24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 26 March 2014 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 26 March 2014 |
 Satellite Image |
Synopsis:
Easterly affecting the eastern section of the country.
Forecast:
The whole country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Weather Advisory
FOR: LOW PRESSURE AREA (LPA)ISSUED AT: 11:00 AM, 25 MARCH 2014
The Low Pressure Area (LPA) west northwest of Puerto Princesa City has further weakened as it moves outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).It will no longer have significant effect to any part of the country.
Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of the northeasterly surface windflow is expected to affect the eastern seaboards of Luzon and Visayas. Hence, small seacrafts and fishing vessels are advised not to venture out into the sea due to the big waves.
With this development, this is the final advisory
Dost_pagasa
16
hrs ·
24-Hour Public Weather ForecastIssued at : 5:00 PM 25 March 2014
Synopsis: Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country.
Forecast: The whole country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms particularly over the eastern section of the country.
Moderate to occasionally strong winds from the East will prevail over the whole country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to occasionally rough.
Over Metro Manila:
Maximum Temperature: 1:50 PM Today --- 31.1 ºc
Minimum Temperature: 8:00 AM Today --- 22.9 ºc
Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Today --- 100 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 1:50 AM Today --- 59 %
Low Tide Tomorrow : 1:28 AM --- -0.06 Meter
High Tide Tomorrow: 5:33 PM --- 0.93 Meter
Sunset Today : 6:07 PM
Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:56 AM
Moonrise Tomorrow: 1:53 AM
Moonset Tomorrow : 1:47 PM
Illumination Tomorrow: 30 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
March 26 , 2014 ( Wednesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Cloudy and drizzling
LAGUNA : Sunny
BATANGAS : Fair Weather
RIZAL : Sunny
QUEZON
: Partly Cloudy
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Isinasagawa ngayon ang pagdiriwang ng araw ng mga kababaihan sa
lalawigan ng Batangas kung saan isinabay ang isang forum kaugnay ng
anti-illegal recruitment at anti-trafficking in persons na layong
makapagbigay ng kaalaman upang makaiwas na maging biktima nito.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Ipinagdiwang sa bayan ng Malvar ang Women's Month kung saan nagkaroon
ng lecture kaugnay ng karapatan ng mga kababaihan at mga usaping
pangkalusugan. Binigyang pagkilala din ang mga natatanging kababaihan sa
larangan ng edukasyon, negosyo at serbisyo publiko.
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
The Lucena City PNP station continuously implements anti-crime programs
in the city such as implementation of redesigned mobile patrol cars,
utilization of SMS in crime reporting and massive anti-drug
operation.This aims to ensure peace and security in the entire city of
Lucena.
|
 |
|||
|
|||
 |
Government expects Malaysian Prime Minister Razak to attend signing of peace pact with MILF | ||
|
|
Government remains committed to pursuing peace with CPP-NDF-NPA despite hurdles | ||
|
|
President Aquino lauds graduates of DPWH Cadet Engineering Program | ||
|
|
Government ready to respond to drought, says Palace | ||
|
|
Malacañang opens gates to Muslim brothers Thursday for the signing of comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro with MILF | ||
|
 |
|
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the 46th
Commencement Exercises and 50th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine
Science High School (PSHS)
|
Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City
|
26 March
2014
|
| Salamat po. Maupo ho tayong lahat. Secretary Mario Montejo; Secretary, Brother Armin Luistro; Secretary Jun Abaya; Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto; Representative Victor Yu; Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista; Dr. Josette Biyo; Ms. Virginia Andres; graduates of the class of 2014 and their families; board of trustees; executive committee; faculty and staff of the Philippine Science High School; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Muli, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Nang nalaman kong nakatakda akong magsalita sa graduation dito sa Pisay, agad ko pong naalala ang isa sa aking mga kaibigan noong kami’y nasa kolehiyo. Hinulma siya ng Pisay. Nangyari nga raw pong sa isang klase niya sa Math sa kolehiyo, ginagamit din ang librong ginamit sa Pisay doon sa lecture po ng aming propesora. May isang partikular na Math problem na mali ang solusyon na pinakita ng libro, at natuklasan na ito noong nag-aaral pa ‘yong kaibigan ko sa Pisay. Nagdebate ‘yong aming guro at ‘yong aking kaibigan, hanggang sa dulo, pagkatapos inubos lahat ng blackboard sa classroom, napatunayan ng kaklase kong siya ay tama, ‘yong teacher po nag-walkout at bumalik kinabukasan at humingi ng paumanhin. [Isipin po ninyo: Sa husay ng mga nagtapos sa Pisay, pati ang propesor ng Math sa kolehiyo ay naturuan pa. Kaya kanina nga ho noong inaayos ang buhok ‘yong mga nagtapos, may tinuturo kaya sa akin ‘tong mga ‘to. Hanggang sa araw na ito, wala pa akong nakikilalang mahinang produkto ng Pisay. Si Secretary Abaya po ay produkto n’yo. Si Senator Recto, Secretary Jun Abaya, saka ‘yong sarili ko po, noong kami’y nasa kongreso pa, maski sa Senado, ay mga pagkakataon na lumalapit ang mga estudyante para kami ay interview-hin. So isang araw po, contrast lang po natin itong eskwelahang ito–hindi ko na ho babanggitin kung anong eskwelahan–mga college students na lumapit sa akin. Medyo mga ten minutes na lang po, mag-uumpisa na ang session. Sabi sa akin, “Puwede ho ba namin kayong ma-interview? Kanina pa namin kayo hinihintay. Please lang po, kailangan namin kayong ma-interview.” Sabi ko, “Puwede bang magpa-roll call lang muna ako; baka naman ma-absent pa ako at nandito na ako. Roll call lang, lalabas naman ako eh at doon na puwede na nating ganapin ‘yong interview.” Sabi po sa akin, unang tanong–sabi nila, tandaan ninyo, “Kanina pa namin kayo hinihintay, kailangan namin kayong ma-interview.” So ang unang tanong nitong mga estudyante ng kolehiyo, “Ano po ang pangalan n’yo?” Ganitong-ganito ang mukha ko, sabi ko, “Kanina pa n’yo pa ako hinihintay?” Pagkatapos po n’on, ‘yong pangalawang tanong, “Ano po ang trabaho n’yo?” Sabi ko, “Susmaryosep!” Eh sa Batasan po kami nagkita. Nakalagay po doon “House of Representatives.” Sa madaling salita po medyo mahaba-haba ‘yong mga tanong niya na wala hong malalim. Kaya noong ako po ay nasa Senado na, mayroon mga estudyante galing na naman sa paaralan na ito. Noong nakita ko ‘yong uniporme, sabi sa akin, “Kailangan po namin kayo ma-interview.” “Pasensiya na kayo, may meeting ako at mamaya na lang tayo mag-usap.” Umiwas na lang po ako. So balikan po natin ang graduates ng Pisay. Ito pong si Secretary Jun, tuwing magsasalita ay talagang nakatuntong sa katotohanan ang kanyang sinasabi; kaya nga po, tinitiyak kong kapag may pahayag siya ay makikinig ako nang mabuti. Nariyan din po si Propesora Iye Coronel-Ferrer, pinuno ng ating negotiating panel para sa usaping pangkapayapaan sa Bangsamoro. Sa pagsisikap nga po niya, sampu ng kanyang mga kasamahan, bukas na bukas din ay malalagdaan na ang ating Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, na inaasahan nating magdadala ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan, at malawakang kaunlaran, sa Mindanao. Ilan lamang po sila sa mabubuting halimbawa ng mga Pisay alumni na naging matagumpay sa larangan ng serbisyong pampubliko. Batid ko po: Ang husay nina Secretary Jun, Propesora Iye, at ng iba pa ninyong mga alumni ay nanggagaling sa maagang pagsasanay dito sa inyong paaralan. Naalala ko nga po, noong nasa Kongreso, inaral pa namin kung paano palalakihin