Abad: PNoy's leadership yielded unprecedented gains for Ph |
Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
President Benigno S. Aquino III’s leadership and unique management style have made possible the unprecedented gains that the Philippine economy is now seeing, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad today said. He said this in countering Senator Sergio R. Osmeña III’s description of President Aquino as an “awful manager.” “We respect the views and even the frustration of Senator Osmeña on recent developments concerning the Philippine energy sector. With due respect, however, the good senator’s comments on the quality of President Aquino’s leadership is too sweeping a generalization. In many respects, the President’s skill as a manager has actually made it possible for the country to achieve several groundbreaking gains,” he said. “Through the President’s unique management style—one of rigor, attention to detail, a determined focus on measurable performance, and most of all, his deep commitment to his Social Contract with the Filipino people—he steered the country towards unprecedented economic expansion. His political will has been decisive in achieving important reforms,” Abad added. Abad said that President Aquino’s leadership has resulted in government 1) spending within its means, 2) investing in the right priorities, and 3) pursuing reforms for measurable results. He said that it was through President Aquino’s commitment to prudent fiscal management that allowed the country to reach investment-grade status as ranked by top international ratings agencies. The President, he said, delivered on his commitment to contain the fiscal deficit from 3.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010 to 1.4 percent in 2013; and to reduce the debt stock from 54.8 percent of GDP in 2009 to 49.2 percent in 2013. “Through his leadership, the Administration has been able to aggressively increase the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s tax collections, which grew by 15 percent last year, without the need to enact new taxes except for Sin Tax Reform. At the same time, we were able to file successive cases against tax evaders and smugglers, as well as initiate reforms at the Bureau of Customs that no other Administration before had been able to pursue,” he said. Abad also said the President has directed his Cabinet to maximize scarce resources. This reshaped the National Budget towards more investments in social and economic services. “Ten years ago, debt servicing ate up the largest slice of the Budget at 30 percent, while social and economic services were only at 28.9 percent and 19.4 percent, respectively. This year, debt servicing has dwindled down to 15.6 percent, enabling us to give larger shares to social and economic services at 37.2 percent and 26.2 percent, respectively,” he said. This, he said, enabled the government to make remarkably high investments to deliver key services to support inclusive growth. From the P10.9-billion allocation for the Conditional Cash Transfer program for one million households in 2010, the budget for the program has significantly risen to P62.6 billion this year to cover 4.3 million households and provide support to 4.3 million high-school students. The education sector has also increased annually by an average of 14 percent from 2010 to 2014, enabling the government to close longstanding gaps in the supply of classrooms and teachers. During the same period, the health sector budget has also increased by an average of 32 percent annually, enabling the government to cover 14.7 poor and near-poor households under the National Health Insurance Program. Abad also said that the Administration is increasing infrastructure spending to 3 percent of GDP this year and towards the global benchmark of 5 percent of GDP by 2016. This, he said, is a lasting investment in the country’s renewed economic competitiveness. Furthermore, Abad said the President has been persistent in improving the speed, quality and effectiveness of public service delivery. For one, the President, through Administrative Order No. 25, has pursued the roll-out of a harmonized Results-Based Performance Management System in government together with Performance-Based Incentive System. Similarly, he instituted the Office of the Cabinet Secretary to closely keep tabs of each department and agency’s performance in fulfilling the President’s priority programs. On the public expenditure management side, he enabled the roll-out of key reforms such as the GAA-as-Release Document to streamline budget execution; and the Performance-Informed Budget to clearly link allocated resources with performance metrics. “The improved speed and quality of public spending during the current administration has significantly contributed to the country’s stellar GDP growth: at 7.2 percent in 2013, second only to China in the region. This alone demonstrates the effectiveness of the President’s leadership and unique management style,” he said. |
Personal remittances register solid growth in January 2014 |
