24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at : 5:00 AM 15 April 2014
Synopsis: at 4:00 AM today, the low pressure area (lpa) was estimated based on all available data at 60 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (10.9ºN, 126.3ºE).
Issued at : 5:00 AM 15 April 2014
Synopsis: at 4:00 AM today, the low pressure area (lpa) was estimated based on all available data at 60 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (10.9ºN, 126.3ºE).
Forecast :
Visayas will have cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains
and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Bicol
region, MIMAROPA, Northern Mindanao and Davao region will experience
cloudy skies with scattered light to moderate rainshowers and
thunderstorms. Metro manila and the rest of the country will be partly
cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in
the afternoon or evening.
Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the northeast to northwest will prevail over the northern and eastern sections of Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast to west with slight to moderate seas.
Pagtaya: Ang kabisayaan ay magkakaroon ng maulap na kalangitan na may katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay malakas na pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog na maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa. Ang kabikulan, MIMAROPA, hilagang mindanao at ang rehiyon ng davao ay makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan na may kalat-kalat na mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog. Ang metro manila at nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na may pulu-pulong pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi.
Katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay malakas na hangin mula sa hilagang-silangan hanggang hilagang-kanluran ang iiral sa silangang bahagi ng luzon at kabisayaan at ang baybaying dagat sa mga lugar nito ay magiging katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay maalon. Sa ibang dako, ang hangin ay mahina hanggang sa katamtaman mula sa hilagang-silangan hanggang kanluran na may banayad hanggang sa katamtamang pag-alon ng karagatan.
Over Metro Manila:
Maximum Temperature: 1:50 PM Today --- 34.5 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Today --- 24.5 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Today --- 84 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 11:00 AM Today --- 48 %
High Tide Today: 10:10 PM …..……….. 0.78 Meter
Low Tide Today: 4:52 AM …..……….. 0.03 Meter
High Tide Today: 11:13 PM …..……….. 0.58 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 3:57 PM …..……….. 0.28 Meter
Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:42 AM
Sunset Tomorrow: 6:10 PM
Moonset Tomorrow: 5:26 PM
Moonrise Tomorrow: 6:12 AM
Illumination Tomorrow: 100 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877
or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph
Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the northeast to northwest will prevail over the northern and eastern sections of Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast to west with slight to moderate seas.
Pagtaya: Ang kabisayaan ay magkakaroon ng maulap na kalangitan na may katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay malakas na pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog na maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa. Ang kabikulan, MIMAROPA, hilagang mindanao at ang rehiyon ng davao ay makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan na may kalat-kalat na mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog. Ang metro manila at nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na may pulu-pulong pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi.
Katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay malakas na hangin mula sa hilagang-silangan hanggang hilagang-kanluran ang iiral sa silangang bahagi ng luzon at kabisayaan at ang baybaying dagat sa mga lugar nito ay magiging katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay maalon. Sa ibang dako, ang hangin ay mahina hanggang sa katamtaman mula sa hilagang-silangan hanggang kanluran na may banayad hanggang sa katamtamang pag-alon ng karagatan.
Over Metro Manila:
Maximum Temperature: 1:50 PM Today --- 34.5 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Today --- 24.5 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Today --- 84 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 11:00 AM Today --- 48 %
High Tide Today: 10:10 PM …..……….. 0.78 Meter
Low Tide Today: 4:52 AM …..……….. 0.03 Meter
High Tide Today: 11:13 PM …..……….. 0.58 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 3:57 PM …..……….. 0.28 Meter
Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:42 AM
Sunset Tomorrow: 6:10 PM
Moonset Tomorrow: 5:26 PM
Moonrise Tomorrow: 6:12 AM
Illumination Tomorrow: 100 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877
or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph
Weather Watch
GMA
resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Magpapaulan pa rin sa Visayas ang LPA na dating bagyong Domeng.
-Sa datos ng The Weather Company, uulanin pa rin bukas ang halos buong Visayas at ilang lugar sa Southern Luzon.
-Mahihinang ulan naman ang mararanasan sa iba pang bahagi ng Luzon at sa kalakhang Mindanao.
-Mahihinang ulan lang din ang posibleng maranasan sa Metro Manila.
-Magpapaulan pa rin sa Visayas ang LPA na dating bagyong Domeng.
-Sa datos ng The Weather Company, uulanin pa rin bukas ang halos buong Visayas at ilang lugar sa Southern Luzon.
-Mahihinang ulan naman ang mararanasan sa iba pang bahagi ng Luzon at sa kalakhang Mindanao.
-Mahihinang ulan lang din ang posibleng maranasan sa Metro Manila.
Weather Watch
April 15 , 2014 ( Tuesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Sunny
LAGUNA : Sunny
BATANGAS : Fair Weather
RIZAL : Sunny
QUEZON
: Cloudy
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
The Quezon Provincial Police Office (QPPO) has enforced police
visibility in most of the terminals, churches, malls, vital
installations and facilities, tourist spots and other places of
convergence that are vulnerable to crimes and other threats. Besides
they will secure safety of the travelers and commuters this lenten
season.
PIA-4A/LAGUNA:
International Workshop on Lake Conservation and Management was
recently held in San Pablo City. The workshop with the theme "Integrated
Lake Basin Management Heartware Cases in Asia: Learning from the
Philippine Experience" was spearheaded by the Laguna Lake Development
Authority, Int'l Lake Environment Committee Foundation and Shiga
University of Japan.
DZBB:
Tiniyak ng OWWA ang tulong sa lima pang Pinoy na tinamaan ng Middle
East respiratory syndrome coronavirus o MERS-CoV sa UAE.
PIA OFW Watch ANC: The POEA is already coordinating with the families of the OFW who died in UAE after contacting MERS-CoV.
DFA spokesman Asec. Charles Jose on DZMM:
Re: Pagpapauwi sa remains ng pumanaw na Pilipino sa UAE
-Nandoon po ngayon ang kaanak niya sa may Abu Dhabi.
-Ayon sa report ng ating embassy, nagpasya ang kaanak niya na i-cremate na lamang doon ang remains ng nasawi nating kababayan.
-Ang report ng embassy natin, ang lima nating kababayan na under quarantine ngayon ay they are doing very well, they are recovering.
Re: Pagpapauwi sa remains ng pumanaw na Pilipino sa UAE
-Nandoon po ngayon ang kaanak niya sa may Abu Dhabi.
-Ayon sa report ng ating embassy, nagpasya ang kaanak niya na i-cremate na lamang doon ang remains ng nasawi nating kababayan.
-Ang report ng embassy natin, ang lima nating kababayan na under quarantine ngayon ay they are doing very well, they are recovering.
ABS-CBN:
Kinumpirma ng DFA ang pagkamatay ng isang OFW na paramedic sa UAE dahil
sa MERS-Coronavirus. Limang Pinoy rin doon ang naka-quarantine dahil sa
posibleng pagkahawa sa nasabing sakit.
1.
DTI hones mediation
and arbitration skills; new administrative order to speed-up resolution of
consumer complaints
Friday 11th of April 2014
LUCENA CITY, Quezon,
April 11 (PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Office of Legal
Affairs (OLA) conducted a capacity-building seminar for Calabarzon’s consumer
arbitration, adjudication and mediation officers on March 28, 2013 at the DTI
Region IV-A Office in Calamba City.
The training-seminar
also discussed the provisions of the DTI’s Department Administrative Order No.
13-02, Series of 2013 (DAO 13-02: 2013), an amendment of previous
administrative orders, to assure simple and easy access on the part of the
consumers to seek redress for their complaints and grievances.
Among the DAO 13-02:
2013 notable clause is the speedy resolution of complaints, where the mediation
and adjudication period shall not exceed 30 working days, of which mediation
shall be done within 10 days while adjudication shall be completed within 20 days.
This means that
immediate action shall take place not exceeding 10 working days from the date
of filing the complaint.
Since most
complainants do not know much about laws, the rule shall be liberally
interpreted to carry out the objective of promoting just, speedy and
inexpensive resolution of cases.
“Speedy” means no
unnecessary delays but shall not be done hastily; and “inexpensive” means
simply requiring the submission of position paper.
However, when parties
of the mediation would not settle, the case will be elevated to an adjudication
or arbitration officer for decision.
During mediation, the
legal merits of the complaint are not yet discussed; instead, steps are
explored to settle the complaint.
Complaints are only
valid when it involves defective products or services; not valid in cases like
when a consumer buys a product then changes mind about the items purchased in
favor of another color, model, size, etc.
The seminar also
honed, strengthened, reinforced the skills of DTI officers that administers
mediation and arbitration in resolving consumer complaints. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI
Calabarzon / Pablito Budoy, DTI Quezon/PIA4A)
BATANGAS
1.Tagalog news: Libong deboto nakiisa sa
prayer for life and nature sa Mt. Makulot
Friday 11th of April 2014
CUENCA, Batangas,
Abril 11 (PIA) --Naging matibay na simbolo ang pulang kulay sa bayang ito noong
ika-7 ng Abril kung saan ginunita ang National Day of Prayer for Life and
Nature.
Pinamunuan ni Lipa
Archbishop Ramon Arguelles ang pamamanata kasama ang Archdiocesan
Ministry for Nature and Environment (AMEN) at humigit kumulang sa libong
deboto na nagmula sa iba’t-ibang parokya sa lalawigan.
Nakiisa ang mga deboto
upang mamanata at idulog sa nasa itaas ang kanilang mga panalangin sa
pagsuporta sa pagpapanatiling sagrado ng kalikasan at buhay sa lalawigan ng
Batangas.
