Monday, March 17, 2014

Dispatch for March 18 , 2014 (Tuesday) , 3 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 3 Weather Watch , 5 Reg’l. Watch , Interview with Sec. Coloma , 15 Online News , 19 Photonews (Mar.17)







 
1. Weather Watch

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

Issued at 5:00 a.m., 18 March 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

24-hr Mean Sea Level PressurePredicted Mean Sea Level Pressure 
Analysis for 8 a.m., 18 March 2014
24-hr Mean Sea Level StreamliSEsPredicted Mean Sea Level Wind 
Analysis for 8 a.m., 18 March 2014
Satellite Image
Satellite Image 

 
 Synopsis:

Moderate to strong Northeasterly surface windflow affecting the eastern sections of the country.

Forecast:  
The regions of Caraga, Davao and Northern Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light rains and isolated thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated light rains. The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
 Moderate to strong winds from east to northeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the northeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.






2. Weather Watch

GALE WARNING NO. 08

For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeasterly Surface Windflow.

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 18 March 2014

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

SEABOARD
WEATHER
WIND FORCE
(KPH)/(KNOTS)
SEA CONDITION
WAVE HEIGHTS
(meters)
THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF  SOUTHERN LUZON
(Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, Eastern coast of Albay, Eastern coast of Sorsogon and Eastern coast of Quezon including Polillo Island)
Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains
(52- 63 /28 - 34)
Rough to very rough
3.4 to 4.5
THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF VISAYAS
     ( Samar and Leyte)
Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms
(52- 63 /28 - 34)
Rough to very rough
3.4 to 4.5
THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF MINDANAO
(Surigao, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Island and Siargao)
Cloudy skies with light rains and isolated thunderstorms
(52- 63 /28 - 34)
Rough to very rough
3.4 to 4.5

Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.

The next update will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.





24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
(5AM, 18 March 2014)

SYNOPSIS: Moderate to strong northeasterly surface windflow affecting the eastern sections of the country
FORECAST: The regions of Caraga, Davao and Northern Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light rains and isolated thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated light rains. The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds from east to northeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the northeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
Like · ·





1. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Magtatatag ng isang monitoring group ang Regional Bantay Asin Task Force at Batangas Provincial Nutrition Council upang siguruhin na tatalima ang malalaking salt manufacturers sa lalawigan na gawing iodized ang kanilang mga produktong inilalako sa pamilihan.

2. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nilagdaan nina BIR Commissioner Kim Henares at Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto ang deed of donation para sa parcel of land na kinatatayuan ng gusali ng BIR Revenue District Office sa lungsod ng Batangas kung saan inaasahang lalong mas mapapag ibayo ang koleksyon ng buwis sa lalawigan ng Batangas.

3. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The provincial government of Quezon has launched recently the scholarship program for post graduate studies and research at Bulwagang Kalilayan, Lucena City. The program is being implemented under 'Programang serbisyong Suarez sa edukasyon'. This aims to help public school teachers to avail post graduate studies and research scholarship program or masteral degree.


4. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagsisimula ng tumanggap ng aplikasyon para sa scholarship ang pamahalaang bayan ng Calaca para sa taong 2014-2015.Layon nitong makatulong sa mga batang may kakulangan sa pinansyal ngunit masigasig sa pag-aaral.
 
5. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/RIZAL: Employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform-Rizal conducted a reorientation session Against Violence on Women and Children in line with Women's Month at the DAR Rizal office, Teresa, Rizal. The seminar was officiated by PNP Teresa Violence Against Women and Children Desk Officer SPO1 Minerva Evangelista.





 





March  18   , 2014  (  Tuesday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE            :  Sunny 
LAGUNA          :  Sunny 
BATANGAS    :   Sunny 
RIZAL                :  Sunny 
QUEZON           :  Sunny 








1. DENR-Cavite turns-over ‘trash trap’ to Dasmarinas city government
Tuesday 18th of March 2014
 
DASMARINAS, Cavite, March 18 (PIA) --The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cavite turned over recently to the city government of Dasmarinas a trash trap measuring 12m X 2m constructed in barangay Burol 1.

The project is contained in a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by the city government and DENR-Cavite aimed to enclose huge solid wastes coming from upland areas to prevent spreading the stretch of Imus river all the way to Manila Bay.

Engr. Rolinio P. Pozas, provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO), said the trash trap will help in the characterization and determination of the volume of wastes being generated. Data collected will be the basis for the government for planning and legislators to formulate corresponding policies to address the indiscriminate dumping of wastes.

On the other hand, Dr. Domingo R. Bravo, regional technical director for Protected Areas Coastal Zone Management Services, DENR CALABARZON Region explained the trash trap is just a part of the participatory approach to clean-up the Manila Bay as mandated by the Supreme Court’s continuing Mandamus Order issued on December of 2008.

“The collaborative efforts among the stakeholders led by DENR, LGUs and private sector will definitely ensure the achievement of the common goal to clean-up the Manila Bay,” Bravo added.

Aside from the trash trap, DENR-Cavite also handed over cleaning tools such as rake, shovel, gloves and rain boots to barangay chairwoman Mary Ann E. Castor and members of the Barangay Council of Barangay Burol 1.

As recipient of the project, Castor said the agreement “signals how working together can help realize the goals towards meeting the challenge of the Supreme Court’s continuing Mandamus Order in which we are directed to clean-up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay”. (Judaline A. Fabro, PENRO Information Officer/PIA-Cavite)



 

1. IRRI celebrates inspiring women
Monday 17th of March 2014
 
LOS BANOS, Laguna, March 17 (PIA) --To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños organized a series of activities to highlight the important role of women in all areas of human endeavor last March 10-11. The IRRI community and guests from neighboring areas in Laguna participated in the two-day event.

 
Guided by the theme “Inspiring change,” a special seminar series featured women who have been able to bring about change in their own lives through their chosen professions. Speakers included Philippine Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, gender specialist  Thelma Paris, and soil scientist Sarah Beebout.

 
“Women are agents of economic change. Research shows that empowering women benefit society as a whole,” Senator Santiago said. “When women are educated and empowered economically, their families become healthier, their children go to school, incomes increase, and communities thrive,” she added. The senator noted that while women’s roles in the agricultural sector continue to grow, they remain economically marginalized and have less access to agricultural resources such as land.

With almost 40 years of experience in her field, renowned gender specialist Dr. Paris shared her experiences in the capacity development of women in South and Southeast Asia.  “In spite of the significance of women in agriculture, their contributions are often underreported. Women can strongly influence the development and adoption of technologies, which affect their traditional roles and responsibilities,” she explained.

A recipient of Devex’s 40 under 40 award as one of the most influential leaders in development, IRRI’s Dr. Beebout shared about her personal struggles combining the personal and professional.  She is a mother of two and a scientist. As a soil chemist, she is working on increasing the amount of zinc in rice to improve human nutrition and prevent stunting and diarrheal diseases often associated with zinc deficiency in children.

 
IRRI celebrated IWD on 10-11 March 2014 as part of its Gender & Diversity (G&D) Program. The Institute’s work around the world includes a focus on women—empowering them and strengthening their roles in agricultural development. In Burundi, about 400 ex-combatant women learned to produce rice that helped reintegrate them into society. Also, through theSTRASA project, women farmers in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh were able to lead participatory varietal selection of rice seeds to meet their specific needs.(IRRI/PIA-Laguna)



 

1. Tagalog news: Kampanya sa ASIN Law sa lalawigan ng Batangas, palalakasin
Tuesday 18th of March 2014
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Marso 18 (PIA) --Isang dayalogo sa pagitan ng lalawigan ng Batangas sa pangunguna ng Provincial Nutrition Committee  at ng National Nutrition Council Region 4  ang isinagawa upang talakayin ang isyu ukol sa  Iodine Deficiency Disorder na nakasaad sa RA 8172 o ASIN Law.

