Dispatch for March 19 , 2014 (Wednesday) , 3 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 3 Weather Watch , 3 Reg’l. Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News , 26 Photonews (Mar.18)

 

 

 

 

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at: 5:00 PM 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.

Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature : 1:00 PM Today --- 33.7 ºc
Minimum Temperature : 6:00 AM Today --- 21.3 ºc

Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Today --- 92 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 1:00 PM Today --- 46 %

Low Tide Today : 5:23 PM --- 0.09 Meter
High Tide Today : 11:56 PM --- 0.69 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow : 5:31 AM --- 0.21 Meter
High Tide Tomorrow : 11:44 PM --- 0.72 Meter

Sunset Today : 6:06 PM
Sunrise Tomorrow : 6:01 AM
Sunset Tomorrow : 6:06 PM

Moonrise Today : 7:27 PM
Moonset Tomorrow : 6:47 PM
Illumination Tomorrow: 98 %

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 · · Share · 2382388 · 17 hours ago · 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gale Warning

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GALE WARNING NO. 10

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

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 19 March 2014

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

SEABOARD	WEATHER	WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNOTS)	SEA CONDITION	WAVE HEIGHTS (meters)
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.

 

 

Weather Watch

15 hours ago

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz on 24 Oras:
-Isang LPA ang nagbabadyang pumasok sa PAR. Sa taya ng PAGASA, ngayong gabi o bukas ng madaling araw ito papasok ng PAR. May tiyansa rin itong maging isang bagyo. Sa katunayan, sa datos ng Japan Meteorological Agency ay isa na itong tropical depression.
-Sa datos ng The Weather Company, makararanas ng hanggang katamtamang ulan ang malaking bahagi ng Mindanao bukas, lalo na sa Caraga, Davao at Northern Mindanao.
-Mas mahihinang ulan naman ang inaasahan sa Visayas lalo na sa eastern section nito.
-Maaliwalas pa rin ang panahon sa buong Luzon bukas kabilang na ang Metro Manila.

 

 

 

March  19  , 2014  (   Wednesday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE            :  Sunny 

LAGUNA          :  Sunny 

BATANGAS      :   Sunny 

RIZAL                :  Sunny 

QUEZON           :  Sunny 

 

 

 

 

 

about an hour ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Ipinagdiwang ng bayan ng Padre garcia ang womens month sa pamamagitan ng isang aktibidad na tinaguriang yagyagan sa kalusugan na layong ituro ang tamang ehersisyo upang mapanatiling malusog ang katawan.

 

 

 

 

PIA Regional Watch

17 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagtapos ang may 41 mobile vendors na sumailalim sa personality enhancement program sa Lipa Grand Terminal sa isang simpleng seremonyang idinaos sa SM Events Center sa lungsod ng Lipa.Layon nitong maituro sa mga manininda ang tamang pakikisalamuha,good grooming at food safety.

 

 

 

 

PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago

PIA4-A/QUEZON: The provincial government of Quezon will hold an Orientation of stakeholders of multi-sectoral alliances for TB control' on March 21 at Queen Margaret Hotel, Lucena City. The activity aims to engage public and private partner agencies in the implementation of the National Tuberculosis Control Program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Tagalog news: Kauna-unahang 2 ATMs, itinayo sa Talisay

Tuesday 18th of March 2014

TALISAY, Batangas, Marso 18 (PIA) –Dalawang automated teller machines (ATMs) ng Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) ang itinayo sa tagiliran ng munisipyo sa bayang ito kamakailan.

Ang ATMs ang siyang kauna-unahang automated teller machines na itinayo bayang ito sa pagtutulungan ng pamahalang lokal bilang programa ng pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya ng bayan at ng pamunuan ng BPI.

Sinabi ni Mayor Gerry Natanuan na mas lalong madaling maisakatuparan ang pagpapapa-unlad ng ekonomiya kung mas maraming mamumuhunan ang mag-nenegosyo sa bayan.

“Matagal nang pangarap ng mga mamamayan ito dahil sa kawalan ng bangko o anomang financial institution kailangan pang magtungo sa lungsod ng Tanauan o Tagaytay,” sabi ni Natanuan.

Kaugnay nito, sinabi ni Eugenio Salisi, executive assistant on economic development, na kapag may nagagawing mga mamumuhunan sa kanilang bayan ang unang hinahanap ay bangko ngunit sa kawalan nito kung kaya’t hindi natutuloy ang pagnenegosyo ng mga ito sa bayan.

“Nakipag-ugnayan na kami sa mga iba’t-ibang mga bangko at ang BPI ang unang tumugon sa aming pakikipag-ugnayan,” wika ni Salisi.

Samantala, sinabi ni Gerardo Magpantay, vice president at area business director ng BPI na malugod nilang tinanggap ang panawagan ng pamalaang bayan na makapaglingkod sa mga mamamayan ng Talisay.

Binigyang diin ni Magpantay na maaring kasunod ng paglalagay ng ATMs ang pagtatayo ng sangay ng kanilang bangko kung kaya’t pinaalalahanan ang lahat na pakaingatan at protektahan ang mga ATMs.

Ang paglalagay ng ATM na isang public-private partnership ay sinuportahan ng Sangguniang Pambayan sa pamamagitan ng Resolution 055-2014 at pinagtibay sa memorandum of agreement (MOA) na nilagdaan ng magkabilang panig.

Ang bayan ng Talisay ay isang 3rd class municipality at ilan sa mga pinagkikitaan ng mga mamamayan dito ay ang paghahalaman, turismo at pangingisda sa lawa ng Taal. (Bhaby P. De Castro-PIA Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681394689627#sthash.vC3U9F8w.dpuf

DAR-Rizal employees reorient on violence against women & children

By: Gideon Gapayao

Tuesday 18th of March 2014

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, March 18 (PIA)—Officials and employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform Rizal Provincial Office, Teresa, Rizal were reoriented on awareness on issues involving violence against women and children in line with Women’s Month 2014.

The seminar officiated by Philippine National Police – Teresa Violence against Women and Children Desk Officer SPO1 Minerva Evangelista focused on the rights of women and children against violence or other forms of human rights violations.

SPO1 Evangelista reiterated the need that abuse can manifest in different forms such as economic abuse or refusing to support one’s wife and children financially, psychological and sexual abuse among others.

Topics such as human trafficking, forced labor and debt bondage were also discussed all of which are covered under RA 9262 otherwise known as the Anti-violence against Women and Children Act. Evangelista also reminded the employees especially the women to immediately contact authorities and if possible cases seek protection orders. (PIA-Rizal)

Women’s Month, empowering Rizal’s women

Tuesday 18th of March 2014

PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, Antipolo, Rizal, March 18 (PIA) --As the first female chief executive of the province, Rizal Gov. Nini Ynares leads in the various activities aimed at protecting and empowering women constituents. For all the good reasons, she uses the “power mandated by her provincemates to propel the province and its people to greater heights of progress and development.

“The provincial government is committed to provide our women, particularly those within the spectrum of the marginalized sector, with the skills and confidence necessary to get a job, create a healthy lifestyle, and the basic knowledge and education for them to fully understand their basic human rights,” Gov. Ynares remarked.

In celebrating Women’s Month with the theme, “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong”, the provincial government of Rizal, through the stewardship of Gov. Ynares, is presently conducting various activities primarily to engage, educate and empower the women of the province.

On all Saturdays of March, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) are conducting various activities in all provincial government-run hospitals in the province. On top of these activities are free medical missions, medical consultations, breast examination, women’s assistance desk and lectures on health topics on maternal and child care, social welfare and nutrition.

Gov. Ynares, said support teams from the PHO and PSWDO are assigned in six hospitals of the province to assist medical doctors and other support staff of the hospitals in catering to those who are undergoing various medical examinations and lectures on health, maternal and child care topics. (RIZAL PIO/PIA-Rizal)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2261395112109#sthash.PdQJOcrO.dpuf

 

18 MARCH 2014.
	President Aquino administers oaths of office to new officers of the league of municipalities and local government units
	Malacanang salutes OFWs for record remittance
	Aquino tells local government units: Good governance will be rewarded
	Philippines’s Ayungin presence, lawful, says Palace official
	Coloma says he supports COA’s move to go after officials with unliquidated cash advances
	President Aquino to grace 2014 Pinoy Music Summit on Wednesday
	President Aquino underscores role of LGUs in attaining inclusive growth

