Dispatch for March 20 , 2014 (Thursday) , 4 Weather Watch , 3 Reg’l. Watch , 2 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 21 PCOO Online News( Mar.19 ) , 37 Photonews ( Mar.19 )

PCOO - Photo Releases

Dost_pagasa

WEATHER ADVISORY NO. 2

FOR: Low Pressure Area (LPA)
ISSUED AT: 11:00 AM, 20 March 2014

The Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 470 km east of Surigao City (10.0˚N, 130.0˚E). This weather system will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over eastern Visayas and Mindanao. Residents are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures.

Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of NORTHEASTERLY SURFACE WINDFLOW is expected to affect the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao. Hence, small seacrafts and fishing vessels are advised not to venture out into the sea due to the big waves.

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

GALE WARNING NO. 12

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

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 20 March 2014

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

SEABOARD	WEATHER	WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNOTS)	SEA CONDITION	WAVE HEIGHTS (meters)
THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF VISAYAS AND OF MINDANAO      ( Samar, Leyte, Surigao, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Island and Siargao)	Cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers amd isolated rainshowers	(52- 63 /28 - 34)	Rough to very rough	3.4 to 4.5

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

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

Weather Watch

16 hours ago

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz on 24 Oras:
-Nasa loob na ng PAR ang LPA na huling namataan sa layong 550km silangan ng Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Mababa pa ang tsansang maging bagyo ito sa loob ng 24 oras.
-Sa datos ng The Weather Company, maayos na panahon ang inaasahan sa Luzon bukas.
-Nananatiling mababa ang tsansa ng pag-ulan sa Metro Manila.
-May mahina hanggang katamtamang ulan na inaasahan sa gitna at silangang bahagi ng Visayas.
-Asahan ang pag-ulan sa Mindanao na dala-dala ng papalapit na LPA.

 

 

 

 

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

17 hours ago

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at:5:00 PM 19 March 2014

Synopsis: At 4:00 PM today, the low pressure area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 550 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur (8.8ºn, 131.7ºe).

Forecast: Eastern and central Visayas and Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated light rains. Western Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds from the east to northeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the northeast to north over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.

Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature: 3:00 PM Today --- 33.8 ºc
Minimum Temperature: 5:00 AM Today --- 20.7 ºc

Maximum Relative Humidity: 5:00 AM Today --- 95 %
Minimum Relative Humidity:3:00 PM Today --- 47 %

Low Tide Today: 6:15 PM …..……….. 0.04 Meter
High Tide Tomorrow: 12:39 AM …..………. 0.60 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 5:42 AM …..………... 0.25 Meter
High Tide Tomorrow: 12:09 PM …..……….. 0.80 Meter

Sunset Today: 6:06 PM
Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:00 AM
Sunset Tomorrow: 6:07 PM

Moonrise Today: 8:19 PM
Moonset Tomorrow: 8:15 AM
Illumination Today: 95 %

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  20   , 2014  (   Thursday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE            :  Sunny 

LAGUNA          :  Sunny 

BATANGAS    :   Sunny 

RIZAL                :  Sunny 

QUEZON           :  Sunny 

 

PIA Regional Watch

3 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) and representatives from Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will conduct today an aerial survey to determine the extent of the grassfire in Mt. Cristobal in Dolores, Quezon. The Mt. Cristobal together with Mt. Banahaw are mountains belonged to the Sierra Madre Range located in Quezon Province.

PIA Regional Watch shared a link.

21 hours ago

PIA-4A/RIZAL: 64 R.A. 7687 and 19 Merit scholars from Rizal will benefit from the Department of Science and Technology - SEI scholarship program according to DOST-Rizal. The results were released March 4, 2014 and can be viewed at www.sei.dost.gov.ph

 

 

 

PIA Regional Watch

23 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagkaloob ang Municipal Health Office ng libreng papsmear alinsabay ng isinagawang bloodletting sa bayan ng Padre Garcia.Layon nitong mabigyan ng tamang kalinga kaugnay ng kalusugan ang mga kababaihan bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng womens month.

 

 

 

 

 

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Inaalam na ng Philippine Embassy sa Madrid kung totoo ang ulat na may 20 Pinoy ang inaresto sa Spain dahil sa drug trafficking.

 

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago

GMA: Dumulog sa GMA News ang kaanak ng isa sa sampung Pinoy na walong buwan na raw naiipit sa gulo sa Libya. Dahil sa kaguluhan doon, inabandona na raw ng kanilang employer ang sampung Pilipino kaya naman wala silang natatanggap na sahod. Nangako naman ang POEA at OWWA ng tulong para sa repatriation ng mga nasabing Pinoy.

 

 

     

19 MARCH 2014.
	President Aquino says politics not his priority
	Aquino meets Mitsubishi chief in Malacanang
	High profile fugitives soon-to-be behind bars, says President Aquino
	President Aquino urges Philippine music industry players to embrace digital age
	Aquino recognizes importance of music to culture, vows to continue helping recording industry fight piracy
	Lacson shields President Aquino against criticisms
	Reconstruction efforts in typhoon-hit areas continue – Lacson

President Aquino says politics not his priority   President Benigno S. Aquino III said he will announce the administration’s bet for the 2016 election at the right time but in the mean time he will focus on governance to improve the condition of the people. Politicians have started their posturing for the national poll two years from now. “I will announce at the appropriate time. Pero sa ngayon, syempre naka-focus tayo sa problema ngayon imbes na ‘yung 2016 elections,” the President said in an interview during the Pinoy Music Summit in Malate, Manila on Wednesday. The year has just started and the President said he hopes his allies would understand his priorities at this time. With the onset of the rainy season a few months from now, the President said he expects typhoons to come and he wants to make sure that communities are prepared against calamities. He added that he has a few months to establish those priorities. Asked whether he thinks jockeying for positions by politicians was helpful to the country, he said it gives the people more time to scrutinize political personalities who show interest in running in 2016. “Baka mabibigyan ng mas mahabang pagkakataon suriin ang bawat kandidato. Mabibigyan ang ating mga mamamayan ng pagkakataon na talagang masuri, salang-sala ang pagpipili nila, so palagay ko makakatulong rin ‘yun,” he said. PND (as) TOP Aquino meets Mitsubishi chief in Malacanang   President Benigno S. Aquino III received Wednesday Mitsubishi Motors Corp. President Osamu Masuko in a courtesy call in Malacanang. Last month, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. shuffled its top brass naming Masuko chairman and CEO of the company. The changes take effect on June 25, pending shareholder approval, according to the company. Masuko, 64, became president in 2005, has led the company to record profits following a rough period marked by red ink, allegations of cover ups over product defects, and a tumultuous split with German partner Daimler AG. He is expected to focus his attention on building partnerships with other automakers as he takes on a chief executive title. Accompanying Masuko were Hikosaburo Shibata, president and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.; Tatsuo Nakamura, vice corporate general manager, Mitsubishi Motors Corp.; Yoshizumi Kurata, senior vice president, machinery division, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.; Morizako Chokki, senior executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors Corp.; and Junya Masuda, executive vice president marketing division, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo was also present. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. was established in the Philippines on February 20, 1963 as Chrysler Philippines Corp. The company now markets over 16 types of vehicles in the Philippines, after 48 years of operation. Its assembly plant is located in Cainta, Rizal. PND (as) TOP High profile fugitives soon-to-be behind bars, says President Aquino   The government is determined to capture high profile fugitives and the public could expect that they would be behind bars soon, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday. Security officials are persistently pursuing leads to capture fugitives who have evaded arrest for some time, he said, noting that the government even raised the reward money to encourage the public to provide information for their capture. “Ang kaya kong masabi sa inyo ngayon, may ine-expect kami, hindi ko na sasabihin kung sino. At masasabi ko lang, palagay ko kapag nagtagumpay ang isang kasalukuyang operasyon, mabibilib kayo doon sa kalibre ng mga nadakip at madadakip,” the President told reporters in an interview during the Pinoy Music Summit in Malate, Manila. “Palagay ko pwede kong ipangako sa inyong magugulat kayo—kung magtagumpay.” The President declined to provide details in order not to jeopardize the ongoing man-hunt operations. Among those included in the police’s five Most Wanted Persons are retired general Jovito Palparan, former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, and former congressman Ruben Ecleo. The police has recently captured Delfin Lee, the alleged mastermind in the multi-billion peso housing scam during the previous administration. PND (as) TOP President Aquino urges Philippine music industry players to embrace digital age   President Benigno S. Aquino III urged various stakeholders in the Philippine music industry on Wednesday to keep on finding ways to adapt with the digital age in the hopes that this will bring back the glory days of OPM (original Pilipino music) instead of killing the trade.Speaking at the first Pinoy Music Summit, President Aquino said he recognized the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving technology, but this should not discourage songwriters and other artists from sharing their music, especially with younger audiences. Citing an essay he read and the experience shared with him by Air Asia president Tony Fernandes, President Aquino conveyed there were many ways in which technology can become a friend to Pinoy musicians rather than foe. Fernandes, who paid a courtesy call on President Aquino during his visit to Malaysia last month, used to be the regional vice-president of Warner Music Group for Southeast Asia, but decided to leave the company when it initially refused to embrace digital media. “Mr. Fernandes said—and I quote—it went something like this: ‘When they failed to embrace the new digital technology. I felt the company was going to a dead end.’ Ang punto po nito: Dahil sa teknolohiya at takbo ng mundo, maging ang mga ibang bansa, nakakaranas din ng pagbaba sa sales ng kanilang music industry,” President Aquino said. “Hindi lamang tayo ang may hinaharap na hamon sa pagpapaunlad ng industriyang mahal nating lahat. Kaya nga po, talagang napapanahon ang kauna-unahang Pinoy Music Summit na ito. Ngayon, may espasyo ang lahat sa entablado; may boses ang sinumang handang makiambag sa pagpapanatili at pagpapaunlad ng musikang Pilipino.” President Aquino mentioned the current situation of the recording industry in the United States, where some companies decided to make music more accessible to a larger market, using technology that helped boost the sales of many artists to the point that even the production of vinyl has been revived. “Imagine, especially the young nowadays can purchase single tracks and enjoy the music that they want. Some kids will say, ‘Why do I have to buy the entire album when there is only one song that I want to listen to?'" So sa madaling salita, ang mga nag-e-experience ng growth ngayon ay ‘yung mga nakinig kung ano ba ang hinahanap ng merkado nila; hindi pinahirapan, hindi pinagdamot ang produkto nila na gustong ibenta naman… At ang nadidiskubre po nila sa Amerika, among other areas—isa sa pinakamalaking merkado siyempre ay ang Amerika—tumataas ang pagbebenta ng plaka. ‘Yung lumang catalogues nire-revive,” the President said. The digital age was among the reasons blamed by most Filipino musicians for the constant decline of record sales over the past 10 years. The 2010 Nielsen Southeast Asia Digital Consumer Report estimated that 37 percent of Filipinos download or upload music files online. The Philippine Association of Recording Industry (PARI), however, said that 95 percent of listeners download songs illegally, thus making it difficult for music producers to thrive despite the estimated 400 percent increase in digital music revenues from 2005 to 2010. But some independent artists and record labels would rise up to this challenge by experimenting with different ways of marketing their music online, relying on alternative platforms like YouTube and social media networks, for example, to reach a wider audience. President Aquino even said that he himself was aided by technology at some point, particularly the mobile application ‘Soundhound,' in searching for song titles that radio jocks failed to mention on air. He said he also finds the idea of remixing songs enjoyable. “Nandiyan po ‘yung kagustuhan ng sambayanan na ipagpatuloy na tulungan ang industriyang ito. Kailangan lang po natin siguro ng diyalogo: Paano nga ba natin mapapadaling ibenta sa kanila ang gusto naman nilang bilhin? Ano ba ang gusto nilang mabili at maibigay natin ito sa kanila? At doon po matutulungan at mapapanatili itong aspeto ng ating kultura na talaga naman pong malaki ang inambag sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa at pati na rin sa pag-aasam sa hinaharap,” he said. PND (hdc) TOP Aquino recognizes importance of music to culture, vows to continue helping recording industry fight piracy   President Benigno S. Aquino III recognized the power of music in shaping our culture, thereby assuring his administration’s help in developing the country’s music industry, especially in its anti-piracy campaign through various government agencies. The Philippine Association of Recording Industry (PARI) blamed piracy as one of the main culprits for the 75 percent drop in record sales of local artists over the past 10 years, accounting for P1-billion. In his speech at the first Pinoy Music Summit held Wednesday in Manila, President Aquino said his government continues to support the efforts led by the Optical Media Board (OMB) in cracking down establishments that either manufacture or sell pirated optical media products. He reported that the OMB seized pirated goods estimated to cost over P9-million from 2011 to 2013, and cleared some 2,705 establishments that promote these products, through the help of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Customs. President Aquino, meanwhile, added that his administration also upheld and strengthened Executive Order 255 signed by his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, in 1987 which gives mandatory airtime for original Pilipino music in local radio stations. “Bilang pagpupugay sa kakayahan ng mga Pilipino, pinirmahan po ng aking ina ang Executive Order 255 noong 1987. Ang layunin po nito: ipalaganap ang sarili nating musika sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatugtog sa radyo ng hindi bababa sa apat na kantang Pilipino kada oras. Pinaigting naman po natin ito sa pag-aatas sa National Telecommunications Commission na bantayan ang pagsunod ng mga istasyon ng radyo sa batas na ito,” he said. The Chief Executive, moreover, stated that the government is currently implementing the World Intellectual Property Organization Internet Treaties, which “require countries to provide a framework of basic rights, allowing creators to control and/or be compensated for the various ways in which their creations are used and enjoyed by others.” “Batid naman natin, marami pang balakid ang kailangang pagtulungang lampasan upang tuluyan nating mapaarangkada ang industriya ng lokal na musika. Sa kabila nito, mulat din tayo: Mag-iba man ang mga kasangkapan o paraan ng pakikinig sa tugtugin—mula plaka, cassette tape, CD, DVD, hanggang sa online media—hindi kukupas ang pagmamahal ng Pilipino sa musika. Hangga’t may kababayan tayong lumilikha ng awiting may himig, laman, at ritmong tugma sa kaisipan, kultura at damdaming Pilipino; hangga’t may mga kompanya at organisasyong naniniwala at handang mamuhunan sa talentong Pilipino; hangga’t nariyan ang sambayanan, nakikinig at tumatangkilik sa sarili nating musika, at buo ang suporta sa buong industriya—kumpiyansa po tayong hindi tayo mauubusan ng mga komposisyong kukurot, kikiliti, magpapakilig, magpapaindak, o magpapaalab, hindi lamang sa damdaming Pilipino, kundi maging sa buong mundo,” President Aquino said. PND (hdc) TOP Lacson shields President Aquino against criticisms   Former senator Panfilo Lacson defended President Benigno S. Aquino III from accusations labeling the president as an "awful manager." Lacson, who was appointed by the President as Presidential assistant for rehabilitation and recovery secretary, said that the President is not an awful manager but somebody who pays more attention to details. “Hindi ako sang-ayon doon kasi nakatrabaho ko na rin ang Pangulo up close. And definitely, hindi siya awful manager,” Lacson told DZRH radio on Wednesday in an interview. Lacson said he knows the President’s attitude saying that during Cabinet meetings, the chief executive always pays special attention to details and figures. “Iyong mga Cabinet members na nagpi-presenta, iyong mga agencies, sinisigurado nila na ang mga figures na pinipresenta gaya ng mga information na ibinibigay sa Pangulo ay talagang accurate,” he said. Sen. Sergio Osmena III has criticized the President for being a bad manager but Lacson said it isn’t the case. “With due respect to Senator Serge, kaibigan ko iyan, seatmate ko, pero I did not agree with his—‘awful manager’ ang ating Pangulo,” he added. The important thing is that the country has a transparent and honest president. The country does not need an excellent manager who is corrupt and does not enjoy the people’s trust. “Mahusay, honest pa saka transparent, at saka hindi mandarambong. Sa atin, pagka honest ang Pangulo, more than 50 percent ng kanyang pamamahala ay okay na, panalo na,” he said. “Pero kung maski anong galing ng manager, sabihin na nating best manager we can have, pero kung nanakawin naman ang pondo, as if 50 percent talo na. So, sa pananaw ko ngayon, dito na ako sa manager na maayos mag-handle ng pondo at saka transparent at saka ang integridad mataas.” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. also issued a statement regarding the issue. He said the Palace respects the views of Senator Osmena and noted the urgency of carrying out development and reform measures for the people. “We respect Senator Osmena’s views. As the President’s campaign manager in 2010, we regard him as an important stakeholder in the quality of this administration’s performance,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a statement Wednesday. Having worked with the senator during the campaign, Coloma said he knows that Senator Osmena is a firm believer of hard work to attain high standards of performance. “We share his view that, going into the last two and a half years of this administration’s tenure, we must intensify our efforts to deliver the reforms and the quality services that we promised to our people. This is especially true in the areas of energy and infrastructure on which he has expressed strong opinions,” Coloma said. The senator, who served as campaign manager for the administration candidates in the last presidential election, expressed disappointment over the Aquino administration’s handling of major issues in the country especially infrastructure and energy. He urged the administration to speed up infrastructure developments through the public private partnership (PPP). PND (as) TOP Reconstruction efforts in typhoon-hit areas continue – Lacson   Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR) Secretary Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said that reconstruction efforts continue in the areas hit hard by super Typhoon "Yolanda" a few months ago. In an interview over radio station dzRH, Secretary Lacson said that the private sector is helping in the reconstruction projects, such as school buildings and housing units, while the government is preparing its rehabilitation plan. “Ang top corporations nandiyan at nagsasagawa ng kani-kanilang mga rehabilitation efforts doon—mga reconstruction, pagsasagawa ng mga school buildings, housing unit, at kung anu-ano pa,” he said. The secretary cited that at least 22 housing units in Tanauan, Leyte, are set to be turned over by Gawad Kalinga to the local government. He also said that the private sector has already turned over a municipal hall and a market to the local government of Leyte. Lacson added that there is also an ongoing construction of a school complex in the province. “Sa iba’t ibang lugar talagang napakaraming construction ang nangyayari,” the secretary said during the radio interview. Secretary Lacson said they are now waiting for the completion of the post-disaster needs assessment analysis. “At pagkatapos noon, iyon ang magiging basehan ng pagbabalangkas ng isang rehabilitation plan, iyong master plan na tinatawag,” he said. Typhoon Yolanda (international codename Haiyan) hit the Philippines in November 8, 2013 and left thousands of people dead in Eastern Visayas and brought massive damage to infrastructures. PND (co) TOP