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) rose by 6.8 percent year-on-year in January 2014 to reach US$2.0 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1 The robust growth in personal remittances was driven by the steady increase in transfers of land-based workers with long-term contracts (4.9 percent), and sea-based and land-based workers with short-term contracts (9.1 percent). The solid growth of remittances is expected to provide support to the continued strength of the current account. Likewise, cash remittances from overseas Filipinos coursed through banks increased by 5.9 percent year-on-year to US$1.8 billion. This compares with the US$2.2 billion recorded a month ago, i.e., in December 2013. It should be pointed out however that the level of remittances typically drops after the year-end holiday season. Remittances from both land-based (US$1.3 billion) and sea-based (US$450 million) workers expanded by 4.9 percent and 9.1 percent year-on-year, respectively. Cash remittances during the month came mostly from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, and Canada.2 Remittance flows from overseas Filipinos remained resilient, underpinned by the sustained demand for Filipino manpower overseas, particularly the skilled workers. Preliminary reports by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicated that 32.1 percent (or 24,187) of the total approved job orders of 75,348 in January 2014 were processed during the period. Processed job orders were intended mainly for manpower demand for service, production, and professional, technical and related job categories in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Kuwait and Qatar. Moreover, the efforts of bank and non-bank remittance service providers to expand their international and domestic market coverage through their network of remittance business partners worldwide continued to support steady remittance flows. -------------------------------- 1 The BSP started to release data on personal remittances in June 2012. As defined in the Balance of Payments Manual, 6th Edition (BPM6), personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees (i.e., gross earnings of overseas Filipino (OF) workers with work contracts of less than one year, including all sea-based workers, less taxes, social contributions, and transportation and travel expenditures in their host countries), personal transfers (i.e., all current transfers in cash or in kind by OF workers with work contracts of one year or more as well as other household-to-household transfers between Filipinos who have migrated abroad and their families in the Philippines), and capital transfers between households (i.e., the provision of resources for capital purposes, such as for construction of residential houses, between resident and non-resident households without anything of economic value being supplied in return). 2 There are some limitations on the remittance data by source. A common practice of remittance centers in various cities abroad is to course remittances through correspondent banks, most of which are located in the U.S. Meanwhile, remittances coursed through money couriers cannot be disaggregated by actual country source and are lodged under the country where the main offices are located, which, in many cases is in Canada. Therefore, the U.S. and Canada would show up to be the main sources of OF remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source. |
PMA 3rd placer’s family CCT beneficiary |
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City, Philippines – Cadet Billy Casibi Codiam, who belongs to a tribe in a remote village in Kalinga, is expected to be a bright star in today’s graduation ceremonies of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Codiam, from the highland village of Pangol-Lubo in Tanudan town, would be the first beneficiary of the government’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program to land in the PMA’s top 10. President Aquino, as guest of honor and speaker in today’s graduation ceremonies of PMA “Siklab-Diwa” Class of 2014, is expected to highlight Codiam’s feat as a beneficiary of the CCT who survived the tough military training at the PMA. Although Codiam will graduate third in his class, he is expected to outshine class valedictorian Jheorge Llona and be even more popular than dismissed cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia. From a poor peasant family in the upland Tanudan town, the 25-year-old Kalinga lad is the first PMA-er from his village, and the first from Kalinga to land in the top 10 at the PMA. The soft-spoken but towering Codiam said, “Here I am, for this I pray that others like me who came from a poor family may have the courage to try and struggle for the ideals at PMA.” Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “My family is happy that I have reached the goal,” the soon-to-be Army second lieutenant said. The Codiam family has been a CCT beneficiary since 2009, according to Irene Bungay, regional program coordinator of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera region. The 4Ps is a priority poverty alleviation program of the Aquino administration. “Probably, he is the first among millions of CCT beneficiaries in the country to be in the prestigious PMA top 10 graduates,” Bungay said. DSWD-Cordillera regional director Leonardo Reynoso said the Codiam family is proud to be a 4Ps’ beneficiary while Bill, as the PMA cadet is called by his parents, is himself proud of his roots. He is a model for the Cordilleran youth, Reynoso added, saying his feat has caught the attention of DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman, who in turn told President Aquino. Kalinga Gov. Jocel Baac also expressed his congratulations to his provincemate. “You are a living testimony that we can still be one of the best even though we originated from a low-class province. As long as there is perseverance in us,” Baac said. “And with guidance from God, we can achieve success. The young officer made us and Kalingas proud,” Baac said. – By Artemio Dumlao with Alexis Romero Reprinted from: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/03/16/1301477/pma-3rd-placers-family-cct-beneficiary |
In Baguio City, 12 mothers of working children now successful bakers |
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
May kuwento sa kuwenta ng DOLE livelihood In Baguio City, 12 mothers of working children now successful bakers Danilo Dalisan of Brgy. San Jose, Baguio City, has been a baker for 10 years, but one day, to his dismay, he suddenly found himself out of work. For lack of something productive to do, he volunteered to be a baker-trainer to a group of women in the barangay who called themselves the Sto. Tomas Proper Women’s Association. The Association members have two things in common. They are mothers of child laborers and all share the passion for baking. One of the women-members is Margie Ciriaco, a mother of three working children. She and the other members thought of starting a bakery, but don't know how. An opportunity came in September 2012, when the DOLE Cordillera Regional Office, which have known the desire of the women, awarded the Association a grant of P499,750 for the purchase of baking equipment, tools, and materials to start a bakery. But even before the Association could go full-time in their new-found livelihood, they needed to polish their baking skills. They thought of Danilo Dalisan, who gamely agreed to train them for three months. Dalisan, who was still jobless then, imparted his knowledge and shared his baking expertise to the women who learned fast. The DOLE-CAR also conducted for the 12 women a TCP, or training cum production, to test which bakery products will sell so that the raw materials the DOLE-CAR granted them will not go to waste. The DOLE-CAR also taught them marketing. Soon, the women were already baking, and customers begin to notice their bakery products. The cash register of the Association began to ring with profits, slow at first, but pointing towards faster income. Today, the Association is one successful story in the books of the DOLE's Community Enterprise Development Program in Baguio City--a bakery ran by the owners themselves. Ciriaco and her colleagues work in the bakery by selling the products themselves. "I now earn an extra P200 per day by delivering bread and pan de sal to my regular customers. I work from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M.," Mrs. Ciriaco narrated. “Ar-aramidek daytoy tapno matulungak ti asawak gapu ta maysa laeng isuna nga pison ken saan nga permanente ti trabaho na. Jay matub-tubok iti panagilakok iti pan-de-sal ket dakkel iti tulongna ti panag suportak iti pamilyak nang-nangruna iti tallo nga annak ko. Tatta ket saandan nga agkol-kolekta iti basura nga ipan da idiay collection area tapno tumubo da laeng iti lima nga pesos iti maysa nga sako. (I do this to help my husband who is a laborer and has an irregular employment. My income from selling pan de sal supports my family, especially my three sons, who usually go out early morning to collect and deliver garbage to the collection area for P5.00 pesos per sack.)," she added. Baker Dalisan recounted that after only three months of teaching the members of the Association, the bakery now provides P1,000 in income per month to each of the 12 women. "I, myself, was paid P2,000 for my assistance to the women from September 2012 to January 2013. I am happy for them," Dalisan admitted. In one of his field visits, DOLE-CAR Regional Director Henry John Jalbuena dropped by the bakery in Brgy. Sto. Tomas and expressed amazement at how quickly the community-based enterprise could become profitable. He had a brief chat with the members of the Association who thanked him for the DOLE grant. The women also expressed gratitude to Sto. Tomas Proper barangay officials led by Punong Barangay Miguel Kiwas for their support to their enterprise. The Association's bakery continues to be profitable. In the succeeding months after his visit in 2013, Director Jalbuena said he was informed the members’ income had increased from P2,500 each per month in a two-month period and again rose to P3,000 each a month from April 2013 to the present. “The determination of the women, strong leadership of the barangay officials, and support of the community to the Association had ensured the success of the bakery," said Jalbuena. The surprise of the baking enterprise is that Mr. Dalisan has been hired by the Association as full-time baker. The Association also has 14 bread sellers who work two hours each day. Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz encouraged the women to create a ripple effect to ensure the sustainability of their bread production which has benefitted not only Brgy. Sto. Tomas Proper but also the nearby communities. |