President Aquino administers oaths of office to new officers of the league of municipalities and local government units   President Benigno S. Aquino III administered the oaths of office to new officers of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and the leagues of local government units in a ceremony held at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday. First to take oath before the President was the 22 new officers of the LMP led by Leyte Mayor Leonardo "Sandy" Javier Jr. The President then administered a mass oath-taking to the new officers of the leagues of local government units including the League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Vice Governors of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines, Philippine Councilor's League, Provincial Board Member League of the Philippines, National Movement of Young Legislator, and Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, the national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, led his group. Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno was also present leading the Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines. Joining the President during the oath-taking ceremony were Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. and Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Dinky Soliman was also present. The Chief Executive then proceeded to the adjacent Fiesta Pavilion room where he attended LMP's general assembly this year. The LMP conducts an annual assembly attended by over a thousand of mayors in the country. It is during the general assembly that the LMP Executive Committee defines its objectives where issues affecting the league are discussed. It also during this time that the President directly addresses the mayors of the country. PND (jb) TOP Malacanang salutes OFWs for record remittance   Malacanang expressed its thanks and saluted the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS) for the increase in the remittances which he said grew seven percent compared to the same period last year. In a press briefing, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said total remittances for 2013 reached P23-billion compared to P21.4-billion in 2012. “We salute and thank our overseas Filipino workers for the nearly seven percent increase in remittances made in January 2014 compared to the same period last year. Total remittances for 2013 reached almost P23-billion for a 7.4-percent increase compared to P21.4-billion in 2012,” Coloma said. “The government recognizes the importance of these remittances in bolstering the country’s foreign currency reserves, boosting consumer spending, and supporting overall economic growth,” he added. He said that through the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, the “government continues to promote programs that will create and increase employment opportunities for Filipino professionals and skilled workers.” “These are in tandem with similar programs in country to create manufacturing-based and more highly remunerative jobs,” Coloma said. Aside from this, Coloma said, the Department of Labor and Employment vigorously implements the P2-billion peso national reintegration program administered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, which has already created 4,000 jobs for returning OFWs since the inception of this program. “Through Land Bank of the Philippines, this program has granted and released total loans amounting to P632.5-million. Most of which were used to fund businesses on general merchandising, groceries, water purifying stations, auto supply, hardware, trucking, and ready-to-wear, as well as agriculture-based enterprises such as grains trading, piggery, poultry, agriculture supplies, post-harvest, bakery, fruits and vegetables farming, copra trading, and fisheries,” he added. “We affirm President Aquino’s vision of ‘a government that creates jobs at home, so that working abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity.’ And when its citizens do choose to become overseas Filipino workers, their welfare and protection will still be the government’s priority,” Coloma said. PND (rck) TOP Aquino tells local government units: Good governance will be rewarded   President Benigno S. Aquino III challenged the local government units to perform better and to continue the exercise of good governance assuring them that such practices will be rewarded by the national government through the Department of Interior and Local Government's Seal of Good Local Governance. Speaking before at least 1,500 local government officials during the general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), the President underscored the importance of sustaining the practice of accountability and transparency in local government units, which play a vital role in economic growth and poverty alleviation. “Kayo ang nasa lokal na pamahalaan; kayo ang may malalim na pag-unawa sa mga pangangailangan ng inyong kababayan; kayo ang nasa magandang posisyon para gumawa ng mga kongkretong hakbang upang tugunan ang mga ito,” he said. “Ang gusto ko pong bigyan ng diin: Ang Performance Challenge Fund ay para sa lahat ng gustong tuparin ang kanilang pangako bilang lingkod bayan. Hindi po kailangan ng palakasan at papogian. Hindi ninyo kailangang sumipsip para mabigyan ng Performance Challenge Fund,” he said referring to the incentive given to LGUs that pass the seal of good governance. The President shared that last year, 719 LGUs were given Performance Challenge Funds with a total incentive of P1 billion. President Aquino stressed that incentives were not only given to allies but to all LGUs that will meet the requirements of good housekeeping. “Kahit saang partido pa kayo nanggaling, basta nagpapakitang-gilas kayo sa serbisyo at tapat na sumusunod sa mga patakaran, mabibigyan kayo ng kaukulang pondo at insentibo upang maiangat pa ang pamumuhay ng inyong mga nasasakupan,” he said. He likewise reported that a total of 1,372 LGUs or close to 84 percent of the total number of LGUs, have complied with the good housekeeping requirements. He challenged the remaining 20 percent to keep up and join in the government’s transformation. “Sa bawat isa po sa ating mga LGU: Sana naman po ay hindi lang minimum ang ating habulin; sa halip, talaga pong ibuhos natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya, upang pagharap natin sa kanya-kaniyang mga salamin ay masabi nating, ‘Tinupad ko ang aking sinumpaang tungkulin; naging kabahagi ako ng pagbabago; tapat akong naglingkod sa kapwa ko Pilipino’” he said. This year’s LMP general assembly was attended by 1,228 mayors coming from different provinces and cities in the country. PND (jb) TOP Philippines’s Ayungin presence, lawful, says Palace official   Malacanang said the country’s presence in the Ayungin Shoal is lawful despite China’s pronouncements that the Philippines is intruding in its jurisdiction in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). It was reported that China warned the Philippines to abandon its claims in the Ayungin Shoal, with its foreign ministry spokesperson saying they are on high alert for the Philippines possibly taking more proactive acts in the South China Sea. As a response, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr cited a Department of Foreign Affairs statement on March 14 regarding the issue. “The BRP Sierra Madre, a commissioned Philippine naval vessel, was placed in Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to serve as a permanent Philippine government installation in response to China's illegal occupation of Mischief Reef in 1995. This was prior to the signing of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in 2002,” Coloma told reporters in a press briefing citing DFA’s statement. He said the Philippines reiterates that Ayungin Shoal is part of its continental shelf over which the country has sovereign rights and jurisdiction. “Yan po ang malinaw na posisyon ng ating pamahalaan. Lahat naman po ng pagkilos natin diyan ay ayon sa international law at in accordance with our policy of pursuing only peaceful and diplomatic means to resolve the disputes on territorial claims.” China warned the Philippines against provocations in the West Philippine Sea after two Filipino civilian vessels were expelled from the Ayungin Shoal for allegedly bringing in construction materials. The DFA protested the expulsion of the two Filipino civilian vessels in Ayungin Shoal, but China rejected the protest. Filipino marines shelter in a rusted World War II era ship, the BRP Sierra Madre,that was intentionally grounded on Ayungin in 1999 in response to China’s occupation of Mischief Reef in 1995. China claims almost the entire South China Sea through its nine-dash line that included parts of the Philippines 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Tired of fruitless attempts to settle the dispute diplomatically, the Philippines has filed for an arbitration case against China before the United Nations International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). China has refused to take part in the proceedings. PND (as) TOP Coloma says he supports COA’s move to go after officials with unliquidated cash advances   Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said he supports the Commission on Audit’s move to go after government officials and employees who have unliquidated cash advances. The COA said there is over P5 billion in unliquidated cash advances recorded by the auditing body as of end-2011 and could cover periods that go as far back as 20 to 40 years. “Ang aking nabatid sa kanyang pahayag ay kinakailangang maging accountable o pananagutin ang mga opisyal o empleyado ng pamahalaan na responsable para doon sa mga cash advances na kinuha nila,” Coloma said with regards to the statement of COA chief Grace Pulido-Tan. “Ang aking batid sa kasalukuyan—at ito ay pinapatupad ko mismo dito sa aking tanggapan—‘yung patakaran na no new cash advance unless an existing cash advance has been fully liquidated,” he added. His office is doing the practice to ensure that funds being released by his office does not accumulate over time without liquidation. Tan said public money that remains unaccounted for several years could be considered malversed funds and officials who received the money could be charged. “Kaya ang sinisimulan po ng Commission on Audit ngayon ay ‘yung proseso ng pagpapanagot. A process of accountability has been set into motion by the COA,” Coloma said. PND (as) TOP President Aquino to grace 2014 Pinoy Music Summit on Wednesday   President Benigno S. Aquino III will grace this year’s Pinoy Music Summit to be held March 19, Wednesday at the Diosdado Macapagal Hall, Landbank Plaza Building, Malate, Manila in support of the Philippine music industry. With the theme “Basta Pinoy, Push Mo ‘Yan!” this year’s conference aims to chart the state of the Philippine music industry and develop a program involving various stakeholders towards strengthening and promoting OPM (original Pinoy music) as an expression of culture and identity, as well as making it an economic driver. President Aquino’s attendance to the event comes as no surprise to many since he is a self-confessed audiophile whose preferences on music range from jazz, pop, classic, blues, and OPM. The event is organized by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP), along with the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), Philippine Association of Recording Industry (PARI), Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino Foundation, Inc. (AMP), Music Copyright Administrators of the Philippines (MCAP), and PhilPop Music Fest Foundation. Filipino music has been handicapped by music piracy, technological advancement, lack of ingenuity among local artists, and foreign competition that sales of the Philippine recording industry went on a constant decline for almost a decade. Cultural critic Don Jaucian even wrote in his August 25, 2012 article published by the Philippine Star that OPM has been “thrown into some bargain bin, upstaged by Korean girl bands, cover albums, and bossa nova,” thus challenging both local artists and their listeners to move towards innovation and creation of new works, instead of just resorting to old repackaged tunes. This year’s Pinoy Music Summit hopes to achieve just that by gathering musicians, record labels, the government sector, media, and various representatives of the music consumer groups in a single event. “We want to bring in all the stakeholders, record industry associations, networks, the singers, the academe and the government, and challenge them to do something about the current situation of the music industry,” FILSCAP president and acting conference director Noel Cabangon said. PND (hdc) TOP President Aquino underscores role of LGUs in attaining inclusive growth   President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday emphasized the importance of the role of local government units in attaining inclusive growth in the country. In his speech at the annual general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), President Aquino urged local government officials to establish a friendly and easy business environment for potential foreign investors citing his recent trips in Japan and Korea. “Pagdating ho ba nitong mga negosyanteng tutulong sa atin magbigay ng mga trabaho para talagang maging inclusive growth tayo. Sana po ay harapin natin silang lahat sa espiritu ng gabayan at pagtutulungan. ‘Yung tutulong sa atin, tulungan na natin, huwag na natin pahirapan,” he said. President Aquino visited Japan and Korea last year bringing home hundred billion pesos worth of investment pledges. For more than three years, the Aquino administration has been implementing reforms that will enhance the business environment in the country. Last year, the Philippines ranked 108th out of 189 nations in the World Bank Group's Ease of Doing Business report. This was 30 notches up from 138th in 2012. The President said inclusive growth could only be attained through the concerted efforts between the national and local government, which starts in making the country more friendlier to local and foreign investors. “Para mangyari po ito, siyempre, kayong mga punong-lungsod, kayo pong mga gobernador, pati na rin ang mga hepe ng barangay ay malaking bahagi para maging kaganapan ‘yan at bawat isang dumating ay talaga naman pong malaki ang maitutulong tungo sa inclusive growth,” he said. The President addressed some 1,228 mayors of the LMP and other local government officials coming from various provinces during the general assemblyheld at Manila Hotel. PND (jb) TOP

 

18 MARSO 2014 Pinapanumpa sa tungkulin ng Pangulong Aquino ang bagong pamunuan ng ‘League of Municipalities and Local Government Units’ Nagpugay ang Malacanang sa OFWs dahil sa ‘record remittance’ Gagantimpalaan ang mabuting pamamahala, sabi ni Aquino sa mga lokal na pamahalaan Naalinsunod sa batas ang pamamalagi ng Pilipinas sa Ayungin Shoal—Palasyo