19 MARSO 2014 Hindi niya prayoridad ang pulitika, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino Nakipagpulong ang Pangulo sa puno ng Mitsubishi sa Malacanang Hindi magtatagal, makukulong na ang mga ‘high profile fugitives’—Aquino Hinimok ng Pangulong Aquino ang industriya ng musika sa Pilipinas na sikaping sumuniod sa ‘digital age’ nang bumalik ang sigla ng OPM Kinilala ni Aquino ang halaga ng musika sa kultura, nangakong tutulungan ang pagbaka sa ‘piracy’

Hindi niya prayoridad ang pulitika, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino   Sa tamang panahon niya ihahayag, sabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kung sino ang magiging kandidato ng administrasyon sa halalan sa 2016, subali’t sa kasalukuyan itutuon niya ang lahat ng kanyang panahon sa pagsisikap na mapabuti ang kalagayan ng taong bayan Nagsimula na ang mga pulitiko na maghanda para sa halalang pampanguluhan dalawang taon buhat ngayon. “Ihahayag ko sa tamang angkop na panahon. Pero sa ngayon, siyempre, nakatuon tayo sa problema ngayon imbes na sa halalan sa 2016,” wika ng Pangulo sa panayam sa Pinoy Music Summit sa Malate, Maynila Miyerkoles. Sinabi ng Pangulo na kasisimula lamang ng taon at umaasa siyang mauunawaan ng kanyang mga kapanalig ang minamabuti niyang unahing gawin sa panahong ito. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na sa pagpasok ng tag-ulan ilang buwan mula ngayon ay inaasahang papasok din ang mga bagyo kaya nais niyang tiyaking ang lahat ng komunidad ay nakahanda laban sa mga kalamidad. Ang mga ito ang kailangang unang dapat na paghandaan. Nang tanungin kung sa ganang kanya ay nakabubuti ba sa bansa ang pag-uunahan ng mga pulitiko sa iba-ibang puwesto, sinabi ng Pangulo na nakatutulong ito para matagal-tagal na masuri ng taong bayan ang mga pulitiko na nagpapakita ng interes na kumandidato sa 2016. “Baka mabibigyan ng mas mahabang pagkakataong suriin ang bawa’t kandidato. Mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang ating mga mamamayan na talagang masuri, salang-sala ang pamimili nila, kaya palagay ko, makatutulong din iyan,” tugon ng Pangulo. PND (as/zaf) TOP Nakipagpulong ang Pangulo sa puno ng Mitsubishi sa Malacanang   Tinanggap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III si Osamu Masuko, pangulo ng Mitsubishi Motors Corp. sa Malacanang Miyerkoles. Noong nakaraang buwan, binalasa ng Mitsubishi Motors Corp. ang matataas na pinuno nila at itinalaga si Masuko bilang tagapangulo at CEO ng kompanya. Sa Hunyo 25 magkakabisa ang pagbabago habang hindi nagaganap ang shareholder approval, ayon sa kompanya. Si Masuiko, 64 taong gulang, ay naging pangulo noong 2005, at siyang nagpaangat sa kompanya para magkaroon ng napalaking pakinabang pagkaraang ito ay dumanas ng panahon ng kahirapang namarkahan ng red ink, bintang na pagtatakipan hinggil sa depekto ng produkto, at pakikipaghiwalay sa kasosyong Aleman na Daimler AG. Inaasahang itutuon niya ang panahon sa ibayo pang pakikipag-ugnayan sa ibang gumagawa ng kotse pag-upo niya sa tungkulin bilang punong tagapagpaganap. Kasama ni Masuko sa pagdalaw sa Malacanang sina Hikosaburo Shibata, pangulo at CEO, Mitrsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., Tatsuo Nakamura, vice ciorporate general manager, Mitsubishi Motors Corp.; Yoshizumi Kurata, senior vice president, machinery division, Mitsubishi, Philippines Corp,; Morizako Chokki, senior executive officer, Mitsubishi Corp.; at Junya Masuda, executive vice presidentVice Presidentsision, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines. Dumalo rin si Kalihim Gregory Domingo ng Kalakal at Industriya sa pagkakataong ito. Itinatag sa Pilipinas ang Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. noong Pebrero 20, 1963 bilang Chrysler Philippines Corp. Ang kompanya ngayon ay mayroon nang mahigit na 16 na uri ng sasakyan sa Pilipinas pagkalipas ng 48 taon ng operasyon nito. Ang planta nito ay nasa Cainta, Rizal. PND (as/zaf) TOP Hindi magtatagal, makukulong na ang mga ‘high profile fugitives’—Aquino   Puspusan at totohanan ang pakay ng pamahalaan na madakip ang mga high profile fugitives kaya makatitiyak ang madla na hindi magluluwat at madadakip at makukulong na ang mga ito, pagtiyak ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Miyerkoles. Hindi tinatantanan ng mga alagad ng batas ang pagsisikap na madakip ang mga nagtatagong ito na matagal-tagal na rin namang pinaghahanap, sabi ng Pangulo, at sinabing kaya nga naglaan na ang pamahalaan ng gantimpalang salapi para mahikayat ang taong bayan na magbigay ng impormasyon tungo sa ikadarakip ng mga pinaghahanap na ito. “Ang kaya kong masabi sa inyo ngayon, mayroon kaming inaasahan... hindi ko sasabihin kung sino. Ang masasabi ko lamang, palagay ko, kapag nagtagumpay ang isang kasalukuyang operasyon, bibilib kayo sa calibre ng mga madarakip,” wika pa ng Pangulo. “Palagay ko, puwede kong ipangako sa inyong magugulat kayo—kung magtatagumpay ito.” dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Tumanggi ang Pangulo na magbigay ng iba pang detalye upang hindi magkasagabal ang ginagawang puspusang operasyon sa kasalukuyan. Kabilang sa limang mga Most Wanted Persons sa talaan ng pulisya ay sina: retiradong Heneral Jovito Palparan, dating Gobernador Joel Reyes ng Palawan at kapatid nito, at ang dating Kinatawan Ruben Ecleo. Nahuli naman ng pulisya kamakailan si Delfin Lee, umano ay utak ng multi-bilyong pisong katiwalian sa pabahay sa nakalipas na administrasyon at ngayon ay nakakulong na. PND (as/zaf) TOP Hinimok ng Pangulong Aquino ang industriya ng musika sa Pilipinas na sikaping sumuniod sa ‘digital age’ nang bumalik ang sigla ng OPM   Hinimok ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang iba-ibang may kaugnayan sa industriya ng musika sa Pilipinas na sikaping makatuklas ng paraan upang makasunod sa digital age na inaasahang siyang magbabalik ng datng sigla ng orihinal na musikang Pilipino sa halip na pabayaang maglaho ito. Sa pagsasalita sa unang Pinoy Music Summit Miyerkoles, sinabi ng Pangulong Aquino na alam niya ang mga suliraning kinakaharap ng napakabilis na pagbabago ng teknolohiya, subali’t hindi ito dapat makasira ng loob ng mga kumakatha ng awit at mga artistang tuma-tangkilik ng kanilang musika, lalo na ang kabataan. Binanggit ng Pangulo ang nabasa niyang sanaysay at ang karanasang ikinuwento sa kanya ni Tony Fernandes, pangulo ng Air Asia na maraming paraan kung paanong ang teknolohiya ay magiging kaibigan ng musikerong Pilipino sa halip katunggali. Si Fernandes na nakipagkita sa Pangulong Aquino nang dumalaw siya noong isang buwan sa Malaysia, ay dating pampurok na pangalawang pangulo ng Warner Music Group sa Timog Silangang Asya, nguni’t minarapat niya na lisanin ang nasabing kompanya nang tumanggi iyon na gamitin ang digital media. “Ikinuwento sa akin ni G. Fernandes ang ganito:’Nang tumanggi silang gumamit ng bagong teknolohiyang digital, naramdaman kong hindi magluluwat, mamamatay ang kompanya.’ Ang punto po nito: Dahil sa teknolohiya at takbo ng mundo, maging ang ibang mga bansa, nakararanas din ng pagbaba sa sales ng industriya ng musika nila,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino. “Hindi lamang tayo ang may hinaharap na hamon sa pagpapaqunlad ng industriyang mahal nating lahat. Kaya nga po, talagang napapanahon ang kauna-unahang Pinoy Music Summit na ito. Ngayon, may espasyo ang lahat se entablado, may boses ang sino mang handang makiambag sa pagpapanatili at pagpapaunlad ng musikang Pilipino,” dugtong ng Pangulo. Binanggit ng Pangulo ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ng recording industry sa Estados Unidos kung saan ilang kompanya ang nagpasiyang ang musika ay bayaang makaabot sa higit na malaking pamilihan, gamit ang teknolohiyang nakatulong para lumaki ang benta ng maraming mga mang-aawit kaya pati ang produksiyon ng vinyl ay nabuhay rin. “Isipin natin, lalo na ang kabataan sa panahong ito ay makabibili ng single tracks para malibang sa pakikinig sa musika na ibig nilang pakinggan. Sasabihin pa ng ibang bata: 'Bakit ako bibili ng buong album kung ang gusto ko lamang pakinggan ay iisang kanta roon?'” paliwanag ng Pangulo. “Sa maikling salita, ang mga nakaranas ng pagsulong ngayon ay ang mga nakinig kung ano ba ang hinahanap ng merkado nila: hindi pinahirapan, hindi ipinagdamot ang produkto nila na ibig naman nilang ibenta…At ang nadidiskubre po nila lalo na sa Amerika—isa sa pinakamalaking merkado siyempre, ay ang Amerika—tumataas ang benta ng mga plaka. Ang mga lumang catalogues muling binubuhay,” sabi ng Pangulo. Ang digital age. Ay isa sa mga dahilang sinisisi ng mga musikerong Pilipino sa malimit na pagbaba ng benta ng mga plaka sa nakalipas na sampung taon. Tinaya ng 2010 Nielsen Southeast Asia Digital Consumer Report na 37 porsiyento ng mga Pilipino ang nagsasagawa ng download o upload music files online. Ang Philippine Association of Recording Industry naman ay nagsabing 95 porsiyento ng mga tagapakinig ang ilegal na nangungopya ng mga awit kaya nagiging mahirap para sa mga prodyuser ng musika na mabuhay sa kabila ng tinatayang 400 porsiyentong nadagdag na kita sa digital music mula noomg 2005 hanggang 2010. Subali’t may ilang independiyenteng artista at record labels na nais tumayo para hamunin ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng iba-ibang paraan ng pagbebenta ng kanilang music online --- na umaasa sa paggamit ng YouTube at social media networks halimbawa para marating ang higit na maraming tagapakinig. Sinabi pa ng Pangulong Aquino na siya man ay natutulungan ng teknolohiya at may pagkakataon, lalo na ang mobile application na “Soundhound” sa paghahanap ng pamagat ng mga awit na hindi nababanggit ng radio jocks sa himpapawid. Idinugtong pa niya na nakalulugod ang remixing ng mga awitin. “Iyan po ang kagustuhan ng sambayanan na ipagpatuloy na tulungan ang pagtulong sa indus-triyang ito. Kailangan lamang po natin siguro ng diyalogo: Paano nga ba natin mapadadaling ibenta sa kanila ang gusto naman nilang bilhin? Ano ba ang gusto nilang mabili at maibigay natin ito sa kanila? At doon po matutulungan at mapananatili itong aspeto ng ating kultura na talaga naman pong malaki ang naiambag sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa at pati na rin sa pag-asa sa hinaharap,” dugtong pa ng Pangulong Aquino. PND (hdc/zaf) TOP Kinilala ni Aquino ang halaga ng musika sa kultura, nangakong tutulungan ang pagbaka sa ‘piracy’   Kinilala ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang kapangyarihan ng musika sa paghubog sa ating kultura at tiniyak na tutulungan ng administrasyon niya para paunlarin ang industriya ng musika sa bansa, sa pamamagitan ng anti-piracy campaign ng iba-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan. Sinisi ng Philippine Association of Recording Industry (PARI) ang pamimirata ng musika na isa sa pangunahing dahilan kaya bumagsak ng 75 porsiyento ang benta ng mga lokal na mang-aawit sa nakalipas na 10 taon at ito ay nagkakahalaga ng P1 bilyon. Sa talumpati ng Pangulong Aquino sa unang “Pinoy Music Summit” Miyerkoles sa Maynila, sinabi niyang ipagpapawtuloy ng Optical Media Board (OMB) ang pagtugis sa mga establisyamento na gumagawa o nagbibili ng pirated optical media products. Sinabi ng Pangulo na nakasamsam ang OMB ng pirated goods na nagkakahalkaga ng mahigit na P9 milyon mula noong 2011 hanggang 2013 at sinamsam ang sinalakay na 2,705 na mga nagbebenta ng mga produktong ito. Ang kampanya ay magkatuwang na ginawa ng Pambansang Pulisya at ng Kawanihan ng Aduwana. Samantala, sinabi ng Pangulo na kinilala at pinalakas ng administrasyon niya ang Kautusang Tagapagpaganap Blg. 255 ng yumao niyang ina, Pangulong Corazon C. Aquino noong 1987 na nag-aatas na dapat magpatugtog ng mga orihinal na musikang Pilipino ang mga lokal na istasyon ng radyo sa bansa. “Bilang pagpupugay sa kakayahan ng mga Pilipino, pinirmahan po ng aking ina ang EO 255 noong 1987. Ang l;ayunin po nito: palaganapin ang sarili nating musika sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatugtog sa radyo ng hindi bababa sa apat na awiting Pilipino sa isang oras. Pinaigting naman po narin ito sa pag-aatas sa National Telecommunications Commission na bantayan ang mga istasyon ng radyo kung sinusunod ang batas na ito,” sabi ng Pangulo. Inihayag din ng Pangulo na kasalukuyang ipinatutupad ng pamahalaan ang World Intellectual Property Organization Internet Treaties na “nag-aatas sa mga bansa na magbigay ng balangkas ng mga pangunahing karapatan, magpapahintulot sa lumikha na kontrolin o dili kaya ay mabayaran sa ano mang paraan ang kanilang mga likha na ginamit at nagbigay kasiyahan sa iba.” “Batid naman natin, marami pang balakid ang kailangang pagtulungang lampasan upang tuluyan nating mapaarangkada ang industriya ng lokal na musika. Sa kabila nito, mulat din tayo: Mag-iba man ang mga kasangkapan o paraan ng pakiikinig sa tugtugin—mula plaka. cassette tape, CD, DVD, hanggang sa online media—hindi kukupas ang pagmamahal ng mga Pilipino sa musika. “Hangga’t may kababayan tayong lumilikha ng awiting may himig, laman at ritmong tugma sa kaisipan, kultura at damdaming Pilipino; hangga’t may mga kompanya at organisasyong naniniwala at handang mamuhunan sa talentong Pilipino; hangga’t nariyan ang sambayanan, nakikinig at tumatangkilik sa sarili nating musika, at buo ang suporta sa buong industriya—kumpiyansa po tayong hindi tayo mauubusan ng mga komposisyong kukurot, kikiliti, magpapakilig, magpapaindak o magpapaalab, hindi lamang sa damdaming Pilipino, kundi maging sa buong mundo,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino.PND (hdc/zaf) TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Pinoy Music Summit