In Region 7, DOLE-OWWA's emergency employment program benefits 1,513 ‘Yolanda’ survivors |
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
Another 1,513 survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Region 7 (Central Visayas) were employed under the emergency employment program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said yesterday. "The OWWA, under its P50 million emergency employment program for OFWs and OFW family members hit by the typhoon, had paid P8,214,715 in minimum wages as of 3 March to 1,513 qualified OFW family members who had worked from between 15 to 30 days under the program. The 1,513 come from 11 municipalities in the region," said Baldoz. Citing a report of OWWA chief Carmelita S. Dimzon, Secretary Baldoz said 1,257 of the 1,513 OFW family members, who received a total of P6,291,285 are in Cebu, while the 256 OFW family members, who received P1,923,430, are in Bohol. Secretary Baldoz is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the OWWA, an attached agency of the DOLE. The 1,257 beneficiaries in Cebu came from six municipalities, namely,Daanbantayan (789); Pilar (35); Tabuelan (50); Tudela (3); Madridejos (329); and, Poro (51). They were employed to build temporary shelters or houses; rehabilitate school buildings and public markets; and to repair and fabrication of market display tables. In Bohol, the 256 came from the five municipalities Antequera (18); Balilihan (86); Maribojoc (60); Loon (70); and Catigbian (22). They were employed to clean and rehabilitate well-known tourism sites, such as the Kawasan Falls, Mt. Carmel Hill, and town plazas and parks; to rehabilitate government buildings, including health centers, halls of Justice, municipal buildings, and barangay halls; to clear and restore the Maribojoc Organic Demo Farm; and to construct makeshift classrooms. All of the 1,513 beneficiaries were provided with a P100,000 social insurance coverage and personal protective equipment (hats, t-shirts, mouth masks, and working shoes). Baldoz explained that the DOLE, through convergence, facilitates and provides access to emergency employment and livelihood opportunities to vulnerable workers to shield them and their families from risks due to natural and man-made disasters and enable them to rebuild their lives with better access to social protection and sustainable income sources. The OWWA implements its emergency employment program intended for the families or legal dependents of OFWs who are on active OWWA membership status. It had allotted P16,224,855 of its P50 million emergency employment program for Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Regions 6, 7, and 8, in addition to the P8,214,715 already paid to emergency workers in Region VIII; and P1,808,100.00 to emergency workers in Region 6. "I thank the local government chief executives in Region 6,7, and 8, together with other agencies of the government, for their cooperation in ensuring that the DOLE-OWWA emergency employment program reached its intended beneficiaries," she said. For any inquiries about this release, please call the OWWA at at tel. nos. 891-76-01 to 24 local 5401, or access www.owwa.dole.gov.ph. |
Purisima pushes for greater German investments in the Philippines and ASEAN |
Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
In his address to over 500 key German business executives of the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) at the OAV Liebesmahl event in Hamburg, Germany last 7 March 2014, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima pushed for greater German investments in the Philippines. “Germany has always been a strategic partner of the Philippines, being one of the country’s top ten trading partners, the second largest tourist market in Europe, and the biggest source of loans and grants,” he said. Germany accounts for 3.3% of total trade from 2008 to 2012, which are mostly in electronics. It is also the country’s 12th largest tourist market, with 70,949 arrivals in 2013, growing by 5.86% from 2012’s 67,023 arrivals. Overseas Development Aid from Germany amount to US$1.2 billion from 1961 to 2011, mostly focused on poverty reduction, conflict resolution in Mindanao, and climate change. “We have created greater fiscal space to invest in infrastructure and our people, especially the most vulnerable sectors of society. Indeed, we have shown that with good governance comes good economics, and this virtuous cycle is what we aim to institutionalize.” Purisima also stressed the need for greater trade and investment collaboration for Germany and the Philippines. He added that the creation of a German house similar to those in Singapore and Vietnam would help reach out to German companies. “There is much room for the Philippines and Germany to work together. In fact, in spite of Germany being the 4th largest world economy, it is only the Philippines’ 8th largest trading partner. The strength of the German economy lies in its middle-sized companies, and putting a German house in Manila would be of great mutual benefit to the two economies.” Furthermore, he pushed for Germany and the EU to view the upcoming ASEAN integration in 2015 as an upside. Taken collectively, ASEAN would be the 3rd largest community with a population of about 600 million and an average age of 27, and with a GDP of USD 2.1 trillion, the 7th largest in the world. Likewise, the Finance Secretary expressed interest to host the 15th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) in Manila this 2016. The 14th APK will be held this November in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. |