Pinapanumpa sa tungkulin ng Pangulong Aquino ang bagong pamunuan ng ‘League of Municipalities and Local Government Units’   Pinapanumpa sa tungkulin ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga bagong pinuno ng League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) at ng mga liga ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa seremonyang idinaos sa Manila Hotel Martes. Unang nanumpa sa harap ng Pangulo ang 22 mga bagong pinuno ng LMP na pinangungunahan ni Alkalde Leonardo “Sandy” Javier, Jr. ng Leyte. Sinundan ito ng maramihang panunumpa ng mga bagong pinuno ng mga liga ng lokal na pamahalaan na kinabibilangan ng League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Vice Governors of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, Vice Mayors League of the Philippines, Philippine Councilors League, provincial Board Members League of the Philippines, National Movement of Young Legislator at Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas. Pinangunahan ni Alkalde Mayor Herbert Bautista, pambansang pangulo ng League of Cities of the Philippines ang panunumpa ng kanyang grupo. Si Bise Alkalde Isko Moreno ng Maynila naman ang nanguna sa Vice Mayors League of the Philippines. Kasama ng Pangulo sa Manila Hotel sina Kalihim Manuel Roxas II ng Kagawaran ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan at Kalihim Corazon “Dinky” Soliman ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran. Pagkatapos manumpa ang pamunuan ng mga liga ng lokal na pamahalaan, tumuloy ang Pangulo sa Fiesta Pavilion ng nasabi ring otel para naman daluhan ang pangkalahatang kapulungan ng LMP sa taong kasalukuyan. Nagdaraos ang LMP ng taunang pangkalahatang kapulungan na dinadaluhan nang mahigit na isang libong alkalde sa buong bansa. Sa pulong na ito itinatakda ng Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng LMP ang mga layunin nito at tinatalakay ang mga isyung may kaugnayan sa liga. Ito rin ang pagkakataon na ang Pangulo ay makipag-ugnayan sa mga alkalde sa buong bansa. PND (jb/zaf) TOP Nagpugay ang Malacanang sa OFWs dahil sa ‘record remittance’   Nagpugay at pinasalamatan ng Malakanyang ang Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) dahil sa remittances (perang ipinauwi sa bansa) na malaki ng pitong porsiyento kaysa noong nakraang taon. Sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Martes, sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office na kabuuang P23 bilyon ang naipauwi ng mga OFWs noong 2013 na malaki kaysa sa P21.4 bilyon noong 2012. “Nagpupugay kami at nagpapasalamat sa ating Overseas Filipino Workers sa halos pitong porsiyentong itinaas ng ipinadala nilang pera noong Enero 2014 kaysa sa katulad ding panahon noong 2012. Umabot sa P23 bilyon na halos 7.4 porsiyento ang naragdag kaysa sa P21.4 bilyon noong 2012,” sabi ni Kalihim Coloma. “Kinikilala ng pamahalaan ang halaga ng mga perang ipinauuwi (remittances) ng OFWs sapagka’t ito ay nagiging daan para maragdagan ang ating foreign currency reserves na nag-papasigla ng consumer spending na malaking suporta sa pangkalahatang paglago ng ekonomya,” dugtong ni Coloma. Idinugtong ni Coloma na sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, patuloy na isinusulong ng pamahalaan ang mga programang lilikha at magiging daan ng pagdaragdag ng pagkakataong magkaroon ng hanapbuhay ang mga propesyonal at skilled workers na Pilipino. “Ito ay kaagapay naman ng mga kauring program sa ating bansa na paglikha ng trabaho na higit na may malaking suweldo sa manufacturing,” paliwanag ni Coloma. Bukod dito, sabi ni Coloma, puspusan din ang pagpapatupad ng Kagawaran ng Paggawa at Hanapbuhay sa P2 bilyong national reintegration program na pinamamahalaan ng Overseas Workers Welfare Administration na nakalikha na ng 4,000 trabaho para sa mga umuuwing OFWs sapul nang ilunsad ang programang ito. “Sa pamamagitan ng Land Bank of the Philippines, ang programang ito ay nakapaglabas na ng kabuuang pautang na halagang P632.5 milyon. Karamihan sa halagang ito ay ginamit na puhunan sa iba-ibang negosyo tulad ng general merchandising, water purifying stations, groceries, auto supply, hardware, trucking at ready-to-wear na mga damit, bukod pa sa mga gawaing may kaugnayan sa pagsasaka na tulad ng negosyo ng bigas, pagbababuyan, manukan, pagtitinda ng mga gamit sa pagsasaka, panaderya, pagtatanim punong namumunga, paggugulayan, kalakalan ng kopra at pag-iisa,” sabi pa ni Coloma’ “Ito ang katunayan ng patakaran ng Pangulong Aquino na isang pamahalaang lumilikha ng trabaho sa tahanan mismo upang ang pagpunta sa ibang bansa upang magtrabaho ay hindi kailanganin maliban kung talagang gusto lamang ng sino mang Pilipino,” dugtong ni Coloma at sinabi pang kung marapatin ng isang Pilipino na maging overseas Filipino worker, ang kanilang karapatan at kapakanan ay pangangalagaan ng pamahalaan. PND (rck/zaf) TOP Gagantimpalaan ang mabuting pamamahala, sabi ni Aquino sa mga lokal na pamahalaan   Hinamon ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga lokal na pamahalaan na pagbutihin pang lalo ang kanilang paglilingkod at ituloy ang mabuting pamamahala at tiniyak na gagantimpalaan ng pambansang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng Seal of Good Governance ng Kagawaran ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan. Sa pagsasalita sa may 1,500 pinuno ng lokal na pamahalaan sa pangkalahatang kapulungan ng League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) sa Fiesta Pavilion ng Manila Hotel Martes, binigyang diin ng Pangulo ang halaga ng patuloy na matapat at mabuting pamamahala ng mga lokal na pamahalaan na mahalagang papel ang ginagampanan sa pagsulong ng ekonomya at pagpawi sa karalitaan. “Kayo ang nasa lokal na pamahalaan. Kayo ang may malalim na pag-unawa sa mga pangangailangan ng inyong mga kababayan. Kayo ang nasa magandang posisyon para gumawa ng mga kongkretong hakbang upang tugunan ang mga ito,” sabi ng Pangulo sa mga alkalde ng bayan. “Ang gusto ko pong bigyan ng diin: Ang Performance Challenge Fund ay para sa lahat ng gustong tuparin ang kanilang pangako bilang lingkod-bayan. Hindi po kailangan ng palakasan at papogihan. Hindi ninyo kailangang sumipsip para mabigyan ng Performance Challenge Fund,” tahasang wika ng Pangulo sa mga kaharap na alkalde na ang tinutukoy ay ang insentibong ibinibigay sa mga LGUs na nakapapasa sa Seal of Good Governance. Sinabi ng Pangulo na noong nakaraang taon, umabot sa 719 lokal na pamahalaan ang nabigyan ng Performane Challenge Fund na umabot sa kabuuang isang bilyong piso ang halaga. Binigyang diin ng Pangulong Aquino na ang insentibong ito ay ibinibigay hindi lamang sa mga kapanalig, kundi sa lahat ng LGUs na nakapapasa sa mga tuntunin ng good housekeeping. “Kahit saang partido pa kayo nanggaling, basta nagpakitang gilas kayo sa serbisyo at tapat na sumusunod sa mga patakaran, mabibigyan kayo ng kaukulang pondo at insentibo upang maiangat pa ang pamumuhay ng inyong mga nasasakupan,” paliwanag ng Pangulo. Iniulat din ng Pangulo na aabot sa kabuuang 1,372 lokal na pamahalaan o halos 84 porsiyento ng kabuuang bilang ng LGUs ang nakaalinsunod sa kaukulang mga tuntunin ng good housekeeping. Dahil dito, hinamon ng Pangulo ang nalalabing 20 porsiyentong sikaping makabilang sila sa kabuuang bilang ng LGUs na nakasunod na sa mga tuntunin ng good housekeeping. “Sa bawa’t isa sa ating mga LGU: Sana naman po ay hindi lamang minimum ang ating habulin. Sa halip, talaga pong ibuhos natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang pagharap natin sa kanya-kanyang mga salamin ay masabi nating:’Tinupad ko ang aking sinumpaang tungkulin; naging bahagi ako ng pagbabago; tapat akong naglingkod sa kapuwa ko Pilipino,” mariing wika ng Pangulo. Ang pangkalahatang kapulungan ng LMP sa taong ito ay dinaluhan ng 1,228 alkalde ng mga bayan sa iba-ibang lalawigan at lungsod ng bansa. PND (jb/zaf) TOP Naalinsunod sa batas ang pamamalagi ng Pilipinas sa Ayungin Shoal—Palasyo   Naalinsunod sa batas ang pamamalagi ng bansa sa Ayungin Shoal sa kabila ng pahayag ng Tsina na sinasaklaw ng Pilipinas ang kanilang hurisdiksiyon sa South China Sea o West Philippine Sea. Ito ang naging tugon ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office at binanggit ang isang pahayag ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas na may petsang Marso 14 tungkol sa isyung ito. Iniulat na binabalaan ng Tsina ang Pilipinas na talikuran na ang paghahabol sa Ayungin Shoal at sinabi pa ng tagapagsaltia ng Ugnayang Panlabas nila na sila ay naka-high alert sa Pilipinas at malamang gumamit na ng provocative acts sa South China Sea. “Ang BRP Sierra Madre. bapor ng Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, ay itinalaga sa Ayungin Shaol noong 1999 upang maging palagitang istasyon ng pamahalaang Pilipino bilang sagot naman sa ilegal na pagsakop ng Tsina sa Mischief Reef noong 1999. Ito ay bago pa nilagdaan ang Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea noong 2001.” Paliwanag ni Coloma sa mga reporter sa pulong balitaan sa Malakanyang sa binasang pahayag ng DFA. Ayon kay Coloma, inulit ng Pilipinas na ang Ayungin Shoal ay bahagi ng continental shelf kung saan ang bansa ay may sovereign rights at hurisdiksiyon. “Iyan po ang malinaw na posisyon ng ating pamahalaan. Lahat naman po ng pagkilos natin diyan ay ayon sa batas internasyonal at naaayon din sa ating patakarang idaan sa mapayapa at diplomatikong paraan ang paglutas sa gusot na ito sa teritoryo,” sabi ni Coloma. Binabalaan ng Tsina ang Pilipinas sa ano mang probokasyon sa West Philippine Sea pagkaraang ang dalawang bapor sibilyan ng mga Pilipino ay itaboy sa Ayungin Shoal na tinanggihan naman ng Tsina. Ang marines shelter ng mga Pilipino ay nasa kinakalawang nang bapor na noon pang Ika-2 Digmaang Pandaigdig ginamit, ang BRP Sierra Madre na nasadsad sa Ayungin Shaol noong 1999 nang sakupin ng Tsina ang Mischief Reef noong 1995. Inaangkin ng Tsina ang buong South China Sea sa bisa ng kanilang nine-dash line na isinama pati ang mga bahagi ng Philippine 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Dahil sa walang nangyari sa sinikap na maayos na paglutas sa gusot, minarapat ng Pilipinas na idulog ang kaso laban sa Tsina sa United Nations International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea subali’t ayaw namang dumalo ng Tsina sa pagdinig. PND (as/zaf) TOP

 

 

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the oath-taking of the officers of the Leagues of Local Government Units (LGUs) and 2014 League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly

Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila

18 Mar 2014

Maraming salamat po. Maupo ho tayong lahat. Kagalang-galang na Kalihim Mar Roxas, Dinky Soliman, Joel Rocamora; ang pinakamatanda po sa aming partido, Boy Umali; si Mayor Sandy Javier, ‘yong kanino pong bagyong binanggit niya, “Santy” po iyon, hindi ho “Sandy;” siyempre, ang idol po, lahat naming kabataan, Mayor Bistek Baustista; Vice Governor Odi Fausto; board member Myrna Romarate; Vice Mayor Isko Moreno; Counselor Alma Moreno; Barangay Chairman Edmond Abesamis; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Nakita kompo si Governor Pimentel; sabi ko, “Ang layo ng biniyahe niya.” Saka marami ho sa inyong malayo ang biniyahe dahil 91 percent nga raw ho ang attendance natin dito. At nag-isip ako, “Paano makabawi man lang nang kaunti sa inyong malasakit na dumalo sa atin pong meeting. Kanina po, tinitignan ko–ito po ‘yong speech ni Mayor Javier eh. Nang pagbukas niya kanina, naku ang daming pahina. Mukhang ito na yata ang bawi. Iyon pala malaki lang pala ho ang font. Ating kasamang butihing Mayor Domeng Marcos ng Bulacan, minsan ho’y nagtalumpati. Naglabas po siya ng cue cards. Mga ganyang kakapal. Kako, “Susmaryosep! Ano kaya ang kailangan ng bayang ito? Mukhang namili pa sa National Bookstore na ganyang karaming cue cards.” Iyon pala ang font po at ganoong kalaki. Kaya isang sentence lang ho, limang pahina. Share ko lang ho: May shinare [share] ho kasi sa amin si Mayor Bobong Perez ng Urdaneta sa Pangasinan kanina–para madagdagan ko lang naman ang sigla n’yo: Mayroon hong isang taong OFW, nakabalik sa Pilipinas. ‘Yong pinag-ipunan niya, siyempre gusto naman niyang magamit at magkaroon siya ng enjoyment. So, bumili ho siya ng isang sasakyan na 4×4. Siyempre ‘yong 4×4 nakalagay “4×4.” Tapos ‘yong multiplication sign ay “x.” “4×4.” Eh may dumaan hong bata. ‘Yong bata ho medyo math champion ng kanyang paaralan. Nakita niya. “Uy! four times four!” E di kumuha ho ng bato, kiniskis, “= 16.” [Laughter] ‘Yong ginawa raw ho niya ‘yan–siyempre ‘yong tao, “Imamaneho ko nga ang bago kong sasakyan.” Nilinis pa niya. ‘Pag linis niya, nakita niya ginasgas, “Susmaryosep! Sino naman ang gumawa nito?” Dinala niya sa casa, pininturahan, inayos, balik sa dati. Eh nadaan na naman ‘yong bata noong hapon. “Oh! Nawala ‘yong aking equation!” Eh di kinumpleto na naman niya: 4×4=16. Tama na naman. Lakad na naman ‘yong bata. Gumising na naman kinabukasan. Nakita na naman niya, ganoon na naman, “Pambihira namang taong ito! Pinepersonal na nga ako kung sino man siya!” Binalik sa casa. Sabi ng casa ngayon, “Boss, walang mangyayari sa atin kung ganito nang ganito ang gagawin natin. Buti pa ipormal na natin ‘yang ‘=16.’ Pakopya na natin ang mga letra. Stainless steel natin ‘yan. Wala na sigurong gagasgas.” Ginawa nga nila. Siguro nga, iyon ang solusyon. Kinabukasan, tapos magkape, labas ‘yong tao, “Siguro naman ayos na.” Biglang napasigaw na naman, “Naku!” Dahil ang nilagay ho ng bata, nakita “4×4=16,” nilagay po pagkalaki-laking check. Sana, Mayor Bobong, galing talaga sa iyo ‘yan at hindi ka nangopya. Baka ma-accuse ka ng cheating. Nang makita ko po ang imbitasyon ninyo sa aking tanggapan upang magsalita ngayong araw, unang pumasok sa isip ko po ang kuwento ng transpormasyon ng Quezon City sa panahon ng panunungkulan ng ating butihing Speaker Sonny Belmonte. Alam naman po ninyo na isa ang Quezon City sa pinakamaunlad na lungsod sa Pilipinas ngayon. Pero hindi po ganoon ang sitwasyon nang unang maupo si Speaker. Ang dinatnan po niya: P2.65 billion iyan po ang utang at bayarin ng Lungsod Quezon. Nang matapos po ang kanyang tatlong termino bilang mayor, hindi lang po niya nasolusyunan ang minana niyang problema, nag-iwan pa siya ng surplus na umabot sa halagang anim na bilyong piso. Kung mababalitaan ito ng mga Pilipinong nasanay na sa katiwalian at lumang sistema, malamang, ang masasabi nila, “Aba, imposible naman ata ‘yun! Hindi kaya inimbento lang ‘yan?” Ang sagot po natin sa kanila: Puwede nilang tingnan ang public records ng Quezon City kung gusto nila ng patunay. At hindi po magician si Speaker Belmonte. Ang totoo, ginawa lamang niya ang nararapat na gawin ng isang pinuno na may konsensiya at malasakit sa kanyang mga kababayan. Isa po sa mga ginawa niya: Nilinis niya ang burukrasya. Pinahusay niya ang pangongolekta ng buwis, at ginawa niyang tapat at makatuwiran ang paggastos sa pondo ng bayan. Unang-una po, higit-kumulang sa 3,000 empleyado ang tinanggal niya sa City Hall nang makita niyang may mga posisyong hindi kailangan. Ultimo po kasi ‘yong pinaka-junior na clerk, mayroon pang tatlong assistant na nagre-report po tuwing kinsenas at a-trenta. Isa sa kanila raw ho ay sumasahod ng hindi bababa 6,000 pesos kada buwan noong panahon iyon. Kung tutuusin, puwede naman pong ipinagpatuloy na lang ni Speaker Belmonte ang nakasanayang sistema kung saan iilan lamang ang nakikinabang, at wala siyang nagiging kaaway. Sa halip, ginawa pa rin niya ang tama; hindi siya natakot sa banta ng kanyang mga kinabangga na nagsabing “Humanda ka, hindi ka namin iboboto namin maski sino ang kalaban mo sa susunod na eleksyon.” Ang naisip niya, hindi mawawala ang tiwala sa kanya ng mga mamamayan kung gagawin niya nang mahusay at matapat ang kanyang tungkulin. At tunay nga po: sinuklian naman ito ng tiwala ng mga taga-Quezon City. Alam po n’yo, ‘pag nakikita ko si Bistek, talagang paniwalang-paniwala po akong napakaganda ang finances ng Quezon City. Sa tagal kong kakilala ‘to, wala pang hinihingi sa akin ‘to. Puwede nga ho sigurong maging Republic of Quezon City, pero huwag naman sanang sa mga panahong ito. Naaalala ko rin po: Noong manungkulan ako bilang kinatawan ng ikalawang distrito ng Tarlac, kung saan 159 na mga barangay natin ang saklaw ng ikalawang distrito. Ang paninindigan ko po, kailangan ang tinatawag na consensus para maging batayan sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto. Nakikipagdiyalogo ako sa mamamayan para malaman kung ano ang gusto nila para sa kanilang bawat barangay. Nagpupulong kami, at umpisang madalas na nababanggit ang pagpapatayo ng covered courts at pagpapaganda ng barangay hall. Sabi ko po, “Kapag nangyari po ‘yun, ipinapaliwanag ko na baka mas mainam kung mamumuhunan kami sa kinabukasan, tulad ng pagpapagawa ng mga patubig, o kaya pagpapatayo ng mga silid-aralan o kaya paggagawa o pagkukumpuni ng mga kalsada o pagdidikit ng kuryente.” Hindi ako nagdidikta sa kanila; sa halip ay pinag-uusapan namin ang mga proyekto upang mabalanse ang kanilang kagustuhan at pangangailangan. Alam po n’yo, parang naging uso sa amin, ‘pag may nag-umpisang “Kailangan namin ng covered courts,” lahat “Ay, kami rin! Kailangan namin ng covered courts.” Ang ating butihin Mayor Dennis Tañedo po makakaalala ng mga panahong iyon. Sabi ko, “Saan ba natin itatayo? At tatakpan natin ang solar dryer.” Kako, “Kung tinakpan natin ang solar dryer, paano papasok si solar?” Sabi nila, “Sa singit-singit nalang ho dadaan ‘yan.” Baka naman mahanapan pa tayo ng COA, saan nagpunta ang solar dryer n’yo? Sa mga kuwento pong ito, makita n’yo sanang imposible lamang ang pagbabago kung ang isang pinuno ay iniisip lang ang pansariling interes, at ang pagpapapogi para sa susunod na eleksyon. ‘Yon bang imbes na magpatupad ng mga programang pangmatagalan at pangmaramihan ang benepisyo, ay gumagawa ng mga proyektong pagkatapos ng photo-ops ay wala nang natutulungan. Iisa lang naman po ang pangako natin sa ating mga kababayan: Ang paglilingkod na magpapabuti sa kanilang kalagayan. Mas mahusay at mas mabilis natin itong matutupad kung iisa ang ating paghakbang. Kung isa sa atin ang mag-iba ng direksiyon, magiging pabigat siya sa iba, at babagal ang ating pag-usad. Binigyan tayo ng pambihirang pagkakataon para gumawa ng pagbabago. Magkapit-bisig po tayo upang maging permanente ang epekto ng mga napasimulan natin nitong nagdaang tatlong taon. Tapos na po ang panahon kung kailan walang tiwala ang mamamayan sa kanilang pamahalaan, at napakadaling magsabi na “kahit sino pa ang maupo diyan, noong araw ay wala namang mangyayari.” Ngayon po ay hindi na ganoon. Huwag tayong pumayag na magbalik pa ang panahong ito. Ang masisiguro naman po sa inyo: Kung nasa panig kayo ng tuwid, kung nasa panig kayo ng ating mga Boss, hindi namin kayo hahayaang mag-isa. Kami po sa pambansang pamahalaan ay kumakayod din para padaliin ang trabaho ng mga nais magsulong ng reporma. Halimbawa nga po itong Seal of Good Housekeeping ng ating DILG. Sinimulan po ito ng yumaong Secretary Jesse Robredo; nang dinatnan naman po ito ni Secretary Mar Roxas, hindi lang niya ito itinuloy, pinatibay pa niya ito at pinalawak, para masigurong mas epektibo at mas mabilis nating maipatupad ang ating agenda ng pagbabago. Nito pong Enero ng 2014, inilunsad ni Kalihim Mar ang Seal of Good Local Governance. Bukod sa tapat at episyenteng paggastos sa pondo ng bayan, nakapaglatag rin ang SGLG ng mga pamantayan para sa paghahanda sa mga kalamidad at sakuna, pangangalaga sa kalikasan, pagtutok sa mga sektor na nasa laylayan ng lipunan at may espesyal na pangangailangan, pagpapasigla sa pagnenegosyo, at pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan. Maging malinaw po sana sa inyo: Ang SGLG ay isang imbitasyon. At sa pagtugon nang wasto, matatamasa ninyo ang benepisyo nito. Noong nakaraang taon, 719 na probinsiya, lungsod, at munisipalidad na ang nabigyan ng Performance Challenge Fund na may kabuuang halagang ng isang bilyong piso. Ayuda po ang Performance Challenge Fund—ibig-sabihin, kayo bilang kinatawan ng inyong mga local government unit ang dapat magpasimula ng mga inisyatibang mapapakinabangan ng mga mamamayan. Kayo ang nasa lokal na pamahalaan; kayo ang may malalim na pag-unawa sa mga pangangailangan ng inyong kababayan; kayo ang nasa magandang posisyon para gumawa ng mga kongkretong hakbang upang tugunan ang mga ito. Ang gusto ko pong bigyan ng diin: Ang Performance Challenge Fund ay para sa lahat ng gustong tuparin ang kanilang pangako bilang lingkod bayan. Hindi po kailangan ng palakasan at papogian. Hindi n’yo kailangang sumipsip para mabigyan ng Performance Challenge Fund. At kahit saang partido pa kayo nanggaling, basta nagpapakitang-gilas kayo sa serbisyo at tapat na sumusunod sa mga patakaran, mabibigyan kayo ng kaukulang pondo at insentibo upang maiangat pa ang pamumuhay ng inyong mga nasasakupan. [Applause] Pero kung gusto rin n’yo sumama sa amin, welcome rin po kayo. [Applause] Balita ko po: 1,372 na probinsiya, lungsod, at munisipalidad na ang nakatupad sa minimum requirements ng Seal of Good Housekeeping nito pong nakaraang 2013. Walumpung porsyento ito ng kabuuang bilang ng ating mga LGU. Kaya naman, sa nalalabing 20 percent, hinihimok ko kayong makisagwan sa transpormasyong nagaganap sa ating lipunan. At sa bawat isa po sa ating mga LGU: Sana naman po ay hindi lang minimum ang ating habulin; sa halip, talaga pong ibuhos natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya, upang pagharap natin sa kanya-kaniyang mga salamin ay masabi nating, “Tinupad ko ang aking sinumpaang tungkulin; naging kabahagi ako ng pagbabago; tapat akong naglingkod sa kapwa ko Pilipino.” Marahil po ay nababalitaan ninyo sa loob at labas ng ating bansa, marami ang nagugulat sa nangyayaring transpormasyon ng Pilipinas. Ang sagot natin sa kanila: Walang pong himala. Resulta lamang ito ng pagtitiwala ng mga mamamayan na