Diosdado Macapagal Hall, 10th Floor, Land Bank Building, Malate Manila

19 March 2014

Maraming salamat po. Maupo ho tayong lahat. Secretary Greg Domingo; Senator TG Guingona; Mr. Noel Cabangon; Mr. Herminio Alcasid; Mr. Ryan Cayabyab; Atty. Marivic Benedicto; Chairman Ronnie Ricketts; Ms. Gilda Pico; friends with the music industry; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Medyo na-delay po ako ngayon dahil noong ako po’y palabas ng Bahay Pangarap, sabi po sa akin ni Usec. Marfil, “Sir, hiningan kayo ng sample ng pagkanta dito.” Kako, “Ha?” E di pumasok ako uli ng Bahay Pangarap. “Bakit,” kako. “Mag-negotiations muna tayo.” Mga professional mga makakatagpo natin, sinasali tayo diyan–’wag na lang. Pero dahil hindi kami umaatras sa anumang hamon, handa po si Senator Guingona at si Secretary Domingo [laughter], na kung inyong kakailanganin, para mapakita ang aming solidarity with you. They are ready. Naalala ko po kasi nakita ko–medyo paakyat nga ho ng entablado, kako, “Bakit kaya may set up dito?” Alam ko may symposium dito eh. Hindi pa naman ako dumaan sa eskwelahan ni Mr. Ryan Cayabyab. Napansin ko pa medyo bedroom voice ako ngayon, kaya muntik na akong lumabas dito at bumalik sa elevator. Naalala ko lang, noong araw po, may mga kaibigan ako–hanggang ngayon po’y kabarkada ko sila–sabi namin, “Bakit hindi tayo magtayo ng banda?” At sa totoo lang ho, ‘yong isang kasamahan ho namin, talagang nagpupursige, binili na niya ‘yong mga equipment. Tapos matanong n’yo siguro, “Bakit never namin kayo narinig?” Hindi ho naman sa walang talento; ang problema ho ‘yong buong grupo ho gusto naming lahat ay lead singer kami. Wala ho pala marunong tumugtog sa amin ng anumang instrumento. Iisa lang ho ang hindi magiging lead singer. Gusto raw niya maging manager. So iyan ho, tulad ng ibang inaasam-asam namin, siguro pagdating ng senior citizen na kami talaga, doon namin itutuloy ang banda. Malamang rondalya ho ang lalabas niyan. Bahagi na po ng kulturang Pilipino ang musika at pagkanta. Mula sa paghehele-hele ng Nanay habang kinakanta ang “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,” sa pagpapalaki ng mga supling sa awiting “Anak,” hanggang sa pagpasok sa eskwelahan habang pinakikinggan ang “Estudyante Blues”; mula sa tagumpay ng EDSA sa sandaling itinatanghal ang “Bayan Ko,” hanggang sa pagpanaw ng minamahal kung saan ipinapatugtog ang kantang “Hindi Kita Malilimutan”—di po ba, parang laging may nakapares na soundtrack sa bawat yugto ng buhay nating mga Pilipino? Masaya man tayo o malungkot, ganado man o naiinip, gusto man nating mag-relax o umindak—ano man po ang ating emosyon o disposisyon, nariyan at handa tayong sabayan ng musika. Naaalala ko nga po, noong mas bata tayo, kapag may isang kaibigang dumating at may bitbit na gitara, sigurado po, kantahan na ‘yan—at kung minsan, may kasama pang alaskahan. Pero kahit pa sintunado o bihasa sa mikropono, wala pong kaso—ang mahalaga sa amin noon ay masaya’t nagsasama-sama kaming magkakaibigan. Pero alam naman po natin, at ng buong mundo: hindi lang mahilig kumanta ang Pilipino—sa larangan ng musika, pinatunayan, at patuloy nating pinatutunayan na mayroon tayong binubuga. Nitong katapusan nga lang po ng Pebrero, nag-State Visit tayo sa bansang Malaysia. Habang kaharap ang Filipino Community sa Kuala Lumpur, may natuklasan po tayong isang trivia: Ang tinig po pala sa likod ng tourism campaign jingle ng Malaysia na “Malaysia, Truly Asia” ay isang Pilipina. Siya po si Binibining Maria Jazmine na tubong-Laguna. Swerte pa, at napanood ko siyang magtanghal doon. Napakahusay po ng kanyang bersyon ng kantang “Anak” ni Freddie Aguilar, na bukod sa orihinal na lyrics sa Filipino, ay mayroon pang salin sa wikang Bahasa. Tuwing bibisita nga po tayo sa ibang bansa, ang laging bukambibig ng kanilang mga pinuno tungkol sa Pilipino: sa larangan ng musika ay pambihira ang ating kakayahan at talento; kinakatawan at isinasatinig ng ating mga awitin ang kultura, katangian, at kolektibong hangarin ng ating pong lahi. At di po ba, ito naman talaga ang taglay na kapangyarihan ng musika? Kaya nitong maglahad ng simple o malalim na karanasan, anupamang wika o diyalekto; kaya nitong kumonekta—sa paraang hindi hiwalay ang manlilikha sa nakikinig—sa nadarama’t sentimyento ng indibidwal o grupo; kaya nitong ipagdugtong at ipagbuklod ang damdamin ng isang lipunan, o kahit pa ng buong mundo. Ito nga po mismo ang diwa ng pagpupulong natin sa umagang ito. Mula man sa iba’t ibang propesyon o larangan—mang-aawit, kompositor, o musikero; nagmula sa media, sa akademya, o sa gobyerno—nagtitipon tayo para sa iisang hangarin: ang paunlarin at payabungin ang musikang sariling atin, ang musikang Pilipino. Tunay nga pong ginintuan ang pagkakataong ito. Sa pagbubuklod sa iisang bubong, komprehensibong matatalakay ang kondisyon at mga hamon sa industriya ng musika sa Pilipinas ngayon, kasabay ng sama-samang paglalatag ng mga posibleng hakbang o solusyon para sa mga ito. Ano nga ba ang tunay na estado ng industriya ng musika sa bansa? Ano ang implikasyon ng teknolohiya at ng new media dito? Paano ba makakatulong ang pamahalaan sa inyo, at sa tinatayang 346,000 na Pilipinong nagtatrabaho sa industriya ng sining at musika? Nakausap ko nga po minsan ang founder ng Air Asia, na isang mataas na opisyal po pala noon sa isa sa pinakamalaking international recording company. Ang sabi ko po sa kanya, “Parang napakaganda ng trabaho mo. Bakit mo iniwan?” Ang sagot po niya, sabi po ni Mr. Fernandes, and I quote, went something like this: “When they failed to embrace the new digital technology. I felt the company was going to a dead end.” Ang punto po nito: Dahil sa teknolohiya at takbo ng mundo, maging ang mga ibang bansa, nakakaranas din ng pagbaba sa sales ng kanilang music industry. Hindi lamang tayo ang may hinaharap na hamon sa pagpapaunlad ng industriyang mahal nating lahat. Kaya nga po, talagang napapanahon ang kauna-unahang Pinoy Music Summit na ito. Ngayon, may espasyo ang lahat sa entablado; may boses ang sinumang handang makiambag sa pagpapanatili at pagpapaunlad ng musikang Pilipino. Kaya naman, ngayon pa lang ay taos-puso na ako nagpapasalamat sa bawat indibidwal, grupo, at organisasyong nagkapit-kamay upang maging posible ang inisyatibang ito. Kayo ang nagpapatunay na sa alinmang larangan, kaya nating makapaghatid ng positibong pagbabago—basta’t nagkakaisa ang ating mga tinig, sa halip na nagsasapawan; basta’t ang lahat ay nagtutulungan, imbes na nagpapaligsahan lang at nag-uunahan. Bilang pagpupugay sa kakayahan ng mga Pilipino, pinirmahan po ng aking ina ang Executive Order 255 noong 1987. Ang layunin po nito: ipalaganap ang sarili nating musika sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatugtog sa radyo ng hindi bababa sa apat na kantang Pilipino kada oras. Pinaigting naman po natin ito sa pag-aatas sa National Telecommunications Commission na bantayan ang pagsunod ng mga stasyon ng radyo sa batas na ito. Ipinapatupad din po natin ngayon ang World Intellectual Property Organization Internet Treaties, na inaatasan naman ang mga bansa na gumawa ng framework of basic rights, na magiging batayan ng mga manlilikha sa pangangasiwa at sa kompensasyon na kanilang makukuha sa kanilang mga obra. Bukod pa po ito sa pagsuporta natin sa anti-piracy campaign ng Optical Media Board (OMB) na mula 2011 hanggang 2013, ay nakakumpiska na ng mahigit siyam na milyon at isandaang libong pirasong pirated optical media products, na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng mahigit tatlong bilyong piso. Sa pakikipagtulungan din po ng OMB sa PNP at BOC, umabot na sa 2,705 na establisimyento na nagtitinda ng piniratang produkto ang nainspeksyon at nagkaroon ng clearing operations. Batid naman natin: Marami pang balakid ang kailangang pagtulungang lampasan upang tuluyan nating mapaarangkada ang industriya ng lokal na musika. Sa kabila nito, mulat din tayo: Mag-iba man ang mga kasangkapan o paraan ng pakikinig sa tugtugin—mula plaka, casette tape, CD, DVD, hanggang sa online media—hindi kukupas ang pagmamahal ng Pilipino sa musika. Hangga’t may kababayan tayong lumilikha ng awiting may himig, laman, at ritmong tugma sa kaisipan, kultura at damdaming Pilipino; hangga’t may mga kompanya at organisasyong naniniwala at handang mamuhunan sa talentong Pilipino; hangga’t nariyan ang sambayanan, nakikinig at tumatangkilik sa sarili nating musika, at buo ang suporta sa buong industriya—kumpiyansa po tayong hindi tayo mauubusan ng mga komposisyong kukurot, kikiliti, magpapakilig, magpapaindak, o magpapaalab, hindi lamang sa damdaming Pilipino, kundi maging sa buong mundo. Tapos na nga po ang panahon ng pagkakanya-kanya at panlalamang. Laos na ang kultura kung saan tanging “My Way” lang ang nasusunod sa lipunan. Sa tuwid na daan, “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,” at walang maiiwan; sama-sama ang bawat Pilipino sa paghakbang tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran. Nasa kabanata na tayo ng kasaysayan kung saan boses na ng ating mga Boss ang nananaig at pinakikinggan ng inyong pamahalaan. Samantalahin na po natin ang pambihirang pagkakataong ito. Gamit ang dunong, kakayahan, at talentong bigay sa atin ng Poong Maykapal, ating isatinig ang nagkakaisa nating himig para iangat ang ating kapwa, at isulong ang buong bansa. Isang lahi nating ipadinig sa buong mundo kung gaano kasarap maging Pilipino sa mga panahong ito. Bago po ako magtapos, baka puwede ko lang i-share sa inyo kaunting mga napapag-isipan natin. Baka mayroon ho sa inyong batid na napakahilig hong makinig sa samu’t saring tugtugin. Pero sa totoo lang ho, kung minsan, napakahirap makuha ‘yung gusto mo—‘yung napakinggan mo. Nakinig po ako sa radyo, tapos tuloy tuloy po ‘yong mga kanta, may mga magagandang tinig, kanta, musikang napakinggan natin. Tapos, tumawag po noong ako po’y mas bata, kadalasan sinasabi ng DJ, “Eto ‘yung patugtugin ko,” o pagkatapos sasabihin niya. Nagulat ho ako, parang anim na kanta na, wala pa siyang binabanggit na titulo. So, bigla ho may nagturo sa atin ng mga app sa Iphone. Mayroon ho isa, ngalan ay Soundhound. ‘Pag may Soundhound ka na, more or less, makukuha mo ‘yong titulo. ‘Di alam mo na ‘yung titulo, pupunta ka ngayon sa tindahang nagbebenta ng mga CD, pagdating mo doon, kadalasan Top 50 ho ang nandoon. ‘Pag hindi kasama sa Top 50, hindi malakas ang benta, sorry na lang. So, pupunta ka ngayon online, maghahanap ka ngayon na kung sino pa ang gumagawa nito. So kami ho ni Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, siguro dumaan ng panahon ng disco [laughter], saka si Jim Paredes sigurado ako laman ng disco noon. [Laughter] So, search online—mayroon hong isang partikular na kantang never po ako nagkaroon. So mayroon ho ako isang magaling na assistant na nahanap niya. So order-in mo ngayon ‘yon. Ngayon, ang gumawa naman po ay bata, at inisip niyang i-remix. So, ‘yong pagka-remix ho niya, ‘yong disco parang naging ballad. Sabi ko, “Okay ‘to. Medyo…” [Laughter] Bakit ko kinukwento ‘to? May nabasa po akong artikulo doon sa mga magazine tungkol doon sa high-end na tinatawag na sounds, at parang sinasabi lang po niya doon sa kanyang essay, parang ‘yung decline rin raw ho kaya, pati sa industriyang nagbebenta ng stereo equipment, bakit kaya nagkaganyan? At isa sa mga sinasabi niya po, tila ngayon pa lang nag-uumpisa ‘yong industriya nila na ibenta ‘yong produkto na hinahanap ng kanyang consumer. Ano po ibig sabihin n’on? Tulad kanina ng sinabi ni Tony Fernandes, “They failed to embrace digital media.” Imagine, especially the young nowadays can purchase single tracks and enjoy the music that they want. Some kids will say, “Why do I have to buy the entire album when there is only one song that I want to listen to?” Now, ano po ‘yong sinabi ng essay? Imbes na padaliin ang pagbenta ng produkto nila, pinahirapan nang pinahirapan lahat ng copy protection, lahat itong iba’t ibang mga gawain para hindi ma-acess ang pinagsusulong. So ‘yong iba ho na sinuportahan ang downloading na legal, naengganyo ang kabataan na nag-umpisa—MP3 muna, afterwards nakarinig ng high resolution files. Kaya isa sa mga pinamalaking segment sa industriya ng stereo equipment ngayon ‘yong headphones. ‘Yong headphones nanganak ng mga portable amps na bitbit-bitbit ng bata, hindi ho ba? So sa madaling salita ho, ‘yong mga nag-e-experience ng growth ngayon ay ‘yong mga nakinig kung ano ba ang hinahanap ng merkado nila–hindi pinahirapan, hindi pinadamot ang produkto nila na gustong ibenta naman. At ‘yong dulo po ng sinasabi ng article: Nagsawa na ba ang taong nakikinig sa tugtog? Magvi-video games na lang ba? Magso-social network na lang ba? Doon lang ba napunta ang entertainment? At ang nadidiskubre po nila sa Amerika, amongst other areas—isa ho sa pinakamalaking merkado siyempre ay ang Amerika—tumataas ho ang pagnbebenta ng plaka. Iyong lumang catalogues nire-revive. ‘Yong pati ‘yong pangit ho nabebenta. ‘Yong maganda—lalo na. ‘Yong mga bumubili ho nito hinid na po ‘yong mga nadi-disco tulad namin. ‘Yong mga bata ho ang talagang nagtutulak nitong tinatawag nilang vinyl reproduction: vinyl revival. Pagkaintindi ko po, mayroon na ring OPM. Ang problema lang wala na tayong pressing plants. Sa Germany raw ho yata pini-press ‘yong ating mga tugtugin. So nandiyan po. Nandiyan po ‘yong kagustuhan ng sambayanan na pagpatuloy, na tulungan ang industriyang ‘to. Kailangan lang po natin siguro ng diyalogo, paano nga ba natin mapadaling maibenta sa kanila ‘yong gusto naman nilang bilhin at magkasundo ano ba ang gusto nilang mabili at maibigay natin sa kanila? At doon po matulungan at mapanatili itong aspeto ng ating kultura na talaga naman pong malaki ang inambag sa kasaysayan po ng ating bansa at pati na rin sa pag-aasam sa hinaharap. So hanggang dito na lang po, at uulitin ko lang po: Kung kailangan ng participation para pakita ‘yong solidarity ni Senator Guingona at si Secretary Domingo po, buong buo ang kompiyansa kong ipapakita kung ano ang iaambag ng gobyerno sa inyo. [Laughter] Magandang umaga po. Maraming salamat sa inyo.

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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.

Umagang Kay Ganda / by Anthony Taberna

March 19, 2014

TUNYING: Magandang umaga po sa inyo. Ano po ang sagot ninyo sa ilang mga observations po ng inyong kaalyadong si Senator Osmeña? SEC. COLOMA: Ginagalang namin ang (signal not clear) … malaki ang papel na ginampanan ni (signal not clear) … makatuwiran lamang na magtakda siya nang mataas na pamantayan o standard of performance sapagka’t malaki po ang itinaya niya. Siya po ay isang mahalagang may taya o stakeholder sa tagumpay ng administrasyong Aquino. Napapanahon ang kanyang kuro-kuro sapagka’t pumapasok na tayo sa huling bahagi ng panunungkulan ng administrasyon, at ang ibinabahagi niya ay iyong pagiging maagap or sense of urgency hinggil sa kahalagahan ng mga dapat pang maisagawa. Ang pokus ng kaniyang puna ay sa dalawang larangan ‘no – enerhiya at imprastraktura. Doon sa enerhiya, ang pokus niya ay sa Mindanao na kung saan ay may kakaibang hamon dahil sa hindi naging ganap ang pagpapatupad ng reporma sa sektor ng kuryente. Sa imprastraktura naman, ang pokus niya ay doon sa Mactan Cebu International Airport at doon sa ibang mga naantalang infrastructure projects. Tinatanggap naman po namin ang kanyang mga constructive na puna. At sinasabi lang po natin dito at sa parte po ng Pangulo, iba naman po kasi iyong kaniyang perspective; maaari pong meron siyang mga nakikita na hindi nakikita ng iba ‘no bilang overall Chief Executive ng ating bansa. Ganunpaman ay welcome naman po ang mga suggestions Senator Osmeña. TUNYING: Secretary, huli na lang po. May aasahan po ba tayong revamp, Cabinet revamp? SEC. COLOMA: Sa ngayon po ay ipaubaya na lang po natin sa Pangulo. Wala po tayong nakikita o naririnig na pahiwatig hinggil diyan. At siya po naman ay magpapasya sa takdang panahon. TUNYING: Opo. Secretary Coloma, salamat po sa inyong oras at Umagang Kay Ganda po sa inyo.

SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center

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19 MARCH 2014 BIR spouses dismissed from the service for unexplained wealth Ombudsman files charges against Eastern Samar Mayor Ombudsman Indicts Garci for Perjury DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS named Best Public Sector project OWWA RW03 supports 2014 Women's Month celebration OWWA RW03 participates in the 28th National Migrants' Sunday NPS Prosecutors file homicide and obstruction of justice charges against PCG personnel in connection with the Balintang Channel incident DOLE issues Frequently-Asked Questions about the Phil-JobNet In Region 6, DOLE's OWWA mounts emergency employment for 134 Yolanda survivors in nine barangays DOE issues circular for PECR5 on coal and oil DFA convenes 6th ASEAN Matters Technical Board (AMTB) meeting PHL Consulate General in Honolulu extends services to more than 380 Filipinos in Kauai Batanes introduced to eCommerce 2013 Bar exam results Easy release of SSS salary loans DAR Agusan Del Norte transforms 330 farmers into landowners Nicobar pigeons to be released at Apo Reef Natural Park P1-million worth of scholarship up for grabs in TESDA video contest ANNOUNCEMENT: Publication of Applicants for Vacant Positions in Various PRBs pursuant to EO 496 and PRC Resolution No. 2013-737 (March 18, 2014) PDIC to continue processing claims of Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (Isabela) depositors Experts present innovative health care practices in support of inclusive growth BIR spouses dismissed from the service for unexplained wealth Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph Carag: Dismissal from the service of Pascual couple a historic win for DOF-RIPS The Revenue Integrity Protection Service (DOF-RIPS), the anti-corruption arm of the Department of Finance (DOF), scored another first in its anti-graft campaign by dismissing a couple working with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) from the service. “The dismissal of spouses Pascual is a first for DOF-RIPS. In its 10-year existence, DOF-RIPS has filed cases against 2 spouses from BIR; 2 spouses from the Bureau of Customs and 1 spouse from the Bureau of Local Government Finance but this is the first that both spouses were dismissed from the service,” Undersecretary Carlo A. Carag, head of the DOF Revenue Operations and Legal Affairs Group, said. The dismissal, which takes effect immediately, includes forfeiture of all retirement benefits, cancellation of civil service eligibility and with prejudice to re-employment in any branch or instrumentality of the government, including any government-owned or controlled corporation. In a 13-page decision, spouses Marlon and Emma Pascual, Revenue Officers I and II respectively, were found guilty by the Office of the Ombudsman for Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards (RA 6713) for their failure to declare numerous expensive vehicles and business interests in their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). “With respondents-spouses Pascual deliberate attempt to evade the mandatory disclosure of all assets acquired during their incumbency in order to conceal their accumulation of wealth which is manifestly out of proportion to their salaries, they are guilty of dishonesty”, the decision states. Couple’s P278,000 annual salary disproportionate to vehicle purchases The case stemmed from information received by DOF-RIPS in 2005. An exhaustive investigation and lifestyle check was conducted by DOF-RIPS which led to the discovery of expensive SUV vehicles, including a Ford Explorer, Honda CRV, Hyundai Starex, and a Mitsubishi car registered to their daughter, Denise Anne, who was a minor and unemployed at that time. In justifying their accumulation of wealth, the spouses Pascual stated that they were engaged in several businesses, which support the purchases of the expensive properties. But DOF-RIPS discovered that the spouses Pascual did not disclose any business and financial interests in their SALNs. “Such non disclosure essentially embraced concealment of unexplained wealth”, the Ombudsman said. The Ombudsman likewise did not give consideration to spouses Pascual’s defense that they did not declare the vehicles because they were not fully paid yet. “Foremost, the said vehicles were registered in respondent Marlon’s name and registration of a motor vehicle connotes ownership. Moreover, if this Office were to accept the said explanation, such would set a precedent wherein public officials may acquire as many assets and never declare it by mere invocation that the property is not yet fully paid. Such act erodes the function of requiring accuracy of entries in the SALN which must be a true and detailed statement. It would undermine the requirement of filing a SALN as the means to achieve the policy of accountability of all public officers and employees in the government”, the decision states. The couple tried to hide their unexplained wealth by declaring various loans but the Ombudsman said that “the loans raised more questions instead of settling the controversy. How were respondents-spouses Pascual able to keep up with the monthly amortizations and their remarkable monthly living cost of expenses considering their meager income?”. In 2001, the couple had a combined gross annual salary of P278,424.00 when they purchased a vehicle worth P1,800,000.00 Pascual decision adds to DOF-RIPS list of victories Just last week, RIPS scored a major victory when a trial judge convicted Ana Marie Concepcion Maglasang, a Customs Examiner, with imprisonment of 4 months to 1 year for every count of 5 counts of perjury. Since last year, the DOF has enhanced the capacity of RIPS by hiring former prosecutors with extensive investigative and prosecutorial experiences to strengthen the case build up capacity of DOF-RIPS, which can ensure the successful resolutions of its cases. It has tapped the assistance of other agencies such as the Office of the Ombudsman, the Civil Service Commission, the Land Registration Authority, the Land Transportation Office, the Securities and Exchange Commission to create green lanes that will give priority to DOF-RIPS cases and requests for information and documents in order to expedite their investigations and the resolution of its cases. DOF-RIPS calls on young lawyers and accountants who want to be a part of the government’s quest for good governance to apply and join RIPS in running after corrupt officials. It encourages the public to help the DOF in its campaign by reporting corrupt practices and extravagant lifestyles of BOC, BIR, Treasurers and DOF employees and officials to www.perangbayan.com. |TOP| Ombudsman files charges against Eastern Samar Mayor Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of criminal charges against local government officials of Lawaan, Eastern Samar for illegally using public funds to reimburse repair and maintenance expenses for the Mitsubishi Montero of the Municipal Mayor. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing with the Sandiganbayan of Information for two (2) counts of malversation through falsification of public documents and two (2) counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) against Municipal Mayor Candida Gabornes, Municipal Accountant Pedro Gabornes and Municipal Treasurer Ruben Baet. Investigation showed that public funds amounting to P41,801.14 was used in 2012 to pay for the emergency purchase of spare parts and tires of the private vehicle owned by Gabornes. Ombudsman Morales noted that “as high-ranking responsible officers they ought to know and as a matter of fact are presumed to know the applicable law, rules and regulations pertinent to the discharge of their respective official duties and responsibilities.” In the related administrative case, substantial evidence was established against Mayor Gabornes, Accountant Gabornes and Treasurer Baet for Grave Misconduct and were dismissed from the service. “Pieces of evidence on record glaringly show how [they] acted in concert to facilitate the illegal release of public funds,” the Joint Resolution stated. The principal penalty of dismissal from service carries with it the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and bar from taking civil service examinations. |TOP| Ombudsman Indicts Garci for Perjury Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found probable cause to charge former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio O. Garcillano with Perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and violation of Section 19(c) of Republic Act (RA) No. 8239 (Philippine Passport Act No. 1996). The case stemmed from the complaint-affidavit filed in January 2012 by Bayan Muna Party List Representatives Neri Colmenares and Teddy Casiño against Garcillano, who resurfaced after the 2004 “Hello Garci” controversy, for falsely testifying under oath and presenting a spurious passport during the Congressional Joint Committee Hearing in December 2005. The “Hello Garci” controversy arose when audio recordings of a telephone conversation between then Comelec Commissioner Garcillano and then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the height of the 2004 National and Local Elections were released to the public. In a 13-page Resolution approved on March 18, 2014, Ombudsman Morales found that Garcillano made a deliberate and willful assertion of a falsehood during the congressional hearing when he testified that he never left the Philippines after the “Hello Garci” controversy broke out. The Resolution pointed out that the Note Verbale dated August 31, 2005 issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore confirmed that Garcillano “transited in Singapore on 14 July 2005 on board a Learjet 35 with the registration number RP-C-1426” and “departed Singapore on 15 July 2005 on board Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 320.” It added that Garcillano took his oath before Rep. Emmylou Talino-Santos, a competent officer authorized to administer oaths, at the start of the congressional proceedings, as evidenced by the tran of stenographic notes. Further, the Resolution found that Garcillano also violated RA 8239[1] when he presented a forged passport before the congressional hearing. It cited the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Laboratory Examination Report dated March 20, 2006 that concluded that Garcillano’s passport does not conform to standard after discovering badges of forgery such as: (i) smaller size of booklet; (ii) variance in the paper and print used in the inside front and back covers; (iii) additional stitching along the seam; (iv) presence of cuts and joints along the seam; and (v) presence of the text “Bisa-Visa” on the upper portion of, and variance in the print quality of certain text on page 32 of the passport. “While the DFA issued a certification that its Regional Consular Office in Cagayan de Oro issued a passport bearing no. JJ243816 to respondent, respondent did not show proof that the questioned passport was the same passport issued by the Cagayan de Oro Regional Consular Office,” the Resolution stated. Citing jurisprudence, the Resolution added that “[r]espondent, being in possession of the forged passport and the one to benefit from its presentation before the Congressional Joint Committee, is presumed to be forger.” The Resolution dismissed, however, the charge of Falsification by a Public Officer under Article 171(2) of the RPC because the element of “taking advantage of official position” was found lacking. “[R]espondent, although a public officer, acted not by reason of his office, his position as a Comelec Commissioner not having anything to do with the issuance of a passport,” it explained.## [1] Sec. 19. Offenses and Penalties. — x x x x x x x c) Offenses Relating to Forgery: Penalties. — Any person who: 1. Falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, mutilates or alters any passport or travel documents or any supporting document for a passport application, with the intent of using the same shall be punished by a fine of not less than Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000) nor more than One hundred fifty thousand pesos (150,000) and imprisonment of not less than six (6) years nor more than fifteen (15) years; or 2. Willfully or knowingly uses or attempts to use or furnishes to another for use any such false, forged, counterfeited, mutilated or altered passport or travel document or any passport validly issued which has become void by the occurrence of any condition therein prescribed shall be punished by a fine of not less than Sixty thousand pesos (60,000) nor more than One hundred and fifty thousand pesos (P150,000) and imprisonment of not less than six (6) years nor more than fifteen (15) years[.] |TOP| DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS named Best Public Sector project Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Iloilo City - The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) won in the 4th Best Public Sector Project Awards in Region VI. The Awards has four objectives: to identify and recognize good practices in the public sector, enhance the public image of government, identify good practices for possible replication in other areas, and develop social accountability, transparency and good governance. It was conceptualized by the Regional Development Council (RDC)which is composed of governors of the six provinces in Western Visayas, 16 mayors, 18 representatives of the private sector, and 22 regional directors of national government agencies. DSWD-Field Office VI was chosen by the Board of Judges as the winner in the National Government Agencies category for its entry entitled “Ang Banas Padulong sa Kauswagan”. “Ang Banas Padulong sa Kauswagan” (The Path to Progress) is a documentary on the barangay trail with foot bridge project in the island-barangay of Macatunao, Northern Iloilo. It highlighted the collaborative effort of the community and the LGU of Concepcion, with the supervision of the Regional Project Management Office, in the construction of the PhP1.1 million-worth project. The project now directly serves 200 households within Macatunao. Some 149 households from other sitios and neighboring barangays also benefit from the community project. Its implementation was led by Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee Chairperson Vivian Dolor whose story of pawning her wedding ring to buy their needed materials for the presentation of their project concept was featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Rated K. Dolor’s sacrifices, as well as that of her fellow volunteers, to implement the barangay trail with foot bridge subsequently inspired development workers and various groups in getting involved in community-driven development (CDD), the development strategy utilized by Kalahi-CIDSS. The DSWD will receive a trophy and a cash prize of P50,000 for winning the award. The awarding ceremony is set on April 1, with Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad as guest of honor. Kalahi-CIDSS uses the community-driven development (CDD) strategy to empower citizens through various trainings and activities to capacitate them to identify and solve community concerns that affect their local poverty situation. |TOP| OWWA RW03 supports 2014 Women's Month celebration Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph City of San Fernando, Pampanga – 11 employees of the OWWA Regional Welfare Office 3 joined the International Women’s Day March organized by the Local Government Unit of Pampanga on 7 March 2014. The walk started at the Dolores Junction and ended at the Heroes Hall where a short program was held. Volunteers coming from different government agencies, barangay and private institutions in the City of San Fernando participated in the event. The 2014 Women’s Month Celebration, with the theme, “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong”, aims to pay tribute to the strong and resilient "Juanas" who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe. Aside from joining the Women’s Day March, the OWWA RWO3 officers and staff show its support to the activity by posting streamers within the office premises and in its official Facebook account, OWWA Central Luzon. Free massage and foot spa with manicure and pedicure will also be given to female clients and employees of the RWO on 14 March 2014 as part of the celebration of the women’s month. |TOP| OWWA RW03 participates in the 28th National Migrants' Sunday Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph City of San Fernando – OWWA RWO3 participated in the 28th National Migrants’ Sunday (NMS) Celebration in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga on March 12-14, 2014. The NMS is a special dedicated by the Catholic Church to raise awareness for the struggles of Filipinos abroad and their families left in the country. Line-up of activities for the 3-day celebration includes seminars and forums, livelihood product exhibits, and jobs fair. It served as an avenue for OWWA to reach more clients and inform them of the Agency’s programs and services. The 28th National Migrants’ Sunday Celebration also marked the 10th year anniversary of the Pampanga Archdiocesan Migrants’ Desk (PAMD). The PAMD has been a partner of OWWA RWO3 in serving and assisting OFWs. Through the leadership of its spiritual director Fr. Arnie Serrano, it conducts family counseling, especially in matters of spiritual concerns, and providing linkage services with agencies of the government among the families of the OFWs which aimed to strengthen the families left behind by the migrant workers by providing necessary counseling services through the parish migrant desk coordinators. Likewise, the OWWA RWO3 has been awarded Certificate of Recognition for its contributions and support to the programs and activities of PAMD during the closing ceremonies on 14 March 2014. |TOP| NPS Prosecutors file homicide and obstruction of justice charges against PCG personnel in connection with the Balintang Channel incident Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph In a Resolution released yesterday, 17 March 2014, a Panel of National Prosecution Service (NPS) Prosecutors found probable cause to charge eight (8) officials and personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in connection with the death of a Taiwanese fisherman, Hong Shi Cheng, more than ten (10) months ago. It may be recalled that the boat on which Hong was aboard at the time, the Guang Da Xing No. 28, was fired upon by members of the PCG on board the MCS-3001, a patrol boat belonging to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The said incident, which took place last 9 May 2013, has been dubbed as the so-called "Balintang Channel Incident" and has been the subject of a comprehensive and in-depth investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation upon the instructions of the President. In said Resolution, the NPS held that there exists probable cause to charge the following individuals