ang pondong inilalaan sa Pisay, para lalong masiguro ang lalim ng kaalamang natututuhan ninyo rito. Pero palagay ko naman po, nauunawaan ng lahat na kailangang balansehin ang mga pinaglalaanan ng pondo ng estado. Gayon pa man, mulat akong hindi biro ang mag-aral dito. Alam kong ang ilang mga paksa sa Math, Biology, Chemistry, at Physics ay nasa antas na ng pangkolehiyo; pati nga sa English at Filipino ay nakikipagsabayan ang mga mag-aaral ninyo. Dagdag pa rito ang iba’t ibang pressure na nararamdaman ng isang normal na mag-aaral sa high school. Marami rin sa inyo ang hindi lumaki sa marangyang buhay—mga anak ng mga tricycle driver, tindera, o magsasakang marangal na nagtratrabaho upang makatulong sa inyong mga gastusin. Ang tagumpay ninyo sa araw na ito ay maipagmamalaki ng napakaraming nag-ambagan para siguruhing makakapagtapos kayo: Ang inyong mga pamilya, ang mga guro at ang mga administrador ng Pisay, ang buong komunidad at ang mga alumni at benefactor na nagbibigay ng donasyon sa Pisay Foundation, pati na ang mga karaniwang Pilipinong nagbayad ng tamang buwis at nagpasok ng pondo sa kaban ng bayan. Dahil nga po napakaraming nagsumikap para masigurong makakuha kayo ng mataas na kalibre ng edukasyon, dapat din nating siguruhin na hindi kayo mababagabag o magugulo sa pag-aaral ang mga estudyante ng Pisay. Alam kong may mga agam-agam ukol sa nababalitang paglilipat ng inyong campus. Ako na mismo ang magsasabi sa inyo: Mananatili ang Pisay sa Agham Road. Si Mayor Herbert nga ho ang unang tututol ‘pag ililipat ito. [Applause] ‘Di ba marami hong nag-aagawang maglagay ng campus sa kanilang mga lugar, papayag ba siyang alisin ang main campus ng Philippine Science High School sa Quezon City? Palagay ko hindi. Sa labas naman po ng Diliman, patuloy pa rin ang ating suporta sa PSHS system. Isipin po ninyo: ako po ay naabisuhan na ang orihinal na plano para sa Philippine Science High School System ay 16 na campus. Nang tayo ay nahalal sa puwesto noong 2010, matapos ang 46 na taon mula nang itatag kayo noong 1964, mayroon nang siyam na campus na nagagawa. Ngayon po, 13 na ang campus ng Pisay sa buong kapuluan. Bago tayo bumaba sa puwesto, ang target po ni Kalihim Mario Montejo ng DOST ay magkaroon nang sariling mga Pisay ang 16 nating rehiyon. [Applause] Harinawa po, matutupad na rin ang orihinal na plano para sa Philippine Science High School system. Patuloy po ang matibay na suporta ng ating administrasyon sa Pisay, dahil sa tuwid na landas, hindi puwedeng daanin sa “baka sakali” o “sana umabot tayo sa paroroonan” ang ating paglalakbay. Kung nais talaga nating idiretso ang tinatamasa natin ngayong pagbabago, hindi puwedeng idaan sa haka-haka ang mga proyekto; hindi puwedeng magkulang sa siyentipikong batayan ang ating mga plano. Halimbawa na lamang po ang ating tugon sa panganib na dulot ng nagbabagong klima. Isang bansa tayong binubuo ng napakaraming isla, kaya nga napakarami ring mga komunidad na nakatira sa mga dalampasigan. Dito humahampas ang ‘di bababa sa 20 bagyo na dumadalaw sa atin kada taon. Hindi naman po puwedeng sabihin sa ating mga kababayan, “Good luck, sana makalusot kayo sa susunod na pagdating ng bagyo.” Sa halip, kailangan ng mahuhusay na meteorologist na magbibigay ng maaga at wastong babala para mailikas ang mga komunidad mula sa baybayin. Kailangan ng tamang prediksyon kung saan, at kung gaano kataas at kalawak ang tatamaan ng mga storm surge. Kailangan ng epektibong early warning system para ang lahat ay maabisuhan kaagad. Lahat ng ito, nakasalalay sa mga eksperto sa siyensya. Isa pa pong halimbawa: Sa susunod na taon, papasok ang Pilipinas sa tinatawag na demographic sweet spot, kung saan ang bulto ng ating populasyon ay tutuntong sa working age. Tinatayang sa 2019 naman, papasok tayo sa isang middle income sweet spot, kung kailan papalo sa average na 6,000 dolyar ang per capita income ng ating mga kababayan kada taon. Ano po ang epekto nito? Habang umaasenso tayo, at habang lumalaki ang kita at panggastos ng mga tao, dadami rin ang makakabili ng iba’t ibang bagay tulad ng sasakyan. Sa ngayon, nasa tinatayang 200,000 sasakyan na ang nabebenta kada taon; may mga pag-aaral na nagsasabing pagdating ng 2019, baka umabot ito sa humigit-kumulang kalahating milyon kada taon. Ngayon pa nga lang po, nagsisimula nang itayo ang mga planta ng mga automobile manufacturer. Kaakibat ng pagdami ng mga sasakyan sa kalsada, lalaki rin ang pangangailangan sa imprastruktura. Ang patung-patong na flyover na dadaanan ng mga sasakyan; ang mga public transit system tulad ng mga subway para sa mga namamasahe; ang makabagong gusali na papasukan ng mga nagtatrabaho—lahat po ito, kailangan ng mga dalubhasa sa siyensya. Malaki rin ang larangang ginagampanan ng ating mga scientist sa pagpapatupad ng ating agenda ng mabuting pamamahala. Halimbawa: Sa inyong mga naririto, mahihirapan na siguro akong maghanap ng computer illiterate. Bumibili na rin siguro kayo ng sarili ninyong mga gadget o computer. Teknikal ang kaalamang kailangan para sa pagbili ng mga gamit na ito; kailangan ng tamang pananaliksik para masigurong sulit ang ibinabayad ninyo. Ilan na ba sa atin ang nakaranas ng mahusay na sales talk, at nakumbinsing bilhin ang isang bagay na napakaraming mga feature na nagpapamahal lang, pero hindi naman talaga kailangan? Tulad ng kiniwento ng isang kaibigan ko: Nagtataka siya bakit ang init ng silya ng kanyang sasakyan. Mayroon palang heater ‘yong kanyang sasakyan sa Pilipinas. [Laughter] Mailalapat ang kaisipang ito sa paggastos sa kaban ng bayan. Kung alam natin ang mismong kailangan, matutukoy din natin kung ano mismo ang angkop na teknolohiyang tutugon dito. Gagastos tayo para lang sa nararapat; hindi masasayang ang pondo ng gobyerno. Kaya nga po: Inatasan natin ang DOST na bumuo ng grupo ng mga ekspertong hindi kayang bolahin ng mga supplier, lalo na po pagdating sa big-ticket items. Malaki rin ang ginagampanang larangan ng siyentipikong proseso sa paglaban natin sa korupsyon. Halimbawa nga nito ang kontrata ukol sa dredging para sa Ilog Pasig. Ang sabi ng contractor, nag-dredging daw sila. Para makasiguro, tinanong natin ang DOST at ang mga eksperto ng UP-National Institute of Geological Sciences: Ang resulta ng kanilang pag-aaral, kung may dredging man na nangyari, siguradong hindi ito sumunod sa napag-usapan sa kontrata. Ngayon po, gumagawa na tayo ng mga hakbang para masigurong mananagot ang dapat managot. Ang malungkot nga lang po, iilan lang itong mga eksperto natin na kayang sumuri ng mga tinatawag na borehole sediments. Siguro naman, sa hanay ninyo, may susunod sa kanilang mga yapak, upang madagdagan naman ang bilang ng ating mga eksperto. Ang tanong ko nga po: Sino kaya sa inyo ang gagamit ng talento upang tugunan ang mga problema ng ating bansa? Sino kaya sa inyong mga guma-gradruate ngayon ang makakahanap ng solusyon sa mga problemang kinakaharap, hindi lamang ng Pilipinas, kundi ng buong sangkatauhan—mga hamon sa sakit, sa kalikasan, sa nagbabagong anyo ng pamumuhay sa mundo? Ilan kaya sa inyo ang magkakamit ng mga award, ng mga scholarship sa ibang bansa at sa ating sariling bansa; ilan kaya ang yayaman at aasenso dahil sa kaalamang natutuhan dito sa Pisay? At ilan kaya sa inyo ang pipiliing tumanaw ng utang ng loob sa ating mga Boss—sino kaya ang magiging susunod na Secretary Jun Abaya o Propesora Iye Ferrer? Ilan kaya ang maglilingkod, ilan kaya ang magbubuhos ng oras, pawis, at talino upang iangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan? Magsilbi sanang paalala ang araw na ito: Kailangan kayo ng ating bayan. Umaasa nga po ako: Sa mga susunod na panahon, bilang mga alumni na magtatagumpay sa larangan ng agham, ay maninindigan kayo para sa interes ng nakakarami. At ang pagbabagong tinatamasa natin ngayon—itong pagbabalik ng integridad sa gobyerno, itong patuloy na pag-arangkada ng ekonomiya, itong lumalawak na pagkakataon para sa ating mga kababayan—ay simula pa lang ng katuparan ng matatayog na pangarap natin