DOE issues circular for PECR5 on coal and oil |
Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph |
As part of its continuing thrust to ensure energy security in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued the Department Circular (DC2014-02-0005) for the 5th round of the Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR-5). The PECR-5 Circular reiterates the government’s promotion of the exploration, development, and production of the country’s indigenous petroleum and coal resources through a transparent and competitive system for awarding service and operating contracts with local and foreign investors. “The DOE is committed to maintaining economic growth by ensuring and sustaining investors’ interest in the upstream energy projects in the country,” said Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, adding that the PECR “will help lessen our dependence on oil and coal imports by tapping available indigenous energy resources.” The said Circular also forms the Review and Evaluation Committee (REC), which shall identify the prospective petroleum and coal areas within the Philippine territory.In coordination with the Local Government Units (LGU) involved, the identified areas will be offered to interested applicants. The REC is, likewise, tasked to examine, evaluate, and review the qualifications of project applicants based on their work program, legal, technical, and financial qualifications. The target launch of the PECR-5 for coal and petroleum is on 25 April 2014. In line with the said launch, the DOE will conduct information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns in the host communities and areas near the exploration areas from May to June 2014.The IEC for petroleum will be in Palawan, Mindoro, Iloilo, and Sulu, while the IEC for coal will be in Isabela, Albay, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga. Moreover, the DOE will present the PECR-5 for petroleum in international roadshows scheduled in Texas, U.S.A (12-16 May 2014), Singapore (10-14 June 2014), and Turkey (14-17 September 2014) to encourage oil exploration players to join the contracting round. For more details on the timelines and guidelines of the PECR-5, please visit the DOE website:www.doe.gov.ph; https://www.doe.gov.ph/doe_files/pdf/Issuances/DC/DC2014-02-0005.pdf . *** The PERC-5 circular was published today (17 March 2014) in The Philippine Star (B-11 to B-13) and in The Philippine Daily Inquirer (F3 to F5). |
DTI, DOE conduct LPG orientation in GenSan |
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) conducted an orientation on the DTI- DOE Bagwis Program for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Dealers last March 3 at the Phela Grande Hotel, Magsaysay Avenue, General Santos City. About 40 participants from (LPG) dealers, retailers, and members from the General Santos Consumer Welfare Council, Inc. attended the orientation. Engr. Arnel V. Sayco DTI-GenSan Officer-in-Charge, explained the significance of the program wherein deserving LPG dealers stand to be awarded with either a Gold or Silver Bagwis Seal of Excellence. Ms. Mary Ann Morales, DTI Division Chief, elaborated on the rationale of the program as giving recognition to LPG dealers that are compliant to all LPG-related trade laws implemented by both the DTI and the DOE. A Senior Science Research Specialist of the Department of Energy- Mindanao Field Office, Ms. Nenita Uy, discussed the Department Circular No. DC 2014-01-0001 “Providing for the Rules and Regulations Governing the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Industry.” In her closing remarks, Ms. Asuncion Rodriquez, President of General Santos City Consumer Welfare Council, Inc. expressed hope that with the DTI-DOE Bagwis Program, LPG dealers may be more responsible and provide safe and quality products and services to consumers. |
UP, USC studes get plum in the BPI-DOST awards |
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