for Homicide under Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC): 1. Commanding Officer ARNOLD ENRIQUEZ DELA CRUZ; 2. Seaman 1st Class (SN1) EDRANDO QUIAPO AGUILA; 3. Seaman 1st Class (SN1) MHELVIN AGUILAR BENDO II; 4. Seaman 1st Class (SN1) ANDY GIBB RONARIO GOLFO; 5. Seaman 1st Class (SM) SUNNY GALANG MASANGCAY; 6. Seaman 1st Class (SN1) HENRY BACO SOLOMON; 7. Seaman 2nd Class (SN2) NICKY RENOLD D. AURELLO; and S. Petty Officer 2 RICHARD FERNANDEZ CORPUZ. In so holding, the Panel found, among others, that "the respondents all acted in unison with the common purpose of firing at the Guang Da Xing No. 28 to force it to submit to MCS-3001's inspection or else." It went on to state that "conspiracy was established by the NBI when it presented the fact that orders were given and the orders were obeyed and efficiently implemented with fatal consequences. That they all acted with that common purpose is crystal clear. When there is conspiracy, the act of one is the act of all." In order to reach the conclusion that filing of charges is in order, the NPS also disposed of the claims of justifying circumstances proffered by the Respondents on two (2) separate grounds, i.e., Self-Defense and Fulfillment or Performance of Lawful Duty. In not giving credence to such claims, the NPS emphasized that the burden of proving such defenses rested with the respondents who invoke it. In this case, the NPS found no evidence to indicate or prove that the Taiwanese boat posed an imminent or grave danger to the Respondents before and during the pursuit. "Absent clear evidence of such, the argument of self-defense cannot prosper in this preliminary investigation where probable cause is all that is needed for the filing of an information in court: The argument of self-defense is thus better left threshed out in the trial and determined by the trial court after a full-blown hearing." As to the claim of fulfillment or performance of lawful duty, the NPS held that being a hostile vessel per se does not authorize the use of deadly force under the PCG Rules of Engagement (ROE). Even if it conceded that, at the first instance, MCS-3001 may have been regularly performing its duties at the Balintang Channel, at some later point, the successive firing at the Guang Da Xing No. 28, when there was no imminent and grave danger to MCS- 3001 and when other less extreme means could have first been undertaken, exceeded the performance of lawful duty. Citing jurisprudence, the Panel stated that a law enforcer is "never justified in using unnecessary force or in treating the offender with wanton violence, or in resorting to dangerous means when the arrest could be effected otherwise". Despite its ruling, the NPS was quick to point out that: "... [T]his resolution to prosecute the respondents for homicide should not be construed as carte blanche for Taiwanese fishermen to illegally enter and poach within the Philippines territorial waters with impunity. The Taiwanese law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities should not take this to mean as res judicata or unbending precedent for future incidents involving Philippine monitoring, control and surveillance operations in the Balintang Channel. More importantly, this resolution should not weaken the resolve of the rest of the professional Coast Guard men who are doing their mighty best, despite limited resources, to carry on and strictly enforce Philippine criminal laws within Philippine territory in accordance with established rules of engagement. This homicide case arose from a very peculiar set of facts and our findings are surely pro hac vice only." Besides the charge of Homicide, the Panel also found probable cause to charge Commanding Officer DELA CRuz and Seaman 1st Class (SN1) BENDO for Obstruction of Justice under Section 1 of Presidential Decree No. 1829, for the preparation and submission of falsified Monthly Gunner Report dated 11 May 2013. On the other hand, it dismissed the other charge of Obstruction of Justice against Commanding Officer DELA CRUZ, Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) MARTIN LARIN BERNABE, SN1 RAMIREZ, and SN1 BENDO, in connection with the deletion of video clips from the SD Cards and Compact Discs submitted to the NBI. It held that the accidental nature of the deletion of some of the files was plausibly explained by respondents; hence, the intent to impair the verity, authenticity, legibility, availability or admissibility as evidence of such record has not been proven. The Information for Homicide will be filed with the Regional Trial Court of Batanes, while the Information for Obstruction of Justice will be filed before the Municipal Trial Court of Cagayan. |TOP| DOLE issues Frequently-Asked Questions about the Phil-JobNet Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph  Labor and Employment and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday urged old and new users of the Phil-JobNet to brush up on the Frequently-Asked Questions about the facility so that they will find no difficulty in using it. "We have an enhanced Phil-JobNet," said Baldoz, referring to the government's online portal for job search and job matching. Some of the FAQ are as follows: Q: What is the enhanced Phil-JobNet, or E-PJN? A: It is an Internet-based job and applicant matching system, which aims to facilitate the search for jobs and employers' search for manpower. It contains a listing of job vacancies and employers. It has a registry of skills available in the market. Q: Who are qualified to register in the enhanced Phil-JobNet? A: Job applicants who are at least 15 years old and employers or establishments recognized by the government with existing Tax Identification Number (TIN). Q: Do I have to pay to register? A: No. The service is free of charge, both for applicants and employers. Q: I am a job seeker. What if I don't have an e-mail account, or a computer with Internet access? A: You may visit the nearest Public Employment Service Office usually located at the municipal, provincial capitol, or city hall in your area and request for assistance to be registered. Q: I forgot my password. How do I retrieve it? A: Use the Reset Password utility located at the log-in page of the site. Look for the hyperlink "Forgot password?" and click it. The "Reset Password" page will be displayed. Q: I have registered in the old Phil-JobNet before. Do I need to re-register? A: Yes. All users must sign up using a valid and active e-mail address as a unique user account for e-mail notification purposes and password retrieval. If you were registered before, you can retrieve your personal information from your old account by using your old password. Q: How long will the enhanced Phil-JobNet keep my record? A: 30 days from the last day you updated your profile. Five days before expiration of your account, the enhanced Phil-JobNet will automatically notify you through e-mail or SMS to remind you to update your account. Q: What is the shelf life of a vacancy in the enhanced Phil-JobNet? A: One month or 30 days. Q: I am an employer. What are the requirements before I can post a vacancy? A: You must submit the following documents: (1) BIR Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303); and (2) any of the following: (a) Securities and Exchange Commission registration (partnership or corporation); (b) Department of Trade and Industry registration (single proprietorship); (c) Cooperative Development Authority registration (cooperatives); (d) DOLE License for Private Recruitment and Placement Agency (local employment); (e) DOLE Registration on Contractors/Subcontractors; and (f) POEA License (overseas recruitment). Q: Where can I submit these documents? A: The nearest DOLE Regional or Field Office in your area. The DOLE Directory can be viewed at www.dole.gov.ph/pages/view/22. You may also submit them online, using the "document submission facility" in the "Establishment" top navigation menu on the site. Q: Why should I submit an Authority ot Represent for my company? A: To identify your company's legitimate representative and to prevent false claims. Q: My company was registered before in the old Phil-JobNet. Do I need to re-submit the required documents to register? A: No. Records from the old Phil-JobNet were migrated to the enhanced Phil-JobNet. However, if your company's TIN is found to be erroneous, you need to re-submit the BIR For 2303 for verification. Q: The enhanced Phil-JobNet displays "Establishment with matching TIN already exists". What shall I do? A: You may proceed to the next step, which is the "Establishment contact". This is in the "Establishment" top navigation menu on the site. Q: How can I post job vacancies? A: Click the "Vacancy Posting" under the "Vacancy" sub-menu in the "Establishment" top navigation menu. Select "Encode new vacancy" from the "Select activity" page, then click the "Submit" button after you have encoded the vacancy. In case these menus are not displayed, you possibly may not have the accredited establishment represented and the approved establishment associated. Contact the nearest DOLE regional or field office. Any question about this release? Please call the BLE at tel. no. 527-2539. The FAQ can be viewed or downloaded at www.phil-job.net, or at www.ble.dole.gov.ph. |TOP| In Region 6, DOLE's OWWA mounts emergency employment for 134 Yolanda survivors in nine barangays Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's emergency employment for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda continues, this time in Region 6, as Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, Chairman of the OWWA Board of Trustees, yesterday reported that 134 members of OFW families in nine Western Visayas towns have been employed. “As of 3 March, 134 OFW family-beneficiaries in Region VI have received P1,808,100.00 in minimum wages under the OWWA's P50 million emergency employment program for typhoon survivors in Region 6, 7, and 8," said Baldoz. A report to Baldoz by OWWA chief Carmelita Dimzon shows that the 134 OFW family-beneficiaries of the emergency employment come from the towns of Ivisan, Sapi-an, and Pontevedra, in Capiz with 15 family members each, or a total of 45; municipalities of Concepcion and Carles in Iloilo, with 15 OFW family member-beneficiaries each, or 30; Cadiz, Negros Occidental, with 15 OFW family member-beneficiaries; and Culasi, Antique, with 15 OFW family-beneficiaries. The workers were engaged to do mangrove reforestation; boat building; fruit trees and vegetable planting; river and coastal clean-up; and bamboo planting. The workers were paid minimum wages for 30 days of work. All of the 1,513 beneficiaries were provided with a P100,000 social insurance coverage and personal protective equipment (hats, t-shirts, mouth masks, and working shoes). "The DOLE, through convergence, facilitates and provides access to emergency employment and livelihood opportunities to vulnerable workers to shield them and their families from risks due to natural and man-made disasters and enable them to rebuild their lives with better access to social protection and sustainable income sources," the labor and employment chief explains. The OWWA, after Typhoon Yolanda struck, started its emergency employment program for the families or legal dependents of OFWs who are on active OWWA membership status. It had allotted P16,224,855 of its P50 million emergency employment program for survivors in Regions 6, 7, and 8, in addition to the P8,214,715 already paid to emergency workers in Region VIII. Baldoz thanked the local government chief executives in Region 6, together with other agencies of the government, for their cooperation in ensuring that the DOLE-OWWA emergency employment program reached its intended beneficiaries. For any inquiries about this release, please call the OWWA at at tel. nos. 891-76-01 to 24 local 5401, or access www.owwa.dole.gov.ph. |TOP| DOE issues circular for PECR5 on coal and oil Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph As part of its continuing thrust to ensure energy security in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued the Department Circular (DC2014-02-0005) for the 5th round of the Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR-5). The PECR-5 Circular reiterates the government’s promotion of the exploration, development, and production of the country’s indigenous petroleum and coal resources through a transparent and competitive system for awarding service and operating contracts with local and foreign investors. “The DOE is committed to maintaining economic growth by ensuring and sustaining investors’ interest in the upstream energy projects in the country,” said Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, adding that the PECR “will help lessen our dependence on oil and coal imports by tapping available indigenous energy resources.” The said Circular also forms the Review and Evaluation Committee (REC), which shall identify the prospective petroleum and coal areas within the Philippine territory.In coordination with the Local Government Units (LGU) involved, the identified areas will be offered to interested applicants. The REC is, likewise, tasked to examine, evaluate, and review the qualifications of project applicants based on their work program, legal, technical, and financial qualifications. The target launch of the PECR-5 for coal and petroleum is on 25 April 2014. In line with the said launch, the DOE will conduct information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns in the host communities and areas near the exploration areas from May to June 2014.The IEC for petroleum will be in Palawan, Mindoro, Iloilo, and Sulu, while the IEC for coal will be in Isabela, Albay, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga. Moreover, the DOE will present the PECR-5 for petroleum in international roadshows scheduled in Texas, U.S.A (12-16 May 2014), Singapore (10-14 June 2014), and Turkey (14-17 September 2014) to encourage oil exploration players to join the contracting round. For more details on the timelines and guidelines of the PECR-5, please visit the DOE website:www.doe.gov.ph; https://www.doe.gov.ph/doe_files/pdf/Issuances/DC/DC2014-02-0005.pdf . *** The PERC-5 circular was published today (17 March 2014) in The Philippine Star (B-11 to B-13) and in The Philippine Daily Inquirer (F3 to F5). |TOP| DFA convenes 6th ASEAN Matters Technical Board (AMTB) meeting Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 19 March 2014 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) convened the 6th ASEAN Matters Technical Board (AMTB) Meeting of the Philippine Council for Regional Cooperation (PCRC) on March 17. During the meeting, representatives from 44 government agencies identified Philippine priorities and advocacies for the 24th ASEAN Summit which will be held from May 10 to 11 in Myanmar. AMTB members represent ASEAN’s three community pillars, namely: ASEAN Political-Security Community; ASEAN Economic Community; and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. In his welcome remarks, DFA Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia enjoined the AMTB members to be forward-looking in terms of identifying and advancing Philippine priorities. He said Philippine priorities should be guided not only by the agenda of the upcoming 24th ASEAN Summit but must also take into consideration the formation of the ASEAN Community in 2015, the ongoing discussions on ASEAN’s Post-2015 Vision, the Post-Millennium Development Goals agenda, and the Philippines’ Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017, which will coincide with ASEAN’s 50th Founding Anniversary. |TOP| PHL Consulate General in Honolulu extends services to more than 380 Filipinos in Kauai Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 19 March 2014 - More than 380 Filipinos availed themselves of the consular services extended by the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu during its mobile consular outreach program from  March 15 to 16 in Lihue, Kauai. Consul General Julius D. Torres led a seven-member consular team extending passport, visa, civil registry, notarial and authentication, visa and dual citizenship services in the island. The activity was held in coordination with the Kauai Filipino Community Council (KFCC). Kauai, the oldest island of Hawaii, is home to around 27,000 Filipinos, comprising almost 40% of the island’s 68,500 residents. While in Kauai, Consul General Torres took the opportunity to pay a farewell call on Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho and to meet with key leaders of the Filipino community in Kauai, through the Kauai Filipino Community Council  to express his heartfelt appreciation for their warmth, volunteerism and efforts in promoting Filipino causes among the community in the island. |TOP| Batanes introduced to eCommerce Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph Pinoy Delikasi, Inc. a Filipino world-renowned online business company brought its expertise to Batanes last February. A seminar on eCommerce was conducted by Pinoy Delikasi Inc. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jovel S. Cipriaco at the Human Resource Training Center, Provincial Capitol of Basco, Batanes on February 5, 2014, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Batanes, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Batanes Chapter and the Provincial Government of Batanes as co-operators. The 50 participants from business, academe, government, youth,and private sectors comprised a wide cross-section of prospective clients/users of the activity’s offerings, namely: 1) provision of how-to’s in the conduct of business online; 2) explanation of the benefits of eCommerce and the social media; 3) introduction of virtual business transaction or eCommerce as alternative to the conventional conduct of business; and 4) business consultancy specific of marketing Ivatan products. Cipriano’s presentation highlighted the geographic location of Batanes as particularly conducive to venturing into eCommerce in the conduct of business. Batanes Governor Vicente S. Gato was vocally appreciative of Cipriaco’s gesture in sharing his knowledge on eCommerce pro bono, the first time for the province to be introduced formally to the concept. The offer to conduct similar seminars to interested parties has been discussed with the DTI Provincial Office. |TOP| Easy release of SSS salary loans Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph The Social Security System (SSS) has partnered with Citi Philippines and Visa for the faster, safer and more convenient release of salary loans to members thru the use of a prepaid card, instead of the usual issuance of SSS loan checks. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emilio de Quiros, Jr. (center), Visa Group Country Manager for Southeast Asia Peter Maher (left) and Citi Philippines CEO Batara Sianturi (right) present an enlarged sample of the new SSS Citi Visa Prepaid Card during the media launch held at the SSS Main Office in Diliman, Quezon City on March 6. For its pilot launch, the prepaid card will initially be available to members applying for salary loans at the SSS Diliman (along East Avenue) and SSS Makati-Gil Puyat (along Buendia Avenue) branches. Prior to SSS' tie up with Citi Philippines and Visa, members get their salary loans as checks sent thru mail or picked up by company representatives. The card, which is issued free to first-time users and valid for three years from the date of issuance, may be used to withdraw loan funds from automated teller machines and for over-the-counter and online purchases at millions of Visa-accredited merchants in the Philippines and overseas. |TOP| DAR Agusan Del Norte transforms 330 farmers into landowners Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph AGUSAN DEL NORTE – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently transforms a total of 330 farmers in Agusan del Norte into new landowners following the distribution of titles to 178 farmers to 175.4745 hectares of agricultural lands in Barangay Macalang, Buenavista and 203 hectares of lands to 152 farmers in Barangay Consorcia, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Andre B. Atega congratulated the new landowners and encouraged them to take good care of their lands and make them more productive. Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba expressed appreciation to the DAR for its commitment to pursue land distribution and improve the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries. “I am proud to say that the DAR in Agusan del Norte under the leadership of PARPO II Andre B. Atega is dedicated in their tasks of improving the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries,” she said. Las Nieves Mayor Avelina S. Rosales, on the other hand, lauded the DAR’s commitment to help the farmers own the land they are tilling especially in her municipality. A teary-eyed 65 year-old Elicima F. Lasco, a farmer-beneficiary of a two-hectare rice land in Barangay Consorcia, La Nieves said after receiving her Certificate of Land Ownership Award that her patience finally paid off as she is now the title holder of the land she is tilling. Likewise, 83 year-old farmer beneficiary Geronima D. Rante from Barangay Macalang, Buenavista thanked the DAR for the land given to her, which she promises to make productive. PARPO Atega said DAR’s performance in land acquisition and distribution (LAD) in Agusan del Norte has always been consistently above 100 percent since 2004. In the year 2013, Agusan del Norte made a remarkable 226 percent accomplishment in LAD component with 1,586 landless farmers transformed into landowners. |TOP| Nicobar pigeons to be released at Apo Reef Natural Park Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph Five Nicobar pigeons (Caloenas nicobarica) that have been rehabilitated for the last six years at the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City, will be released back into the wild on Thursday in an attempt to augment wild population of the critically endangered bird. The Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the DENR said the three female and two male pigeons will be released at the world-famous Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) as part of the national observance of the first-ever World Wildlife Day. A native of Southeast Asia, Nicobar pigeon (locally known as Siete colores) is named for an archipelagic island chain in the eastern Indian Ocean. This regal-looking bird, considered as one of the most beautiful of the many species of doves, is classified as “near threatened” on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which prohibits international trade in specimens of such species. BMB Director Theresa Mundita Lim said the Nicobar pigeons were rescued from poachers by operatives of the DENR-Region 3 in Pampanga in 2008. The birds were then admitted and rehabilitated at the Wildlife Rescue Center inside the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City. Lim, who will lead the release ceremony at the ARNP together with local government officials, said the 34-sq.km. protected area off Sablayan town in Occidental Mindoro is an ideal breeding site for the pigeons. ARNP is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world, next to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. There are at least 33 Nicobar pigeons presently inhabiting on Apo Island, the largest of three islands that make up the reef. It will be recalled that DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje has stressed during the kick-off program for World Wildlife Day on March 3 that the government has been intensifying efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade in an effort to protect and conserve the country’s wildlife resources. He likewise underscored the need for people to change their perception of wildlife as their personal property, saying “We should not look at [wildflife] as our property, but part of God’s creation that we are meant to co-exist with here on earth.” Paje added: “While people may consider experiences with wildlife as part of their fondest memories, wildlife is not really meant for our enjoyment especially when extracted [from their habitat]”. Lim said the additional five pigeons are expected to boost the local population of the threatened birds after being observed to have courtship behavior during their rehabilitation. “We are releasing these birds into the wild as an intervention to help increase their population,” she pointed out. Nicobar pigeon is listed as “threatened” in the DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-15. As such, Lim said that the commercial trade of these birds, especially those caught in the wild, is strictly prohibited. Captive breeding is only allowed for conservation-related purposes and if within legislative facilities, she added. Illegal capture and trade of Nicobar pigeons are subject to penalties under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Nicobar pigeons are locally called Siete colores (seven colors) due to their shimmering, rainbow-like plumage mostly consisting of blues and metallic greens. Their distinctive white tail serves as taillight among the species during low-lit times of the day. The pigeons feed on fruits, grains, seeds, insects and small invertebrates. The BMB has determined the presence of at least 22 species of fruit-bearing plants and 30 invertebrate species to sustain the pigeons on the ARNP. Small, thriving populations of Nicobar pigeons have been found in lowland forests or mangroves on small, less-disturbed islands across the lower half of the country, and elsewhere in Asia. They are, however, threatened by habitat destruction, or when hunted as part of the pet trade, as food, or for their gizzard stones which are used in jewelry. |TOP| P1-million worth of scholarship up for grabs in TESDA video contest Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph Scholarship vouchers worth P1 million and a trophy await the technical-vocational (tech-voc) institution that will be judged grand winner in the Tatak TESDA Video Making Contest. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced that the deadline for the submission of entries was extended to March 31 to accommodate more entries coming from all over the country. The tech-voc graduate who will grab the best video award will get P100,000 and a trophy. Consolation prizes are also up for grabs for those who will vie in the contest launched to urge the youth get into the tech-voc education bandwagon. "The success achieved by our graduates and technical vocational institutions should be recognized and showcased to inspire others," Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, said. "We want them to share their thoughts, tell their stories and unleash their creativity by joining this contest. The best models to promote our programs are our graduates," he added. The video may be in the form of dramatization, storytelling or music video and should answer this question: How did your tech-voc training change your life? The closing statement should include "Ako si ________, Tatak TESDA." The entry should be uploaded in a Facebook account together with the entry form containing the following information: Name, address, tech-voc training completed and where it was completed, present work, including title of position, name of employer, address of employer and salary rate. The entry form may be downloaded from www.tesda.gov.ph. The URL of the uploaded video should be sent to tataktesda@tesda.gov.ph not later than March 31, 2014. Video entries may also be in the form of CD or DVD that can be sent to the Office of the Director General, 7F TESDA Administration Bldg., East Service Road, South Super Highway, Taguig City. The grand winners for the graduate and institution categories will be selected based on a list of criteria and the number of likes in the social networking site Facebook. The contest will have two categories: tech-voc graduate and institution. The graduate should be a holder of a National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of Competency (CoC) in any qualification or course from 1996 onwards. He or she should be working in the country or abroad either as wage-employed or self-employed in the qualification he or she was trained. The contestant can be of any age. As for the institution, any interested school should be a holder of Certificate of Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Program Registration for any qualification covered by the Training for Work Scholarship Program; a holder of Certificate of TVET Program Registration for the qualification of the graduate on the video and currently offering the said program; and, of good standing and should pass TESDA’s compliance audit. The graduate or the school should submit an original two to three minute video taken at the workplace or work setting using any recording device, which may be done in Filipino or English or both. The first 1,000 entries that pass the criteria will receive a token from TESDA. The TESDA screening committee will upload the video that pass the criteria in its Facebook account. It will be the official entry to the contest. Entries that will get 1,500 Likes on Facebook would be entitled to one Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) scholarship slot. The committee will review the entries and select the top 20 (10 graduates and 10 tech-voc institutions) based on content, video quality and popularity to the public (viewers' choice). The top 10 entries sent by the graduates will receive P10,000 each to enhance their video, which will be uploaded again in the TESDA Facebook account. The committee and the members of the Board of Judges will screen the entries and choose the winners for the different categories: Best in Video (Cinematography) Graduate: P25,000 and trophy Tech-Voc Institution: P250,000 worth of TWSP scholarship and trophy Best in Story (Screenplay) Graduate: P25,000 and trophy Tech-Voc Institution: P250,000 worth of TWSP scholarship and trophy People's Choice Award Graduate: P50,000 and trophy Tech-Voc Institution: P500,000 worth of TWSP scholarship and trophy Grand Winner Graduate: P100,000 and trophy Tech-Voc Institution: P1 million worth of TWSP scholarship and trophy |TOP| ANNOUNCEMENT: Publication of Applicants for Vacant Positions in Various PRBs pursuant to EO 496 and PRC Resolution No. 2013-737 (March 18, 2014) Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph The Professional Regulation Commission, in compliance with Executive Order No. 496 and PRC Resolution No. 2013-737 hereby publishes the names of applicants for the vacant positions in various Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) and invites anyone who may have derogatory information against any of the following applicants which may render him/her unfit for the position, to inform the Commission within a period of ten (10) days from the date of this publication.  Click here for the list of nominees for various Professional Regulatory Boards |TOP| PDIC to continue processing claims of Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (Isabela) depositors Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that it will continue to receive and process deposit insurance claims from depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (Isabela), Inc. at the PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City. Claims may also be filed through mail. PDIC has already concluded the on-site claims settlement operations for the closed Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes last February 21, 2014. PDIC sent notices of payment amounting to P3.5 million involving 766 accounts with balances of P50,000 and below where the filing of claim is waived by PDIC. Meanwhile, PDIC paid 286 claims during the on-site claims settlement operations involving 246 accounts for a total amount of P51.01 million deposits. As of February 21, 2014, PDIC has yet to receive deposit insurance claims for 197 accounts, or 16% out of 1,253 accounts that require the filing of claims. The total amount of deposits covered by these outstanding accounts is P7.32 million. When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original evidence of deposit, and two (2) original valid photo-bearing IDs with signature of the depositor. Depositors may also file their claims through mail and enclose the same set of document requirements. Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA). In the case of a minor depositor, the SPA must be executed by the parent. The procedures and requirements for filing deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes is on February 10, 2016. After said date, PDIC, as Deposit Insurer, shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim. For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342). |TOP| Experts present innovative health care practices in support of inclusive growth Source: http://www.pids.gov.ph Health sector stakeholders gathered at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City to discuss some of the best healthcare innovation practices in a forum organized to encourage adoption of these practices and address persistent disparities in health amid a growing economy. Four innovative health programs were presented in a roundtable discussion led by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the government policy think tank tapped by the Washington-based Center for Health Market Innovations for the implementation of the project "Health Market Innovations". More than 100 participants from local government units, academic institutions, health offices, regional offices of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Center for Development offices of the Department of Health, and nongovernment organizations participated in the roundtable discussion last March 6. PIDS President Gilberto Llanto said health innovations show the creativity of Filipinos in addressing the very large disparities in health. "It is indispensable for the country to deal with the very large underinvestment in health where government health staff stagnated at around 26,000 since year 2000 despite the country`s 1.7 million annual population growth," he said. "We need to innovate to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for health," said Oscar Picazo, PIDS senior research consultant and board chairman of the Philippine NGO Support Program, Inc. "The Health Market Innovations project builds linkages among health innovators, funders, and policymakers. It also provides information for those who do not know that there are funders for better health care delivery," he added. One of the health innovations introduced was the EVAcoh Project (Eastern Visayas Area Cooperation in Health). "The project aims to setup and operate social health enterprises using cooperatives` community development funds," said Roberto Nebrida, executive director of the Philippine NGO Support Program, Inc. The EVAcoh Project considers social health enterprises such as cooperative-based pharmacies as an innovative method of investment in the provision of health services and commodities. "EVAcoh social health enterprises have served a total of 10,348 women of reproductive age," said Nebrida. "Its total sales have reached a whopping PHP6.1 million." Another innovation, RTI International`s Wireless Access for Health Project (WAH), recognizes the benefits of wireless connectivity in enhancing health care planning and delivery in rural health units (RHU)."The WAH project uses 3G wireless technology to improve health care by reducing time required for data reporting as well as improving access to accurate patient information at the RHU level," said Felipe Canlas, RTI International local project coordinator."It helps rural clinicians spend more time for patient care rather than spending half of their time on patient information recording and reporting," he explained. WAH has been adopted in 66 RHUs in 38 cities and municipalities and 14 provinces in the country, serving 2,500 patients a day. Sr. Eloisa David, OSB, chief operating officer of KaKaK Foundation, talked about the Mother Bles Birthing Clinics. The project, which has established 50 clinics since 2010, addresses the lack of access to affordable and high-quality maternity care facilities, helping achieve the country`s MDG commitment of reducing maternal mortality. "The program promotes the legitimate rights of every mother on maternal health, especially those who are indigent and underprivileged," said Sr. David, a doctor and fellow of the Philippine College of Hospital Administrators. In post-disaster situations, Xavier University`s Sustainable Sanitation (SuSan) Center provides effective and sustainable sanitation solutions to evacuation centers through the distribution of urine diverting dehydration toilets (UDDTs). Moreover, the collected bio-waste from UDDTs can be recycled and used as soil amendments. "Every time there is a disaster, people donate clothes, food, soaps, and water, while donating sanitary toilets is always an afterthought," said Gina Itchon, SuSan Center Director. "There was once a big evacuation center where 50,000 people were sharing a single toilet." At evacuation centers in disaster-hit Northern Cebu and in Tacloban City, the SuSan Center had installed Arborloo toilets, or shallow pits that are abandoned once filled, which can then be planted with fruit or wood-bearing tree saplings. Fr. Roberto Yap, Xavier University president, said investments in human capital, education, and health are important to make economic growth inclusive. "Health disparities in the country tell us that the traditional way of health care is not enough, and health innovations must be explored," he said. Celia Reyes, PIDS senior research fellow and health project director, said PIDS` role is to help in knowledge brokering for a more inclusive health care system. "PIDS is not only interested to showcase best practices on health innovations," Reyes said. "The Institute is willing to help you to link with innovators and with other stakeholders to scale up these health innovations," she told forum participants. |TOP|