 
Personal na nagharap sa pagpupulong  si Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto at  Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator  for CALABARZON, Carina Santiago  na naglatag ng kaniyang programa sa harap  mga kinatawan ng  Nutrition Committee .

 
Nasasaad sa programa ng NCC ang muling pagpapalakas ng kamalayan sa ASIN Law o  Republic Act 8172, An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) which mandates the use of iodized salt as a way of eradicating Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).

 
Sa pamamagitan ng  Regional Bantay Asin Task Force isang  programa ang bubuuin upang  siguraduhin na ang lahat ng mga salt producers sa di lamang sa Batangas  kundi sa buong southern tagalong region ay tatalima sa batas na nag-uutos na ang ilalabas na  for consumer use na asin sa merkado ay nagtataglay ng iodine o mas kilala sa iodized salt.

 
Ayon sa RBATF, sa isinagawa nilang pag-aaral at census sa mga pamilihan mababa ang porsyento ng mga consumer grade salt  na nagtatalay ng iodine daan upang maging  tumaas ang bilang iodine deficiency  partikular sa mga batang mag-aaral.

 
Ang mababang  antas ng  iodine sa nutrition system ng mga kabataan ay nagdudulot ng pagbaba ng intelligence quotient o IQ level  sa mga ito.

 
Sa pag uugnayan ng Regional Bantay Asin Task  Force at ng  Batangas  Provincial Nutrition Council sa pamumuno ni Governor  Santos Recto, isang monitoring  group ang bubuin upang siguraduhin na tatalima ang mga malalaking salt manufacturers  sa lalawigan na gawing  iodized ang kanilang mga produktong inilalako sa pamilihan.

 
Dagdag pa rito ang pamamahagi ng mga testing kits na magagamit sa pag-ikot sa ibat-ibang pamilihan upang matiyak  at matukoy ang mga establisimento na hindi  tumatalima sa Republic  Act  8172

 
Ganun na rin ang muling pag-aaral at pagsususuri  upang palakasin  ang nilagdaang  ordinansa ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan  na tumatalima sa ASIN law  na pamumunuan ni Vice Governor Mark Leviste  upang  maisagawa ang  kaukulang pagpapataw ng mga parusa sa mga hindi susunod sa nasabing  batas. ( Edwin V. Zabarte-BatangasPIO/PIA Batangas)


 

President Aquino to meet different sectors this week
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III will meet various sectors this week to work with them find ways in speeding up national development, the Palace said Monday.

In a statement, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the President has always emphasized the role of local government units in the development of the country that’s why he is meeting with them this week.

The President will administer the oath of office for the oathtaking of the Leagues of Local Government Units and Elective Officials, and speak at the general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

President Aquino will also lead the conferment ceremonies of the 16th Philippine Quality Awards recognizing exemplary performance of entities in the public and private sectors that have contributed to the competitiveness and productivity of the country, Lacierda said.

The Palace official said the President will also attend the Original Filipino Music Summit to meet different stakeholders in the industry and push its development, he said. PND (as)

Palace spells out benefits of increased rotational presence of US forces in PHL
 
Sealing an agreement for an increased rotational presence of American forces in the Philippines will bring in wide-ranging benefits for the country, a Palace official said.

The agreement, which will be buoyed on existing agreements with the US such as the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty, will certainly help the Philippines in terms of technology transfer and disaster response, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.

“The reason why it helps is because there’s some technology transfer, there’s knowledge sharing between the American forces and the Philippine forces when they do conduct military exercises,” Lacierda told reporters.

“It improves the quality of the Philippines’s defense in terms of preparedness. And let me also emphasize that a part of this rotational presence is now focusing on disaster preparedness and disaster reduction,” he added.

The Philippine government sees a big improvement when it comes to increased rotational presence particularly when the American military sent its assets to the Central Visayas in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

The US sent ships, planes, helicopters and military vehicles to assist in transporting relief goods, supplies and equipment in the affected Visayas region.

A new agreement does not need ratification of the Philippine Senate because an increased rotational presence pact with the US will be built on previous agreements already ratified by the Senate.

“It is an agreement that builds upon... or to be implemented based on the provisions of the Mutual Defense Treaty, as well as the Visiting Forces Agreement. Both agreements have been ratified by the Senate,” Lacierda said.

“So in the view of the Executive branch, these are mainly provisions which implement both treaties that have already been previously ratified by the Senate.” PND (as)

Palace backs Immigration Bureau's offloading of travelers; says it’s a move to curb human trafficking
 
The Palace defends the Bureau of Immigration’s move of offloading passengers leaving abroad with dubious intentions saying the intetion is to protect the public from human trafficking syndicates.

“The idea behind the guidelines here is not to prevent a traveler—somebody who wants to travel with all the completed documents to be prevented from traveling,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.

“These guidelines were meant to protect our citizen’s from human trafficking, and also to let the criminal syndicates know that we know what they do. This is primarily to protect our citizens from human trafficking,” he added.

Human trafficking syndicates know how to exploit the system, he said, and the government must act to counter those illegal acts. To bring people outside the country, syndicates let undocumented Filipinos hide in plain sight by acting as tourists.

“The guidelines were set up precisely to look into some benchmarks or some points where an Immigration officer will be able to, at the very least, detect tell-tale signs of human trafficking,” he noted.

The Bureau of Immigration clarified that Filipino travelers are not required to prove financial capacity to travel as tourists or overseas workers, and their right to travel remains enshrined in the Constitution.

Offloading individuals leaving overseas is not a policy, but a consequence of the implementation of government guidelines, explained Immigration chief Siegfred Mison.

People with complete travel documents, particularly those holding authentic passports and other documents issued by a foreign country such as a tourist or working visa, are allowed to leave, Mison said.

Offloading is not a power of the immigration bureau to bar anyone from leaving the country and it is not an official government policy, according to Mison.

Mison said the guidelines were established by the bureau and the Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking and approved by the Department of Justice. PND (as)

Coloma underscores truthful, complete information for effective communication
 
(TAGAYTAY CITY) Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. on Monday emphasized the importance of a complete, truthful and unified communications that would help the public in making responsible decisions.

Secretary Coloma talked about the Aquino administration’s communication directions during the 2014 Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Communications Planning Workshop held here in Tagaytay City.

“Naniniwala ang Pangulo na ang mahalaga sa lahat ay bigyan ng tama at sapat na impormasyon ang mga mamamayan,” the secretary told the participants of the Labor communications planning workshop.

“Kapag natanggap na nila ito, sila na mismo ang magpapasya; sila na ang magkukusang-loob na kumilos para baguhin ‘yung kanilang buhay, baguhin ang buhay ng kanilang komunidad at magbagong-tatag ng isang mas matibay na bansa,” he added.

Secretary Coloma said the government’s philosophy of an effective communication is “truth-telling, awareness-creation, and consciousness-raising.” He said the administration does not promote propaganda and censorship.

The secretary also said that the government focuses on the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, the administration’s development framework that seeks to address poverty, as well as achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic growth.

In communicating with the public, Coloma said that the government and its agencies should communicate a unified message. He said the media should be given timely and complete information, and they should be treated with respect and encourage professionalism.

