Dispatch for March 31 , 2014 ( Monday ) , 2 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 3 Weather Watch , 7 Reg’l. Watch , 1 OFW Watch , Sec. Coloma Interview @DWIZ, 17 Online News , 65 Photonews (Mar.30

1.  Weather Watch

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

Issued at 5:00 a.m., 31 March 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 31 March 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 31 March 2014

Satellite Image

Synopsis:

Easterlies affecting the eastern section of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Forecast:  

The entire archipelago will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Light to moderate winds from the east to southeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the east to northeast over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.

 

 2. Weather Watch

16 minutes ago

THUNDERSTORM WATCH #NCR_PRSD
Issued at 10:00 PM March 30, 2014

Thunderstorm is more likely to develop over #MetroManila within 12 hours. All are advise to continue monitoring for updates.

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3.  Weather Watch

Pia Quezon shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

48 minutes ago

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at: 5:00 AM 31 March 2014

Synopsis: Easterlies affecting the eastern section of southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Forecast: The entire archipelago will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Light to moderate winds from the east to southeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the east to northeast over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.

Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature: 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 34.9 ºc
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 24.4 ºc

Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 87 %
Minimum Relative Humidity:3:50 PM Yesterday --- 44 %

High Tide Today: 10:36 AM …..………… 0.73 Meter
Low Tide Today: 4:43 PM …..………… 0.07 Meter
High Tide Today: 11:16 PM …..………..… 0.73 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 4:55 AM …..………… 0.23 Meter

Sunrise Today: 5:52 AM
Moonrise Today: 5:58 AM

Sunset Today: 6:08 PM
Moonset Today: 6:39 PM
Illumination Today: 0 %

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

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Weather Watch

March 31 , 2014  (   Monday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE            :  Sunny 

LAGUNA          :  Sunny 

BATANGAS    :   Sunny 

RIZAL                :  Sunny 

QUEZON           :  Sunny 

  

 

PIA Regional Watch

7 minutes ago

PIA-4A: Cadet Andy Ray Asturias Geronilla graduating number 6. Cadet Michael John Luciano Verzosa from Labrador, Pangasinan graduating nUmber 7. Cadet Jayson Rey Sadueste Florin from Polangui, Albay ranked number 8. Cadet Robin Llanes Martin from Dinalupihan, Bataan ranked number 9. Cadet Ian Marc Serrano Polestico from General Santos City ranked number 10. ail Cadet Edwin Garpida Bulatao from Talavera, Nueva Ecija received the BJMP Kampilan Award. Fire Cadet Arvin Jude Asuncion Rapanot from Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat received the C, BFP Kampilan Award.

PIA Regional Watch

12 minutes ago

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Isinagawa at pinagtibay ng miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang Panlalawigang Ordinansa Blg.01na may petsanp Marso 12, 2014, bilang pagpapatawad ng multa o interes (tax amnesty) sa may mga pagkakautang sa amilyar o real property tax na magkakabisa mula Abril 1 hanggang Hunyo 30, 2014.

PIA Regional Watch

34 minutes ago

PIA-4A/CAVITE: The lead cadet commander formally presented to the President the 202 graduating cadets of Class Mandilaab of 2014.

PIA Regional Watch

35 minutes ago

PIA-4A/CAVITE: The President trooped the line. He is accompanied by PNP Chief Alan Purisima and PNPA Director Police Chief Supt. Noel Constatino, OIC Jail Supt. Diony Mamaril ane OIC of BFP Fire Chief Supt. Carlito Romero.

PIA Regional Watch

about an hour ago

PIA-4A: Parade and Review among the 202 graduating cadets followed immediately upon the arrival of the President.

PIA Regional Watch

about an hour ago

PIA-4A:Police Cadet Bryan John Dayag Baccay from Tuguegarao City will receive the Vice President Kampilan Award, ranked number 2. Cadet Ermelo Garcia Dichoso Jr. will receive Plaque of Merit for graduating No. 4. Cadet Jade Rivera Gamboa from Capas, Tarlac will receive a Plaque of Merit for graduating No. 5.

PIA Regional Watch

March 29

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Binuksan na ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang scholarship program nito para sa mga kabataang nagnanais maging scholar sa ilalim ng Batangas Province Scholarship Program.Layon nitong mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga deserving na kabataang walang kakayahang makapag-aral sa kolehiyo.

PIA OFW Watch

March 28 · Edited

DZBB: Pinagbigay-alam ngayon ng DFA sa publiko na isasailalim sa technical maintenance ang kanilang e-passport system para maiwasan ang aberya sa kanilang pag-iisyu ng passport. Dahil dito, ang DFA ay magpapatupad ng temporary passport releasing scheme na magsisimula sa April 1, 2014 sa kanilang mga satellite office sa mga pangunahing mall sa Metro Mnaila. Kabilang na rito ang mga konsulada at embahada. Inaasahan naman ng DFA na ibabalik sa normal ang pag-iisyu ng passport sa April 15.

Cavite celebrates two significant historical events

Sunday 30th of March 2014

ROSARIO, Cavite, March 30 (PIA) – Freedom loving Caviteños, provincial and local officials again reaffirmed Cavite’s role in Philippine history in the observance of two of the most important events that led to the attainment of our independence.

The 117th Anniversary of Tejeros Convention and the founding of the Philippine Army was celebrated at Casa Hacienda, Tejeros Convention last March 20, 2014.

The theme for this year celebration (similar to last year) was Hukbong Katihan: “Naglilingkod sa Mamamayan, Pinapanatiling Matiwasay ang Buong Bayan.”

Vice-Governor Jolo Revilla, Former Prime Minister and Cavite Historical Society President Cesar EA Virata, 1st District Representative Ryan Enriquez, Rosario Councilor Ethel Malabanan, Former Supreme Court Justice Justo Torres, Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Cavite President Federico Reyes, Col. Alexis Tamundong of AFP and Aide De Camp Thirdie Icasas (representative of Senator Nancy Binay) led the wreath-laying at the monument of General Aguinaldo located inside the hacienda.

It was in Tejeros, where the National Convention was held on March 22, 1897. Known as the Tejeros Convention, it was here that the Revolutionary Government was established. It was the forerunner that shaped the First Philippine Republic. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD)

 Tagalog news: Mga kababaihan sa Lipa, ipinagdiwang ang Women's month

Sunday 30th of March 2014

LUNGSOD NG LIPA, Batangas, Marso 30 (PIA) --Ipinagdiwang kamakailan ng mga kababaihan sa lungsod na ito ang Women's month na may temang “Juana ang Tatag mo ay Tatag natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong.”

Sinabi ni Lipa City Mayor Meynard Sabili na ang aktibidad na tulad nito ay palagiang binibigyang-pansin ng kanilang pamunuan sapagkat malaking bahagi ng lipunan ay binubuo ng mga kababaihan at ang mga ito ang kabalikat ng lokal na pamahalaan upang maisulong ang kaunlaran ng lungsod.

Binanggit pa ng alkalde na sa nalalapit na panahon ay itatayo sa lungsod ang Shelter for Women na siyang magbibigay ng ayuda sa mga kababaihang nangangailangan ng tulong tulad ng mga inabuso at nakaranas ng hindi makataong pagtrato.

Sinabi naman ni Lerma Laylo, city social welfare and development officer na ang mga kababaihan ay maituturing na bantay, kaagapay at tulay ng isang lipunan tungo sa pag-unlad.

"Ang pagbibigay ng hindi matatawarang serbisyo ng lahat ng kababaihan maging sa anumang propesyon ay maituturing na pinakadakilang gawain sapagkat ang lahat ng tao ay nagmula sa isang babae," wika ni Laylo

Maliban sa pagdiriwang, nagsagawa rin ang lokal na pamahalaan ng iba’t-ibang aktibidades upang ipagdiwang ang buwan ng kababaihan tulad ng medical at dental mission ,zumba exercise at marami pang iba. (MPDC, PIA-Batangas)

 

30  MARCH 2014.
	Aquino asks Filipino-Chinese businessmen to contribute to nation building
	Government still open to talks with NDF
	Government expanding programs to aid fresh graduates, unemployed--Palace