Last Updated: 19 MARCH 2014
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) president Osamu Masuko during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 19). Also in photo are MMC senior executive officer Morizaku Chokki, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation president and chief executive officer Hikosaburo Shibata and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) president Osamu Masuko during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 19). Also in photo is Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) president Osamu Masuko during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 19, 2014). Also in photo are MMC senior executive officer Morizaku Chokki, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation president and chief executive officer Hikosaburo Shibata, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Romulo Manlapig. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) president Osamu Masuko during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 19, 2014). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) president Osamu Masuko during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 19, 2014). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) president Osamu Masuko during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 19). Also in photo are MMC senior executive officer Morizaku Chokki and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) president and chief executive officer Hikosaburo Shibata. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) president Osamu Masuko during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 19). Also in photo are MMC senior executive officer Morizaku Chokki, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Romulo Manlapig. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Pinoy Music Summit at the Diosdado Macapagal Hall, 10th Floor of the Land Bank Building in Malate, Manila City on Wednesday (March 19). With the theme: “Basta Pinoy, Push Mo ‘Yan!,” the conference aims to chart the state of the Philippine music industry and develop a program involving various stakeholders of the industry towards strengthening and promoting “Original Pinoy Music” as an expression of culture and identity as well as an economic driver. Also in photo are Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) president and conference director Noel Cabangon, PhilPop Music Fest Foundation executive director Ryan Cayabyab and Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) chairperson Atty. Marivic Benedicto. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Pinoy Music Summit at the Diosdado Macapagal Hall, 10th Floor of the Land Bank Building in Malate, Manila City on Wednesday (March 19). With the theme: “Basta Pinoy, Push Mo ‘Yan!,” the conference aims to chart the state of the Philippine music industry and develop a program involving various stakeholders of the industry towards strengthening and promoting “Original Pinoy Music” as an expression of culture and identity as well as an economic driver. Also in photo are Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM) president Ogie Alcasid, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) president and conference director Noel Cabangon, PhilPop Music Fest Foundation executive director Ryan Cayabyab and Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) chairperson Atty. Marivic Benedicto. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Pinoy Music Summit at the Diosdado Macapagal Hall, 10th Floor of the Land Bank Building in Malate, Manila City on Wednesday (March 19). With the theme: “Basta Pinoy, Push Mo ‘Yan!," the conference aims to chart the state of the Philippine music industry and develop a program involving various stakeholders of the industry towards strengthening and promoting “Original Pinoy Music” as an expression of culture and identity as well as an economic driver. Also in photo are Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM) president Ogie Alcasid and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Pinoy Music Summit at the Diosdado Macapagal Hall, 10th Floor of the Land Bank Building in Malate, Manila City on Wednesday (March 19). With the theme: “Basta Pinoy, Push Mo ‘Yan!," he conference aims to chart the state of the Philippine music industry and develop a program involving the various stakeholders towards strengthening and promoting “Original Pinoy Music” as an expression of culture and identity as well as an economic driver. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Ilocos Region local officers for a group photo souvenir during the 2014 LMP General Assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18, 2014). Also in photo are League of Cities of the Philippines national president Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos; LMP national president Javier Municipal Mayor Leonardo Javier, Jr.; and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and League of the Provinces of the Philippines national president Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) national president Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; national president Javier Municipal Mayor Leonardo Javier, Jr.; and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and League of Provinces of the Philippines national president Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali for a group photo souvenir during the 2014 League of Municipalities of the Philippines General Assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). With theme: “Strengthening the LMP’s Role to the All-Inclusive Growth of the Nation”. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno s. Aquino III graces the 2014 League of Municipalities of the Philippines General Assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II during the oathtaking of the new officers of the Leagues of Local Government Units at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new officers of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, National Movement of Young Legislators, Philippine Councilor’s League, Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, Provincial Board Member League of the Philippines, League of Vice Governors of the Philippines and the League of Provinces of the Philippines during the mass oathtaking ceremony at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new officers of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines during the oathtaking ceremony at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). The new set of LMP officers are national president Javier, Leyte Mayor Sandy Javier; executive vice president for Operations Laak, Compostela Valley Mayor Reynaldo Navarro; executive vice president for Internal Affairs Caoayan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Germalina Goulart; executive vice president for External Affairs La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph Sto Nino Bernos; executive vice president for Special Concerns Gerona, Tarlac Mayor Dennis Norman Go; Island Cluster vice president for Luzon Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Abesamis; Island Cluster vice president for Visayas Tuburan, Cebu Mayor Democrito Diamante; Island Cluster vice president for Mindanao Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue; national treasurer Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Ace William Cerilles; national auditor Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental Mayor Rodolfo Luna; business manager Poona-Bayabao, Lanao del Sur Mayor Lampa Pandi; pro Pandan, Antique Mayor Jonathan Tan; general legal counsel Catanauan, Quezon Mayor Ramon Orfanel; and secretary general Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu Mayor Abraham Burahan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2014 League of Municipalities of the Philippines general assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Tuesday (March 18). Also in photo are League of Cities of the Philippines national president Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; LMP national president Javier Municipal Mayor Leonardo Javier, Jr.; and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and League of Provinces of the Philippines national president Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. is guest speaker at the Communications Planning Workshop of the Department of Labor and Employment on March 17 held in Tagaytay City. (Photo by Luisito L. Iglesias / NIB)
			Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. recieves a plaque of appreciation from Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz (left) during the Communications Planning Workshop of the Deparment of Labor and Employment on March 17 held in Tagaytay City. (Photo by Luisito L. Iglesias / NIB)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III answers inquiries from PMA graduates during the merienda cena at the Mansion in Baguio City after the commencement rites of Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 Sunday. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, troops the line during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona for topping the Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). Llona also received the Philippine Air Force Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Jusmag Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 109th Commencement Exercises of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday(March 16). The PMA boast of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			Jubilant members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 celebrate during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA ) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona for topping the Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). Llona also received the Philippine Air Force Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Jusmag Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona for topping the Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). Llona also received the Philippine Air Force Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Jusmag Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Vice President Jejomar Binay, PMA Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista, honor the colors during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. Also in photo is Vice President Jejomar Binay. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, troops the line during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 109th Commencement Exercises of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday(March 16). The PMA boast of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA ) Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona for topping the Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 during the 109th PMA Commencement Exercises at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). Llona also received the Philippine Air Force Saber, Academic Group Award, Management Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Jusmag Award, Gen. Antonio Luna Award and the Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award. The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Major General Oscar Lopez, troops the line during the 109th Commencement Exercises of the PMA Siklab Diwa Class of 2014 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 16). The PMA boasts of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Unilever Global chief executive officer Paul Polman during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 14). Also in photo are Unilever South East Asia and Australasia president Peter Ter-Kulve and Unilever Philippines, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer Rohit Jawa. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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