para sa bansa. Sa ngayon, kinikilala na tayo ng mundo bilang modelo ng mabuting pamamahala; kung magpapatuloy tayo, sa inyong pakikiambag, ay kikilalanin tayo bilang ehemplo ng malawakang kaunlaran. Alam naman po natin: Ang tagumpay ng isang lahi ay nagbubukal sa kakayahan nitong tumuklas ng bagong kaalaman. Ang pag-angat ay nakakaayon hindi sa pagpapatangay sa agos ng panahon, kundi sa pagiging pugad ng inobasyon. Gamit ang siyensya—at sa tulong ng bawat scholar ng Pisay—mangunguna ang Pilipino. Balang araw, ang mga medalya ninyo sa mga Math at Science Olympiad ay madadagdagan ng mas malalaking karangalan para sa mga bagong-tuklas na kaalaman. Sinanay kayo sa agham para pagdating ng panahong kayo na ang namumuno, siguradong nakatuntong sa katuwiran at katotohanan ang mga desisyong makakaapekto sa ating mga kababayan. Buong sambayanan ang nag-ambagan para mabigyan kayo ng pagkakataong ito: Pagdating ng panahong kayo naman ang may pagkakataong makatulong sa inyong kapwa, tutugon kaya kayo ng “Salamat sa naibigay ninyo, pero uunahin ko muna ang sarili ko?” O pipiliin ba ninyong mag-alok miski maikling bahagi ng inyong buhay, upang masuklian naman ang pagkakataong handog sa inyo ng isang Pisay education? Umaasa ako: Sa sandaling maharap kayo sa sangandaang ito, pipiliin ninyong magbalik naman sa kapwa, at sa ganoong paraan ay makatulong para dumami pa ang mabibigyan ng pagkakataon, at ang mga makikinabang sa inyong kakayahang nilinang ng institusyong ito. Napansin ko lang po, Secretary Montejo, na hindi yata maganda acoustics nitong gym na ‘to. Baka gusto mong pag-aralan at pagtulungan natin. [Applause] Napansin ko rin po, at naalala ko ‘yong mga turo ng mga Heswitang mga best friend ni Brother Armin, importante raw ‘yong healthy mind para may healthy body. Napansin ko lang po ‘yong apat na basketball goal na nakita ko dito sa inyong campus, wala ni isa may net. At ‘yong soccer field po butas-butas po ang net–iyon, sagot ka na po iyon. [Applause] Padala na lang po n’yo ‘yong bill, at bubunuin namin iyan ni Asec. Delantar iyan. Maraming salamat po. Maligayang bati sa lahat sa inyong pagtatapos itong araw na ito. |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DBP approves P1.1-billion for relending to MSMEs |
| Source: https://www.dbp.ph |
| State-owned
Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has approved P1.1-billion
in loans for relending of its three participating financial
institutions under its wholesale lending program as part of efforts
to boost economic growth by supporting micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs). DBP granted a P500-million clean revolving credit line to Radiowealth Finance Company, Inc. (RFC) to support the livelihood programs of its members including production, agricultural and micro-agricultural activities. RFC has 91 branches and 58 business centers which cover 86% of the total 1,469 cities and municipalities nationwide. It offers livelihood and business loans, consumer loans, salary loans, and franchising loans to more than 40,000 borrowers. DBP also extended a P300-million clean revolving credit line to Philippine Resources Savings Banking Corporation (PR Savings Bank) for relending to and investment in eligible MSME projects, including public school teacher loans with livelihood projects. PR Savings Back has 47 branches and 46 extension and field offices nationwide. It grants salary loans to public school teachers, motorcycle loans, and agricultural machinery loans to improve the productivity and incomes of farmers. DBP likewise approved a P300-million credit line for the Bank of Makati (BMI) for relending to MSMEs. The largest rural bank in the country, BMI has 19 branches and 27 loan centers located in key cities nationwide. |
| Six in Ten Births Are Delivered in a Health Facility (Preliminary Results from the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey) |
| Source: http://www.census.gov.ph |
| The preliminary
results of the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS)
indicate some improvement in delivery care in the Philippines. In
particular, the findings unveil an increase in facility-based
deliveries and in births delivered by health professionals (Table
1). Among all births in the 5 years preceding the 2013 NDHS, 60
percent were delivered in a health facility. This is higher than the
figure reported in the 2008 NDHS, which is 44 percent. Moreover, the
percentage of births delivered by a health professional increased
from 62 percent in 2008 to 73 percent in 2013. There is still a need
to further improve and strengthen the implementation of the
“National Safe Motherhood Program” by Department of Health in order
to achieve the Millennium Development Goal target by 2015 at 100
percent2. The percentage of births delivered in a health facility varied from 12.0 percent for ARMM to 76.0 for NCR. Eight of the 17 regions posted remarkable increase in the percentage of facility-based deliveries (Table 1). These were Eastern Visayas, SOCCSKSARGEN, Central Visayas, Ilocos Region, Caraga, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, and Bicol Region. Meanwhile, only three regions had significant increase in the percentage of births with skilled attendants. These include Eastern Visayas (from 43 percent in 2008 to 67 percent in 2013), SOCCSKSARGEN (from 36 percent in 2008 to 56 percent in 2013) and CAR (from 67 percent in 2008 to 85 percent in 2013). There is no improvement in delivery care in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Only 12 percent of births in ARMM were delivered in a health facility in 2013 as compared to 15 percent in 2008; while only 20 percent of births were delivered by a skilled attendant in 2013 as compared to 19 percent in 2008. In MIMAROPA, the percentage of births delivered by a health professional also remains at about 40 percent (39 percent in 2008 and 41 percent in 2013). The results also show that antenatal care has improved over the past two decades. The percentage with antenatal care from a health professional increased from 83 percent in 1993, to 88 percent in 2003, and 95 percent in 2013. Moreover, from 52 percent in 1993, the percentage of women with four or more antenatal care (ANC) visits for the most recent live birth rose to 70 percent in 2003 and 84 percent in 2013 (Table 2). The 2013 NDHS is a nationally representative survey of almost 16,000 households and 19,000 women age 15-49. The survey was conducted from August 12 to October 16, 2013. The 2013 NDHS is the tenth in a series of demographic surveys undertaken by the National Statistics Office at five-year intervals since 1968. ICF-International through the MEASURE DHS program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided technical assistance to the project. Other important preliminary findings of the 2013 NDHS will be presented in a data dissemination forum in April 2014. |
| PPP center statement on the awarding of the MCIA project |
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph |
| The much
awaited awarding of the Mactan Cebu International Airport has
sparked speculations on which bidder will get the contract and when
this will be awarded. In the light of these speculations, several
news articles pinpointed PPP Center Executive Director Cosette V.
Canilao as stating that, “… the DOTC is abiding by its end-March
deadline target of awarding the multi-billion-peso contract to the
tandem of GMR Infrastructure Ltd. and Megawide Construction Corp.
which offered a P14.4 Billion premium on top of the project cost.” The PPP Center would like to clarify that Executive Director Canilao did not, in any of her interviews with the members of the press, state that the MCIA contract will be awarded to GMR-Megawide. The PPP Center, as a non-voting observer of the Pre-Qualification Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) continues to maintain its objectivity and transparency as it has done so from the start of the bidding process for the Mactan Cebu International Airport project. The final decision as to who will get the coveted contract rests with the Department of Transportation and Communications who has the sole responsibility and authority as the implementing agency of the Mactan Cebu International Airport project. |