He also cited that President Aquino speaks in the Filipino language in his speeches as he wants to reach all Filipinos not only the audience of the event venue. “Naniniwala ang Pangulo, tuwing siya ay nagsasalita, ang audience niya ay buong bansa,” he said.

The Department of Labor and Employment held a two-day communications planning workshop in Tagaytay City, which was attended by employees from the Labor Communications Office, as well as various regional offices and attached agencies. PND (co)

 
 
OPS2007-ban-balita.jpg (34469 bytes)


Makikipagpulong sa iba-ibang sektor ang Pangulo ngayong linggong ito
 
Nakatakdang makipagpulong sa iba-ibang sektor ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ngayong linggong ito kaugnay ng hangaring makatuklas ng mga paraan upang  mapabilis pang lalo ang pambansang kaunlaran.

Alinsunod sa Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda na laging binibigyang diin ng Pangulo ang mahalagang ginagampanan ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa pagpapaunlad ng bansa kaya makikipagpuoong siya sa mga ito ngayong linggong ito.

Magiging panauhin ang Pangulo upang  pasumpain  ang League of Local Government Units and Elective Officials at magtatalumpati sa pangkalahatang kapulungan ng League of Municipalities of the Philippines.

“Pangungunahan din ng Pangulo ang paggagawad ng 16th Philippine Quality Awards bilang pagkilala sa katangi-tanging mga nagawa ng pambayan at pribadong sektor na may malaking  naiambag upang maging higit na mahusay at malaki ang produksiyon sa bansa,” sabi ni Lacierda.

Idinugtong ni Lacierda na dadaluhan din ng Pangulong Aquino ang Original Filipino Music Summit upang makadaupang-palad ang mga nasa larangan ng naturang industriya sa hangaring lalo pang umunlad ang musikang Pilipino.  PND (as/zaf)

Inisa-isa ng Malacañang ang mga benepisyo ng Pilipinas sa ‘increased rotational presence’ ng kawal-Amerikano sa bansa
 
Malaking pakinabang ang matatamo ng Pilipinas kapag napagtibay ang increased rotational presence ng mga kawal-Amerikano sa bansa, sang-ayon sa Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Lunes.

Sinabi ni Lacierda na ang kasunduang masasalig sa umiiral na mga kasunduan sa Estados Unidos gaya ng Visiting Forces Agreement at Mutual Defense Treaty ay tiyak na makatutulong sa Pilipinas sa larangan ng technology transfer at disaster response.

“Ang dahilan kaya ito makatutulong ay magkakaroon ng ilang technology transfer, gayundin ang pagpapalitan ng kaalaman ng mga kawal Amerikano at Pilipino sa gagawin nilang magkasamang pagsasanay,” paliwanag ni Lacierda sa mga mamamahayag.

“Pabubutihin nito ang kakayahang magtanggol ng Pilipinas sa pagiging handang lagi. Itulot ninyong bigyang diin ko na ang isang bahagi ng rotational presence na ito sa kasalukuyan ay ang pagtutuon ng pansin sa pagiging handa sa panahon ng kalamidad at kung paano mababawasan ang kalamidad,” dugtong ni Lacierda.

Nakikita ng pamahalaang Pilipino ang malaking pagbabagong magaganap tungkol sa increased rotational presence, lalo na nang magpadala ang Hukbong Amerikano ng mga kagamitan nito sa Gitnang Kabisayaan nang manalanta ang napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda.

Nagpadala ang Estados Unidos ng mga bapor, eroplano, helikopter at sasakyan ng hukbo upang tumulong sa paghahatid ng tulong, pagkain at mga kagamitan sa rehiyon ng Kabisayaan na winasak ni Yolanda.

Hindi na kailangang pagtibayin pa ng Senado ng Pilipinas ang isang bagong kasunduan dahil ang increased rotational presence pact sa Estados Unidos ay gagawin alinsunod sa mga umiiral nang mga kasunduang napagtibay na ng Senado.

“Ito ay isang kasunduang nakasalig o ipatutupad nang alinsunod sa mga tadhanain ng Mutual Defense Treaty, gayundin sa Visiting Forces Agreement. Ang dalawang kasunduang ito ay pinagtibay na ng Senado,” wika pa ni Lacierda.

“Kaya naman, sang-ayon sa pananaw ng sangay Ehekutibo, ang mga ito ay pawang mga tadhanain lamang na magpapatupad ng dalawang kasunduang napatibay na ng Senado,” dagdag ni Lacierda. PND (as/zaf)

 
 
 

INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
DZRB / Balita at Panayam sa Radyo ng Bayan by Alan Allanigue
March 18, 2014
 
ALAN: Kahapon po ay pinapakinggan namin ang inyong talumpati diyan sa Tagaytay. Iyong pag-i-emphasize po ninyo ng ilang mga mahahalagang bagay pagdating sa effective communication. Meron ho kayong ilang mga binigyang-diin doon, Sec. Sonny, paki-share nga po muli sa ating mga tagasubaybay sa umagang ito, please?

SEC. COLOMA: Ipinaliwanag ko sa ating mga kaagapay sa komunikasyon sa Department of Labor and Employment iyong pilosopiya ng ating Pangulong Aquino sa paglalahad ng impormasyon sa ating mga mamamayan. Naniniwala ang ating Pangulo na kapag may sapat na impormasyon ang mga mamamayan, sila ay makakapagpasya nang tama hinggil sa kinabukasan ng kanilang mga kumunidad at hinggil din sa ating bansa.

Sa wikang Ingles ay well-informed citizenry is able or would be able to make the decisions that will transform them and their communities. Iyon ang buod ng aking tinalakay sa kanila, Alan.

ALAN: Iyon pong binabanggit ninyo na ang lubhang mahalaga na ang mga mamamayan ay informed doon sa mga nangyayari sa kanila at para sila ay makagawa nang matalinong desisyon base doon sa impormasyon na hawak nila, Secretary Coloma, ano po?

SEC. COLOMA: Dapat na malaman nila kung ano ang katotohanan hinggil sa mga kaganapan sa ating bansa; dapat ay maging mulat sila ‘no sa implikasyon nitong mga ito para makapagsagawa sila nang tamang desisyon.

ALAN: Secretary, maiba naman po ako ng topic, sir, ano ho. Isa ho sa mga pinag-aaralan sa kasalukuyan ay itong panukalang pagbabawas daw ng mga income tax rates ng mga empleyado. We understand that, of course, ito ay iniisip ng mga nagpanukala para na rin daw mapagaan kahit kaunti iyon hong binabayaran ng ordinaryong mamamayan pagdating sa buwis at mapalaki naman iyong kanilang take-home pay. Meron ho bang reaksyon na sa sa kasalukuyan ang Palasyo dito po sa ganitong panukala, Secretary Coloma, sir?

SEC. COLOMA: Dalawang kunsiderasyon ang nakapaloob diyan sa paksang iyan, Alan. Ang una ay iyong pagiging makatuwiran; at pangalawa naman, iyong pagiging sapat. Dapat ay maging sapat ang rentas internas na nakukolekta ng BIR sapagka’t ang ating mga buwis ang sumusustento at siyang nagbibigay ng pondo ‘no para sa gastusin ng pamahalaan at sa mga inihahatid na serbisyo-publiko. Habang lumalaki ang ating populasyon ay lumalaki rin ang pangangailangan. Habang pinapabilis iyong pag-unlad ng ekonomiya, lumalaki rin iyong pananalapi na dapat na ipuhunan ng ating pamahalaan sa mga imprastraktura. Kaya unang-una muna, Alan, iyong pagiging sapat. Meron na kasing umiiral na sistema na kung ilan ang kinukolekta sa bawat sektor ng ating lipunan. Kaya kapag nalaman na kung ano iyong sapat na halaga ay puwede nang pag-aralan kung ano ang makatuwiran, ano ba iyong dapat na paghahati-hati ng responsibilidad sa pag-aambag dito sa sapat na rentas internas --- diyan papasok kung puwede bang palitan iyong batayan ng pangungolekta, puwede bang bawasan. Kailangang pag-aralan nang masusi ang lahat ng iyan ‘no at iugnay sa kabuuang layunin na paunlarin ang ating pambansang ekonomiya.