posible ang pagbabago, at ng paninindigan ng mga pinuno na gawin ang tama at ang pagkalinga sa Poong Maykapal. Nanumbalik na po ang kompiyansa ng mga namumuhunan sa ating bayan. Hindi na nila kailangang matakot na sa pagtatayo nila ng negosyo, habang nakikipagkamay sila sa kanan ay kinukupitan naman sila sa kaliwa. At kaakibat po ng paglago ng ating ekonomiya ang pagtataas sa antas ng serbisyo at benepisyong naihahatid natin sa mas nakakarami. Kadadalo nga lang po natin nitong Linggo sa graduation ng PMA kung saan inihayag natin ang nagaganap na modernisasyon sa ating Sandatahang Lakas. Mga halimbawa po nito ang pagbili natin ng mga bagong armas upang mapalitan ang mga ripleng ginamit pa noong panahon pa ng Vietnam War. Sabi ko nga po doon sa mga nag-graduate ng PMA, ‘di pa kayo napapanganak, ginagamit po ng estado ang mga ripleng ito. Sa mga susunod na buwan nga po, maipapamahagi na sa mga tagapagtanggol ng ating bayan ang 63,000 na bagong riple. Bukod sa mga armas, napasakamay narin natin ang dalawang Hamilton Class Cutter—’yon po ang Ramon Alcaraz at Gregorio del Pilar. Mayroon na rin po tayong walong Sokol combat utility helicopters—brand new po ang mga helicopters ito, at sinundan pa ng na-deliver ng tatlong bagong Navy helicopters. Dagdag pa rito, bibili rin tayo ng 12 lead-in fighter trainer aircraft mula sa South Korea, at ng dagdag pang walong combat, o brand new na naman, na combat utility helicopters at 21 na refurbished. Para naman po sa ating kapulisan, inumpisahan na noong nakaraang taon ang distribusyon ng mga bagong unit ng 9mm Glock 17 pistols sa ating mga alagad ng batas. Nasa 74,879 ang kabuuang bilang ng baril na kasado nang ipamahagi sa kanila, upang maabot na ang ating mithiin one-is-to-one police-to-pistol ratio. Ang good news naman po mula sa TESDA: Umabot na sa kabuuang 616,126 na benepisyaryo ang nakapagtapos sa ating Training-for-Work-Scholarship Program mula Hulyo 2010 hanggang Disyembre 2013. At isipin po ninyo: noong araw nga po, ayon sa datos ng Department of Budget and Management, 28.5 percent lamang ng graduates ng TESDA ang nakahanap ng trabaho noong mga taong 2006 hanggang 2008. Ngayon po, naiangat na po natin ito sa general average na 62 percent, at sa ibang mga panig po ay umaabot na sa 80 plus percent. Nakita rin po natin ang epektibong pagkilos ng ating mga ahensya sa nagdaang mga pagsubok sa ating bansa. Isang halimbawa po nito ang Department of Energy sa pangunguna ni Secretary Icot Petilla. Nang sinuri po nila kung gaano katagal maibabalik ang kuryente sa 320 na mga lugar na tinamaan ng bagyong Yolanda, ang tantiya po nila: anim na buwan ang kakailanganin. At dito po tayo pinahanga ni Secretary Icot at ng DOE; makalipas lang ang 40 araw, imbis na anim na buwan– at ilang oras lang po ang pagkalagpas doon sa 40 araw na iyan– naibalik na ang kuryente sa lahat po ng 320 lugar na kailangan ibalik ang kuryente. [Applause] Dahil naman puspusan doon sa self-imposed deadline niya ng 40 days, pinagre-resign siya dahil may tatlong hindi umabot sa 40th day, naging 40 days and several hours. Buti na lang po at mapagpasensya si Secretary Icot, dahil sa kabila ng kanyang pagpapakitang-gilas, mayroon pa ring puro kapintasan lang ang napapansin: 317 po kasi ‘yung nalilimutan, tatlo ang pinipilit bigyan ng diin. Hindi na rin usad-pagong ang ating paglalatag ng mga imprastraktura. Isa nga pong matingkad na halimbawa ng proyektong lubhang pinabagal ng baluktot na kalakaran ang Manila North at Manila South Expressways noong dekada 70. Ayon sa plano, gagawa sila ng kalsadang babagtas mula sa norte sa Carmen Rosales sa Pangasinan, hanggang sa katimugan, Lucena, Quezon. Tanungin ko nga po ang bawat isa sa inyong napapadaan sa mga lugar na ito, matapos ang mahigit tatlong dekada, may nakikita na ba kayong ni isang dipang kalsada na natapos ng proyektong ito sa Carmen, Rosales, sa Pangasinan o sa Lucena, Quezon? Sa ilalim po ng ating pamumuno, humanap tayo ng solusyon na alinsunod sa Saligang Batas upang tugunan ito. Wala naman po sa plano nating ipamana sa susunod na administrasyon ang suliraning ito. At sa katunayan, inilunsad na po ang Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project nitong Enero–ang ikatlong bahagi ng Metro Manila Skyway na inumpisahan pa noong dekada 90. Kasabay nito, umaarangkada na rin ang proyekto nating Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway. Noong nakaraang taon, nakumpleto na natin ang bahaging bumabagtas sa Tarlac City, patungo ng Gerona at Paniqui. Sa December 2015, inaasahan nating matatapos na ang buong kalsadang ito hanggang sa paanan na raw ng Kennon. At habang nandito si Governor Imee, ang balita ko po, ang pinaplano nila paabutin narin ‘yong TPLEX–may bago nang pangalan–hanggang sa Ilocos Sur at Ilocos Norte. [Applause] Kung naalala po ninyo, nangako ako na hindi tayo magtataas ng buwis. Lahat po ng ito, nagawa natin nang hindi nagtataas nga ng buwis maliban sa Sin Tax. Isipin na lang po ninyo, kung noon pa lang ay tuwid na ang pamamahala, di hamak na mas malayo pa sana ang narating natin sa kasalukuyan. Maihahambing ko po ang ginagawa nating pagbabago sa sistema ng pamamahala sa isang pagsasalu-salo sa hapag-kainan. Sa lumang sistema, kinukuha ng mga tiwali ang malaking bahagi ng handa, ang mga matitira ay pinaghahatian ng mamamayan. Habang lumalaki ang pangangailangan dahil lumalaki ang sambayanan, paunti nang paunti ang pinaghahatian, o ang parte ng bawat isa, hanggang sa wala nang matira para mapakain ang lahat. Baka nga ‘yong iba, nakikiamoy na lang dahil nasimot na pati ang latak sa mga pinggan. Sa bagong sistema, nag-aambagan ang bawat isa sa atin upang maparami ang handa, na sama-sama at patas nating pinagsasaluhan. At ‘di po ba, sa pagtitiwala at pagtutulungan nating ito, natitiyak nating masagana rin ang salo-salo ng mga susunod pang darating sa hapag-kainan? Darating po ang araw na magkukuwento ang mga susunod na henerasyon tungkol sa isang napakahalagang panahon sa Pilipinas—isang panahon ng pagkakaisa, transpormasyon, at pag-unlad. Sa kuwentong iyon, may mahalagang papel na ginagampanan ang bawat probinsiya, lungsod, munisipalidad, at barangay. Nawa’y lagi po nating isaisip: Sa bawat maliit na kilos natin, sa bawat desisyon, sa bawat pagpili ng tuwid sa araw-araw nating pagharap sa sangandaan, minamarkahan natin ang kasaysayan. Tayo mismo ang nagpupunla at nagdidilig ng pagbabago; tayo mismo ang nagsusulat ng kuwento ng isang bayang nagkaisa, bumangon, at sa tulong ng Maykapal, ay tinupad ang kanyang mga pangarap. Bago po ako magtapos, gusto ko lang hong bigyan ng diin at puri ang kagalang-galang na Sandy Javier ng Javier, Leyte. [Applause] Noong dumating po ang Yolanda, hindi ho kasing napinsala ang Javier tulad ng mga karatig-lugar. Pwede naman niyang sinabi, “Salamat sa Diyos at hindi kami masyadong naapektuhan.” Pero minabuti po ni Sandy Javier at iba pa nating mga mayor sa Leyte, Samar, at sa iba pang lugar na kung sila hindi diretsuhan, talagang todo sinalanta ni Yolanda, dinamayan kaagad na walang pagtutulak ang problema ng mga karatig-lugar at ‘yung iba pa’y mas malayong mga lugar. Pagkatanda ko nga ho, sa pagtutulungan ni Sandy at saka ng MMDA, nagkaroon ng adoption ang atin pong Metro Manila Council ng kanilang mga sister communities and municipalities para maidagdag ang tulong, ang kakayahan, ang kagamitan, nitong kanilang mga sister cities, para mapabilis ang pagbalik muli mula sa dinatnan sa Yolanda. Ngayon po, kanina, nabiro tayo ni Sandy na ‘yong mga hiling n’yo. Bago pa kayo humiling, pwede bang tugunan ko na? Tinanong ko po, ang follow-up po kay Secretary Roxas kahapon, mayroon tayo kasing mga programa para sa Regions 6, 7, and 8 para sa Yolanda at mayroon pang mga ibang programa na hindi naman nakatutok sa Yolanda, pero pagdiinan ko lang po ‘yung sa Yolanda. Mayroon ho tayong inaasahan kasing mga tinatawag na program of works, na 271. Ito po ay pagbabalik ng kanilang mga munisipyo, mga palengke, at mga civic center. [Applause] So far po, ang nag-submit na ng kanilang mga program of works na siyang pagmumulan ng kanilang, parang, dahilan o rason para mai-release ‘yong pondo, eh sa out of 271, 228 na po ang nag-submit ng program of works, nagkakahalaga po ng 600 milyong piso ito at dahil nai-submit na po ninyo ang program of works, kino-commit ho ng DILG na mairelease ang pondo ng ten days mula noong pag-submit n’yo [applause]. Ang problema ko lang ho, may 43 na hindi pa ho nagsa-submit. ‘Yung 43 po na may karapatan na hindi pa ho nagsa-submit, kung ayaw na po ninyo ‘yong pondo, okay na din po, i-shashare na lang natin doon sa ibang nangangailangan. Kung kailangan naman po n’yo, pakialala lang po noong tayo ang nag-aaral, sabi ng Teacher, “Finish or not finish, pass your paper.” Baka naman ‘pag na-pass na ‘yong paper, doon kayo humabol at kayo’y magreklamo na hindi kayo tinulungan. So, uulitin ko lang po, nananawagan tayo doon sa 43, na kulang pa ho ‘yung inyong mga program of works, gawin muna ang proseso. Ulitin ko po, trabaho ng National Government na punuin ang mga pangangailangan po n’yo. at siguro idagdag ko rin sa magandang balita, alam naman po ninyo na nakakailang biyahe rin tayo sa labas tulad ng pagpunta sa bansang Hapon at bansang Korea. Lalo na po sa bansang Hapon, napakarami ng mga investors na parating sa atin. Last year po, umangat ng ten percent ang manufacturing—growth in the manufacturing sector. So, uulitin ko, lahat naman ho nitong mga pabrika, lahat naman po nitong negosyante, local and foreign–saan ba sila pupunta kung ‘di specific na lugar po dito sa Pilipinas? Pagdating ho ba nitong mga negosyanteng tutulong sa atin magbigay ng mga trabaho para talaga inclusive growth tayo. Sana po ay harapin natin silang lahat sa espiritu ng gabayan at pagtutulungan. ‘Yung tutulong sa atin, tulungan na natin, ‘wag na natin pahirapan. At ang pangako naman ho sa inyo—’yung natuwa sa pagdating dito sa atin at nagtagumpay sila ayon sa kanilang plano dahil tinulungan natin, ‘yan naman po ang mga bago nating embahador na magsasabing, tumungo kayo sa Pilipinas, napakaganda ng sitwasyon doon. Para mangyari po ‘yan, siyempre, kayong mga punong-lungsod, kayo pong mga gobernador, pati na rin ‘yung mga hepe ng barangay ay malaking bahagi para maging kaganapan ‘yan at bawat nga ho isang dumating ay talaga naman pong malaki ang maitutulong tungo inclusive growth. So, ako po ay medyo mahaba na nagsalita. Ang gusto ko po ‘pag nakikita kayo, ako po ang nakikinig at naglilista ‘yong aking assistant na si Jun Delantar na nawawala sa kasalukuyan, nandito pala sa gilid. Bago po magtapos po, alam ninyo tatlong buwan na lang, babalik na naman tayo sa ating rainy season kung saan magdadatingan ang mga bagyo, alam po natin na shinare [share] na po sa inyo ang mga mapa ng ating disaster-prone areas. So, sana po tutukan natin ‘yan habang may oras pa tayo, sana masabi natin, “Ginawa na natin ang lahat ng dapat magawa.” Ngayon, binabanggit ko lang ho ‘yan dahil po kaninang nakaupo kami ng mga butihing mga kasama, akala naman lumilindol. Aba, bakit yumayanig itong entablado? ‘Yon pala naglalakad lang pala ang aking assistant. Medyo malambot pala ‘yung kahoy sa likod namin. Mga kasama, uulitin ko po, ‘yung problema n’yong hindi kaya, ipasa ninyo sa amin, pagtutulungan natin. Basta nasa lugar kayo, asahan ninyong kasama n’yo kami. Magandang umaga po. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.