Ang malawakang
pananalangin ay nag-ugat sa mga isyung kasalukuyang binabantayan ng
Simbahang Katolika. Ito ay ang isyu ukol sa pagsasabatas ng Reproductive Health
Bill at ang napipintong pagpasok ng ilang mga mining companies sa lalawigan.
Naging tampok sa
okasyon ang pag sasagawa ng prosisyon mula sa simbahan patungo sa paanan ng
Mt.Makulot upang isagawa ang isang banal na misa na sinundan ng isang pagbasa
ng posisyon ng AMEN na nagasaad ng katagang “hindi tutol sa
pag-unlad at industrialisasyon, kungdi sa anumang uri ng mapanirang ng uri ng
pagmimina ng kalikasan” na nilagdaan ng mga ibat-ibang pro environment
organizations sa lalawigan.
Matapos nito ay
isinagawa ang pagdarasal ng rosaryo pataas sa 15 Stations of the Cross sa
patungo sa Mt. Maculot Grotto bilang bahagi ng pagpapakita ng debosyon sa
Panginoon at kalikasan na pinamunuan ng Arsobispo kasama ang mga deboto at ilang
opisyal ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.
Ang aktibidad na ito
ay todong binantayan at minatyagan ng composite team na binubuo ng Provincial
Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council, Batangas PNP, Philippine
Red Cross-Batangas kasama ang mga pribadong rescue and volounteer organizations
upang siguraduhin ang kaligtasan ng bawat isang deboto na dumalo sa
nasabing okasyon. (Edwin V. Zabarte-BatangasPIO Province/PIA Batangas)
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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DZBB / Saksi sa Dobol B by Mike Enriquez
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April 14, 2014
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| MIKE: Secretary Coloma, magandang umaga po. Si Mike Enriquez po ito. SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga, Mike. MIKE: Kumusta na kayo ngayong umaga? Papaano ba itong sa MRT—sa kapakanan po ng mga hindi nakarinig o hindi pa nakaintindi ng balita, ano iyong ginawa ninyong pahayag tungkol dito sa mga sinabi ninyo tungkol sa mga pasahero sa MRT? Go ahead, Secretary. SEC. COLOMA: Unang-una, Mike, sa pagitan ng iyong palatuntunan, nais ko muling humingi ng paumanhin at pag-unawa sa ating mga kababayang araw-araw ay dumaranas nang matagal na paghihintay at nagsasakripisyo para makasakay sa ating MRT system. Nauunawaan po natin ang kanilang pinagdaraanang mga sakripisyo, at patuloy pa pong sinisikap ng ating pamahalaan na matugunan at maibsan ang suliraning ito. MIKE: Secretary, ano ba ang sabi sa inyo ng pangasiwaan ng MRT sa puntong ito? May magagawa pa ba tayo doon ho sa mga pila habang hinihintay natin iyong mga bagong bagon o talagang hanggang diyan na lang talaga ang kaya ng MRT? Para sa ganoon hindi na po umasa iyong mga pasahero at iyong taumbayan, para malaman nila iyong totoo na talagang ganyan eh. Pero ang importante lang, kumikilos ang gobyerno para masolusyunan itong problemang ito. Ano po ang lagay as of ngayon, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Mainam na nasabi mo iyan sapagka’t ang riyalidad, ang talagang epektibong solusyon diyan sa suliranin nang napakahabang pila araw-araw ay iyong pagdadagdag ng mga bagong bagon o tren sa ating MRT-3 system dahil talaga namang na-overtake na nung kaniyang ridership iyong kapasidad ng sistema. At ang schedule ng pag-deliver ng mga bagong bagon ay sa 2015 pa kaya’t kailangang humanap tayo ng ibang mga solusyon sa loob at labas ng MRT system. Sa loob ng sistema, ang ating ipinahatid na panukala ay iyong suhestyun ng mga pasahero na pahintulutan muli iyong pag-turnaround, iyong puwede silang sumakay sa Ayala, halimbawa, ‘no kung sila ay patungong norte o patungong Quezon City, at doon naman sa one station bago doon sa North Station kung sila ay pabalik. Sa ganyang paraan ay mababawasan iyong mga pinakamahabang pila na nagaganap sa magkabilang dulo, sa North Station at sa EDSA-Taft Station. MIKE: Opo. SEC. COLOMA: Ang pangalawang panukala naman, Mike, ay iyong paghihigpit sa maintenance ng MRT. Ang naganap kasi, simula noong hinabaan ang operating hours ay tila tumaas din iyong maintenance challenge nila. Kaya’t kinakailangan po siguro magtakda tayo ng performance target para mapahusay pa iyong maintenance at kahit papaano ay mapadami iyong mga available na masasakyan sa araw-araw na paglilingkod ng MRT system. MIKE: Okay, sige po. At least meron tayong mga tinitingnan na mga posible, mga pansamantalang kalutasan hangga’t hindi dumarating iyong mga bagong bagon. Kelan nga ulit ang dating ng mga bagong bagon, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Ang naiulat po at naipahayag na ay sa 2015. Kailangan pong alamin natin kung saktong— MIKE: 2015? SEC. COLOMA: Sa 2015 pa po— MIKE: Sa isang taon pa? SEC. COLOMA: —hindi pa po magaganap sa taong ito. MIKE: Anong bahagi po ng 2015, Secretary? Umpisa ng 2015, kalagitnaan o bandang katapusan na ng 2015? Meron bang impormasyon na ganoon sa ngayon? SEC. COLOMA: Titiyakin lang natin, Mike. Sa ngayon ay hindi pa natin nabeberipika iyan. Ayaw naman nating magbigay ng impormasyon na hindi pa tayo tiyak. MIKE: Opo, baka magalit na naman (laughs) … “Sabi ni Coloma, Marso; Mayo na, wala pa!” Naloko na naman tayo diyan. Ok, sige po … natawa ako, okay. Secretary, so pansamantala talagang wala, hintayin na lang natin iyong mga bagong bagon, Mr. Secretary. SDEC. COLOMA: Iyong isa pa, Mike, ‘no madagdag ko lang. Kasi pinag-uusapan natin dito ay EDSA. Iyong EDSA ang pinakamaraming dumadaloy na pampublikong sasakyan. At kitang-kita naman natin na kasabay nitong MRT ay iyong libu-libong mga public utility buses na dumadaan diyan sa EDSA. Ang siguro isa pang maaaring siyasatin natin at mabigyan ng solusyon ay kung maaari lang mapabilis nang kaunti iyong travel time ng ating Metro Manila buses along EDSA. MIKE: Opo. Secretary, alam n’yo na na iyon ang isang dahilan kung bakit nag-i-MRT ang mga tao. Walang trapik sa MRT, huwag lang titirik. SEC. COLOMA: Batid po natin iyan ‘no. Kaya po baka puwede nating siyasatin baka po may paraan pang mapabilis nang konti ‘no, kahit mabawasan man lang ng lima, sampu hangang labinlimang minuto dahil napakaimportante talaga niyang EDSA at iyan ay main artery. MIKE: Opo, at saka iyong mga tren po ng MRT ay hindi po naaksidente, tumitirik pero hindi nagbubungguan. Iyong mga bus, hindi lang po EDSA – Commonwealth, EDSA. Naku, Diyos ko, opo, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Mike. Pero iyong sa partikular na kalagayan sa EDSA, ang naganap kasi, iyong mga bus ng Metro Manila ay tila – sa ngayon ‘no – ay hindi na sila pinapahintulutang gumamit ng mga underpass. MIKE: Totoo po iyon. SEC. COLOMA : Dahil diyan, talagang tatagal ‘no dahil kung nasa ibabaw ka, titigil ka doon sa mga traffic lights sa ibabaw. MIKE: Totoo po ... naiipon sila sa ibabaw. SEC. COLOMA : Ganoon nga, Mike. Kaya iyan ang isang alternatibo na puwede sigurong tingnan ng ating MMDA. Baka naman iyong mga bus na puno na at hindi na magsasakay, puwede pa rin silang pahintulutang lumarga na para naman mabawasan nang konti iyong travel time, at mahikayat ang ating mga mamamayan na sumakay din sa bus bilang alternatibo habang hinihintay pa natin iyong mga bagong sasakyan sa MRT. MIKE: Secretary, sa ating pagtatapos. Alam n’yo ba kung kuntento si Pangulong Aquino sa performance, ika nga, ni Mr. Vitangcol bilang General Manager ng MRT o hindi? SEC. COLOMA: Wala pa po kaming tuwirang pakikipag-usap sa kaniya hinggil diyan sa bagay na iyan. Pero sa aking palagay, Mike, ang importante ay iyong prinsipyo na accountability of public officials. Lahat po ng mga naglilingkod ay kinakailangang maging accountable sila ‘no o managot sa taumbayan tungkol sa resulta ng kanilang mga pinangangasiwaan. At kailangang maging katanggap-tanggap sa ating mga mamamayan iyong resulta ng kanilang pangangasiwa o pagmamaneho ng kani-kanilang mga ahensya. Iyon lamang po ang importanteng prinsipyo na dapat mapairal. MIKE: Pero ang Malakanyang po ay mulat … o alam ng Malakanyang itong mga reklamong ito laban dito sa serbisyo ng MRT; hindi lang po iyong pila, iyong madalas tumitirik iyong mga bagon. Kayo na mismo ang nagsabi, iyong oras ng maintenance kasi nabawasan, iyong mga ganyan, ganyan, etc. Itong impormasyon na ito ay hawak at alam na po ito ng Palasyo, Secretary? Alam na ni Presidente itong mga reklamong it0? SEC. COLOMA: Ang masasabi ko lang, Mike, in general ‘no, lahat naman po kaming mga tuwirang nagre-report sa Pangulo, meron po kaming performance contract; meron po siyang mga standards at pamantayan na pinapatupad. Kaya’t batid naman po ng lahat ng Cabinet Secretary ang bagay na iyan, at nagsisikap naman po lahat na matupad iyong mga pamantayan na iyan. MIKE: Kasama ba doon sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno na iyon si GM Vitangcol? Hindi yata siya direkta kay Presidente, eh. Kay Secretary Abaya yata siya sa DOTC, Secretary, hindi ba ho? SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga iyon ang aking pinupunto, Mike. Sa level ng ating Pangulo, ang kanyang direktang pinapangasiwaan ay iyong mga Cabinet Secretary, at sila ang ginagawang accountable sa resulta ng lahat ng ahensiya na napapasailalim sa kanila. MIKE: Opo. Pero pinakita na po ni Pangulong Aquino na bilang Chief Executive Officer ng gobyerno, ‘pag meron siyang inaakala na dapat solusyunan agad at problema na dapat lutasin, tulad nang ginawa niya sa PNPA kamakailan, ‘di ba Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Tama iyon, Mike. MIKE: Iyong mga tinanggal niya roon, hindi po sa kaniya direkta nagre-report iyon. Nagre-report po iyon kay Chief PNP at kay SILG o Secretary of Interior and Local Government. Pero si Pangulong Aquino, kara-karaka, siya na nagsabi, “Ah ganoon, away kayo nang away diyan, pareho kayong tanggal.” Puwede palang gawin iyon, Secretary. SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Mike. Nagkataon naman na tayo po ay kasama ng Pangulo nung pagkakataong iyon, at kitang-kita naman po natin at tuwiran niya pong ipinahayag sa mga kagawad ng mass media iyong kaniyang saloobin ‘no na hindi siya nasisiyahan sa performance ng mga naturang opisyal na alam naman natin ay napalitan na dahil doon. MIKE: Sige po, Secretary, nagpapasalamat po kami. At sa mga susunod na panahon, kung meron kayong gustong ipaliwanag sa taumbayan para nakukuha din ang panig ninyo doon sa mga ibinbalita namin, bukas po kami. Alam ninyo naman ang telephone number namin dito, i-text n’yo lang ako at bibigyan po namin kayo ng pagkakataon katulad ngayong umaga, Secretary. Bukas po kami para marinig ng mga nakikinig at ng taumbayan lahat ng panig sa mga nagaganap sa atin, Secretary. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat, Mike, at advance Happy Easter sa inyong lahat. MIKE: Salamat po, Secretary, at magandang umaga po sa inyo. SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga, Mike. |
| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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DZMM / by J. Hidalgo and R. Enriquez
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April 13, 2014
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| Q: Kayo ba, Secretary Coloma, ay nakapanood po ng laban? SEC. COLOMA: Parang hindi pa tayo nakakapahinga sa pag-applaud at pagsigaw sa pagkapanalo ng ating Pambansang Kamao. Q: Magandang hapon po, Secretary. Kumusta po ang mood diyan sa Palasyo? SEC. COLOMA: Wala po ako sa Palasyo. Pero tiyak po ako na lahat ng mga Pilipinong sumusubaybay ay galak na galak at tuwang-tuwa sa tagumpay ng ating hinahangaang Congressman Manny Pacquiao. Q: Secretary Coloma, ano po ang statement ninyo sa pagkapanalo po ni Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquiao sa laban na ito kay Bradley? SEC. COLOMA: Ito na po: Kaisa kami ng sambayanan sa pagdiriwang sa tagumpay ng ating Pambansang Kamao, si Congressman Manny Pacquiao. Siya ay simbolo ng husay ng Pilipino sa pandaigdigang larangan, taas-noo kahit kanino sa mundo dahil sa kasipagan, kahusayan at kagitingan. Sa harap nang patung-patong na kalamidad at pagsubok, hindi natitinag ang determinasyon ng Pilipino na bumangon at magbagong-tatag bunsod nang matibay na pananampalataya sa Maykapal at tiwala sa sariling galing at pagpupunyagi. Sa kaniyang pagbabalik, sasalubungin natin si Congressman Manny Pacquiao nang buong sigla at kagalakan, at mararamdaman niya ang mahigpit na pagyakap ng halos 100 milyong Pilipino na humahanga at nagmamahal sa kaniya. Mabuhay ang ating Pambansang Kamao, Congressman Manny Pacquiao. Q: Secretary, alam ko hindi naman ho kayo talaga … katulad namin, hindi naman kami mga boxing analysts pero kung napanood ninyo ho iyong laban, ano po ang masasabi ninyo sa naging performance ng ating butihing Congressman? SEC. COLOMA: Sa nakita ko po lalung-lalong na noong second half ng laban, mula sa round seven hanggang round 12 ay talaga pong nag-take charge na si Congressman Manny ‘no. Hindi na niyang pinabayaang manguna pa ang kaniyang katunggali, talagang hinahabol niya kahit na sumasayaw sa paligid ng ring. At kapansin-pansin din po na talagang mas mabilis ang kaniyang kamay at mas accurate ang kaniyang pagsuntok. Dahil bagama’t sumasayaw at gumagalaw ang kaniyang kalaban ay mas marami naman talaga siyang naitamang suntok. At nung kahuli-hulihan lamang ay nagkaroon lang ng accidental head-butt. Pero kung titignan din natin, bakas sa mukha ng kaniyang katunggali iyong lakas ng suntok na tinamo niya sa kamay ng ating Pambansang Kamao. Q: Mr. Secretary, si Pangulong Aquino ho ba ay … ano ho ang monitoring ninyo, nakapanood ho ba siya? SEC. COLOMA: Aalamin po natin ‘no. Pero pangkaraniwan naman pong sinusubaybayan niya ang lahat ng laban ni Congressman Manny Pacquiao. Aalamin po natin. Q: Ang kasunod pong katanungan diyan ay courtesy call po. Mayroon po bang mga nakakasa ng courtesy call ngayong kaaga pa lang po? SEC. COLOMA: Palagi naman pong binibigyan ng panahon si Congressman Manny Pacquiao. Q: How about po iyong sa lumalakas po na panawagan na—sa tingin ho ba ng Palasyo si Congressman Manny Pacquiao ay kailangan pa bang lumaban ng isa pang laban or magpatuloy ng kaniyang pagbo-boxing o magretiro na po? SEC. COLOMA: Nasa pagpapasya po niya iyan dahil siya naman po ang pinakamainam na makakapagtakda ng kaniyang sariling mga balakin. Pero ang nais lang po natin sa kaniya ay mapanatili niya ang kaniyang kalusugan at ang kaniyang katatagan saanmang larangan siya lumahok. Q: Hihimukin ho ba ng Palasyo ang pamunuan po ng AFP na i-promote po muli si Congressman Manny Pacquiao na ngayon ay may ranggo pong Lt. Col. as a reservist po sa Philippine Army? SEC. COLOMA: Basta lang po naaayon sa mga patakaran. Ilagay lang po sa tamang proseso at iayon lang po sa patakaran. Q: Opo, Secretary, last na lang po sa panig po ng—kayo ho ba’y ano … may kapustahan diyan? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi naman po tayo pumupusta. Naninindigan po tayo para kay Manny Pacquiao. Q: Alam mo naman si Secretary talagang lumalakad doon sa sinasabi ni PNoy na tamang daan—matuwid na daan. Kaya saludo tayo kay Secretary Sonny Coloma. Maraming salamat po, Secretary. Q: Maraming salamat sa inyong pagbibigay ng pagkakataon. |
| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center |
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| “Bayan Ko” Sneak Peek at Phl Consulate General in San Francisco | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| 14 April 2014 -
Clients of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco were
treated to a surprise cultural performance on April 10 as performers
from the Leyte Dance Theater rendered a series of folk songs and
dances, much to the delight of the transacting public. The Leyte Dance Company is one of the premier dance companies in the Philippines, and is based in Tacloban City, Leyte. Under the tutelage of Artistic Director Jess De Paz, the company has gained international recognition having won the Grand Championship Award in the International Folklore Festival Competition in Malaysia in 2009. It has also won other awards such as Best Choreography and Best Male Dancer. The Leyte Dance Theater is currently in the United States (US) for a series of performances. The show entitled “Bayan Ko” (My Native Land) may be seen across the US. Members of the dance company, including the staff and crew, all hail from Leyte province and were victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). A portion of the proceeds from the performances will go to Yolanda relief and rehabilitation efforts. The dance company’s first performance in the US for 2014 was held at the San Francisco Scottish Rite Masonic Center on April 11. Performances are also scheduled at San Jose, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York, Washington D.C. and Texas. More information on the Leyte Dance Theater may be found on its Facebook page. |
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| European Union Lifts Ban on Cebu Pacific | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| 14 April 2014 –
The Philippine Embassy and Mission to the European Union in Brussels
is pleased to announce that the European Union (EU) has lifted the
air ban on Cebu Pacific Air. The Decision, announced by the European
Union Delegation in Manila on 10 April 2014, follows a series of
intensive consultations in Brussels between the EU’s Air Safety
Committee, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
and the management of Cebu Pacific. As a result of this Decision, Cebu Pacific may now be able to begin flights to any destination within the EU. Cebu Pacific joins Philippine Airlines, which was removed from the EU list of banned airlines in July 2013. The lifting of the ban on the Philippines’ two biggest airlines will contribute significantly to the country’s efforts to boost tourist arrivals from Europe. As of 2013, the Philippines welcomed over 470,000 visitors from Europe. |
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| DepEd, UNESCO unveil latest EFA Global Monitoring Report | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| PASIG CITY —The
Department of Education (DepEd) and the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) presented the results
of the 2013-2014 Education for All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report
Tuesday. “We are talking about education not just as Filipinos but as global citizens as well,” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, adding that education for all shouldn’t be an issue of competition. Luistro also highlighted DepEd’s goal that “no Filipino youth shall be left behind in basic education.” Ed dela Torre, co-chair of EFA committee, said that while milestones were important in education, it was also crucial to “sustain the momentum” in reaching the EFA goals. Achieving EFA goals Based on the global monitoring report, DepED has strengthened the universal coverage of out-of-school youth (OSY) through Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Abot-Alam Program. “Adopt-a-school program was able to generate 6B pesos in private contributions in 2012 alone and five billion in 2013,” DepEd Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo said. While the Philippines has challenges in terms of male participation compared to female participation, there has been an increase in the former’s participation rate in the recent years due to technical educational pathways. Mateo explained that since the legislation of the Kindergarten Act in 2011, there has been an “increase of 97% in participation rate of Grades 1 to 3.” He added that universalizing kindergarten education as part of basic education prepared the learners for formal education. As of 2011, the Department was at 72.1% for elementary education and 75.1% for secondary education in terms of completion of the full basic education cycle with satisfactory annual achievement levels. The EFA target on education quality is at 75% mastery – as of 2011, the total elementary National Achievement Test mean percentile score (NAT MPS) was 68.2% and 47.9% for secondary. Mateo said that the Department is looking forward to the “2016 horizon” where it would expand GASTPE, develop IT systems, and continuously address the special needs of learners with programs such as Special Education (SPED), Indigenous Peoples education (IPed), and address OSY. “The Department is looking forward to alternative delivery modes (ADM), learning resource portals, and learner reference number to continually be developed,” Mateo added. Education for all through K to 12 Dr. Mee Young Choi of UNESCO Jakarta office said that “human resources were as essential part of national growth” coupled with infrastructure and strong partnership with civiil society. “Teachers are a key driving force for making sure human resources are developed through education as was the case in Korea,” Choi said. The recent report stated that “an education system is only as good as its teachers.” To address the teacher needs, DepEd has created more than 61,000 teacher items in 2013, and has opened more than 30,000 items to be filled this year. The Department has also provided continuous K to 12 trainings for teachers and school administrators. Learner-centered education DepEd K to 12 coordinator Elvin Uy explained that the Department aims to achieve a learner-centric education — “from Child Protection to Abot-Alam Program to gender and cultural sensitive curriculum.” “The overaching goal of the K to 12 program is holistic development with 21st century skills such as Information and Media skills, innovation skills, communication skills, and life and career skills,” Uy said. He added that every K to 12 graduate will be ready for college regardless of the exits they choose. |
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| Customs cracks whip on illegal steel importers | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| The Bureau of
Customs (BOC) intensifies its drive against smuggled and
sub-standard steel with the filing of charges before the Department
of Justice (DOJ) against the owners and customs brokers of two firms
thatattempted to illegally import steel products worth close to
P31-Million. Two more smuggling-related cases were filed against Shine Rapadas Montes, owner and proprietress of Thunder Birds Trading, one of the Philippines’ largest importers of steel and iron products, and the firm’s customs brokers, Jolly Lareza and Arnel Asuncion. The first case against Thunder Birds pertains to the firm’s importation of eight 20-foot container vans of what was declared as “steel angle frames” but was found to contain “steel angle bars” upon 100% examination. Further investigation indicated that Thunder Birds misdescribed the product andmisdeclared the weight and value to cheat on duties and taxes as well as avoid the payment of the additional Safeguard Duty for imported steel angle bars of P3,706.03 per Metric Ton (MT), as mandated under Republic Act (RA) 8800 (Safeguard Measures Act of 2000). The second case against Thunder Birds concerns its shipment of 12 20-foot containers from China declared as “steel sheets, clamps, flexible tubing and hinges” but instead contained “cold rolled steel sheets,” which is used extensively in automobiles; household appliances like refrigerators, stoves, ovens and washing machines; as well as steel office equipment. A further check on the import documents showed that the firm also misdeclared the weight and value to avoid paying higher duties and taxes. Montes, Larezaand Asuncion face charges of violating Sections 3601 and 3602 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines for the unlawful importation and fraudulent filing of import documents,Section 6 of Republic Act (RA) 4109 (Bureau of Product Standards Law), for the attempt of an unlicensed ICC-holder to import steel angle bars that did not go through PS certificationand Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code for using falsified documents. Aside from two cases against Thunder Birds, the BOC also filed smuggling-related charges against officials of Skylink Import-Export, Inc., led by its President, Junnhel Atun; Corporate Secretary Donna Donita Mercado; Treasurer Jumean Rose Atun; Directors Limuelle Montesa and Rogelio Ocampo; as well as customs broker Jarie Mae Juquiana. These include violating Sections 3601 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, Section 6 of Republic Act (RA) 4109 and Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code. The case against Skylink pertains to the firm’s importation of eight 20-foot container vans declared as “Hardware Items (Steel Frame Bar)” which revealed that these contained “steel angle bars” after inspection. The misdeclaration was made to avoid paying the imposable Safeguard Duty of P3,706.03/ MT on importations of angle bars. Furthermore, Skylink’s import documents grossly misdeclared the weight and value of the goods to evade payment of the correct duties and taxes. “Without a doubt, these importers willfully attempted fraud to evade payment of correct duties and taxes. Both Skylink and Thunder Birds underdeclared their imports significantly.Ito ay pandaraya at pagkaitsagobyernongkaukulangbuwis at ngpondoparasaserbisyopublikoparasaatingtaumbayan,” said Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla. Verification with the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Product Standards (DTI-BPS) also revealed that Thunder Birds and Skylinkdid not apply for nor obtain the required Import Commodity Clearance (ICC); which means that the steel products it imported never went through product testing and certification to ensure that these meet safety and product quality standards. “Skylink and Thunder Birds not only attempted to cheat the government, they recklessly endanger the lives of millions of ordinary Filipinos by bringing-in sub-standard steel products. Their actions not only threaten lives but thousands of jobs in the local steel industry.” In a recent Senate hearing, the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute revealed that 450,000 metric tons out of two million metric tons of imported steel were substandard, and were brought into the country either through technical smuggling or misdeclaration or direct smuggling. “We are working hard to prevent the entry of sub-standard and smuggled steel products in the local market by aligning with other government agencies and stakeholders.” A report from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery furtherrevealed that that many of the structures that were destroyed during the onslaught of Typhoon “Yolanda” were made of sub-standard steel, which is usually sold way below prevailing prices of local steel manufacturers. |
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| Employment in Metro Manila up by 3.22 percent in 4th quarter of 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and
Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis- Baldoz yesterday said that
employment in the country's capital, Metro Manila, as shown by the
labor turnover rate, grew by 3.22 percent after more laborers got
hired than those that got fired, or opted to resign, during the
fourth quarter of 2013. "This is the highest recorded turn-over rate since the fourth quarter of 2010," said Baldoz, citing the results of the Labor Turnover Survey (LTS) of the DOLE's Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES), now under the Philippine Statistics Authority. Baldoz said Metro Manila registered a labor turnover rate of 4.05 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010; 1.88 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011; and 2.47 percent in 2012. In employment parlance, labor turnover is the difference between accession and separation. The LTS is a quarterly sample survey of enterprises conducted by the BLES to capture "job creation" or "accession" and "job displacement" or "separation" as indicators of labor market activity. The information gathered in this survey is intended to generate timely labor market signals as sound basis in planning, policy formulation, and decision making. The BLES survey has 735 large enterprises as respondents, drawn from the 2011 Edition of the Philippines's Top 25,000 Corporations of the Securities and Exchnage Commission. It has a retrieval rate of 99.59% percent. The BLES issued the results of the survey this month. “Employment in large enterprises in Metro Manila continued its upswing in the fourth quarter of 2013 driven by the strong hiring in wholesale and retail trade in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Robust expansion in administrative and support service activities and professional , scientific, and technical activities also fueled the upswing," said Baldoz. Specifically, the overall accession rate in Metro Manila was 8.86 percent, higher than the 5.64 percent separation rate registered during the reference period. This indicates that 88 workers per 1,000 workers got employed due to expansion or replacement of workforce, while only 56 workers per 1,000 were either laid off, or quit their jobs, during the same period, a net addition of 32. The survey noted that the rise in labor turnover rate in the fourth quarter was driven by large gains in three sub-sector with big enterprise employment base, namely, administrative and support service activities (9.55 percent); wholesale and retail trade (3.77 percent); and professional , scientific, and technical activities (3.46 percent). Gains were also recorded in financial and insurance (2.34 percent); manufacturing (2.21 percent); information and communication (1.52 percent); and in industries with small enterprise employment base, such as arts, entertainment, and recreation (3.16 percent); human health and social work activities (2.82 percent); and agriculture, forestry, and fishing (2.30 percent). Mining and quarrying continued its slack (-9.27 percent), while private education was also down (-2.74 percent). Accession rate barely offset separation in construction (0.05 percent), and in sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities (0.15 percent), while employment was about unchanged in electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply (0.60 percent). What are the reasons for accession and separation? The BLES survey said accession was due to expansion of business activities (4.39 percent), which was almost at par with accession due to replacement of workers, (4.47 percent). Specifically, seven industry groups registered higher accession due to expansion. These are in administrative and support service activities that include the business process outsourcing (11.76 percent); professional, scientific, and technical activities, (6.12 percent); manufacturing (5.81 percent); and construction (4.95 percent). The BLES survey noted that employer-initiated separations, or lay-offs, were higher at 3.51 percent compared to employee-initiated separations, or resignation, which was at 2.14 percent. |
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| Bureau of Customs grows 22% in February amid reform efforts | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| Government
continues to register primary surplus at P28.4 billion I am pleased to note that the Bureau of Customs grew 22% in February, its second monthly growth above 20% and its fourth straight double-digit growth since the President’s Customs Reform Program normalized in November. The country’s deficit figure improved by 17% from the previous year, as government revenues grew at 7% in February, faster than the 5% growth rate of expenditures. Netting out interest payments, the national government continued to register a primary surplus of P6.1 billion in February, bringing the year-to-date surplus to P28.4 billion. The President’s Customs Reform Program continues to unlock the growth potential of the Bureau of Customs, and is a continuing narrative of how good governance translates into good economics. BOC registers growth rate above 20% In February, the national government collected P120.3 billion, growing at 7% in February, bringing the year-to-date figure to P269.1 billion. As of February, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) garnered P57.2 billion, growing 22% while the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected P182.5 billion, growing at 8% from the comparable figure last year. January-February interest payments decline to 23% of spending Government expenditures meanwhile grew 5% in February, bringing the government’s January to February expenditures to P313 billion. Given proactive liability management efforts of government, interest payments in February decreased by 11% compared to the same period last year. As a percentage of expenditure in the January to February period, interest payments improved from 26% in 2013 to 23% in 2014. DOF continues push for transparency and accountability Good governance and anti-corruption remain to be the top priority of the Aquino administration. In just the first quarter of this year, the DOF’s anti-graft arm, the Revenue Integrity Protection Service, was able to secure eight suspensions and dismissals of BIR and BOC personnel found to be living beyond their means. The Aquino administration continues its commitment to doing systemic reforms in its revenue generating agencies through transparency and accountability measures. Aside from the monthly public disclosure of all import transactions by the Bureau of Customs, the DOF also made local government unit (LGU) fiscal sustainability scorecards available for public viewing via Iskor ng ‘yong Bayan (iskor.blgf.gov.ph), an initiative to make local treasurers and assessors accountable to the public for their local fiscal management. The DOF continues to push for the following bills which will improve the country’s fiscal sustainability: the tax incentives management transparency and accountability (TIMTA) act, the rationalization of fiscal incentives, the reform of the fiscal regime for mining, and the customs modernization and tariff act (CMTA). |
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| DOLE to hold 150 job fairs before and after Labor Day | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| 107 job fairs
held in March Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that the DOLE has over 150 job fairs in store for new graduates, the youth, and other job seekers in Metro Manila and other regions this April, May, and up to June 2014. The DOLE has conducted 107 job fairs in March. The labor and employment chief said that of this over 150 job fairs, easily the biggest and most anticipated is the Labor Day Job Fair that the DOLE will conduct on 1 May 2014 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City under the auspices of the DOLE National Capital Region and the Bureau of Local Employment. "Job fairs are the DOLE's strategy to facilitate job matching and placement of workers. The DOLE works to make it easy and fast for jobseekers to find jobs that fits their qualifications, interests, and career inclinations," said Baldoz, adding that job fairs help both workers and employers--workers in finding jobs and employers in searching for workers that fit their requirements. Job fairs are mandated under R.A. 8759, otherwise known as the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Act of 1999, which provides that job fairs shall be conducted “periodically all over the country to bring together in one venue job seekers and employers for immediate matching.” The job fairs are as follows: April 2014, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR): 7 April--Phil. Daily Inquirer Mega Job Fair at Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City, hosted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer; In-house Job Fair, Navotas City Hall Lobby; 7-8 April--Two-Way Link Job Solutions Job Fair at Trinoma Mall, Quezon City, Two-Way Link Job Solutions; 8 April--Caloocan City North Job Fair, Bagong Silang, Brgy. 176, Caloocan City Hall North; 9 April--Barangay Job Fair at Brgy. North Daang Hari, Taguig City; 11 April--Barangay Job Fair, Brgy. Hagonoy, Taguig City; 12 April--Mega Jobs Fair, Starmall Alabang; 14 April--In-house Job Fair, PESO Taguig Office, Taguig City; 16 April--Barangay Job Fair, Brgy. South Signal Village, Taguig City; 18 April--Barangay Job Fair, Brgy. San Miguel, Taguig City; 19 April--San Juan City Mega Job Fair, San Juan City Hall Grounds, N. Domingo St., San Juan City; 21 April--In-house Job Fair at Taguig City Hall, Gen. A. Luna St., Taguig City; 23 April--Barangay Job Fair, Brgy. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; 24 April--Mini-Job Fair, Amphitheater, Malabon City Hall; 25 April--Barangay Job Fair, Brgy. Western Bicutan, Taguig City; 28 April--In-house Job Fair, Taguig City Hall, Gen. A. Luna St., Tuktukan, Taguig City; 30 April--Barangay Job Fair, Brgy. Napindan, Taguig City; REGION I: 7 April--Pangasinan PESO Mini Job Fair, Lingayen, Pangasinan; 10 April--Malasiqui Job Fair, Malasiqui, Pangasinan; 21 April--San Juan, Ilocos Sur Job Fair, San Juan Multi-Purpose Gym, San Juan, Ilocos Sur; 22 April--Sudipen Job Fair, Sudipen, La Union; 25 April--Dagupan City Job Fair, CSI The City Mall, Dagupan City; 28 April--Tagudin Job Fair, Municipal Hall, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; 30 April--Ilocos Norte Summer Job Fair, Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, Laoag City; REGION II: 5 April--Rural Bank of Cauayan Job Fair, LGU Cauayan, Isabela; REGION III: 8 April--Trabaho para sa Bulakenyo Job Fair, Bulacan Provincial Gymnasium, Lungsod ng Malolos, Bulacan; 10 April--Santa Ignacia Municipal Job Fair, Municipal Covered Court of Santa Ignacia, Tarlac; 11 April--Systems Technology Institute (STI) College Balagtas and Malolos Job Fair, STI College, Balagtas Campus; 14 April---STI Colleges-Angeles Job Fair, Agson's Bldg., McArthur Hi-Way, Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga; 26 April--City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan Job Fair, San Jose Del Monte National Trade School, Brgy. Fatima V., Sapang Palay, Bulacan; 29 April--Mabalacat City Job Fair, Tabun, Mabalacat City, Pampanga; REGION IV-A: 10 April--Gumaca Job Fair, Gumaca Municipal Gym; REGION V: 21-22 April--Bantayog Jobs Fair, Daet, Camarines Norte; 21 April--Job Fair at LGU Bulusan, Sorsogon; 22 April--Daragang Magayon Job Fair, Albay Astrodome, Legazpi City; REGION VI: 10 April--PESO Guimaras Province Job Fair, Capitol Gym, Jordan, Guimaras; 12 April--PESO Roxas City and Capiz Job Fair, Capiz Provincial Hall, Roxas City; PESO Pandan, Antique Job Fair, Liberman Covered Court, Pandan, Antique; 17 April--STI Kalibo, Aklan Job Fair, Kalibo; 22 April--La Carlota City PESO Job Fair, Negros Occidental; 23 April--PESO Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental Job Fair, Himamaylan City Gym; PESO Iloilo City Job Fair, Robinson's Place Iloilo, Iloilo City; 30 April--PESO Aklan Province Job Fair, ABL Sports Complex, Kalibo, Aklan; Antique Provincial Government Job Fair, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique; REGION VII: 10 April--Mini-Job Fair, Cebu City; 12 April--Barangay Job Fair, Brgy. Bulacao, Cebu City; Cebu City Local Job Fair, Bulalacao Pardo, Cebu; 26 April--Local and Overseas Job Fair, Panphil B. Frasco Memorial Sports Complex; REGION X: 5 April--Nograles Mini-Job Fair, Bastida Elem. School Covered Court, Dumoy, Toril, Davao City, hosted by the Office of Rep. Karlo Nograles and the DOLE Davao City Field Office; 25 April--Hapsay Job Fair, City Tourism Hall, Cagayan de Oro City; 26 April--Labor Day Mini-Job Fair, Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City; Labor Day Mini-Job Fair, SM City Davao, Ecoland, Davao City; 27 April--Labor Day Mini-Job Fair, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Davao City; Labor Day Mini Job Fair, SM City Davao, Ecoland, Davao City; 28 April--Labor Day Mini-Job Fair, Gaisano Mall of Davao; Labor Day Mini Job Fair at the SM City Davao, Ecoland, Davao City; 29 April---Labor Day Mini Job Fair at Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City; Labor Day Mini Job Fair at SM City Davao, Ecoland, Davao City; 30 April--Labor Day Mini-Job Fair, Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City; Labor Day Mini-Job Fair, SM City Davao, Ecoland, Davao City; May 2014, NCR: 1 May--Labor Day Job Fair, SM Center Muntinlupa; 22 May--Mega Job Fair at Amphitheater, Malabon City; CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION: 1-2 May--ABS-CBN Baguio Job Fair, University of the Cordilleras, Baguio City; 2 May--Labor Day Job Fair, Baguio Convention Center, Baguio City; BSU Job Fair, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet; 6 May--City Job Fair at Tabuk City Job Fair, LGU Tabuk City; REGION I: 1 May--Urdaneta Labor Day Job Fair at CB Mall, Urdaneta City; Ilocos Sur Labor Day Job Fair, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; REGION III: 1 May--Labor Day Job Fair at Camp Servillano Aquino, San Miguel, Tarlac; Labor Day Job Fair at 6th Floor, SM City Olongapo; Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija 2014 Labor Day Job Fair, Old Capitol Compound, Burgos Ave., Cabanatuan City; Labor Day Job Fair, President Ramon F. Magsaysay Sports Complex, Caballero St., Poblacion, Candelaria, Zambales; Labor Day Job Fair at SM City Baliuag, Bulacan Labor Day Job Fair at SM City Clark; Labor Day Job Fair at SM City Downtown, City of San Fernando, Pampanga; Labor Day Job Fair at SM City Marilao, Bulacan; Labor Day Job Fair at SM City Pampanga; Labor Day Job Fair, SM City Tarlac; Labor Day Job Fair, People's Park Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan; REGION IV-A: 21 May--Calauag Job Fair 2014, Bulwagang Manuel Luis Quezon, Calauag, Quezon Province; REGION IV-B: 1 May--Labor Day Job Fair, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro; REGION VI: 1 May--DOLE RO 6 Job Fair, Mary Mart Mall of Iloilo City; DOLE Negros Occidental Field Office Job Fair, SM City Bacolod, Bacolod City; 23 May--2014 Anniversary Job Fair: Powering Up @ 4, Gaisano City Mall, Bacolod City; REGION VII: 1 May--Job Fair, Capitol Grounds, Cebu; 27th Overseas Jobs Fair/Labor Day Job Fair, Cebu City; 3 May--Local and Overseas Job Fair, Municipal Covered Court, Moalboal; 10 May--Barangay San Nicolas Job Fair, Cebu City; 17 May--Local and Overseas Job Fair, Panphil B. Frasco Memorial Sports Complex; 24 May--Local and Overseas Job Fair, Balamban Sports Complex; 24 May--Barangay Apas Job Fair, Cebu City; Local and Overseas Job Fair, Mandaue City; 28 May--Mini-Job Fair, Cebu City; REGION X: 1 May--Job Fair, Cagayan de Oro City; 30 May--Hapsay Job Fair, City Tourism Hall, Cagayan de Oro City; REGION XI: 1 May--Labor Day Job Fair, SM City Davao, Ecoland, Davao City; Labor Day Job Fair, Tagum City; 1-2 May--Labor Day Job Fair @ Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City; 24 May--Nograles Mini-Job Fair, Magallanes Elementary School, Magallanes Street, Davao City; hosted by Office of Rep. Karlo Nograles; CARAGA: 1 May--Labor Day Job Fair, Butuan City; June 2014, NCR: 12 June--Independence Day Job Fair, Rizal Park; Independence Day Job Fair, SM Center Muntinlupa; 13 June--Mega Job Fair, Caloocan North City Hall; 18 June--Caloocan City South Job Fair, Maypajo Area, Caloocan City Hall; 19 June--Mini-Job Fair at Amphitheater, Malabon City Hall; Mega Job Fair, Caloocan City Hall South; 26 June--Caloocan City North Job Fair, Caloocan City Hall North; CAR: 20 June--City Job Fair, Tabuk City; 22 June--Flora Jobs Fair, Poblacion, Flora, Apayao; 25 June--LGU Conner Job Fair, Caglayan, Conner, Apayao; REGION I: 12 June--Dagupan Kalayaan Job Fair, Atrium, Nepo Mall, Dagupan City; Candon City Kalayaan Job Fair at Candon City, Ilocos Sur; La Union Kalayaan Job Fair, CSI Mall, San Fernando City, La Union; REGION V: 19-20 June 2014-- Tabaco City Job Fair, Tabaco City Terrace; REGION VI: 12 June--DOLE Region 6 Job Fair, Mary Mart Mall, Iloilo City; DOLE Negros Occidental Field Office Job Fair, Robinson's Place Bacolod, Bacolod City; PESO San Carlos City, Negros Occidental Job Fair, San Carlos Gym, San Carlos City; 25 June--PESO Malay, Aklan Job Fair, Malay Sports Complex, Poblacion, Malay, Aklan; REGION VII: 14 June--Barangay Job Fair, Brgy. Mabolo, Cebu City; 18 June--Jobs Bridging Fair at DMDP, Cebu City; 22 June--Overseas Job Fair, Capitol Grounds, Cebu City; 28 June--67th Mega Job Fair, Cebu City; REGION X: 12 June--Kalayaan Job Fair, Davao City; Kalayaan Job Fair, Tagum City; 21 June--Nograles Mini-Job Fair, Mabini Elementary School Covered Court, Bangkal, Davao City; 27 June--Hapsay Job Fair, City Tourism Hall, Cagayan de Oro City; CARAGA: 12 June--Kalayaan Job Fair, Butuan City; 14 June--Naligayan Jobs Fair, Naligayan Cultural Center, Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur; 16 June--San Miguel Job Fair, San Miguel Municipal Hall; 20-21 June--San Francisco Municipal Job Fair, San Francisco, Gymnasium; and 23 June--Tandag City Job Fair, Tandag City Gym. For a complete listing of DOLE job fair schedules, visit the Phil-JobNet at www.phil-jobnet.dole.gov.ph. |
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| National Government Registers P9.7 billion Budget Deficit for February | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| 14 April 2014-
The National Government (NG) budget deficit for February 2014 was
recorded at P9.7 billion, a 17% or P2.0 billion improvement compared
to figures for the same month a year ago. This brings the fiscal gap
for the first two months of the year to P43.9 billion. Revenues Revenue collections in February reached P120.3 billion, a 7% or P7.9 billion increase over comparable figures last year. Tax collections accounted for P106.7 billion or 89% of the total, while the remaining P13.4 billion were from non-tax sources. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collections stood at P78.4 billion for February, representing a 5% or P3.8 billion growth over 2013 levels. The actual BIR collections for January-February amounted to P182.5 billion, 8% or P13.3 billion higher over the comparable period in 2013. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) collections continued to register double-digit growth with a 22% year-on-year improvement in February. BOC was able to collect P27.4 billion for the month, bringing year-to-date collections to P57.2 billion, reflecting a 22% increment year-on-year. The Bureau of the Treasury and other offices contributed P5.6 billion and P8.9 billion for the month of February, respectively. Expenditures NG disbursements amounted to P130 billion for February, a 5% or P5.9 billion increase over comparable figures in 2013. The combined expenditures for Jan-Feb amounted to P313.0 billion, which is an 11% or P31.0 billion increase over figures in the same period last year. Interest payments for February amounted to P15.9 billion, 11% or P2.0 billion lower compared with last year’s level. Primary Surplus Netting out interest payments, the NG primary surplus for February stood at P6.1 billion bringing the year-to-date surplus to P28.4 billion. |
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| PH elected as vice-chair of the ILO Special Tripartite Committee of MLC, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and
Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced
that the Philippines has been elected vice-chair of the Special
Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006, in
Geneva. The Special Tripartite Committee, established by the Governing Body of the International Labor Organization in accordance with Article XIII of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), held its first meeting at the ILO in Geneva from 7 to 11 April 2014. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Chief Hans Leo J. Cacdac led the Philippine delegation to the meeting. In a report to Secretary Baldoz, Administrator Cacdac said the Special Tripartite Committee is composed of Members with “special competence in the area of maritime labour standards”, and its mandate is to keep the working of the MLC, 2006 under continuous review. "This is in accordance with Article XIII of the MLC, 2006 and is reflected in the Standing Orders adopted by the ILO Governing Body. The Philippines, as vice chairman, will serve for a period of three years. Our role as vice-chair is to attend officers' meetings and huddles during the sessions, in order to sort out issues and concerns in the course of the meetings," Cacdac said. Canada was elected as Chair and Denmark as Chair of Government Group, according to Cacdac. He further added that the Committee has an important role under Article XV of the Convention with respect to consideration of amendments to the Code of the MLC, 2006. Baldoz welcomed the election of the Philippines to the Special Tripartite Committee, saying it indicates the stature, reputation, and respect that the country has earned as an active member of the ILO and its instrumentalities. Meanwhile, Cacdac in his report, the Special Tripartite Committee deliberated on amendments to the MLC, specifically those pertaining to financial security on abandonment and death/long-term disability of seafarers. "The financial security on abandonment is meant to ensure the provision of an expeditious and effective system to assist seafarers in the event of abandonment, through direct access to payment of outstanding wages and entitlements, reasonable expenses including repatriation costs, and costs of necessary maintenance and support. The financial security will cover seafarers, including those on board Philippine-registered vessels, only," Cacdac said. "The financial security on death/long-term disability is meant to assure payment of compensation in full and without delay. It will cover domestic and overseas seafarers," he further said, adding that the Philippines supported an important proposal by Germany and approved by the Committee, that provides the Philippines flexibility in terms of recognizing the Social Security System, Employees Compensation Commission, and PhilHealth systems. |
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| DENR adopts geo-tagging in NGP implementation | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| The Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has adopted the powerful
technology of geo-tagging in the implementation of the government’s
flagship reforestation program. Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said the DENR began the use of the geo-tagging system in monitoring the progress of the National Greening Program (NGP), which aims to cover 1.5 million hectares of land with trees from 2011 to 2016. Paje said incorporating geo-tagging into the NGP would “ensure the integrity and correctness of the accomplishment being reported, particularly on the survival aspect of the program.” “Owing to the centrality of transparency and accountability in NGP’s implementation, it is without question that the authenticity and accuracy of accomplishment reports coming from the field should be assured,” Paje pointed out. Geo-tagging is the process of attaching coordinates and other location-specific information to pictures and videos, usually with a handheld device such as a camera or mobile phone that is enables with global positioning system or GPS. The DENR has invested significant resources to purchase geo-tagging equipment and train over 300 forestry personnel on the use of the technology that utilizes GPS and web-based mapping to allow real-time monitoring of NGP locations, especially on getting accurate count of trees planted and their conditions. Paje noted that accurate maps of planted areas and their accessibility were two major elements lacking in past government reforestation programs. “Even in far-flung areas, where the NGP employs peoples’ organizations do tree planting as part of the livelihood aspect, the technology gives us the capability to accurately and easily locate, validate, monitor and manage projects in remote and conflict-affected areas,” Paje said. Geo-tagging would also help in monitoring seedling growth and mortalities for replacement with new seedlings in NGP sites. He said that with the technology, NGP accomplishments can now be easily tracked not only by the DENR management but also by the public who can access the program’s geo-tagging monitoring system through the agency’s website (http://ngp.denr.gov.ph). “All reports are sworn to before a notary public before these are submitted to the DENR central office, making the concerned regional officials accountable for the accuracy of their reports,” Paje said. The NGP is a massive forest rehabilitation program of the present administration established by virtue of Executive Order No. 26 issued in February 2011 by President Benigno S. Aquino III. It seeks to grow 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares nationwide within a period of six years, from 2011 to 2016. From 2011 to 2013, some 683,069 hectares of the NGP sites, or 46 per cent of the 1.5- million hectare target, have been planted, with more than 1.2 million jobs generated. Apart from being a reforestation initiative, the NGP is also seen as a climate change mitigation strategy as it seeks to enhance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide, which is largely blamed for global warming. The program is also designed to reduce poverty, providing alternative livelihood activities for marginalized upland and lowland households relating to seedling production and care and maintenance of newly-planted trees. Likewise, the NGP also seeks to promote biodiversity conservation through the rehabilitation of the country’s forests, which serves as natural habitat for various species of plants and animals. |
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| OWWA XI conducts gender sensitivity training to OFCs | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| In line with
the Family Support and Reintegration Services of the Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration – Regional Welfare Office XI, a
training on gender sensitivity was conducted to ten (10) officers
and members of Dona Asuncion OFW Family Circle (OFC) last March 26,
2014 at the Training Hall of the Regional Welfare Office XI. Ms.
Janice Pinky Aragon-Moreno, Development Management Officer II and
Ms. Reina Grace Agdon-Loreta, GAD Technical Officer of the
Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD), Office of the
City Mayor were the resource persons while Ms. Melody Ember P. Tomas
facilitated the activity. The participants came from the organized OFW Family Circle of Sasa, Davao City which is composed of OFW returnees and dependents. The training aims to provide awareness on the role of women and men in the society, their significance in the organization, and to ensure that OFC officers and members are gender sensitive and responsive. In his welcome message, OIC-Regional Director Eduardo E. Bellido said that, “the training is just one step of raising awareness on gender issues. You should put in your heart whatever learnings you acquire in this seminar”. The training gave emphasis on the significant events in the Philippine history relating to the role of men and women in the previous years and salient features on the Republic Act 9710 also known as the Magna Carta of Women was also discussed. On the other hand, a video presentation entitled “impossible dream” showed the role of a husband and a wife at the household. It can be seen that women have performed more tasks at home compared to men which is actually happening to our society nowadays. Some of the female participants agreed but male participants disagreed since they likewise performed functions of their wives at home. On the side, Ms. Moreno discussed the history of Filipino women where she explained Philippine situation under the Spaniards, Japanese, and Americans. Participants were amazed on the realities they have seen from the video and photo presentations which showed women discrimination and how women suffered from the hands of the colonizers. In the present generation, women and men are now sensitive in terms of functions and roles. Because of the increased in cases concerning gender issues, an act providing for Magna Carta for Women was created which enumerates the human rights of women and provide laws on the protection and security in terms of conflict. Establishment of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desk in all barangays in the city was made to address the needs of women and children who are abused and discriminated. Through the initiative and coordination of the Integrated Gender and Development Division under the City Mayor’s Office, women and children who were victims of extreme abuse and violence were given proper assistance and counseling. At the end of the training, participants were made aware on the role of men and women in the society and how can they significantly contribute to the organization. Through the presentations and discussions given by the resource persons, they become more gender sensitive. Mr. Elmer A. Villafuerte, husband of a Household Service Worker in Kuwait said, “ We gained additional knowledge on the laws under VAWC and learned that men and women should be treated equal” while Ms. Cecile Bolantos, wife of an OFW in K.S.A., was thankful to the training conducted to them because they were able to know the rights of women in society. |
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| EDSP scholar passed the Nursing board exam | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| Yrej Rosario
Salaver, an Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)
grantee was one of the 10,977 passers of the December 2013 Nurse
Licensure Examination (NLE) and had his oath-taking last February
11, 2014. He is the eldest son of Mr. Jeremias G. Salaver, a Marine
Engineer for twenty (20) years and Ms. Florentina R. Salaver, an
English Teacher at Pilot Provincial Science and Technology High
School, Cotabato City. As an OFW dependent, Yrej Salaver qualified to take the EDSP qualifying examination last 2008 and fortunately became one of the top 100 passers. He enrolled at San Pedro College and finished his four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing last March 12, 2013. After his graduation, he volunteered as a Staff Nurse at the Cotabato Medical Specialist. Presently, he attended Basic Life Support Training at the American Heart Association in Davao City to gain additional knowledge and experience. As a registered Nurse, he applied as a Staff Nurse at the Davao Medical School Foundation Hospital and Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. If given the chance, he would prefer to work overseas. Yrej Salaver felt honored and privileged that OWWA became part of his success. “ My sincere thanks to OWWA. Your program will surely go far and will help more OFW dependents,” Yrej said. He is likewise grateful for the hardwork and immeasurable support of his parents. Ms. Florentina R. Salaver, mother of Yrej extended her deepest gratitude to OWWA for giving his son the opportunity to avail of the scholarship program. “The scholarship opportunity granted by OWWA to our son greatly helped in fulfilling his dream to become a Nurse. In his school days, it was not hard for me to spend much money for his tuition fee. I only prepared budget for his dormitory and allowance. I believe that being an OWWA scholar, my son has the edge in acquiring better job”, Ms. Salaver added. As an institution who continue to provide better service to its clients, OWWA ensures that quality service and assistance will be well delivered to the OFWs and their beneficiaries. Providing scholarship program to the OFWs and their dependents is one way of addressing the needs and right benefits of the OFWs. |
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| Ona inaugurates new hospital buidings in Romblon | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.doh.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| Odiongan,
Romblon - Secretary of Health Enrique T. Ona, with Romblon Governor
Eduardo C. Firmalo, Vice Governor Jose R. Riano and Congressman
Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, alongside regional and provincial
officials, unveiled the new buildings at the Romblon Provincial
Hospital, constructed under the Department of Health’s (DOH) Health
Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP). The objective of the HFEP program is to upgrade health facilities and provide training to health professionals, and improve access of people to quality health care services. It also aims to enhance the delivery of basic, essential, and specialized health services in the community. The hospital was upgraded and modernized under the DOH-HFEP program with an allotment of P138,243,162.27 in 2010 and 2011 for Phase 1 of the project. It included the repair of the emergency room and intensive care unit, and the construction of a two-storey building for patients’ wards, surgery and obstetrics, out-patient department, x-ray and additional offices for hospital staff. In 2012, it received an additional P118,499,301 and P140,000,000 for Phase 2 of the project. In his inauguration speech, universal health care champion Ona stressed that health is part of the major strategy for poverty reduction and inclusive growth which shall be felt by the poorest of the poor. ‘Government hospitals are for the people and if one does not like to be admitted or confıned in such facilitıes, then there must be something wrong. In short, whether it is a government or private hospital, it must be best for all – the services must be the same, the facilities must be, in terms of diagnosis and curative aspects, must be the same. This concept is affirmed today, that public hospitals are not dilapidated but presentable,’ Ona said. The health chief was hailed ‘Father of Modern Health Facilities of the Philippines’ by the newly-appointed DOH-MIMAROPA Regional Director, Dr. Eduardo Janairo. The Romblon Provincial Hospital is a Level 1 health facility, with a 75-bed capacity and a 63 percent bed occupancy rate. It is operated by the provincial government of Romblon. According to hospital records, there were a total of 4,883 admissions in 2013, excluding the newborn. It also administered a total of 378 newborn screening tests, and discharged a total of 4,749 patients (alive). It provided in-patient service to a total of 17,250 patients. It caters to an average of 45 patients daily. Among its existing ancillary services are clinical laboratory for blood services, pharmacy, diagnosis, and x-ray and ultrasound services. ‘We thank the national government through the DOH for supporting our health programs, especially facility development, which is a vital necessity for a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) like the archipelagic province of Romblon,’ said Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo, a medical doctor himself. ‘One of our top priorities is health as embodied in our program H.E.A.R.T. – health, education and environment, agriculture, revenue generation, tourism, transparency and true public service – all for the people of Romblon towards sustainable and inclusive development,’ added Firmalo. Lone district of Romblon Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona expressed his happiness that Firmalo managed to encourage private doctors to become consultants for Romblon’s hospitals. ‘We need this kind of facility and we want our people to have the best health care through this facility towards a better life and we will support any measure that will increase the salary rates of our doctors,’ Madrona said. Madrona assured that the funding for the Phase 3 of the hospital shall be appropriated in the 2015 national budget. With a population of 289,867, Romblon is one of the provinces under DOH Region IV-B. According to the region’s 2013 Vital Health Indices, the province has a 19.68% (5,706) live birth and 5.32% (1,541) death rate. The leading causes of mortality in the province are heart diseases, pneumonia, cancer, cerebro vascular accidents, and hypertension. ‘This hospital is the symbol of hope for the people of Romblon – proof of the Aquino administration’s commitment to the universal health care program for all,’ said Hospital Chief Dr. Benedict Anatalio. Also inaugurated were the Romblon Blood Collection Unit and the Conference Hall. Other personalities present during the ceremonies were the vice mayors of Romblon, barangay officials of Odiongan town, Provincial Health Officer Ederlina Aguirre, and various health workers in the province. |
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| Tolentino Leads 'Araw ng Kagitingan' Rites in Hawaii | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.mmda.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| Metropolitan
Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino will
lead the 72nd Commemoration of the 'Araw ng Kagitingan' as Guest of
Honor at the National war Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in
Honolulu, Hawaii. Invited by the Filipino - American Veterans of World War II, Tolentino will deliver his address before senior government officials of the State of Hawaii including Hawaiian Governor Neil Abercrombie, US Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and US Congressmen Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa, officials of the US Pacific Command led by Major General Anthony Crutchfield, Chief of Staff of the US Pacific Command, the Consular Corps of Hawaii, and members of the Filipino community on April 9. "It is but fitting to honor our war veterans. Their selfless sacrifice paved the way for our freedom. We must gain inspiration by remembering the courage and integrity of our veterans," Tolentino said, who also holds the rank of full colonel in the Philippine Army. The program, to start 4pm Hawaii time, is intended to pay tribute to all Filipino and American veterans who fought side-by-side in defense of freedom during the Second World War. The musical interlude will be provided by the US Pacific Fleet Band. Tolentino will lead the wreath-laying at the War Memorial while the Memorial Gun Salute will be done by the US Marines. According to Tolentino, "no words can adequately express the exceptional bravery of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought side-by-side in world War II." 'Araw ng Kagitingan' or Day of Valor is an annual memorial ceremony honoring the veterans of World War II and is held on the anniversary of the fall of Bataan, which culminated in the surrender of more than 75,000 Filipino and American troops under Major General Edward King Jr. of the US Army, and the Bataan Death March, which claimed nearly 10,000 Filipino and American lives in April 1942. |
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| GPH panel holds 1st ever consultation on Bangsamoro outside Manila and Mindanao, calls on people's support | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| Naga City—The
Government of the Philippines (GPH) in talks with the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) engaged Bicolanos in this city in its first
ever consultation on the Bangsamoro outside Metro Manila and
Mindanao after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the
Bangsamoro (CAB). “At the end of the day, the meaning of (the peace process) is what it is to the ordinary child in Mindanao. And that is a chance to go to school, a chance to have equal opportunity with other citizens of the Philippines. And not to be discriminated upon based on ethnicity or religion,” said Coronel-Ferrer. The chief government negotiator also dispelled challenges to the constitutionality of the agreement that provides for autonomous self-governance in parts of Mindanao where more than 90 percent of the population are Muslims. “It is very clear that what we are putting in place is not a separate entity (but an) arrangement that would allow the Muslims and the Bangsamoro a unique place in our society.” “The word ‘substate’ has been demonized when in fact it has no legal meaning on which to judge constitutionality,” she said. “At the same time, it can only mean being part of a whole, that is, a unit within the state, which is none other than the Philippine state.” The GPH panel chair ensured that the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and constitutionality were followed in the process of formulating the CAB which they signed with the MILF last March 27 in Malacañang. Coronel-Ferrer was joined by GPH panel member Senen Bacani and lawyer Anna Tarhata Basman in the forum organized by the Ateneo de Naga University Center for Good Governance, through Ateneo de Naga president Father Primitivo Viray and Ateneo de Naga High School batch 1975. “It is not only the people of Mindanao who will benefit from the success of the Bangsamoro,” said panel member Bacani. “We are calling on the people of Naga to rally behind the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as this is expected to usher in shared prosperity and security not just in Mindanao but also in this region and the rest of the country.” The GPH peace panel continues to attend and organize consultations in various communities to give updates and address questions and concerns on the agreement. On April 9, the government chief negotiator met in Davao City with leaders of the Catholic clergy in Mindanao, led by Archbishops Antonio Ledesma and Romulo Valles, and with the Women Engaged in Action on UN Security Resolution 1325. Last month, GPH panel member Yasmin Busran-Lao engaged stakeholders in Zambales in a forum held at the Travelers Hotel in Subic Bay and organized by the Cooperative Development Authority. |
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| VP Binay-PHL no pushover, will defend territories " to the last blood" | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ovp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
| Vice President
Jejomar C. Binay said Thursday evening that the Philippines is no
"pushover" and will defend its disputed territories to the last
blood, but only after all peaceful means have been exhausted. "Up to the last blood. I think that must be our position. That we are ready to die up to the last blood." "But as much as possible, we will always resort to peaceful means," the Vice President said after meeting some of the Marines stationed at the Ayungin Shoal detachment. 1Lt Mike C. Pelotera, TSgt Julio Ventoza, Pfc Mario Gerlene Pajarillo, Cpl Rogelio Tabilisma, Tsgt Joselito D. Panganiban, and Sgt Edwin Galvan, members of the "Ayungin 9," met with Binay to relate their experiences at the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at the disputed shoal. The other members who were unable to meet with Binay are Pfc Ryan Esteban, Sgt. Rey Sarmiento, and Cpl. Sheffrey T. Luna. The "Ayungin 9" were replaced by fresh troops during the March 29 mission twice blocked by Chinese vessels. According to Binay, the fact that the Philippine Navy was able to send replacements to defend the shoal sends the message that the Philippines will always assert its sovereignty. The Vice President also expressed his pride at the actions of his fellow Marines, adding that all Filipinos should be "very proud" of their heroism. Binay is a reserve Marine colonel. "Kita mo naman iyong sacrifice doon. Katulad nito five months ito na-delay pa, dapat three months lang. Pero sabi nga, sundalo ay sundalo. Walang iyakan. I think when they were assigned there, that was in compliance with the order, so the order must have to be defended by all means," he said. Binay also expressed hope that relations between the Philippines and China will continue even while the issue of sovereignty over the territories is being resolved. He acknowledged that the resolution of the issue will take time. |
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| DFA to Resume Normal Passport Releasing Schedule After Successful Maintenance of E-Passport System | ||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||
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:
The DFA thanks the public for its understanding and cooperation during the duration of the e-Passport maintenance period. |
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Last
Updated:
14 APRIL 2014
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| Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Philippine National Police (PNP) Command Conference at the main conference room of the PNP General Headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (April 14). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Director General Alan Purisima. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Philippine National Police (PNP) Command Conference at the main conference room of the PNP General Headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (April 14). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Philippine National Police (PNP) Command Conference at the main conference room of the PNP General Headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (April 14). Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Philippine National Police (PNP) Command Conference at the main conference room of the PNP General Headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (April 14). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Director General Alan Purisima. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, DD, following the Thanksgiving Mass for the reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 9). The Manila Cathedral was originally built in 1581 but has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fire, earthquakes, typhoons and bombings in World War II. Also in photo are Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz and Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III fervently prays during the Thanksgiving Mass for the reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 9). The Manila Cathedral was originally built in 1581 but has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fire, earthquakes, typhoons and bombings in World War II. Also in photo is Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III fervently prays during the Thanksgiving Mass for the reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 9). The Manila Cathedral was originally built in 1581 but has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fire, earthquakes, typhoons and bombings in World War II. Also in photo are Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada and wife former Senator Dra. Luisa Ejercito-Estrada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Thanksgiving Mass for the reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 9). The Manila Cathedral was originally built in 1581 but has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fire, earthquakes, typhoons and bombings in World War II. Also in photo are Presidential sisters Kris Aquino and Victoria Eliza “Viel” Aquino-Dee and Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada. (Photo by Roberto Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Thanksgiving Mass for the reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 9). The Manila Cathedral was originally built in 1581 but has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fire, earthquakes, typhoons and bombings in World War II. Also in photo are Presidential sisters Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz and Kris Aquino; Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada and wife former Senator Dra. Luisa Ejercito-Estrada; and Senate President Franklin Drilon and spouse Mila Drilon. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Thanksgiving Mass for the reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 9). The Manila Cathedral was originally built in 1581 but has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fire, earthquakes, typhoons and bombings in World War II. Also in photo are Presidential Sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada and wife former Senator Dra. Luisa Ejercito-Estrada; and Senate President Franklin Drilon and spouse Mila Drilon. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, DD, blessed with Holy Water President Benigno S. Aquino III and Presidential Sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz during the Thanksgiving Mass for the reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 9). The Manila Cathedral was originally built in 1581 but has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to fire, earthquakes, typhoons and bombings in World War II. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Wednesday (April 09). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe, offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday (April 9) during the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Wednesday (April 09). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Wednesday (April 9). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III prepares to leave as he descends the stairs after leading the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday (April 09). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday (April 09). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday (April 09). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday (April 09). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday (April 09). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." Also in photo are Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista, troops the line upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Wednesday (April 09). This year’s theme: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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