ALAN: Oho. Kumbaga—pero parang kinakailangan talagang pag-aralan at i-take into consideration iyong interes o iyong kakayahan ng lahat ng mga stakeholders kaya parang napakahirap pong balansihin, Sec. Sonny, at hindi ganoon kadali iyong pag-aaral doon, sir, ano ho?

SEC. COLOMA: Kailangan lang mag-focus sa mga dapat pagtuunan ng pansin. Ang sinasabi ko lang, hindi puwedeng mamadaliin lang ang usapan at sabihin lamang na bawasan dito, bawasan doon, dahil ang mahalaga ay iyong pagiging sapat. Kung hindi sapat iyong nakukolekta ay maaantala iyong pag-asenso ng ating bansa.

ALAN: Opo, okay. Sir, maiba naman ako, sir. Makibalita po kami sa mga updates diyan po sa Tacloban at sa iba pang mga lugar na hinataw nang matinding mga kalamidad. We understand that tuluy-tuloy iyong rehabilitation efforts. Any updates sa aspetong ito, Sec. Sonny, sir, please?

SEC. COLOMA: Marami tayong naririnig ‘no na pagpuna hinggil sa may nababagalan daw, may nakukulangan. Dapat lang sigurong isaalang-alang na napakalawak at napakalalim ang naging pinsala ng Typhoon Yolanda. Ito ay humagupit at umapekto sa apatnapu’t apat sa walumpu’t isang lalawigan ng ating bansa. May isandaan at pitumpu’t isang munisipalidad at siyudad na apektado; mayroong apat na milyong pamilya. Iyong apat na milyong pamilya, kung apat lamang ang miyembro nito, labing-anim na milyong Pilipino. Kaya hindi biru-biro iyong sinapit ng ating mga mamamayan. At kinakailangan talaga iyong masinsin na pakikipag-ugnayan ng pambansa at lokal na pamahalan at pakikipagtulungan din ng pribadong sektor, mga mapagkawang-gawang organisasyon, United Nations, Red Cross at iba pang mga pribadong samahan.

Kung merong pagkukulang, siguro ang dapat gawin ay paano mapupunuan iyong pagkukulang. Kung may kabagalan, paano ba papabilisin. Kung merong napunang hindi tama, dapat na isiwalat ito para mailagay sa tama. Iyon lamang ang dapat na mahalagang alalahanin ng lahat hinggil sa kalamidad na sumapit sa atin, Alan.

ALAN: Opo. Sec. Sonny, sir, baka meron pa po kayong mga mensahe o mga developments na nais ipahayag o nais iparating sa ating mga tagasubaybay at this point in time. Please go ahead po, Secretary Coloma, sir.

SEC. COLOMA: Iyon lamang panawagan ‘no para sa patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan at pagtutulungan nating lahat. Mas marami po tayong magagawa at maraming layuning matatamo kung tayo po ay magtutulungan.

ALAN: Opo. Salamat po nang marami, Secretary Coloma, sir.

SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan.
 
SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center






17 MARCH 2014
Abad: PNoy's leadership yielded unprecedented gains for Ph
Personal remittances register solid growth in January 2014
PMA 3rd placer’s family CCT beneficiary
No work for worm pickers
In Baguio City, 12 mothers of working children now successful bakers
In Region 7, DOLE-OWWA's emergency employment program benefits 1,513 ‘Yolanda’ survivors
Purisima pushes for greater German investments in the Philippines and ASEAN
DOE issues circular for PECR5 on coal and oil
DTI, DOE conduct LPG orientation in GenSan
UP, USC studes get plum in the BPI-DOST awards
World Water Day 2014 to focus on water-energy link
Cascading of AO 2 series of 2014 for farmer lessees and owner lessors of coconut lands in selected regions
Agri rehab plan underway
PDIC to continue processing claims of Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (Isabela) depositors
Sailing through the boats of hope

Abad: PNoy's leadership yielded unprecedented gains for Ph
Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph
President Benigno S. Aquino III’s leadership and unique management style have made possible the unprecedented gains that the Philippine economy is now seeing, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad today said.

He said this in countering Senator Sergio R. Osmeña III’s description of President Aquino as an “awful manager.”

“We respect the views and even the frustration of Senator Osmeña on recent developments concerning the Philippine energy sector. With due respect, however, the good senator’s comments on the quality of President Aquino’s leadership is too sweeping a generalization. In many respects, the President’s skill as a manager has actually made it possible for the country to achieve several groundbreaking gains,” he said.

“Through the President’s unique management style—one of rigor, attention to detail, a determined focus on measurable performance, and most of all, his deep commitment to his Social Contract with the Filipino people—he steered the country towards unprecedented economic expansion. His political will has been decisive in achieving important reforms,” Abad added.

Abad said that President Aquino’s leadership has resulted in government 1) spending within its means, 2) investing in the right priorities, and 3) pursuing reforms for measurable results.

He said that it was through President Aquino’s commitment to prudent fiscal management that allowed the country to reach investment-grade status as ranked by top international ratings agencies. The President, he said, delivered on his commitment to contain the fiscal deficit from 3.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010 to 1.4 percent in 2013; and to reduce the debt stock from 54.8 percent of GDP in 2009 to 49.2 percent in 2013.

“Through his leadership, the Administration has been able to aggressively increase the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s tax collections, which grew by 15 percent last year, without the need to enact new taxes except for Sin Tax Reform. At the same time, we were able to file successive cases against tax evaders and smugglers, as well as initiate reforms at the Bureau of Customs that no other Administration before had been able to pursue,” he said.

Abad also said the President has directed his Cabinet to maximize scarce resources. This reshaped the National Budget towards more investments in social and economic services.

“Ten years ago, debt servicing ate up the largest slice of the Budget at 30 percent, while social and economic services were only at 28.9 percent and 19.4 percent, respectively. This year, debt servicing has dwindled down to 15.6 percent, enabling us to give larger shares to social and economic services at 37.2 percent and 26.2 percent, respectively,” he said.

This, he said, enabled the government to make remarkably high investments to deliver key services to support inclusive growth. From the P10.9-billion allocation for the Conditional Cash Transfer program for one million households in 2010, the budget for the program has significantly risen to P62.6 billion this year to cover 4.3 million households and provide support to 4.3 million high-school students.

The education sector has also increased annually by an average of 14 percent from 2010 to 2014, enabling the government to close longstanding gaps in the supply of classrooms and teachers. During the same period, the health sector budget has also increased by an average of 32 percent annually, enabling the government to cover 14.7 poor and near-poor households under the National Health Insurance Program.

Abad also said that the Administration is increasing infrastructure spending to 3 percent of GDP this year and towards the global benchmark of 5 percent of GDP by 2016. This, he said, is a lasting investment in the country’s renewed economic competitiveness.

Furthermore, Abad said the President has been persistent in improving the speed, quality and effectiveness of public service delivery. For one, the President, through Administrative Order No. 25, has pursued the roll-out of a harmonized Results-Based Performance Management System in government together with Performance-Based Incentive System.