Three college students from all over the country received the prestigious BPI-DOST Science Awards last March 6, 2014 at the Mind Museum, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Alexander John Cruz, a BS Chemical Engineering student from University of the Philippines Diliman, bagged the grand prize for his project “Design and Field Testing of a Plasma-Enhanced Optical Fiber Reactor for Hydrogen Production via Visible Light-Driven Photocatalytic Water-Splitting.” His study demonstrated the production of hydrogen as water passes through a reactor that uses light as separator. The technology has potential use for power generation or as source of renewable energy, something highly useful as the country struggles with limited power supply. As grand winner, Cruz received P50,000 cash prize from BPI Foundation and a graduate scholarship grant from DOST’s Science Education Institute. Meanwhile, Jessa Marie Makabenta, a BS Chemistry student from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, was awarded a cash prize of P30,000 as first runner-up for her project entitled “Sodium Caseinate Encapsulation of Coconut-Oil Extracted Astaxanthin from Shrimp Wastes for Enhanced Stability, Bioavailability and Bioactivity and Controlled Release.” Her study looked into improvement of the properties of astaxanthin, a chemical derived from shrimp wastes, which offers benefits in nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and aquaculture industries. Second runner-up was Kevin Colina, a BS Computer Science student from University of San Carlos in Cebu City, for his project entitled “Electronic-Storybook Creator with Cebuano Natural Language Processing-Based Animation for Kindergarten Educators.” The storybook, developed as a response to the newly instituted K+12 Basic Education Program, was designed to help educators in using the mother tongue to motivate students to learn while enjoying. Colina received a cash prize of P10,000. Some 29 students from ten universities made it to the short list and received a cash prize of P25,000 each. Out of the 29, seven finalists were selected, and, finally, three winners bagged the plum after presenting their science projects before a panel of judges during the morning of the awarding. In his message, DOST Undersecretary for S&T Services Prof. Fortunato de la Peña emphasized the need to continue beefing the S&T manpower of the Philippines. He congratulated the winners and finalists and encouraged them to continue their interest in science and technology to help the country. “By recognizing our young researchers’ innovative works, we hope to encourage many others to follow their path and pursue research,” he said. He likewise thanked BPI Foundation for its support and partnership in building the S&T manpower of the country for the past 25 years. The BPI-DOST Science Awards was also graced by Roselle Ambubuyog, the first Filipino blind student who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Mathematics from Ateneo de Manila University and also a past BPI-DOST Science Award winner. Ambubuyog’s speech, which detailed her various struggles and triumphs in pursuing a degree, further motivated the awardees and guests alike. “Given the right tool, nobody is handicapped,” Ambubuyog said. The BPI-DOST Science Awards, which is in its 25th year, aims to encourage students as budding scientists and researchers to explore higher levels in fields of mathematics, physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, and computer science. Building the S&T manpower of the country is one of goals of DOST to help the country’s economy. This is achieved through implementation of programs such as scholarships and other science projects in partnership with other private companies such as the BPI Foundation, Inc. |
World Water Day 2014 to focus on water-energy link |
Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph |
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will bring together the country’s water and power sectors to raise public awareness on the close link between water and energy consumption as the nation joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Water Day (WWD) on March 22. DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said this year’s celebration, which has a local theme “Water is Power,” will focus on the growing awareness that saving water may be one of the most effective ways to save energy – and vice versa. “We wish to highlight the important link between water and power, and how they are highly dependent on each other,” Paje said, noting that producing energy uses water, and providing freshwater uses energy. He said both processes face growing limits and problems. He added: “In fact, much of our generated power relies on water, while many Filipinos rely on electrical power for domestic water supply.” Paje said that aside from providing Filipinos access to clean water and electricity, “the efficient use of both water and power is also an urgent issue the government is trying to address.” According to statistics, about 17 million people in the Philippines have no access to safe drinking water and over 15 million still have no access to electricity. To mark WWD 2014, the DENR, its attached agencies and partners have prepared a week-long program from March 17-22. On March 17, a kick-off event will be held at the Angat Hydroelectric Power Plant in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Expected to attend are Paje, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and National Power Corp. (NPC) president Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita. These officials, along with other