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18 MARCH 2014 Strengthening Organizational Capacity of ARBs through PBD Lawyering Pantawid Pamilya pupil looks forward to more happy moments with family DSWD gathers Western Visayas mayors for consultation on community-driven post-disaster rehabilitation PNoy admin OKs Pampanga flood control project; Abad: Resiliency and preparedness key to disaster response DFA Statement on the Crimea DFA Conducts Seminar on Gender Issues in Philippine Embassy in Amman Number of Saudi Visitors to Phl on Upward Trend DepEd, Australian gov't committed to enhance school system Statement of Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan at the Philippine Economic Briefing Flying Kiss, The Movie: There is life after TB MMDA To Wrap Up 'Linis Palengke' Program MMDA inaugurates two new pumping stations in San Juan New BI A/D Card simplifies immigration processing Experts present innovative health care practices in support of inclusive growth Abad: PNoy's leadership yielded unprecedented gains for Ph

Strengthening Organizational Capacity of ARBs through PBD Lawyering

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

Despite the stride made by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in terms of asset distribution, many Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) still live below poverty line and have to realize the economic potential of their lands. Since 1988, the majority of them, either individually or through their cooperatives have entered into various Agri-Business Venture Agreements (AVAs) with their former landowners or with third parties. A review of the contracts in the databank of the National Agribusiness Evaluation Committee showed that most of the contracts are onerous and do not promote the financial, as well as the economic interests of the ARBs. This prompted the Office of the Undersecretary for Legal Affairs to strengthen the organizational capacity of ARBs and its organizations in the implementation of the Agrarian Reform Communities Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) through the Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) Lawyering Part II: Skills Training for Agribusiness Contract Review. This is an offshoot to the first phase of its PBD Lawyering Training Program conducted last year, which focused on setting up a legal entity for the ARBs and their organizations (ARBOs), understanding cash flow, knowledge of credit and how to access available credit facilities. PBD Lawyering Part II is to be participated by selected DAR Legal Division Chiefs and Regional and Provincial Program Beneficiaries Division (PBD) staff. Said skills training started this week from March 17-21, 2014 for the Mindanao group. Succeeding batches will be on May 5-9, 2014 for the Visayas group and May 19-23, 2014 for the Luzon group. The participants to this activity together with the Community Based Enterprise Organizers (CBEOs) are expected to assist the ARB enterprises capture value and private investment; strengthen their ability to manage risks; and create opportunities for their enterprises towards enabling business environment for the ARBs. Overseeing the activity is a team from the Legal Affairs Office, Bureau of Agrarian Legal Assistance, Agrarian Reform Capacity Development Service and Support Service Office of DAR.

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Pantawid Pamilya pupil looks forward to more happy moments with family

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

Javier, Leyte – “Because of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, mama and papa already have time for us.” This was shared by Cheska Calinao, 11, Grade 5 student who is a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, during the March 14 visit of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Directors in Barangay Odiong of this municipality. The ADB officials visited the Philippines to check on the implementation of their funded projects in the country to obtain a better appreciation of overall operations, outputs, development impact, and stakeholder participation. Pantawid Pamilya, one of the projects being funded by ADB, aims to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty through investment in human capital. It provides cash grants of as much as P1,400 to households with three qualified children to meet their education and health needs provided they comply to program conditionalities such as sending their children to school and health centers for check up, and attending family development sessions. Cheska, who is the youngest among 10 siblings, expressed how Pantawid Pamilya has improved her family. “Han kami naging beneficiary na han Pantawid, dako an kaibahan kay nakakaon na kami hin magrasa, nakakagproject na ako. Ngan an pinakaimportante ha tanan, an akon mama ngan papa nagkasundo na ngan mayda na nira time ha amon (When we became a beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilya, we can already eat delicious food and I can already do my projects. But the most important thing, my parents don’t argue anymore and they already have time for us).” She related that they now have more time for family bonding. She shared that at night, they would be singing and her papa would be playing the guitar. She is thankful for the additional support to their needs. Mayor Leonardo Javier, Jr., on the other hand, shared how surprised he is on the impact of Pantawid Pamilya on his constituents. He said, “CCT helps us get out of poverty by teaching the people. Children get educated and people get more concerned of their health. Because of the program, people improve their values, they are closer to their family members, and they are taught to be God –fearing.” To date, there are 1,611 active household-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya here. Nationwide, the program is serving 3,989,548 households from 41,263 barangays in 143 cities and 1,484 municipalities. DSWD-Field Office VIII Assistant Regional Director Virginia Idano said that the “testimonials of the beneficiaries prove that moving poor people from survival level to self-sufficiency is not far-fetched.”

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DSWD gathers Western Visayas mayors for consultation on community-driven post-disaster rehabilitation

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

ILOILO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently gathered Western Visayas mayors and representatives of local government units (LGU) in a forum on community-driven rehabilitation and development following the impact of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. The forum is part of the preparatory work being conducted for the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP). The event also served as an orientation for local chief executives on the program, which is the scaling up of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), the community-driven development (CDD) project being implemented by DSWD. According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Camilo Gudmalin, community participation is central to rehabilitation efforts after disaster. He said, “Kung ang mamamayan ang boss natin, mahirap naman na sila ang mahuli. Dapat sila ang mauna (If the citizens are our bosses, it doesn’t seem right that they should be left behind).” While he acknowledged that the relief and rehabilitation efforts following ‘Yolanda’ will be difficult, he said that key to making these initiatives successful is to tighten the coordination among the citizens, the LGUs, and the national government agencies (NGAs). Asec. Gudmalin said, “The work is gargantuan, but the way to work around this is to create a stronger link between the government and the citizens… Together, we will be able to implement the interventions necessary to rebuild affected areas.” While Asec. Gudmalin emphasized the importance of involving the citizens, DSWD-Field Office VI Director Evelyn Macapobre in turn highlighted the critical role LGUs play in post-disaster rehabilitation and development. She said, “LGUs, as basic providers, would like to remain relevant and respond to the needs of their constituents, particularly those affected by Yolanda.” She described the forum as “timely”, as the DSWD is studying ways in speeding up rehabilitation in order to better address the needs of citizens, particularly those who were and will be affected by disasters. RD Macapobre also supported Asec. Gudmalin’s statement on the importance of community involvement, stressing, “LGUs can only do so much, but you have the untapped potential of resources, in the form of community residents, who can work with you in post-disaster rehabilitation.” Their statements were echoed by Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez, who said that there should be partnership between the government and the people. He said, “Local governance needs to step up to minimize risks to life and property. We don’t just need to build back, we need to build back better. That is the lesson we need to learn from ‘Yolanda’.” According to Asec. Gudmalin, DSWD is eyeing around PhP3.94 B in investments for Western Visayas through the NCDDP. The program is targeting coverage of 117 municipalities in the region. NCDDP integrates disaster risk reduction and management in its design. It pays particular attention to the areas affected by ‘Yolanda’. In fact, 554 of its 847 target municipalities are ‘Yolanda’-affected. Last March 5, a similar activity was conducted in Tacloban City, with Eastern Visayas as its participants. Both Western and Eastern Visayas were severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda, which hit the Philippines on November 8, 2013.

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PNoy admin OKs Pampanga flood control project; Abad: Resiliency and preparedness key to disaster response

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

The Aquino administration, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), has approved the Multi-Year Obligation Authority (MYOA) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). The MYOA will support the implementation of the flood control component of the P3.83-billion Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in the Low Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay Project. According to DBM, P74 million has already been released for the project to cover the fund requirements for FYs 2013 and 2014. The releases were charged against the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for both years. Meanwhile, the budgetary requirements for FYs 2015 to 2017 shall be also accommodated within the budget of DPWH upon approval of Congress. Approving the MYOA gives authority to the DPWH to enter into multiple-year contracts for the flood mitigation project for more than a year, allowing the agency to partner with the EDCF to fulfill the requirements of the project for 5 years. “The Philippines is a very typhoon-prone country and we’ll need a good deal of support in implementing our disaster risk reduction initiatives. We’re very grateful to the Korean government and its aid arm for joining us in our bid to build durable and disaster-proof infrastructure to protect communities in low-lying areas, specifically those in Pampanga,” Sec. Florencio “Butch” Abad said. The Administration will provide P886.1 million in total, while EDCF will contribute P 2.94 billion for the duration of the five-year project. The annual investment cost for the Flood Control Component is as follows: Particulars DPWH (Flood Control Component) Project Requirement   GOP counterpart Loan Proceeds Total Project Cost 2013 P 12,000,000 P 25,000,000 P37,000,000 2014 P 12,170,000 P 24,830,000 P37,000,000 2015 P 190,000,000 P 981,130,000 P 1,171,130,000 2016 P 220,000,000 P 1,079,243,000 P1,299,243,000 2017 P 451,960,000 P 831,947,000 P1,283,907,000 TOTAL P 886,130,000 P 2,942,150,000 P 3,828,280,000 Aside from the project’s flood component—which is to reduce the extent, level, and duration of flooding in Pampanga—another component of the project aims to rehabilitate and repair school buildings for the benefit of the schools in the area. “The challenges of climate change require us to strengthen our disaster risk management capabilities, especially in calamity-prone provinces. This project is definitely in line with the Administration’s goal of ramping up our disaster risk preparedness to avert calamity-related crises and ensure the sustainability of our drive for inclusive growth,” the Budget chief added.

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DFA Statement on the Crimea

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

18 March 2014 The Philippines remains deeply concerned with developments in Crimea and hopes for a diplomatic solution. In this regard, the Philippines takes note of UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 and calls for maximum restraint to be shown by all parties. We support actions toward de-escalating tensions in the region and for comprehensive, inclusive and peaceful dialogue and reconciliation, with full respect for the rule of law, to be pursued by all parties.

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DFA Conducts Seminar on Gender Issues in Philippine Embassy in Amman

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

18 March 2014- In an effort to strengthen the consular and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) services of the Philippine Embassy in Amman, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conducted a lecture series and training activity on Gender and Development (GAD) and Violence against Women (VAW) for Embassy personnel, including local hires, officers and staff of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Agency (OWWA). The lecture was held as part of the DFA’s continuing program on raising the awareness of its personnel on gender issues and the impact upon the welfare and personal safety of migrant workers. Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Olivia V. Palala and Consul Cassandra Karemaeh B. Sawadjaan led the roster of 21 participants who attended the training activity from March 4 to 5. The 83 wards of the Embassy shelter participated as well. The lecture series was spearheaded by a team led by DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus Yabes, and included DFA Special Assistant Renato Villa and DFA-GAD Secretariat Head Atty. Dyan Kristine Miranda-Pastrana. The team focused on imparting best practices in handling VAW cases and the administrative guidelines on sexual harassment. While in Amman, the team also dedicated time to meet with the wards of the Embassy shelter and provided them with advice and counsel.