Similarly, he instituted the Office of the Cabinet Secretary to closely keep tabs of each department and agency’s performance in fulfilling the President’s priority programs. On the public expenditure management side, he enabled the roll-out of key reforms such as the GAA-as-Release Document to streamline budget execution; and the Performance-Informed Budget to clearly link allocated resources with performance metrics.

“The improved speed and quality of public spending during the current administration has significantly contributed to the country’s stellar GDP growth: at 7.2 percent in 2013, second only to China in the region. This alone demonstrates the effectiveness of the President’s leadership and unique management style,” he said.

Personal remittances register solid growth in January 2014
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) rose by 6.8 percent year-on-year in January 2014 to reach US$2.0 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1 The robust growth in personal remittances was driven by the steady increase in transfers of land-based workers with long-term contracts (4.9 percent), and sea-based and land-based workers with short-term contracts (9.1 percent). The solid growth of remittances is expected to provide support to the continued strength of the current account.

Likewise, cash remittances from overseas Filipinos coursed through banks increased by 5.9 percent year-on-year to US$1.8 billion. This compares with the US$2.2 billion recorded a month ago, i.e., in December 2013. It should be pointed out however that the level of remittances typically drops after the year-end holiday season. Remittances from both land-based (US$1.3 billion) and sea-based (US$450 million) workers expanded by 4.9 percent and 9.1 percent year-on-year, respectively. Cash remittances during the month came mostly from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, and Canada.2

Remittance flows from overseas Filipinos remained resilient, underpinned by the sustained demand for Filipino manpower overseas, particularly the skilled workers. Preliminary reports by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicated that 32.1 percent (or 24,187) of the total approved job orders of 75,348 in January 2014 were processed during the period. Processed job orders were intended mainly for manpower demand for service, production, and professional, technical and related job categories in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Kuwait and Qatar.

Moreover, the efforts of bank and non-bank remittance service providers to expand their international and domestic market coverage through their network of remittance business partners worldwide continued to support steady remittance flows.

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

1 The BSP started to release data on personal remittances in June 2012. As defined in the Balance of Payments Manual, 6th Edition (BPM6), personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees (i.e., gross earnings of overseas Filipino (OF) workers with work contracts of less than one year, including all sea-based workers, less taxes, social contributions, and transportation and travel expenditures in their host countries), personal transfers (i.e., all current transfers in cash or in kind by OF workers with work contracts of one year or more as well as other household-to-household transfers between Filipinos who have migrated abroad and their families in the Philippines), and capital transfers between households (i.e., the provision of resources for capital purposes, such as for construction of residential houses, between resident and non-resident households without anything of economic value being supplied in return).
2 There are some limitations on the remittance data by source. A common practice of remittance centers in various cities abroad is to course remittances through correspondent banks, most of which are located in the U.S. Meanwhile, remittances coursed through money couriers cannot be disaggregated by actual country source and are lodged under the country where the main offices are located, which, in many cases is in Canada. Therefore, the U.S. and Canada would show up to be the main sources of OF remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source.

PMA 3rd placer’s family CCT beneficiary
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City, Philippines – Cadet Billy Casibi Codiam, who belongs to a tribe in a remote village in Kalinga, is expected to be a bright star in today’s graduation ceremonies of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Codiam, from the highland village of Pangol-Lubo in Tanudan town, would be the first beneficiary of the government’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program to land in the PMA’s top 10.

President Aquino, as guest of honor and speaker in today’s graduation ceremonies of PMA “Siklab-Diwa” Class of 2014, is expected to highlight Codiam’s feat as a beneficiary of the CCT who survived the tough military training at the PMA.

Although Codiam will graduate third in his class, he is expected to outshine class valedictorian Jheorge Llona and be even more popular than dismissed cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia.

From a poor peasant family in the upland Tanudan town, the 25-year-old Kalinga lad is the first PMA-er from his village, and the first from Kalinga to land in the top 10 at the PMA.

The soft-spoken but towering Codiam said, “Here I am, for this I pray that others like me who came from a poor family may have the courage to try and struggle for the ideals at PMA.”
Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

“My family is happy that I have reached the goal,” the soon-to-be Army second lieutenant said.

The Codiam family has been a CCT beneficiary since 2009, according to Irene Bungay, regional program coordinator of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera region.

The 4Ps is a priority poverty alleviation program of the Aquino administration.

“Probably, he is the first among millions of CCT beneficiaries in the country to be in the prestigious PMA top 10 graduates,” Bungay said.

DSWD-Cordillera regional director

Leonardo Reynoso said the Codiam family is proud to be a 4Ps’ beneficiary while Bill, as the PMA cadet is called by his parents, is himself proud of his roots.

He is a model for the Cordilleran youth, Reynoso added, saying his feat has caught the attention of DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman, who in turn told President Aquino.

Kalinga Gov. Jocel Baac also expressed his congratulations to his provincemate.

“You are a living testimony that we can still be one of the best even though we originated from a low-class province. As long as there is perseverance in us,” Baac said.

“And with guidance from God, we can achieve success. The young officer made us and Kalingas proud,” Baac said. – By Artemio Dumlao with Alexis Romero

Reprinted from: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/03/16/1301477/pma-3rd-placers-family-cct-beneficiary

In Baguio City, 12 mothers of working children now successful bakers
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
May kuwento sa kuwenta ng DOLE livelihood In Baguio City, 12 mothers of working children now successful bakers Danilo Dalisan of Brgy. San Jose, Baguio City, has been a baker for 10 years, but one day, to his dismay, he suddenly found himself out of work. For lack of something productive to do, he volunteered to be a baker-trainer to a group of women in the barangay who called themselves the Sto. Tomas Proper Women’s Association. The Association members have two things in common. They are mothers of child laborers and all share the passion for baking. One of the women-members is Margie Ciriaco, a mother of three working children. She and the other members thought of starting a bakery, but don't know how. An opportunity came in September 2012, when the DOLE Cordillera Regional Office, which have known the desire of the women, awarded the Association a grant of P499,750 for the purchase of baking equipment, tools, and materials to start a bakery. But even before the Association could go full-time in their new-found livelihood, they needed to polish their baking skills. They thought of Danilo Dalisan, who gamely agreed to train them for three months. Dalisan, who was still jobless then, imparted his knowledge and shared his baking expertise to the women who learned fast. The DOLE-CAR also conducted for the 12 women a TCP, or training cum production, to test which bakery products will sell so that the raw materials the DOLE-CAR granted them will not go to waste. The DOLE-CAR also taught them marketing. Soon, the women were already baking, and customers begin to notice their bakery products. The cash register of the Association began to ring with profits, slow at first, but pointing towards faster income. Today, the Association is one successful story in the books of the DOLE's Community Enterprise Development Program in Baguio City--a bakery ran by the owners themselves. Ciriaco and her colleagues work in the bakery by selling the products themselves. "I now earn an extra P200 per day by delivering bread and pan de sal to my regular customers. I work from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M.," Mrs. Ciriaco narrated. “Ar-aramidek daytoy tapno matulungak ti asawak gapu ta maysa laeng isuna nga pison ken saan nga permanente ti trabaho na. Jay matub-tubok iti panagilakok iti pan-de-sal ket dakkel iti tulongna ti panag suportak iti pamilyak nang-nangruna iti tallo nga annak ko. Tatta ket saandan nga agkol-kolekta iti basura nga ipan da idiay collection area tapno tumubo da laeng iti lima nga pesos iti maysa nga sako. (I do this to help my husband who is a laborer and has an irregular employment. My income from selling pan de sal supports my family, especially my three sons, who usually go out early morning to collect and deliver garbage to the collection area for P5.00 pesos per sack.)," she added. Baker Dalisan recounted that after only three months of teaching the members of the Association, the bakery now provides P1,000 in income per month to each of the 12 women. "I, myself, was paid P2,000 for my assistance to the women from September 2012 to January 2013. I am happy for them," Dalisan admitted. In one of his field visits, DOLE-CAR Regional Director Henry John Jalbuena dropped by the bakery in Brgy. Sto. Tomas and expressed amazement at how quickly the community-based enterprise could become profitable. He had a brief chat with the members of the Association who thanked him for the DOLE grant. The women also expressed gratitude to Sto. Tomas Proper barangay officials led by Punong Barangay Miguel Kiwas for their support to their enterprise. The Association's bakery continues to be profitable. In the succeeding months after his visit in 2013, Director Jalbuena said he was informed the members’ income had increased from P2,500 each per month in a two-month period and again rose to P3,000 each a month from April 2013 to the present. “The determination of the women, strong leadership of the barangay officials, and support of the community to the Association had ensured the success of the bakery," said Jalbuena. The surprise of the baking enterprise is that Mr. Dalisan has been hired by the Association as full-time baker. The Association also has 14 bread sellers who work two hours each day. Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz encouraged the women to create a ripple effect to ensure the sustainability of their bread production which has benefitted not only Brgy. Sto. Tomas Proper but also the nearby communities.