representatives from NPC, National Irrigation Authority, Metropolitan Manila Water Sewerage System, and water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water, will be treated to a “Water Energy Tour Nexus” of the Angat, Ipo and La Mesa dams. On March 18, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) will hold a day-long World Water Day Exhibit at the Activity Center of the Glorietta 2 in Makati City. At 5 p.m. on that day, there will be a free four-hour concert that will feature pop and alternative rock artists to draw attention to current efforts to revive Manila Bay, and major rivers and creeks in Metro Manila. On March 19, the EMB will hold an on-the-spot poster-making contest for elementary and high school students at the SM North EDSA, while their teachers undergo a Water Education workshop at the Air Quality Training Center inside the DENR compound in Quezon City. On the same day, employees of the Laguna Lake Development Authority will lead tree-planting activities in Antipolo City and Taytay, Rizal. They will also hold a river clean-up in the nearby towns of San Mateo and Rodriguez the following day. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, led by its chairperson Gina Lopez, will conduct an “estero tour” featuring the rehabilitated Estero de Aviles in San Miguel, Manila on March 20. Employees of the DENR and Maynilad will hold a “Plant for Life” mangrove tree-planting activity along Cavite shores on March 18 in Bacoor and March 20 in Kawit. The DENR will also host “Water is Power” lecture series in selected schools in Pateros and the cities of Quezon, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, and Taguig from March 18 to 20. All activities will culminate on March 21 at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia, where a two-kilometer walk will be held outside to raise awareness on various water-related issues. The celebration of March 22 as “World Day for Water” was declared in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly. This year’s international theme is “Water and Energy.” |
Cascading of AO 2 series of 2014 for farmer lessees and owner lessors of coconut lands in selected regions |
Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph |
As a timely response, the Department of Agrarian Reform issued Administrative Order No.2 series of 2014, entitled, “Rules and Regulations on Leasehold Operations in Tenanted Coconut Lands Affected by Fortuitous Events, Natural Disasters or Calamities”. This AO was intended to protect the farmers in tenanted coconut lands that have been hit by calamities (such as Typhoon Yolanda). From March 10-15, 2014, a cascading activity of Administrative Order No. 2 Series of 2014 was conducted in Ormoc City for DAR VIII’s regional, provincial and municipal staff who will in turn act as subject matter experts (SMEs) and conduct simultaneous “pulung-pulong” at the barangay level to be able to reach out to affected farmers and landowners within this month. The said orientation was basically about the new set of rules and regulations on leasehold operations in tenanted coconut lands that are applicable to all concerned, with or without a leasehold agreement. It also covers guidelines concerning the review and adjustment of lease rentals in tenanted coconut lands. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to popularize the AO to coconut farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders in region VIII will also be made. Given the unfortunate events brought about by Typhoon Yolanda last year, the project will also focus on improving the economic conditions of the coconut leaseholders through support services the Department can offer. The project initially focused on Region VIII so the Department came immediately to respond to stakeholders in the region which also holds the reputation of being the second highest coconut producer in the country and has a leasehold operations that covers a total of 1,626 hectares, of which, 30% are planted with coconuts as of December 2013 according to the DAR Field Operations Office. |
Agri rehab plan underway |
Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
In line with the recovery efforts of the government to help affected families of supertyphoon Yolanda, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has called for the effective implementation of a rehabilitation scheme in gravely hit areas of Region VIII. To oversee the overall implementation, he installed Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Asis Perez as team leader of the rehab initiatives. Asis is tasked to coordinate all efforts of the DA-VIII family led by officer in charge Bernadette San Juan. “The work plan will give priority and focus on the clearing operations under a Coconut Rehabilitation Plan,” Asis said. According to the plan, 390,000 trees will be cleared in 75 days to give way to the planting and intercropping of corn, camote, vegetables and other high value crops including coffee. “The actual operation is set to clear 3,900 hectares (has) of farmland which will be made available for the planting of various crops and even livestock raising,” he added. DA will be employing 520 chainsaw