General replacing Coballes, is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID) and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino lll welcomes Former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar of the Kingdom of Spain during a courtesy call at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday (February 6). Also in photo is DFA Secretary Albert Del Rosario.(Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino lll welcomes Former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar of the Kingdom of Spain,during a courtesy call at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday (February 6). Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino lll welcomes Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children International, during her courtesy call at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday (February 6). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino lll welcomes Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children International, during her courtesy call at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday (February 6). Also in photo are DSWD Undersecretary Parisya Taradji and Pinky Abellada.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III renews his driver’s license, two days before he turns 54, at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Tayuman, Manila City on Thursday (February 06). Also in photo is Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by Photo by Gil Nartea, Rey Baniquet, Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III renews his driver’s license, two days before he turns 54, at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Tayuman, Manila City on Thursday (February 06). (Photo by Gil Nartea, Rey Baniquet, Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III offers prayers before the remains of Gerardo “Mang Gerry” Velasquez, father of singer-actress Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, at the Manila Memorial Park in Plaridel, Bulacan on Wednesday (February 05). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) Foundation, Inc. and the Provincial Government of Leyte for the construction of 500 houses and five units of Barrio Schools for Typhoon “Yolanda” victims at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (February 05). The relocation site will be named as “Filipino-Chinese Friendship Village." Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, FFCCCII Foundation, Inc. president Dr. Alfonso Siy, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
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