| TESDA graduates build homes for Yolanda Victims |
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
| Three model
shelters ready for occupancy stand in a village in Cebu province
destroyed by typhoon Yolanda as proof of the work of the country's
freshly-minted TESDA specialistas. On March 21, a total of 100 scholars graduated from construction- related courses provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and partner agencies to help communities rebuild and recover from the calamity. The project, dubbed Skills Training and Emergency Employment towards Recovery in Northern Cebu (STEER-Cebu), is in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), provincial government of Cebu and local government units. "This is taking the whole 'teaching a man to fish' proverb to heart. The STEER project taught the members of the community the skills to build shelters for the people who lost their homes during the typhoon," Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, said. Villanueva attended the graduation ceremony held in Barangay Poblacion, Daanbantayan in northern Cebu. The project adopted the training cum production concept, in which the trainees have an actual output after the training period. On their graduation, they turned over the three model shelters ready for occupancy by identified beneficiaries. The graduates finished courses on Plumbing, Carpentry, Masonry and Electrical Installation. Each course had 25 graduates. The training period was from February 12 to March 12 this year. TESDA provided the trainors and technical experts and training supplies and materials, while DOLE assisted by using its Cash for Work fund for the trainees. The Cebu provincial government supplied additional tools and material, and the local government units took care of the venue and honorarium of the trainors. The UNDP provided additional tools for training and personal protective equipment such as shoes, uniform, hard hat, and gloves. The agency also gave them tool kits to help the graduates immediately land in jobs either as wage employed or self-employed. Villanueva said the project put forward a more sustainable approach by developing the skills and competencies of the affected population so they could take part in building their own homes and rehabilitating damaged infrastructures in their community. "Armed with the basics of construction skills, they could also be hired, and such will also provide some economic benefit to their families," Villanueva said. TESDA and its partner government agencies, private sector and civic organizations have also instituted skills training programs in a number of typhoon-damaged provinces such as Eastern Samar and Leyte. Northern Cebu was among the areas hardest hit by typhoon Yolanda in November last year with 15 municipalities affected, roughly translating to 1.6 million people. |
| Batanes public schools provide best education indicators |
| Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph |
| Public schools
in Batanes province recorded the highest cohort survival rate as
well as the best classroom-to-pupil and teacher-to-pupil ratios,
according to the latest edition of the Philippine Countryside in
Figures. In school year 2009 to 2010, the island province located in the northernmost part of the country had a 96 percent cohort survival rate or the percentage of enrollees at the beginning grade or year in a given school year who reached final grade or year of the elementary or secondary level. The national average was 72.9 percent for the same school year. In school year 2010 to 2011, Batanes recorded the best teacher-to-pupil ratio in government elementary schools with one teacher per 11 pupils, as well as in government secondary schools with one teacher per 12 students. The national average was one teacher for every 36 elementary pupils and one teacher for every 38 high school students. For the same school year, Batanes had one classroom, for every 13 elementary pupils as well as for every 19 high school students. This is significantly better than the situation in the National Capital Region where there is one classroom for every 76 elementary pupils and for every 79 high school students. The national average for classroom-to-student ratio in the same school year was one classroom, for every 39 pupils and for every 53 high school students. Meanwhile, Leyte posted the most number of government elementary schools while Cebu province recorded the highest number of secondary schools at 1,287 and 370, in school year 2010 to 2011, respectively. These statistics and other information on various economic and social indicators of the country’s 80 provinces can be found in the 2011 Philippine Countryside in Figures (PCIF) publication released today as prepared in 2013, by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) Technical Staff. The PCIF is an annual publication that contains general information and statistical indicators for the country’s 80 provinces and top 10 key cities outside the National Capital Region. The 2011 edition contains 62 tables and 15 chapters on the following indicators: 1) general information on provinces, 2) governance, 3) income and expenditures, 4) labor and employment, 5) prices, 6) finance, 7) agriculture, 8) health, 9) education, 10) communication, 11) tourism, 12) infrastructure, 13) transportation, 14) energy and 15) public order, safety and justice. The compilation and publication of the PCIF is NSCB’s response to the demand for relevant local-level statistics by its stakeholders and data users. Since its first publication in 1998, the PCIF has been useful in discerning challenges and opportunities at the local level as well as in comparing the performance of provinces and key cities in different areas of interest. The PCIF particularly provides statistical information in support of bottom up development programs and policies whereby local communities can take charge of its future and define its development course. At the national level, the PCIF provides statistical information for effective implementation of national policies and programs at the provincial level through resource prioritization as well as in the differentiation of approach. The PCIF is also available online on the NSCB website (http://www.nscb.gov.ph /countryside) to facilitate retrieval and browsing of local-level cross sectional and time series data. Corresponding metadata are also provided to users for better understanding of information about the data series. A distinctive and important feature of the PCIF is its ranking of the provinces for each indicator. For indicators where higher levels are desirable, such as employment rate and local government financial resources, provinces were ranked in descending manner from highest to lowest. On the other hand, indicators where lower levels are desired such as inflation rate and population density, provinces were ranked in ascending manner from lowest to highest. The motivation for ranking provinces is to arouse interest and evoke action by spurring policy change or, at the very least, sparking conversation about the meaning behind these rankings. Copies of the PCIF are available for sale at the National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) located at the Ground Floor, Midland Buendia Building, 403 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. For subscription and inquiries, please contact The National Statistical Information Center at telephone numbered (632) 895-2767 or e-mail address info@nscb.gov.ph. LINA V. CASTRO Interim National Statistician |