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Number of Saudi Visitors to Phl on Upward Trend

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

18 March 2014 – The Philippines is starting to make ground in the Saudi Arabian tourism market, with the number of Saudi visitors to the Philippines on an upward trend since 2009. From only 19,101 Saudi visitors in 2009, the Philippines attracted a record 38,969 last year, a growth of 104 percent. Last year’s total was a growth of nearly 29.7 percent from the previous year, while the average growth of visitor arrivals since 2009 has been at 19.8 percent. The consistent increase has been helped by the Embassy’s tourism promotion activities in the Kingdom, in partnership with Saudi travel agencies accredited with the Philippine Department of Tourism. In April 2013, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Department of Tourism participated in the Riyadh Travel Fair. The event drew 998 visitors, with many inquiring about holiday packages to prime destinations like Boracay, Palawan, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and Panglao Island, and Davao’s Pearl Farm. In December 2013, representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT) visited the Kingdom to formally launch the Philippine tourism in Riyadh. The event was attended by tourism officials from the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and tour operators in Riyadh and nearby regions. Also, the DOT, in coordination with the Philippine Tourism Office in Dubai, held a familiarization tour of Manila, as well as Tagaytay, Clark and Subic, for selected Saudi travel agents. It was an opportunity for them to personally see the rich experience available in the Philippine tourism destinations. This year, the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Embassy will be participating in the Riyadh Travel Fair 2014 from April 12 to 16, and will also hold promotion activities in the Eastern Province.

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DepEd, Australian gov't committed to enhance school system

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

Pasig City--The Department of Education and the Australian government continued to advance Philippine basic education through the Continuous Improvement (CI) Program, a program aiming to develop competencies at the school, division and regional levels. "The Philippine government and the Australian government have been partners in pushing for the educational agenda for 15 years. CI program signifies the commitment of both parties to deliver quality education for the Filipino learners," Secretary of Education Br. Armin Luistro FSC said. CI program, launched in July 2013, was first implemented in five (5) regions, nine (9) divisions, and 34 schools in the country by offering not only competency building through trainings and workshops for educators, but also by providing coaching for them. The program focused in five (5) major categories: (1) teaching Reading, (2) teaching Mathematics, (3) managing waste and feeding program, (4) managing class attendance, and (5) delivering remedial science and other major subjects. It employed the Triple A (Assess, Analyze, Act) continuous improvement methodology. Examining CI program DepEd together with school administrators and teachers from different CI program model schools examined the process improvement and impact of the said program on learners in a symposium on Monday. The symposium revolved on the participative empowerment through the engagement of internal and external stakeholders. It also served as a venue for schools to share their CI stories.

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Statement of Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan at the Philippine Economic Briefing

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

PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC BRIEFING “Midterm Update of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016” Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City 18 March 2014 Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I am pleased to present to all of you the government’s roadmap for inclusive growth. I will start by discussing the recent economic performance and achievements so far. Then I will proceed to the challenges that need to be addressed in order to sustain the growth momentum and eventually achieve inclusive growth. Corresponding to the challenges, I will then present the salient features of the Philippine Development Plan Midterm Update, and then the prospects for the Philippine economy in 2014 and beyond. The Philippine economy has been one of the bright spots in the region. Just last year, our real GDP expanded by 7.2 percent, improving from the 6.8 percent achieved in 2012. These results were realized despite the uncertain global environment, as well as natural disasters that the country has experienced since 2011. Averaging the growth rate per decade, which broadly corresponds to significant policy changes in the country, we find that from an average growth rate of 2.9 percent in the 1990s, growth rate accelerated to 4.8 percent for the first decade of 2000; and finally, 7.2 percent last year. The changes in the composition of growth over time supports our summation that the high growth rate can be sustained. On the demand side, the 7.2 percent growth was mainly contributed by household spending, followed by fixed capital formation. This is primarily due to stronger growth in investments in durable equipment and construction. Moving on to the supply side, we see that while Services continue to be the major contributor to growth, the contribution of Industry has been increasing over the years. In 2013, it was responsible for 3 percentage points of the total 7.2% growth rate. Our strong macroeconomic fundamentals marked by low and stable inflation, favorable interest rates, sustainable and resilient fiscal and external positions, and a stable financial sector are among the reasons behind our economy’s remarkable performance. In spite of the achievements in the aspects of economy and governance, we recognize that we still need to do more to achieve inclusive growth. In particular, the proportion of the population deemed poor based on official poverty lines has remained high from 2003 to 2009, despite modest economic growth. In 2012, poverty declined to 25.2 percent but we had another setback last year as a result of extreme disasters that happened in the latter half. Data also show that the rate of employment generation has not kept pace with the labor force such that there is still a large stock of the unemployed. More than the quantity, we are also concerned about the creation of high-quality and remunerative jobs that provide adequate income for the Filipino workforce. We are aware of the downside risks to growth going forward, some of which can be beyond our control, like natural disasters and political instability in other parts of the world. At the same time, we are mindful of opportunities that can support and even allow us to surpass our growth targets. Our emerging middle class and the growing proportion of our working-age population provide an important source of dynamism for growth. Prudent fiscal management and our upgrade to investment grade have reduced the cost of capital. We have also achieved significant strides towards peace in the South. Moreover, we are part of a region that is becoming a significant player in the world economy. All these increase our attraction as an investment destination. We took stock of the lessons we have learned in the past 3 years. Our achievements, so far, justified our emphasis on good governance, macroeconomic and political stability as the platform for economic growth. At the same time, we know that we need to do much more. In particular, our growth strategies need to take cognizance of spatial and sectoral dimensions to ensure inclusivity. Corresponding to the lessons and taking note of the risks and opportunities to growth, we have identified strategies that we will emphasize in the remaining Plan period. Most of these have already been identified in the original Philippine Development Plan. But we know that the benefits may not immediately be felt by the poor. For this reason, the updated PDP will deliberately address the constraints faced by the poor. These constraints operate in a highly diverse, fragmented and hazard prone environment. Some cities or provinces have been experiencing economic growth, but the poorest families are being left behind. Perhaps the growing sectors did not require the goods or services that the poor can provide. Worse, migrants were being attracted into these cities or provinces, but they too, were unable to participate in the growth process. These provinces, which we have labeled as Category 1, have very high numbers of the poor, although the incidence of poverty is not very high. Meanwhile, some provinces are being left out of the growth process altogether. These are very sparsely populated and remotely located. Furthermore, these provinces are confronted with weather disturbances and armed conflict that reinforce the state of under-development. These provinces have a very high proportion of the population who are poor. These are the Category 2 provinces. Category 3 consists of thirty (30) provinces that are exposed and prone to multiple hazards, such as landslides and flooding. In these provinces, the marginally non-poor people can quickly slide into poverty due to shocks or natural disasters. For Category 1, the interventions should be aimed at increasing investments to create more growth opportunities. We will begin with the growth sectors present in these provinces, like IT-Business Process Management, tourism, construction, manufacturing, agri-business and logistics. We then need to improve the skill sets of these poorest families and undertake more aggressive employment facilitation for better job-skills match especially concerning the poor. The strategy for Category 2 is to provide basic social services that promote economic and physical mobility, while economic opportunities are being created in the area. Small agriculture-based enterprises linked to the supply chain in the nearby developed areas should be encouraged. In areas where human security is particularly at risk because of violence or armed conflict, peace-building efforts should be earnestly pursued. Building resilience is the main strategy for Category 3 provinces. These include disaster-risk reduction and mitigation, social insurance and social protection, and income diversification. Also supportive of our targets for the rest of the medium term are the priority programs and projects which are expected to substantially contribute to the attainment of the development objectives. The total estimated public investments are about Php 4.2 trillion. More than half is for infrastructure development, followed by social development (21%), agriculture and fisheries (15%), and sustainable and climate resilient environment and natural resources (5%). Majority will be started before and perhaps finished by 2016, but some may extend beyond the Aquino administration. Most of the investment targets, 80%, are proposed to be funded by the national government (NG) at PhP2.7 trillion. This fund source includes proceeds from official development assistance (ODA) loans and grants. With these strategies, we strive to sustain our economy’s growth over the medium term. The economy is targeted to grow by 6.5 to 7.5 percent in 2014, 7 to 8 percent in 2015, and 7.5 to 8.5 percent in 2016. Industry sector is projected to grow the fastest, while services is expected to remain robust during the period. On the supply side of the economy, growth will be driven by a number of sectors, most especially manufacturing, construction and logistics, agri-business, tourism and IT-BPO. On the other hand, the demand side of the economy will be buoyed by the following growth drivers: fixed capital formation, both coming from public and private sectors, household consumption and stronger exports, including export of services. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve inclusive growth. Our target is to reduce the unemployment rate from 7.0 percent in 2012 to at most 6.7 percent in 2016. More importantly, we are committed to improving the quality of employment, and this will be reflected as a reduction of underemployment rate from the current 20 percent to about 17 percent in 2016. The growth drivers that we have identified are expected to generate high-quality remunerative jobs. We also aim to reduce income poverty to 18 to 20 percent by 2016, which admittedly, will fall short of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target of 17 percent by 2015. This new target takes into consideration the slow response of poverty to economic growth beginning 2006 and the setback in 2013 due to the wide-scale destruction resulting from natural and man-made disasters. The updated Plan will also monitor the incidence of multi-dimensional poverty, which measures deprivation in several dimensions, such as in health, education, water and sanitation. The target is to reduce this from 28 percent in 2008 to 16-18 percent by 2016. This demonstrates the commitment of the Aquino administration not only to reduce poverty based on income, but also to address the deprivation that could result in future income poverty. These targets, as well as other intermediate targets will be diligently monitored by the Cabinet through the different NEDA committees and Cabinet clusters. This ascribes urgency to the matter and at the same time, is an acknowledgement that the goal of inclusive growth requires no less than an all of government approach, actively engaging with private sector and civil society. Salamat at Mabuhay tayong lahat!