Aquino asks Filipino-Chinese businessmen to contribute to nation building President Benigno S. Aquino III encouraged the members of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) to contribute more to nation building and aggressively invest in people. During the federation’s 60th anniversary at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañanque City Saturday, the President praised the organization for its contribution in education, healthcare, and the government’s rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon "Yolanda." “Today, on your 60th anniversary, allow me to pose an even greater challenge to all of you: to take an even bigger part in nation-building by truly investing in our people,” the President told the members of the FFCCCII in his message. Historically, the Filipino-Chinese have always been widely acknowledged for their keen business sense and the President said they can partner with the government to share their business acumen to the people. Filipino-Chinese businessmen can create apprenticeship programs for aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs so they can learn from some of the country’s most experienced business people. “I encourage you to do this because such a program will expand the menu of options available for our people. It enables Filipinos to learn from their fellow Filipinos, and rely on their innate creativity, skill, and work ethic to build businesses, directly create jobs, and contribute to their local economies,” the President said. Since most of FFCCCII members are large players in their respective industries, the President invited them to become more involved in micro, small, and medium enterprises connecting in with the larger supply chain. He cited Jollibee that made a difference in local communities by buying onions from small-scale farmers through the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program. Jollibee even expanded its program to cover rice, bell peppers, and tomatoes in Quezon, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental, the President said adding he was confident that if the Chinese-Filipino businessmen are willing to strengthen their commitment they can do the same in their respective industries. “The potential for growth is staggering: In 2011, MSMEs and large enterprises generated a total of 6.3 million jobs. Together, we can bring this figure up by seizing opportunities for growth that are just on the horizon,” the President noted. Giving Filipinos jobs and better income will be good for businesses because it will enhanced their buying power, according to the President. “I ask you to consider this because above and beyond the economic benefits, such an initiative would cement your legacy as a group that truly uplifts our countrymen—and at the same time takes a starring role in affirming the Philippines’ stature as a formidable contender in the global marketplace,” he added. The President also hoped that a few years from now more and more organizations will consider what the FFCCCII has been doing for the benefit of the entire country. Also during the event, the President thanked FFCCCII for its ongoing construction of 500 housing units in Palo, Leyte, which is part of the P150 million it raised for relief and rehabilitation efforts after Typhoon Yolanda. The President also expressed his gratitude to FFCCCII for the 1,360 classrooms it donated that helped boost the government efforts to end the classroom backlog in the country. He also thanked FFCCCII for its medical and dental missions in and around Metro Manila, treating around 800 patients for each mission. PND (as) TOP Government still open to talks with NDF The government is still open to peace talks with communist insurgents, in this case the National Democratic Front, who want to start informal talks in May, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Sunday. “Nananatili pong bukas ang ating pamahalaan sa mga usaping pangkapayapaan,” Coloma said over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan in a live press conference. He said he would refer this matter to the Office of the Presidential Peace Adviser as they are the agency mandated to act on discussions about peae talks. “Isasangguni po natin ang bagay na ‘yan sa Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process sapagkat sila ang may pangunahing responsibilidad sa pagsasagawa ng mga usaping ‘yan,” Coloma said. PND (rck) TOP Government expanding programs to aid fresh graduates, unemployed--Palace The government continues to expand its employment programs to provide jobs for thousands expected to graduate this year and those who remain unemployed, Malacañang said on Sunday. In an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary (PCOO) Herminio Coloma said 95,935 positions in different private and public corporations and agencies are currently up for grabs. This is according to the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) www.phil-job.net, an internet-based job and applicant matching system, which aims to fast track the jobseeker's search for employment and the employer's search for manpower. Coloma added the government is also providing financial aid to self-employed individuals, landless farmers, non-wage domestic workers, young workers with dependents, low-income earners, and those who do not have permanent employment due to calamities through the Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program. He said this program also covers those who are listed in the Department of Social Welfare and Development's national household targeting system. The Communications Secretary further mentioned that the DOLE, in cooperation with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), would conduct application caravan and e-services to bring their services closer to the fresh graduates of nursing and education courses in preparation for their licensure exams. In a press briefing held in Malacañang last March 13, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said there is an estimated 600,000 to 700,000 new entrants to the labor force this year, although they have not yet studied as to how many among those would immediately be looking for jobs. PND (hdc) TOP

 

28 MARSO 2014 Nakipagpulong si Pangulong Aquino sa JICA president Palasyo, pina-iimbestigahan ang isang opisyal ng militar na umano’y may sabwatan kay US Senator Yee Palasyo, tiwalang mananaig ang pro RH

Nakipagpulong si Pangulong Aquino sa JICA president Malugod na tinanggap ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III si Akihiko Tanaka, ang Presidente ng Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), sa Malacañang nitong Biyernes. Si Tanaka ang pumalit kay Sadako Ogata bilang presidente ng JICA noong Abril 1, 2012. Bago ito, nagsilbi siyang bise presidente ng University of Tokyo at isang iskolar ng international politics. Nakamit ni Tanaka ang kanyang B.A. sa International Relations sa University of Tokyo noong 1977 at ang kanyang Ph. D. sa Political Science sa Massachusetts Institute of Technology noong 1981. Ispesiyalisasyon niya ang theories of international politics, contemporary international relations sa Silangang Asya, at foreign policy ng bansang Hapon. May-akda din siya ng mga libro at artikulo sa linguahe ng Hapon at Ingles. Noong 2012, nagkamit siya ng medalya ng karangalan na Purple Ribbon para sa kanyang kahusayan sa akademya. Tumutulong ang JICA sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagkooperasyon nito sa larangan ng pag-unlad ng ekonomiya, maibsan ang kahirapan, pagtulong sa panahon ng kalamidad, at iba pang isyu sa kaunlaran ng kalusugan at pamamahala. Kasama na dito ang paglaganap ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa Mindanao na epektado ng karahasan. Layun ng JICA ang promosyon ng makabagong pamamaraan ng pag-unlad para sa mga Filipino sa lahat ng inisyatibo nito. Katuwang ng gobyerno ang JICA sa muling pagbangon ng mga nasalanta ng bagyo sa Kabisayaan. Patuloy din ang nasabing internasyonal na ahensya sa mabilisang pagbangon ng mga nasalanta at pagtulong sa gobyerno sa pagpapabilis ng rehabilitasyon. Sa mensahe ng Pangulong Aquino bago lagdaan ang Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro nitong Huwebes, pinasalamatan niya ang JICA at ang ibang internasyonal na ahensya sa mga tulong na ibinigay para maisakatuparan ang kapayapaan sa Bangsamoro. TOP Palasyo, pina-iimbestigahan ang isang opisyal ng militar na umano’y may sabwatan kay US Senator Yee Pinaiimbestigahan ng Malacanang ang ulat na may opisyal ng militar ang nakikipagsabwatan umano kay US Senator Leland Yee na inaresto sa kasong pagbebenta ng mga armas at kurapsyon. Sa isang press briefing sa Malacanang nitong Biyernes, sinabi ni Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte sa mga reporters na pinag-utusan na ang Sandatahang Lakas na imbestigahan ang isyung ito. “Di na kailangan ng isang direktibo. Nakausap ko si Lieutenant Colonel Roman Zagala nitong umaga, at sinabi niya na inuusisa na ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang bagay na ito,” ani Valte. “Sinusubukan din namin na makuha ang pangalan o impormasyon na lamang tungkol sa opisyal ng AFP,” dagdag ni Valte. Gayunpaman, sa kasalukuyan wala pang lumalabas na impormasyon tungkol dito ngunit tiwala ang Malacanang sa AFP na mababatid din nila ito. Kung totoo man ang ulat, nakakapangamba na may isang opisyal ng militar na sangkot sa isang organized crime. Maliban dito, may ulat pa umano na bumisita si Yee sa Pilipinas kaya’t pinaiimbestigahan na din nila ito sa Department of Justice. Nitong Miyerkules, kinasuhan si Senator Yee sa Estados Unidos ng mga kasong pagbebenta ng mga armas at pamemeke ng dokumento. May 26 katao ang sangkot, kabilang ang isang opisyal ng eskuwelahan, sa pinaniniwalaang isang malaking sindikato na pinamumunuan ng kilabot na taga Chinatown sa naturang bansa. TOP Palasyo, tiwalang mananaig ang pro RH Tiwala ang Malacanang na mananaig ang mga pro-RH sa pagtatanggol nito sa nakatakdang oral argument sa Korte Suprema. Ito ang tugon ni Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte sa katanungang kung ano ang posisyon ng Malacanang sa kontrobersyal na RH bill na tatalakayin sa Korte Suprema. “Hindi lang po yung national government pero marami kasing Filipino na sumusuporta talaga dito sa batas ng Responsible Parenthood,” sabi ni Valte sa mga reporter sa isang press briefing sa Malacanang. “Umaasa po tayo na nagiging maganda ‘yung mga pagtatanggol ng mga advocates ng Responsible Parenthood doon sa oral arguments sa Supreme Court.” Ani Valte sinusuportahan ng Malacanang ang Responsible Parenthood Law dahil sa mabibigyan nito ng pagpapasya sa mga pamilya na magdesisyon kung ilan ang gusto nilang maging supling. “I mean every family is different. So every family necessarily would have to make its own decision on how best they can take care of their families given the resources that are available to them,” sabi ni Valte. Aniya kung may sapat na kaalaman at kamalayan ang mga magulang, makakapagpasya ang bawat pamilya sa kung anong dami ng kanilang supling. Ayon sa mga pro-RH marami na ang mga kabataang babae ang nabubuntis na nagreresulta sa komplikasyon sa panganganak, ito ang isang punto na aalamin ang legalidad sa Korte Suprema. Magugunita na naglabas ang Korte Suprema ng status quo ante order para pigilan ang implementasyon ng naturang batas. Nakatakdang talakayin ng Korte Suprema ang usaping RH law sa Abril 8 sa summer session nito sa Baguio City. TOP

INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY SONNY COLOMA

DWIZ / Kasangga mo ang Langit by Rey Langit and Alex Santos

28 March 2014

REY: Samantala mga kaibigan, nasa kabilang linya si Secretary Sonny Coloma. Mr. Secretary, magandang umaga po sa inyo. SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga sa iyo Rey at Alex. ALEX: Good morning sir. REY: Yeah, related Secretary dito sa aming binabalita, hinggil po rito sa aksyon na isasakatuparan po ng DOTC, mayroon na po bang blue prints so to speak na pupuwedeng maibsan ang mahabang pila po ng ating mga commuters ng MRT at saka LRT para naman kahit na papaano’y maalalayan po sila? SEC. COLOMA: Ang long term solution diyan Rey ay talagang capacity expansion lamang. Sapagkat batid naman natin na kulang na kulang iyong kasalukuyang pasilidad. Ito ay isinasagawa na, iyong pagpapadami ng mga bagon o iyong mga coaches ng MRT at LRT. Habang hinihintay pa na maganap ito, dahil medyo matagal iyong proseso nga sa ganung aspeto ay ina-address naman ng management ng DOTC at LRT at MRT iyong kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga commuters. Kaya pinasisiyasat iyong naganap na aksidente nung nakaraang araw at kung saan ay may ilan sa ating mga kababayan ang nasugatan dahil sa biglang pagpreno. Tinututukan din iyong pagsasagawa ng preventive maintenance at regular maintenance para maiwasan iyong deterioration ng mga mechanical elements na maaring maging sanhi ng mga aksidente. Kaya ginagawa naman ang makakaya para maibsan iyong paghihirap at pagsasakripisyo ng ating mga kababayaan. Kailangan lang kilalanin lang din natin na sa kabuuan, ang problemang dapat talagang lutasin ay iyong kakulangan natin sa mass transport facilities and services. REY: Opo. Yeah Secretary dahil nga po rito sa insedenteng ito na nangyari yata makalawa at saka noong Sabado, iyong pagpalya din po ng computer system ng MRT. Ito ho bang MRT3 na nagkaroon ng aberya, medyo familiar ba kayo Secretary kung gaano katanda na itong coaches o itong bagon na ito bago natin na-acquire? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi ako masyadong familiar sa detalye Rey. Ang aking tuwirang nalalaman diyan ay batay sa aking karanasan sa dalawang beses akong nakapaglingkod na Undersecretary sa DOTC ‘no, at pinakahuli ay noong administrasyon ni Pangulong Erap Estrada na kung saan ay pinasinayaan iyong Metro Star. Iyong Metro Star ang unang tawag diyan, iyan iyong MRT3 at isinagawa iyan noon pang 1999. Hindi ko lang alam kung ano na iyong mga upgrade na naisagawa sa facilities. Pero iyong mismong MRT3 sa EDSA ay inumpisahan ang operations nito noong 1999 pa. REY: Ah okay. Yeah, dahil kasi naulinigan ko na para bagang iyong supposedly life expectancy kaya hindi maitugma po doon sa inaasahang itatagal, dahil daw po ngayon pa lamang, sa capacity na lamang overused po ng napakaraming commuters. Instead na 300 ay umaabot po ng 500 nga ang mga sumasakay. SEC. COLOMA: Ganun nga Rey ‘no, kaya nga doon sa simula ng ating talakayan, aking sinabi na kaagad ay capacity expansion lamang ang talagang makakalutas sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Dahil kulang na kulang iyong kasalukuyang supply natin. Ang isa pa nating dapat pansinin ay ito, nung dati itong MRT3 na ito sa Edsa ay hanggang SM North Edsa lamang, kaya hanggang doon lamang iyong linya nito. Ngunit nung recent past naman ay na-i-extend na ito at nai-konekta na sa MRT1. Dahil dati, ang original plan kasi diyan ay Balintawak to Baclaran talaga ang linya niyan. Inabutan nung financial crisis tulad noong sa Skyway na hindi natuloy kaagad iyong hanggang Buendia, kaya umabot lamang hanggang EM North Edsa at sana ay maging Phase 2 ng MRT3 iyong hanggang Monumento. Pero imbes na Phase 2 ng MRT3, ang naging resulta ay naging Line 1 Extension. Iyong Line 1 from Baclaran to Monumento, pinaikot patungong North EDSA at iyon ang sumalubong at naging koneksiyon nung MRT. Kaya kung tutuusin Rey, talagang dumami iyong ridership nitong MRT3, sapagkat natupad na iyong original na alignment nito ‘no na Baclaran hanggang Balintawak o Monumento. Nabuo na iyong linya nito at iyong ridership projections ay batay doon sa buong linya. Kaya maaring dumami pa lalo iyong passenger countsnatin diyan sa EDSA MRT3 line. ALEX: Okay. Secretary, good morning po. SEC. COLOMA: Good morning Alex. ALEX: At we would like to extend our congratulations po doon sa nangyari pong monumental signing po doon sa CAB o iyong Comprehensive Agreement. Congratulations po sir. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat. ALEX: Opo. Tanong ko po sir, ano pa ho iyong mga marching orders po ng Pangulong P-Noy with regards po sa gagawin pong itong Bangsamoro Basic Law, dahil lang po natatapos po dito sa pirmahan po ‘di ba Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Ang pinakamahalaga Alex ay iyong kasunod na hakbang, iyong pagsasabatas nitong CAB o Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Ang pagsasabatas nito at pagkakaroon ng isang Bangsamoro Basic Law, ito ay kailangang maiharap sa Kongreso at maipasa. Ang timetable natin ay maipasa ito sa early part ng 2015 o end ng 2014 para maidaos na iyong plebesito o referendum. At kapag sinang-ayunan ng mayorya ng mga mamamayan sa Bangsamoro ito ay papalitan na natin iyong kasalukuyang umiiral na Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao o iyong ARMM government. Magbibitiw lahat nung mga halal na opisyal diyan at papalitan sila ng mga appointed officials na bubuo naman nung Bangsamoro Transitional Authority. At itong Bangsamoro Transitional Authority ang mangangasiwa at mamamahala sa area ng Bangsamoro, hanggang idaos iyong unang eleksyon para sa halal na opisyal ng Bangsamoro na isasagawa kasabay ng 2016 na general elections. ALEX: Opo. Wala naman kayo nakikita po Secretary na, iyong pangamba ninyo dito po sa level sa Kongreso ay hindi ho ito—wala hong kokontra dito ho para mapabilis po iyong pagpapasa ng Bangsamoro Basic Law? SEC. COLOMA: Buo po ang determinasyon ng ating Pangulo at gagawin niya ang kaniyang inaakalang nararapat para po makumbinse ang ating mga mambabatas sa dalawang Kamara ng ating Kongreso na ipasa itong Bangsamoro Basic Law sa lalong madaling panahon. ALEX: Opo. Mayroong pong grupo ho na nagsumite ho ng kanilang petisyon sa Supreme Court para sabihing unconstitutional po itong ginawang agreement po between MILF and the government. Sa tingin ninyo po, ito po ay hahadlang sa gagawin pong batas na gagawin po dito sa Kongreso? SEC. COLOMA: May karapatan naman po ang ating mga mamamayan na magharap ng usapin sa ating Korte Suprema, at kasama po iyan sa proseso ng ating demokrasya. Sa simula’t sapul po, sa paggawa nitong CAB o Comprehensive Agreement at sa gagawing pagsasabatas nito, ang pinakamahalagang alintuntunin o panuntunan na itinakda ni Pangulong Aquino, dapat ito ay alinsunod sa mga batayang prinsipyo at probisyon ng ating Saligang Batas. Sa bawat pagkakataon po ay sinuri nang husto kung paano iyong bawat probisyon dito sa kasunduang ito ay sumusunod o tumatalima sa ating Saligang Batas. Dahil nga po mahalaga itong prinsipyong ito ‘no, ito lamang ang makakapagtiyak na mapapaganap itong kasunduang ito. Natuto na po tayo sa aral nung nakaraan, kung maalala natin, iyong paglagda noong MOA AD ‘no, iyong Memorandum Agreement on the Ancestral Domain, na siyang kahalintulad nitong kasunduang ito ay tinigil ng Korte Suprema at kanilang ibinale-wala ito dahil hindi alinsunod sa ating Saligang Batas. Kaya natuto na po tayo diyan, tiniyak po natin sa bawat hakbang, na ang bawat probisyon nitong umiiral na kasunduan at iyong isasabatas na Bangsamoro Basic Law ay sumusunod po sa mga prinsipyo at probisyon ng ating Saligang Batas. ALEX: Ah Secretary, may panghuling tanong rin po ako. Dahil po mayroon na po tayong agreement with the Bagsamoro, ibig sabihin po ba nito iyong kasalanan ho ni Nur Misuari noon po ay pinapatawad ninyo, “umuwi ka na at wala na kaming ipa-file na case,” against Misuari po Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Wala pong kaugnayan iyong pirmahan sa CAB. Kailangan pa rin pong panagutan ng mga nasasakdal iyong kanilang mga usapin sa ating mga hukuman. REY: Secretary madagdag ko na lamang po, bilang pangwakas, sapagkat talaga ang hangad po natin ay kapayapaan dito po sa Mindanao ano po, at saka paghabol din po doon sa mga criminal elements na gumugulo dito sa mga ganitong usapin ng kapayapaan. Nakarating na po ba sa inyong kaalaman na hinggil po roon sa insidente, na miyembro ng California State, Senate Estate at gun control advocate ang inaresto po dahil sa gun running at corruption, at apparently iyong mga baril na binibili po nila ay galing po rito sa Muslim Separatists, grupo ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front sa Pilipinas ayon po sa FBI? SEC. COLOMA: Mayroon pong mga kaibigan tayo na naninirahan sa Estados Unidos, na nagpadala sa atin ng impormasyon hinggil diyan. Pero hindi ko pa po ganap na nababasa, sabihin na lang po natin na kung mayroong mga paglabag sa batas ay dapat pong siyasatin iyan at dapat pong mapanagot kung sino po ang lumabag sa ating mga batas. REY: Okay, at makatutulong din po itong grupo ng MILF para i-address iyong kanilang ranks sa ganitong klase pong controversies. SEC. COLOMA: Kasama po iyan sa diwa at letra ng kasunduan, dahil sila po ang katuwang ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas. Nananalig po tayo na gagawin nila ang nararapat para po maganap iyong mga pinagkasunduan. REY: Okay. Well said Secretary, maraming salamat po and good morning. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat, magandang umaga sa inyo Alex at Rey.

SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center

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29 MARCH 2014 With enhanced Phil-JobNet, job matching now more user-friendly, remains free--Baldoz Baldoz envisages a hassle-free summer for all NLE, LET applicants, As DOLE's PRC rolls out licensure application caravan in 4 Metro SM Malls In one order, Baldoz further simplifies and fast-tracks access to DOLE's livelihood and emergency employment programs Secretary Del Rosario holds talks with Turkish Vice Foreign Minister Consumer Confidence Improves in Q1 2014, Boosted by Better Employment and Investment Prospects COMELEC Advisory Council re-constituted for 2016 Elections TESDA, SEIPI team up anew to train over 5,000 workers Monetary Board keeps policy rates steady, adjusts reserve requirement Bago City RTC sentences accused for homicide and theft DSWD always open to dialogue – Soliman One in every 10 Filipina teens is a Mom! DTI steps up enforcement of roofing materials DepEd, educ partners boost Abot-Alam Program ‘We must close the gap between Mindanao and the rest of Filipino society’ – P-Noy DFA Statement on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Ukraine New Philippine Chancery soon to rise in Jakarta “Kapihan sa SSS” in Legazpi City

With enhanced Phil-JobNet, job matching now more user-friendly, remains free--Baldoz

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

“The enhanced Phil-JobNet has evolved. It is now more ‘user-friendly’. And it continues to be free." This is the pitch that Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz made yesterday for the government's web-based job matching facility and labor market information portal, the Phil-JobNet, after she received the report of the Bureau of Local Employment's Director Dominique Rubia-Tutay that the portal will transition from its old Internet address, old www.phil-job.net to the enhanced www.phil-jobnet.dole.gov.ph by the end of March. "That is a few days from now, when the enhanced Phil-JobNet, complete with features that will enable jobseekers to efficiently look for the right job on a 24/7 basis, will debut for public use," said Baldoz. The Phil-jobnet is part of the DOLE's strategy to facilitate job matching and placement of workers which seeks to enhance the employability of workers and competitiveness of enterprises. Through the Phil-JobNet, the DOLE works to make it easy and fast for jobseekers to find jobs that fits their qualifications, interests, and career inclinations," Baldoz said. Director Tutay said in her report that while there have been some changes, the Phil-JobNet retains some of its first-rate features, such as the Skills-for-Hire button, which is similar to a yellow page, or bulletin board, where skilled persons and own-account workers can advertise their services. According to Tutay, the Phil-JobNet has functioned continuously for more than a decade since it was first launched in 1998. "In 2012, the BLE started to enhance the system to make it more user-friendly, functional, utilitarian, and inter-active. "The Phil-JobNet is now the leading job search and job and skills matching portal in the Philippines, with its private sector partners closely trailing behind," Tutay said, citing that as of 28 March, the Phil-JobNet, both the old and new, has a combined list of vacancies reaching 95,935. The old Phil-JobNet has also 74,642 job applicants registered and 8,820 skills-for-hire posted, while the new website has 18,579 active applicants, 1,276,388 registered applicants, and 188 skills-for-hire posted. On the other hand, JobsDB.com has 40,856 and JobStreet.com.ph has 107,253 job vacancies. Both online portals are linked with the old Phil-JobNet website. Director Tutay reported to Baldoz that despite the termination of the old Phil-JobNet’s website, its registered profiles are already being migrated to the new site. “Jobseekers' and establishments’ profiles are now being transferred to the new website; but this may take a while due to the large volume of registrants under the old system. To this date, we have migrated at least 50 percent of the data, or those profiles registered in years 1998 to 2011,” Tutay said. She advised the public to create new, or update, their profiles in the new Phil-JobNet website to access accounts immediately. She further said that the new Phil-JobNet eliminates record duplicity by requiring establishments posting their vacancies to submit their Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) and jobseekers to submit birthday information to identify whether or not the account has already been migrated. The BLE, as well as DOLE's regional offices, continue to campaign hard for employers to register their vacancies in the Phil-JobNet. Interested about this good news? Please call the BLE at tel. no. 527-2453, or you may access the Phil-JobNet at www.phil-jobnet.dole.gov.ph.

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Baldoz envisages a hassle-free summer for all NLE, LET applicants, As DOLE's PRC rolls out licensure application caravan in 4 Metro SM Malls

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

Baldoz envisages a hassle-free summer for all NLE, LET applicants, As DOLE's PRC rolls out licensure application caravan in 4 Metro SM Malls “To all our future registered nurses and teachers, here’s a hassle-free summer for all of you. Watch out for the PRC's application caravan in four SM Malls in Metro Manila and file your NLE and LET applications.” This is the message of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz after she received a report from Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Chairman Teresita Manzala that the PRC is rolling out its application caravan in four SM Malls for this year’s Nursing Licensure Examinations (NLE) set on 25-26 May and the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LET) on 27 July. The application caravan will be conducted from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the following malls on the following dates: 24-28 March—SM Novaliches; SM Southmall; and SM San Lazaro; and 7-11 April, 26-30 May, and 9-13—SM Manila, SM Novaliches, and SM South Mall. The deadline for the filing of applications is as follows: For Nurses—28 March for Repeaters and 11 April for First-Time Takers; and for Teachers—30 May for Repeaters and 13 June for First-Time Takers. The Professional Regulation Commission, an attached agency of the DOLE, had issued Memorandum Circular No. 2014-03 on 20 March providing for the conduct of the application caravan. "The caravan is to be implemented in anticipation of the significant volume of applicants for the nurses and teachers licensure examinations," said Baldoz, citing the PRC circular, adding that the expected volume of examinees is based on last year’s record, as follows: (a) for the June 2013 NLE, 37,887 examinee-applicants; and (b) for December 2013 NLE, 35,475. On the other hand, the September 2013 LET recorded a total of 62,160 examinee-applicants for elementary teachers and 64,792 for secondary school teachers; and for March 2013 LET, 37,117 examinee-applicants for elementary school teachers and 38,433 examinee-applicants for secondary school teachers. “Applicants for licensure examination are advised to encode their data via the Online Application System (OAS) facility of the PRC website before proceeding to the above-mentioned SM Malls,” Baldoz said. The OAS, which went into full operation in July 2013, enables applicants for licensure examinations to apply online, anytime, and anywhere and take the licensure examination at the PRC testing centers indicated in their Application Forms. “With the OAS, clients will be able to avail of PRC services easily anytime, anywhere, or even within the comfort and convenience of their homes or offices, thereby, hastening PRCs delivery of needed services while decongesting its offices of thousands of professionals and licensure examination applicants who transact business with PRC every day," she added. The PRC emphasized, however, that it will continue to accept applications for examinations at its central offices located at P. Paredes St. cor. N. Reyes St., Sampaloc, Manila. The implementation of the PRC’s Application Caravan and ‘e-Services’ is a PRC strategy to enhance human capital through education and training by strengthening the national licensing, competency assessment, and certification systems. Any questions about this release? Please call the PRC's Application Division at tel. no. 3101027 Monday to Friday (8:00am to 5:00pm), except holidays.