| Remarks of PNP Chief Alan Purisima at the Briefing Orientation for PNP Personnel on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its Annexes |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
| [Greetings...] First, let me thank everyone heretoday who took the time to join us in this briefing orientation of PNP personnel on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its four (4) annexes, namely: Transitional Arrangements and Modalities; Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing; Power Sharing; and Normalization. Let me specifically extend our gratitude and deep appreciation to PROFESSOR MIRIAM CORONEL FERRER, the Panel Chair of hte Government Peace Negotiating Panels in Talks with the MILF for sharing with us her tuime and expertise on this matter. This activity underscores the PNP's commitment towards the realization of genuine peace in Mindanao. And one of the better ways to ensure peace in Southern Philippines is to make the peacemakers themselves understand the very instrument of lasting peace in that region. The policemen of yesteryears were hailed for the number of battles that they have fought. I must say, however, that the time has come for our police officers to be recognized for the number of times that they have participated in non-violent means of achieving lasting peace in the country. Today's activity was a big step forward towards this objective. As the great peace advocate Martin Luther King once said and I quote, "Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." Unquote For the longest time, our uniformed forces have been in the battlefield in Southern Philippines fighting for peace and stability in the region. We have lost many of our policemen and soldiers in this war whiel many others haev gone home injured, disabled and battle-scarred. With the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, we now see an end to the wars and the bloodshed. Peace is no longer merely a distant goal that we seek because through this Framework Agreement, we now have a peaceful means by which we may finally arrive at our shared goal of lasting peace in Mindanao. With our mission to enforced the law adn keep the peace across the archipelago, the PNP remains supportive of the national government's peace efforts in Mindanao. For our part, we envision a policing form at the Bangsamoro that fully supports meaningful autonomy but which remains faithful to the constitutional mandate of one police force that is accountable to the national government, the Bangsamoro and the communities that it serves. This briefing orientation was indeed an enlightening session for our personnel. We cannot overemphasize the fact that knowledge and understanding of the issues and situation on hand are the more potent weapons to achieve the genuine peace. We assure our honorable resource person that what we have learned from this orientation will be immediately cascaded to the rest of our men and women in the concerned areas so that we can finallly achieve and realize the fruits of our efforts these past many years. We have gone far on this journey to peace in Mindanao, and we shall continue with even more determination and optimism in the days ahead. As John F. Kennedy has said, "Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures." Maraming salamat. Mabuhay! |
| Spain, PH signs 4-year extension of development partnership |
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph |
| MANILA – The
governments of Spain and the Philippines signed a four-year
extension of development partnership with a EUR50 million grant
allocation from 2014 until 2017, according to the National Economic
and Development Authority (NEDA). Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation José Manuel García-Margallo yesterday signed the Statement of the VI Philippines-Spain Joint Commission on Development Cooperation at The Peninsula Manila Hotel, Makati City. “This agreement is the latest in our long history of close and friendly relations towards more meaningful development cooperation,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General. Programs and projects of the grant extension are outlined in the Philippines-Spain Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Development Cooperation 2014-2017, focusing on good governance and the rule of law, and disaster risk reduction and management. “We are honored that the Philippines is the only priority country in Asia under the Master Plan of Spanish Cooperation 2013-2016. We also appreciate the consultative approach taken by the Spanish Government in the crafting of the CPF. This approach reinforces Philippine ownership of the priorities of our cooperation in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2011 –2016,” said Balisacan. The fund for this development cooperation will be coursed through the country’s national government agencies, multilateral cooperation through United Nations agencies, and cooperation through partnership of Spanish and Filipino non-government organizations. Additional funds for financial cooperation and program-based aid will also be considered. The signing of the statement also came after the Philippines–Spain Joint Commission for Technical Cooperation Meeting convened in NEDA sa Makati. The meeting was co-chaired by NEDA Deputy Director-General for Investment Programming Rolando G. Tungpalan and Head of Spain’s Development Department Cooperation with the Arab World and Asia Mr. Antonio Gonzalez-Zavala. |
| Imports growth recovers in January 2014 |
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph |
| MANILA –
Merchandise imports grew by 21.8 percent in January 2014 recovering
after a slow performance in full-year 2013, according to the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The three-month moving average growth in January 2014 suggests that imports could be trending upwards in line with the expected recovery in exports,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. Payments for imported goods during the period reached US$5.8 billion, up by 21.8 percent from US$4.7 billion in January 2013. Total trade-in-goods deficit widened to US$1.4 billion in January 2014 from US$716.3 million in January 2013. “Raw materials and intermediate goods and mineral fuels and lubricants largely contributed to the robust import growth during the month,” the NEDA Director-General said. Import of raw materials and intermediate goods reached US$2.2 billion in January 2014, up by 27.3 percent from US$1.8 billion in January 2013. This was due to increased payments of semi-processed goods that grew by 37.5 percent during the period. “This positive performance may be reflective of the optimistic outlook of businesses on their own operations as their next quarter outlook index (2nd Quarter of 2014) is higher,” said Balisacan. This outlook, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Business Expectation Survey for the first quarter of 2014, was based on new construction projects, both public and private, boosted by rehabilitation efforts from Typhoon Yolanda. Also contributing to the outlook are the brisk business prospects arising from companies’ competitive marketing strategies. Meanwhile, imports of consumer goods also expanded in January 2014, growing by 23.2 percent to US$766.9 million from US$622.4 million in January 2013. Also, capital goods grew by 7.9 percent to US$1.5 billion in January 2014 from US$1.4 billion a year ago. In terms of imports source, the People’s Republic of China was on top with a 14.7 percent share, equivalent to US$844 million. Second was the United States of America with a 10.6 percent share, followed by South Korea (8.7%), Taiwan (7.5%), France (6.3%), Japan (6.2%), Saudi Arabia (6.2%), Singapore (5.7%), Thailand (5.3%), and Indonesia (4.5%). |
| Philippines and Japan Exchange Notes on Three Grant Aid Projects |
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 25 March 2014 –
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Japanese
Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe, signed and exchanged
notes on three grant aid projects in the amount of JP¥ 6.917 billion
or approximately PhP 3.041 billion namely: 1) the Project for
Enhancement of Coastal Communications Systems; 2) the Project for
Improvement of Water Supply of the Metro Cebu Water District; and 3)
Program for Rehabilitation and Recovery from Typhoon Yolanda. The Grant Aid for the Project for Enhancement of Coastal Communications Systems worth JP¥1.152 billion (approximately PhP 507 million) will be implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). This is the second phase of a project that aims to improve the communications systems of the PCG and enhance its search-and-rescue and counterterrorism capabilities. The Grant Aid for the Improvement of Water Supply of the Metro Cebu Water District worth JP¥ 1.165 billion (approximately PhP 510 million) will be implemented by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District to provide efficient and reliable potable water supply to Metro Cebu. The Grant Aid Program for Rehabilitation and Recovery from Typhoon Yolanda worth JP¥ 4.6 billion (approximately PhP 2.024 billion) will be implemented by various government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and Communication, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology- PAGASA, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority and National Electrification Administration. This project will pave way for the quick rehabilitation and recovery of the areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda with the construction of disaster resilient schools, health facilities and government offices as well as provision of equipment for power distribution, airport facilities and meteorological radar, among others. |
| Statement of Secretary Albert F. del Rosario in Joint Press Conference with Spanish Foreign Minister |
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| HONORABLE
ALBERT F. DEL ROSARIO Secretary of Foreign Affairs BALMORI ROOM (G/F), THE PENINSULA MANILA 24 March 2014 (Monday) STATEMENT FOR THE JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE Good evening, Members of the Press. I would like to express my gratitude to my good friend, His Excellency, Foreign Minister Margallo, for honoring our invitation to visit the Philippines leading to the successful High Level Political Consultations conducted earlier today. Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate the gratitude of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people for Spain’s generous humanitarian assistance not only in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) but also in the wake of the Zamboanga crisis and the earthquake in Bohol. Our High Level Political Consultations was held in keeping with the implementation of the framework Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the Philippines and Spain signed in 2000. We are profoundly satisfied with the present state of bilateral relations founded on historical, cultural ties and shared values. We reaffirmed our countries’ commitment to further advance our partnership and, at the same time, explore new areas of cooperation. We stand ready to deepen our already robust bilateral relations, given welcome impetus by unprecedented growth rates in the Philippine economy and the historic signing this week of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, both driven in large measure by the continued reform agenda and the good governance policy of the Aquino administration. The sizable delegation of top level officials from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and from Spanish business conglomerates who accompanied His Excellency Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo in this visit attests to Spain’s steadfast commitment to broaden our bilateral partnership, opening fresh avenues of cooperation in the areas of agriculture, tourism and public-private partnerships in infrastructure. We heard the positive reports of the parallel meetings of the Joint Standing Committee Meeting on Education, Culture and Sports and the Joint Commission on Technical Cooperation. In particular, we welcomed the signing of the Cooperation Plan of the University of the Philippines with the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport as well as the Cooperation Plan of the Ateneo de Manila University with the same Ministry. An agreement between the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Embassy of Spain on facilitating the release of civil registry documents for visa purposes was also signed today. We were encouraged to hear that the Department of Science and Technology and the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports are in the final stages of negotiations for an agreement that aims to create a framework between DOST and participating Spanish educational institutions that may facilitate the use of Spanish as a language of instruction in the Philippine education system. Another agreement between the National Archives of the Philippines and the Higher Council for Scientific Research of Spain is expected to be signed soon. In addition to these newly signed agreements, we were gratified by the report of the Joint Committee on Education, Culture and Sports on the active implementation of previously signed agreements. For example, as a direct result of cooperation between the Spanish government and the Department of Education and TESDA, there are now at least 72 educational institutions all over the country that have produced over 8,000 Spanish speaking students. We were delighted with the Statement of the Joint Commission on Technical Cooperation which reflects the principle lines of action that will be implemented by both countries from 2014 to 2017 in the fields of cooperation, development and natural disaster risk reduction and management. On bilateral agreements, Foreign Minister Margallo and I have affixed our initials on the Agreement on Combating Transnational Crime, which we expect to see signed in the near future. Our countries’ representatives have likewise essentially agreed on the text of the Air Transport Agreement. On the issue of the South China Sea/ West Philippine Sea, the Philippines and Spain agreed on the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes, full respect of international law including UNCLOS, and the freedom of navigation. I wish the Foreign Minister a good trip to Leyte tomorrow where he will visit, among other areas, the Regional Hospital of Tacloban which received emergency equipment from Spain. I understand that 400 fishing boats will be handed over to local communities through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Following the trip to Leyte, the Foreign Minister will inaugurate an emergency warehouse facility, a joint project with the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government. I wish to express our appreciation to the Spanish Government for these which put Spanish assistance in the humanitarian field and in disaster risk reduction programs to 26 million euros (about US$41 million). This is apart from the new package within the framework agreement of development cooperation between the Philippines and Spain for 2014-2017 which will consist of a minimum of 50 million euros (about US$80 million) in grants and loans. On behalf of the Government of the Philippines, I wish to express my appreciation to His Excellency for the successful conclusion of the High Level Political Consultations and we look forward to the next consultations to be held next year in Spain at a mutually agreed date. Thank you and good evening. |
| DOE warns public anew of illegal solicitation |
| Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph |
| The Department
of Energy (DOE) warns the public and energy stakeholders of
unscrupulous individuals posing as Secretary Carlos Jericho L.