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Flying Kiss, The Movie: There is life after TB

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

There is life after getting sick with tuberculosis. In commemoration of World TB (Tuberculosis) Day on March 24, the Department of Health (DOH) in cooperation with the Sinehan Advocacy Media Projects, Inc. (SAMPI), the Philippine Business for Social Progress through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria, & Tuberculosis present the movie, Flying Kiss. Starring Carl Guevarra, Wynwyn Marquez, Fabio Ide, Ma. Isabel Lopez, Maey Bautista, Ate Gay Morales, Gio Medina, Andrea Tatad, Cheska Carillon and Ralph dela Paz, Flying Kiss tells a story of a young woman who is about to achieve all her dreams but everything was put into a halt when she was diagnosed with tuberculosis. It is about her struggles in regaining the life that she almost lost because of the disease. “This event seeks to help people understand those who contract this deadly but curable disease. This is an event to help fight tuberculosis or TB,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona said. The comedy-drama advocacy movie showcases the use of film as a medium for information and education campaign that utilizes language and situations that are relatable to its intended audience. It is intended to augment and bolster the public awareness campaign of the DOH that seek to inform the public on how tuberculosis can be prevented and cured, as well as to lessen the stigma that is accorded to those who have acquired the disease. Apparently, many people die of tuberculosis because of misinformation and lack of knowledge on how to deal with it. “Flying Kiss”, written and directed by Crisaldo V. Pablo, is an event-for-a-cause coming to selected SM Cinemas, such as SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA and SM Manila. Part of the proceeds shall go to anti-tuberculosis advocates called the TB Task Forces. They are groups of private citizens that roam the streets of Metro Manila, and brave even the most dangerous and least accessible areas of the metropolis to talk and educate the people about tuberculosis. They also look for possible TB patients and convince them to avail of the needed interventions to save them from dying with the disease. And more importantly, they take care of TB patients who stay at home and help ensure that these patients follow the needed daily medications for six months so that they can fully recover. Most of these Task Forces do not have the necessary resources to continue their advocacy. SAMPI, through the movie FLYING KISS, would like to help them raise funds so that they can sustain their activities, and also to at least compensate the efforts of their members. These men and women who are members of the Task Forces devote most of their time for free, for the sake of pursuing a noble advocacy to promote normal and healthy lives for other people. It is time to somehow help and support them. And it is also high time to have a movie that will help as many people as possible learn the truth about tuberculosis, on how to prevent and cure it. This campaign is joined in by companies with Corporate Social Responsibility such as Hewlett-Packard Philippines, Yamaha Motors Philippines, Western Digital, Monteverde Sewing Machines (the official Philippine distributor of Singer Sewing Machines), Asian College, Yadu Bags, Nyogi, Quezon City TB Task Force Association, Mandaluyong TB Task Force Federation, Makati TB Task Force Federation, Las Pinas TB Task Force, Pasay TB Task Force. The DOH encourages everyone to join this rare opportunity to make a difference. Cinema screenings can be sponsored by purchasing bulk tickets that can be distributed as passes to family members, friends, co-workers, employees, students and acquaintances. For any inquiries about this matter, please contact SAMPI through 0947-297-4677 or 0926-756-4401 or email sinehanadvocacymedia@gmail.com cc sinehandigitales@gmail.com. SINEHAN ADVOCACY MEDIA PROJECTS INC in partnership with Philippine Business for Social Progress through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis and Department of Health National TB Program and National Center for Health Promotion

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MMDA To Wrap Up 'Linis Palengke' Program

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

After cleaning up several public markets in Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will wrap up its “Linis Palengke” program next week at the Mega Public Market in Pasig City. In a span of only five months, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the cleanup activity has covered a total of 100,879 square meters of public market land areas since it was launched on October 8, 2013. MMDA workers, backed up by barangay personnel and volunteers from the local government units, also cleaned up 2,935 wet stalls and 4,163 dry stalls, aside from conducting lectures for market personnel and vendors about cleanliness and environmental conservation. The last market cleanup activity will be held at the Mega Public Market in Pasig City on March 21. “We’re done with the Linis Palengke as of now because we will resume our ‘Estero Blitz’ program before the onset of the summer season,” Tolentino said, referring to MMDA’s extensive cleanup of esteros and waterways in Metro Manila. Aimed at increasing the awareness of market vendors on environmental protection, the Linis Palengke program was conducted in selected public markets in Manila, Quezon City, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, Las Piñas, Marikina, and Pasig. MMDA also donated garbage bins, utility carts, aprons, and compressor washers to the public markets. Markets cleaned up by MMDA were Dagonoy Public Market (Manila); Murphy Market (Quezon City); Parañaque Public Market, Muntinlupa Public Market, Pasay City Mall and Public Market, Mandaluyong Public Market II, Polo Public Market (Valenzuela); New Las Piñas Public Market, and Marikina Central Public Market.

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MMDA inaugurates two new pumping stations in San Juan

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

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will inaugurate this afternoon two new floodwater pumping stations in San Juan City. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino and San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez will lead the inauguration ceremonies at the new facilities, which are located along Rivera Street at Barangay Rivera and Morales Street at Barangay Salapan. Senator JV Ejercito is also expected to attend the event. “These additional facilities will complement the Balong Bato pumping station which became operational last year. Hopefully, these pumping stations will totally spare the city of San Juan from flooding,” Tolentino said. “Having not just one but three pumping stations here in San Juan will provide great relief for the city government and its residents as it would not just rid San Juan of floods but would also save lives and precious properties.” The Rivera pumping station has two pumps and floodwater catchment area measuring 2.8 hectares. The facility also has one set of trash screen for garbage retrieval. The Salapan pumping station, on the other hand, has two pumps that siphon two cubic meters of water per second. It has a floodwater catchment area of 18 hectares with two sets of trash screen equipment. The MMDA now has 54 pumping stations all over Metro Manila.

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New BI A/D Card simplifies immigration processing

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

Foreigners and returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are now finding the experience of traveling to and from the Philippines more pleasant than before. The favorable feedback from travelers only indicates that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) was successful in the implementation of expedited and hassle-free processing at the country’s entry and exit points, particularly at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Since the March 1st implementation of the use of the new and simplified Arrival and Departure Cards, thousands of arriving and departing travelers have been spared from the usual human “traffic congestion” at NAIA terminals. “I must say, it’s a lot better than the usual hassle that everyone has to go through at the Manila airport (NAIA),” said Carl Lemon III, who is in the country for business purposes in his capacity as a coffee company executive. “It sure did take away the fun every time you had to get stuck in line after that long trip,” Lemon went on to say. Albie Fiedacan, a balikbayan from Vancouver, Canada, said she never got used to filling out papers with personal information. “This new system at the Immigration at NAIA is a great improvement,” Fiedacan said. A Korean national, who requested anonymity, said she is now thankful that there is not much to fill out since she is still struggling with transcribing English materials. The lady from Seoul, who came to visit her Christian church affiliates, also expressed gratitude for the “extraordinary friendliness” of Immigration and Customs Officers at NAIA. BI Commissioner Siegfred B. Mison said, “Since most of the basic information of the passengers is already indicated in their e-passports anyway, we decided that there is no need for too much paperwork on the part of the travelers.” Mison assured that the BI is headed in the right direction with less red tape and towards a more traveler-friendly immigration service at the country’s air and seaports. “We are moving towards the direction of paperless (immigration) processing,” he stressed. BI supervisors at the four NAIA terminals said that the new approach have eased crowding of passengers waiting in line to get their “paperwork” done and their passports stamped, which was commonplace over the years. Under the new setup, only foreigners and Filipinos with immigrant status abroad are required to accomplish a simplified form of Arrival Card. Filipino passport holders, who are either on temporary vacation or OFWs abroad, are no longer required to fill out the card. On the other hand, Departure Cards are only required to be filled out by Filipino passport holders. Foreigners need not do the same. With the new A/D Cards, travelers’ personal information such as date of birth and sex, among others, are already indicated in their passports and are therefore no longer required. The simplified forms of the new A/D Card scheme have eliminated the cumbersome paperwork that had beset travelers arriving at and departing from Manila and other ports throughout the country. The new passport sized A/D Cards are color-coded, in blue for arrival and red for departure. Ed Monreal, Cathay Pacific Airlines’ Station Manager, welcomed the new policy. "It is now the practice in Asian neighboring countries, and it saves the government from printing costs." During the first night of the paperless clearance, the 233 passengers that arrived on Cathay Pacific's 11:56 pm Friday flight only presented their passports at the Immigration counters. "It took them only a few minutes to clear the area," Monreal stated. Within 30 minutes, the Immigration area was cleared of the passengers of two succeeding planes that arrived: Air China with 91 passengers and Asiana Airlines with 144 passengers. The new BI A/D Card system is expected to cut the almost 16 million sheets of paper that passengers used in 2013 by half.

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Experts present innovative health care practices in support of inclusive growth

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

Health sector stakeholders gathered at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City to discuss some best healthcare innovation practices in a forum organized to encourage adoption of these practices and address persistent disparities in health amid a growing economy. Four innovative health programs were presented in a roundtable discussion led by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the government policy think tank tapped by the Washington-based Center for Health Market Innovations for the implementation of the project Health Market Innovations. More than100 participants from local government units, academic institutions, health offices, regional offices of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Center for Development offices of the Department of Health, and nongovernment organizations participated in the roundtable discussion last March 6. PIDS President Gilberto Llanto said health innovations show the creativity of Filipinos in addressing the very large disparities in health. It is indispensable for the country to deal with the very large underinvestment in health where government health staff stagnated at around 36,000 since year 2000 despite the countrys 1.7 million annual population growth, he said. We need to innovate to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for health, said Oscar Picazo, PIDS senior research consultant and board chairman of the Philippine NGO Support Program, Inc. The Health Market Innovations project builds linkages among health innovators, funders, and policymakers. It also provides information for those who do not know that there are funders for better health care delivery, he added. One of the health innovations introduced was the EVAcoh Project (Eastern Visayas Area Cooperation in Health). The project aims to setup and operate social health enterprises using cooperatives community development funds, said Roberto Nebrida, executive director of the Philippine NGO Support Program, Inc. The EVAcoh Project considers social health enterprises such as cooperative-based pharmacies as an innovative method of investment in the provision of health services and commodities. EVAcoh social health enterprises have served a total of 10,348 women of reproductive age, said Nebrida. Its total sales have reached a whopping PHP6.1 million. Another innovation, RTI Internationals Wireless Access for Health Project(WAH), recognizes the benefits of wireless connectivity in enhancing health care planning and delivery in rural health units (RHU).The WAH project uses 3G wireless technology to improve health care by reducing time required for data reporting as well as improving access to accurate patient information at the RHU level, said Felipe Canlas, RTI International local project coordinator.It helps rural clinicians spend more time for patient care rather than spending half of their time on patient information recording and reporting, he explained.

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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.

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Last Updated: 18 MARCH 2014
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Ilocos Region local officers for a group photo souvenir during the 2014 LMP General Assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18, 2014). Also in photo are League of Cities of the Philippines national president Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos; LMP national president Javier Municipal Mayor Leonardo Javier, Jr.; and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and League of the Provinces of the Philippines national president Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) national president Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; national president Javier Municipal Mayor Leonardo Javier, Jr.; and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and League of Provinces of the Philippines national president Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali for a group photo souvenir during the 2014 League of Municipalities of the Philippines General Assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). With theme: “Strengthening the LMP’s Role to the All-Inclusive Growth of the Nation”. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno s. Aquino III graces the 2014 League of Municipalities of the Philippines General Assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II during the oathtaking of the new officers of the Leagues of Local Government Units at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new officers of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, National Movement of Young Legislators, Philippine Councilor’s League, Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, Provincial Board Member League of the Philippines, League of Vice Governors of the Philippines and the League of Provinces of the Philippines during the mass oathtaking ceremony at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new officers of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines during the oathtaking ceremony at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). The new set of LMP officers are national president Javier, Leyte Mayor Sandy Javier; executive vice president for Operations Laak, Compostela Valley Mayor Reynaldo Navarro; executive vice president for Internal Affairs Caoayan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Germalina Goulart; executive vice president for External Affairs La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph Sto Nino Bernos; executive vice president for Special Concerns Gerona, Tarlac Mayor Dennis Norman Go; Island Cluster vice president for Luzon Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Abesamis; Island Cluster vice president for Visayas Tuburan, Cebu Mayor Democrito Diamante; Island Cluster vice president for Mindanao Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue; national treasurer Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Ace William Cerilles; national auditor Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental Mayor Rodolfo Luna; business manager Poona-Bayabao, Lanao del Sur Mayor Lampa Pandi; pro Pandan, Antique Mayor Jonathan Tan; general legal counsel Catanauan, Quezon Mayor Ramon Orfanel; and secretary general Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu Mayor Abraham Burahan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2014 League of Municipalities of the Philippines general assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). Also in photo are League of Cities of the Philippines national president Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; LMP national president Javier Municipal Mayor Leonardo Javier, Jr.; and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and League of Provinces of the Philippines national president Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			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)
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