operators and will target 5,200 trees everyday. Clearing operations will run daily except Sundays and during the Holy Week. Yolanda, the strongest weather phenomenon of 2013 which hit the provinces of Samar and Leyte in November of last year, uprooted five million trees and left a significant number unproductive. San Juan said that under the plan, 200,000 coco seedlings will be replanted and 75,000 standing trees will be fertilized. “We will also undertake land preparation activities to about 800 has of land for intercropping,” she said. “Once the land is ready, rehabilitation efforts will focus on the planting of corn seeds, camote and coffee.” Alcala was in Tacloban City early this month to assess the ongoing initiatives of the government with Director General Jose Graziano da Silva of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The two food agency heads visited a rice farm in Basey, Samar expected to harvest by end-April or early May. “It was fortunate that we, together with the FAO and other international organizations, were able to provide certified seeds last December, and the farmers’ were able to catch up for the cropping season,” Alcala said. Government efforts are now focused on providing livelihood to affected farmers and helping them get back on their feet. |
PDIC to continue processing claims of Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (Isabela) depositors |
Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that it will continue to receive and process deposit insurance claims from depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (Isabela), Inc. at the PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City. Claims may also be filed through mail. PDIC has already concluded the on-site claims settlement operations for the closed Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes last February 21, 2014. PDIC sent notices of payment amounting to P3.5 million involving 766 accounts with balances of P50,000 and below where the filing of claim is waived by PDIC. Meanwhile, PDIC paid 286 claims during the on-site claims settlement operations involving 246 accounts for a total amount of P51.01 million deposits. As of February 21, 2014, PDIC has yet to receive deposit insurance claims for 197 accounts, or 16% out of 1,253 accounts that require the filing of claims. The total amount of deposits covered by these outstanding accounts is P7.32 million. When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original evidence of deposit, and two (2) original valid photo-bearing IDs with signature of the depositor. Depositors may also file their claims through mail and enclose the same set of document requirements. Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA). In the case of a minor depositor, the SPA must be executed by the parent. The procedures and requirements for filing deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes is on February 10, 2016. After said date, PDIC, as Deposit Insurer, shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim. For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342). |
Sailing through the boats of hope |
Source: Career Executive Service Board |
Purok Daisy, Poblacion, Boston. After surviving the onslaught of super typhoon Pablo in December 2012, 10 families in this coastal are a in Davao Oriental are set to sail the sea of life fully equipped and inspired as they received from the National Union of Career Executive Service Officers, Inc. (NUCESO), new units of motorized fishing boats for their livelihood. In a simple turn-over ceremony held on March 6, 2014, NUCESO National President and Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza led the turn-over of the 10 motorboats, each of which was blessed by Reverend Father Diomedes N. Lagroma of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish. Mr. Ernesto S. Crayo expressed his message of thanks in behalf of the nine other beneficiaries, namely Victor Rosit, Jerry Talolong, Sherwin Amparo, Anonncio Cotic, Melvin Badang, Eulogio Castres, Arian Mandong, Edgar Santos, and Markneil Certicio. Also present in the event were NUCESO Executive Board members , namely, Department of Transportation and Communications Assistant Secretary Dante m. Lantin and Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Region I Director Joel Salvador. In December 2012, Pablo, a category 5 super typhoon, made a landfall in Davao Oriental, claiming almost a thousand of lives and destroying a total of P14.3 billion worth of properties, including the small bancas used by local fishermen in supporting their families. As part of its Community Outreach Program, the NUCESO allocated P350,000 for the construction of motorized fishing boats to help villagers restore their main source of living. With the residents of Boston ready to sail back to the sea, the NUCESO only wishes that they leave the wrath of typhoon Pablo behind, and embark on a better and sustainable life for themselves and their families. |
Monday, March 17, 2014
Presidential Communications Operations Office - Other News Online
Presidential Communications Operations Office - Other News Online
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment