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Government working to ease
burden of Metro Rail Transit users, says Palace |
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The Palace on Friday asked Metro Rail Transit (MRT) users for more patience
as the government awaits the arrival of new coaches that will ease
congestion in MRT stations.
“Humihingi po kami ng paumanhin at pang-unawa sa ating mga kababayan sa
kanilang dinaranas na sakripisyo araw-araw. Habang hinihintay ang pagdating
ng mga bagong bagon, patuloy na sisikapin ng pamahalaan na maibsan ang
problemang ito,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary
Herminio Coloma Jr said in a statement he read during a press briefing in
Malacanang.
Coloma was responding to criticisms by MRT users on the long queues of
passengers, especially at the North Avenue station and the EDSA -Taft Avenue
station.
He said he has received some suggestions from users of the MRT prepaid card
on how to improve train service.
One of the suggestions, he said, is to allow passenger turnaround. According
to the suggestion, passengers going north to Quezon City could board at the
Buendia and Ayala stations, or those going south could board at the GMA
station and be allowed to turn around.
The suggestion noted that the MRT management had allowed the turnaround of
passengers in the past, and implementing it again, even for just one hour
during peak hours in the morning and evening, would ease the long queues in
the stations.
Another suggestion is to give the MRT maintenance contractor performance
targets, in the hope of increasing the number of train coaches, he said.
Coloma promised to forward the suggestions to the DOTC-MRT-3.
According to the latest information from the Transportation Department, new
coaches for the MRT could be operational next year. PND (as) |
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Power restored in 25 remote barangays in
Davao Oriental, says Palace |
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Power has been restored in 25 remote barangays in
Davao Oriental which have been left without electricity since December 2012
in the aftermath of typhoon Pablo, a palace official said Friday.
The 25 barangays are from the municipalities of Cateel, Boston and Banganga
in Davao Oriental, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary
Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
Coloma said that according to the National Electrification Administration (NEA),
the construction of power lines began last March 3 and was completed on
March 29.
Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla last February 26 promised the full
restoration of power in the 25 barangays within 45 days.
Coloma said Petilla has accomplished his promise earlier than expected. PND
(ag) |
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Government eyes start of mass transport
projects within President Aquino’s term |
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The government hopes to jump-start a number of Metro
Rail Transit (MRT) projects within the term of President Aquino to ensure a
more efficient transport system in Metro Manila, a Palace official said on
Friday.“Sisikapin ng administrasyong ito na
masimulan iyan. Mayroon kasi tayong obligasyon sa lahat ng mga darating na
henerasyon na gawin ‘yung nararapat sa panahon ng ating panunungkulan,”
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.
said in a press briefing.
“Kahit naman hindi matapos sa panahon natin,
obligasyon pa rin natin na paghandaan ‘yung mga pangangailangan sa
kinabukasan.”
Coloma said the Aquino administration acknowledges
the need for an efficient and effective mass transport system to enhance the
economic activities of the country, especially in Metro Manila.
Among the projects that are already in the pipeline
is the MRT-7, which will run from North Avenue, Quezon City to San Jose del
Monte, Bulacan, he said.
Another is the extension of MRT Line 1 and the
addition of coaches to anticipate the growing number of MRT users, he added.
Coloma said the construction of these major infrastructure projects will be
done through public-private partnership (PPP).
He earlier appealed to commuters to have more
patience as the government works on improving the services of the MRT.
He said additional train coaches will be made available next year.
A few weeks ago, the government reopened a ferry
service along the Pasig River as it begins construction of major
infrastructure projects in the city, which could result in traffic
congestions. PND (as) |
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DFA to Resume Normal Passport Releasing Schedule After Successful
Maintenance of E-Passport System |
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Source:
https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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12 April 2014 –
After the successful maintenance of the e-Passport system that
started last April 1, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) wishes
to inform the public of the resumption of the normal passport
issuing schedules beginning on 15 April 2014:
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PASSPORT ISSUANCE DATES
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Regular Processing
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Express Processing
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DFA-Aseana (Office of Consular Affairs)
at Aseana Center, Bradco corner Macapagal Ave, Parañaque
City
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15 Working Days
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7 Working Days
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Satellite Offices
(at SM Megamall, SM Manila, Metro Mall Alabang, Robinsons
Galleria and Ali Mall)
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15 Working Days
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7 Working Days
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Regional Consular Offices (RCOs)
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20 Working Days
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10 Working Days
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Foreign Service Posts
(Philippine Embassies and Consulates General)
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3-4 Weeks
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The DFA
assures the public that those with urgent travel needs due to
emergency reasons (medical emergencies, death in the family, work)
could still avail of early release of their passports as long as
they present documentary proof (valid employment contract processed
by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or Philippine
Overseas Labor Office, medical certificate, death certificate) of
their emergency situation in order for DFA personnel to effectively
assist them and address their concerns.
The DFA thanks the public for its understanding and cooperation
during the duration of the e-Passport maintenance period.
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DSWD supports forum on child and teen
pregnancy |
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Source:
https://www.dswd.gov.ph |
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DSWD
Undersecretary Florita R. Villar discusses the issue of adolescent
pregnancy during the Forum on Child and Adolescent Pregnancy.
In its efforts to strengthen advocacy and partnership with
stakeholders to address the problem of teenage pregnancy in the
country, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), an attached
agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
hosted a Policy Forum on Child and Adolescent Pregnancy on April 11,
2014 at Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel, Pasig City.
The event was highlighted by the presentation of the Study on Child
and Adolescent Pregnancy by Dr. Emma Alesna-Llanto of Kalusugan ng
Mag-ina, Inc., a partner non-government organization (NGO) of CWC.
Other resource speakers include Department of Health Undersecretary
Janette L. Garin, Department of Education Undersecretary Alberto
Muyot, Dr. Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang of the Psychological Services
for Well-being, Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, Inc. Executive Director
Rosario dela Rosa, May Fabros of Woman Health Philippines and
Jonalyn Bren of National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC)-Children
Basic Sector.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that teen pregnancy is
an issue that girl-children continue to contend with.
“Despite the advocacy efforts in the past, data still shows an
increasing rate of teenage pregnancy. All sectors, therefore, need
to work harder to address this problem,” Sec. Soliman stated.
Sec. Soliman added that it is important to hear from the experts and
child group advocates their recent studies, perspectives, and
recommendations on how we can solve the problem on child and
adolescent pregnancy in the country.
The policy forum which is part of this year’s celebration of the
Girl-Child Week pursuant to Proclamation No. 759 issued in 2006, was
participated in by policy makers, representatives of government and
non-government agencies, academe and local government units.
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DepEd leads commencement exercises in
Zambo siege-affected schools |
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Source:
https://www.deped.gov.ph |
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Zamboanga City
– The Department of Education’s Division of Zamboanga City
celebrates this school year’s graduation in the areas hit by the
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) siege last September 2013.
In the message for the graduates read by School Division
Superintendent (SDS) Pedro Melchor Natividad, Education Secretary
Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said, “Today is a testimony to the enduring
and resilient Filipino spirit, to our ability to stand up again and
conquer the odds, to our innate optimism to see the light at the end
of the tunnel.” He added, “We have proven that we can surmount any
adversity by sharing our light with each other in times of darkness
-- both figuratively and literally.”
Luistro reminded the Zambo graduates to let the "past year’s
sacrifices be a constant reminder and a source of strength that will
propel each of them to achieve more for others and the country in
spite of the obstacles that will stand in the way." Natividad also
recounted the challenges faced by students, parents, teachers, and
education officials in finding alternative venues to hold classes.
Included in the affected schools were Mariki Elementary School, Sta.
Barbara Central School, and Rio Hondo Elementary School. Almost 500
students have graduated from the three schools, all of which were
critically hit by the skirmish between the armed forces and the
rebel groups.
Luistro said, “The country has been through a lot of disasters, some
caused by nature and some caused by man. And today, we do not only
prove our capacities, we also show that the lives which had been
laid down for the love of education will not be left unrecognized.
This graduation, amid the looming problems in the Philippines, is a
testimony of our dedication to change our country."
Some of those included in the list for graduation continued the rest
of their school year in other schools, after being displaced because
of the siege. Mariki ES students have been holding classes at the
Zamboanga City State Polytechnic University since their area has
been declared off limits. Their graduation ceremonies were held at
the Polytechnic as well.
Among the schools affected by the armed conflict, Sta. Barbara CS
was the hardest-hit school, with its campus still riddled with
bullet holes. Their classes were completed at the Division training
center and the graduation rites held at Centro Latino events venue.
Rio Hondo ES was the least critical of the three, with the school
grounds still intact. Students had been accounted for, although some
might need to undergo summer enhancement programs to complete basic
competencies needed for grade 7.
“Alam kong kakayanin nating lahat ito sapagkat hindi natitinag ang
pusong Pilipino,” Luistro said upon closing his message.
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PHL Embassy in Beijing reminds Filipinos
in China to comply with Visa conditions |
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Source:
https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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11 April 2014 –
The Philippine Embassy in Beijing has initiated an information
campaign reminding all Filipinos in China to observe and comply with
the conditions and restrictions of their visas to avoid arrest,
prosecution, detention, deportation and eventually blacklisting in
their host country.
The campaign was a response to the new report that about 200
foreigners were expelled from China in 2013. Out of this number, 48
or 24% are Filipinos.
The Filipinos were apprehended and detained for holding spurious
Chinese visas or forged passports, working without proper employment
visas and permits, assuming false identity, and overstaying in the
country. Some were arrested for illegally entering China then using
it as jumping-off point for travel to other countries.
The information campaign aims to increase the Filipinos’ awareness
of Chinese immigration policies, particularly rules for foreigners
entering the country on a visitor or tourist visa.
The salient points of the campign are as follows:
Filipinos should respect the laws of China and observe the
restrictions of their visas. If their visa is for tourism purposes
only, they should not engage in any employment without proper visa
or permit, whether they are compensated or not.
They should not be involved in any unlawful activities or criminal
acts, such as illegal drugs trade and prostitution.
They should return to the Philippines on or before the expiry of
their authorized period of stay in China to avoid violating
immigration and labor regulations of that country. |
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Embassy brings Filipinos in America closer to
home with launching of ‘Radyo Tambuli’ |
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Source:
https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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11 April 2014 -
The Philippine Embassy is bringing Filipinos in the United States
closer to home with the launching this week of its virtual radio
station that allows it to deliver news, music, and other information
to mobile phones.
With Radyo Tambuli, the Embassy hopes to reach out to the more than
3.4 million members of the Filipino-American community throughout
the US using an innovative call-to-listen platform developed by
AudioNow, a Washington-based company.
“We hope that with Radyo Tambuli, we would be able to bridge the
distance between the Philippines and our kababayans here in the
United States who are hungry for news about home,” Minister and
Consul General Ariel Peñaranda said at the launching of Radyo
Tambuli during the Talakayan sa Pasuguan on Tuesday.
Consul General Peñaranda said Radyo Tambuli was conceived and
developed by the Embassy in cooperation with AudioNow, which owns
and operates the world’s largest call-to-listen platform. He said
Radyo Tambuli is also in line with the desire of Ambassador Jose L.
Cuisia, Jr. to further reach out to Filipino-Americans and reconnect
them with the Philippines.
Consul General Peñaranda said Radyo Tambuli, which can be accessed
by calling 415-638-5777 from any mobile phone or landline, would
allow callers to hear the latest news about the Philippines,
original Pilipino music and discussions on pressing issues and even
participate in opinion surveys.
“Radyo Tambuli is part of AudioNow's social mission to help connect
the diaspora to news, information and entertainment from sources
they trust,” says AudioNow Chief Executive Officer Elan Blutinger.
“We congratulate the Philippine Embassy for taking the lead as the
very first embassy to use call-to-listen radio,” Blutinger said. “As
such, Radyo Tambuli introduces a brand new way to conduct public
diplomacy in an age where more and more people heavily rely on their
mobile phones to stay connected.”
"The Embassy of the Philippines has been a great catalyst in
organizing the local community, connecting Filipinos and providing
resources,” he added. “We are proud to help the Embassy extend its
reach and its impact in the United States.”
Blutinger said no smartphone or data plan is needed to call Radyo
Tambuli and there is no incremental charge for the call, beyond any
charge for using voice minutes. He said listeners may call from any
phone, including a basic feature phone and a landline.
Although most mobile phone subscribers in the US have unlimited
airtime, Blutinger advised listeners to check their voice plans to
understand if and when they have unlimited minutes and when charges
may apply.
Blutinger said with Radyo Tambuli, the Philippine Embassy joins
AudioNow’s more than 1,600 broadcast partners around the world that
include the United Nations, BBC, RFI, Voice of America, Entravision,
C-SPAN and IMG College.
Established in 2008, AudioNow extends the reach of radio by
connecting mobile listeners to their favorite radio stations through
a simple telephone call. The AudioNow platform uses proprietary “HD”
voice design and patent-pending technology that serves all mobile
platforms.
Last year alone, Blutinger said AudioNow delivered 2 billion
listening minutes to its broadcast partners, in 76 different
languages and connected users 84 million times to its platform. |
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BSP rediscount rates for April 2014 and availments
as of March 2014 |
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Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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The BSP
announced today the rediscount rates applicable on loan availments
by banking institutions for April 2014 and availments as of March
2014.For loans under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the rediscount
rates effective 15 November 2013 up to the next policy rates
revision are as follows:
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Loan Maturity
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Rate (%)
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RW I 1
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RW II
2
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30 days
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5.6250
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3.5000
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90 days
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5.6875
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3.5000
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180 days
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5.7500
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3.5625
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360 days
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n/a
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3.6250
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The Peso
rediscount rates for RW I and RW II are based on the applicable BSP
one-month repurchase rate and overnight reverse repurchase rate,
respectively, plus term premia for longer maturities per Circular
No. 806 dated 15 August 2013.
Meanwhile, for loans under the Exporters Dollar and Yen
Rediscount Facility (EDYRF), the rates for the month of April are as
follows:
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Loan Maturity
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Rate (%)
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Dollar
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Yen
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1-90 days
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2.23060
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2.13643
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91-180 days
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2.29310
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2.19893
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181-360 days
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2.35560
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2.26143
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The EDYRF rates are based on the respective 90-day London Inter-Bank
Offered Rate (LIBOR) as of 31 March 2014 plus 200 basis points plus
term premia for longer maturities pursuant to Circular No. 807 dated
15 August 2013.
Under the
Peso Rediscount Facility, total availments of thrift and rural banks
amounted to P412 million for the period 01 January to 31 March 2014,
96.3 percent lower than the P10,987 million total in the same period
last year. Of the availments for the period, 74.2 percent went to
commercial credits, 3.8 percent to agricultural and industrial
credits, and 22.0 percent to other credits consisting of permanent
working capital (9.9 percent), other services (7.8 percent), CAPEX
(2.5 percent), and housing (1.8 percent).
Under the EDYRF, aggregate dollar availments of a universal bank
and a thrift bank for the period 01 January to 31 March 2014
amounted to US$1.9 million and benefitted two exporters. This
represents a 95.9 percent decrease in availments compared to the
US$46.1 million grants for the same period last year.
On the other hand, there was no Yen-denominated availment under
the EDYRF for the period 01 January to 31 March 2014. |
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Foreign Direct Investments Inflows reach US$1
billion in January 2014 |
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Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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Net foreign
direct investment (FDI) inflows rose by 5.3 percent to US$1 billion
in January 2014, reversing the 7.9 percent decline recorded during
the same period last year. This developed as investments in debt
instruments and equity capital registered higher net inflows during
the month despite the observed reversal in foreign portfolio
investments. 1, 2 In particular,
non-residents’ net placements in debt instruments issued by their
local affiliates increased by 7.3 percent to US$687 million,
accounting for about 67 percent of the FDI in January 2014. This
was due to the continued lending of parent companies abroad to their
local affiliates to fund existing operations and the expansion of
their businesses in the country, an indication of sustained
confidence in the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals.In
addition, net equity capital inflows likewise rose by 10.5 percent
to US$278 million in January 2014 from US$252 million posted during
the same period last year. In particular, gross placements of
equity capital of US$361 million more than offset withdrawals of
US$83 million recorded during the month. The bulk of gross equity
capital placements—which originated mainly from Hong Kong, the
United States, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom—were
channeled mainly to financial and insurance; wholesale and retail
trade; real estate; manufacturing and information and communication
activities. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings reached US$62
million in January 2014.
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1
The BSP adopted the Balance of
Payments, 6th edition (BPM6) compilation framework effective 22
March 2013 with the release of the full-year 2012 and revised 2011
BOP statistics. On 21 March 2014, the BSP released the BPM6-based
series from 2005-2013. The major change in FDI compilation is the
adoption of the asset and liability principle, where claims of
non-resident direct investment enterprises from resident direct
investors are now presented as reverse investment under net
incurrence of liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the
Philippines (previously presented in the Balance of Payments Manual,
5th edition (BPM5) as negative entry under assets/residents’
investments abroad). Conversely, claims of resident direct
investment enterprises from foreign direct investors are now
presented as reverse investment under net acquisition of financial
assets/residents’ investments abroad (previously presented as
negative entry under liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the
Philippines).
2 BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment
inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment
of earnings, and borrowings between affiliates. In contrast to
investment data from other government sources, the BSP’s FDI data
include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at
least 10 percent. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion
Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold and
include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of
the domestic company. Furthermore, the BSP’s FDI data are presented
in net terms (i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals),
while the IPAs’ FDI do not account for equity withdrawals. |
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DPWH restricts Quezon Bridge in Quiapo to light
vehicles |
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Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
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Access to
Quezon Bridge is limited to light vehicles as recommended by the
Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region
following engineers inspection conducted after fire broke out early
yesterday morning (April 10, 2014) in Quiapo, Manila.
Secretary Rogelio L. Singson ordered the checking of Quezon bridge
structural integrity after shanties below the bridge were burned.
With further assessment to bridge structure components being done,
Quezon Bridge is open only to light vehicles so as not to put on
risk the lives of motorists and commuters. Stockpiling of light
vehicles at the bridge is also prohibited.
Three (3) bridges namely Ayala, Mac Arthur and Jones all crossing
Pasig River are options for affected motorists.
Meanwhile, parts of EDSA in the cities of Pasay, Makati and Quezon
City will undergo repair works beginning 10 PM of April 11, 2014
(Friday).
In an advisory from the Department of Public Works and
Highways-National Capital Region, road relocking activity will be
done at the fifth (5th) lane southbound direction of Ayala infront
of Urdaneta Village and between Pasay Road and Magallanes, and
fourth (4th) lane northbound direction before J.P. Rizal Ramp all in
Makati City.
EDSA Pasay City road works will cover the fifth (5th) lane
southbound of EDSA between Taft Avenue and Park Avenue
simultaneously with the project before the Aurora tunnel fifth (5th
lane) southbound in Quezon City. |
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DPWH readies for Holy Week, clears road
barriers |
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Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
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Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson
ordered Regional and District Offices nationwide to direct
contractors with on-going road works to clear the national highways
of barriers including idle equipment in anticipation for influx of
travellers this Holy Week.
Singson earlier directed the activation on April 13 to 19, 2014 of
the Department’s “Lakbay Alalay” Motorists Assistance Program in the
observance of the 2014 Lenten Season.
Moreover, DPWH field units were instructed to conduct road check
including the installation of directional signs, resealing of
damaged pavements, and application of thermoplastic pavement
markings before the Holy Week.
Singson cited the various on-going road activities at Manila North
Road between Carmen, Pangasinan to La Union which will greatly
affect vehicular flow for motorists headed to Ilocos and Cordillera
Regions.
Major on-going road improvement projects expected to slow down
traffic along Manila North Road are the
Urdaneta-Binalonan-Pozorrubio-Sison Section and Villasis in
Pangasinan; widening works at Km 265 to 269 in La Union; Bantay
Section in Ilocos Sur; and on-going construction of Banban and
Baruyen Bridges in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.
Also, with Baguio City as one of the most popular destinations in
the Philippines for local and foreign pilgrims and vacationers, the
on-going pavement rehabilitation works at Kennon Road particularly
at km 236+500 which is open one lane only and at Km. 238+400 will
affect mobility of motorists who are advised to take Marcos Highway.
For land travellers heading south using the Daang Maharlika (Manila
South Road), the following projects will slow down movement of Holy
Week travellers: on-going road widening works at Tabugon-Sta Elena
Section and construction of Labo, Bulala, Cabuluan and Laniton
Bridges in Camarines Norte; construction of San Jose Bridge in Pili,
Camarines Sur; Bascaran, Cabangan and Oas Diversion Bridges in Albay;
and Daang Maharlika improvement project in Sorsogon.
Volumes of vehicle utilizing the Manila North Road and Manila South
Road which form part of the Philippine Japan Friendship Highway is
usually at its peak during Holy Wednesday to Easter Sunday. |
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OF-BLGF publishes online LGU performance
scorecards for fiscal sustainability via Iskor ng ‘yong Bayan |
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Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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IN an
initiative to promote transparency and good governance at all
levels, the Department of Finance-Bureau of Local Government Finance
(DOF-BLGF) is rolling out the Local Government Unit (LGU) Fiscal
Sustainability Scorecard as a regular fiscal and financial
management performance assessment of all LGUs. This scorecard is
published online via Iskor ng ‘yong Bayan (http://iskor.blgf.gov.ph).
The LGU Fiscal Sustainability Scorecard, developed through the
Department’s Fiscal Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the BLGF, takes into
account key results areas of local revenue generation capacity,
local collection growth, expenditure management, updating of
Schedule of Market Values, and reportorial compliance of treasurers
and assessors with the DOF and BLGF. This is in line with DOF’s
mandate to supervise and monitor the revenue operations of LGUs.
The project is part of the DOF’s Transparency Initiative, which aims
to use the power of data to drive performance. The project envisions
that to improve LGU governance, increasing transparency and public
accountability, especially on the level of local treasurers and
assessors, is paramount. The LGU Fiscal Sustainability Scorecard
aims to establish a regular fiscal performance assessment of LGUs.
These scorecards are made publicly available so local treasurers and
assessors are also accountable to the public.
Using official quarterly and year-end reports submitted by all local
treasurers (through the electronic Statement of Receipts and
Expenditures [SRE]) and assessors (through the Quarterly Report on
Real Property Assessment) to the BLGF, the LGU Fiscal Sustainability
Scorecard aims to institutionalize the regular publication of fiscal
indicators and the performance review of LGUs in the spirit of
accountability and good local financial housekeeping.
The preliminary performance review for 80 provinces and 121 cities
covering 2009 to 2012 are published and available for download on
Iskor ng ‘yong Bayan. In the interest of transparency, the SRE
reports and the Schedules of Market Values used as basis in
determining real property tax are also readily available for
download through the said portal.
To learn more about the LGU Fiscal Sustainability Scorecard and
access data on your LGU, click through to the Iskor ng ‘yong Bayan
page at http://iskor.blgf.gov.ph. |
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ILS participates in DOLE-ADB RIA training |
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Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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The
Institute for Labor Studies, along with other DOLE offices and
bureaus, participated in the three-day Regulatory Impact Assessment
(RIA) Seminar Workshop conducted recently by the Asian Development
Bank (ADB) at the Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City.
The seminar workshop, was one of the components of the ADB's
technical assistance for the DOLE's Employment Facilitation for
Inclusive Growth (EFIG), aimed to train and capacitate DOLE
technical staff and employees on labor policy analysis, impact
evaluation, policy framework development and labor market governance
systems.
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz in her
keynote message at the seminar, emphasized the need for DOLE to
ensure the right balance and the quality and responsiveness of its
labor and employment regulations and policies by improving its
regulatory environment and processes.
"I hope that through this RIA, we, at the DOLE, can design a labor
and employment regulatory framework that is neither too relaxed as
to remove or impair the constitutional and legal safeguards for our
workers and employers, nor too rigid as to serve as disincentives
for our clients", the Labor Chief said.
ILS Executive Director Cynthia R. Cruz, who provided the overview of
the RIA seminar-workshop, reminded participants that its purpose is
to help capacitate the technical staff of DOLE by providing them
needed analytical skills and tools.
At the workshop, RIA specialists, experts, and consultants, such as
Kelly Bird of the ADB, Atty. Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio, Alejandra
Cox of the California State University, and Peter Phillips, also of
the ADB, discussed key and important principles and tools for
regulatory analysis.
Participants were trained on cost-benefit analysis, in measuring the
costs and impacts of labor regulations to both workers and
companies, in the long-run. Such process was applied in the
formulation of Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for each of the ten
(10) RIA areas namely: 1) Security of Tenure; 2) Apprenticeship; 3)
Overseas Employment; 4) Article 40- Positive List; 5) Employment
Insurance; 6) Productivity; 7) Public Employment Service Office
(PESO); 8) Magna Carta for Seafarers; 9) Private Recruitment and
Placement Agency (PRPA); and 10) Special Employment of Students (SPES).
The three-day training ended with the presentations of the workshop
outputs to Secretary Baldoz.
For more information on this press release please contact Ms.
Brenalyn Peji and Mr. Bryan M. Balco, Advocacy and Publications
Division, Institute for Labor Studies, Telephone Nos.
527-3490/527-3447 |
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Laoag City's new BPO company opens doors to
Ilocanos aspiring to work in the BPO sector |
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Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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Expert Global
Solutions, one of the country's largest business process outsourcing
companies, is putting up a site in Laoag City that will make room
for the employment of hundreds of Ilocanos in the IT-BPO industry.
Atty. Grace Ursua, in a report to Labor and Employment Secretary
Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, said EGS started recruiting workers
since September 2013 using the facilities of the Laoag City Public
Employment Service Office. "The EGS has conducted a series of
recruitment activities not only through the Laoag City PESO, but
also of the Ilocos Norte Provincial PESO. It has scoured schools and
private establishments to initially screen applicants for available
positions. The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has allowed the
company to use its I-Hub Center for free for the interviews and
final tests," said Ursua in her report. The DOLE's Ilocos Norte
Field Office has reported that 50 applicants had successfully passed
the training in the company’s Clark, Pampanga branch where they will
work in the meantime while preparations for the Ilocos Norte site
are underway. "For the months of January and February this year,
another 27 applicants have qualified for training," said Ursua. In
Laoag City, the starting basic salary for an entry position in EGS
is P10,000 with an additional P3,500 monthly incentive. Secretary
Baldoz lauded the DOLE regional office for its strong partnership
with the EGS, the provincial and local governments, and its other
partners, saying this new development has brought job opportunities
in the IT/BPO sector closer to job seekers applicants from the
provinces. “With the remarkable growth of the IT-BPO sector,
jobseekers, particularly from Ilocos Norte, should take advantage of
the opportunity to work in a very dynamic industry,” she said. Based
on DOLE’s Project Jobs Fit Labor Market Information 2013-2020, IT-BPO
jobs are among the most in-demand or hard-to-fill occupations.
Contrary to conventional perception that jobs in the IT-BPO industry
are limited to what is called phone and head-set type of jobs in
call centers, the industry has already diversified to include IT and
cyber-services, engineering services, and analytics. “Aside from
call center agents, other occupations in the sector include those
related to finance and accounting, human resource administration,
data transcription, animation, digital content/game development,
software development, engineering development, among others," Baldoz
added. |
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61 Eastern Visayas towns get P215 M for
Water Supply projects Roxas |
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Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
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A total
of 61 municipalities in Eastern Visayas will receive some P215
million worth of infrastructure projects under two water supply
projects to be implemented by the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) this year.
Eastern Visayas, particularly Leyte, was one of the worst affected
areas when Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan)
struck Central Philippines in the last quarter of 2013. The
government is currently stepping up rehabilitation and recovery
efforts in a total of 71 municipalities affected by the supertyphoon.
However, the region remains one of the poorest in the country, with
access to water and sanitation being one of the major concerns.
DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said the DILG Region 8 (Eastern Visayas)
Office has been directed to fast track the implementation of the
projects.
He said providing people in Western Visayas access to water and
sanitation demonstrates the Aquino administration’s commitment to
alleviate poverty and pursue the United Nation’s Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), particularly Target 7C of MDG Goal No. 7
which aims to halve by 2015 the number of people with no access to
safe, drinking water.
According to Roxas, a total of 59 towns will get a total of P197.87
million under the Grassroots Participatory Budget Process – Water
Supply Project (GPBP). GPBP was formerly known as Bottom Up
Budgeting or BUB.
These include 11 municipalities in Samar, 14 in Northern Samar, 11
in Eastern Samar, four in Southern Leyte, 16 in Leyte and three in
Biliran.
Meanwhile, under the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat or
SalinTubig Program, a total of P18 million has been allocated for
2014, with Mapares town in Northern Samar and Villareal town in
Samar province getting P9 million each.
According to Roxas, the implementation of these projects is unique
in the sense that the projects, which involve the construction of
facilities for potable water supply in various communities, have
been identified as top priority, through a consultative process by
people in the communities.
“Sa ilalim ng Grassroots Participatory Budget Process, ang tao mismo
ang nagsabi na tubig ang kailangan nila, kaya tubig ang proyekto na
binuo ngayong taon,” Roxas said.
The DILG chief said many areas in the region had remained
“waterless” even before the supertyphoon struck last year.