Petilla and certain DOE employees soliciting money from distribution
utilities and electric cooperatives and oil companies across the
country to fund team building and certain occasions. This time, the mobile number 0915-137-0801 has been used for this unlawful purpose. A certain Mrs. Cyril Sevilla has been representing herself as a staff at the DOE-Office of the Secretary (OSEC). The DOE reiterates it adherence to the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713) which prohibits officials and employees from soliciting money. With these occurrences, we encourage everyone to report any form of communication from this individual, and verify the authenticity of these messages with the DOE through the OSEC’s official numbers: 840-2134 and 840-2008. |
| Oil Monitor as of 25 March 2014 |
| Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph |
| WORLD OIL
PRICES (March 17-21, 2014 trading days) Oil prices generally fall over the week on waning concerns about the Crimean crisis, stronger US dollar and lesser excessive market speculations. Oil price decline was also supported by the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision mid this week to further reduce its monthly stimulus program by $10 billion. Relatedly, new Fed Chief Janet Yellen hinted that the US Central Bank could raise interest rates earlier than expected, sending the dollar higher. The stronger greenback makes dollar-priced crude more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies, which tends to dampen demand and oil price levels. However, a report of strengthening demand in the US balanced the market. The U.S. Energy Department recently disclosed that demand for gasoline increased by 1.5 percent over the four week period that ended March 14, compared with the same period last year. Similarly, the decline of 3.1 million barrels (more than three times the decline that analysts have expected) is another sign for greater demand. In the Asian market, Platts noted that gasoline continued to face uncertainty going into April on unclear regional supply and demand behavior for the month. Indonesia, Asia's largest importer of gasoline, reportedly purchased one (1) million barrels of 92 RON for delivery over the first half of April, while volumes for the second half of April remain unclear. On the supply front, current inventory levels in Asia remained high, although fewer barrels is expected from India to the East in April due to a weak East-West arbitrage. On the other hand, Platts noted of bearish sentiment in the Asian gasoil market early in the week due to heavy prompt supplies in the region, and slowing demand this month. But prices started to gain ground by the end of the week as the market saw tightening supply ahead of upcoming scheduled turnarounds at several regional refineries in the second quarter, hence overshadowed prevailing demand weakness. Overall, Dubai crude decreased week-on-week by US$0.45/bbl. MOPS diesel and gasoline also decreased by about US$0.78 and US$2.23 a barrel, respectively. FOREX: Week-on-week value of Peso per US dollar depreciated by P0.32 to P44.89, from P44.57 in the preceding week. Other recommended reference sites: (1) http://www.aip.com.au/pricing (2) http://www.med.govt.nz/ers/oil_pet/prices/prices.html |
| DSWD leads ASEAN forum on child protection |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| The Department
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the Association
of South East Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) Forum for Sharing Best
Practices on Social Work Case Management and Multi-Sectoral
Responding to Child Protection Concerns on March 26-27 to be
participated in by delegates from member-countries around the
region. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the forum aims to bring together social work practitioners and sectoral representatives from Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. “We envision a lively exchange of experiences among social work practitioners and other participants, so that we may learn from one another on how best to respond to child protection issues and concerns,” Sec. Soliman said. Topics to be discussed include “Gains and Challenges along Child Protection: Global and South-East Asia Context” by UNICEF, and “Framework on Building a Protective Environment: The Philippine Experience” by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). ASEAN member-countries will also present their country papers on Children with Disabilities (CWDs), Children in Urban Emergencies/Exploitative Work Condition in Urban Areas and Children in Alternative Parental Care, Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Teenage Parents. |
| DSWD thanks Australia for add’l aid to ‘Yolanda’ areas |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon
Juliano-Soliman expressed her gratitude to Australian Amb. Bill
Tweddell, whom she accompanied today to Eastern Visayas to be
updated on the ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts. The Australian delegation headed by Amb. Tweddell announced their provision of additional assistance to the recovery and reconstruction activities in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda during their visit to the DSWD operation center in Tacloban City, Leyte. During the visit, Sec. Soliman oriented the Australian delegation on the Department’s disaster response and recovery efforts. According to Amb. Tweddell, the additional package of assistance includes Php 162 million to provide livelihood for approximately 450,000 individuals, and Php 121 million for the construction of 75 classrooms and day care centers. The amount of Php 40 million will be allotted for the multi-hazard mapping, improved land use planning and building codes, and establishing of early warning systems and emergency response teams in 336 communities in Leyte and Eastern Samar. Meanwhile, Php 40 million will be used to bring in Australian technical experts to support the planning, implementation, and coordination of recovery and reconstruction activities. Australia will also provide Php 808 million for the construction of 500 classrooms in Yolanda-affected areas as part of the Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) program. “This assistance demonstrates the depth of the friendship between our two countries,” Ambassador Tweddell expressed. “We will continue to coordinate our assistance with the Philippine Government and other actors to ensure that it is reaching those who need it most.” Another Php 40 million will be provided to UN agencies to restock prepositioned supplies disbursed during 2013 disasters, including dignity kits given to pregnant and breastfeeding women which contain additional items such as bath towel, malong, undergarments, alcohol, slippers and potty. These will provide pregnant and breastfeeding mothers a higher level of protection against diseases and infection due to their and their babies’ delicate condition. Other supplies include rice and high energy biscuits. Sec. Soliman and the Australian delegation also conducted an ocular inspection of Motocross Bunkhouses in Brgy. Caibaan, Tacloban City housing 516 families, and the permanent shelter site at Brgy. Pago, Tanauan, Leyte. |
| Baldoz hails private and public employers, PESOs as frontline SPES implementers; 200,000 beneficiaries to receive P1.250-B in minimum wage in 2014 |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Baldoz hails
private and public employers, PESOs as frontline SPES implementers;
200,000 beneficiaries to receive P1.250-B in minimum wage in 2014 Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended the country's network of Public Employment Service Offices in all the country's 16 regions for their enviable role as DOLE partner in the implementation of the popular DOLE program, the Special Program for the Employment of Students, or SPES. She also hailed public and private sector employers for their participation in the SPES which have made it doubly successful. "Our PESOs play an exemplary role in seeing to it that the SPES reaches the farthest corners of the country. They do the work of a frontline office for SPES and young Filipinos get to know about the SPES through the PESOs. Truly, the PESOs are our enviable partner in SPES services delivery," said Baldoz. "Of course, I am also very grateful to public and private employers who continue to participate in the SPES. Their role in the success of the SPES is also very significant because it is they who pay the 60 percent of the salaries of SPES beneficiaries," she added. Baldoz's commendation of the PESOs and the public and private sector employers comes at the onset of the 'SPES season'--summer--when students fresh from grinding school work and studies starts to look for something productive to do. For these students, and even the school leavers, or out-of-school youth, Secretary Baldoz said the DOLE is ready for them with the SPES. The 23-year old SPES program, mandated under R.A. 7323 to “help poor but deserving students pursue their education by encouraging their employment during summer and/or Christmas vacations,” is a pro-poor program, and has since become very popular, not only among the youth, but also among employers. Started by the late President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino on 30 March 1992 when she signed R. A. 7323 into law, the SPES got amended on 1 April 2009 by R. A. 9547, otherwise known as “An Act Strengthening and Expanding the Coverage of the Special Program for the Employment of Students, Amending for the Purpose Provisions of R.A. No. 7323.” "Based on this amended version of the SPES, the PESOs today function as the frontline implementers of SPES," said Baldoz, who relates that the SPES got the special attention of President Benigno S. Aquino III when he assumed office in 2010. "The President has mentioned the SPES many times in his policy pronouncements and starting in 2010, increased the budget of the program so that more young Filipinos can earn income for their education," explained Baldoz. Indeed, during the past three years, the number of SPES beneficiaries have grown to the highest levels, approaching almost half-a-million poor, but deserving, youths receiving employment bridging assistance during their summer or Christmas breaks from school. In 2010, 'SPES babies', as beneficiaries are called, reached only 84,786 on a budget of P162.780 million. Then in 2011, the number grew to 120,312 on a budget of almost double, P301.248 million, courtesy of the President who made good on his promise