In Region 7, DOLE-OWWA's emergency employment program benefits 1,513 ‘Yolanda’ survivors
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Another 1,513 survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Region 7 (Central Visayas) were employed under the emergency employment program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said yesterday. "The OWWA, under its P50 million emergency employment program for OFWs and OFW family members hit by the typhoon, had paid P8,214,715 in minimum wages as of 3 March to 1,513 qualified OFW family members who had worked from between 15 to 30 days under the program. The 1,513 come from 11 municipalities in the region," said Baldoz. Citing a report of OWWA chief Carmelita S. Dimzon, Secretary Baldoz said 1,257 of the 1,513 OFW family members, who received a total of P6,291,285 are in Cebu, while the 256 OFW family members, who received P1,923,430, are in Bohol. Secretary Baldoz is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the OWWA, an attached agency of the DOLE. The 1,257 beneficiaries in Cebu came from six municipalities, namely,Daanbantayan (789); Pilar (35); Tabuelan (50); Tudela (3); Madridejos (329); and, Poro (51). They were employed to build temporary shelters or houses; rehabilitate school buildings and public markets; and to repair and fabrication of market display tables. In Bohol, the 256 came from the five municipalities Antequera (18); Balilihan (86); Maribojoc (60); Loon (70); and Catigbian (22). They were employed to clean and rehabilitate well-known tourism sites, such as the Kawasan Falls, Mt. Carmel Hill, and town plazas and parks; to rehabilitate government buildings, including health centers, halls of Justice, municipal buildings, and barangay halls; to clear and restore the Maribojoc Organic Demo Farm; and to construct makeshift classrooms. All of the 1,513 beneficiaries were provided with a P100,000 social insurance coverage and personal protective equipment (hats, t-shirts, mouth masks, and working shoes). Baldoz explained that the DOLE, through convergence, facilitates and provides access to emergency employment and livelihood opportunities to vulnerable workers to shield them and their families from risks due to natural and man-made disasters and enable them to rebuild their lives with better access to social protection and sustainable income sources. The OWWA implements its emergency employment program intended for the families or legal dependents of OFWs who are on active OWWA membership status. It had allotted P16,224,855 of its P50 million emergency employment program for Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Regions 6, 7, and 8, in addition to the P8,214,715 already paid to emergency workers in Region VIII; and P1,808,100.00 to emergency workers in Region 6. "I thank the local government chief executives in Region 6,7, and 8, together with other agencies of the government, for their cooperation in ensuring that the DOLE-OWWA emergency employment program reached its intended beneficiaries," she said. For any inquiries about this release, please call the OWWA at at tel. nos. 891-76-01 to 24 local 5401, or access www.owwa.dole.gov.ph.

Purisima pushes for greater German investments in the Philippines and ASEAN
Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph
In his address to over 500 key German business executives of the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) at the OAV Liebesmahl event in Hamburg, Germany last 7 March 2014, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima pushed for greater German investments in the Philippines.

“Germany has always been a strategic partner of the Philippines, being one of the country’s top ten trading partners, the second largest tourist market in Europe, and the biggest source of loans and grants,” he said.

Germany accounts for 3.3% of total trade from 2008 to 2012, which are mostly in electronics. It is also the country’s 12th largest tourist market, with 70,949 arrivals in 2013, growing by 5.86% from 2012’s 67,023 arrivals. Overseas Development Aid from Germany amount to US$1.2 billion from 1961 to 2011, mostly focused on poverty reduction, conflict resolution in Mindanao, and climate change.

“We have created greater fiscal space to invest in infrastructure and our people, especially the most vulnerable sectors of society. Indeed, we have shown that with good governance comes good economics, and this virtuous cycle is what we aim to institutionalize.”

Purisima also stressed the need for greater trade and investment collaboration for Germany and the Philippines. He added that the creation of a German house similar to those in Singapore and Vietnam would help reach out to German companies.

“There is much room for the Philippines and Germany to work together. In fact, in spite of Germany being the 4th largest world economy, it is only the Philippines’ 8th largest trading partner. The strength of the German economy lies in its middle-sized companies, and putting a German house in Manila would be of great mutual benefit to the two economies.”

Furthermore, he pushed for Germany and the EU to view the upcoming ASEAN integration in 2015 as an upside. Taken collectively, ASEAN would be the 3rd largest community with a population of about 600 million and an average age of 27, and with a GDP of USD 2.1 trillion, the 7th largest in the world.

Likewise, the Finance Secretary expressed interest to host the 15th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) in Manila this 2016. The 14th APK will be held this November in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

DOE issues circular for PECR5 on coal and oil
Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph
As part of its continuing thrust to ensure energy security in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued the Department Circular (DC2014-02-0005) for the 5th round of the Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR-5).

The PECR-5 Circular reiterates the government’s promotion of the exploration, development, and production of the country’s indigenous petroleum and coal resources through a transparent and competitive system for awarding service and operating contracts with local and foreign investors.

“The DOE is committed to maintaining economic growth by ensuring and sustaining investors’ interest in the upstream energy projects in the country,” said Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, adding that the PECR “will help lessen our dependence on oil and coal imports by tapping available indigenous energy resources.”

The said Circular also forms the Review and Evaluation Committee (REC), which shall identify the prospective petroleum and coal areas within the Philippine territory.In coordination with the Local Government Units (LGU) involved, the identified areas will be offered to interested applicants. The REC is, likewise, tasked to examine, evaluate, and review the qualifications of project applicants based on their work program, legal, technical, and financial qualifications.

The target launch of the PECR-5 for coal and petroleum is on 25 April 2014. In line with the said launch, the DOE will conduct information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns in the host communities and areas near the exploration areas from May to June 2014.The IEC for petroleum will be in Palawan, Mindoro, Iloilo, and Sulu, while the IEC for coal will be in Isabela, Albay, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga.

Moreover, the DOE will present the PECR-5 for petroleum in international roadshows scheduled in Texas, U.S.A (12-16 May 2014), Singapore (10-14 June 2014), and Turkey (14-17 September 2014) to encourage oil exploration players to join the contracting round.