He stated that under the Aquino administration’s “Tuwid na Daan”
policy, projects, and programs are designed for inclusive growth,
with people in communities themselves taking part in the planning,
as well as budgeting process, to ensure that the projects will be
completed with transparency and accountability to ensure that these
benefit the people, first and foremost.
“Mula sa pag-plano, hanggang sa pag-laan ng pondo at sa pagpapatupad
at pagmentena ng mga proyektong ito, ang mga benepisyaryo ay hindi
bibitaw sa ating mga ipapatupad na proyekto. Ito ang kontrata ni
Pang. P-Noy. Ipanatutupad na po natin,” Roxas said.
The government has been implementing various water supply projects
in Eastern Visayas.
In 2012, the government allocated P99 million under the SalinTubig
Program. Under the same program the following year, a total of
P30.28 million had been allocated, plus P81.13 million under the
GPBP. |
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DTI warns businesses against individuals
soliciting on behalf of the agency |
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Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
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The Department
of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (DTI-PSB)
received reports recently that certain individuals, such as a
certain Mr. Antonio Reyes, are soliciting financial assistance on
behalf of Undersecretary Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba of the Consumer
Protection Group (CPG) and concurrent Officer-in-Charge of PSB
purportedly as a fund raising activity to help calamity victims.
The DTI-PSB strongly denies doing the said act of solicitation and
said that they are not involved in such activity. Undersecretary
Dimagiba emphasizes, “As a government official and as an office, we
are not allowed to solicit cash and goods from any individual or
entity. There is a proper government agency mandated to look after
the welfare of calamity victims.”
The public, particularly the DTI-accredited freight forwarders, are
warned to be guarded in dealing with this kind of fraud, to which a
similar incident was reported last January 2014.
The DTI enjoins freight forwarders and consumers to immediately
report such incident to PSB at (632) 751.3304 or call DTI Direct
(632) 751.3330 and 0917.8343330 for assistance. |
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HR industry gears for 2015 ASEAN integration |
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Source:
http://excell.csc.gov.ph |
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The Civil
Service Commission (CSC), with the support of the Australian
Government through the Philippines–Australia Human Resource and
Organisational Development Facility (PAHRODF), will hold the 2014
Human Resource Symposium on April 24 to 25 in Cebu City.
Over a thousand public and private HR practitioners will gather for
the symposium with the theme “Gearing toward ASEAN Integration
through Strategic HR.”
International and local HR experts shall hold learning sessions on
strategic HR, employee competencies, coaching as a powerful tool in
developing the global leader, change management, knowledge
management, human capital factor in transforming public
organizations, talent management, and building personal
effectiveness through neuro-linguistic programming.
Registration for the HR Symposium ends on April 11. Interested
participants may register online at www.csc.gov.ph/hr.
For more details, contact Ms. Bobot Atanacio or Ms. Matet Diño of
the Civil Service Institute at (02) 931-4182. |
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PH exports sustain robust growth in Feb.
2014 |
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Source:
http://www.neda.gov.ph |
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MANILA –
Merchandise exports expanded by 24.4 percent in February 2014, owing
to growth across all major commodity groups and the significant
recovery in manufactured products, according to the National
Economic and Development Authority.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the
value of merchandise exports grew to US$4.7 billion in February 2014
from US$3.7 billion in the same period last year.
“Compared to the manufacture-driven growth in January 2014, the
export performance in February 2014 was more broad-based as all
major commodity groups registered gains,” said NEDA Office-In-Charge
(OIC) and Deputy Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra.
Export earnings from manufactured goods posted a year-on-year growth
of 22.4 percent, up to US$3.9 billion this month from US$3.2 billion
in February 2013. This is due to significant revenues from
electronic products wood manufactures, chemicals, electronic
equipment and parts, processed food beverages, furniture and
fixtures, non-metallic mineral manufactures, travel goods and
handbags, baby carriage and toys, iron and steel, textile yarns and
fabrics, and footwear.
“Manufactures continue to be a significant driver of export growth
in February, supported by higher overseas sales of minerals, total
agro-based products, petroleum, and forest products,” the NEDA
official added.
Mineral products registered export earnings amounting to US$237.3
million in February 2014, up by 139.9 percent from US$98.9 million
last year due to higher revenues from copper concentrates, gold and
chromium ore.
On a higher note, the two-month contraction of agro-based exports
since December 2013 loosened as export earnings rose to US$408.0
million from US$343.9 million in February 2013, posting a
year-on-year growth of 18.7 percent.
“This strong recovery is largely due to the robust exportation of
fish products and higher prices of coconut products in the export
market,” said Esguerra.
The total receipts from petroleum products also expanded from
US$28.5 million in February 2013 to US$31.8 million despite the 5.7
year-on-year decline in export volume.
“The higher outward sales may be attributed to the elevated price of
petroleum in the international market,” he said.
Meanwhile, annual export gains from forest products advanced to 13.6
percent due to higher revenues from lumber and veneer sheets/corestocks.
“Most of the selected economies in the East and Southeast Asian
region posted positive export growth rates in February 2014, led by
Vietnam and the Philippines,” Esguerra said.
Japan remains as the top destination of Philippine exports in
February 2014, with a total value of US$1.2 billion, accounting for
25.4 percent of our country’s total revenues from merchandise
exports.
The People’s Republic of China follows with a 14.7 percent share
after the country’s outward shipments of electronic data processing
(EDP) machines, semiconductors and chemicals grew by a hefty 79.3
percent in February.
Other top markets for Philippine exports were USA (13.4%), Hong Kong
(7.0%), Singapore (6.7%), and South Korea (4.5%).
DDG Esguerra is the OIC of the NEDA Secretariat while Economic
Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan is on official business
abroad from April 10 to 18, 2014. |
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With or without El Niño, Agri Department
readies interventions |
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Source:
http://www.da.gov.ph |
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The Department
of Agriculture is ready to carry out cloud seeding operations to
induce rain over areas that have not received a rainfall for at
least one week as part of its proactive strategy against a feared
protracted dry spell, even as the country’s weather bureau said it’s
too early to tell the occurrence of El Niño phenomenon this year.
With the country now within the summer season, Agriculture Secretary
Proceso Alcala said he has instructed all the Department’s regional
field offices nationwide to monitor and immediately coordinate with
the Bureau of Soils and Management (BSWM) any lack of rainfall for
seven to ten days in areas under their respective jurisdiction so
the Bureau could mobilize its cloud seeding team in a timely manner.
In fact, as early as mid-March, BSWM has completed 15 sorties
equivalent to 17 flying hours across the rain-deprived
municipalities of Aglipay, Maddela and Nagtipunan, as well as over
Magat Watershed areas. The DA Regional Field Unit II reported said
sorties helped induce rain showers and prevented damage on some
4,155 hectares of corn farms around the province, of which 3,490
hectares are in reproductive stage and 665 hectares in vegetative
stage.
BSWM is an attached agency of DA tasked to undertake cloud seeding
sorties to induce rain above drought-affected farming communities.
“We are taking a proactive stance against the threat of a long dry
spell even as PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration) is saying El Niño is not yet
in sight,” said Secretary Alcala in an interview on a local
television program in General Santos City on Friday.
Apart from cloud seeding operations, the Department also readies
other interventions such as the provision of with shallow tube wells
and drought-tolerant crop varieties to farmers in any part of the
country that will be affected by dry spell episodes.
As part of long-term measures, DA has likewise increased its
investments in the repair, rehabilitation and construction of new
irrigation systems, as well as in the establishment of small water
impounding facilities, to help guarantee agricultural water even
during dry months. From 2011 to end-December 2013, the National
Irrigation Administration (NIA) said it has generated 128,242
hectares of new areas, restored 90,851 hectares and rehabilitated
453,636 hectares. NIA aims to expand total irrigated lands to 1.9
million hectares by 2016, from current 1.67 million hectares.
PAGASA has yet to issue a formal advisory on the occurrence of El
Niño except for precautionary verbal warnings, as quoted in several
media reports.
Global weather authorities are likewise cautious at this point in
time to declare such a phenomenon happening this year. In its latest
monthly advisory released in March, the National Prediction Service
of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NPS-NOAA)
said there is “50% chance of El Niño developing during the summer or
fall (July, August, and September).” NPS-NOAA is expected to issue
its April update anytime soon. “ENSO-neutral is expected to continue
through the Northern Hemisphere spring 2014, with about a 50% chance
of El Niño developing during the summer or fall,” the agency said in
its website.
ENSO-neutral refers to those periods when neither El Niño nor La
Niña or the "cold" equivalent of El Niño is present.
El Niño is a warming of sea-surface temperatures in the equatorial
Pacific that occurs every four to 12 years. The worst El Niño
episode the country ever experienced was in 1997-1998, when more
than P8 billion worth of crops was destroyed. ( |
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Schedule of initial registration for new
Medical Technologist |
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Source:
http://www.prc.gov.ph |
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Manila, April
10, 2014 -- The Professional Regulation Commission hereby informs
all those who passed the March 2014 Medical Technologists Licensure
Exam (Manila passers) of the schedule of their initial registration
at the PRC-Registration Division (PRC Main Building, Manila):
APRIL 14
(Monday) |
ABACAN, REMY JOY
GUTIERREZ |
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DURON, JESSIAH JANE
SELIGBON |
APRIL 15
(Tuesday) |
EBUENGA, STEFFI
BERNADETTE E. |
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NUÑEZ, RUSELA MARIDITH
S. |
APRIL 16
(Wednesday) |
OBERIO, LEONARD SACAY
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ZANTUA, VINCENT NOGA |
Registrants
are advised to download the Oath Forms
HERE and to
bring their duly accomplished Oath Forms during their schedule for
registration. Registrants are also advised to strictly observe the
schedule for initial registration to avoid any inconvenience.
Underage passers shall register on or after their 21st birthday.
The certificates of registration and professional identification
cards will be distributed during the oath-taking ceremonies. |
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