to increase the amount as long as he is leader of the country. In 2012, SPES beneficiaries soared by 15.68 percent to 139,182 on a P341.037 million budget; and in 2013, by 20.39 percent to 167,569 on a budget of P453 million, posting a three-year cumulative total of 427,023 poor, but deserving, Filipinos armed with concrete hopes and a bridge to a successful future. For 2014, Baldoz said the DOLE is reaching higher, with a target of 200,000 SPES beneficiaries expected to be benefited by its P500 million budget in the form of incomes which they can use for their studies in June. "Our SPES accomplishment gives us optimal reason to believe that we would reach, if not surpass, the target," she said. To ensure this, Baldoz said the DOLE is actively campaigning for more employers to join the program. The come-on, she said, is moral and material. "Employers participating in the SPES get to play a role in helping shape the future careers of hundreds of thousands of the Filipino youth. In addition, they get rewarded in terms of paying only 60 percent of the wage of the SPES beneficiaries," she explained. Under the SPES, the DOLE pays the 40 percent, in checks, which the payee can cash for the payment of tuition and other school fees. Baldoz said that with the 60 percent to be paid by employers, the total SPES money for 2014, together with the DOLE's budget of P500 million, could easily come to to P1.250 billion. "That's substantial income for 22 to 52 days' work of all SPES beneficiaries nationwide," she said. The SPES's popularity has something to do with its accessibility. The program is open to all qualified high school, college or vocational students, and even school drop-outs who may apply with the nearest DOLE regional office or PESO in their areas. Baldoz stressed that as a pro-poor program, SPES requires that parents' combined net income after tax, including his own, if any, does not exceed P36,000 per annum. Students wishing to apply for SPES should be at least 15 to 25 years of age; enrolled during the present school year/term or during the school year/term immediately preceding the summer vacation; and who intends to continue his/her education (for school-leavers). Furthermore, a student should have garnered a passing grade during the school year/term, or in case of a drop-out, the last year/term attended. The requirements are simple: duly filled Registration Form 1 (3 copies) with ID pictures attached and attested by the school principal or registrar; any of the following to attest to age--birth or baptismal certificate, Form 138 where age is specified, or joint affidavit of two disinterested parties pertaining to applicant's age; any of the following to attest to the students' rating--Form 138 (High School Report Card), certification by school registrar that applicant has a passing grade during the previous semester/school year, certified true copy of the student's class card where the passing could be determined, and latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of the parents or a certification from the employer/union president that the parent of the applicant is to be displaced or have been displaced. As a strategy to facilitate job matching and placement of workers which seeks to enhance workers' employability and enterprise competitiveness, a major goal of the DOLE, Baldoz said the SPES has proven to be a good and effective program. "Just ask the many employers who have employed 'SPES babies' over the years why they keep on pledging every year to hire more students. Better still, ask the hundreds of thousands of students who have completed their education because of the SPES and you will know why the SPES is a very good program," she challenged. "The DOLE works to make it easy and fast for jobseekers to find jobs that fits their qualifications, interests, and career inclinations. This is why the DOLE has the SPES," she finally said. |
 |
Last
Updated:
25 MARCH 2014
|
|
| Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the first batch of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) graduates of Cadet Engineering Program at the Heroes Hall in Malacanang Tuesday (March 25). As part of the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Program, DPWH implemented its first Cadet Engineering Program in partnership with First Pacific Leadershio Academy to set new entry standards for civil engineers in the bureaucracy. (Photo by Lauro montellano Jr / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the courtesy call of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) graduates of Cadet Engineering Program at the Heroes Hall in Malacanang Tuesday (March 25). As part of the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Program, DPWH implemented its first Cadet Engineering Program in partnership with First Pacific Leadershio Academy to set new entry standards for civil engineers in the bureaucracy. With the President is DPWH Secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson.. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the first batch ofi the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) graduates of Cadet Engineering Program at the Heroes Hall in Malacanang Tuesday (March 25). As part of the Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Program, DPWH implemented its first Cadet Engineering Program in partnership with First Pacific Leadershio Academy to set new entry standards for civil engineers in the bureaucracy. With the President are DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson and Executive Director of First Pacific Leadership Academy Roy Evalle. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rolando Milo / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Spain is one of the biggest donors to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas hard hit by super typhoon Yolanda. Relations between the Philippines and Spain have enjoyed an active exchange of trade and investments. Also in photo are Kingdom of Spain Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq, Instituto Cervantes Secretary General Rafael Rodriguez-Ponga and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Spain is one of the biggest donors to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas hard hit by super typhoon Yolanda. Relations between the Philippines and Spain have enjoyed an active exchange of trade and investments. Also in photo are Kingdom of Spain Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq and Instituto Cervantes Secretary General Rafael Rodriguez-Ponga. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Spanish Minister of Foreign
Affairs Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo during the courtesy call at the
Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Spain is one of
the biggest donors to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas
hard hit by super typhoon Yolanda. Relations between the Philippines and
Spain have enjoyed an active exchange of trade and investments. Total trade between the two countries from January to October 2013 is valued at US$385,130,000 while the total investments from Spain from January to September 2013 amounted to US$200,000. Philippines’ total exports to Spain are valued at US$ 122.26 million, while the total imports from Spain amount to US$262.87 million. There were 17,126 Spanish tourists who visited the Philippines last year, and there is great potential in increasing tourism exchanges between the two countries. An estimated 40,000 Filipinos live in Spain. Also in photo are Kingdom of Spain Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Spanish Minister of Foreign
Affairs Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo during the courtesy call at the
Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Spain is one of
the biggest donors to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas
hard hit by super typhoon Yolanda. Relations between the Philippines and
Spain have enjoyed an active exchange of trade and investments. Total trade between the two countries from January to October 2013 is valued at US$385,130,000 while the total investments from Spain from January to September 2013 amounted to US$200,000. Philippines’ total exports to Spain are valued at US$ 122.26 million, while the total imports from Spain amount to US$262.87 million. There were 17,126 Spanish tourists who visited the Philippines last year, and there is great potential in increasing tourism exchanges between the two countries. An estimated 40,000 Filipinos live in Spain. Also in photo are Kingdom of Spain Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq and Instituto Cervantes Secretary General Rafael Rodriguez-Ponga. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with newly inducted officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the oathtaking ceremony of the newly elected officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday(March 24). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new set of Anvil Business Club Officers, led by Anvil president Reginald Yu, during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new set of Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) Board of Trustees and Officers, led by Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new set of Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Board of Governors and Officers, led by ECOP president Edgardo Lacson, during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea /Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the newly elected officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new set of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Board of Directors and Officers, led by PCCI president Alfredo Yao, during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the newly elected officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo is Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the newly elected officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Alexander Padilla during the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health (DOH) leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health (DOH) leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. Also in photo is Health Secretary Enrique Ona. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Health Secretary Enrique Ona and PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Alexander Padilla. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Alexander Padilla and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
No comments:
Post a Comment