For more details on the timelines and guidelines of the PECR-5, please visit the DOE website:www.doe.gov.ph; https://www.doe.gov.ph/doe_files/pdf/Issuances/DC/DC2014-02-0005.pdf .

*** The PERC-5 circular was published today (17 March 2014) in The Philippine Star (B-11 to B-13) and in The Philippine Daily Inquirer (F3 to F5).

DTI, DOE conduct LPG orientation in GenSan
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) conducted an orientation on the DTI- DOE Bagwis Program for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Dealers last March 3 at the Phela Grande Hotel, Magsaysay Avenue, General Santos City.

About 40 participants from (LPG) dealers, retailers, and members from the General Santos Consumer Welfare Council, Inc. attended the orientation.

Engr. Arnel V. Sayco DTI-GenSan Officer-in-Charge, explained the significance of the program wherein deserving LPG dealers stand to be awarded with either a Gold or Silver Bagwis Seal of Excellence.

Ms. Mary Ann Morales, DTI Division Chief, elaborated on the rationale of the program as giving recognition to LPG dealers that are compliant to all LPG-related trade laws implemented by both the DTI and the DOE.

A Senior Science Research Specialist of the Department of Energy- Mindanao Field Office, Ms. Nenita Uy, discussed the Department Circular No. DC 2014-01-0001 “Providing for the Rules and Regulations Governing the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Industry.”

In her closing remarks, Ms. Asuncion Rodriquez, President of General Santos City Consumer Welfare Council, Inc. expressed hope that with the DTI-DOE Bagwis Program, LPG dealers may be more responsible and provide safe and quality products and services to consumers.

UP, USC studes get plum in the BPI-DOST awards
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph
Three college students from all over the country received the prestigious BPI-DOST Science Awards last March 6, 2014 at the Mind Museum, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Alexander John Cruz, a BS Chemical Engineering student from University of the Philippines Diliman, bagged the grand prize for his project “Design and Field Testing of a Plasma-Enhanced Optical Fiber Reactor for Hydrogen Production via Visible Light-Driven Photocatalytic Water-Splitting.” His study demonstrated the production of hydrogen as water passes through a reactor that uses light as separator. The technology has potential use for power generation or as source of renewable energy, something highly useful as the country struggles with limited power supply. As grand winner, Cruz received P50,000 cash prize from BPI Foundation and a graduate scholarship grant from DOST’s Science Education Institute.

Meanwhile, Jessa Marie Makabenta, a BS Chemistry student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, was awarded a cash prize of P30,000 as first runner-up for her project entitled “Sodium Caseinate Encapsulation of Coconut-Oil Extracted Astaxanthin from Shrimp Wastes for Enhanced Stability, Bioavailability and Bioactivity and Controlled Release.” Her study looked into improvement of the properties of astaxanthin, a chemical derived from shrimp wastes, which offers benefits in nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and aquaculture industries.

Second runner-up was Kevin Colina, a BS Computer Science student from University of San Carlos in Cebu City, for his project entitled “Electronic-Storybook Creator with Cebuano Natural Language Processing-Based Animation for Kindergarten Educators.” The storybook, developed as a response to the newly instituted K+12 Basic Education Program, was designed to help educators in using the mother tongue to motivate students to learn while enjoying. Colina received a cash prize of P10,000.

Some 29 students from ten universities made it to the short list and received a cash prize of P25,000 each. Out of the 29, seven finalists were selected, and, finally, three winners bagged the plum after presenting their science projects before a panel of judges during the morning of the awarding.

In his message, DOST Undersecretary for S&T Services Prof. Fortunato de la Peña emphasized the need to continue beefing the S&T manpower of the Philippines. He congratulated the winners and finalists and encouraged them to continue their interest in science and technology to help the country.

“By recognizing our young researchers’ innovative works, we hope to encourage many others to follow their path and pursue research,” he said.

He likewise thanked BPI Foundation for its support and partnership in building the S&T manpower of the country for the past 25 years.

The BPI-DOST Science Awards was also graced by Roselle Ambubuyog, the first Filipino blind student who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Mathematics from Ateneo de Manila University and also a past BPI-DOST Science Award winner. Ambubuyog’s speech, which detailed her various struggles and triumphs in pursuing a degree, further motivated the awardees and guests alike.

“Given the right tool, nobody is handicapped,” Ambubuyog said.

The BPI-DOST Science Awards, which is in its 25th year, aims to encourage students as budding scientists and researchers to explore higher levels in fields of mathematics, physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, and computer science.

Building the S&T manpower of the country is one of goals of DOST to help the country’s economy. This is achieved through implementation of programs such as scholarships and other science projects in partnership with other private companies such as the BPI Foundation, Inc.

World Water Day 2014 to focus on water-energy link
Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will bring together the country’s water and power sectors to raise public awareness on the close link between water and energy consumption as the nation joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Water Day (WWD) on March 22.

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said this year’s celebration, which has a local theme “Water is Power,” will focus on the growing awareness that saving water may be one of the most effective ways to save energy – and vice versa.

“We wish to highlight the important link between water and power, and how they are highly dependent on each other,” Paje said, noting that producing energy uses water, and providing freshwater uses energy. He said both processes face growing limits and problems.

He added: “In fact, much of our generated power relies on water, while many Filipinos rely on electrical power for domestic water supply.”

Paje said that aside from providing Filipinos access to clean water and electricity, “the efficient use of both water and power is also an urgent issue the government is trying to address.”

According to statistics, about 17 million people in the Philippines have no access to safe drinking water and over 15 million still have no access to electricity.

To mark WWD 2014, the DENR, its attached agencies and partners have prepared a week-long program from March 17-22.

On March 17, a kick-off event will be held at the Angat Hydroelectric Power Plant in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Expected to attend are Paje, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and National Power Corp. (NPC) president Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita.

These officials, along with other representatives from NPC, National Irrigation Authority, Metropolitan Manila Water Sewerage System, and water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water, will be treated to a “Water Energy Tour Nexus” of the Angat, Ipo and La Mesa dams.

On March 18, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) will hold a day-long World Water Day Exhibit at the Activity Center of the Glorietta 2 in Makati City. At 5 p.m. on that day, there will be a free four-hour concert that will feature pop and alternative rock artists to draw attention to current efforts to revive Manila Bay, and major rivers and creeks in Metro Manila.

On March 19, the EMB will hold an on-the-spot poster-making contest for elementary and high school students at the SM North EDSA, while their teachers undergo a Water Education workshop at the Air Quality Training Center inside the DENR compound in Quezon City.

On the same day, employees of the Laguna Lake Development Authority will lead tree-planting activities in Antipolo City and Taytay, Rizal. They will also hold a river clean-up in the nearby towns of San Mateo and Rodriguez the following day.

The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, led by its chairperson Gina Lopez, will conduct an “estero tour” featuring the rehabilitated Estero de Aviles in San Miguel, Manila on March 20.

Employees of the DENR and Maynilad will hold a “Plant for Life” mangrove tree-planting activity along Cavite shores on March 18 in Bacoor and March 20 in Kawit.

The DENR will also host “Water is Power” lecture series in selected schools in Pateros and the cities of Quezon, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, and Taguig from March 18 to 20.

All activities will culminate on March 21 at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia, where a two-kilometer walk will be held outside to raise awareness on various water-related issues.

The celebration of March 22 as “World Day for Water” was declared in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly. This year’s international theme is “Water and Energy.”

Cascading of AO 2 series of 2014 for farmer lessees and owner lessors of coconut lands in selected regions
Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph
As a timely response, the Department of Agrarian Reform issued Administrative Order No.2 series of 2014, entitled, “Rules and Regulations on Leasehold Operations in Tenanted Coconut Lands Affected by Fortuitous Events, Natural Disasters or Calamities”. This AO was intended to protect the farmers in tenanted coconut lands that have been hit by calamities (such as Typhoon Yolanda).

From March 10-15, 2014, a cascading activity of Administrative Order No. 2 Series of 2014 was conducted in Ormoc City for DAR VIII’s regional, provincial and municipal staff who will in turn act as subject matter experts (SMEs) and conduct simultaneous “pulung-pulong” at the barangay level to be able to reach out to affected farmers and landowners within this month.

The said orientation was basically about the new set of rules and regulations on leasehold operations in tenanted coconut lands that are applicable to all concerned, with or without a leasehold agreement. It also covers guidelines concerning the review and adjustment of lease rentals in tenanted coconut lands. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to popularize the AO to coconut farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders in region VIII will also be made. Given the unfortunate events brought about by Typhoon Yolanda last year, the project will also focus on improving the economic conditions of the coconut leaseholders through support services the Department can offer.

The project initially focused on Region VIII so the Department came immediately to respond to stakeholders in the region which also holds the reputation of being the second highest coconut producer in the country and has a leasehold operations that covers a total of 1,626 hectares, of which, 30% are planted with coconuts as of December 2013 according to the DAR Field Operations Office.

Agri rehab plan underway
Source: http://www.da.gov.ph
In line with the recovery efforts of the government to help affected families of supertyphoon Yolanda, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has called for the effective implementation of a rehabilitation scheme in gravely hit areas of Region VIII.

To oversee the overall implementation, he installed Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Asis Perez as team leader of the rehab initiatives. Asis is tasked to coordinate all efforts of the DA-VIII family led by officer in charge Bernadette San Juan.

“The work plan will give priority and focus on the clearing operations under a Coconut Rehabilitation Plan,” Asis said.

According to the plan, 390,000 trees will be cleared in 75 days to give way to the planting and intercropping of corn, camote, vegetables and other high value crops including coffee.

“The actual operation is set to clear 3,900 hectares (has) of farmland which will be made available for the planting of various crops and even livestock raising,” he added.

DA will be employing 520 chainsaw operators and will target 5,200 trees everyday. Clearing operations will run daily except Sundays and during the Holy Week.

Yolanda, the strongest weather phenomenon of 2013 which hit the provinces of Samar and Leyte in November of last year, uprooted five million trees and left a significant number unproductive.

San Juan said that under the plan, 200,000 coco seedlings will be replanted and 75,000 standing trees will be fertilized.

“We will also undertake land preparation activities to about 800 has of land for intercropping,” she said.

“Once the land is ready, rehabilitation efforts will focus on the planting of corn seeds, camote and coffee.”

Alcala was in Tacloban City early this month to assess the ongoing initiatives of the government with Director General Jose Graziano da Silva of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

The two food agency heads visited a rice farm in Basey, Samar expected to harvest by end-April or early May.

“It was fortunate that we, together with the FAO and other international organizations, were able to provide certified seeds last December, and the farmers’ were able to catch up for the cropping season,” Alcala said.

Government efforts are now focused on providing livelihood to affected farmers and helping them get back on their feet.

PDIC to continue processing claims of Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (Isabela) depositors
Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that it will continue to receive and process deposit insurance claims from depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (Isabela), Inc. at the PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City. Claims may also be filed through mail.

PDIC has already concluded the on-site claims settlement operations for the closed Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes last February 21, 2014.

PDIC sent notices of payment amounting to P3.5 million involving 766 accounts with balances of P50,000 and below where the filing of claim is waived by PDIC. Meanwhile, PDIC paid 286 claims during the on-site claims settlement operations involving 246 accounts for a total amount of P51.01 million deposits.

As of February 21, 2014, PDIC has yet to receive deposit insurance claims for 197 accounts, or 16% out of 1,253 accounts that require the filing of claims. The total amount of deposits covered by these outstanding accounts is P7.32 million.

When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original evidence of deposit, and two (2) original valid photo-bearing IDs with signature of the depositor. Depositors may also file their claims through mail and enclose the same set of document requirements.

Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA). In the case of a minor depositor, the SPA must be executed by the parent.

The procedures and requirements for filing deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website.

In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes is on February 10, 2016. After said date, PDIC, as Deposit Insurer, shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim.

For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342).

Sailing through the boats of hope
Source: Career Executive Service Board
Purok Daisy, Poblacion, Boston. After surviving the onslaught of super typhoon Pablo in December 2012, 10 families in this coastal are a in Davao Oriental are set to sail the sea of life fully equipped and inspired as they received from the National Union of Career Executive Service Officers, Inc. (NUCESO), new units of motorized fishing boats for their livelihood.

In a simple turn-over ceremony held on March 6, 2014, NUCESO National President and Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza led the turn-over of the 10 motorboats, each of which was blessed by Reverend Father Diomedes N. Lagroma of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish.

Mr. Ernesto S. Crayo expressed his message of thanks in behalf of the nine other beneficiaries, namely Victor Rosit, Jerry Talolong, Sherwin Amparo, Anonncio Cotic, Melvin Badang, Eulogio Castres, Arian Mandong, Edgar Santos, and Markneil Certicio.

Also present in the event were NUCESO Executive Board members , namely, Department of Transportation and Communications Assistant Secretary Dante m. Lantin and Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Region I Director Joel Salvador.

In December 2012, Pablo, a category 5 super typhoon, made a landfall in Davao Oriental, claiming almost a thousand of lives and destroying a total of P14.3 billion worth of properties, including the small bancas used by local fishermen in supporting their families. As part of its Community Outreach Program, the NUCESO allocated P350,000 for the construction of motorized fishing boats to help villagers restore their main source of living.

With the residents of Boston ready to sail back to the sea, the NUCESO only wishes that they leave the wrath of typhoon Pablo behind, and embark on a better and sustainable life for themselves and their families.




Last Updated: 17 MARCH 2014
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
Please click on thumbnails to magnify
 
    Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. is guest speaker at the Communications Planning Workshop of the Department of Labor and Employment on March 17 held in Tagaytay City. (Photo by Luisito L. Iglesias / NIB)
       
    Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. recieves a plaque of appreciation from Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz (left) during the Communications Planning Workshop of the Deparment of Labor and Employment on March 17 held in Tagaytay City. (Photo by Luisito L. Iglesias / NIB)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III answers inquiries from PMA graduates during the merienda cena at the Mansion in Baguio City after the commencement rites of Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 Sunday. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, troops the line during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona for topping the Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). Llona also received the Philippine Air Force Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Jusmag Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 109th Commencement Exercises of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday(March 16). The PMA boast of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    Jubilant members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 celebrate during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA ) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona for topping the Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). Llona also received the Philippine Air Force Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Jusmag Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona for topping the Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). Llona also received the Philippine Air Force Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Jusmag Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Vice President Jejomar Binay, PMA Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista, honor the colors during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. Also in photo is Vice President Jejomar Binay. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, troops the line during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 109th Commencement Exercises of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday(March 16). The PMA boast of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA ) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona for topping the Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). Llona also received the Philippine Air Force Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Jusmag Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, troops the line during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Unilever Global chief executive officer Paul Polman during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 14). Also in photo are Unilever South East Asia and Australasia president Peter Ter-Kulve and Unilever Philippines, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer Rohit Jawa. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY








No comments:

Post a Comment