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In one order, Baldoz further simplifies and fast-tracks access to DOLE's livelihood and emergency employment programs

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

Self-employed workers with insufficient income, marginalized and land-less farmers, unpaid family workers, parents of child laborers, low-wage and seasonal workers, and workers displaced or to be displaced by natural and man-made disasters could now easily access or avail of the DOLE's Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs, called DILEEP for short, with the issuance by Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday of a comprehensive but simplified and rationalized guidelines governing the implementation of the programs. The guidelines are under the cover of Department Order No. 137-14 Series of 2014 with the full title, "Guidelines in the Implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs (DILEEP)". "The times call for us in the DOLE to ensure that whatever intervention or assistance we provide to informal sector and vulnerable workers so that they can immediately stand in their own feet in calamitous situation or period of income shocks and risks is simple, clear, transparent, and easy to access. This is what this guidelines are for," Baldoz said shortly after she signed the order. The 19-page order will also benefit applicants listed in the National Household Targeting System of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and workers profiled by the DOLE's Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns. Baldoz said the guidelines is the realization of the DOLE's strategy to enhance access to emergency employment and livelihood which seeks to strengthen social protection for vulnerable workers, a key target outcome of the DOLE. "Through convergence, the DOLE facilitates and provides access to emergency employment and livelihood opportunities to shield vulnerable workers and their families from risks due to natural and man-made disasters and enable them to rebuild their lives with better access to social protection and sustainable income sources," she said. The DILEEP seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers through emergency employment and promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises. It has two components: (1) Kabuhayan, or livelihood, and (2) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) or emergency employment. After she issued the order, Baldoz instructed the Labor Communications Office and all DOLE labor communications officers to disseminate as widely as possible the guidelines in order for DOLE clients to understand fully its provisions. She also instructed the BWSC to draft a question-and-answer information material for public use. Under the guidelines, all DOLE livelihood programs , namely, the Women Workers Employment and Entrepreneurship Development (WEED); Promotion of Rural Employment through self-Employment and Entrepreneurship Development (PRESEED); Tulong Alalay sa taong May Kapansanan (TULAY); Workers Income Augmentation Program (AMP); Working Youth Center (WYC); and Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) are integrated into the Kabuhayan Program. "Convergence of services, technology-driven, resource-based, and sustainable livelihood; and full decentralization of approving authority are the principles of the order that should guide implementers of the DILEEP," Baldoz explained. "It prescribes clear standards, transparent procedures for availment and release of funds, and reporting, monitoring, and evaluation. It ensures accountabilities of the accredited co-partners (ACPs) and beneficiaries and of the DOLE Regional Directors for all project funds releases. It requires convergence of relevant programs and services of government agencies and private organizations to effectively assist and provide complete support to the community enterprise," she further said. DOLE Regional Offices shall implement the Kabuhayan and TUPAD programs either by direct administration or through an ACP. Under the ACP scheme, qualified co-partners are peoples’ organizations; workers' associations; unions/federations; state universities and colleges/higher educational institutions/national technical-vocational schools; local government units; cooperatives; and national government agencies. The guidelines spells out the simple, step-by-step procedures in accessing both the Kabuhayan and Tupad and the action process and timelines on availment applications. It also provide the detailed requirements for accreditation of co-partners, both local government units and other ACP types. Most importantly, the guidelines clearly outlines the sources, release, and liquidation of funds for the programs, including the requisite documents. It designates the BWSC as the program manager and overseer of the DILEEP, under the supervision of the Undersecretary for Labor Standards and Social Protection. As program manager, the guidelines tasks the BWSC to continually build the capacity of DILEEP field officers and focal persons, including partner LGUs, ACPs, PESO managers, and other stakeholders. Lastly, the guidelines provides clear standards for monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of the programs; audit and evaluation; and internal control measures.

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Secretary Del Rosario holds talks with Turkish Vice Foreign Minister

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

28 March 2014 – Turkish Vice Foreign Minister Ali Naci Koru, representing Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario today to discuss a broad range of issues affecting Philippines-Turkey relations. During the call, Vice Foreign Minister Koru congratulated the Philippine government and the Filipino people on the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on 27 March 2014 in Malacañang. He said the agreement would lead to enduring peace, stability and development in Mindanao and the rest of the country. Minister Koru reiterated his government’s invitation for Secretary del Rosario to visit Turkey at his most convenient time. For his part, Secretary del Rosario conveyed his appreciation for Turkey’s steadfast support for the Mindanao peace process. He said Turkey was an active member of the International Contact Group on the GPH-MILF Peace Negotiations. The Secretary also took the opportunity to express the Philippines’ gratitude for Turkey’s assistance to typhoon Yolanda victims, noting in particular that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay made the turnover of relief goods two days after the super typhoon struck. After the call, Vice Foreign Minister Koru and Foreign Service Institute Director Carlos D. Sorreta signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation between the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Foreign Service Institute and the Diplomacy Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. The MOU aims to increase the level of interaction and cooperation between the two training institutes, redounding to enhanced bilateral ties. END

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Consumer Confidence Improves in Q1 2014, Boosted by Better Employment and Investment Prospects

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

Consumer Outlook Consumer sentiment improved moderately in Q1 2014 based on the Consumer Expectations Survey that was conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas during the period 21 January – 3 February 2014. The overall confidence index (CI) increased to -18.8 percent from -21.3 percent in Q4 2013. Respondents attributed their favorable outlook to the following factors: (a) availability of more jobs, (b) increase in the number of employed family members, (c) more investment prospects, (d) higher income, (e) stronger business activity, and (f) good harvests (e.g., copra, sugarcane and fish). For the next quarter and the year ahead, consumer sentiment continued to be more favorable as the CI increased to 5.4 percent and 19.3 percent, respectively, compared to the readings of the previous quarter. According to consumers, their more optimistic outlook is due to expectations of more job opportunities and good weather conditions in the quarter ahead. The overall consumer confidence is measured using three indicators–economic conditions of the country, family financial situation and family income. For the current quarter, respondents’ outlook on the country’s economic condition and on family finances improved but remained steady on family income. For the next quarter and the year ahead, consumers’ views on all three indicators turned more sanguine as consumers expected continuing improvements in the economy and in their family finances. Consumers cited the following reasons for their upbeat outlook: (a) more financial support from family members as employment opportunities are expected to be better, (b) continued implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and (c) good governance. By income group, consumer sentiment was mixed with respect to their views on family finances and income. The low-income group showed a consistently more favorable outlook for the current and next quarters as well as for the year ahead. The middle-income group’s outlook weakened in the current quarter but turned more bullish for the next quarter and the year ahead. Meanwhile, the high-income group had a less upbeat outlook for the current and next quarters but anticipated financial conditions to improve in the next twelve months. Across income groups, confidence on the economic condition of the country improved. The percentage of respondents that considered the current quarter as a favorable time to buy big-ticket items was broadly steady at 24.1 percent. The outlook on buying conditions improved slightly for real estate, but remained steady for consumer durables and motor vehicle. Respondents cited that real property is a good investment. Similarly, buying intentions for big-ticket items for the year ahead remained broadly steady at 8.8 percent. Saving Behavior The survey results showed that the number of households with savings continued to pick up at 28.9 percent in Q1 2014 compared to 26.2 percent in the previous quarter. The percentage of households with savings increased among the middle- and low-income groups but declined for the high-income group. The percentage of those that expected to save money in Q1 2014 increased to 38.3 percent from 34.6 percent in Q4 2013. Respondents stated that they are setting aside some amount as savings for the following reasons: for emergency, health and hospitalization, retirement, education, and business capital and investment. Among respondents with savings, majority have bank deposit accounts. Expectations on Selected Economic Indicators Consistent with the higher spending outlook on basic goods and services in Q1 2014, consumers anticipated higher inflation in the year ahead. They expected the inflation rate to settle at 8.4 percent compared to 7 percent in Q4 2013. This indicates that inflationary expectations could be stronger in the next 12 months as the number of respondents with views of higher inflation increased compared to a quarter ago. Their views mirrored the increasing trend in the inflation readings in January (4.2 percent) and February (4.1 percent) 2014 as compared to that in Q4 2013 (3.4 percent). Interest rates were likewise anticipated to edge higher in the year ahead as respondents expecting higher interest rates outnumbered those who said otherwise. Respondents are also of the view that the peso would depreciate against the US dollar in the next 12 months. Their perception could have been influenced in part by the recent weakening of the peso against the dollar (average peso per dollar rate during 21 January – 3 February 2014, the duration of the survey, was ₱45). Respondents that expected higher unemployment declined compared to a quarter ago, indicating an expected improvement in the employment situation for the year ahead. Expenditures of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Of the 560 households included in the survey that received OFW remittances in Q1 2014, 97 percent used the remittances that they received to purchase food. More than two-thirds (68.9 percent) of the OFW households allocated part of their remittances for education, 62.9 percent for medical payments and 45.9 percent for debt payments. The percentage of OFW households that utilized their remittances for savings rose to 45.4 percent from 41.6 percent in Q4 2013, the second highest percentage since the nationwide survey started in Q1 2007. Similarly, those that allocated their remittances for the purchase of property increased to 13 percent from 12 percent in Q4 2013. Meanwhile, those that apportioned part of their remittances for investment and purchase of consumer durables and motor vehicle went down compared to the previous quarter’s results. Read Full Report

COMELEC Advisory Council re-constituted for 2016 Elections

Source: http://icto.dost.gov.ph

The COMELEC Advisory Council (CAC) was formally re-organized in preparation for the upcoming May 2016 national and local elections. To bolster the Council’s technical capacity, the CAC has brought on new members from ICT Professional Organizations, namely; the Infocomm Technology Association of the Philippines (ITAP) and the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PHCERT). The Advisory Council is be made up of nine members from; the academe, non-government electoral reform organizations, ICT professional organizations and select government agencies who will “recommend the most appropriate, secure, applicable and cost-effective technology to be applied in the Automated Election System (AES).” Mr. Dondi O. Mapa is the official representative of ITAP while, Mr. Angel S. Averia Jr. is for PHCERT. New faces on the council include that of Assistant Secretary Raymund Liboro of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Dr. John Paul C. Vergara of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and Atty. Rona Ann V. Caritos of the Legal Network for Truthful Elections(LENTE). Former CAC members who kept their positions as representatives of their respective organizations were, Undersecretary Alberto T. Muyot of the Department of Education, Professor Rommel P. Feria of the University of the Philippines, and Mr. George Kintanar of the Chief Information Officers Forum Foundation (CIOFF). Undersecretary Louis Napoleon C. Casambre of the DOST ICT Office, Chairman of the COMELEC Advisory Council is confident that the Council will be able to fulfill its mandate. “Our focus in the selection process for CAC members was focused on the nominee’s technical competencies particularly in IT Systems Design, Software and Hardware Design as well as knowledge of the electoral process and Electoral Law. With constantly improving technologies, we intend to recommend the most appropriate for our current situation; furthermore we intend to totally eliminate security issues while maintaining transparency in the electoral process.” Early February, the CAC invited various technology providers to present information on available technologies on Automated Elections Systems. An AES technology trade fair is currently being organized to evaluate AES technologies available. . The result of this activity will serve as input for the CAC prior to submitting is recommendations to the COMELEC.

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TESDA, SEIPI team up anew to train over 5,000 workers

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

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has allocated P30 million for the training of 5,172 scholars in the semiconductor and electronics industry. Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, announced that the agency has teamed up anew with the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI) to harness the skills of technical-vocational students and workers who aspire for quality job as operators in the country’s top electronics firms. In a Memorandum of Agreement, TESDA and SEIPI said the fund would be used to "train existing workers in the industry and the pre-employment training and retooling of incoming workers in the semiconductor and electronics sector." The agreement was signed on March 28 by Villanueva and SEIPI President Dan Lachica. The program will run from April to November this year under TESDA's Training for Work Scholarship Program. "TESDA's partnership with SEIPI has achieved great strides in terms of training the youth and putting them to work," Villanueva said. "We will continue to put premium on technical-vocational education and training so that we could harness the economic output of the semiconductor industry," he added. The 5,172 scholars will undergo training under the program Level I Electronics Back-end Operators. The scholars are taught 11 training modules on the basic aspects of Technical, Behavioral, and Manufacturing Systems and Standards. The latest batch of scholars will bring the total number of beneficiaries to 8,475. The first set of 2,404 beneficiaries took the training from October 2012 to May 2013 while the second batch of training from November to December 2013 produced 899 graduates. Both had at least 91 percent employment rates. "Training initiatives implemented by TESDA and SEIPI have been reaping fruits as can be seen by the number of graduates who have found work in various companies," Villanueva said. SEIPI will tap the assistance of its member-companies for the conduct of the training based on the programs indicated in TESDA's Qualification Map (QM). The organization also committed to establish and maintain a Training Development Fund to be used for future training of existing workers, pre-employment and re-tooling of incoming workers in the semiconductor and electronics sector and for the promotion of training programs. At least 20 percent of the total training cost for each scholar hired will be set aside by SEIPI for this purpose. The amount will be managed by SEIPI and will be utilized exclusively for the training of additional industry workers. SEIPI said it was also working with TESDA on the development of Training Regulations for the following courses: Semiconductor and Hard Disk Drive Frontline Operations; Semiconductor Electronics and Hard Disk Drive Production Line Backend Operations; Electronics Frontline Operations; Semiconductor, Electronics, and Hard Disk Drive Manufacturing Process Sustenance; Semiconductor, Electronics, and Hard Disk Drive Servicing, Repair and Maintenance; and, Laboratory Equipment and Test Operations. It also committed to introduce other TESDA programs, such as the Apprenticeship Program and the Dual Training System, to its member companies.

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Monetary Board keeps policy rates steady, adjusts reserve requirement

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

At its meeting today, the Monetary Board decided to keep the BSP's key policy rates at 3.50 percent for the overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility and 5.50 percent for the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility. The interest rates on term RRPs and RPs as well as SDAs were also kept steady. Meanwhile, the Monetary Board decided to increase the reserve requirement by one percentage point effective on 4 April 2014. In deciding to maintain policy rates, the Monetary Board noted that the future inflation path is likely to stay within the target ranges of 4±1 percent for 2014 and 3±1 percent for 2015. Inflation expectations also remain broadly aligned with the target over the policy horizon. At the same time, the Monetary Board noted that the balance of risks to the inflation outlook continues to be skewed to the upside, with potential price pressures emanating from pending petitions for adjustments in utility rates and from the possible increases in food and oil prices. The Monetary Board’s decision to raise the reserve requirement is intended to guard against potential risks to financial stability that could arise from continued strong liquidity growth and rapid credit expansion. The Monetary Board concluded that buoyant domestic growth prospects allow some scope for a measured adjustment in the BSP’s policy instruments amid the ongoing normalization of monetary policy overseas. Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor emerging price and output conditions and will consider further adjustments in its monetary policy tools as necessary to safeguard price and financial stability.

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Bago City RTC sentences accused for homicide and theft

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

The RTC-Bago City, Branch 62 convicted an accused for homicide and theft. Bago City Prosecutor Ma. Christy Uriarte successfully secured the court's conviction. Judge Frances V. Guanzon sentenced Jayvee Empase y Javison to suffer the indeterminate penalty of imprisonment from eight (8) years to fourteen (14) years, four (4) months and one (1) day for homicide; and indeterminate penalty of imprisonment from four (4) years and two (2) months to eight (8) years and one (1) day for theft. Sometime in December 2008, at Barangay Busay, Bago City, accused took, robbed and carried away the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and one (1) Nokia Cellphone model 100 worth Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) owned by Jasvir Singh. To execute the crime, accused attacked, assaulted, stabbed and hit Singh, thereby, inflicting multiple injuries upon him causing his untimely death. Similarly, sometime in December 2008, accused took, stole and carried away one (1) unit of Honda, single motorcycle XRM 12, colored black, bearing plate number 7707FD belonging to Charanjit Grewal y Singh. On February 18, 2009, accused Empase was arraigned to the original offense charged in both informations, "robbery with homicide" and "violation of anti-carnapping act." However, on February 27, 2014, Empase through counsel expressed willingness to enter into a plea bargaining and to plead to a lower offense of homicide and theft. The Court, after accused was re-arraigned for the lesser offense, ordered the withdrawal from the records the previous plea of not guilty with the conformity of Prosecutor Uriarte. "Upon re-arraignment of accused Jayvee Empase y Javison, this Court finds him Guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of homicide in Criminal Case No. 2434 and Theft under Art. 308 in relation to Art. 309, par. 1 in Criminal Case No. 2439," Judge Guanzon said in his decision.

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DSWD always open to dialogue – Soliman

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

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman, today, reiterates her willingness to sit down and dialogue with any group who wants to help in the relief and rehabilitation effort in Eastern Visayas. This is in view of the “lightning rally” staged by a group from GABRIELA and People Surge, an alliance of Typhoon Yolanda survivors from Eastern Visayas, at the DSWD Central Office this morning. “We have demonstrated that we are open to dialogues as long as we are notified in advance unlike today when all our officials are on field attending to important tasks,” Soliman said. It can be recalled that Secretary Soliman met with the leaders of the two groups on March 12 and discussed issues on relief distribution, provision of P40,000 cash assistance, and the scrapping of the ‘No Build Zone”. In today’s rally, the group raised the issue of “rotten relief goods” from DSWD and the seven (7) persons who died of hunger. Secretary Soliman said that DSWD earlier investigated the reported truckloads of relief goods being buried in the dumpsite of Palo — a certification issued by the Municipal Health Officer (MHO) on March 7 belied the allegation. The MHO said that only one sack of assorted biscuits, 10 cups of instant noodles, 1/2 sack of wet rice, and one sack of used clothing were buried. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer said that the goods came from “various agencies” which she can no longer remember. “DSWD Eastern Visayas is now helping the local government in handling and warehousing of relief goods to prevent future incidence of rotten relief goods,” Soliman said. On the seven (7) persons including a three-month old baby who died of hunger, Secretary Soliman has already instructed the DSWD staff to conduct an investigation and provide her with update. Meanwhile, Secretary Soliman also clarified that there was no “walk-out” in the March 12 meeting where she answered one by one the issues raised by the groups. In the said meeting, she reiterated that relief distribution will not end this month and that DSWD will consult with the different local government units (LGUs) in the region to determine who among the victims will still be needing relief support as some are already able to work and can stand on their own feet. She assured that relief supply will continue to be provided to those who are considered to be part of the vulnerable sector or those pregnant women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, sickly, and solo parents. In the March 12 meeting, Sec. Soliman asked the group to cooperate with the Department in reaching those they claim to have not been given relief goods. She requested that they provide the Department with the details of those concerned barangays so they can be served since based on DSWD report all 171 municipalities within the 50-kilometer radius along the typhoon’s path have been reached. She shared to the leaders the DSWD text hotline (09209463766) and encouraged them to tell their members to send their complaints on relief distribution.

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One in every 10 Filipina teens is a Mom!

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

Based on the results of the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS) conducted by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) and Demographic Research Development Foundation, one in every 10 Filipina teen aged 15 – 19 years old is already a mother! Further, 2.6% of Filipina teens in the same age group are already pregnant with her first child, while 13.6% have begun childbearing. Aside from teenage fertility, it is also worth noting the sexual behavior of today’s youth aged 15 – 24 years old. Among the males, three out of four have ever watched pornographic movies/videos, while only two out of five females have done the same. In terms of engaging in premarital sex (PMS), more males have engaged in PMS at 35.5% compared to females at 28.7%. As today is the age of social media, majority of the female Filipino youth (56.0%) have a social networking account; while only half of the males have an account. However, very few have a personal blog at two percent each for both females and males. Other indicators relating to health, lifestyle and media exposure of the youth, which are highlighted in YAFS, are also presented in this year’s Factsheet on Women and Men (WAM) (http://www.nscb.gov.ph/gender/factsheet 2014). The Factsheet on WAM focuses on the latest statistical updates on women and men in the Philippines. This year’s edition contains 80 indicators covering 15 socio-economic sectors and gender concerns, namely: 1) Population; 2) Education; 3) Health and Nutrition; 4) Work and Economic Participation; 5) Family Income and Expenditures; 6) Agriculture; 7) Public Life; 8) Trade and Industry; 9) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), specifically on Goal 3; 10) Tourism; 11) Social Welfare and Development; 12) Violence Against Women; 13) Child Abuse; 14) Gender Development; and 15) Filipino Youth. A comparison among ASEAN countries in some indicators disaggregated by sex is also available. The Factsheet includes data from the latest statistical reports and publications, such as the 2012 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), October 2013 Labor Force Survey (LFS), 2012 Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF), among others. It hopes to provide relevant and user-friendly information on gender issues that are deemed important to planners, researchers and other users for gender and development advocacy, planning, programming and policy setting. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)’s release of the 2014 Factsheet on WAM is in support of this year’s celebration of Women’s Month.

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DTI steps up enforcement of roofing materials

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) strengthens the monitoring and enforcement activities on the implementation of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on Galvanized Iron (G. I.) sheets used as roofing materials. “The Department tightens its inspection activities for G. I. sheets to curb the proliferation of uncertified and unmarked G. I. sheets in the market. Pushing us on these efforts is President Aquino who closely monitors standards enforcement on consumer products," DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo stated. He added that the Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines specifies DTI to conduct monitoring and enforcement activities on the marking and labeling of consumer products. “We have notified our field offices in the regions and provinces to add more teams and increase the frequency of their market visits to check on more products, particularly on construction materials including the G. I. sheets,” he said. Among the basic markings that consumers can check on G. I. sheets prior to their purchase are the company name, trade name, and address of the manufacturer; thickness in millimeter (mm); width in mm; date of manufacture (month and year); and, the term “For Roofing Use”. Secretary Domingo explained, “The Department heightens its inspection activities to ensure that the lives of consumers are safer with reliable roofing materials, especially when there are heavy rains and storms.” DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba reported, “In the meantime, the DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), one of the bureaus of the CPG and the National Standards Body, leads the review and revision processes for PNS 67:2009 – Hot-dip metallic-coated steel sheets for roofing – Specification, through the BPS Technical Committee 64 – Flat Steel Products that is composed of stakeholder representatives.” Undersecretary Dimagiba added that a revision that the BPS TC is looking at is reducing the allowed tolerances for thickness, width and length. Undersecretary Dimagiba also reported that the DTI-CPG has revoked the deferment of the implementation of PNS 67:2009 through BPS Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 14-2 except in the National Capital Region (NCR). A G. I. sheet is a galvanized flat or corrugated metal product cut to the standard or specified length. It has an alloy of iron and carbon. G. I. sheets are used for roofing and walling purposes; in consumer appliances, automotive body parts; and in heating and cooling duct systems of buildings.

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DepEd, educ partners boost Abot-Alam Program

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

The Department of Education (DepEd) intensified its Abot-Alam Program to improve delivery of quality education for the Out-of-School Youth (OSY) in the country by signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with partners from the public and private sectors. Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, “Tayo po ay nasa digmaan: digmaan ng walang alam at walang pakialam. Ang atin pong pangarap ay siguraduhing walang maiiwang out-of-school youth sa bawat barangay.” He added that DepEd would bring the school to the learners. “Ang atin pong pangarap ay sa labas ng bawat barangay ay may nakalagay na “Walang OSY.” Sana sa bawat munisipyo, may nakalagay na “Walang OSY sa Munisipyo na Ito.” Sana po sa bawat kampo, may nakalagay na “Sa Kampo na Ito, Walang Hindi Nakakatapos ng High School,” Luistro said. He noted that DepEd would make sure that no Filipino youth would be left behind in education. “The signing of the MOU solidifies our readiness to deliver Abot-Alam in different areas in the country. It is a sign that we are ready to take on the challenge of achieving ZERO out-of-school youth in the country,” Undersecretary for External Linkages Mario Deriquito said. He added that the collective effort of different agencies, organizations, and individual Filipinos was crucial to the success of Abot-Alam. “The success of Abot-Alam will depend on our ability to bring this partnership to the local level: to the provinces, to the cities, to the municipalities, and the barangays. As we go along, we should bring onboard our local government, our barangay, our academe, the military, the churches, and individual Filipinos. Dapat po lahat sila ay hikayatin natin na makialam sa bagay na ito,” he said. Among the agencies and organizations that committed to work together for the success of the program were the National Youth Commission (NYC), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Welfare and Development (DSWD), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Presidential Commission of the Urban Poor (PCUP), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation, Inc. (AJCMFI), Catholic Media Network (CMN), De La Salle Philippines (DLSP), Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-Go Negosyo (GO Negosyo NMBK), RockEd Philippines, Sandiwaan Center for Learning, SEAMEO Innotech, Smarts Communications, Inc., Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (LnB), Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL), and National Movement of Young Legislators (NYML). Addressing OSY DepEd’s Abot-Alam program is a strategic framework that envisions a “zero” OSY in the Philippines. For the year 2014, the program targets to give education and livelihood skills to one million OSY in the country. “We are embarking on Abot-Alam to tackle a huge problem, which we believe we can overcome if we, as a nation, give it one big push,” Derequito said. Chair Leon G. Flores of NYC said that Abot-Alam program would provide the necessary opportunities for the OSY to know where to start to be able to live a better life. The signed MOU elaborated the different ways by which the different groups could take part in Abot-Alam. It would also serve an initial guide to continue to define respective contributions of the different organizations to this effort. Nagcarlan, Laguna was among the first local government agencies that implemented Abot-Alam.

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‘We must close the gap between Mindanao and the rest of Filipino society’ – P-Noy

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

Manila – President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday reiterated his appeal to Filipinos to help the Bangsamoro people overcome the challenges of peace and development, stressing the need to close the gap between Muslim Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines. “For generations, fellow Filipinos in the region were embroiled in a cycle of poverty, injustice, and violence. The huge imbalance between Muslim Mindanao and the rest of the country served to breed resentment, and consequently insurgency,” he said during the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held in Malacañang. “When the Bangsamoro people felt that they had no redress within the system, they then tried to address their grievances from outside of the system. We must therefore give them a significant boost up, so that they can catch up: If we are to truly address the root causes of conflict, we must close the gap between the region and the rest of Filipino society,” Aquino added. He also called on everyone to “widen the avenues for trust and positive engagement” and “cast aside past prejudices, and contribute to the atmosphere of optimism that has, for the first time in a long while, become prevalent in Muslim Mindanao.” “It should be the paramount concern of all people of good will to do their part: Let us exchange our bullets for ripening fruit, our cynicism for hope, our histories of sorrow for a future of harmony, peace, and prosperity.” In her speech, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles expressed the Bangsamoro people’s hopes for a “permanent” peace – “the hope that their children will finally have the chance not only to survive, but to live and to thrive in an enduring community.” “The signal is so strong and unrelenting---no more war, no more children scampering for safety, no more evacuees, no more lost schooldays or school-months, no more injustice, no more misgovernance, no more poverty, no more fear and no more want…Tama na (enough), we are all tired of it,” she stated. The CAB is the GPH and the MILF’s final peace agreement that seeks to end more than four decades of armed conflict that has plagued Mindanao. It serves as basis for the Bangsamoro Basic Law which is now being drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and will need to be passed by Congress and subjected to a plebiscite towards the establishment of the Bangsamoro – a new political entity that will be granted enhanced political and fiscal powers. The Bangsamoro will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that has suffered from decades of poverty, corruption, and conflict.

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DFA Statement on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Ukraine

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

The Philippines voted to support the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution on Ukraine based on its principled position on sovereignty, territorial integrity, rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes. The Philippines likewise calls on all parties to respect the UN Charter and international law.

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New Philippine Chancery soon to rise in Jakarta

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

28 March 2014 - The Philippines will upgrade its representation in Indonesia by constructing a new chancery in Jakarta. The new chancery will rise at the site of the old chancery which was demolished in 2010. The property in the Menteng district of Jakarta was acquired by the Philippine Government in the 1940s. While many foreign missions have transferred to the more modern sections of Jakarta, several ASEAN, Asian, African and European missions have opted to remain in Menteng which, being the historic embassy row of Jakarta, remains a prestigious address. It is considered a heritage site where the architecture of new buildings still have to conform to a certain style and remain no higher than two levels. The design of the new chancery, after lengthy discussions, obtained the approval of the Heritage Council which required that at least the façade be done in the Belanda (Dutch) style. The rest of the structure is inspired by Vigan homes. The marrying of the two styles was successfully conceptualized by young Filipino architect, Azhari Rasuman. The contractor selected through public bidding is PT. Dekotama Ciptakreasi whose President, Mr. Tamin Tanzil, signed the contract with Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Rosario C. Aguinaldo on March 13. A simple cornerstone-laying ceremony was held on March 20, in the presence of Dekotama’s President and Embassy officials to signal the official start of the construction project. The timing of this project is all the more symbolic as the Philippines and Indonesia celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year.

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“Kapihan sa SSS” in Legazpi City

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

The Social Security System (SSS) held its first “Kapihan sa SSS” for 2014 before members of the local Bicol media (lower photo) at the Oriental Hotel in Legazpi City, Albay last March 11 as part of the agency's continuing campaign to reach out to members all over the country. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. (top photo, center) led the panel of SSS officials that took part in the Open Forum, including (from left) SSS Masbate Branch Head Ermina Maria Robredo, Bicol Division Head Nilo Despuig, Vice President for Luzon Operations Group Josie Magana and SSS Legazpi Branch Head Elenita Samblero. De Quiros, who hails from the Bicol region, presented the highlights of SSS accomplishments such as the P38.3 billion 2013 net revenue bolstered by the nine percent growth in contribution collection to P103.1 billion and the one percent dip in operating expenses to P7.6 billion due to prudent SSS spending last year. He also cited the 568 informal sector groups (ISG) – including 54 from Bicol --- and over 57,220 members covered by the AlkanSSSya Program as of December 2013. The SSS has over 40,000 employers and about 663,000 individual members covered by its Bicol Division headquartered in Naga City.

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Last Updated: 30 MARCH 2014 Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy Please click on thumbnails to magnify President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremony of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala Night, Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and Casino on Saturday (March 29). the FFCCCII is the largest organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force in the Filipino-Chinese community. Also in photo are former president Joseph Estrada, Senate President Franklin Drillon and FFCCCII President Dr. Alfonso Siy, among others. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremony of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th Diamond anniversary gala night at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force in the Filipino-Chinese community. Also in photo are former president Joseph Estrada, Senate president Franklin drillon and FFCCCII President Dr. Alfonso Siy, among others. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremony of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th Diamond Anniversary gala Night at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force in the Filipino-Chinese community. Also in photo are former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Franklin Drillon and FFCCCII President Dr. Alfonso Siy. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message at the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th Diamond Anniversary Gala Night at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force in the Chinese-Filipino community. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III Graces the ceremony of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th Diamond Anniversary gala night at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force in the Chinese-Filipino community. Also in photo are former president Joseph Estrada, Senate President Franklin Drillon and FFCCCII President Dr. Alfonso Siy, among others. ( Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message at the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th Diamond Anniversary gala night at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and Casino (March 29) . The FFCCCII is the largest organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force in the Filipino-Chinese community. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremony of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th Diamond Anniversary gala Night at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force in the Chinese-Filipino community. Also in photo are former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Franklin Drillon and FFCCCII President Dr. Alfonso Siy, among others. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 28). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points, JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a better future for Filipinos. Also in photo are JICA Philippines Chief Representative Takahiro Sasaki, JICA Director General Keizo Takenaka and Japan Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Head of Mission Tetsuro Amano. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 28). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points, JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a better future for Filipinos. Also in photo are JICA Philippines Chief Representative Takahiro Sasaki, JICA Director General Keizo Takenaka, Japan Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Head of Mission Tetsuro Amano, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 28). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points, JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a better future for Filipinos. Also in photo are JICA Philippines Chief Representative Takahiro Sasaki, JICA Director General Keizo Takenaka, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during the Courtesy Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 28, 2014). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points, JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a better future for Filipinos. Also in photo are JICA Philippines Chief Representative Takahiro Sasaki and JICA Director General Keizo Takenaka. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 28). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points, JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a better future for Filipinos. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 28). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points, JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a better future for Filipinos. Also in photo is Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno Aquino III in a photo opportunity with the members and officials of the peace panel as GPH Peace Panel chairperson Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer holding a copy of the signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro during the signing ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Photo By Robert Viñas/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles in a photo opportunity with the official’s of the peace panel after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak witness MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal, GPH Peace Panel chairperson Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar affix their signature to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in a ceremony at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Robert Viñas/ Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro during the signing ceremony at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim,MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal GPH Peace Panel chairperson Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Abdul Ghafar.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim grace the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles grace the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak witness MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles affix their signature to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in a ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim,Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal GPH Peace Panel chairperson Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak witness MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles affix their signature to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in a ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim,Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles,MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal,GPH Peace Panel chairperson Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Abdul Ghafar (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak during the courtesy call for his Working Visit to the Philippines and to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on Thursday (March 27). Malaysia has been the facilitator of peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) since 2001, and has hosted the talks in Kuala Lumpur. He is also the leader of the International Monitoring Team observing the GPH-MILF ceasefire. PM Najib previously visited the Philippines on 14-15 October 2012 to witness the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The last meeting between President Aquino and Prime Minister Najib was during the former’s State Visit to Malaysia on 27-28 February 2014. Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak during the courtesy call for his Working Visit to the Philippines and to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on Thursday (March 27). Malaysia has been the facilitator of peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) since 2001, and has hosted the talks in Kuala Lumpur. He is also the leader of the International Monitoring Team observing the GPH-MILF ceasefire. PM Najib previously visited the Philippines on 14-15 October 2012 to witness the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The last meeting between President Aquino and Prime Minister Najib was during the former’s State Visit to Malaysia on 27-28 February 2014. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, witness as Datin Sri Rosmah Mansor signs in the Palace guest book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Prime Minister’s Working Visit to the Philippines and to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on Thursday (March 27).Malaysia has been the facilitator of peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) since 2001, and has hosted the talks in Kuala Lumpur. He is also the leader of the International Monitoring Team observing the GPH-MILF ceasefire. PM Najib previously visited the Philippines on 14-15 October 2012 to witness the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The last meeting between President Aquino and Prime Minister Najib was during the former’s State Visit to Malaysia on 27-28 February 2014. Also in photo is Presidential Sister Kristina Bernadette Aquino. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) His Excellency Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, escorted by President Benigno S. Aquino III, signs the Palace guest book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for his working visit to the Philippines and to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on Thursday (March 27). Malaysia has been the facilitator of peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) since 2001, and has hosted the talks in Kuala Lumpur. He is also the leader of the International Monitoring Team observing the GPH-MILF ceasefire. PM Najib previously visited the Philippines on 14-15 October 2012 to witness the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The last meeting between President Aquino and Prime Minister Najib was during the former’s State Visit to Malaysia on 27-28 February 2014. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with Moro Islamic Liberation Front led by its chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, for a group photo souvenir during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday(March 27). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman and GPH Peace Panel Chairperson Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during a Courtesy Call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim is received by Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria upon arrival at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for a courtesy call on Thursday (March 27). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau). President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, is in Manila to strengthen UNDP’s partnership and cooperation with the Philippine government and to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB). Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, is in Manila to strengthen UNDP’s partnership and cooperation with the Philippine government and to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro. Also in photo are UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Luisa Carvalho and UNDP Country Director Maurice Dewulf. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, is in Manila to strengthen UNDP’s partnership and cooperation with the Philippine government and to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark during the Courtesy Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday March 27. Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, is in Manila to strengthen UNDP’s partnership and cooperation with the Philippine government and to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) All systems go for the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda lead a dry run on Thursday (March 27) at the Malacañan Palace Grounds. The ceremony will be witnessed by our Muslim brothers signifying the Aquino administration’s sincerity toward achieving peace with people of the Islamic faith. Eighteen months since the accomplishment of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the government peace panel has produced four annexes, one addendum, and five terms of reference en route to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo during the 46th commencement exercises and 50th founding anniversary of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) at the main campus, PSHS multi-purpose gymnasium in Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Wednesday (March 26). Founded in 1964, PSHSl – Main Campus is the flagship campus of the PSHS System, a specialized public high school system in the Philippines that operates as an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology. Also in photo is PSHS executive director Dr. Josette Biyo. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 46th commencement exercises and 50th founding Anniversary of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) at the HS Main Campus, PSHS multi-purpose gymnasium in Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Wednesday (March 26). Founded in 1964, PSHS –main campus is the flagship campus of the PSHS System, a specialized public high school system in the Philippines that operates as an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology. Also in photo are PSHS executive director Dr. Josette Biyo, House Committee on Science and Technology chairperson Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Victor Yu, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Education Secretary Armin Luistro. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 46th Commencement Exercises and 50th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) at the main campus, PSHS multi-purpose gymnasium in Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Wednesday (March 26). Founded in 1964, PSHS – main campus is the flagship campus of the PSHS System, a specialized public high school system in the Philippines that operates as an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 46th Commencement Exercises and 50th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) at the main campus, PSHS multi-purpose gymnasium in Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Wednesday (March 26). Founded in 1964, PSHS – Main Campus is the flagship campus of the PSHS System, a specialized public high school system in the Philippines that operates as an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology. Also in photo are PSHS executive director Dr. Josette Biyo and Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 46th Commencement Exercises and 50th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) at the main campus, PSHS multi-purpose gymnasium in Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Wednesday (March 26). Founded in 1964, PSHS – main campus is the flagship campus of the PSHS System, a specialized public high school system in the Philippines that operates as an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology. Also in photo are PSHS executive director Dr. Josette Biyo, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) 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) Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY